Gul''s ''honesty'' draws praise from Afridi, Mohsin

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 11:54 AM

Karachi, Apr 21 (PTI) Umar Gul''s decision to withdraw from Pakistan''s Twenty20 World Cup squad due to a shoulder injury has drawn praise from captain Shahid Afridi and chief selector Mohsin Khan, who feel the pacer has set a good precedent by being honest about his fitness. Mohsin and Afridi confirmed that Gul had informed them that he was not 100 per cent fit for the mega-event because of his shoulder injury. "It is a good gesture from a senior player and sets the right precedent for others to follow in future," Mohsin said. "Umar told us that he was not 100 per cent fit in the camp and required more time to gain his full rhythm and fitness and that we should consider including someone else in his place for the World Cup," the chief selector added. "I am 70 to 80 per cent fit at the moment but I do not think that is enough to play in an international event which demands 100 per cent fitness," Gul said. "Everyone including the coaching staff was keen to have me on the team considering the fact that my bowling was of some help during the previous two editions of the World Twenty20. Majority of the stakeholders believed that I can regain fitness in ten to fifteen days but that is something that was entirely based on hope." he said. Gul said he did not want to hurt the team''s chances by hanging on to his place despite not being fully fit. "It was a risk that I think the country and the team was not in a position to afford. I think you can only stake a claim when you feel you are in a position to deliver. I may be able to regain fitness or could never have been in a position to bowl a single delivery in West Indies . That would have been a blow to the team''s chances," Gul said. All-rounder Yasir Arafat was also ruled out of the World Cup because of a calf muscle injury and Muhammad Sami and left arm spinner Abdul Rehman were named replacements for the two unfit players in the Pakistan squad. The ICC World Cup technical committee yesterday approved the changes in the Pakistan team.

Source: Web Search

First off the block: ED registers case

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 11:50 AM

Mumbai, April 21 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday registered a case against the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to conduct an open inquiry into transfer of foreign funds The case was registered under a section that prohibits dealing in foreign exchange without the permission of the Reserve Bank of India. ED sources told HT the case was registered after it found strong indications of funds having been flowed from tax havens such as Mauritius and Cayman Islands. "We have not named anybody in the case, as the investigation would involve many people," an ED officer involved in the investigation said on condition of anonymity.

The agency's main focus will remain on one of the south India-based teams in which one of two union ministers, as reported first by HT on Monday, has made an investment.

Source: Web Search

Challenging time for MI

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 11:40 AM

Mumbai, April 20 -- The Indian Premier League has always been more than cricket. But thanks to last week's events, you may have started wondering whether it's everything else but cricket. In such a scenario, a cracker of a game can only stress that cricket remains the crux of the multi-million dollar league. And, we couldn't have asked for a better stage for one such affair - the first semifinal to be played between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. After the kind of start they had to their campaign in IPL-III, it wasn't surprising to see MI and RCB making it to the last four. What was startling, though, was to see the two squaring off in the penultimate round itself rather than in the grand finale. These two teams have emerged as the prime contenders for the title. While the Mumbai Indians maintained their terrific start to finish at the top of the league table, the RCB stuttered in the latter half to be in danger of missing the cut at one stage. However, with a net run-rate better than most contenders, Anil Kumble's men eventually scraped through to the semis with a fourth-place finish. An inconsistent bunch, the RCB would have cherished home support in a big match like Wednesday's. However, they will be deprived of it as both the semifinals, originally scheduled in Bangalore, were moved out after the twin blasts outside the stadium on April 17. The RCB, who still haven't figured out who their best-four overseas recruits are, wouldn't have minded playing at a neutral venue. But their woes have been compounded with the shifting of matches to Navi Mumbai, where hardly anyone among the 55,000-odd spectators is expected to cheer the men in red and golden yellow. The Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, opted to rest their key players in Monday's inconsequential tie against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

But that was more than a month ago. Can Kumble and Co. recreate that magic of March 20? Wait and watch.

Source: Web Search

First off the block: ED registers case

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 11:30 AM

Mumbai, April 21 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday registered a case against the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to conduct an open inquiry into transfer of foreign funds The case was registered under a section that prohibits dealing in foreign exchange without the permission of the Reserve Bank of India. ED sources told HT the case was registered after it found strong indications of funds having been flowed from tax havens such as Mauritius and Cayman Islands. "We have not named anybody in the case, as the investigation would involve many people," an ED officer involved in the investigation said on condition of anonymity.

The agency's main focus will remain on one of the south India-based teams in which one of two union ministers, as reported first by HT on Monday, has made an investment.

