Mahilpur the 'football village' of Punjab

ANI

By Karan Kapoor
Mahilpur (Punjab), July 15 (ANI): Punjab has produced many football players of national fame. And village Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district's is known for its long association with the football.
The passion for football lives on in people even long after it was introduced in the village by Harbhajan Singh, a school principal, in 1920's.

The village boasts of producing great players of repute like Jarnail Singh, Gurdev Singh, Chaudhary Ram Kishan, and the tradition lives on in the young enthusiasts of today.
"There is a culture of football in this area. Every village has its own football ground, no other sport is given much priority be it cricket or any other game. Only football is given importance here," said Ali Jasna, Coach.

The village holds a number of annual tournaments and provides the players with an opportunity to showcase and hone their skills.
Love for the game comes naturally to the people of Mahilpur. For many, it is a family tradition passed on from generation to generation.

The young enthusiasts feel there is a lot of scope for football in India, with so many clubs opening up, which provide the players with an excellent opportunity to further their careers.
"There is good scope for football here which give good money to the players. If one pursues football with studies, it could be very beneficial," said Amandeep Singh, a budding Football Player.

There are now plans of setting up a football stadium in the village so as to provide the youth with better facilities.

The sport has become quite popular in the country and with the advent of international football clubs in India like JCT, there is a good scope for sports enthusiasts wanting to pursue football. (ANI)

Pakistan cricket needs the right balance

by Imran Farooqi

Pakistan cricket's unabashed flirt with controversies continues unabated as it enters a fresh season. The nation was still struggling to come to terms with Shoaib Akhtar's suspension from the game when Mohammad Asif, the former's pace partner, joined him on the sidelines. This time it is not some recurring injury -- as is usually the case with Pakistan's pace merchants -- but an action that has further dented the nation's falling image.Though Asif has been released by the UAE authorities as the 'charge' of keeping in possession a contraband substance has not been proved, everybody knows very well that it could only be Islamabad's excellent relationship with the Emirates' royalty that has made the release possible.The bowler did admit carrying the drug which he said was prescribed by a Hakeem for some ailment. Does he think people here in Pakistan and the world over are so naive that they would believe what he has to say? In an era where international players and athletes are updated regularly on drugs and the consequences of their potential use, he's behaving like an innocent kid who does not a bit about anything.Today all sportspersons -- no matter where they come from and what sport they play -- are well aware of substances they can't use. Asif is telling us that he did not know the drug he was carrying on his person was a banned one! Unfortunately, such an irresponsible sort of excuse could only have come from a Pakistan cricketer. These players who are supposed to act as role models and set standards for others are turning out to be plain villains with utter disregard for moral values.It is most regrettable that the Pakistan Cricket Board spends millions of rupees on getting its players fit for international assignments, but when it's time to deliver these so-called stars just fail and come up with reasons that fall well short of making sense. The PCB took all pains to ensure Shoaib Akhtar does have a fruitful and lasting career, but the latter -- through his reckless and ill-timed actions -- have always brought embarrassment to his supporters. As if this was not enough we have Asif following in his footsteps though the two might not be on talking terms with each other.In spite of having a number of good fast and slow bowlers Pakistan is not able to groom them properly mainly because of the uncertainty surrounding the careers of the country's premier pacers. Shoaib and Asif's absence does make a difference, but Pakistan has won without these two in recent past, and can do it again.It's time the PCB gets a clear message across to the players that any action that puts the nation's integrity in question is not at all acceptable. The sad thing is that players hailing from other countries know it by default, but here we have to teach such things. Talent-wise Pakistan and Australian players are almost equal, but what makes the latter stand out is their scientific approach to the game and the pride they take in representing their homeland.Unless every player knows is his responsibilities to his country it will be difficult to turn things around. To make this happen the PCB will have to take steps it's afraid to take. This includes making a final decision on Shoaib and Asif. Pakistan is currently playing without them and won't do worse in any case. It's time to swallow the bitter pill if the PCB keeps the country's image anywhere close to its heart.Already there are reports of differences between the captain and selectors. Although the two parties have denied these one thing is quite clear that the current side could not be termed a balanced one. The opening dilemma continues to dog Pakistan, and short of options the skipper has been forced to open the innings -- something he has done previously without encouraging results.Malik is a very good all-round player, but expecting him to open in limited-over games with success is asking for too much indeed. By doing this we are only compounding issues. He already has too much on his plate. Currently he's struggling to establish a competitive squad, and by adding the task of opening to his existing workload the team management is only making his job more difficult.Shahid Afridi's batting spot remains a riddle. He is bowling very well and his fielding abilities can't be questioned, yet his batting certainly is not upto the mark. He usually bats at No 6 and 7, and when he comes in either there is no time to settle and build the innings. Or, in the worst scenario, his side are already in deep trouble looking to him to repair the damage.In the first case he's supposed to walk in and throw his bat around straightaway to accumulate runs no matter how they come as long they come. In such a case anything can happen as it's not easy to score quick runs without taking a few risks. In the second he's supposed to stay at the crease and do some grafting work which is again not his forte and a more difficult task for he does not like to get bogged down.Though he may not be a sensible bet against the Aussies and Proteas because of their methodical approach to the game and also because these two sides do have plans to counter all sorts of threats from the opposing players, against teams like India, England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand Afridi will always have a better chance because once hit around their bowlers tend to lose way and that's where there can't be a better choice than Afridi.In short Pakistan needs to get its balance right. At the right time the right player must be used and that's what makes a coach and captain great. It's their ability to act quickly and act right that brings success. The Pakistan think-tank must sit down and come up with a plan that is flexible yet effective and where every player knows what role he's required to play. source: http://www.geosuper.tv/articles.asp?id=365

