Verma ineligible to fight for BAI top post: Azhar

NEW DELHI: Projected as an outsider by the ruling camp, cricketer-turned-politician Mohammed Azharuddin on Thursday fired a salvo at Badminton Association of India president VK Verma, saying the BAI chief is not eligible for re-election and should gracefully walk away having played a "long innings".



Azhar referred to the Sports Ministry guidelines which fix the terms of a National Sports Federation president to 12 years and said it's time to go for Verma, having been at BAI's helm for as many years.



"Verma has not challenged the validity of the Government guidelines in any court of law and, as such, is bound by the same and ineligible for a re-election," Azhar said from Hyderabad.



"The government guidelines are binding on all. Even an Indian Olympic Association resolution (rejecting the guidelines) cannot nullify it. It is binding on every federation. Having been a government official himself, Verma should have known it better," Azhar said.



The Ministry guideline in question has the sports administrators up in arms, claiming it an infringement of their autonomy and the issue has now snowballed into a crisis with the International Olympic Committee set to discuss it later this month.



Verma not only refused to entertain a Government observer for the election but also claimed that BAI had become self-sufficient and would no more require government funding.



In such a backdrop, Sunday's BAI election in Chennai assumes even more importance and the involvement of Azhar, a former Indian cricket captain and a Congress MP from Moradabad, rendered it quite a high-profile poll for a rather low-profile federation.



The ruling camp questioned Azhar's eligibility to fight in the BAI election and doesn't even consider him a serious threat either but the former cricketer, working overtime to canvass support, promised to spring a surprise on Sunday.



"I can tell you that 30 out of the 35 voting units are aggrieved by Verma's action in his open defiance against the Government of India," said Azhar, whose seriousness to contest the election could be gauged from the fact that he cut short a parliamentary delegation's trip to Europe to return home and muster votes.



"Contrary to what others are saying, I'm optimistic about my prospects. I never harbour negative thoughts. I'm essentially a sportsman and I want to do something for badminton. I have no vested interest in BAI and all I want is to encourage the youth, do something for the youth. I don't know why people should have problems with a sportsperson wanting to join sports administrations.



"Come on, I have played cricket at the highest level and have a fair idea of international sports. People don't want me in because they have seats to cling on to.



"Verma had a long innings, he should be happy with that and move on. I don't think anyone can break his record," Azhar quipped.



One of country's most successful cricket captains and one of the most elegant batsmen of his era, Azhar also questioned Verma's decision not to take government fund.



"I don't believe this self-sufficient thing. The government has been funding all their trips for so many years and now all of a sudden he says BAI doesn't want government money.



"Even the Olympic Charter says federations should work in harmony with the government but here the BAI President is taking on the government. I don't know how federations would survive without government support," he said.



"I want to make it clear that I have nothing personal against anyone and all I want is to do something for badminton," he said.



Asked if he was finding it a tougher battle than winning the Lok Sabha seat from Moradabad, a philosophical Azhar said, "Everything is tough, nothing comes easy in life. You have to fight your way out and I'm doing that."



TOI

I will not disappoint the selectors: Tiwary

JAMSHEDPUR: Eagerly looking forward to making his debut for India, batsman Saurabh Tiwary, who has been picked for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, says just getting selected in the 15-man squad is "like a dream come true."

The flamboyant middle-order southpaw who replaces hard-hitter Yuvraj Singh, was well aware that he would have to perform in the tournament to prove his mettle and cement his place in the national squad.

"Obviously, there will be pressure on me and I am confident I will not disappoint the selectors, who have put faith in me", he said.

Tiwary, the second player in the national squad from Jharkhand after India captain MS Dhoni, was felicitated by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on his arrival on Wednesday night.

Tiwary, Jharkhand Ranji captain, said his consistent performance in IPL 3 drew the attention of the selectors, and added that he was also expecting a call for the tri-series held in Zimbabwe recently on the basis of his IPL performance.

Tiwary scored 419 runs for the Mumbai Indians in the last edition of IPL. Replying to a poser, Tiwary said statemate Dhoni is "a great cricketer" and he did not wish to be compared to him.

