Sri Lanka move ahead of India in ODI Championship

Tue, Nov 09 10 01:21 PM

Dubai, Nov 9 (PTI) Sri Lanka has dislodged India to take second position in ICC ODI Cricket Rankings after securing a confidence-boosting series win over table-topper Australia. The first-ever series win in Australia has earned the island nation three ratings points which has put it one point clear of India on 118 ratings points and 10 points behind number-one ranked Australia, which meanwhile, has conceded two ratings points. Sri Lanka won the series opener in Melbourne by one wicket and then took an unassailable 2-0 lead by winning the Sydney one-dayer by 29 runs (D-L method). Australia secured a consolation eight-wicket win in Brisbane. Indian team will have the chance to regain the number-two spot later this month but it would happen only if it manages to win all the five ODIs against New Zealand. The series will start in Guwahati on November 28. A 5-0 clean sweep will take India to 121 ratings points while a 4-1 series win will place it alongside Sri Lanka on 118 rating points. However, in that case, Mahendra Singh Dhoni''s side would be placed just behind Kumar Sangakkara''s side by a fraction of a ratings point. Sri Lanka''s next ODI commitment is the five-match ODI series against the West Indies which starts in Suriyawewa Stadium in Hambantota on December 9. Meanwhile, South Africa and Pakistan have retained their pre-series positions after the Proteas won the just-concluded series in UAE 3-2. South Africa is on 115 ratings points, two ahead of England, while Pakistan is on 100 ratings points and leads New Zealand by four ratings points.

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Arthur backs 'hot and cold' Johnson to hit 'gold dust' form in Ashes series

Published>Tue, Nov 09 10 01:17 PM

Sydney, Nov 9(ANI): Western Australia coach Mickey Arthur has played down concerns over fast bowler Mitchell Johnson's form, saying that he will be back to his blistering best during the Ashes series.

Johnson had claimed just one wicket in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

"I think it is fair to say he is a little bit hot and cold at the moment by his own admission. I'm not sure if it's technical or mental, I haven't worked with him long enough to form an opinion on that, but what I do know is that he's got that X-factor and those types of players are gold dust," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Arthur, as saying.

"They win you games. I think Mitch just has to bowl. I think the more Mitch bowls the better he becomes. It's a lot like that with fast bowlers, I know (South Africa paceman) Dale Steyn is exactly the same."

"He couldn't have time off. The more they bowl, the better they become, and it's going to be exactly the same with Mitchell," he added.

Arthur further said that he would work with Johnson to get the best out of him during Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the MCG.

"I'll be working damn hard to get Mitchell Johnson right, firstly for WA - because if he bowls well we'll come back with points - and then hopefully he can take that into the Australian season," he added. (ANI)

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Batsmen in 'Australia A' team in contention for Ashes spot: Hilditch

Published>Tue, Nov 09 10 01:07 PM

Sydney, Nov 9(ANI): Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch has said that several batsmen in the 'Australia A' side are in contention for a berth in the upcoming Ashes series against England.

Australia A team will play a warm-up game against England in Hobart from November 17-20.

"A lot of the batters have already got international experience, some of them with Test experience already, so they are certainly very much in the mix," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hilditch, as saying.

"We are obviously not picking the Ashes squad until next Monday so exactly which ones will feature, we won't know until then."

"We have obviously been pretty close to having our squad ready for some time, but there is obviously players still playing for spots and it's very competitive," he added.

Australia A squad: Cameron White (captain), Tim Paine (vice-captain), Mark Cameron, Callum Ferguson, Peter George, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Steve O'Keefe, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. (ANI)

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New Zealand replace injured Bennett with Franklin for India Test series

Published>Tue, Nov 09 10 12:23 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 9(ANI): New Zealand has recalled left-arm fast bowler James Franklin to replace injured Hamish Bennett for the ongoing Test series against India.

"New Zealand Cricket has advised that James Franklin has been called into the Blackcaps squad for the remainder of the Test series in India, replacing the injured Hamish Bennett," the NZC said in a statement.

Bennett is being sent home for treatment on a groin strain picked up on the first day of the first Test which ended in a draw on Monday.

"Hamish is not available for the next test and unfortunately he'd be marginal for the third Test," Stuff.co.nz quoted coach Mark Greatbatch, as saying.

The second Test will be played in Hyderabad from November 12-16, while the third Test will be played in Nagpur from November 20-24. (ANI)

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Indians were awful, spineless due to IPL: Arthur

Tue, Nov 09 10 12:07 PM

Johannesburg, Nov 9 (PTI) The glitz and glamour of the IPL had such a distracting effect on Indian cricketers in its inaugural season that they were simply "awful and spineless" in a Test loss to South Africa in 2008, former Proteas coach Mickey Arthur has said. Arthur said the Indian cricketers'' preoccupation with IPL photo shoots and public relations exercises resulted in South Africa scoring an unprecedented win under three days against the home side in a Test in Ahmedabad. "The Indians were awful, and all the talk about their minds being elsewhere was obviously true. They were spineless and distracted," Arthur wrote in his book ''Taking the Mickey'', released here yesterday. "The second Test must rank among the most perfect ever played by a South African team," Arthur wrote. "To win inside three days, in India, is almost unprecedented, but the way we did was extraordinary. There had been so much media hype around the impending first season of the IPL and it was dominating column inches in most newspapers." Arthur said the IPL''s off-field engagements took a lot of players'' time. "There had also been a lot of negative reporting about the fact that many of the Indian superstars had been required to do photo shoots and other PR engagements for their IPL franchises in between the first and second Tests rather than concentrating on preparing for the Ahmedabad fixture. The irony of India being bowled out in exactly 20 overs, before lunch, on the first day, was lost on nobody." Arthur also said that the absence of iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar due to injury in that game also had an effect on the Indians'' "spineless" performance. "That might have been understandable from some of the junior players, but not the seniors, who were already millionaires. It was significant to me that Sachin Tendulkar was missing, due to injury. I don''t think some of the batsmen would have played the way they did in his presence. To be bowled out for 76 was pathetic." PTI FH PM

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Gasquet battles into Paris Masters second round

Tue, Nov 09 10 04:37 AM

Richard Gasquet scraped past French compatriot Nicolas Mahut 7-5 4-6 7-6 to reach the second round of the Paris Masters on a good day for the local favourites on Monday.

