'Gentleman' Woods adds two more tournaments to playing schedule

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 12:08 PM

New York, Apr 22 (ANI): Ace golfer Tiger Woods will be participating in two more tournaments after returning to golf at the Augusta Masters earlier this month following his five-month layoff due to his extra marital affair expose.

Woods gave PGA Tour officials' early notice of his intention to compete in the Players Championship at Sawgrass, Florida, in three weeks' time.

The World No1 also added to his schedule the AT and T National, which benefits his foundation.

In doing so, Woods once again beat the registration deadline, something he almost never did in the years prior to his image-shattering sex scandal, the Daily News reports.

Last week, Woods committed to play the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte, which begins on April 29. His commitment to the Players Championship, starting May 6, was nine days ahead of the deadline, the paper said

In recent years, Woods had waited until the final days or even up until the last moment before deadlines to commit to tournaments, but his early assurances will allow these tournaments extra time to promote his appearance, as well as to prepare to host extra fans and hire extra security, it added.

"We are thrilled to add Tiger Woods to the Players Championship and really appreciate the fact that he gave us advance notice so we can generate additional excitement here in the community," Jay Monahan, the tournament's executive director, said in a statement. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

IPL row: I-T targets teams, players

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 11:22 AM

New Delhi, April 21 -- Tax officials searched offices of four Indian Premier League (IPL) teams and broadcasters on Wednesday amid allegations of financial irregularities and murky dealings as the controversy-scarred tournament's first semis got underway in Mumbai. The operation, dubbed in simple terms as a "survey", was part of a pincer attack in which Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials are separately chasing foreign exchange law violations in a maze of transactions linking tax havens to mysterious stakeholders in some teams. Taxmen searched cupboards and sifted through papers and data stored in computers in the offices of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai, Deccan Chargers (DC) in Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab (KP) in Chandigarh. I-T department sources said the IPL franchisees will have to furnish complete information on salaries and perks paid to players over the last three years, effectively bringing players and their incomes under the ambit of the probe. Tax department officials told HT the surveys were being carried out to collect information on team shareholding, funding patterns and balance sheets. The department had carried out a similar survey at the IPL headquarters in Mumbai last week. "Some information was not available with the IPL and that is why these surveys are being conducted," an I-T department official told HT. The department has asked IPL boss Lalit Modi to appear before it on Friday and furnish details of team ownership, auctions and balance sheets. Earlier in the day, the department "raided" the premises of Multi-Screen Media (MSM) in suburban Malad, telecasting agency of IPL; World Sports Group (WSG), marketing agency of IPL; International Management Group (IMG), the organising agency; and the Bandra house of Venu Nair, CEO of WSG. "The tax officials requested details of the contractual arrangements in relation to the BCCI and IPL and WSG cooperated fully with the officers and will continue to do so," said a WSG statement. There are allegations that MSM had paid a "facilitation fee" of $80 million (about Rs 368 crore) to an offshore Mauritius based company of WSG. In Kolkata, tax sleuths carried out surveys at KKR's offices in Eden Gardens and also the team hotel. I-T officers believed that the amount of Rs 2 crore given to the CAB as the first instalment for organising the matches at Eden, had transactions going back to Mauritius.

BCCI secretary N Srinivasan is the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements. The ED has registered a case against IPL after it received preliminary information that foreign funds without permission of RBI might have trickled in, sources said.

Source: Web Search

Injury won't floor Sachin in IPL

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 11:18 AM

Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar, who today suffered an injury on his right hand in their semifinal win over Royal Challengers Bangalore, said he is hoping to play in the summit clash of the IPL on April 25 here.

Tendulkar, IPL III's top run getter, suffered a right hand webbing split while taking a dropped catch of Dravid in the fourth over and he did not field after that during Bangalore's run chase.

"My right hand is not too great. Split my webbing and got five stitches. But hopefully I will recover for the final," Tendulkar said after Mumbai thumped Bangalore by 35 runs in the first semifinal to storm into their maiden IPL final at DY Patil Stadium.

Tendulkar was all praise for Saurabh Tiwary (52 not out) and Ambati Rayudu (40) who began a splendid Mumbai recovery before Kieron Pollard's late onslaught to take Mumbai score to 184 for five.

"Fantastic performance. Rayudu and Saurabh's performance was great, mental strength, shot selection, everything. And then final burst from Pollard, it was exceptional. And then we bowled really well. Pollard is getting bigger and bigger, and his hits are getting farther and farther," he added.

Bangalore captain Anil Kumble blamed the loss to the runs galore his side conceded in the last five overs.

"We conceded 77 runs in the last five overs of Mumbai batting, it was too much. I also conceded runs in my last spell. But we were in the game till the ninth over of our run chase. We were 80 for two in the ninth over but we lost two wickets in two balls, that did us in," he said.

"It was disappointing not to have reached the final. The only consolation is we can still qualify for the Champions League Twenty20 (by winning the third-place play-off on April 24)," he added.

Man-of-the-match Kieron Pollard, who was limping while batting but bowled exceptionally well later to take 3/17, said he would be fit for the final.

"After running the first two runs, I twinged my knee. But it feels good now, and hopefully I should be fit for the final," he said.

"Thanks to the team and the management for sticking with me. I know my role was to go in and up the run-rate. I think I did that and then take a couple of wickets," added the West Indian.

Source: Web Search

I-T Dept targets IPL teams, players

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 11:08 AM

New Delhi, April 21 -- Tax officials searched offices of four Indian Premier League (IPL) teams and broadcasters on Wednesday amid allegations of financial irregularities and murky dealings as the controversy-scarred tournament's first semis got underway in Mumbai. The operation, dubbed in simple terms as a "survey", was part of a pincer attack in which Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials are separately chasing foreign exchange law violations in a maze of transactions linking tax havens to mysterious stakeholders in some teams. Taxmen searched cupboards and sifted through papers and data stored in computers in the offices of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai, Deccan Chargers (DC) in Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab (KP) in Chandigarh. I-T department sources said the IPL franchisees will have to furnish complete information on salaries and perks paid to players over the last three years, effectively bringing players and their incomes under the ambit of the probe. Tax department officials told HT the surveys were being carried out to collect information on team shareholding, funding patterns and balance sheets. The department had carried out a similar survey at the IPL headquarters in Mumbai last week. "Some information was not available with the IPL and that is why these surveys are being conducted," an I-T department official told HT. The department has asked IPL boss Lalit Modi to appear before it on Friday and furnish details of team ownership, auctions and balance sheets. Earlier in the day, the department "raided" the premises of Multi-Screen Media (MSM) in suburban Malad, telecasting agency of IPL; World Sports Group (WSG), marketing agency of IPL; International Management Group (IMG), the organising agency; and the Bandra house of Venu Nair, CEO of WSG. "The tax officials requested details of the contractual arrangements in relation to the BCCI and IPL and WSG cooperated fully with the officers and will continue to do so," said a WSG statement. There are allegations that MSM had paid a "facilitation fee" of $80 million (about Rs 368 crore) to an offshore Mauritius based company of WSG. In Kolkata, tax sleuths carried out surveys at KKR's offices in Eden Gardens and also the team hotel. I-T officers believed that the amount of Rs 2 crore given to the CAB as the first instalment for organising the matches at Eden, had transactions going back to Mauritius. Similar searches were carried out at the premises of Deccan Chargers Sporting Ventures Limited Sporting company. In Chennai, investigators surveyed the office of CSK owned by India Cements.