Pakistan cricket needs the right balance

by Imran Farooqi

Pakistan cricket's unabashed flirt with controversies continues unabated as it enters a fresh season. The nation was still struggling to come to terms with Shoaib Akhtar's suspension from the game when Mohammad Asif, the former's pace partner, joined him on the sidelines. This time it is not some recurring injury -- as is usually the case with Pakistan's pace merchants -- but an action that has further dented the nation's falling image.Though Asif has been released by the UAE authorities as the 'charge' of keeping in possession a contraband substance has not been proved, everybody knows very well that it could only be Islamabad's excellent relationship with the Emirates' royalty that has made the release possible.The bowler did admit carrying the drug which he said was prescribed by a Hakeem for some ailment. Does he think people here in Pakistan and the world over are so naive that they would believe what he has to say? In an era where international players and athletes are updated regularly on drugs and the consequences of their potential use, he's behaving like an innocent kid who does not a bit about anything.Today all sportspersons -- no matter where they come from and what sport they play -- are well aware of substances they can't use. Asif is telling us that he did not know the drug he was carrying on his person was a banned one! Unfortunately, such an irresponsible sort of excuse could only have come from a Pakistan cricketer. These players who are supposed to act as role models and set standards for others are turning out to be plain villains with utter disregard for moral values.It is most regrettable that the Pakistan Cricket Board spends millions of rupees on getting its players fit for international assignments, but when it's time to deliver these so-called stars just fail and come up with reasons that fall well short of making sense. The PCB took all pains to ensure Shoaib Akhtar does have a fruitful and lasting career, but the latter -- through his reckless and ill-timed actions -- have always brought embarrassment to his supporters. As if this was not enough we have Asif following in his footsteps though the two might not be on talking terms with each other.In spite of having a number of good fast and slow bowlers Pakistan is not able to groom them properly mainly because of the uncertainty surrounding the careers of the country's premier pacers. Shoaib and Asif's absence does make a difference, but Pakistan has won without these two in recent past, and can do it again.It's time the PCB gets a clear message across to the players that any action that puts the nation's integrity in question is not at all acceptable. The sad thing is that players hailing from other countries know it by default, but here we have to teach such things. Talent-wise Pakistan and Australian players are almost equal, but what makes the latter stand out is their scientific approach to the game and the pride they take in representing their homeland.Unless every player knows is his responsibilities to his country it will be difficult to turn things around. To make this happen the PCB will have to take steps it's afraid to take. This includes making a final decision on Shoaib and Asif. Pakistan is currently playing without them and won't do worse in any case. It's time to swallow the bitter pill if the PCB keeps the country's image anywhere close to its heart.Already there are reports of differences between the captain and selectors. Although the two parties have denied these one thing is quite clear that the current side could not be termed a balanced one. The opening dilemma continues to dog Pakistan, and short of options the skipper has been forced to open the innings -- something he has done previously without encouraging results.Malik is a very good all-round player, but expecting him to open in limited-over games with success is asking for too much indeed. By doing this we are only compounding issues. He already has too much on his plate. Currently he's struggling to establish a competitive squad, and by adding the task of opening to his existing workload the team management is only making his job more difficult.Shahid Afridi's batting spot remains a riddle. He is bowling very well and his fielding abilities can't be questioned, yet his batting certainly is not upto the mark. He usually bats at No 6 and 7, and when he comes in either there is no time to settle and build the innings. Or, in the worst scenario, his side are already in deep trouble looking to him to repair the damage.In the first case he's supposed to walk in and throw his bat around straightaway to accumulate runs no matter how they come as long they come. In such a case anything can happen as it's not easy to score quick runs without taking a few risks. In the second he's supposed to stay at the crease and do some grafting work which is again not his forte and a more difficult task for he does not like to get bogged down.Though he may not be a sensible bet against the Aussies and Proteas because of their methodical approach to the game and also because these two sides do have plans to counter all sorts of threats from the opposing players, against teams like India, England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand Afridi will always have a better chance because once hit around their bowlers tend to lose way and that's where there can't be a better choice than Afridi.In short Pakistan needs to get its balance right. At the right time the right player must be used and that's what makes a coach and captain great. It's their ability to act quickly and act right that brings success. The Pakistan think-tank must sit down and come up with a plan that is flexible yet effective and where every player knows what role he's required to play. source: http://www.geosuper.tv/articles.asp?id=365

Gambhir replaces Jaffer; Ojha edges out Chawla

Mumbai: Delhi opening batsman Gautam Gambhir made his way mack into the Indian Test squad, while Pragyan Ojha got the nod ahead of Piyush Chawla for the series in Sri Lanka.


The selectors named a 15-man squad here, which included Zaheer Khan, back from injury, and Harbhajan Singh, who will see action again after his rather inglorious IPL exit.