Earlier, Tiwary, accompanied by JSCA president Amitabh Choudhury, arrived at Keenan Stadium late in the evening. Sunil Tiwary, the cricketer's father, was also feliciated.

Tears rolled down Tiwary's eyes when he spotted his mentor Kajal Das, a former Coach of Jharkhand Ranji team and himself a hard-hitter in the state Ranji Trophy team.

Speaking on the occasion, Choudhury expressed confidence that Tiwary would earn laurels for the state as well as the country like Dhoni.

Later, Tiwary visited Tata Main Hospital to meet his friend, who sustained an injury in a road accident near Chandil.

Meanwhile, a large-number of cricket fans braved the rains and waited at the stadium to get a glimpse of Tiwary.

TOI

Amin to play with Tendulkar's bat on debu

LAHORE: Pakistan's rookie batsman Umar Amin is hoping to make a successful debut for his country at the upcoming Asia Cup by playing with a bat which belongs to iconic Indian Sachin Tendulkar.

The bat was gifted to 20-year old Amin by paceman Shoaib Akhtar after doing well in a domestic match last year.

"I got the bat for scoring a match winning innings in a domestic game and I still have it with me it is a treasured possession for me. I intend to make my debut for Pakistan with that bat," Amin, who plays for Rawalpindi, said.

The youngster has been a prolific scorer in domestic cricket and has also done well for the Pakistan under-19 and A teams. He recently scored a hundred against the England Lions team in the UAE.

Amin said being selected for Pakistan senior team was a dream come true and he was keen to make the most of this opportunity.

"It was a great occasion for me, my family and my friends when we learnt about my selection. But now the real test is to make my presence felt if I get a chance to play in the tournament," he said.

Amin said he was familiar with the Sri Lankan conditions having toured there with Pakistan's second string side.

Umar, who averages over 42 in first class cricket, was playing a T20 club match in his hometown of Rawalpindi when he heard of his selection in the squad.

"My mother called me up and told me that I have been selected in the Asia Cup Squad."

Amin said he was excited at the prospect of facing top international bowlers particularly spinners.

"It will be a challenge and I want to prove that I am ready for international cricket," he said.

Zimbabwe eye final upset, Lanka seek revenge

HARARE: Giant-killer Zimbabwe will hope to cap their fairytale campaign with yet another stunning display while revenge will be high on Sri Lanka's agenda in the final of the cricket tri-series on Wednesday.

Even though both India and Sri Lanka sent second-string squads for the low-profile tournament, few expected Zimbabwe to emerge as the table-topper with 13 points in their kitty.

The minnows twice beat India and both were comprehensive victories. As if to prove it was no fluke, they thumped Sri Lanka in yesterday's dead rubber as well to finish their league campaign with three victories from four outings.

Key to their fortune has been Brendan Taylor's sensational form that has already earned the opener three Man of the Match awards.

In Taylor, Zimbabwe have got a batsman who have the skill and the temperament to see them through.

Hamilton Masakadza, Chamu Chibhabha, Tatenda Taibu and Charles Coventry are no dud with the bat either and they would put their best foot forward tomorrow to lift the title they have come so close to.

There bowling has been a revelation as well, especially their battery of spin bowlers. The likes of Ray Price, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer have not only been accurate but also aggressive and the spirited support they got from the fielders made them all the more lethal.

In yesterday's match, Sri Lanka threatened to run away with the game when Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga added 122 runs in 20-odd overs. Utseya's double strike then unhinged the Lankans and the Zimbabwean eventually bowled them out for 236 inside 48 overs.

Sri Lanka, however, would do everything tomorrow to prevent a repeat.

Skipper Dilshan will particularly expect Dinesh Chandimal, who scored his maiden ODI century against India the other day, to come good tomorrow and underline his talent with another significant knock.

In the bowling department, onus would be on Thilan Thushara and Dilhara Fernando to provide the early breakthrough and remove Taylor at the earliest.