Source: Web Search

Mumbai Indians thrash Bangalore by 35 runs, storm into IPL final

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 10:52 AM

Mumbai, April 22 -- Saurabh Tiwary starred with yet another sterling performance with the bat for the Mumbai Indians. But the highlight of the Mumbai team's maiden knockout game in the Indian Premier League was the battle between two KPs - Kevin Pietersen and Kieron Pollard. Pollard, the Mumbai Indians' all-rounder, dazzled in all three departments to outshine the Royal Challengers Bangalore's Pietersen and lead MI to their maiden IPL final with a 35-run victory. With this win, the Mumbai Indians become the first IPL team to secure a spot in the Champions League. Ever before the teams arrived at the DY Patil Stadium for warm-up sessions on Wednesday evening, one sensed that the winner of the battle between the two KPs would determine the winner. It was the senior KP -Pietersen - who first made an impression on the game, surprisingly with the ball. Sensing the pitch had something in it for the tweakers, RCB skipper, Anil Kumble, threw the ball to Pietersen after the eighth over and the offie struck off his second ball. Pietersen got rid of southpaw Abhishek Nayar, who was looking set to make optimum use of being promoted to No. 3. The Englishman then stuck to his line and length and restricted the MI batsmen to concede just five runs an over during his four-over spell. Mumbai Indians' Pollard took the crease with 14 balls remaining in their innings. Pollard faced all but one of those deliveries, scoring 33 runs that made the difference in the end. His three powerful strikes over the fence elevated MI's total from 160s to 184 for five. If RCB were to become the first team to feature in successive IPL finals, the senior KP had to replicate his junior's heroics with the willow. However, Pietersen was flummoxed by Harbhajan SIngh and wicketkeeper Ambati Rayudu collected the ball that was spinning away from him down the leg side and clipped the bails to give MI the decisive edge. Minutes later, just as Robin Uthappa had started unleashing his power, MI's KP was at it yet again. Uthappa mistimed a pull off a short one from Pollard and was caught by Shikhar Dhawan at deep midwicket to help MI put one foot in the final.

Source: Web Search

Broadcasters face the music now

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 10:48 AM

The source of funds for broadcast rights, financial transactions in last three years and the details of promoters and directors of IPL broadcasting partners - Multi Screen Media (also known as Sony Entertainment TV) and World Sports Group (WSG) - on Wednesday came under the scanner of the income tax and enforcement directorate.

IT officials and the enforcement directorate visited Mumbai offices of MSM and WSG on Wednesday as part of their investigations on IPL. The IPL broadcast partners came under the scanner after reports of 'facilitation fees' of around $80 million paid by them to IPL for the renegotiated deal surfaced. MSM holds the broadcast rights for IPL till 2017 while WSG Mauritius has the global rights for audio and visuals of IPL till 2017. BCCI had awarded a renegotiated contract to WSG-MSM in March last year for a reported sum of Rs 8,200 crore for 2009-2017 after Lalit Modi had terminated the MSM's contract over delayed payments. The matter was settled in favour of WSG-MSM combine after a brief court battle in March, 2009.

The focus of investigations, according to sources in the enforcement directorate is on WSG Mauritius office, the IT returns filed by WSG India, MSM and the details of earnings from IPL in 2008, 2009 and the current year. Also, the government agencies are trying to unearth any financial benefits or direct, indirect earnings that Modi may have received from the two broadcasting partners last year. This is significant because broadcast rights contribute over 55% earnings of franchise teams and around 40% to IPL. Senior officials said the source of funding for the telecast rights of IPL and routing of money to IPL via Mauritius will also be probed. According to industry sources, WSG Mauritius is actually paying the broadcast fees of IPL by routing it through the overseas affiliates established in Mauritius and other international tax heavens. Curiously, MSM India's majority shareholders are also based in Mauritius. The two Mauritius based Sony Picture group company-SPE Mauritius Holdings and SPE Mauritius Investments hold close to 62% in MSM India while one-third shares are held by an investment vehicle Atlas Equifin based in Mumbai. The Mauritian angle of both WSG and MSM India is what that has evoked the interest of probing government agencies, highly placed sources said. "It is but natural that most franchise owners in IPL are coming out in support of Modi. The main source of income for them is broadcast revenue," a senior official in RoC said.

According to insiders, SET Max, which paid Rs 220 crore in 2008 for IPL-1, will now be paying a little under Rs 500 crore per IPL as broadcast fees to WSG which in turn will pay the IPL. MSM is likely to pay its broadcast rights fees in four installments, two of which have already been paid. "SET Max has already raked in around 750 crore in advertising revenue for IPL-3. After its dues and operational costs, it may make a neat profit in excess of Rs 100 crore," an industry insider said requesting anonymity.

However, since 2009 broadcasting experts have put a question-mark on the size of the WSG-MSM deal. After a brief court battle, MSM managed to re-negotiate the contract by allegedly paying felicitation fees of $80 million.

Source: Web Search

IPL? Let's get real

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 10:38 AM

India, April 21 -- So, Shashi Tharoor has gone. Lalit Modi may follow. Or not. Cricket's great jamboree may be cleaned up. Or not. Does it matter so much? The Indian Premier League (IPL) brouhaha could not have come at a worse time. India was, finally, if reluctantly, starting to focus on long-festering-but-urgent issues that prevent this country from being a just, equitable democracy. As Tharoor and Modi self-destructed, the circus around them diverted all attention from the perfect storm gathering over India. The tempest is a melange of enduring destitution, growing violence and environmental disaster. The ominous acceleration in these issues, interlinked more than ever, requires urgent national discussions, broad consensus and a grand vision. If you were not following the poverty debate unfolding between the top echelons of government and a small band of powerful civil-society activists last week, you might wonder how India agreed, almost overnight, to add 100 million to the 300 million people who live below the official poverty line (the ability of a person to spend Rs 17 per day in urban areas and Rs 12 in rural areas). With pressure growing from UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to recognise hunger and poverty as national issues, the government and its Planning Commission - the body that sets the poverty line - set about reviewing the absurd figure of less than 300 million poor Indians, eligible for benefits from a slew of social-security programmes, which, theoretically, run from cradle to grave. The new figure of 400 million poor may sound like a lot in a country of 1.1 billion, but every expert will tell you this is a gross underestimation. If you were to raise the poverty line to $2 a day - or Rs 90, inadequate for a coffee at a five-star hotel - the number of poor would cross 800 million. That's how poor India really is. These figures are contentious because they determine what the government will spend on social-security programmes. So, there's a split in the Planning Commission. Those opposed to increasing the number of poor say the money needed for them will ruin the government's effort to rein in India's already huge fiscal deficit, which soared by 24 per cent to Rs 414,000 crore in 2009-10. (Largely because of the Rs 248,000 crore fiscal stimulus). Their argument: the poor will benefit eventually when the benefits of progress trickle down. Those in favour of recognising more poor people say India's hunger and poverty are a national shame, and it is imperative to spend more money on social-security programmes, including food subsidies. Their argument: if you give sops to industry and other pressure groups why can't you do the same for the millions who can influence nothing? Consider what the IPL gets: entertainment-tax concessions (in Maharashtra); public security forces at a discount; and its income-tax dues haven't even been assessed in three years. With Supreme Court commissioners Harsh Mander and N.C. Saxena - both former bureaucrats in the action-now camp advising the highest court on hunger issues - tipped to be on Gandhi's newly-revived National Advisory Council, the government is, for once, listening. That's how Kavita Srivastava of the dogged Right-to-Food campaign got a call from the Prime Minister's Office on Monday asking what she opposed about the new poverty line. In another age, people like Srivastava would be ignored and reviled, much like Medha Patkar, the big-dam objector, once was. As this newspaper's 'Tracking Hunger' campaign shows, deprivation is endemic, exacerbated by a looming collapse of India's social-security network. Since March 24, when the series began, my colleagues found: children eating mud to quell hunger in Jawaharlal Nehru's old constituency in Uttar Pradesh, mass migrations and slow-malnutrition deaths of men and women in their 30s and 40s in Bolangir, Orissa, children eating wild berries and red ants in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district, children with distended bellies caused by disease and malnutrition lanced through their stomachs with red-hot rods - a tribal superstition meant to make them well. You can read these horror stories and the complex issues facing India at www.hindustantimes.com/trackinghunger. Linked to this widening collapse of governance is the inexorable rise of the Maoists, who will again exploit our short attention span as they spur the rebellion with greater confidence and cunning. On Tuesday, emboldened by the slaughter of 76 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers in an April 6 ambush in central India, the rebels launched heavy frontal attacks on CRPF camps in Chhattisgarh. In Bengal, the Maoists have successfully taken over the administration of a State school, ensuring it does not fall into decay. The government considered drones and new approaches to confronting the Maoists only after the April 6 ambush. If the IPL or the next empty scandal grabs our eyeballs, the public pressure needed to keep India focussed will rapidly evaporate. Hunger and Maoist violence are not unique to - but are largely centred on - India's tribal lands, once home to the nation's densest forests, systematically exploited by local governments, officials and private interests. With the State in retreat, it's no surprise that the national animal is fading from sight. The tiger's decimation - 1,000 or less may be left - is so acute that the prime minister this week appealed to states for an extraordinary effort to save the predator that serves as a barometer for not just the health of the nation's natural wealth but also of grassroots governance.