The world number 28, bidding for a place in the French team for next month's Davis Cup final against Serbia in Belgrade, prevailed after almost 2-1/2 hours, winning the final set tiebreak 9-7.

Gasquet will face a much tougher test in the second round when he takes on world number two Roger Federer, who was granted a first-round bye.

Michael Llodra also made his case to France captain Guy Forget by thrashing Italian Potito Starace 6-4 6-1.

Arnaud Clement, who won his doubles match in France's 5-0 demolition of Argentina in the Davis Cup semi-final, overcame a barrage of aces to see off Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-7 7-6 6-3.

In an almost empty Bercy sports hall, Gasquet bagged the opening set as Mahut, who was beaten 70-68 in the fifth set by American John Isner in the longest ever tennis match at Wimbledon, netted a routine volley.

Mahut hit back in the second set but Gasquet saved his best for the deciding tiebreak, bagging a tough win as his opponent sent another volley into the net.

"It was tough and I am happy to be through," Gasquet said courtside. "I am quite relieved.

"Against Federer, I will have nothing to lose. He is the clear favourite. I hope to play a great match and have fun, it's the most important thing for me."

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Brazil confident Sao Paulo will host 2014 Cup opener

Published>Tue, Nov 09 10 04:17 AM

Brazilian 2014 World Cup organisers are confident Sao Paulo will stage the opening game of the tournament even though plans for its stadium have yet to be approved.

Ricardo Teixeira, president of both the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the 2014 local organising committee, initially said on Monday that he was certain that the tournament would kick off in Latin America's largest city.

"We have absolute certainty and we desire that the World Cup opening will be in Sao Paulo," Teixeira told reporters after a meeting with Sao Paulo state governor Alberto Goldman and mayor Gilberto Kassab.

However, Teixeira later said in a statement that plans to use a new stadium built by the Corinthians club for the match had to be approved by soccer's governing body FIFA.

Corinthians also said that it was early days.

"There is a project for a 65,000 capacity stadium being analysed by the local and national authorities," the club said in a statement.

"This can only be definitively detailed and its costs and financing necessities calculated, after it has been revised and approved by FIFA."

Corinthians added that it was predicted that work would start next March and would be finished at the end of 2013 -- too late for the Confederations Cup which will used as a dressed rehearsal.

Confusion has surrounded Sao Paulo's participation in the World Cup since June when the local organising committee dropped plans to use the Morumbi stadium.

FINANCIAL GUARANTEES

The decision came after the city failed to provide financial guarantees for the cost of renovating the stadium.

Since then, hopes have been placed on the planned new Corinthians stadium in the sprawling eastern suburbs of the city. The club, one of the biggest in Brazil, announced it September that it would build a 48,000 capacity-stadium at a cost of 335 million reais (197 million dollars).

The stadium will be built and financed by the Odebrecht construction company which will be given naming rights in return.

However, FIFA demands a capacity of at least 65,000 for a stadium to stage the opening match at the World Cup, which would increase the cost and has become the subject of negotiations between the club and organising committee.

Goldman was confident the increased cost could be met.

"We believe that together, we can find a way out for this," he said. "We have managed to do everything we need to get to this point."

Monday's announcement came after a weekend in which armed attacks on world champion Jenson Button and a group of team engineers marred the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix in the city, highlighting worries about crime rates.

Brazil was elected unopposed in 2007 to host the tournament which was earmarked for South America by FIFA under a short-lived rotation system which also brought this year's World Cup to Africa.

The country faces a huge job to improve its creaking stadiums and transport system, as well as fighting crime.

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UCI calls for action over Contador

Published>Tue, Nov 09 10 03:17 AM

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has asked the Spanish federation to open disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador for failing a drugs test, the UCI said on Monday.

"The UCI contacted the Spanish federation and asked them to open disciplinary proceedings against Contador," UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani said.

The news was supposed to have been announced through a statement but a computer bug at the UCI headquarters prevented cycling's governing body from sending it out, Carpani added.

Contador tested positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol on the second rest day of this year's Tour de France which he won for the third time, beating Luxembourg's Andy Schleck by 39 seconds.

The 27-year-old Spaniard said traces of the banned substance were found in his system after he ate contaminated meat, prompting the UCI and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to investigate the matter further.

Contador faces the possibility of a two-year ban and losing his Tour title.

The Spanish federation can decide whether to ban Contador, who has been provisionally suspended by the UCI, or to clear him.

If the federation decides not to sanction the world's top rider, the UCI and WADA will have the opportunity to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Contador's B-sample analysis confirmed the result of the first test.

The rider, one of five to have won the three big Tours (France, Italy and Spain), has threatened to quit the sport if he is banned.

Contador signed with Bjarne Riis's Saxo Bank team in August, after deciding not to renew his contract with Astana.

Saxo Bank have said will continue to stay on as title sponsors of the team in 2011 even if Contador were to be suspended.

In a rocky year for cycling, Tour of Spain runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera tested positive the banned plasma substitute hydroxyethyl starch.

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Cowboys fire head coach Phillips

Tue, Nov 09 10 02:37 AM

The Dallas Cowboys have fired head coach Wade Phillips, the National Football League website (nfl.com) reported on Monday.

The widely anticipated move, reported by various local Dallas outlets, followed a 45-7 pounding by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday that dropped the NFC East team to 1-7 in the season.

Phillips will be replaced on an interim basis by offensive co-ordinator Jason Garrett.

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Cycling-UCI calls for action over Contador

Published>Tue, Nov 09 10 02:17 AM

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has asked the Spanish federation to open disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador for failing a dugs test, the UCI said on Monday.

