IPL teams under scanner over 'service tax evasion'

NEW DELHI: After the Income Tax department asked for over Rs 600 crore from the Indian cricket board (BCCI) as tax, the service tax department, another arm of the finance ministry, has slapped as many as 32 showcause notices on Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises for alleged duty evasion to the tune of nearly Rs 64 crore.

The total collection of service tax by the department during the third season of IPL was Rs 29 crore. This was almost half of what it was during IPL-2 which was held in South Africa. In the second season of IPL, the service tax collection was Rs 64 crore. The total collection made by service tax authorities in the first season was only Rs 81 lakh.

While investigative agencies are yet to conclude probe on the remittances and shareholding pattern of these franchises, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) constituted a team to review payments received from IPL on suspicion of evasion. Commissioners in different zones were asked to look into the accounts of these franchises and seek details of their earnings and expenditure.

Sources said service tax authorities in Bangalore had issued a maximum of 14 showcause notices for estimated ‘evasion’ to the tune of Rs 8.85 crore. The highest ‘evasion’ of Rs 37 crore, however, has been detected in the Mumbai region.

The notices were issued to franchises after tax officials accounted for all services provided by various stakeholders. Service tax is levied on franchise fees paid by eight franchises to BCCI, remittances made to UK-based IMG for management and business consultancy services, on payments received by franchises on sale of advertisement space and on income from the sale of game rights.

Sharad Pawar is ICC president

NEW DELHI: Former BCCI president Sharad Pawar has been formally inducted as the International Cricket Council (ICC) president on Thursday.

The former Board of Control for Cricket in India president has taken over from David Morgan as the ICC chief.

Pawar thus became the second Indian to head the ICC after Jagmohan Dalmiya.

The Union Agriculture Minister has the top job in hand as the sub-continent countries to host the 2011 World Cup.

Saina not worried about ranking

Saina not worried about ranking

Hyderabad, June 30: After notching up a hat-trick of international titles, Saina Nehwal is in no hurry to become the numero uno badminton player in the world and now wants to do well in forthcoming World Championships and Commonwealth Games in October. “This year there is the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and also the Asian Games. So I will be working towards that. I did not expect to reach number three ranking, but have reached there and I am quite confident I can also reach number one position. But before that, it is important for me to play well in the World Championships and the Delhi Commonwealth Games,” Saina told PTI.

Saina, who pocketed the hat-trick of titles by defending the Indonesian Open Super Series trophy in Jakarta recently, also made it clear that she had never set deadlines for improve in the world ranking.

“I did not keep a target to reach number three. I thought by this year end I may be at number four or five, but I have reached number three so fast. So, I can be number one or may go down also because I am not playing so many tournaments,” she pointed out.

The 20-year-old, however, feels that there is enough space for further improvement. “A player is never perfect. You have to work hard to keep on improving every time. I have to improve my defence, net, backhands and forehands. I should work on the areas where I am weak,” she said. “The coaches are finding something special. They will try to improve and tell me to learn something new. Right now, I am not thinking of what to do. The plan is to start (practice) from the next week. (PTI)

Irfan Pathan in small screen cameo

New Delhi, June 30: Indian cricketers Parthiv Patel and Irfan Pathan are set to make a cameo appearance on the small screen with SAB TV’s comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The show has the Gokuldham Premier League (GPL) - a cricket tournament - and the cricketers will be joining the cast for one episode each. They will cheer the two teams of GPL. While Patel will be seen Thursday, Pathan will make an appearance on the episode to be aired July 7, said a press statement from the channel. “Taarak Mehta... is a complete family entertainment serial. It is one of the only TV shows that all of us enjoy watching together as a family. Daya bhabhi is definitely my favourite character in the show. I love her innocence and spirit,” said Pathan. Patel too is excited about being on the show. “I am thoroughly enjoying the GPL season running on the show and very curious to find out who among the teams will win,” he said. The show is based on a popular column called Duniya Ne Undha Chasma written by Gujarati writer Taarak Mehta. (IANS)

My contract renewed with AIFF till 2013: Houghton

NEW DELHI: The controversy surrounding India football coach Bob Houghton's resignation is finally over with the Briton himself announcing that he has struck a deal with the AIFF to continue till 2013.

"I have signed a contract till 2013," Houghton, who had threatened to resign in May after he learnt that the AIFF was looking for a new coach after the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar, said at a press conference on the eve of national team's departure for a two-month training tour of Portugal.