The squad: Anil Kumble (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag (vice-capt), Gautam Gambhir, Pragyaj Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Rohit Sharma, Parthiv Patel, RP Singh.

source: www.cricketnext.com

हमें श्रीलंका दौरे में ढूंढना होगा मेंडिस का तोड़ : धोनी

कराची : श्रीलंका के अबूझ स्पिनर अजंता मेंडिस के सामने एशिया कप क्रिकेट टूर्नामेंट के फाइनल में पस्त हुई भारतीय टीम के जेहन में अभी भी इस जादुई स्पिनर का खौफ इस कदर छाया है कि भारत की वन डे टीम के कप्तान महेंद्र सिंह धोनी ने आगामी श्रीलंका दौरे में इस अद्भुत स्पिनर की काट ढूंढने की बात तक कह डाली है। एशिया कप के फाइनल में रविवार को 13 रन देकर छह विकेट लेकर मेंडिस ने भारत के एशियाई चैंपियन बनने का ख्वाब चकनाचूर कर दिया था। मेंडिस की घूमती गेंदों के सामने भारतीय बल्लेबाज 'ता थैया ता थैया' करते नजर आए।

फाइनल में हार के बाद धोनी ने माना कि उनके बल्लेबाजों ने श्रीलंका स्पिनर अजंता मेंडिस की गेंदों को समझने में भूल की और घातक गलतियां करते हुए अपने विकेट गंवाए। धोनी ने फाइनल मैच के बाद कहा, 'हमारे बल्लेबाज मेंडिस की गेंदों को बिल्कुल भी नहीं समझ सके। मेंडिस ने निस्संदेह शानदार गेंदबाजी की, लेकिन स्पिन खेलने के अनुभवी हमारे बल्लेबाजों को उन्हें सतर्कता के साथ खेलना चाहिए था। मगर वे ऐसा करने में नाकाम रहे और यही हमारी हार का सबसे बड़ा कारण रहा। भारतीय टीम श्रीलंका दौरे में इस अबूझ स्पिनर की काट ढूंढने में लग गई है।'

धोनी ने कहा, 'मेंडिस अबूझ गेंदबाज बन गए हैं। हमें श्रीलंका दौरे में उनका तोड़ ढूंढना होगा। हमारे लिए राहत की बात यही है कि श्रीलंका दौरे में हमें पहले टेस्ट मैच खेलना है और टेस्ट टीम में हमारे पास काफी अनुभवी बल्लेबाज हैं। मेंडिस ऐसे गेंदबाज हैं, जो बल्लेबाजों को असहाय कर देते हैं। टीम इंडिया श्रीलंका दौरे से पहले मेंडिस की गेंदबाजी की वीडियो फुटेज देखेगी, ताकि उनके गेंदबाजी एक्शन को समझा जा सके। फाइनल में हमारे बल्लेबाज मेंडिस की गेंदों को समझने में भूल कर बैठे। जब कभी वह गेंद को फ्लाइट देते तो वह गुगली होती थीं या ऑफ स्पिनर। लेकिन जब वह फ्लैट गेंद डालते थे, तो वह लेग स्पिन होती थी। बड़ी अबूझ गेंदें थी वे।'

भारत को कोलंबो में 23 जुलाई से तीन टेस्ट मैचों की सीरीज खेलनी है। पहला टेस्ट कोलंबो में खेला जाएगा। टेस्ट सीरीज के बाद पांच वन डे मैचों की सीरीज खेली जाएगी। भारत टेस्ट सीरीज के लिए बुधवार को टीम की घोषणा होगी और इस टीम में सचिन तेंडुलकर, सौरभ गांगुली, राहुल दविड़ और वी. वी. एस. लक्ष्मण जैसे अनुभवी खिलाडि़यों के होने से भारत को मेंडिस की काट खोजने में आसानी होगी। इन सबके बावजूद अनुभवी अनिल कुंबले की नेतृत्व वाली टीम इंडिया को मेंडिस की काट के लिए होमवर्क तो करना ही होगा।

Issue of taking rest would be known in a few days: Dhoni

MUMBAI: India's ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was non-committal about reports that he may skip the Test series against Sri Lanka later this month to take some much-needed break, saying the situation would be clear in a couple of days.

"In India and the subcontinent we have a full year of cricket and there's no off-season. It's tough for cricketers. When we want rest we should get it," India's limited overs captain said on Monday.

"BCCI has said that we can take rest whenever we want which I think is a very good policy," he said.

When asked whether he intended to take a break by opting out of the three-Test series in sri Lanka he said, "You will come to know that in a couple of days' time"

Dhoni insisted that he was fully fit during the Asia Cup that concluded in Karachi on Sunday.

"Since last series there's been no problem (on the fitness front). I have no (fitness) problem presently as well," said the swashbuckling wicket keeper batsman.

Dhoni did not read too much into the Indian team's losses in the two finals that it had contested recently, against Pakistan in the tri-series tournament in Dhaka and against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.

"Winning or losing can happen, but it's important to put in your best at all tinmes. If you still lose then there's little you can do about it," he said.

Defending the ODI team's inconsistent display, the Ranchi-born Dhoni said the team was short on international experience at the moment but would improve with time.