Source: Web Search

Challenging time for MI

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 11:20 AM

Mumbai, April 20 -- The Indian Premier League has always been more than cricket. But thanks to last week's events, you may have started wondering whether it's everything else but cricket. In such a scenario, a cracker of a game can only stress that cricket remains the crux of the multi-million dollar league. And, we couldn't have asked for a better stage for one such affair - the first semifinal to be played between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. After the kind of start they had to their campaign in IPL-III, it wasn't surprising to see MI and RCB making it to the last four. What was startling, though, was to see the two squaring off in the penultimate round itself rather than in the grand finale. These two teams have emerged as the prime contenders for the title. While the Mumbai Indians maintained their terrific start to finish at the top of the league table, the RCB stuttered in the latter half to be in danger of missing the cut at one stage. However, with a net run-rate better than most contenders, Anil Kumble's men eventually scraped through to the semis with a fourth-place finish. An inconsistent bunch, the RCB would have cherished home support in a big match like Wednesday's. However, they will be deprived of it as both the semifinals, originally scheduled in Bangalore, were moved out after the twin blasts outside the stadium on April 17. The RCB, who still haven't figured out who their best-four overseas recruits are, wouldn't have minded playing at a neutral venue. But their woes have been compounded with the shifting of matches to Navi Mumbai, where hardly anyone among the 55,000-odd spectators is expected to cheer the men in red and golden yellow. The Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, opted to rest their key players in Monday's inconsequential tie against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

But that was more than a month ago. Can Kumble and Co. recreate that magic of March 20? Wait and watch.

Source: Web Search

Tiger Woods, wife 'talking divorce daily'

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 11:10 AM

Washington, Apr 21 (ANI): Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren are talking daily now, however, the talk is mostly regarding divorce, say sources.

Nordegren has apparently been meeting intensively with her divorce lawyer, and is expected to file soon, it has emerged

A source close to the Swedish model told Pop Tarts that Nordegren is ready to end their five-and-a-half year marriage.

"Elin and Tiger have been talking daily now," said the source. "But it is mostly divorce talk."

Meanwhile, Woods has announced on his website that he will play the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina which takes place from April 26, 2010 until May 2, 2010. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

PCB stops Asif''s from playing county cricket

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 10:54 AM

Lahore, Apr 21 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board has stopped pacer Muhammad Asif from signing up for a short stint with English county Nottinghamshire, telling him to focus on national assignments instead. PCB Sources said Asif had approached Chairman Ejaz Butt for permission to sign the contract but was told to focus on his career with Pakistan. "Asif''s agents had arranged a short term contract for him with Nottinghamshire which needed him to play for them after the Twenty20 World Cup until the start of Pakistan''s Test series in England in July," one source said. But when Asif was close to signing the contract he was told he could not play for Nottinghamshire. "The reason we have decided against giving Asif permission to play in county cricket is because we want him to be fresh and super fit for the long tour to England. The selectors had genuine concerns there was a risk of Asif picking up an injury before Pakistan''s Test series starts in England," one source said. Asif, who has previously played for English county Leicestershire in 2006, was keen to play for Nottinghamshire as it would give him a chance to get used to English conditions before Pakistan''s Test series against Australia and England. The PCB recently included new clauses in the central contracts which specifically state that no player or his agent can enter into any contract with a foreign league without getting clearance from the Board. The PCB has also said that if a player was given permission to play in a foreign league, his contractual salary would be deducted for this period. The pacer said he was disappointed at not getting the permission to play for Nottinghamshire but it was not the end of the world. "I accept whatever decision the board takes because eventually it is for my well being and they just want to be sure I don''t develop any fitness problems playing in county cricket, I can understand that," Asif said. The PCB has not stopped other players from signing up for English counties including Rana Naved who is serving a 12 month ban from playing for the national team and Younus Khan who has been approached by Lancashire to play for them this season.

Source: Web Search

DDCA fumes over GMR

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 10:50 AM

Bangalore, April 20 -- IPL-III hasn't ended yet, and already one state association has begun to crib about how it was treated by an IPL franchise in the current season. The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), not the most unified house or happy bunch at the best of times, are extremely unhappy with their interactions with the GMR Group, who own the Delhi Daredevils, whose home ground is the Kotla. In a strongly worded letter sent to GMR, the IPL, IMG and the BCCI, a copy of which is with the Hindustan Times, DDCA treasurer Narinder Batra has slammed GMR. Batra has accused GMR officials of causing "deliberate unpleasant situations" at "the operational level" despite the fact that the GMR owners and DDCA top brass enjoyed a "cordial and healthy relationship." Batra says "serious issues" existed at the operational level and that "relations down the line are not transparent/cordial/healthy." Specific problems relate to certain matches, where GMR's private security officials and DDCA officials clashed, but Batra raises broader issues in his three-part letter that includes 12 demands on what GMR need to do immediately (restoring several areas to original condition, repairing bathrooms, returning keys"), 7 specific problem areas (not involving DDCA in meetings with the police, haphazard and unplanned use of power by hospitality vendors, improper demarcation of accreditation zones) and an 8-point list of suggestions that needed to be implemented before IPL-IV. Batra states the conduct of IPL-III in Delhi has been "a fairly unpleasant experience" and that there was "a feeling within DDCA that an effort has been made to belittle and humiliate the host association, by the franchisee officers of the Delhi Team." Batra adds that none of these issues were raised earlier and that his team of officials had co-operated with franchise officials "on the advice/instruction of the president (Arun Jaitley)". "Do they want a harmonious relationship or a bickering and unpleasant relationship?" asks Batra. "We once again leave it to the wise men in GMR/IMG/IPL to decide." While the hunt for wise men hasn't exactly sent people into a tizzy, GMR officials were confident the issues raised were minor and would be resolved. "We've always enjoyed a smooth working relationship with the DDCA, with whom we have a good understanding," said Amrit Mathur, Daredevils' CEO. "We've enjoyed the complete support of Mr Arun Jaitley and others down the line." Mathur conceded there were points to be discussed. "Every year, before the event is delivered, there are issues to sort out and things we sit down and discuss with the DDCA and agree upon. As in the past, we'll do this, going forward, and work with a good understanding."