Teams (From):
Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan (captain), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chamara Kapugedera, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Chamara Silva, Thissira Perera.

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Andy Blignaut, Chamu Chibhabha, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Greg Lamb, Hamilton Masakadza, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Ed Rainsford, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya.

TOI

Sehwag continues to be number one Test batsman

STAFF WRITER 11:50 HRS IST

Dubai, June 8 (PTI) Flamboyant Virender Sehwag maintained his number one position in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen and India also held on to its top spot in the latest chart.

Sehwag is leading the list with 863 points and is followed by South Africa's Hashim Amla (842) and Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene (836).

Left-handed opener Gautam Gambhir (824) and batting great Sachin Tendulkar (805) are the other two Indian batsmen in top-10 at number six and seven positions respectively.

VVS Laxman (14) and Rahul Dravid (16) also had their rankings unchanged.

In the bowlers list, India have two players in the top-10 with paceman Zaheer Khan placed at number six followed by spinner Harbhajan Singh.

In the teams' list, India are at the top with 124 points followed by South Africa (120) and Australia (119).

Pawar admits to small stake in RCB

Former BCCI chief and current Union Minister Sharad Pawar has disclosed his links with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he owns a small percentage by way of having 51,000 shares in Vijay Mallya's United Spirits Limited (USL). The Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise is wholly owned by USL.

Pawar's links with City Corporation, who had bid unsuccessfully for the Pune franchise, had emerged via a report in the Times of India, upon which the Pawar family came out with strong statements denying their role or ownership of anything in the IPL.

Pawar, however, has a link with the Bangalore franchise, with the Pawars owning more than 51,000 shares (currently valued at about Rs. 6 crores) in USL, of which Royal Challengers Sports Private Ltd (RCSPL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Vijay Mallya, however, has defended Sharad Pawar, saying that USL was a public company and had lakhs of share-holders. He said it was absurd to connect the fact that Pawar had shares in USL with ownership of RCB, since by that logic every person who had a share in USL was an owner of RCB.

"It is absurd to say that Sharad Pawar owns any stake in the Royal Challengers Bangalore," Mallya told television channels. "USL has lakhs of subscribers, so are they all owners of RCB? By any yardstick does that seem feasible?"

The Pawars shareholding in USL, which is about 0.05 per cent of the company's equity came up through a merger of Baramati Grape Industries Ltd in 2006, where Pawar's family has a 'significant stake'. The Minister's brother is a director with USL.

The shares are largely held via Lap Finance and Consultancy Pvt Ltd, a family enterprise of the Pawars, which holds at least 13,950 shares of USL.

Lap Finance is fully owned by Sharad Pawar, his wife Pratibha and daughter Supriya Sule. Each of them holds one-third of the shares in the company.

© Cricbuzz

ICC says Sri Lanka World Cup venues on track

Sri Lanka's new venues for next year's World Cup are on track but the refurbishment of an existing stadium is behind schedule, the International Cricket Council said on Monday.

Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with India and Bangladesh, is set to stage 12 matches at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo and at the newly built grounds in Pallekele and Hambantota, outside the capital.

"With the exception of the Premadasa stadium, others are on track to play a few first-class and international matches before the tournament starts next February," ICC's structural engineer, Eugene van Vuuren, said.

Sri Lanka Cricket is spending around eight million dollars to renovate and re-lay the pitch at the Premadasa stadium, an existing international venue.

"Premadasa is a worry for me," added ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson at the end of a three-day inspection trip.

"I would like to get some games in to try out the pitch conditions before the big show next year." Of the two new stadiums, the 10-million dollar Pallekele stadium in the central district of Kandy has hosted an under-19 match.

The Suriyawewa Stadium in Hambantota, in the deep south, is due to play its maiden first-class domestic match in July.

The Suriyawewa Stadium will host its maiden international game when Sri Lanka play Canada in the World Cup on February 20. The other match at the venue is between Pakistan and Kenya on February 23.

There are few hotels in the coastal Hambantota area and the authorities plan to charter a cruise ship to be anchored offshore to accommodate fans.