Looking ahead to the series against Sri Lanka in the Emerald Isle, Dhoni said he expected a tough battle between the two teams while adding that the return of experienced campaigners, Test captain Anil Kumble and off spinner Harbhajan Singh would prop up the attack.

"Sri Lanka is a tough place to play but we will be prepared and we hope to do well. We will have Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh returning which will be a big boost," he said.

India are to start the full tour of Lanka with a Test series which will be followed by five ODIs against the hosts.

Asked about celebrating his birthday away from his family he said, "I miss my family, but as a professional cricketer it's not always possible to spend birthdays with the family. I have not been there (Ranchi) for a long time and am looking forward to spend some time there over the next few days," Dhoni said.

He was also full of praise for Sachin Tendulkar's contribution to the team's efforts when asked about his own brand value for endorsements which currently rivals that of the champion batsman's.

"I cherish the time I have spent with him. He's a great player who's shared his experience with us and guided the whole team throughout."

Source: http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3207870.cms

Dhoni wary of Mendis threat for Sri Lanka tour

KARACHI (Reuters) - India's limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes Sri Lanka's new bowling weapon, unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis, will provide the sternest of tests for his side on their impending tour of the island.

Playing in just his eighth international, Mendis used a dizzying array of deliveries to rip through the Indian batting order with figures of 6-13 as Sri Lanka eased to a 100-run victory in the Asia Cup final in Pakistan on Sunday.

The 23-year-old was recognised as the man of the tournament for his 17-wicket contribution and his impact was highlighted by India's explosive wicketkeeper-batsman.

"He is a difficult bowler and we will have to prepare ourselves for him in the coming series," Dhoni said after the final.

"The good thing is that we will be playing the test matches first and we have experienced batsmen in the test side," he added.

"The burden of scoring off him quickly will not be there and we will get time to get used to him."

India open a three-match tour of Sri Lanka with the first test in Colombo on July 23 before embarking on a five-match one-day international series.

Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-34404420080707

Pakistan court lifts ban on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar

The Lahore High Court on Friday lifted an 18-month ban on Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for indiscipline.

Although the court lifted the suspension, it did not withdraw the seven million rupees ($101,000) fine imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board appellate tribunal last month.
The PCB handed the volatile fast bowler a five-year ban in April for several instances of indiscipline and violating the conditions of a two-year probation.
The tribunal later reduced the suspension to 18 months with a fine.

Source: www.rediff.com

Kirsten asked to stop match-specific columns

July 3, 2008, The BCCI hasn't taken very kindly to Gary Kirsten's match comments

The BCCI has restricted the India coach Gary Kirsten from writing columns on matches involving India but made it clear that it did not have any problems with him operating his website. Kirsten, for instance, isn't allowed to comment on the team's preparations and strategies, as well as his feedback on the performance at the end of the game.
"As far his website goes he [Kirsten] had already made us aware of that before he took over as the coach. We have no objection to that", Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI's chief operating officer, told Cricinfo.
Shetty said the board had explained to Kirsten that besides the national captain, no-one was permitted to express his views in the media in any form. "He has been conveyed the message that he can't write columns related to the pre-and post-match, especially when India are playing," Shetty said.
Recently Dilip Vengsarkar, the chief selector, had to stop writing a long-standing column after the board took hard objection to the matter.
Kirsten, along with his assistant Paddy Upton (the mental conditioning coach and trainer) have been writing columns on garykirsten.com, but Kirsten's comments that dealt with selection issues seemed to have rubbed on the wrong side of the board. Kirsten's previous column, published on June 25, touched on the issue of having a rotation policy to keep the players refreshed in an already packed season.
"One of my most important tasks as head coach will be to implement a rotation policy for the national squads in order to keep our best players rested and fresh," Kirsten wrote. "It won't be easy - it never is - but I'm sure there is a sufficient level of maturity and understanding among the players to accept that there is simply too much cricket for any single player to perform at his best all the time.
"Mahendra Singh Dhoni [the Indian ODI and Twenty20 captain] is probably the most obvious example of a man needing a break. In my own experience, by the time a player is feeling tired or 'flat', it is already too late to rest him. The rest needs to happen before fatigue sets in."

Source: www.cricinfo.com

ICC changes Oval forfeiture to draw, England v Pakistan, The Oval, 2006

July 3, 2008, Darrell Hair awarded England five penalty runs in their second innings for ball tampering

The ICC has changed the result of the controversial Oval Test between England and Pakistan in 2006 from an English victory to a draw, following pressure from the Pakistan Cricket Board during the annual ICC meeting in Dubai.
"The board decided the result of the match should be altered. The change is from an England win as a result of Pakistan's refusal to play to the match being termed abandoned as a draw," the ICC said. "The board's decision is based on the view that in light of the unique set of circumstances the original result was felt to be inappropriate."
Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was Pakistan's captain during the Test, welcomed the ICC's decision. "I am very happy about it. This decision and the fact that we were cleared of ball-tampering charges proves that we were correct in our stance," he said. "This proves that what happened there was because of one man (Darrell Hair). It is sad that he is still there."
The Test was originally awarded to England by umpire Darrell Hair after Pakistan did not come out to field after tea on the fourth day, following accusations of ball-tampering.
Pakistan had, at the time, been in a strong position in the match, having secured a first-innings lead of 331 and removed four England batsmen second-time around. There was nothing at stake in the series, with England already leading 2-0 after wins at Headingley and Old Trafford, but the eventual forfeiture was the first in the history of Test cricket. The removal of England's win could affect their standing in the ICC Test Championship - they are currently third on 110 points, one ahead of their next opponents, South Africa, on 109.
The result had huge off-field ramifications as well. Hair went on to be suspended from the ICC elite panel, and though that decision was overturned last year when he took his employers to the High Court in London, the initial decision formed the basis of Pakistan's appeal for a rethink of the result.