"My plan is to stay after Asian Cup. But like any other coach it's never look beyond a big tournament," said the Briton, tongue in cheek, referring to the continental event which will be a tough test for him and his players.

Houghton is not new to controversy, including the latest resignation drama which hit the headlines two months back, and today also he hit out at the clubs for hampering in the development of Indian football.

He at first expressed satisfaction that the clubs have allowed the players to prepare exclusively for the Asian Cup. But later, he practically laid the blame for national team's poor world ranking to the club bosses.

"There has not been much change in Indian football in the last four years of my coaching career here. The national team's performance depends on the I-League and domestic structure and the clubs do not want to change," he said.

One of the reasons for the sorry state of affairs, Houghton felt, was the composition of the AIFF Executive Committee which has club presidents as its members.

"The Executive Committee has presidents of big clubs as members. So, for example, when I want I-League players not to play in the local leagues, these members don't agree. Ultimately, they take decisions and have voting rights," said the experienced coach.

"I have had several confrontational meeting with the club officials in these four years. I ask them how is that your clubs are more than 100 years old but India are languishing below 130 in FIFA rankings," Houghton, who took over as coach in June 2006, said.

He touched upon his oft-repeated lack of infrastructure in the country and said nothing much will change without addressing this problem.

"I was in Qatar during the Asian Cup draw ceremony and the stadia there were fabulous with all the state-of-the-art facilities. In India we don't have anything. Take the case of Delhi. Ambedkar Stadium is a good venue for the national team but where are the training grounds? During the Nehru Cup last year, the teams had to train at school grounds," he said.

Houghton and 28 national players are leaving at wee hours on Thursday for Portugal for the training tour as part of their preparations for Asian Cup in Qatar next January.

TOI

Mumbai Indians take on Highveld Lions in CLT20 opener

MUMBAI: Indian Premier League 3 runners-up Mumbai Indians, led by batting great Sachin Tendulkar, will face South Africa's Highveld Lions in the opening match of the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on September 10.


Mumbai Indians and IPL's third-placed outfit Royal Challengers Bangalore have been placed in Group B along with Highveld Lions, South Australia Redbacks, and West Indies' representative to be determined in late July.

IPL champions Chennai Super Kings, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, are in Group A alongside the Twenty20 champions from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the organisers announced on Tuesday.

The final would be held at the Wanderers on September 26 while Durban and Centurion have been awarded the semifinals on September 24 and 25 respectively.

The 10 competing teams have been divided into two groups of five for a round robin phase before the top two teams from each group progress to the semifinals.

Matches have been evenly distributed across the four venues with each hosting at least five fixtures, including the final, the organisers said.

All 23 matches in the tournament would be broadcast in prime time in India starting at 5pm or 9pm IST, as per the schedule.

Group A - Chennai Super Kings, Warriors, Victorian Bushrangers, Wayamba Elevens, Central Stags.

Group B - Mumbai Indians, Highveld Lions, South Australian Redbacks, Royal Challengers Bangalore, West Indies Domestic T20 Champions (To be confirmed)

The complete schedule (all times IST):

Sep 10: Mumbai Indians vs Highveld Lions, Johannesburg 9 pm.

Sep 11: Warriors vs Wayamba Elevens, Port Elizabeth 5 pm; Chennai Super Kings vs Central Stags, Durban 9 pm.

Sep 12: Highveld Lions vs South Australian Redbacks, Centurion 5 pm; Royal Challengers Bangalore vs WI team, Centurion 9 pm.

Sep 13: Warriors vs Victorian Bushrangers, Port Elizabeth 9 pm.

Sep 14: Mumbai Indians vs South Australian Redbacks, Durban 9 pm.

Sep 15: Victorian Bushrangers vs Central Stags, Centurion 5 pm; Chennai Super Kings vs Wayamba Elevens, Centurion 9 pm.

Sep 16: Mumbai Indians vs WI team, Durban 9 pm. Sep 17: South Australian Redbacks vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Durban 9 pm.

Sep 18: Warriors vs Central Stags, Port Elizabeth 5 pm; Chennai Super Kings vs Victorian Bushrangers, Port Elizabeth 9 pm.

Sep 19: Highveld Lions vs WI team, Johannesburg 5 pm; Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Durban 9 pm.