Let's talk - when we tear ourselves away from the IPL.

Source: Web Search

Nation-wide raid on offices of IPL franchisees

Published Thu, Apr 22 10 10:22 AM

New Delhi, April 21 -- In a nation-wide raid, Income Tax sleuths on Wednesday swooped down on the offices of IPL franchisees Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers and Kings XI and also on companies handling the broadcast rights of the cash-rich cricket League. Income Tax authorities broad-based its probe into the alleged financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League surveying offices and looking into documents in tandem with the Enforcement Directorate(ED) investigating the routing of funds from tax havens into the three-year-old league. The surveys were continuing. The searches signalled a tense build-up to the expected showdown between embattled IPL chief Lalit Modi who is under pressure to resign and his detractors in the BCCI ahead of the April 26 meeting of the IPL's Governing Council. Summons were issued to the BCCI by the Income Tax authorities to furnish complete details of all eight original IPL franchisees. The ED registered a case against IPL-the first- under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to inquire into unauthorised transfer of foreign funds, Directorate sources said. In Kolkata, a seven-member team of Tax officials surveyed the offices of Bollywood star Sharukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders and Cricket Association of Bengal. There were simultaneous searches on the offices of the Red Chillies Entertainment which owns KKR at the Eden gardens and then on Gameplan, a sports management group which looks after KKR's affairs on Shakespeare Sarani. In Chennai, Tax sleuths today surveyed the office of CSK owned by India Cements. BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan is the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements. In Secunderabad, an IT team visited the office premises of Deccan Chargers Sporting Ventures limited. "Our investigation team was there in the Deccan Chargers office," an IT official said. Company officials denied any searches or raids. IT officials also went for a survey of the Kings XI office in Gurgaon, sources said. In Mumbai, the IT department searched the premises of companies associated with the IPL in the wake of allegations that telecasting agency Multi Screen Media had paid a facilitation fee of USD 80 million to marketing agency World Sports Group. The searches were conducted at the office premises of Multi-Screen Media (MSM) in suburban Malad, the telecasting agency of IPL, World Sports Group (WSG), the marketing agency of IPL, International Management Group (IMG), the organising agency, and the Bandra house ofVenu Nair, CEO of WSG. The raids are related to a "facilitation fee" of USD 80 million paid by MSM (formerly Sony Entertainment Television) to WSG, a source close to the development said. "The Tax officials requested details of the contractual arrangements in relation to the BCCI and IPL and WSG cooperated fully with the investigating officers and will continue to do so," a WSG statement said.

There have been reports that funds from tax havens like Mauritius have been pumped into the league by various franchisees in violation of FEMA provisions.

Source: Web Search

No Tiger model for teenage sensation Stackhouse

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 10:08 AM

While flattered by suggestions she could be the "next Tiger Woods", teenage sensation Mariah Stackhouse has no desire to live up to comparisons as she carves out her own unique path to glory.

The 16-year-old American got her first taste of the LPGA Tour when she competed in the made-for-television Mojo 6 tournament in Jamaica last week and has set her sights on turning professional after she finishes university.

"I'm sure it's a compliment because we all know that Tiger is a major force in golf," Stackhouse told Reuters.

"But I have to develop myself as Mariah Stackhouse. Tiger is a great golfer but I don't want to model myself too much after anyone else because then you're trying to get to a level where they're at and you never know what you can achieve.

"Tiger has done great but I want to see how far Mariah can go."

Stackhouse has already established herself as one of the top junior golfers in the United States and she made a significant impression last week on LPGA veteran Cristie Kerr.

"She's got a terrific short game and she's a good putter," Kerr told Reuters, having beaten Stackhouse by 4-? points to 2-? in their six-hole match in the LPGA-sanctioned event at Cinnamon Hill in Jamaica.

"She needs to get longer (off the tee) but she's only 16. If she were to gain 20 yards or so, she would be competitive on the Tour. Everybody (in Jamaica) was very impressed by her."

World number six Kerr, whose 12 LPGA titles include the 2007 U.S. Women's Open, felt dubbing Stackhouse as the "next Tiger Woods" was unfair.

UNFAIR COMPARISON

"When Tiger was 15, he was winning the U.S. amateur," the 32-year-old American said. "She is exposed to all this (hype) but I don't think it's a fair comparison that she is going to be the female Tiger Woods.

"However she certainly has a lot of potential and if she were to get a little bit longer and get more experience, she could have a very bright future on the LPGA."

Stackhouse lost her other first-round matches last week by the same score to world number four Suzann Pettersen of Norway and American Amanda Blumenherst but relished the experience.

"It was amazing and a great opportunity for me," she said in a telephone interview from her home in Georgia. "It was an experience to see how they played and, if I want to get to that point, how I need to turn myself in their direction."

A sophomore at North Clayton High School with a love of science, Stackhouse wants to major in business management when she continues her golfing development at university.

"When you play college golf, it takes up a lot of your time so you're going to have to have good study habits," she said. "Right now, I want to learn as much as I can at high school so that when I go to college I will be well prepared."

As for her golfing hopes and dreams?

"In college, I want to develop myself to the point where I am playing consistently," said Stackhouse who won the Georgia state women's match play championship at 13 and the women's state amateur title at 14.

"If I graduate from college and I feel I have prepared myself well enough, that is definitely the time that I want to try professional golf. That's the aim of my life right now."

Source: Web Search

Anand gets relief as 1st round is deferred

Published>Thu, Apr 22 10 09:52 AM

Mumbai, April 22 -- With the Bulgarian Organising Committee for the World Chess Championship unrelenting, the sport's world governing body stepped in on Wednesday and ordered a one-day delay in the start of the first round game between World champion Viswanathan Anand and challenger Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Though the local organisers rejected the three days' time sought by Anand, FIDE vice-president and supervisor for this match, Georgios Makropoulos, decided to reschedule the first round after consulting the FIDE president and presidential board.

Source: Web Search

Reaction to death of former IOC president Samaranch

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 08:48 PM

Reaction to the death of former International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch, who died at the age of 89 on Wednesday.

* IOC president Jacques Rogge, who succeeded Samaranch in 2001:

"I am personally deeply saddened by the death of the man who built up the Olympic Games of the modern era, a man who inspired me and whose knowledge of sport was truly exceptional.

"Thanks to his extraordinary vision and talent, Samaranch was the architect of a strong and unified Olympic movement.

"I can only pay tribute to his tremendous achievements and legacy and praise his genuine devotion to the Olympic movement and its values."

* International Association of Athletics Federations president Lamine Diack.

"I was very sad to hear about the death of Juan Antonio Samaranch, a man who I have no hesitation in describing as the man who transformed the modern Olympic movement into what it has become today.

"But as well as his unique devotion to the Olympic movement and its values, I will never forget the deep respect and passion that Juan Antonio showed for the sport of athletics. At each Olympics, and every edition of our world championships up until Berlin 2009, Juan Antonio would take his place in the tribune to follow the athletics with enthusiasm and an expert's eye."

* London 2012 Organising Committee chairman and double Olympic 1,500 metres champion Sebastian Coe.

"I have lost a friend, one that moulded my path through sport from my early 20s, and the world has lost an inspirational man. A man that challenged us all to fight for sport, its primacy and its autonomy, a fight he led fearlessly from the front creating an extraordinary sporting movement that reaches millions of people around the world. He was quite simply the most intuitive leader I have ever met."

* Spanish Olympic Committee president Alejandro Blanco.

"Today, a universal Spaniard has passed away who left a legacy of sport, a legacy of values and a legacy of peace which will be difficult to surpass.

"We will not see a figure like Juan Antonio Samaranch again, no country will."

* IOC vice-president Thomas Bach.

"After the boycott of 1980 he saved the Games from destruction and turned it into a global event.

"After (IOC founder) Pierre de Coubertin he was certainly the one president who marked the Games and the movement more than any other, with all his efforts to modernise them and reform them. He opened them up to the modern era."

"He released the grip of politics from the Games, that had become a political football when he took over. He brought in private financing that made the Games even more independent and turned them into what they are today. He succeeded in making them global."

Former IOC vice-president Lambis Nikolaou.

"He was a man who had devoted himself to sport. He made the IOC strong, financially strong. He planned its expansion and was responsible for this unprecedented growth of the movement."

"The last time I saw him was in Vancouver and his assistant told me Samaranch wanted to leave after the Games were over to go on a long trip to China or somewhere far away and she said 'He just has not realised how old he his'. That was Samaranch. He was just unstoppable."