source: www.circinfo.com

Zimbabwe pull out of World Twenty20

July 4, 2008, Zimbabwe have agreed to pull out of next year's Twenty20 World Cup in England, clearing the roadblocks for the competition to be staged there, but will retain their status as Full Member of the ICC and receive funding as usual. They will also receive their full participation fee for the tournament.
"We have decided to pull out in the larger interests of the game," Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, told Cricinfo. "We have been informed that the British government may not grant visas to our players, and that situation may prevail during the Twenty20 World Cup. We don't want to be gatecrashers."
"It was a collective decision and I was a part of that decision," Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, told Cricinfo.
"The full membership of Zimbabwe is currently not in doubt," ICC president David Morgan said. "There was not even a discussion on the issue of Zimbabwe's membership."
The decision, Chingoka said, pertained only to the tournament in England. "We are now looking forward to more tours and international cricket with our Asian friends, especially India."
The Zimbabwe issue had occupied a large part of the discussions during the ICC executive board meeting, which carried over to an unscheduled third day on Friday after a failure to reach a consensus.
Some countries, led by England and South Africa, had been pushing for Zimbabwe to be stripped of Full Member status but that move had been opposed by India.
Ray Mali, the former ICC president, has recommended the setting up of a sub-committee to "advise the ICC board on all matters relating to Zimbabwe cricket including its return to full participation in the international game. The specific terms of reference for the sub-committee will be finalised in due course." The sub-committee, if approved, will chaired by Julian Hunte, the head of the West Indies board, and include Arjuna Ranatunga and another official (who hasn't been confirmed).
Source: www.circinfo.com

My life is under threat from my own son: Gony's mother

July 01, 2008, India's rising cricketer Manpreet Gony on Tuesday landed in an awkward situation, with his mother levelling a serious allegation against him, saying that the Punjab pacer is threatening to kill her.

Mohinder Kaur told reporters that Gony is being instigated by his in-laws.

"I am pained to tell my plight through media, and that too about my own son. Shortly before he left for Asia Cup in Pakistan, Manpreet, along with a few of his relatives from his in-laws side, came to my house and threatened to kill me," Mohinder Kaur told reporters at her home in Mohali.

"After the IPL was over and before the Asia Cup he came to the house and took away his belongings and tried to beat me up," she further alleged.

Gony, who married a girl outside her caste, has been living with his wife and mother-in-law in Mohali ever since his 16-day old son died over a year back.

"Gony's mother-in-law is a very greedy woman. She first ousted her husband out of her house in Mohali and now she has put my son under some evil spirits. I do not know what her motive is, but she is spoiling my son and taking him away from me," Kaur claimed.

Asked why she is not lodging a police complaint, she replied, "This will spoil my son's career."

Meanwhile, Gony's wife refuted all the allegations while her mother-in-law was unavailable for comment.

Gony is currently in Pakistan with the Indian cricket squad taking part in the Asia Cup.

Source: www.rediff.com

Chingoka slams ICC decision as unethical

June 30, 2008, Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has criticised Ray Mali, the ICC's outgoing president, for tabling a motion to discuss the future of Zimbabwe when the ICC meets in Dubai this week.

In two letters which followed Mali's announcement, Chingoka forcibly reminded him that the ICC had already discussed the matter. "You will recall that last year in London, a decision was taken and well-supported by you and other members that sport and politics, like oil and water, do not mix."

Quoting the ICC's own rules, Chingoka insisted that Zimbabwe's status could only be discussed at next year's annual conference as such a motion needed to be tabled by December 31 in the preceding year. Ironically, a change to the rules was proposed two years ago to allow more immediate action to be taken. Chingoka opposed that at the time and the move was defeated after India indicated they would not support it.

The letters also highlighted a breakdown in relations between Chingoka and Mali, hitherto seen as close allies. Less than a year ago, Mali was effusive in his praise for the ZC administration following a six-day fact-finding visit. But last week he told Chingoka that he had acted because he "owed it to the cricket community to feel all is normal

Chingoka, playing the race card, warned Mali of "setting double standards and discriminatory levels that go against the ICC anti-racism code".

He went on to accuse Mali of making Zimbabwe "a scapegoat" for the decision to stand down Malcolm Speed as the ICC's chief executive in April and called the latest announcement of the discussion on Zimbabwe "unethical", adding it was an "agenda item infested with political connotations". He concluded by asking: "Whose political gallery these antics are being supposed to appease?"

"There are over 100 ICC member countries with differing political environments," he continued. "Without venturing to mention names as it is apparent, it is clear that certain worse conditions exist in those other member countries. It has not warranted the ICC putting them on its agenda as it is doing with Zimbabwe right now."
Source: www. cricinfo.com

India to block Zimbabwe's ouster from ICC

Powerful India will oppose any moves to throw strife-torn Zimbabwe out of world cricket and is counting on the rest of the Asian bloc for support, a senior official told AFP on Monday.