Sep 20: Victorian Bushrangers vs Wayamba Elevens, Centurion 9 pm.

Sep 21: South Australian Redbacks vs WI team, Johannesburg 5 pm; Highveld Lions vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Johannesburg 9 pm.

Sep 22: Wayamba Elevens vs Central Stags, Port Elizabeth 5 pm; Chennai Super Kings vs Warriors, Port Elizabeth 9 pm.

Sep 23: Rest day

Sep 24: Semifinal 1, 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B, Durban 9 pm.

Sep 25: Semifinal 2, 1st Group B vs 2nd Group A, Centurion 9 pm.

Sep 26: Final, Johannesburg 9 pm.

TOI

Australia's Howard fails in ICC leadership bid

SINGAPORE: Former Australia prime minister John Howard has failed in his bid to become the next vice-president of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The 70-year-old Howard had been nominated for the position by Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), who have been asked to put forward another candidate by the ICC.

The decision was made on Wednesday at the week-long ICC executive board meeting in Singapore.

"Following lengthy consideration it was recognised that the nomination put forward by Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket did not have sufficient support within the ICC Board. No vote was taken," the sport's governing body said in a statement.

"Under the ICC's regional rotation process... Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket were invited to re-nominate a candidate by August 31, 2010."

Under ICC rules, the vice-president would serve for two years then become president in 2012.

CA and NZC issued a joint statement after the announcement expressing their disappointment at the decision.

"We jointly nominated Mr Howard as a candidate as he possesses significant leadership and administrative skills," CA chairman Jack Clarke and NZC chairman Alan Isaac said in the statement.

"We believe cricket needs to continue to seek excellence and dispassionate independence in the game's global governance.

"We remain convinced it is reasonable for his nomination to be supported by the ICC Executive Board and we are deeply disappointed by the position taken at today's meeting."

The nomination of Howard, who lost the 2007 Australian federal election and retired from politics, had been contentious with earlier newspaper reports indicating that six of the 10 major cricket nations at the Singapore meeting had signed a letter opposing him as a candidate.

Only Australia, New Zealand and England had supported him, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian reported on their websites.

In the weeks leading up to the Singapore gathering, the Australian media suggested Howard would struggle to seal the nomination.

One of the reasons given was his criticism of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's regime when he was Australian Prime Minister, with both South Africa and Zimbabwe expected not to give him support.

Sri Lanka cricket authorities had also expressed reservations about his nomination because he did not have the necessary cricketing administrative background.

He also won few friends in Sri Lanka after he questioned the bowling action of test wicket record holder Muttiah Muralitharan.

Howard was also the subject of a public battle between CA and NZC for the nomination, with New Zealand wanting to nominate their former chairman John Anderson for the position before they agreed to Howard.

TOI

Indo-Pak face off promises electrifying contest

DAMBULLA: It will be a battle of attrition when arch rivals India and Pakistan resume their high-voltage cricketing rivalry after eight months in an Asia Cup match on Saturday.

The battle lines have been drawn for what is regarded as most sought-after match in world cricket, which dwarfs the interest evinced even in the Ashes series between England and Australia.

Though the wicket is not ideal for an ODI, it should produce an electrifying contest as Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shahid Afridi's men fight for supremacy at the Rangiri Dambulla international stadium.

The last time the teams met across the square, Pakistan had the measure of India in the Champions Trophy in South Africa last September and Dhoni's legion would be aching for revenge.

Pakistan are known to be dangerously volatile when put in a do-or-die situation, as is the situation now after they lost their first match to Sri Lanka.

A determined and aggressive Afridi could spoil India's party if he cuts loose in the middle, as he did against the Lankans.

The Akmal brothers, Umar and Kamran, are immensely capable of turning the match on its head when the chips are down. Salman Butt and Shoaib Malik also have the reputation to destroy any attack on their day.

But man to man, India have a superior batting unit. Unlike Pakistan, India have a deep batting line-up, with Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan capable of pulling their side out of crisis.

But it will be interesting to see how Virender Sehwag responds to the Pakistan challenge. On return from a shoulder injury, he made 11 against Bangladesh, struggling to move back and across the stumps during his 14-ball tenure at the square.

Gautam Gambhir worked hard for his 82 against Bangladesh, but would carry the confidence of spending time in the middle into the game against Pakistan.