Source: Web Search

IT officers search KKR offices

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 08:37 PM

Kolkata, April 21 (IANS) Income Tax authorities Wednesday conducted searches at the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) headquarters at Eden Gardens and Kolkata Knight Riders offices here as part of the nationwide trackdown on source of Indian Premier League's finances.

The searches began around 3 p.m. at Eden Gardens and IT officials said they will carry their operation until the 'investagations' are over.

'If necessary, we will stay here throughout the night,' an officer said.

IT officials also raided ITC Sonar Bangla where KKR officails have been put up, and the Shakespeare Sarani office of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment that owns KKR.

At Eden Gardens, seven IRS officers and support staff checked the documents related to IPL and its franchise KKR at the CAB office room and KKR office.

They snapped all landline communications before beginning their work and asked KKR officials and a top CAB office-bearers not to leave the premises till they are over with the job. The officers scanned the documents on the computers and one of them was also seen rummaging through the wastepaper basket.

'We are conducting search and survey operation,' said a top IT official, leading the team, declining to be named.

CAB sources said the officers looked into the payment details of IPL, specially those between March 19 and April 1.

'We are fully co-operating with the IT officials,' said a CAB office bearer.

Source: Web Search

Minibus drivers protest over lost World Cup business

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 08:07 PM

Thousands of protesting minibus drivers blocked morning traffic in South Africa's capital on Wednesday, saying they would lose business during the World Cup.

The drivers say they have been excluded from transport planning for the billion dollar soccer tournament and that a new mass transit bus system will take away their livelihood.

Little public transport was provided for the black population under apartheid and they were forced to rely on the minibuses to get from distant townships to their places of work.

South Africa has used World Cup investment to address this problem, by trying to create an efficient, cheap bus system to reach sprawling townships like Soweto.

The minibus drivers, notorious for violence and bad driving, have thrown rocks at cars during previous protests but the demonstration in Pretoria on Wednesday was largely peaceful. The drivers blew the vuvuzela trumpet used by football fans and shouted slogans.

Heavy forces of riot police and armoured vans were deployed to control the demonstration which caused big rush hour congestion.

The area around the Union Buildings, which houses the offices of President Jacob Zuma and government ministers, was cordoned off by police.

Government officials say the minibus drivers will benefit from hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign fans attending the World Cup and their fears over the bus system are exaggerated.

Leaders of the minibus drivers have promised not to disrupt the World Cup.

But demonstrators said the government must respond within a week. "Seven days or no World Cup in South Africa," some shouted.

Source: Web Search

IT raids on India Cements office

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 07:51 PM

Chennai, Apr 21 (PTI) Income Tax sleuths today raided the office of IPL team Chennai Super Kings, owned by India Cements, in the wake of the controversy surrounding the source of IPL funds and bidding. IT officials were tight-lipped but police sources said the raids were on and expected to continue till late night. BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan is the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements. The I-T raids in Chennai were part of the nation-wide searches on the offices of IPL franchisees and companies associated with them as part of the IT department''s efforts to unearth the financial details of the franchisees.

Source: Web Search

Action assured against Modi musclemen for attacking media men

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 07:47 PM

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan Wednesday said his government will take strict action and file cases against the security personnel of Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi for attacking media persons here.

He was replying to an issue raised in the state assembly by Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse who pointed out that media persons who had gone to cover Modi's arrival from Dubai were beaten up by his security personnel.

'Attacks on the media are becoming a routine matter. Despite assurances by the government in the past that such offences would be made non-bailable, nothing has been done so far,' Khadse said.

Assuring action, Chavan said he also spoke to Home Minister R.R. Patil about the issue.

Around half a dozen media persons sustained injuries while TV cameraman Santosh Nandi was admitted to Sion Hospital with serious injuries after a couple of private bodyguards from Modi's entourage prevented the media from speaking to him and attacked them.

The Sahar police station has registered cases against at least two of Modi's security personnel, but details are not yet available.

Source: Web Search

Relief for Anand, WCF postpones first game by one day

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 07:37 PM

By Our Chess Correspondent Sofia (Bulgaria), Apr 21 (PTI) World Champion Viswanathan Anand got a breather today as the World Chess Federation has agreed to postpone the first game of the World Chess Championship by one day to Saturday. Anand, stranded at Frankfurt due to air traffic disruption caused by volcanic ash in European skies, had asked for a three day postponement to the first game, knowing that he will be arriving late here. He finally reached Bulgaria by road in the wee hours of Tuesday. "I explained to Vishy that it is a shock for the organisation to postpone by three days. After many discussions I talked to the Presidential Board and the FIDE President and we decided to postpone the start of the match one day," FIDE Deputy President Georgios Makropoulos said at the Press Conference before the inauguration ceremony. "I expect from the organizers understanding for the one day postponement and understanding from Anand''s team that three days was also not optional," Makropoulos added. The Indian ace thanked the Federation for the decision. "I am very happy to be here, it was a longer trip than we expected. The main thing I came here for is to play chess. Mr. Makropoulos described very well the situation. I want to thank FIDE for the understanding and I hope the chess fans will see a good match," said Anand. The eight-member Indian team is now in the official hotel but Anand is yet to divulge the names of seconds during the championship. While Topalov had said earlier that Anand is unlikely to change his team from last championship against Russian Vladimir Kramnik, the speculations are rife that the Indian will spring at least one surprise if not too many. Grandmaster Peter Heine Nielsen is definitely there as Anand had said in an earlier interview and since Surya Shekhar Ganguly is not seen in the participant''s list of Asian championship at Subic Bay in Philippines, the Indian apparently looks to be another one of Anand''s team. With the dust settled over the championship''s organising issues the chess buffs can now expect a great show as Topalov is a fighter to the core and has a different approach than other strong players. There will be 12 games in all in the championship and in the event of a tied score, tie-break games of shorter duration will be played to determine the winner.

Source: Web Search

Income Tax sleuths reach KKR's office for a detailed check

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 07:21 PM

Kolkata, Apr 21 (ANI): The Income Tax Department sleuths have reached the office of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) located within the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) headquarters to conduct a detailed check on the financial transactions of the team.

There are reports that the officials have reached the office of Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies to conduct a thorough probe.

The Enforcement Department (ED) has filed a report against all eight Indian Premier League (IPL) teams for violation of key sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). he ED is probing the investment of foreign money in the IPL.

The report was filed under the Section Three of the FEMA.

Earlier, Jaipur IPL Cricket Private Ltd, the owner of Rajasthan Royals, resubmitted a proposal before the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), the key body responsible for foreign investments, to issue a 32.41 percent stake to Mohan Badale.

In October 2009, its application was rejected by the FIPB.

On Tuesday, a section of the media reported that the both MSM and WSG had paid 80 million dollars as" facilitation fee."(ANI)

Source: Web Search

Portsmouth confirm debts of 119 million pounds

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 07:07 PM

FA Cup finalists Portsmouth confirmed their debts have reached 119 million pounds ($183.2 million) as the administrator released a 70-page report on Wednesday detailing the relegated Premier League club's woes.

Andrew Andronikou is attempting to secure a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) that would see Portsmouth's debts repaid at a reduced percentage rate over several years.

The club published his letter to creditors, which included the background to Portsmouth's current plight and all the figures, on their website (www.portsmouthfc.co.uk).

A creditors meeting to discuss the proposals will be held on May 6.

When the south-coast club went into administration in February, Andronikou said he thought the total debt was about 78 million pounds but further investigation has revealed some stunning figures, including 9.7 million owed to agents including 2.3 million to one agent for the transfer of Lassana Diarra.

Unsecured creditors are owed about 90 million pounds, including 38.2 million owed to the companies of former shareholders in unsecured loans.

The Government's Revenue and Customs department is owed 17.1 million pounds while more than 400 trade creditors are owed a total of 4.37 million.

TRANSFER FEES

"Football creditors", protected by the FA and Premier League, are owed 17.3 million in transfer fees.

Previous owner Balram Chainrai, expected to be dealt with separately from the CVA, is owed 14.5 million having been paid 4 million towards the loan of 18.5 million he put into the club.

Andronikou must convince 75 percent of the unsecured creditors to agree to the CVA if the club is to be allowed out of administration by the first week of June.

That would give them a chance of persuading UEFA to accept a late application to play in next season's Europa League after their surprise passage into the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley next month.