"The UCI contacted the Spanish federation and asked them to open disciplinary proceedings against Contador," International Cycling Union spokesman Enrico Carpani said.

Contador tested positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol in this year's Tour de France which he won for the third time.

The 27-year-old Spaniard said traces of the banned substance were found in his system after he ate contaminated meat, prompting the International Cycling Union (UCI) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to investigate the matter further.

Contador faces the possibility of a two-year ban and losing his Tour de France title.

The Spanish federation can decide whether to ban Contador, who has been provisionally suspended by the UCI, or to clear him.

If the federation decides not to sanction the world's top rider, the UCI and WADA will have the opportunity to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Source: Web Search

UCI asks Spanish federation to open Contador proceedings

Tue, Nov 09 10 01:57 AM

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has asked the Spanish federation to open disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador for failing a dugs test, the UCI said on Monday.

"The UCI contacted the Spanish federation and asked them to open discplinary proceeding against Contador," UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani said.

Contador tested positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol in this year's Tour de France which he won for the third time.

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Ronaldo wins libel payout over partying claim

Tue, Nov 09 10 12:19 AM

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo won substantial libel damages on Monday over false British newspaper claims he put a serious ankle injury at risk by dancing the night away with four models in a Hollywood nightclub.

An article published in the Daily Telegraph in July 2008 alleged that on arriving in Los Angeles to attend a sports award ceremony Ronaldo, who was on crutches at the time, "headed straight" for a trendy nightclub.

The story said the Portuguese international, who joined Real from Manchester United for a world record transfer fee of 80 million pounds last year, cast his crutches aside and danced with the models into the night while being served "10,000 pounds worth of Cristal champagne".

The piece also carried a photograph of the player saying his then club manager, Manchester United's Alex Ferguson, would be shocked at the sight of him "living it up" and jeopardising his recovery.

His lawyer, Allan Dunlavy, argued in London's High Court that the story was completely fabricated and caused him significant embarrassment, offence and distress.

The newspaper accepted the allegations were false and should never have been published. It agreed to pay the player substantial undisclosed damages as well as legal costs, the Press Association reported.

"...while he did attend the nightclub in question, he did not drink any alcohol at all whilst there, nor at any time whilst in Los Angeles," Dunlavy said.

"He does not, as a rule, drink alcohol because he takes his health, fitness and recovery from injury very seriously. "Nor did he put his crutches down to take to the dance floor despite the risk to his injured ankle," he added.

Instead, the court heard he sat in a private corner, along with friends who had travelled to Los Angeles with him, resting his foot as advised and drinking non-alcoholic energy drinks.

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Steyn, Morkel to shark dive to mark 100-day 2011 WC countdown

Tue, Nov 09 10 12:17 AM

Dubai, Nov 8 (PTI) South African pace duo of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will shark dive here tomorrow with the 2011 World Cup trophy to mark the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the sporting extravaganza. Steyn and Morkel will perform the stunt in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the presence of his teammates and the Pakistan team. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat will also witness the flagship event which will see the South Africans taking the prestigious ICC trophy to the bottom of the Dubai Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. South Africa, who will take on India ahead of the February-March World Cup in the sub-continent, are currently locked in a fierce one-day battle with Pakistan here. The opening ceremony of next year''s World Cup will be held in Dhaka on February 17, while the matches will commence two days later with co-hosts Bangladesh and India clashing in the tournament opener in Mirpur on February 19.

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Button hopes Alonso can shake off Hockenheim shadow

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 10:57 PM

Formula One champion Jenson Button could not care less who takes his crown but fears Fernando Alonso could be a controversial winner.

Ferrari's championship leader was at the centre of a controversy in Germany in July, when Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa was told to let him through to win for an extra seven points.

The Italian team were fined $100,000 for using banned "team orders" but the Spanish double world champion kept his points.

With the sport now in an unprecedented four-way battle going into the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, a fight that could lead to the top three ending up tied on points, Button hoped the title would not be tainted.

Alonso is currently only eight points clear of Red Bull's Mark Webber and need only finish second in the final race.

"I don't care (who wins)," McLaren's Button told British reporters after fifth place in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix ended his reign.

"It doesn't make any difference to me. It's exciting there's those three guys fighting for the championship at the last race. (McLaren's) Lewis (Hamilton) still has an opportunity but it's going to be very tough for him.

"I like the way they (Red Bull) have let their drivers fight, it's the way it should be.

"You fight all the way through your career to get into Formula One, to get into a good car... and you should be given equal opportunities.

EXCEPTIONAL DRIVER

"I don't know who will win, it is very close. It is between Mark and Fernando," added Button.

"Fernando is an exceptional driver. Some will be disappointed with what happened at Hockenheim and question whether he deserves it.

"I just hope he wins it by more than seven points."

Hamilton, the 2008 champion who is 24 points behind former McLaren team mate Alonso, said he would like to see Webber win if it could not be him.

"He's done a great job this year," said the Briton.

"He has been told by his team what position he is, and against adversity he has kept at it. I think he has done an awesome job."

Webber is second overall, seven points clear of Red Bull team mate Sebastian Vettel.

Webber complained in July of being a 'number two' at Red Bull and only last week accused the team of emotionally favouring Vettel, describing his own title challenge as 'inconvenient'.

"Mark's done pretty much everything right this year, apart from our little tangle," said Hamilton, who retired from the Singapore Grand Prix after a collision with Webber while fighting for third place.

"But then Vettel has been incredibly quick and Fernando has done a good solid job towards the end of the year, so it could go to any of them."

Hamilton, who lost the 2007 title by a single point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen after the Finn clawed back a 17-point deficit, refused to give up all hope of another miracle.

"At the end of the day I've still a shot at it, so I will try and win," he said.

"I could be riding in fourth and all three of them might not finish. Anything could happen."