"There is no reason to remove Zimbabwe," Indian cricket board secretary Niranjan Shah told AFP as the International Cricket Council (ICC) debated the African country's future at its annual meetings here.

Cricket boards of South Africa and England last week suspended bilateral ties with Zimbabwe in protest at the deteriorating political situation in Harare, where Robert Mugabe has been controversially re-elected as president.

The ICC's decision-making executive board will take up the issue this week after the British government demanded that Zimbabwe be excluded from next year's Twenty20 World Championships in England.

The support of seven of the ICC's 10 full members, which include Zimbabwe, is required to suspend a nation from world cricket, but that appears unlikely given India's stance.

India, the sport's economic powerhouse, is almost certain to be backed by the three other Asian Test nations -- Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh -- on keeping Zimbabwe in the ICC.

The Asian bloc usually votes together on major cricket issues.

It was not immediately clear if Australia, the West Indies and New Zealand will back England and South Africa on Zimbabwe's exclusion.

"We understand England's position because their government wants Zimbabwe out," said Shah. "Even our tour commitments are determined by government advice.

"But we will back Zimbabwe to stay in the ICC."

If Zimbabwe retains its full membership, England risks losing the right to host the lucrative Twenty20 worlds in June next year if the British government denies visas to the Zimbabwean cricketers.

Zimbabwe has not played Test cricket since hosting India in September, 2005 after being told by the ICC to improve its playing standards.

But it retains an active one-day team which takes part in the World Cup.

Senior Zimbabwe cricket chief Ozias Bvute, meanwhile, questioned why several other boards were taking a hard-line position against his country when no other sporting organisation has opted for such a stance.

"We (Zimbabwe) are a full member of FIFA (football's governing body) and are currently participating in a World Cup qualifying campaign," Bvute told BBC's Test match special.

"We have a swimming programme which has produced Kirsty Coventry, a recent winner in the world championships.

"So it would be strange that the only sport to take action on so-called current worries is cricket when all the other world sporting bodies have not taken that stance."

soruce: cricbuzz.com

India ride Sehwag storm to thrash Pak

India ride Sehwag storm to thrash Pak

KARACHI, June 26 (PTI): Familiar Pakistan nemesis Virender Sehwag (119) slammed a violent century while Suresh Raina (84) too matched his aggression as India cantered to a facile six-wicket win with 7.5 overs to spare against the arch-rivals in the Asia Cup cricket tournament here tonight. It was sweet revenge for the Indians who just two weeks ago were outclassed by Pakistan in the Kitply tri-series final in Dhaka. With Sehwag and Raina on fire, India cruised to 301 for four in only 42.1 overs after Pakistan appeared to have set a competitive target by making 299 for four. The hosts’ innings revolved around 125 from captain Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan’s 59 on a good batting track. Malik did not field after retiring with cramps while pacer Umar Gul also went off with a rib cage injury after sending down just 1.2 overs. But under lights, Sehwag showed just how good the track was when he savaged the attack scoring his ninth hundred. He and Raina put on a record 198 runs for the second wicket from 149 balls before the stand was broken in the 28th over.The stand was remarkable as it came after Pakistan’s stand in captain Misbah-ul-Haq had brought off a spectacular one-handed catch at wide slip to get rid of Gautam Ghambir (9) in the third over and the players were on a high. Following the match, the victorious Indian skipper said 300 was not enough to defend on the National Stadium’s benign track and he was not much surprised as his side knocked down the target set by Pakistan with 7.5 overs to spare.“I always knew that a target of 300 here was always chaseable. The track was fantastic, one of the best in Pakistan. All we needed was a good start...maybe 340-350 would have been the right score. Besides, they lost Umar Gul (who bowled only 1.2 overs before leaving the field with rib muscle injury) and it was hard luck for Shoaib,” Dhoni said. Though a final berth is no more a worry for the side, Dhoni insisted he wanted to win all the games. SCORECARD Pakistan: Butt c Raina b Chawla 35, Malik retired hurt 125, Y Khan c Raina b Pathan 59, Yousuf run out 30, Misbah not out 31, Afridi c Dhoni b Singh 9, Tanvir not out 3; Extras (b-1, lb-1, w-5) 7; Total (4 wickets, 50 overs) 299. Fall of wickets:1-90, 1-219, 2-223, 3-261, 4-290. Bowling: P Kumar 10-0-56-0, RP Singh 10-2-44-1, I Sharma 10-0-69-0, PP Chawla 7-0-52-1, YK Pathan 9-0-52-1, Yuvraj 4-0-24-0.