Earlier on Wednesday, Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore said Portsmouth's problems were a result of bad management.

"You cannot link the distribution of (Premier League) income to Portsmouth's woes," Scudamore told the BBC.

"I'm on record as saying in January that if a club, whilst in the Premier League, went into administration it would be down to bad management at the club. And it is.

"You can't say it's the way we distribute our money that's caused Portsmouth's problems.

"If you start the season knowing you're going to get between 30 and 50 million as a starter from the Premier League, through the year, it is entirely possible to get yourself organised so you don't get into the difficulties that Portsmouth got into."

Source: Web Search

IT sleuths conduct raid at Eden Gardens

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 06:37 PM

Kolkata, April 21 (IANS) Income Tax sleuths raided Eden Gardens here Wednesday to conduct a search and seizure operation of files and documents related to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches held here.

Around eight IT officials came to the stadium here at 3 p.m. and are checking accounts related to the IPL and its franchise KKR.

Another raid was being conducted at the franchise owner Red Chillies Entertainment's office at Shakespeare Sarani. The company is owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.

Source: Web Search

Chelsea's Lampard admits Scholes' Man u's last-gasp stunner spooked his side

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 06:27 PM

London, Apr 21 (ANI): Chelsea star Frank Lampard has accepted that Paul Scholes' last-gasp stunner in the Manchester derby spooked his side, but guaranteed that Chelsea would still lift the title.

England ace Lampard's 22nd competitive goal of another remarkably prolific campaign was not enough to prevent Carlo Ancelotti's Blues slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Spurs a few hours after Scholes salvaged a Manchester United victory at Eastlands, reports The Mirror.

The Chelsea players watched the last moments of that match together and were rocked by the consequences, as they failed to get their game going at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea needs three straight wins that would guarantee them their first title since 2006.

Lampard conceded the hammer-blow struck by his former England team-mate had impacted on Ancelotti's side at Tottenham.

"What happened on Saturday was disappointing, especially with Manchester United's result. When they scored in the last minute it was hard," said Lampard.

"If they had drawn the game it would have left us in a very healthy position but now it's tighter," he added.

The midfielding ace attempted to lift the spirits of the travelling Blues fans in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, reminding them that Chelsea were still a point clear of United.

That was the message Ancelotti reinforced when his squad returned to their training base at Cobham yesterday after two days off.

Lampard further said Chelsea would have to play far better against Stoke than they did at Spurs to ensure all their hard work of the past nine months does not get thrown away.

"When we went 1-0 down they got their confidence and when the game went to 2-0 it put us under a lot pressure and they are a good side.Then the game got messy in the second half and we went down to 10 men," he added.

Lampard, who will be stand-in skipper on Sunday, with John Terry suspended after his red card at Spurs said: "To be fair we had quite a lot of the ball in their box. But we just couldn't find that last little pass. We were trying to get back into the game and with the last goal we had a bit of a lift but it's difficult with 10 men."

"But we have to get on with it now, understand it and not dwell on it because if we win our next three games we win the League," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Manohar did not allow Modi to reveal ownership of all IPL franchisees

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 06:21 PM

Mumbai, Apr. 21 (ANI): Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar is reported to have shot down Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Lalit Modi's move to reveal the ownership details of all eight IPL franchisees.

According to television reports, Modi is said to have sent an e-mail to Manohar on April 14 in which he sought the permission of the BCCI to reveal the ownership details and clear all misgivings and doubts about how the IPL was being managed and monitored.

Manohar and at least four other BCCI executive members immediately shot down the proposal, saying that it would open a legal "Pandora's Box" which the board might find difficult to counter on defend.

Meanwhile, another media report has revealed that Modi has asked Manohar to delay the holding of the IPL Governing Council meeting. He has said that it should not be held on April 26, but on May 1, according to sources.

Modi said the meeting is invalid, as BCCI secretary N Srinivasan has no right to call it.

Modi is not ready with his explanation on the IPL issue and wants the meeting on May 1.

However, BCCI sources say meeting will go ahead without Modi and it would not hesitate to take tough decisions to protect its image.(ANI)

Source: Web Search

World Cup to be unique showcase for Africa - Zuma

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 06:07 PM

The soccer World Cup in 50 days' time will be South Africa's greatest opportunity to show off the diversity and potential of the nation and the whole of Africa, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.

Zuma spoke at a day of festivities to mark the 50-day mark in the central town of Kimberley, site of a 19th century diamond rush that was a key event in the development of modern South Africa.

"This is the single greatest opportunity we have ever had to showcase our diversity and potential to the world. We must rise and tell the story of a continent which is alive with possibilities and resilient people who embrace people from other nations and cultures," Zuma said.

Danny Jordaan, head of the local organising committee, said at the same ceremony that the World Cup would be a defining moment comparable to the release of Nelson Mandela from jail and the end of apartheid.

He said the attention of the entire world would be on South Africa for the month of the globe's most watched sporting spectacle: "The same South Africa the world once called a miracle nation when in 1994 we made a peaceful transition to democracy, defying all the sceptics."

"The world has heard many more stories about us since then, sometimes more negative than positive, but this World Cup gives all South Africans the opportunity to show the world who we really are 16 years into our democracy."

Zuma said it was a marvel to watch the approach of the World Cup. "The nation is seized with exhilaration and great anticipation," he said.

EXCITEMENT

FIFA officials complained a year ago at a lack of atmosphere ahead of the tournament but excitement is palpable here after tickets finally went on sale over the counter last week.

FIFA said on Wednesday 180,000 of the remaining 500,000 tickets for the tournament had been sold in the last six days, mostly in South Africa. There are a total of 2.7 million seats.

Zuma said that, despite persistent scepticism abroad, South Africa was ready with two months to go. Stadiums had been built on time and transport infrastructure was in place.

Backup generators had been installed in the stadiums in case of power supply problems, which severely damaged the economy in in 2008.

Referring to concerns about security, especially the violent crime for which South Africa is notorious, Zuma said more than 1 billion rand ($136 million) had been allocated for safety of fans and teams.

"There is nothing that has been left to chance and no alarms should be raised about this," he said.

Despite massive spending that critics say a developing nation could not afford, Zuma said the World Cup would bring powerful economic benefits, including the direct creation of almost 66,000 jobs and a contribution to real GDP this year of almost 5 billion rand.

Jordaan called on South Africans to get involved in the World Cup, saying its success depended on the warmth of the welcome they gave to foreign fans.

Kimberley was a rough and violent frontier town after diamonds were discovered in the area in 1869, unleashing a rush to mine the gems in open pits that cost many lives.

It was birthplace of the De Beers diamond company and the site of the "Big Hole" -- largest hand dug pit in the world -- which is now one of South Africa's tourist attractions.

Source: Web Search

Rotation will be key from next season: Gilchrist

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 05:57 PM

Mumbai, Apr 21 (PTI) With two more teams joining the IPL bandwagon from the next season and number of matches shooting up to 94, rotation of the players will become imperative, feels Deccan Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist. "Teams have to think seriously when it comes down to recruitment and bidding. Squad balance is important. You have to look at the best talent and rotating. "Look at the English Premier Football league, they do that, fit or not, they keep rotating them, pick and choose, it''s a realistic option. "At this point of time if you had another four games to qualify for the semis, the teams will be feeling the pinch a little bit," Gilchrist said. The former Australian cricketer though said Twenty20 cricket has made a positive impact on the game and will prove good in the long run if the shortest format, including the IPL, is managed well. He is also keeping an eye on the ongoing IPL controversy and was keeping his fingers crossed on the outcome of the investigation initiated by the Income-Tax department and the government of India. "T20 cricket has changed the whole landscape of cricket, there is no doubt about that. Obviously there is a lot of revenue being raised or turned over and passed, there is a microscope on that in the IPL, it will be interesting what the outcome of that is. "It''s changed the face a little bit and changed the direction that players go. Whether it''s a good thing or detrimental, it''s hard to say, it''s a crystal ball gaze at the moment. I think there are a lot of positives about both about IPL and T20 cricket in the long run, as long as it is well administered and well run," he opined. Gilchrist did not think that money was the sole motivating factor for the players to join IPL and pointed out that the desire to win and the special feeling one gets on achieving the targets was the all-important factor. "To be honest, everyone in every walk of life needs something to survive and needs money. It''s there and it''s very real. It''s a lure, but I cannot speak for every team but I don''t see any financial reason to win. "The desire is purely coming from within, the memories of last year from where we came from they are the reasons I''m playing," Gilchrist, who changed the Chargers fortunes spectacularly in one year from finishing last in 2008 to becoming the champions last year, said. "What charged me and what keeps me coming back is that nice little incentive of that winning feeling," he added. Gilchrist felt he was not the right man to comment on the omission of his team''s key spinner Pragyan Ojha, the leading wicket taker with 20 scalps in the IPL''s league stage, from the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Source: Web Search

BCCI mulls bouncer to knock out Modi

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 05:47 PM

With Lalit Modi showing no signs of stepping down, the BCCI has now drawn up the exit strategy for the controversial IPL Commissioner ahead of the crucial Governing Council meeting on April 26.