Dhiraj Malhotra, the ICC's World Cup co-ordinator, said it was heartening that Sri Lanka was preparing three venues in the short space of a year.

"I don't see much of an issue with the Sri Lankan facilities, everything is slowly falling into shape," Malhotra said.

Officials said they were installing high-intensity floodlights to enable high-definition television broadcasts.

The 43-day tournament will be played across 13 venues in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and ends with the final on April 2 at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium.

Pakistan, the fourth Test-playing nation in South Asia, were removed as co-hosts due to security concerns in the volatile country.

England beat Bangladesh in final Test

Steven Finn took five wickets as England thrashed Bangladesh by an innings and 80 runs inside three days in the second Test to wrap up a 2-0 series victory at Old Trafford here on Sunday.

Bangladesh, following-on, were dismissed for 123 in 34.1 overs with fast bowler Finn taking five wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs.

James Anderson took three for 16 in 10 on his Lancashire home ground.

Defeat meant Bangladesh have now lost 34 of their 68 Tests by an innings.

Anderson and Finn combined to reduce Bangladesh, who'd suffered a dramatic collapse in Saturday's final session, to 37 for five in the 13th over.

Only Mohammad Mahmudullah, with 38, offered much resistance.

England, after rain meant no play was possible before lunch, saw captain Andrew Strauss enforce the follow-on.

Bangladesh, dismissed for 216 after losing all 10 first innings wickets after tea on Saturday, were still 203 runs behind England's 419.

In overcast conditions, their top order struggled against England's new ball pair on Sunday.

England captured the prize wicket of Tamim Iqbal, who'd made hundreds in his last two knocks, including 108 in the first innings of this match, when the left-hander was caught behind second ball for just two fending at a rising Anderson delivery. It was the first time in six innings against England that Tamim had failed to pass fifty.

Imrul Kayes, the Tigers' other left-handed opener, then fell hooking Finn for the second time in the match, with Test debutant Ajmal Shahzad once more taking a catch at long leg.

Junaid Siddique was then caught by Kevin Pietersen in the gully off Anderson and when Finn had Jahurul Islam edging through to wicketkeeper Matt Prior for nought, after trying to cut a lifting ball that was too close to him, Bangladesh were 21 for four off eight overs.

The 6ft 8in quick had taken two wickets for 12 runs in four overs, including two for three in seven balls.

Mohammad Ashraful off-drove Finn for four in textbook fashion.

However, his innings of 14 ended when he couldn't keep down an Anderson delivery that moved off the pitch and edged to Jonathan Trott at first slip.

Bangladesh were now 37 for five, with Anderson having taken three wickets for 10 runs in 6.2 overs.

And the Tigers were 39 for six when Yorkshire quick Shahzad bowled Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan between bat and pad.

But four byes, conceded by Prior - nursing a finger injury - off the bowling of off-spinner Graeme Swann gave Bangladesh the consolation of surpassing their record lowest Test innings score of 62 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2007. Mahmudullah several times hooked Finn to the boundary but, trying to repeat the stroke, he edged and was well caught by a leaping Prior to end a 52-ball innings featuring five fours.

Bangladesh were now 97 for eight and that became 119 for nine when Shafiul Islam was caught at first slip by Strauss off Finn.

And the match ended when Abdur Razzak holed out off Swann.

England's total saw Ian Bell make 128. Bell's third hundred in five Tests against Bangladesh took his average against the Tigers to 158.25.

Swann, with five wickets for 76 runs - his first five-wicket Test haul in England - did the bulk of the damage in Bangladesh's first innings, after they had been 153 for one.