A determined Dhoni was also among the runs (38 not out in 45 balls). Gambhir and Dhoni's form aside, India would need significant contributions from Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to win this game.

Both teams have a reasonably good bowling line-up. If Shoaib Akthar, who hobbled out with a strained left knee after a practice session, finds the rhythm which had deserted him in the game against Lanka, it would be an intense contest in the middle.

The Rawalpindi Express could be very effective against the Indian batters who have struggled against the short-pitched ball.

The wicket may not assist his pace, but he can certainly extract bounce to trouble Gambhir, Raina and Rohit.

"When it comes to 50-overs cricket, we have more options against the short ball. We don't have to play at each ball. We can either leave it or jab for a single. It is up to the individuals to cope up with it," said Dhoni.

Talking about the Shoaib Akthar factor, the Indian captain said, "It will be a good contest. Akthar can be affective as he can bowl quick. But we will see how the boys cope against him."

Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer could also pose problems if they back their ability to move the ball with accuracy. As in the match against Sri Lanka, Afridi and Malik will share the spin bowling responsibilities, unless Pakistan replace old and slow Abdul Razzaq with off-break bowler Saeed Ajmal.

On the Indian bowling front, there is a cloud over Ahsish Nehra's fitness, but the team is yet to take a call on his availability.

"Nehra is not 100 per cent fit. We will take a call tomorrow," said Dhoni.

In Nehra's absence, Zaheer Khan would have to shoulder the responsibility of the Indian attack which has been far from impressive in the recent past. But Zaheer did look sharp and mean during India's six-wicket win over Bangladesh.

If Praveen Kumar, who has been given more opportunities than his performance would command, does not deliver, the national selectors would do well to look at younger and better replacements for future national assignments.

Harbhajan Singh, who has been bowling well of late, and Ravindra Jadeja will have to back the fast bowlers if India are to come away with the honours.

Despite the intensity of the contest, Dhoni felt they would have to take every match they play seriously.

"We have to take every game seriously as it is. We have to play to win," said Dhoni.

If India beat Pakistan tomorrow, they will sail through to the finals, leaving Pakistan to play out an inconsequential match against Bangladesh.

But if Pakistan trounce India, they can hope to qualify for the June 24 title clash by extracting the bonus point against Bangladesh.

Teams (From):

India: M S Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Praveen Kumar, Asish Nehra, Ashok Dinda, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sourabh Tiwari.

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (capt), Salman Butt, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Asad Shafiq, Imran Farhat, Kamran Akmal, Mahammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif, Saaed Ajmal, Shahzaib Hassan, Shoaib Akthar, Shoaib Mallik, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin.

TOI

Hopes springs as Aussies survive Ireland scare

All-rounder James Hopes took career best figures of five wickets for 14 runs as Australia came through some nervy moments to beat Ireland by 39 runs in a one-day international here on Thursday.

World champions Australia, in the first match of their British Isles tour, were held to 231 for nine in 50 overs at Clontarf.

Opening batsman and wicketkeeper Tim Paine, only on tour after Brad Haddin was ruled out with an elbow injury, top scored with 81.

Ireland openers William Porterfield and Paul Stirling then shared a stand of 80 in 11 overs to spark thoughts of a shock win in what was Australia's first match at this level since playing New Zealand in March.

But Ireland's innings fell away, with medium-pacer Hopes doing the bulk of the damage as the hosts were bowled out for 192 with eight overs to spare.

"When we turned up today we knew there was a good chance that Ireland were going to come out and give us a good run," Hopes said.

"We hadn't played any one-day cricket for a while since New Zealand and we got off to a sluggish start.

"Fortunately we brought it back in the middle overs and you could look at it that we got out of jail." Set 232 on a slow pitch, Ireland's first-wicket duo raced off at seven runs an over.

When Ryan Harris, who had been hit for 16 in his first over, dismissed Stirling for a run-a-ball 36, Ireland had 80 on the board and were on course for a huge upset.

However, the wickets of Porterfield, an English county professional with Gloucestershire, for 39, from 42 balls, and Gary Wilson of Surrey followed in successive overs.

Instead of expressing the freedom the openers had shown, Ireland's middle order tried to consolidate and they lost their way.

The turning point was the introduction into the attack by Australia captain Ricky Ponting of Hopes.

Taking pace off the ball and bowling outswingers, Hopes appeared fortunate to get the wicket of Alex Cusack for 30, awarded a leg before decision when the ball seemed to be going over the top.