Modi has already been sent feelers to step down voluntarily to end the furore that has engulfed the Twenty20 event and with it the BCCI. But he has preferred to keep his cards close to his chest and keep the top brass guessing for the time being.

The beleaguered IPL Commissioner, who returned to Mumbai last evening after attending an ICC meeting in Dubai, has appeared to be defiant and has gone on record to say that he would present his case in the Governing Council meeting.

By all indications, Modi is unlikely to go down without a fight which would only aggravate the already volatile and complex situation.

"It appears that Modi is in no mood to step down on his own. In such a scenario, there is bound to be some tension as the Governing Council has made up its mind to remove him," a top BCCI source said.

With former BCCI President Sharad Pawar also dumping him, reportedly under pressure from the government as well as the strong anti-Modi lobby within the Board, Modi's survival routes seem truly choked now.

Sensing Modi's defiance, the BCCI has already started talking tough with Media and Finance Committee chairman Rajiv Shukla saying that if the situation demands tough decisions, be taken when the IPL's Governing Council meets.

"The question of people refusing to back down or not, they don't matter. After the meeting between BCCI President Shashank Manohar and Sharad Pawar yesterday, it has been decided that in the April 26 Governing Council meeting, we will sit together and unanimously decide what to do," Shukla said.

"These decisions would in the interest of cricket and the BCCI. No matter how harsh they might seem, decisions would be taken to protect the BCCI and cricket's image in the country. We have never compromised on our image in the past 60 years and there would be no compromise this time too,"

The BCCI, on its part, is also talking to some of the key franchisees in the cash-rich event and have explained to them, the scenario that could arise after Modi's removal.

The source said that there is some apprehension among the franchise owners on how it will work out but the BCCI is confident of being able to manage the entire show without Modi.

According to the source, the BCCI top brass is proposing to have a three-member committee which will oversee the running of the league instead of having the all-powerful position of commissioner and chairman.

"This is intended to ensure that such situations do not arise in future. The three-man committee will proved the checks and balance and not make any one too powerful," the source said.

The skeletons started tumbling out after Modi's tweets on the shareholding pattern of the new Kochi franchise disclosed that former junior foreign minister Shashi Tharoor's close friend Sunanda Pushkar had a 'sweat equity' worth Rs 70 crore in the team.

Tharoor had to resign as a result but Modi is also in trouble after damaging revelations of his alleged 'silent' stakes in at least three IPL teams. Besides, Modi is also facing accusations of money laundering and betting in the IPL.

Source: Web Search

Liverpool needs to sign quality players for better performance: Gerrard

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 05:27 PM

London, Apr 21 (ANI): Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has said his side needs to sign 'three to four quality' players to ensure a better performance in the next season.

The Mirror quoted the midfielder as saying: "There are teams that have grown significantly in recent times, like Chelsea. In addition, Manchester United has been too strong for many years. Last year we came close to beating them but it is very difficult to overcome such a powerful team."

"Everyone knows that we must learn from this season. Some players have said we need a stronger squad and the key is to have better players and improve. I do not believe in profound changes or a revolution. Three or four quality players should be enough but more quality than quantity," Gerrard added.

Gerrard further said that the Premier League is the food this club needs and the crowd demands that it wins it as it has not won for a long time.

"They want us to win this more than any other competition. We must continue to fight for this, hopefully finishing fourth this season and having a real go next season," he added.

Liverpool skipper appeared positive about winning the league and the Champions League the next season, as his side finished second this season.

He also stressed the importance of winning the competition, as he said, "It is the only trophy left for us to fight for and we want to win it." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Collingwood thinks spinner Swann should open the batting

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 05:21 PM

London, Apr.21 (ANI): England cricket captain Paul Collingwood thinks that ace off-spinner Graeme Swann's can work his golden magic touch with the bat as well in the Caribbean.

According to The Mirror, Swann may now be chasing batting glory during the World T20 tournament.

He is no stranger at the top of the order for Nottinghamshire, having played most of his domestic T20 as an opener.

But he has never played there for England. Swann is a proven match-winner with the ball and is expected to add the England player of the year award to his gong as one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year.

Collingwood said: "We have thought about putting Graeme Swann up top as an opening batsman. Sometimes going into a World Cup, an X-factor like that is a very good thing to have up your sleeve because the opposition may not know what is coming." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

London wheelchair champion set to overcome travel woes

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 05:07 PM

Australian Paralympic marathon champion Kurt Fearnley may still defend his London title on Sunday after initially announcing he had withdrawn because of flight disruptions caused by the volcanic ash from Iceland.

On Wednesday, a London marathon spokeswoman said the Australian airline Qantas was trying to arrange a flight for Fearnley.

"We are waiting to hear," she said.

Fearnley, who broke the course wheelchair record last year, said on Tuesday he would not be able to get to Britain in time to compete.

"I am feeling pretty gutted at not being able to come to London but there is nothing I can do," he said.

The spokeswoman said no elite athletes had yet been forced to pull out of the race because of transport problems. Organisers have arranged for a private aircraft to pick up Olympic gold medallist and defending men's champion Sammy Wanjiru from Kenya.

Race officials have been monitoring air pollution levels as a result of the volcano. The spokeswoman said they were presently at acceptable levels.

Source: Web Search

Asif's Nottinghamshire dream falls apart as PCB denies permission

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 04:51 PM

Islamabad, Apr.21 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied giving a nod to controversial fast bowler Mohammed Asif to play for English county team Nottinghamshire this summer.

Asif was due to sign for Nottinghamshire after the ICC T20 World Championship, but the PCB has denied giving permission to the lanky fast bowler over injury fears.

The PCB's denial has disappointed Asif, as he was looking forward to gaining some vital experience before Pakistan's long tour to England by playing the English county season.

"I was looking forward to gaining some further experience in England ahead of the summer. I am disappointed at not getting this opportunity for the county," PakPassion.net quoted Asif, as saying.

He, however, said that the PCB is concerned about the fitness of players and wants to play a full strength squad in Test matches against England and Australia later this summer.

"In particular, after the recent injuries to Arafat and Gul, Pakistan are very keen to have a fully fit bowling attack for the tour of England later this year, and I can understand why this decision was made," Asif said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

BCCI's Shukla briefs PM for a second time on IPL row

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 04:48 PM

New Delhi, Apr 21 (ANI): Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) Finance and Media Committee Chairman Rajiv Shukla on Wednesday briefed Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh about the ongoing controversy surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Shukla also briefed Dr. Singh about IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi and the other people involved in the controversy, and revealed the BCCI's stand on the issue.

This was Shukla's second meeting with the Prime Minister on the issue.

Wednesday's meeting comes close on the heels of the opposition demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into IPL money laundering and gambling allegations.

The row has put a question mark on Modi's continuance as IPL Commissioner.

Shukla has hinted that the BCCI would not hesitate to take tough decisions to save the image of the Board and also to protect the interest of cricket.

"The question of people refusing to back down or not, they don't matter. After the meeting between BCCI President Shashank Manohar and Sharad Pawar on Tuesday, it has been decided that in the April 26 Governing Council meeting, we will sit together and unanimously decide what to do," Shukla said.

Shukla's statement follows alleged reports of Modi's refusal to step down.

Shukla said the BCCI has never compromised with its image and in protecting the interest of cricket.

"These decisions would in the interest of cricket and the BCCI. No matter how harsh they might seem, decisions would be taken to protect the BCCI and cricket's image in the country. We have never compromised on our image in the past 60 years and there would be no compromise this time too," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Researchers identify new grasses for low-input golf course turf

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 04:27 PM

Washington, April 21 (ANI): Researchers have identified four alternative turfgrasses that show potential for use on golf course fairways.