Final scoreboard on the third day of the second Test between England and Bangladesh at Old Trafford here on Sunday:

England 1st Innings 419 (I Bell 128, M Prior 93, K Pietersen 64; Shakib Al Hasan 5-121)

Bangladesh 1st Innings 216 (Tamim Iqbal 108; G Swann 5-76, A Shahzad 3-45)

Bangladesh 2nd Innings

	Tamim Iqbal	c Prior	b Anderson	2
	Imrul Kayes	c Shahzad	b Finn	9
	Junaid Siddique	c Pietersen	b Anderson	6
	Mohammad Ashraful	c Trott	b Anderson	14
	Jahurul Islam	c Prior	b Finn	0
	Shakib Al Hasan	b Shahzad		1
	Mushfiqur Rahim	c sub (K Brown)	b Finn	13
	Mohammad Mahmudullah	c Prior	b Finn	38
	Abdur Razzak	c Morgan	b Swann	19
	Shafiul Islam	c Strauss	b Finn	4
	Shahadat Hossain	not out		4
	Extras	(b13)		13
	Total	(all out, 34.1 overs, 164 mins)		123

Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Tamim), 2-14 (Kayes), 3-18 (Siddique), 4-21 (Jahurul), 5-37 (Ashraful), 6-39 (Shakib), 7-76 (Rahim), 8-97 (Mahmudullah), 9-119 (Shafiul), 10-123 (Razzak)

Bowling: Anderson 10-3-16-3; Finn 10-2-42-5; Shahzad 7-2-18-1; Swann 7.1-0-34-1

England: Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wkt), Graeme Swann, Ajmal Shahzad, James Anderson, Steven Finn

Toss: England

Result: England won by an innings and 80 runs

Series: England win two-match series 2-0

Man-of-the-match: Ian Bell (ENG)

England man of the series: Steven Finn

Bangladesh man of the series: Tamim Iqbal

Previous Result

May 27-31: First Test, Lord's: England won by eight wickets

Umpires: Billy Bowden (NZL) and Asoka de Silva (SRI)

Match referee: Alan Hurst (AUS)

Tendulkar rested, Yuvraj dropped

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar will not be a part of India's Asia Cup squad, after it was reported that he requested the BCCI not to consider him for the tournament.

The other major announcement was the axing of Yuvraj Singh from the ODI squad. Yuvraj has displayed indifferent form and poor fitness levels in the recent past.

Tendulkar had sought a break to spend time with his children, while Yuvraj's ouster was on the cards after a series of disappointing performances in recent times.

"Sachin Tendulkar requested the Board not to consider him for the Asia Cup, as he wanted to spend time with his children, in view of the hectic cricket season ahead," Srinivasan said in a statement after the meeting.

The squad will be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who returns to take charge of the team.

Meanwhile, what will bring cheer to the Indian fans is the return of Virender Sehwag, who has recovered from his shoulder injury and forms part of the squad.

Also returning were Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Praveen Kumar and Ashish Nehra.

Amongst the surprise picks were Saurabh Tiwary and Ashok Dinda. While this the first time Tiwary has been picked, Dinda retained his place after being a part of the outfit that performed poorly in Zimbabwe. Dinesh Karthik and Yusuf Pathan are among the high profile names dropped from the side that went to Zimbabwe. Also axed was Murali Vijay who had a torrid outing, and Amit Mishra.

R Ashwin however retained his place after his good showing in the only match he played, along with Pragyan Ojha who had looked like the best spinner on view. They will partner Harbhajan in the spin department.

Squad: MS Dhoni (captain, wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Praveen Kumar, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha, R Ashwin, Saurabh Tiwary, Ashok Dinda.

Cricket tri-series: Sri Lanka opt to field against India

STAFF WRITER 12:18 HRS IST

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against India in the tri-series one-dayer here today.

Teams:

India: Suresh Raina (capt), Dinesh Karthik, Naman Ojha, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Ashok Dinda, Pragyan Ojha, Pankaj Singh.

Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suraj Randiv, Thissara Perera, Thilan Thushara.

Pakistan's Younus wins appeal against ban

Former Pakistan captain Younus Khan Saturday won his appeal against an indefinite ban and is now likely to be considered for the national team ahead of their England tour.

"The appeal of Younus against an indefinite ban is accepted and the order (punishment) is set aside," the arbitrator, retired justice Irfan Qadir, said in his order.

Younus was one of seven players who were banned or fined in March this year.

The penalties came after an inquiry committee investigated on and off-field problems during team's tours to the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Australia between November and February.