But after that the 31-year-old Queenslander was virtually unplayable and his five wickets helped reduce Ireland to 156 for nine.

Frustrated Ireland captain Porterfield added: "It was ours to lose and we let it slip. It's pretty disappointing from the position we were in." John Mooney hit five fours in his 38 but, trying to keep the strike, he was last man out in the 42nd over.

Both Harris and off-spinner Nathan Hauritz finished with two for 40.

Earlier, Paine's 122-ball innings was the backbone of Australia's total after Ponting won the toss.

Paine was at the wicket for all but six overs of the innings as Australia failed to assert their superiority over the top-ranked Associate nation.

Of the rest of the Aussie line-up, Ponting (33) and Cameron White (42) both got in but did not cash in on good starts and when White was out at the end of the 38th over, Australia were 152 for four.

It was the perfect time for Michael Hussey to enter the fray but the Aussie 'finisher' managed only eight off 17 balls before he was caught off a skyer at mid-wicket, the first of three catches for Niall O'Brien off his brother Kevin's bowling.

But the 79 runs Australia scored from the last 12 overs proved to be more than enough as they avoided an embarrassing loss ahead of their five-match one-day series against England, which starts at Hampshire's Rose Bowl ground on Tuesday.

© AFP

Pietersen to leave Hampshire

Kevin Pietersen will leave county side Hampshire at the end of the season, the England batsman announced Thursday.

The 29-year-old South Africa born shotmaker wants to spend more time at his London home with wife Jessica and the couple's son.

Pietersen, who made his name in English cricket with Nottinghamshire, played for southern club Hampshire for the first time in two years in their Twenty20 match against London-based Surrey on Sunday.

Given Pietersen is an England centrally contracted player and a mainstay of the side in all three international formats, the chances of any county club seeing much of him in the next few seasons would appear slim.

"I have not had much opportunity to play for Hampshire but I want to thank the players, staff, chairman and fans, for the support I have had during my time at The Rose Bowl," Pietersen said.

"Hampshire is a great club and I wish them well for the future."

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove added: "Given England's critical dependence on KP in all forms of cricket, we have not seen anything like as much of him as we would have liked over the past six years.

"He remains, however, a fantastic player and we wish him continued success wherever he plays and, in particular, we wish him, Jessica and Dylan every happiness."

England open their five-match one-day international series against Australia at The Rose Bowl on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka bat against Bangladesh in Asia Cup

ri Lanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup limited-overs tournament on Friday.

Sri Lanka, who won their first match against Pakistan, need a victory to virtually assure themselves of playing the final on June 24.

Bangladesh are in a must-win situation after losing to India.

Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza, Naeem Islam, Syed Rasel, Shafiul Islam.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Chanaka Welegedara, Chamara Kapugedara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Umpires: Billy Bowden (NZL) and Bruce Oxenford (AUS)

TV umpire: Ahsan Raza (PAK).

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

Federer gets top seeding at Wimbledon

LONDON: Reigning Wimbledon champion Roger Federer will be the top seed at the grass-court grand slam despite losing the world number one spot to Rafael Nadal.

Federer was passed by Nadal in the world rankings after the Spaniard won the French Open earlier this month.

But Federer has won Wimbledon six times, including his dramatic final victory over Andy Roddick last year, so All England Club chiefs have decided to install the Swiss star as their number one seed ahead of Nadal.

Nadal, who was last year unable to defend the Wimbledon title he won in 2008 because of injury, is the second seed, while Novak Djokovic is the third seed and Britain's Andy Murray the fourth.

Three-time Wimbledon runner-up Roddick moves up to fifth seed due to his fine record on gras despite being ranked seventh in the world.

Australia's Lleyton Hewitt, currently ranked 26 in the world, also receives a significant rise to the 15th seed spot after beating Federer on grass in the Halle final on Sunday.

In the women's singles, defending champion and world number one Serena Williams is the top seed, with her sister Venus Williams the number two seed.

Sehwag, Gambhir guide India to easy win over Bangladesh

DAMBULLA: India's quest for the Asia Cup got off to a perfect start with the title contenders steamrolling Bangladesh by six wickets in a lop-sided match and also pocketing a bonus point on Wednesday.