Source: Web Search

IPL would feel the loss if Modi goes: Afridi

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 10:40 AM

Karachi, Apr 21 (PTI) Under-fire IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has found support from an unlikely quarter in Pakistan''s Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi, who feels the cash-awash event would be at loss if the man who launched it goes. "I don''t know what will happen tomorrow but I feel that if Modi goes then the IPL will feel his loss because he played a big part in conceiving it and launching it," Afridi said. Modi is facing an Income Tax Department probe for alleged financial irregularities and there is intense speculation that he would be either axed or asked to put in his papers in the IPL governing council meeting on April 26. Meanwhile, on his own chances of competing in the IPL in future, Afridi, who had felt insulted at being ignored by the franchisees this year, did not rule out the possibility in case of being approached. "I have not entirely ruled out the IPL, but my foremost criteria is that if we (Pakistani players) are shown the same respect as players from other countries then I can play in the IPL," he told ''Geo Super'' channel. Afridi was among the dozen Pakistani cricketers who were not bid for at the IPL players'' auction in February which led to strong protest from the Pakistan cricket community, Board and government. Afridi said what happened in the players auction was avoidable and unpleasant. "But one has to move on and the situation can change quickly and I have always believed that sports can play a big role in bridging gaps between Pakistan and India," he added. Afridi also spoke on the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies where Pakistan will defend its title. "I think we have a team that is capable of doing well even without key players. It is true we have lost leading players to the PCB punishments and to injuries but the replacement players are also good and they can deliver for the country," he said.

Source: Web Search

DDCA fumes over GMR

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 10:30 AM

Bangalore, April 20 -- IPL-III hasn't ended yet, and already one state association has begun to crib about how it was treated by an IPL franchise in the current season. The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), not the most unified house or happy bunch at the best of times, are extremely unhappy with their interactions with the GMR Group, who own the Delhi Daredevils, whose home ground is the Kotla. In a strongly worded letter sent to GMR, the IPL, IMG and the BCCI, a copy of which is with the Hindustan Times, DDCA treasurer Narinder Batra has slammed GMR. Batra has accused GMR officials of causing "deliberate unpleasant situations" at "the operational level" despite the fact that the GMR owners and DDCA top brass enjoyed a "cordial and healthy relationship." Batra says "serious issues" existed at the operational level and that "relations down the line are not transparent/cordial/healthy." Specific problems relate to certain matches, where GMR's private security officials and DDCA officials clashed, but Batra raises broader issues in his three-part letter that includes 12 demands on what GMR need to do immediately (restoring several areas to original condition, repairing bathrooms, returning keys"), 7 specific problem areas (not involving DDCA in meetings with the police, haphazard and unplanned use of power by hospitality vendors, improper demarcation of accreditation zones) and an 8-point list of suggestions that needed to be implemented before IPL-IV. Batra states the conduct of IPL-III in Delhi has been "a fairly unpleasant experience" and that there was "a feeling within DDCA that an effort has been made to belittle and humiliate the host association, by the franchisee officers of the Delhi Team." Batra adds that none of these issues were raised earlier and that his team of officials had co-operated with franchise officials "on the advice/instruction of the president (Arun Jaitley)". "Do they want a harmonious relationship or a bickering and unpleasant relationship?" asks Batra. "We once again leave it to the wise men in GMR/IMG/IPL to decide." While the hunt for wise men hasn't exactly sent people into a tizzy, GMR officials were confident the issues raised were minor and would be resolved. "We've always enjoyed a smooth working relationship with the DDCA, with whom we have a good understanding," said Amrit Mathur, Daredevils' CEO. "We've enjoyed the complete support of Mr Arun Jaitley and others down the line." Mathur conceded there were points to be discussed. "Every year, before the event is delivered, there are issues to sort out and things we sit down and discuss with the DDCA and agree upon. As in the past, we'll do this, going forward, and work with a good understanding."