The two bentgrasses and two fescues offer sustainable strategies for low-input turf.

In the cool-season region of the US, golf course managers traditionally grow creeping bentgrass on putting greens and favour Kentucky bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, or perennial ryegrass for fairways.

When used on fairways, however, these species require significant amounts of inputs such as nitrogen fertilization, irrigation, and pesticides.

A sustainable, effective strategy to deal with potential risks associated with these inputs may be the use of alternative turfgrass species.

The challenge is finding low-input turf that can survive and perform adequately under conditions of little or no supplemental irrigation, high traffic, no pesticides, and reduced fertility.

Eric Watkins, Andrew B. Hollman, and Brian P. Horgan of the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota designed a research study that tested alternative turfgrass species not currently used for golf course fairways in the northern US.

In 2005, 17 species of turfgrass were established on native soil in St. Paul.

Each species was evaluated at three levels of traffic (zero, three, or six passes per week using a drum-type traffic simulator) and two mowing heights (1.90 and 2.54 cm).

In 2006, velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.), and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) maintained acceptable quality in all treatment combinations.

In 2007, Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. fallax) and sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.) were the top-performing species regardless of treatment.

Hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey) performed poorly the first year of the study, but performed well in the second year.

The other species evaluated in the study did not perform at acceptable levels.

The test results indicated that sheep fescue, Chewings fescue, colonial bentgrass, and velvet bentgrass should be studied further for use on low-input golf course fairways in the northern US.

Watkins said: "In this study, the fine fescue species showed the greatest potential for use on low-input golf course fairways. To our knowledge, this is the first report of sheep fescue being a successful fairway turf in the United States."

The research shows that alternative cool-season turfgrass species may be able to perform adequately on golf course fairways under low-input conditions in Minnesota and similar areas.

The research has appeared in HortScience. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

BCCI's Shukla briefs PM for a second time on IPL row

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 04:07 PM

New Delhi, Apr 21 (ANI): Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) Finance and Media Committee Chairman Rajiv Shukla on Wednesday briefed Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh about the ongoing controversy surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Shukla also briefed Dr. Singh about IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi and the other people involved in the controversy, and revealed the BCCI's stand on the issue.

This was Shukla's second meeting with the Prime Minister on the issue.

Wednesday's meeting comes close on the heels of the opposition demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into IPL money laundering and gambling allegations.

The row has put a question mark on Modi's continuance as IPL Commissioner.

Shukla has hinted that the BCCI would not hesitate to take tough decisions to save the image of the Board and also to protect the interest of cricket.

"The question of people refusing to back down or not, they don't matter. After the meeting between BCCI President Shashank Manohar and Sharad Pawar on Tuesday, it has been decided that in the April 26 Governing Council meeting, we will sit together and unanimously decide what to do," Shukla said.

Shukla's statement follows alleged reports of Modi's refusal to step down.

Shukla said the BCCI has never compromised with its image and in protecting the interest of cricket.

"These decisions would in the interest of cricket and the BCCI. No matter how harsh they might seem, decisions would be taken to protect the BCCI and cricket's image in the country. We have never compromised on our image in the past 60 years and there would be no compromise this time too," he said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rehman wants to prove viability of left-arm spinners in T20s

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 03:51 PM

Karachi, Apr.21 (ANI): Pakistan left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman, who is making a comeback in the national squad after a long gap of three years, has said that he wants to prove that left-arm spin bowlers can also play a vital role in the T20 format.

Rehman, who was roped into Pakistan's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Championship as a replacement for all-rounder Yasir Aarafat, said he wants to prove all those who believe that left-arm spinners don't have any role to play in the slam-bang version of the game wrong.

"Many think there is no role for left arm spinners in T20 internationals and there are only few exceptions around like Daniel Vettori of New Zealand. I know that if I get a chance I can leave a mark and contribute to the team because I am bowling well and in rhythm," The Daily Times quoted Rehman, as saying.

Rehman, 30, was unsure whether he would be included in the final eleven during the coveted tournament, but said if given an opportunity he would try his best to prove that left-arm slow bowlers could also play an important role in T20 matches.

"I don't know if I'll get a chance to play in the World Cup because we already have several spinners in the side like Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal while Mohammad Hafeez also bowls off spin. But I am a left arm spinner and If I get a chance to play I want to change the way people think about having left arm slow bowlers in T20 cricket. I will change their perception," he said.

Rehman had last appeared for Pakistan in a one-day international against India at Kanpur in November 2007.

He pointed out that defending champions Pakistan would be laying more stress on the spin department in the World Cup, as Caribbean pitches are slow and suit slow bowlers.

"I think there is a big role for spinners even in this instant brand of cricket and record show this clearly," Rehman said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

PCB chief Butt must stop his 'one man show': Sohail

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 03:37 PM

Karachi, Apr.21 (ANI): Criticising Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt for running a 'one man show' in the board, former opening batsman Aamir Sohail has asked the PCB boss to put an end to the practice.

Referring to the recent controversy surrounding choosing a replacement for injured all-rounder Yasir Aarafat, Sohail said it was baffling to see Butt making all decisions by himself without consulting either the chief selector Mohsin Khan, coach Waqar Younis or captain Shahid Afridi.

"I must say that this one-man show will have to be stopped.It's the chief selector's job to pick players in consultation with the captain and coach. But unfortunately it is the PCB who is calling all the shots," The News quoted Sohail, as saying.

"If you have to make all the decision then why have you appointed these people. There should be distribution of power otherwise we can't have any improvement in our cricket," he added.

Sohail called Butt 'adamant', and said that there is no need for the chief selector and the coach, if decisions are to be made by the PCB chief himself.

"If you don't want the chief selector and coach to do their jobs then why are you throwing away money by paying them salaries? It will be better for Pakistan cricket if all these players are fired because it will help the PCB chairman in his drive to cut down costs," said Sohail, who served as Director Game Development during Butt's tenure for some time, but resigned from the post saying he was not allowed enough freedom to carry out his work properly.(ANI)

Source: Web Search

$80 mn 'fee' fuels I-T raids on IPL broadcasters

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 03:21 PM

The Income Tax Department on Wednesday searched the premises of companies associated with the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the wake of allegations that telecasting agency Multi Screen Media had paid a facilitation fee of $80 million to marketing agency World Sports Group.

The searches, which started this morning, were on in the office premises of Multi-Screen Media (MSM) in suburban Malad, the telecasting agency of IPL, World Sports Group (WSG), the marketing agency of IPL, International Management Group (IMG), the organising agency, and the Bandra house of Venu Nair, CEO of WSG.

The raids are related to a "facilitation fee" of USD 80 million paid by MSM (formerly Sony Entertainment Television) to WSG, a source close to the development said.

A group of more than 20 I-T officers are participating in the raid, the source said.

Faced with the allegation, WSG had yesterday claimed that it had done no wrong and would take appropriate action to uphold its reputation.

"Any allegation that WSG has used any funds received in connection with its sub-licence of these rights for inappropriate or unlawful activities is completely unfounded and without substance," World Sports Group (WSG) had said in a statement.

In 2008, WSG bagged IPL television rights for 10 years with a USD 918 million bid and a promise to spend USD 108 million on the event. It also signed a deal with MSM making Sony the official broadcaster.

However, two months before IPL-2, the deal was scrapped. It was recast with MSM agreeing to pay USD 1.63 billion for nine years.

According to I-T sources, MSM agreed to pay WSG's offshore company in Mauritius a "facilitation fee" of 7.5 per cent of the IPL contract, which is around USD 80 million.

On April 14, 2009, MSM remitted, from the Development Bank of Singapore to WSG USD 15.3 million and on June 26, 2009, USD 10.276 million in two separate instalments, the sources said.

When BCCI found out about the deal, they summoned Venu Nair, CEO of WSG, they added.

Source: Web Search

Adani denies IPL wrongdoing

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 03:17 PM

Gujarat-based industrial house Adani today said it was in possession of copies of its bid for IPL franchise and was ready to share it with authorities probing alleged irregularities in the cricket franchise auction.

Adani, which failed to win either of the two franchises put up for auction by IPL last month, claimed no wrong-doing saying it was "on the right side of the law."

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had told Parliament on Monday that departments concerned were looking into all allegations against the Indian Premier League, which runs the hugely famous Twenty20 cricket tournament.

There were allegations that bid documents of Adani and Videocon, who were among the bidders for the two franchises that finally went to Sahara and Rendezvous Sports, were missing.