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Steyn, Morkel to shark dive to mark 100-day 2011 WC countdown

Mon, Nov 08 10 10:51 PM

Dubai, Nov 8 (PTI) South African pace duo of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will shark dive here tomorrow with the 2011 World Cup trophy to mark the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the sporting extravaganza. Steyn and Morkel will perform the stunt in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the presence of his teammates and the Pakistan team. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat will also witness the flagship event which will see the South Africans taking the prestigious ICC trophy to the bottom of the Dubai Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. South Africa, who will take on India ahead of the February-March World Cup in the sub-continent, are currently locked in a fierce one-day battle with Pakistan here. The opening ceremony of next year''s World Cup will be held in Dhaka on February 17, while the matches will commence two days later with co-hosts Bangladesh and India clashing in the tournament opener in Mirpur on February 19.

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Denmark coach Olsen to stand down in 2012

Mon, Nov 08 10 10:37 PM

Denmark head coach Morten Olsen will step down once his contract expires in mid-2012, he said on Monday.

"This will be my last qualification. I have told the DBU (Danish FA) that I do not want to extend my contract.. It's very undramatic," Olsen told reporters at a news conference to announce his squad to face the Czech Republic next week in an international friendly.

"Now it's only about qualification for the European championship, and it's important for me to deliver good players and a good team to whoever takes over the job.

"I'm telling them in good time because for me it's very important that the FA have the time to find the right coach."

The 61-year-old has coached the national team since 2000 and renewed his contract in January despite speculation that he might leave after this year's World Cup in South Africa where Denmark won only one match.

Under Olsen, Denmark have qualified twice for the World Cup finals and once for the European championship.

Denmark are third in Euro 2012 qualifying Group H with six points from three matches.

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Goa to host three events during National School Games

Mon, Nov 08 10 10:21 PM

Panaji, Nov 8 (PTI) Goa will be hosting three events during the National School Games from November 10 to 14 in the state. Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said that 24 teams will be participating in the Games, scheduled to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Goa will be hosting football, baseball and chess in the 56th edition of the Games. Kamat said that Goa has been successfully hosting events during school games for the past 15 years. Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Susan D''Souza said that around 18 teams have already arrived and are rigorously training at the Fatorda ground. She said that Goa is also hoping to clinch medals during the event. "Last year, the state had won 13 gold, 24 silver and 14 bronze medals," D''Souza said adding that the medal tally will be increased this year. Goa will be hosting football girls under-17, baseball for girls and boys and chess.

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Zulqarnain lands in England after Dubai no-show

Mon, Nov 08 10 10:17 PM

Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has arrived in England after mysteriously disappearing hours before the fifth and final one-day international against South Africa in Dubai.

Television pictures clearly showed Zulqarnain arriving at Heathrow Airport on Monday afternoon.

Earlier, Pakistan's team management said the keeper was last seen at the team's hotel in Dubai early in the morning.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Zulqarnain had not informed them he was planning to leave the hotel nor had he told them the reason for his sudden decision.

"A full inquiry will be held into the circumstances surrounding this incident and no further comment will be made until the facts are known," the PCB said in a statement.

In a message on his Facebook account, Zulqarnain appeared to suggest he was worried about his personal safety after receiving threats.

"Leaving Pakistan cricket because get bad messages for lose the match in last game," he wrote.

Pakistan officials reported Zulqarnain's disappearance to the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption and Security unit, as well as local police.

The 24-year-old scored an unbeaten 19 and hit the winning runs as Pakistan levelled the five-match series 2-2 in the fourth one-dayer on Friday.

THREATENING MESSAGES

His brother Reza told Reuters from Lahore that Zulqarnain had expressed fears after receiving threatening messages.

"The last time I spoke to him he told me he was getting threatening messages after the fourth match and to pray for him," said Reza before adding his family was in touch with Zulqarnain and concerned about his safety.

"We would like to know a lot of things like why did the PCB management give him his passport, were they aware of the threats he had got?", Reza said.

The PCB said Zulqarnain had asked Pakistan officials for his passport.

"Zulqarnain was in possession of his passport at the time he left the hotel, which he had taken from the team management the previous evening for personal use," said the board.

PCB legal adviser Tafazzul Rizvi told Reuters that Zulqarnain had breached his central contract.

"He will definitely face an inquiry and disciplinary action whenever he contacts us. But we are concerned about this whole situation," said Rizvi.

Lahore police official Rana Faisal said they were investigating Zulqarnain's disappearance.

"We have received no official complaint but taking note of the media reports we have sent some officers to his house (in Lahore) to find out details," Faisal said.

Zulqarnain has played one test, four one-day internationals and three Twenty20 games for Pakistan.

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Missing act might cost Hyder dear

Mon, Nov 08 10 09:37 PM

Karachi, Nov 8 (PTI) Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider''s abrupt decision to leave the team hotel in Dubai without informing anyone hours before the fifth and final ODI against South Africa, could have an adverse effect on his international cricket career. "His actions fall under the code of conduct and he will face an inquiry on return," said PCB''s legal advisor, Tafazzul Rizvi. Rizvi, however, felt that something was wrong somewhere that led to the wicketkeeper leaving the team hotel suddenly. "Zulqarnain''s actions are totally surprising and strange and I am wondering what could have happened. To take such a big step... we will find out what the reasons were," Rizvi said. Hyder is believed to have received threatening messages on his mobile after he shone in the fourth one-day international in which he hit the winning runs "Leaving Pakistan cricket because got bad messages to lose the match in last game," the last update on Hyder''s facebook account read. Hyder''s elder brother, Reza confirmed that the keeper had been receiving threatening messages from an unknown person. Former Pakistan players like Abdul Qadir, Sarfaraz Nawaz and Basit Ali expressed surprise at Haider''s act. "It is strange the way he acted. I think being a new player maybe he got scared by the threats, but this is nothing new for professional players. Most of us have got threats at some time to do this and that but you just ignore them," Ali said. Qadir had his own take on the whole incident. "What is strange to me is that Zulqarnain is not a frontline or match-winning player, so why threaten him. I think he should have informed the team management about the threats instead of taking such an extreme step," the former leg spinner said. Sarfaraz claimed that the keeper was making up a story to seek political asylum in the United Kingdom. "Why chose to go to the UK if you are getting threats. He should have done returned to Pakistan," Sarfaraz said. Former PCB chairman, Tauqir Zia also expressed doubts about claims made by Hyder. "He is not a match-winner, not someone who can single handedly change the course of a match. Why should he be threatened. "It makes no sense to me and the PCB should hold a proper inquiry into this and find out if the youngster did report anything to the management, and if not, then why didn''t he trust the management," Zia said.