Sehwag sizzles, India wins

Karachi: Virender Sehwag scattered the fielders, crumpled the required run-rate charts with instinctive ease and powered India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in a STAR Cricket Asia Cup Group B match at the National Stadium here on Thursday.
Sehwag’s 119 (95b, 12x4, 5x6) and his 198-run second-wicket partnership with Suresh Raina helped India canter past Pakistan’s 299 for four in 50 overs. India scored 301 for four in 42.1 overs.
The initial minutes of the chase was a mix of Umar Gul leaving the field in discomfort and Gambhir’s slash prompting Misbah-ul-Haq to defy gravity at backward point. Twelve for one and Suresh Raina emerged with quick winnowing steps that soon left a larger imprint on the pitch as his 84 (69b, 10x4, 3x6) nearly put Sehwag’s ninth ODI century in the shade.Volley of words
The Man-of-the-Match Raina picked Iftikhar’s line early and with a neat bat swing sent the red cherry deep into the stands overlooking long-off. The control and the disdain in that shot angered Iftikhar who let loose two bouncers and a volley of words. Sehwag at the other end, flicked two fours on either side of a frozen square-leg.
Sehwag then carted Afridi all over the park . Part-timers Fawad Alam and Salman Butt were also left bleeding with reverse sweeps and the dismissive slaps over the in-field. And in the interim, Raina looking good for a hundred, ended up with a soft dismissal, tapping one straight to short covers.
Sehwag’s merry ways too ended soon and Younis Khan after holding on in the deep, appreciatively patted the departing batsman. In the end, Yuvraj and skipper M.S. Dhoni ensured that the winning runs were gained with minimum fuss.
Earlier on a warm evening, Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik shed his diffidence and ended a two-year wait for an ODI hundred. Malik, who retired hurt on 125 (119b, 15x4, 1x6), last scored a hundred in the game’s abridged version in February’ 2006 against India at Lahore.
SCOREBOARD
 Pakistan: S. Butt c Raina b Chawla 35, S. Malik (retd. hurt) 125, Younis c Raina b Yusuf 59, Mohd. Yousuf (run out) 30, Misbah (not out) 31, S. Afridi c Dhoni b R.P. Singh 9, S. Tanvir (not out) 3; Extras (b-1, lb-1, w-5): 7; Total (for four wkts. in 50 overs): 299.
Fall of wickets: 1-90, 2-223, 3-261, 4-290.
India bowling: Praveen 10-0-56-0, R.P. Singh 10-2-44-1, Ishant 10-0-69-0, Chawla 7-0-52-1, Yusuf 9-0-52-1, Yuvraj 4-0-24-0.
India: G. Gambhir c Misbah b Iftikhar 9, V. Sehwag c Younis b Afridi 119, S. Raina c Fawad b Iftikhar 84, Yuvraj c Butt b Tanvir 48, M.S. Dhoni (not out) 26, Rohit (not out) 0; Extras (b-1, lb-6, w-7, nb-1): 15; Total (for four wkts. in 42.1 overs): 301.
Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-210, 3-231, 4-294.
Pakistan bowling: Gul 1.2-0-6-0, Tanvir 9-0-55-1, Iftikhar 9.4-0-61-2, Afridi 10-0-64-1, Fawad 7-0-64-0, Butt 1-0-13-0, Younis 4.1-0-31-0.
Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/27/stories/2008062761431900.htm

ACA plan to revamp stadium

Guwahati, June 26: With only five months to go before the proposed ODI between India and England at Nehru Stadium, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) will move Dispur with a plan to renovate the Pilik Choudhury Pavilion to accommodate more journalists and provide better dressing room facilities to the teams.

The ACA will take up the matter with the chief secretary, P.C. Sarma, for prompt action on the proposed renovation, which will take at least four months to complete.

“The chief secretary had sought details of the proposed renovation plan which we are going to submit to him in a couple of days,” said ACA secretary Bikash Baruah.

The ACA had submitted a Rs 82-lakh plan for the renovation of the pavilion to the state government more than a year ago. The ACA had even sought Dispur’s permission to spend the money from its coffers and later adjust it with the rent it pays to the Board of Sports of Assam. Dispur, however, has been sitting on the plan so far.

“Every time we host an ODI, we face the problem of providing the necessary dressing room facilities to the teams and in accommodating the media. The chief secretary seems to be enthusiastic this time and so we will approach him again. We hope the pavilion will be renovated before the next ODI,” Baruah said.

Asia Cup: India decimate Hong Kong

Asia Cup: India decimate Hong Kong

June 25, 2008 23:00 IST
India launched their Asia Cup campaign in an emphatic manner, routing minnows Hong Kong by 256 runs in their opening Group B match in Karachi on Wednesday.

Electing to bat, India rattled up massive 374 for four, riding on centuries by Suresh Raina (101) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (unbeaten 109), practicing well ahead of clash against arch-rivals and hosts Pakistan on Thursday.

They then bundled out the opponents for a paltry 118 in 36.5 overs to register their second best victory margin, the highest being 257-run win against Bermuda in 2007.

Young leg-spinner Piyush Chawla (4/23) weaved the spin magic, bowling with guile as he forced three stumpings by foxing batsmen with his intriguing line and length apart fro effecting a catch out.

Hong Kong skipper Tabarak Dar (21), James Atkinson (23) and Irfan Ahmed (25) were the main contributors in their side's dismal run-chase.

Left-arm paceman R P Singh drew the first blood in his very first over, trapping Skhawat Ali for a nought, to begin the rot.

Dar and Atkinson then put up a 45-run stand for the second-wicket but once the skipper was dismissed, Hong Kong batsmen lacked confidence in negotiating the Indian attack.
The runs, whatever scored, came at an agonisingly slow pace as the 100 came up only in the 32nd over.

Poor running added to the woes of Hong Kong as lack of understanding resulted in run-outs of Irfan and Roy Lamsam.