"The copies of the bid documents (of the second round) submitted by us have been retained by us and we are ready to provide the same to the authorities, as we are perfectly on the right side of the law," Adani said in a statement.

Adani said its bid papers for the first round were returned unopened by IPL as the round was cancelled.

"The documents of the second round from all bidders were opened at the ceremony and were retained by IPL. It is normal practice to dispose off the bid documents from unsuccessful bidders after a specified time, in line with guidelines framed by the organisation, normally after the validity of the offer expires, in this case by IPL," Adani said.

The group, however, did not say for how the bid submitted by it last month was valid and if IPL could have disposed it off.

Videocon Chairman Venugopal Dhoot declined to comment on the IPL row.

Allegations of irregularities first surfaced after IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi tweeted details of Kochi franchise's ownership, which included Sunanda Pushkar, a close friend of the then Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.

Tharoor resigned from the Union council of ministers on Sunday following allegations that he helped Pushkar get free equity in the team.

Subsequently, authorities including the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax and Registrar of Companies are probing alleged irregularities in IPL.

Source: Web Search

$80 mn 'fee' fuels I-T raids on IPL broadcasters

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 02:51 PM

The Income Tax Department on Wednesday searched the premises of companies associated with the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the wake of allegations that telecasting agency Multi Screen Media had paid a facilitation fee of $80 million to marketing agency World Sports Group.

The searches, which started this morning, were on in the office premises of Multi-Screen Media (MSM) in suburban Malad, the telecasting agency of IPL, World Sports Group (WSG), the marketing agency of IPL, International Management Group (IMG), the organising agency, and the Bandra house of Venu Nair, CEO of WSG.

The raids are related to a "facilitation fee" of USD 80 million paid by MSM (formerly Sony Entertainment Television) to WSG, a source close to the development said.

A group of more than 20 I-T officers are participating in the raid, the source said.

Faced with the allegation, WSG had yesterday claimed that it had done no wrong and would take appropriate action to uphold its reputation.

"Any allegation that WSG has used any funds received in connection with its sub-licence of these rights for inappropriate or unlawful activities is completely unfounded and without substance," World Sports Group (WSG) had said in a statement.

In 2008, WSG bagged IPL television rights for 10 years with a USD 918 million bid and a promise to spend USD 108 million on the event. It also signed a deal with MSM making Sony the official broadcaster.

However, two months before IPL-2, the deal was scrapped. It was recast with MSM agreeing to pay USD 1.63 billion for nine years.

According to I-T sources, MSM agreed to pay WSG's offshore company in Mauritius a "facilitation fee" of 7.5 per cent of the IPL contract, which is around USD 80 million.

On April 14, 2009, MSM remitted, from the Development Bank of Singapore to WSG USD 15.3 million and on June 26, 2009, USD 10.276 million in two separate instalments, the sources said.

When BCCI found out about the deal, they summoned Venu Nair, CEO of WSG, they added.

Source: Web Search

IPL franchises to support Lalit Modi

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 02:47 PM

Mumbai, Apr 21 (ANI): Most of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises continue to support IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi despite the controversies surrounding him.

Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Shilpa Shetty have openly supported Modi.

Shilpa Shetty said the IPL is Modi's brainchild.

"I support Lalit as someone who has been part of IPL. It is Lalit's brainchild. Because of Lalit, IPL happened," Shetty said.

"If there is something murky happening behind the scenes, I am unaware about it, and in that case, let the law take its own course. However, people should not jump to conclusions. Till you are not proven guilty, you are not guilty," she added.

Shetty further said that Modi should be credited for his effort to make IPL a global event.

"We must not forget that it was Lalit who made IPL successful in the overseas market. We must give him that credit. It is all because of his efforts that the IPL has become successful across the world," she said.

Shetty's statement comes in the wake of recent media reports of an income tax department probe revealing Modi's silent stake in three IPL teams - the Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab.

Shetty claimed that her team has all legal documents.

"I don't understand what is happening. Every day, new things are coming out. As far as our (Rajasthan Royal) papers are concerned, we have all legal documents. About the remaining teams, I have no idea. I don't know who is involved and from where has the money come," Shetty said.

"As an Indian, I think we all should be proud of IPL. It has generated not just a lot of revenue, but also pride in the sporting space and created job opportunities. IPL has been good in a lot of ways," she added.

The IPL franchise owners are reportedly, not too keen on the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar taking over as the league's commissioner.

Owners believe that Manohar may not be the right choice for the post of IPL Commissioner, as matters need to be conducted professionally in the league. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Adani Group to provide IPL bidding papers

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 02:37 PM

Mumbai, Apr 21 (ANI): The Adani Group said on Wednesday that it would submit its bidding papers for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In a statement issued here, the Adani Group said the bidding papers are not missing and that they have a copy, which can be scrutinised.

"The copies of the bid documents submitted by us have been retained by us and we are ready to provide the same to the authorities as we are perfectly on the right side of the law," the group's statement said.

The statement said the documents were returned unopened as the first round of bidding was cancelled.

"The first round of bidding was cancelled. Therefore the bid documents were returned to the respective bidder unopened. This is normal practice to maintain confidentiality as the bidding itself was cancelled," the statement said.

"The documents of the second round from all bidders were opened at the ceremony and were retained by IPL. It is a normal practice to dispose off the bid documents from unsuccessful bidders after specified time, in-line with the guidelines framed by the organization, normally after the validity of the offer expires, in this case by IPL," it added.

Earlier, reports had emerged suggesting that the bidding papers of the Adani Group were missing and that income tax officials were on the look out for them.

There have been allegations that when the first round of bidding took place, papers were tweaked to favour of Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon and the Adani Group. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rajiv Shukla briefs PM on IPL controversy

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 02:17 PM

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Congress MP Rajiv Shukla, also a senior Indian cricket board official, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday over alleged financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), government sources said.

Shukla, who is in the IPL governing council and is the media and finance committee chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), briefed the prime minister about the controversy surrounding the cash-rich Twenty20 domestic cricket tournament, the sources said.

'We won't hesitate to take any action against anybody, anytime to protect the image of cricket and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India),' Shukla told reporters later.

This was his second meeting with the prime minister since Monday over the issue. The meeting came close on the heels of the opposition demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the money laundering and gambling allegations in the IPL.

With the opposition calling for a probe into the IPL funding sources and transactions, the row has put a question mark on Lalit Modi's continuance as IPL chairman after Shashi Tharoor was forced to resign as the minister of state for external affairs.

Tharoor was accused of misusing his position to procure a Rs.70 crore sweat equity in the Kochi IPL team for his friend Dubai-based Sunanda Pushkar.

Modi has refused to step down and has denied any financial irregularity in the IPL.

Shukla said the board won't hesitate to take a tough decision if situation demands. He said any decision would be taken at the IPL governing council meeting April 26, a day after the third season of the cricket tournament concludes.

'The question of people refusing to back down or not, it doesn't matter. After the meeting between BCCI president Shashank Manohar and Sharad Pawar yesterday (Tuesday), it has been decided that in the April 26 governing council meeting, we will sit together and unanimously decide what to do,' Shukla told reporters outside parliament.

Source: Web Search

Gul withdraws from Pak's T20 World Cup squad

Published>Wed, Apr 21 10 06:18 AM

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

Dempo hold advantage over Sporting

Published Tue, Apr 20 10 06:17 AM

Margao, Apr 21 (PTI) Buoyed by their three victories in a row, Sporting Clube de Goa will be looking to keep their winning momentum going and avoid relegation when they meet title aspirants Dempo tomorrow at the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda in the 22nd round of the I-League. Dempo''s last two wins have put them at the top of the table with 41 points from 21 matches, four points clear of second place Mahindra United. A win tomorrow will not only help them to consolidate their position further but will also enable them to remain in better frame of mind when they play against Mohun Bagan in their next away match. Dempo''s main strength is their midfield where Roberto Silva has been their fulcrum, his quick passing and distribution of the ball have baffled opponent defence. Joaquim Abranches has contributed well in the absence of Sunil Chhetri and with Ranty Martins having found his form has been scoring regularly, Dempo will be looking up to him for victory. Sporting, having struggled in the first leg, had to wait till the 17th round to get their first win. Their impressive win against struggling Mohun Bagan has brought their confidence back and from there on they continued their revival, winning three matches in a row which have brought them closer of avoiding the relegation and are now three points away from the drop zone. .

Source: Web Search