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Gupta to inaugurate 49th state-level police meet in MP

Mon, Nov 08 10 08:51 PM

Bhopal, Nov 8 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Umashankar Gupta will inaugurate the four-day 49th State level Police Meet at the Motilal Nehru Stadium on November 12. 700 players including 50 women will take part in the meet in which six teams would be seen in action, said Surendra Singh, additional director general (ADG) for Special Armed Force. The ADG added that any player who is above 35 years old will not be allowed to take part in the meet. "This has been done with an eye on attracting new and young talent and making sure that old players go out gracefully," Singh said. He said that apart from team events like hockey, football, volleyball, basketball and kabaddi, competitions would be held in judo, wrestling, weightlifting and athletics. PTI AS RRN AH

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Australia's ODI crowds crisis touches all-time low in Brisbane

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 08:47 PM

Brisbane (Australia), Nov.8 (ANI): Australia's one-day crowd crisis worsened on Sunday when a record low turn-out trickled into the Gabba to see the hosts deliver a dead-rubber thumping of Sri Lanka.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, it was the worst Gabba crowd for a one-day international featuring Australia, almost 3000 less than the 11,734 who were packed into a ground under construction during the 1992 World Cup.

Traditionally Australia's Gabba 50-over fixtures have drawn 35,000-plus since the redevelopment of the 40,000-capacity stadium in the 1990s.

Sunday's attendance, again featuring a healthy Sri Lankan contingent, was a mere half of the previous post-development lowest, which was 19,758 when Ponting's men defeated Pakistan earlier this year.

And that total came with 20,088 attending another Australian Gabba win over the West Indies just weeks later.

Following crowds of 19,309 at the MCG and 11,495 at the SCG in Sri Lanka's series-clinching wins, the Brisbane turnout underlined the fans general apathy for what has been an almost meaningless three-match series. (ANI)

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Strauss leads from front to start England's Ashes campaign on winning note

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 08:37 PM

Sydney, Nov 8 (ANI): England started their Ashes campaign on a winning note with captain Andrew Strauss hitting an unbeaten century to inspire his team to a remarkable six-wicket win against Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

England had no hope of victory after Western Australia, holding a first-innings lead of 19, cruised to 1-130 in their second innings early on the final day.

But a stunning collapse saw the Warriors lose 7-55 to bge all out for 223..

Set 243 to win off 52 overs, England scored 4-243 with 26 balls to spare, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

England opener Strauss (120 not out off 141 balls) cracked 15 boundaries to lead the charge, while Kevin Pietersen smashed 35 off 22 balls to go with his first-innings knock of 58.

"In the first innings, I thought we got stuck in net mode a little bit and probably didn't react as well to the conditions as we could have done. We were better the second time around and hopefully, we should get better with every innings we play," Strauss said.

"It's always good to get runs early in the tour but it doesn't count when it comes to the first Test match. It was satisfying to get 100 and see the guys home but I'm sure there's sterner tests ahead," he added.

Australian Test No.6 Marcus North scored just 20 runs in his two innings, cutting Stuart Broad to gully for 19 in his first innings before being run-out for one on Sunday. (ANI)

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Harbhajan strikes maiden century as first Test ends in draw

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 08:27 PM

Ahmedabad, Nov 8 (IANS) Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh struck his first Test hundred as India salvaged a draw against New Zealand on the fifth and final day of the first cricket Test here Monday.

The other highlights:

With drawn Ahmedabad Test, the New Zealanders are without a win in India in 22 years. Their last win on Inian soil was by 136 runs at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in 1988-89.

New Zealand's last win on foreign soil, excluding Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, was by 204 runs against West Indies at Bridgetown in 2002.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is still recording a success of 63.15 - 12 wins, two defeats and five drawn matches out of 19 played.

Harbhajan Singh took 88 Tests to register his first Test hundred. Only Anil Kumble (118) and Chaminda Vaas (97) had taken more Tests to post their first hundred.

Interestingly, Harbhajan's hundred is the 100th in the second innings for India in Tests.

Harbhajan's match aggregate of 184 (69 + 115) is his highest ever. In fact, the said tally is the highest by a number eight batsman for India.

VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh shared a seventh-wicket stand of 163 - India's best against New Zealand, eclipsing the 128 between Sachin Tendulkar and Kiran More at Napier in 1989-90.

The aforesaid partnership is India's fifth best on Indian soil for the seventh wicket. The said stand is the highest for the seventh wicket at Motera, surpassing the 154 between Imran Khan and Ijaz Faqih for Pakistan against India in 1986-87.

Harbhajan Singh has recorded two fifty-plus innings in a Test match for the first time.

Harbhajan is only the second number eight batsman in Test annals to record a fifty and a hundred in a Test match. Eric Dalton (South Africa) - 117 and 57* against England at The Oval in 1935 - was the first to perform the feat.

Harbhajan Singh received his first Man of the Match award against New Zealand - his sixth in Test Cricket.

Zaheer Khan posted his fourth duck against New Zealand, his 20th duck in Tests, emulating Bishan Singh Bedi's tally of 20 ducks. Bhagwat Chandrasekhar holds an Indian record - 23 Test ducks.

Laxman's 47th Test half-century is his fifth against New Zealand.

Laxman has recorded 22 half-centuries in India and 25 away from home.