Source: Web Search

'Don't read too much into loss against KKR'

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 10:24 AM

Mumbai, April 20 -- In a tournament where a team has had to play almost three games a week, there has been an overkill of the "importance of momentum" in each of the IPL editions. The Mumbai Indians head coach Robin Singh, who himself had stressed that "this tournament is all about momentum" in the first week of IPL-III, made a U-turn though, while justifying MI's decision to rest their core group during Monday night's clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders. While the rest of the team flew to Kolkata from Bangalore after Saturday night's game, five key players - Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard - returned to Mumbai for a couple of days' rest. "It was just a one-off game which we could afford to lose," Singh said before the Mumbai Indians' semifinal against Bangalore. "We wanted to give everyone a chance before the end of the league stage. It also gave some of the key players a chance to rest." While Singh emphasised that the last two games will have very little bearing on Wednesday's semifinal, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Anil Kumble tried his best to put MI under pressure. With the experience of having led Bangalore in last year's final, Kumble hinted that his side has an advantage as Mumbai Indians are playing their maiden IPL semifinal. "We have played in the semifinal before, so we carry that experience," Kumble said. "It's not easy to be consistent over a period of six weeks. To qualify, you need to win seven games, this time seven games but (usually) at least eight games. For us, we want to go out and express ourselves. It's a short tournament from here on. It's like you win two games and you win the tournament. We are aware of that, as well as of the responsibilities and the pressures."

Anil Kumble was an exception on Tuesday evening. "I don't think I can say much. What concerns us is what happens on the field. As cricketers, as players, we have to ensure that we play to our potential, give our best and ensure that we play good cricket out there."

Source: Web Search

Gentle giant ready to rise to the occasion

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 10:20 AM

When the 6 feet 5 inch burly West Indian Kieron Pollard joined the Mumbai Indians at the start of the IPL III, the youngsters in the dressing room were overawed by his intimidating presence. But they soon discovered the friendly side of gentle giant, who happens to be the most popular foreign player in the Mumbai Indians squad.

This also has to do with the fact that the all-rounder has played a big role in the team's cakewalk into the semi-finals. After failing to be among runs in the early games, questions were asked about his form. But soon the Trinidadian played a knock that change it all.

He took only six balls against the Delhi Daredevils to bring back memories of his blistering innings in the Champions League that had got Mumbai interested in him.

In the next match, Pollard fired a seven ball-20 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on their home ground to get right into the form expected off the most expensive player in the tournament.

With Pollard batting lower down the order, the problem of quick runs in the later stages has been solved. The West Indian says that it was the backing of his team when he was out of form, that helped him to find his feet. "There was no pressure. I have the confidence to go out there and do it, so hats off to the team management for sticking by me," Pollard had said after his match-winning 13-ball 45 against Delhi.

Unlike his compatriot Dwayne Bravo, Pollard keeps to himself and is a man of few words. "He never talks when he is in the dug-out and remains focused. No one disturbs him," says a youngster in the side.

Pollard had confessed during a net session about how desperate he was to get his form back after the millions of dollars that was spent to buy him.

Would batting high up the order have made the difference or does he want to bat at his usual position of six-seven? "Batting early or batting late doesn't really matter to me - once the team is winning and I am contributing or whatever contribution I can make is enough for me. Getting more strike doesn't matter to me," he remarked.

Source: Web Search

Anand reaches Sofia to defend world title

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 10:10 AM

World champion Viswanathan Anand on Tuesday reached Sofia after a strenuous 40-hour road journey from Germany for his World Championship clash with Bulgaria's Veselin Topalov.

The 40-year old world champion had requested to postpone the game by three days but his appeal was rejected by the organising committee. The tiring journey could give Topalov a significant advantage in the clash.

Anand might miss the scheduled press conference but will attend the opening ceremony, according to his wife and manager Aruna Anand. "The news from us is that we reached here safely," Aruna said.

The committee had said they could postpone the opening ceremony on April 21 at 6 pm as invitations to all official guests, sponsors, politicians, TV stations and the media were already sent and many commercial contracts signed with serious penalties if any changes is made. The first of the 14 games will begin on April 23.

Source: Web Search

National interschool golf tournament tees off

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 09:22 AM

New Delhi, April 20 -- The first National Interschool Golf Tournament teed off at the Qutab Golf Course on Tuesday with 160 kids from 47 schools across the county participating in the event. The event is sanctioned by the Indian Golf Union. The event focusses on golf at school level and encourages introduction of the sport as a mainstream discipline. Juniors like Gauri Monga and Shreya Ghei are among the participants in the tournament that would be played over 36 holes with no cut. The youngest participant is six years old.

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