Virender Sehwag emerged as India's unlikely bowling hero with his first four-wicket haul, while his Delhi teammate Gautam Gambhir (82) struck his 20th ODI half-century as India cruised to a facile win at a strikingly empty Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Having skittled out Bangladesh for a meagre 167 inside 35 overs, India had a modest total to chase and they overwhelmed the target with 19.2 overs to spare to collect a bonus point from this resounding victory.

The Indians will have to beat either Pakistan (June 19) or defending champions Sri Lanka (June 22) by a convincing margin to qualify for the June 24 final.

India injected artificial life into the lop-sided match when Virat Kohli (11) and Rohit Sharma (0) fell to successive deliveries from Shakib Al Hasan in the 15th over.

However, Gautam Gambhir (82), who enjoyed a reprieve at 48 off Shafiul Islam, and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (38 not out) ensured that four-time champions sailed home without much ado.

Sehwag (11 off 14 balls) failed to fire as a batsman on his return to international from injury but amply showed that he could be employed as an off-break bowler when either Harbhajan Singh or Ravindra Jadeja have a lean day.

Given the ball as Dhoni desperately needed a part-time bowler to cover up for an injured Ashish Nehra (2 for 28), Sehwag struck successive blows to decimate a listless Bangladesh.

He had Mushfiqur Rahim caught behind by Dhoni before picking up the scalps of Suhrawadi Shuvo, Shafiul Islam and Syed Rasel. His brilliant figures read 2.5-0-6-4.

Bangladesh, who took time off from their series against England to participate in the four-nation cup, disappointed as a batting unit.

Sitting pretty at 59 for one in 10 overs, they inexplicably lost nine wickets in 24.4 overs, barely adding 98 runs during their struggle at the square.

Opting to bat, Bangladesh got off to a brisk start with Tamim Iqbal (22) and Imrul Kayes (37) producing 35 runs in 17 balls. But once Tamim perished to a low catch by Suresh Raina at short extra covers off Praveen Kumar, they just could not force the pace against a disciplined Indian attack.

Zaheer Khan bowled with verve and zip while moving the ball disconcertingly to the bewilderment of Kayes and Mohammad Ashraful (20).

The left-arm fast bowler conceded 16 runs in his first over but had the batsmen in spot in the rest of his five-over spell.

Nehra struck twice in four overs before he limped off the field after four overs. Intriguingly, there was no clarification from the Indian team management about Nehra's fitness.

Harbhajan and Jadeja too bowled impressively in conditions that suited them but it was part-time tweaker Sehwag who stole the bowling honours.

Kayes, who mishit Nehra to Sehwag at short square, top-scored with 37. There were contributions from Mushfiqur Rahim (30) and Mahmudullah (23) but they weren't substantial enough to augment Bangaldesh's total, which India devoured without plenty to spare.

Asia Cup: India look to rediscover winning touch

DAMBULLA: MS Dhoni's India have a chance to start with a win when they take on Bangladesh in their first Asia Cup match on Wednesday. With a spate of recent mediocre performances behind them, the team will be hoping to turn the tide and get their act together ahead of some key contests that follow.

This is a brief tournament and India have just three matches to make a mark. Bangladesh offer the perfect opportunity to notch up a victory, but Dhoni's men cannot afford to underestimate the Bangladeshis. India will have to get down to serious business from the word go.

Seven members of India's playing XI have joined the team straight from the series in Zimbabwe, and must surely be fatigued. Those rested from the Zimbabwe sojourn are likely to be rusty. Also, India have always struggled to adjust to conditions in Lanka. The younger members of the squad, like Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Ravindra Jadeja, Ashok Dinda and R Ashwin must cope with such pressures.

Playing the game is only a part of the job profile: coping with stress and performing regardless of rest or playing conditions is what sets seasoned professionals apart. The boys in blue, fatigued as they may be, should seek inspiration in the picturesque vistas, the lush mountains and tranquil lakes of Dambulla. For, as skipper Dhoni says, "You are always under pressure when you're playing for India."

The Indians, as a unit, will be missing the steadying presence of Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. This may heighten the pressure on the top, specially Dhoni and deputy Sehwag.

TOI

Afridi ton in vain, Malinga powers Lanka to exciting win

DAMBULLA: Defending champions Sri Lanka fought jangled nerves to override Shahid Afridi's blistering century and record an exciting 16-run win over Pakistan in the first match of the Asia Cup on Tuesday.