Laxman has averaged 88.00 this year - his career-best performance in a calendar year - 704 in seven Tests.

Laxman, in the team's second innings, averaged fifty-plus (51.17), aggregating 2968, including five hundreds and 18 fifties, in 75 innings. Only Sunil Gavaskar has a better average than Laxman - 51.46.

Don Bradman (104.50) holds a world record. He is the only one to average 100 or more in a team's second innings.

Harbhajan Singh (115) batted superbly to post his maiden hundred in Tests/First-class cricket.

Tim McIntosh has posted a PAIR in Tests. His third duck against India is his fifth in Tests.

McIntosh is the first New Zealand opener to register a PAIR against India. Overall, he is the seventh to record the unwanted feat, joining John Wright, B.R. Hartland, Roger Twose, Bruce Edgar, T.W. Jarvis and Ken Rutherford.

McIntosh is now the sixth batsman to post a PAIR for New Zealand against India, joining A.R. MacGibbon, G.B. Troup, C.M. Kuggeleijn, M.C. Snedden and P.J. Wiseman (twice).

Source: Web Search

Races postponed

Mon, Nov 08 10 08:07 PM

Bangalore, Nov8 (PTI) Due to inclement weather condition and resultant underfoot condition of the race track, stewards today decided to further postpone the first day of the Bangalore winter meeting 2010-11 scheduled on November 9 to November 12. The already-published card will hold good, a Bangalore Turf Club release said PTI BH BN AH

Source: Published>

Bhupathi-Mirnyi go down fighting to Murrays in Valencia

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 07:37 PM

Valencia (Spain), Nov 8 (IANS) India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi of Belarus fought hard but could not stop Scots Andy and Jamie Murray from clinching the 1,357,000 euros Valencia Open tennis doubles title 7-6(8), 5-7, 10-7.

The Scots were Sunday playing their first ATP World Tour doubles final together and just over a week after Jamie married Colombian Alejandra Gutierrez in his hometown of Dunblan.

The win fetched the Murrays 95,240 euros and 500 ATP points while it was 44,000 euros and 300 ATP points for Bhupathi and Mirnyi.

The Murrays, who were given a wildcard for the event, pulled off a keenly fought first set after saving one set point but slumped in the second after Bhupathi and Mirnyi broke Jamie in the 11th game to make it a set all.

The Scots prevailed in the match tie-break, closing out victory in one hour and 48 minutes.

It was also Andy's first ATP World Tour doubles title, while Jamie captured his fifth career title.

Source: Web Search

Sheffield FC to play against Lajong FC and Assam XI

Mon, Nov 08 10 07:21 PM

New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) English football club Sheffield FC will play against Lajong FC of Shillong and an Assam XI team after participating in the Platinum Jubilee Cup in Kolkata, a tournament organised to commemorate Mohammedan Sporting''s 75 years of existence. "They are scheduled to reach Guwahati on November 17th and will play against Assam XI team at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai on November 18," said All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president and Assam Football Association general secretary Ankur Dutta. Following the three-day Platinum Jubilee Cup in Kolkata, where Sheffield FC will play against East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting on knock-out basis, the world''s oldest football club will fly to Shillong via Guwahati and play an exhibition match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium there on November 16. They will then play a match in Guwahati on November 18. "I am not sure about the make of the Sheffield squad that will be visiting here but some good players will be there for sure for the exhibition matches and that will be a good exposure," Dutta told PTI from Guwahati. The English club had, in August, tied up with the Jamshedpur-based Tata Football Academy (TFA), the country''s premier soccer school, which has been producing quality players for years with the aim to impart professional training to TFA coaches and cadets. The tie-up is initially for three years after which it may be continued on the interest of both the academies. As a part of this tie-up, SUFC is supposed to formulate a 12-month programme on coaching, fitness and professional development of coaches. The tie-up has also opened up an opportunity for the selected trainees to appear in trials in England. The training sessions include lessons on strategy for player recruitment, identification and profiling.

Source: Published>

Leander, Bhupathi, Bopanna get byes in Paris Masters

Mon, Nov 08 10 07:17 PM

Paris, Nov 8 (PTI) Striving hard to secure a place in the season-ending World Tour Finals, India''s Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna have got a first round bye in the Paris Masters event along with their respective partners. Paris Masters is the last chance for the players to grab four spots at stake for the finale in London. Bhupathi and his Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi have been seeded sixth while Bopanna and Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi are seeded seventh. Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy have already secured a place in the Finals as they are ranked third in the world team ranking chart. Top eight doubles teams and singles platers would compete in the season ending event in London from November 21. Paes and Dlohuy have also got a first round bye and are seeded third in the euro 2,750,000 ATP event. No India is competing in the singles event.

Source: Published>

Sheffield FC to play against Lajong FC and Assam XI

Mon, Nov 08 10 07:07 PM

New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) English football club Sheffield FC will play against Lajong FC of Shillong and an Assam XI team after participating in the Platinum Jubilee Cup in Kolkata, a tournament organised to commemorate Mohammedan Sporting''s 75 years of existence. "They are scheduled to reach Guwahati on November 17th and will play against Assam XI team at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai on November 18," said All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president and Assam Football Association general secretary Ankur Dutta. Following the three-day Platinum Jubilee Cup in Kolkata, where Sheffield FC will play against East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting on knock-out basis, the world''s oldest football club will fly to Shillong via Guwahati and play an exhibition match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium there on November 16. They will then play a match in Guwahati on November 18. "I am not sure about the make of the Sheffield squad that will be visiting here but some good players will be there for sure for the exhibition matches and that will be a good exposure," Dutta told PTI from Guwahati. The English club had, in August, tied up with the Jamshedpur-based Tata Football Academy (TFA), the country''s premier soccer school, which has been producing quality players for years with the aim to impart professional training to TFA coaches and cadets. The tie-up is initially for three years after which it may be continued on the interest of both the academies. As a part of this tie-up, SUFC is supposed to formulate a 12-month programme on coaching, fitness and professional development of coaches. The tie-up has also opened up an opportunity for the selected trainees to appear in trials in England. The training sessions include lessons on strategy for player recruitment, identification and profiling.