Younus and another former captain Mohammad Yousuf were handed indefinite bans over "infighting in the team which let the team down."

Younus was named in a preliminary squad of 35, subject to his clearance from the arbitrator, but was not selected in the 15-man Asia Cup squad announced on Thursday.

He is, however, likely to be considered for team's tour of England to be announced later.

Pakistan take part in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka from June 15-24. They will then play two Twenty20 and two Tests against Australia before playing hosts England in four Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 -- all in England.

The arbitrator last week lifted Shoaib Malik's one-year ban and reduced his two million rupees (24,000 dollars) fine to half.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) legal adviser Talib Rizvi confirmed Younus's appeal was accepted.

"The arbitrator has accepted Younus's appeal and the PCB will now complete the legal process," Rizvi told AFP.

The arbitrator also quashed the fine on current captain Shahid Afridi and reduced the fine on Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal.

"The appeals of Afridi, and Akmal brothers were also taken up and the arbitrator quashed the fine on Afridi and reduced the fines on Akmal brothers," said Rizvi.

Afridi was fined on charges of ball-tampering in a one-day match against Australia, while the Akmal brothers were punished for discipline violations.

Another former captain Yousuf, banned for an indefinite period, did not appeal, while all-rounder Rana Naved-ul-Hasan's appeal against a one-year ban and fine of two million rupees will be heard on June 19.

Cairns drags Modi to court

Cairns drags Modi to court

WELLINGTON, May 23: Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns has finally acted on his threat to sue Lalit Modi and has initiated legal action against the suspended IPL commissioner for suggesting that he was involved in match-fixing.

Cairns’ name was taken off the list of players auctioned in January for the third Indian Premier League and Modi, on his twitter page, had stated that the Kiwi was removed “due to his past record in match fixing.”

Furious with Modi, the all-rounder had threatened legal action at that time but has initiated it only now.

“We are trying to have Modi served with papers. We’re going through that process in India but it takes time to get through the court system. We’re waiting for him, though,” the 39-year-old told New Zealand Herald.

Kuznetsova eases into French Open second round

Kuznetsova eases into French Open second round

PARIS, May 23: Defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova reeled off 11 of the last 12 games to move into the French Open second round with a 6-3, 6-1 win against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Kuznetsova arrived in Paris having won just one claycourt match this season and was in trouble early on against her 20-year-old opponent who made the quarter-finals last year.

Kuznetsova was 1-3 down as Cirstea, the world number 34 who just missed out on a seeding, quickly settled into her rhythm on a sweltering spring day in Paris.

But the Russian, who had won the pair’s only other clash in the second round of the 2008 US Open, rattled off the next five games to claim the opener after 38 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Somdev Devvarman qualifies for French Open

Somdev Devvarman qualifies for French Open

PARIS, May 21: Somdev Devvarman became the first Indian in 13 years to qualify for the men’s singles event of the French Open after scoring a 6-4, 6-1 win over Adrian Mannarino.

It took sixth seed Somdev one hour and 25 minutes to quell the challenge of his French rival in the third and final round and seal one of the 16 main draw spots up for grab.

Leander Paes was the last Indian to play in men’s singles event of the French Open in 1997 when he made the second round of the clay court Grand Slam.

This is for the second time that Somdev has qualified for the men’s singles of a Grand Slam tournament. He first played in a tennis Major at the US Open last year and had reached second round.

SA pip West Indies by a run

SA pip West Indies by a run

NORTH SOUND, May 21: Ryan McLaren kept his nerve in a tense final over to help South Africa formalise a one-run victory over West Indies, and sweep their two-match Twenty20 International series on Thursday.

McLaren fired in a low full toss very wide of off stump, as West Indies, chasing a modest victory target of 121, required three from the final delivery of the match.

But he conceded just one run, after South African point fielder Jean-Paul Duminy swooped on the ball, when West Indies tail-ender Jerome Taylor essayed a slog at it, and it trickled 15 yards away.

South Africa also won the opening match on Wednesday by 13 runs at the same venue to take a psychological boost into the five One-day Internationals between the two sides, which open on Saturday at the VRCG.