Sehwag then closed the Hong Kong innings with two wickets on successive deliveries as he first clean bowled Afzaal Haider and then had Nadeem Ahmed caught behind the wickets, giving Dhoni his fourth victim of the innings.

Earlier, Suresh Raina notched up his maiden one-day century and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni his fourth as India sent minnows Hong Kong on a leather hunt scoring a massive 374 for four.

Raina spearheaded the batting blitz with his scintillating 101-run knock and teamed up with Dhoni (unbeaten 109) to put on 166 from 123 balls, which saw India set the highest total in Asia Cup history.

The 21-year old left hander was in spectacular form, reaching his first fifty from exactly 50 balls and then stepped up the tempo to race to his century from only 16 balls hitting five sixes and three fours in this period.

Raina was extremely harsh on pacer Skhawat Ali who went for three sixes in one over.
Raina fell two balls after smashing pacer Afzaal Haider for a six to reach his hundred and was caught at mid-wicket.

Dhoni touched the three-figure mark after consuming balls and helped himself with with six sixes and five fours to anchor the innings.

India with their strong performance also warmed up in spectacular fashion for their important clash against traditional rivals, Pakistan.

The Hong Kong spinners who had done an admirable job against Pakistan in their first match never recovered from an early blitz from openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.

The duo put on 127 for the first wicket and plundered runs at will, scoring 95 in first 10 overs.
The two openers brought up the fifty in under six overs and put on a smashing 100 from 65 balls before Sehwag went for a blistering 78 from 44 balls with 13 fours and two big sixes.
He fell to left arm spinner Najeeb Amar, who also dismissed Gambhir after the Delhi player had made a quick 51 from 54 balls.

Rohit Sharma was needlessly run out for 11 runs missing out on a great batting practice opportunity. But Dhoni and the Raina were unstoppable.
Nadeem Ahmed, who took four wickets against Pakistan went wicket less. Source: rediff.com

No room for complacency

KARACHI, PTI: India launch their campaign in the Asia Cup cricket tournament against minnows Hong Kong here on Wednesday hoping to get into top form ahead of their crucial tie against archrival Pakistan on Thursday.Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men should not face much resistance from Hong Kong, but the Indians are in no mood to take their opponents lightly in what is likely to be a one-sided floodlit contest at the National Stadium.The Indians will go into the game without the services of paceman Irfan Pathan who will be rested because of a side strain.But the Indians have enough bowling resources at their disposal to counter Hong Kong. The India

coach Gary Kirsten warned his players not to get too complacent against their unfancied rivals."I am looking for some big contributions from my players in the match.We will take every opposition seriously as this is the Asia Cup and we will play proper cricket and will do the things we need to do," Kirsten said.

Source: www.rediff.com

’83 Cup magic

’83 Cup magic

— The summer of 1983 not only transformed the face of Indian cricket but instilled in the minds of its followers the belief that its team can win against the best. The World Cup squad under Kapil Dev which had landed on English shores as rank underdogs went on to script a golden piece of history when it humbled and shocked two-time Cup winners, defending champions and then the most-feared side – the mighty West Indies in the final at Lords to return home as heroes. A relatively low score of 183 proved to be more than enough in the end when Mohinder Amarnath trapped last man Michael Holding in front of the wicket for the maiden title. Given India’s dismal track record in the previous two editions, little did anyone know then that a resourceful team of sedate and aggressive batsmen like Sunil Gavaskar, Krish Srikkanth, Sandeep Patil as well as genuine all-rounders like the captain Kapil himself, Amarnath, Ravi Shastri and Roger Binny would conjure up an unbelievable feat against the formidable favourites. Twenty-five years hence as the country gears up to honour these gentlemen – some of whom are now legends in their own right while some have literally become forgotten entities – and celebrate ‘the greatest triumph till date’, the euphoria may not be as intense as it was then but the legacy continues to inspire the current crop of cricketers and the upcoming talents. While the older generation recalls and relives the magical feat of ‘Kapil’s Devils’ in nostalgia, the next generation has the luxury of a complete team to look up to and emulate.The 1983 Cup triumph set a new trend. The world started respecting and recognising India as a force to reckon with. Another major feat was achieved two years later in Australia when it won the World Championship of Cricket under the able leadership of Sunil Gavaskar, which only bore testimony that the ’83 feat was no fluke but a superlative performance when it mattered. Winning soon became a habit albeit there were inconsistencies to follow later in the decade. Nevertheless, India acquired its rightful status, thanks to the ’83 feat. The bottomline of the famous triumph at the ‘Mecca of Cricket’ was that cricket which already was a game for the masses in the Indian context became a passion – an infectious craze that led people to the stadiums in large numbers while keeping millions glued in front of the television. With over a billion people, India today is a hub of the game which has acquired the status of a flourishing industry. Cricketers are no less than demi gods while the brands they endorse earn the loyalties of the consumer. The concept of T20 cricket and professional leagues like the IPL and ICL have become instant hits. In a way, cricket which has become a money-spinner is invariably playing the catalyst’s role in the Indian economy, thanks largely to its passionate followers who still regard the ’83 feat as the magic mantra behind the game’s elevation to a religion. SourcE: ASSAMTRIBUNE EDITORIAL