Source: Published>

Leander, Bhupathi, Bopanna get byes in Paris Masters

Mon, Nov 08 10 06:51 PM

Paris, Nov 8 (PTI) Striving hard to secure a place in the season-ending World Tour Finals, India''s Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna have got a first round bye in the Paris Masters event along with their respective partners. Paris Masters is the last chance for the players to grab four spots at stake for the finale in London. Bhupathi and his Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi have been seeded sixth while Bopanna and Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi are seeded seventh. Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy have already secured a place in the Finals as they are ranked third in the world team ranking chart. Top eight doubles teams and singles platers would compete in the season ending event in London from November 21. Paes and Dlohuy have also got a first round bye and are seeded third in the euro 2,750,000 ATP event. No India is competing in the singles event.

Source: Published>

Harbajan's maiden ton, Laxman save India Ahmedabad Test

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 06:37 PM

Ahmedabad, Nov 8 (IANS) Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh's maiden Test century and his 163-run seventh-wicket stand with V.V.S. Laxman, who was distinctly unlucky to miss a hundred, made sure India drew the first cricket Test against New Zealand on the fifth and last day here Monday.

Harbhajan (115 runs, 193 balls, 11x4, 3x6) and Laxman (91 runs, 253b, 9x4) took India to a second-innings total of 266 from a perilous 82 for six on the fifth and last day. India's second innings came to end shortly after tea, leaving New Zealand hardly any time to get 295 runs.

The visitors completed the formalities of batting the minimum required ten overs to score 22 for the loss of Tim McIntosh's wicket, caught plumb in front by Zaheer Khan, before calling the match off.

Laxman and Harbhajan steadied the innings after Chris Martin rocked the Indian innings with a five for 63 on the fourth day Sunday. Interestingly, no team has ever won in Ahmedabad, chasing a target and the Motera pitch kept that record intact.

The second Test of the three-match series begins in Hyderabad Nov 12.

Harbhajan, who was kept on a leash by Laxman by constantly goading him to stay cool, brought up his hundred in style with a six over extra cover and celebrated it by mimicking Sachin Tendulkar's characteristic crouch as the entire dressing room stood up to laud his effort.

However, Laxman, who looked poised for his hundred, was unlucky when umpire Steve Davis adjudged him leg before to Daniel Vettori (2-81) though the replays showed that the batsman nicked the ball on to the pads. Laxman stared in disbelief before walking off shaking his head.

Davis came up with another doubtful decision when he ruled Zaheer Khan lbw off the next ball, again the batsman edging the ball. Vettori was on a hat-trick, but Pragyan Ohja survived and the Indians were 255 for eight at tea.

Harbhajan fell soon after tea when he top-edged a Ross Taylor (2-4) full toss straight to Bradley John-Walting at the short fine leg. Taylor soon had his second wicket as Shantakumaran Sreesanth snicked for wicket-keeper Gareth Hopkins to take the catch and end the Indian innings.

Laxman and Harbhajan batted with assurance to see that they saw through the morning session without being separated.

Martin, who did the bulk of bowling as New Zealand could not use injured Hamish Bennett (groin) and Jesse Ryder (calf), was played out carefully by the Indian duo. Non-regular Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum were forced to bowl.

Laxman, who invariably rescued the team from difficult situations to either win or save Tests, yet again roughed it out, nursing Harbhajan at the other end.

Laxman batted with poise and patience to repair the damage. In contrast, Harbhajan repeatedly flirted with danger and was lucky to survive a run out chance in the third over of the day when a throw by Vettori missed the stumps.

It took Laxman 154 deliveries to bring up his 50 with four boundaries whereas Harbhajan's 50 came off 78 balls with five fours and a six, his second fifty of the Test.

India had dominated the first two days of the Test with an imposing 487 runs total in the first innings with Virender Sehwag (173) and Rahul Dravid (104) cracking magnificent centuries.

The New Zealand reply was boosted by Jesse Ryder's third Test century followed by 20-year-old Kane Williamson's hundred on debut, making him the youngest Black Cap to achieve this feat. The visitors were bowled out in their first innings for 459, conceding a slim 28-run lead.

The Black Caps have not won a Test in India since John Wright led them to a 136-run victory in Mumbai 22 years ago.

Source: Web Search

Somdev out of top-100, Bhupathi-Mirnyi in 6th place in teams

Mon, Nov 08 10 06:21 PM

New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Somdev Devvarman dropped out of top-100 as he is placed 106 after losing 10 places on the ATP singles ranking chart today. Somdev had lost in the semifinals of an ATP Challenger tournament in the US, last week. India''s doubles pro Mahesh Bhupathi enhanced his chances to be in the World Tour Finals after claiming the sixth position in the team ranking along with Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi. They displaced Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi, who are now seventh and are also in hunt for a place in the season-ending finale. In the individual doubles rankings, Bhupathi gained two places to be in 13th position. Leander was static at number five while Bopanna slid to 15, loss of one slot. In the WTA chart, Sania Mirza (166) dropped a place in singles and was unmoved in doubles at number 64.

Source: Published>

Younus wants to bow out on World Cup high

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 06:07 PM

Dubai, Nov 8 (ANI): Veteran Pakistani batsman Younus Khan has expressed the hope that his team would win a major ICC event before he hung up his boots, adding that it would be great if it would be next year's World Cup.

"It's in my mind that before I leave we win a major ICC (International Cricket Council) event and if that's the World Cup (50 overs) then it would be great," the Daily Times quoted Younus, as saying.

India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh host the World Cup from February 19 to April 2 next year, and Younus rates Pakistan as one of the favourites for the event.

"Pakistan is amongst the top four favourites to win the World Cup and I always give top ranking to my team. If we play to our potential we can win the World Cup like we won the World Twenty20," he said.