Newcomer David Miller had battled to the top score of 33 from 26 balls, and Johan Botha made 23 from 22 balls to add some respectability to the Proteas’ total of 120 for seven from their 20 overs.

BCCI issues show-cause notices to errant players

BCCI issues show-cause notices to errant players

MUMBAI, May 18: The BCCI on Tuesday issued show cause notice to six cricketers, including star players Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, for their alleged involvement in a pub brawl after India’s humiliating exit from Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Besides Yuvraj and Zaheer, show cause notices were served to Ashish Nehra, Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja as well.

“Board secretary N Srinivasan signed the show cause notices served this afternoon,” a top BCCI source said.

Although details of the notices are not known, it is learnt that the players have been given seven days’ time to respond to the charge of getting involved in a pub brawl in St Lucia on May 11.

According to reports, six Indian cricketers were in the pub where the fans started taunting and abusing them for their failure to reach the semifinal and the cricketers reacted leading to the brawl.

Both Yuvraj and Nehra denied the brawl and even team manager Ranjib Biswal sought to play down the issue on his arrival from the West Indies.

But after Biswal submitted his report to BCCI President Shashank Manohar yesterday, its Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty told reporters that the Board had conducted an inquiry into the incident and decided to crack the whip on the errant players.

“We conducted an inquiry over the incident in the West Indies that was widely reported in the media. After considering all the information that we have gathered, the President took the decision that the Board Secretary will issue show cause notices to those players,” Shetty said. (PTI)

Shoaib opts spiritual treatment for knee pain

Shoaib opts spiritual treatment for knee pain

KARACHI, May 18: Eager to make a comeback to the national team, Pakistan’s controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has approached a spiritual healer for the treatment of his chronic knee pain, which could not be cured even after a major surgery in England last year. According to sources close to the bowler, Shoaib went to see a spiritual/faith healer in Karachi who specialises in treating people with orthopedic and muscular problems. A source said the healer has attributed the pain to a nerve being trapped inside the knee resulting in blockage of normal blood circulation. According to the source Shoaib had admitted taking injections regularly and medications to fight the pain. (PTI)

BCCI serves show cause notice to six cricketers

STAFF WRITER 15:4 HRS IST

Mumbai, May 18 (PTI) The BCCI today issued show cause notice to six cricketers, including star players Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, for their alleged involvement in a pub brawl after India's humiliating exit from Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Besides Yuvraj and Zaheer, show cause notices were served to Ashish Nehra, Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja as well.

"Board secretary N Srinivasan signed the show cause notices served this afternoon," a top BCCI source said.

Although details of the notices are not known, it is learnt that the players have been given seven days' time to respond to the charge of getting involved in a pub brawl in St Lucia on May 11.

According to reports, six Indian cricketers were in the pub where the fans started taunting and abusing them for their failure to reach the semi-final and the cricketers reacted leading to the brawl.

Azlan Shah Cup: India share title with South Korea

Azlan Shah Cup: India share title with South Korea

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 16: Defending champions India retained the Azlan Shah Cup hockey title, winning it for the fifth time, after they were declared joint winners with South Korea as heavy rains washed out the final on Sunday.

Only seven minutes of play was possible before rains came down heavily at the Azlan Shah Stadium. The teams were declared joint winners after over an hour following incessant rains.

“After discussions and consultations between Tournament Director Paul Richards, the organising committee, with the consent of His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah decided that India and Korea will be joint champions for the 19th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup,” the organisers said in a statement.

BCCI bigwigs to meet IMG officials today

BCCI bigwigs to meet IMG officials today

MUMBAI, May 16: The BCCI top brass will meet officials of the sports management firm IMG on Monday to seek details of the financial dealings during suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi’s tenure.

IMG conducts the Indian Premier League and recently hit the headlines for being part of Modi’s alleged plans of starting a rebel Twenty20 league in England.

The firm would be represented by its senior vice president Andrew Whiteblood and legal experts Paul Manning and John Loffhagen.