Chasing 243 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Pakistan seemed on course for a win as long as Afridi (109) was in the middle. But once Muttiah Muralitharan ended his scintillating 76-ball knock Lasith Malinga (5/34) mowed down the lower order and bundled Pakistan for 226 in 47 overs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka showed great character in recovering from a poor start to make a fighting 242 for nine, thanks in main to the never-say-die Angelo Mathews (55 not out), Mahela Jayawardene (54) and Kumar Sangakkara (42).

Afridi braved cramps and kept fighting but his batting colleagues completely let him down, something that could be gauged from the fact that the next best score was Umar Akmal's 30.

Sitting pretty when Pakistan were staggering at 32 for four in the 14th over, Sri Lanka suddenly found themselves in dire straits when Afridi cut loose. Three Afridi-inspired partnerships -- worth 73, 49 and 51 -- saw Pakistan roar back into the game but his fall in the 41st over brought Lanka back into the game.

Hampered by a groin injury, the gallant Afridi struck as many as seven sixes and eight boundaries while producing his fifth ODI century. He dominated the Lankan attack until Muralitharan, battered and bruised by Afridi's onslaught, had the last laugh.

Earlier, a two-wicket burst at the start of the innings by Malinga had put Sri Lanka firmly in control of the game until Afridi stepped on the gas and nearly turned the match on its head.

If Pakistan had blooded Shahzaib Hasan and Umar Amin with a hope of preparing their team for the 2011 World Cup, the two young top-order batsmen failed to live up to expectations. They struggled against Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara, with neither having a clue against the seaming ball.

But Afridi made little of the pressure, smashing successive sixes of Farveez Maharoof and heaving the wily Muralitharan over the pickets on five occasions.

Malinga (5 for 34) was the pick of the bowlers, overshadowing an encouraging performance by Shoaib Akhtar who bowled his heart out on an unresponsive wicket.

Playing his first international match in 13 months, the controversial Pakistan fast bowler scalped three wickets in four short spells to prove that he still has fire in his belly to bowl full tilt at accomplished batsmen.

TOI

But his comeback wasn't as telling as Pakistan would have expected it to be. The 34-year-old, who last played in a ODI against Australia in Abu Dhabi on May 3, 2009, did work up speeds in the region of 140 plus, but was far from his menacing best.

Evidently, he lacked rhythm and fitness, indicating that he could possibly break down during the course this four-nation tournament. His run-up was staggered and direction wasn't pin-point but he was never short of effort, putting his heart into every delivery he hurled at the Lankans.

Akthar bagged the scalps of Upul Tharanga (11), Chamara Kapugedara (2) and Farveez Maharoof (1).

Sri Lanka were well served by Jayawardene and captain Sangakkara who raised 83 fighting runs for the third wicket.

The hosts were in a spot of bother at 36 for two when the two most experienced batsmen in the side came up with the rescue act.

At 150 for five in the 32nd over, Lanka were still in the woods. But Mathews found responsive and gutsy allies in Kulasekara, with whom he raised 43 runs for the eighth wicket, and Malinga (12) to take his side to a winning total, a score that Pakistan eventually failed to chase.

Yuvraj vows to come back fitter

NEW DELHI: Shown the door for slump in form and criticised for poor fitness, Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday said he would come back stronger to answer his detractors with some of his trademark explosive batting.

The left-handed swashbuckler was dropped from the Indian team for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka after a string of poor performances, including the Twenty20 World Cup debacle.

His fitness was also criticised after the T20 World Cup and Yuvraj said he has been sweating it out at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to get back in shape.

"I has been tough for me but I am working on my body. I have been working on my fitness for the past 15 days. There were injuries in the past one year and they took time to settle down," Yuvraj said.

"It has been a tough year but things are getting better now. I would be back with the best of my form and fitness. The bat should always do the talking," he added.

Out of favour he might be with the selectors but Yuvraj has got the backing of his teammates with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and senior players like Virender Sehwag throwing their weight behind him.

"It's nice to see the support of the boys. It just shows the camaraderie in the team. I am doing my best to come back," he said.

"As a young kid you always dream of playing for India. That (India) logo on your head is what it is all about. I will also forever cherish that logo," he told 'Times Now'.

TOI

It's a dream to play in World Cup finals: Tendulkar

LONDON: Arguably the most accomplished batsman of contemporary times, Sachin Tendulkar still has unfulfilled dreams, one of them being to win the World Cup for his team when the event comes to Asia next year.

Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in the Test and one-day format of the game, hopes to play in the final of the World Cup when it is jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh early next year.

"As far as the World Cup is concerned it is a process. We don't want to jump to the 50th floor straight away, we must start on the ground floor," he said.

"We must take it step-by-step but to get there would be a fascinating journey. It is our dream, not just mine but the entire nation, to get there. To play the final in Mumbai is something you can only dream of and everything has to come together," he added.

Tendulkar said if India played to their potential, there was a good chance of being in the finals of the event.

"I think we can do something we have been longing to do for quite some time," he said.

Part of the Test side which is currently the world number one in ICC rankings, Tendulkar said the tough part was not to get there but would be to maintain it.

"To be number one is special, it was our dream and our target to get to the number one spot in Test cricket," he said.

"We have had a good run in the last 20 months. Everyone wants to be number one and we cannot relax because there are other countries who want to be number one. It means a lot to us," he added.

The 37-year-old once again parried queries on his future maintaining that he would quit the moment he felt that he had stopped enjoying his game.

"I want to play for as long as possible and as long as I have the desire and the hunger I will carry on," he said.

"The day I do not want to get out of bed and do anything then I know it will be time to go in another direction," he added.

TOI

Super-charged Steyn leads South Africa to victory

STAFF WRITER 19:1 HRS IST

Port of Spain, Jun 14 (AFP) Fast bowler Dale Steyn starred again as South Africa secured a 163-run victory over the West Indies in the opening Test.

Steyn collected three wickets for 65 runs from 15.3 overs, as West Indies, chasing 457 for victory, were bowled out for 293, just before the rescheduled close on the fourth day at Queen's Park Oval.

The South African quick ended the match yesterday with figures of eight for 94 to earn the man-of-the-match award.

Steyn bowled Nelon Pascal off an inside edge for 10, when the West Indies tail-ender tried a flamboyant one-legged pull.

Morne Morkel supported Steyn with two for 49 from 12 overs, while left-arm spinner Paul Harris took two for 91 from 26.3 overs.

The victory gave the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series, which continues on Friday in St Kitts.

Netherlands prevail over fighting Denmark 2-0

Fakir Hassen

Johannesburg, Jun 14 (PTI) Strong contenders the Netherlands launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a scrappy 2-0 victory over a fighting Denmark in their Group E opener here today.

While the Dutch were gifted a self-goal in the 46th minute to forge ahead, striker Dirk Kuyt produced a goal just five minutes before the final whistle to give his team full points at the majestic Soccer City stadium.

The Dutch, boasting of a star-studded line up, were hardly convincing in their win in a match which seldom rose to great heights.

The Netherlands rode on a huge slice of luck to go into the lead barely a minute after the interval, courtesy a self goal from Denmark's Jakob Poulsen.

Maradona took Argentina job for the cash: Pele

SAO PAULO: Brazilian legend Pele on Monday launched a broadside against Argentina coach Diego Maradona, charging that he only took the job as he was out of work and needed the money, Brazilian media reported on Monday.

Pele and Maradona - widely considered as the two best players of all time - have regularly indulged in verbal sparring.

But Pele rose to the bait when the Brazilian media asked him about comments attributed to Maradona during the inauguration of the World Cup in South Africa.

Maradona allegedly implied that a "dark gentleman" - taken to mean Pele - had questioned the ability of the host nation to be the first African country to host the World Cup.

Pele hit back, saying: "I don't understand a few things. When he did his first television programme (in 2005) in Argentina and needed some help I went to Buenos Aires, played football with him and helped him out.

"Then I tried to help out with some adverts - but either he was late or never showed up."

The Brazilian continued sardonically: "I know he has remembered me now in South Africa. He must love me."

Former sports minister Pele, who said he had no intention of ever coaching Brazil "as I don't want to suffer the way (current coach) Dunga is suffering", took another swipe at Maradona, who took control of Argentina in November 2008.

"Maradona accepted the job as he needed work and needed the money. I saw how Argentina qualified with difficulty. But it is not Maradona's fault; it is the fault of those who put him in charge."

Earlier this year Pele criticised Argentine Federation President Julio Grondona for appointing Maradona, a volatile character with little coaching experience, albeit someone widely admired in his homeland for leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.

TOI