Younus, who hit a match-winning 73 in the fourth one day match which saw Pakistan to a narrow one wicket win here on Friday to level the five-match series against South Africa at 2-2, said he fulfils the senior batsman's job.

"I am one of the most senior players, so my job is to guide the team to safety and whenever I do that I am very happy and it adds to my confidence," said the veteran, who has so far played 63 Tests and 206 one-day matches for Pakistan.

"If senior players remain focussed and do their jobs then I am sure that Pakistan will make winning a habit and that's very important at international level," he added.

Younus hoped that Pakistan clinch the final match against South Africa to be played on Monday (today), saying, "We have not won a series for two years." Pakistan's last series win was against West Indies in Abu Dhabi in 2008.

"So it's important that we clinch this series and get more confidence before the World Cup," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pak wicketkeeper goes missing after receiving threats for not losing match

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 05:53 PM

Islamabad, Nov 8 (ANI): Pakistan cricket is embroiled in one controversy after other and the latest is wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider going missing from team hotel ahead of the deciding ODI against South Africa in Dubai.

The PCB has begun an inquiry into the matter and has informed the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit as well as local security officials of Haider"s disappearance.

"He is missing and we found this out in the morning when getting ready to come to the stadium," said Nadeem Sarwar, the PCB's general manager of media.

"He did not say anything to the team management about this at all. We have initiated inquiries into the matter. The ACSU has been informed and is being kept in the loop. Local security officials have also been alerted," Sarwar told ESPNcricinfo.

Raza Haider, Zulqarnain's brother, said the wicketkeeper had reportedly received threats. "I spoke to Zulqarnain after the fourth ODI and he told me he had gotten some kind of threats after that game, but he gave no details," Raza said.

A message left as a status update on the player's Facebook page said: "leaving pakistan cricket because get bad msg fr 1 man fr lose the match in last game."

The last match that his Facebook status seems to refer to is the fourth ODI of the series, another closely-fought thriller, in which Haider's unbeaten 19 took Pakistan to victory with one wicket and one ball to spare, ESPNcricinfo reports.

A TV reporter for Geo, a leading Pakistani news channel, said that he had received a similar text message from Haider earlier on Monday and also an indication that he might fly to the UK. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pakistan investigate wicketkeeper no-show

Mon, Nov 08 10 05:37 PM

Pakistan are investigating wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider's disappearance hours before their fifth and final one-day international against South Africa in Dubai on Monday.

Pakistan team management said that Zulqarnain had last been seen at the team hotel in Dubai early in the morning.

"I can't comment on this right now we are getting information," Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam told Geo News from Dubai.

"I can confirm he didn't come with the team to the ground."

In a message on his Facebook account, Zulqarnain appeared to suggest he was worried about his personal safety after receiving threats.

"Leaving Pakistan cricket because get bad messages for lose the match in last game," he wrote.

Pakistan officials have reported Zulqarnain's disappearance to the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption and Security unit, as well as local police.

Zulqarnain scored an unbeaten 19 and hit the winning runs as Pakistan levelled the five-match series at 2-2 in the fourth one-dayer on Friday.

The player's brother Reza told Reuters from Lahore that Zulqarnain had expressed fears after receiving threatening messages.

"The last time I spoke to him he told me he was getting threatening messages after the fourth match and to pray for him," Reza said.

Lahore police official Rana Faisal said they were investigating.

"We have received no official complaint but taking note of the media reports we have sent some officers to his house (in Lahore) to find out details," Faisal said.

Source: Published>

Sushil gets engaged to Savi; marriage on Feb 18

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 05:17 PM

Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Sushil Kumar on Monday got engaged to Savi, daughter of his coach Satpal Singh, at a private ceremony here attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

The ring ceremony was also attended by former Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh, former Defence Minister George Fernandes, Samajwadi Party MP Brij Bhushan Singh, cricketer Kapil Dev, CWG gold medallist wrestlers Narsingh Yadav and Ravinder Kumar among others.

"The marriage will take place on February 18. On February 17, all the other rituals including Mehendi and ladies sangeet will be performed. Everyone in both the families are excited about the match," said S Kumar, Sushil's close friend.

The ring ceremony took place at Hotel Shangri La.

Savi, an MBA graduate, was draped in a green embroidered saree while Sushil was wearing a brown suit.

Savi is the eldest of Satpal's three children.

Source: Web Search

PCB may dump 'tainted' Kamran, Kaneria from 2011World Cup squad

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 05:07 PM

Islamabad, Nov 8 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chiefs may reportedly drop two senior players, Kamran Akmal and Danish Kaneria, from the team when they announce their 30-man preliminary squad for World Cup 2011 later this month.

According to The News, sources have revealed that both the players are under the PCB's radar for possible links with match-fixers and are unlikely to be included in the team till the time they are cleared of any misdeeds.

Kamran, who till last summer was a key Pakistan player as well as the team's vice-captain, is currently out of the squad after undergoing a minor surgery last month. Although he recovered from the appendicitis operation, the national selectors have reportedly decided not to include him in the team.

Kaneria was supposed to join the Pakistan team on Sunday in Dubai ahead of the first Test, which gets underway there later this month but the PCB decided not to 'clear' him for the two-match series, the paper said.

Although senior Board officials have not been given any specific reason for dumping him, but reliable sources said that the seasoned leg-spinner has been sidelined as part of a PCB campaign to 'clean up' Pakistan cricket.

"The Board won't make it public but it has started a crackdown in a bid to clean up Pakistan cricket because it is under a lot of pressure from the ICC and has to act strongly to avoid a possible international suspension," a knowledgeable source said.

Last month, PCB was given 30 days by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to put its house in order or face sanctions including possible suspension of Pakistan from international cricket.

ICC's stern ultimatum came weeks after three of Pakistan's leading cricketers were accused of accepting bribes from match-fixers during the fourth Test against England at Lord's last August. Test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were provisionally suspended by the ICC after a British tabloid alleged that the pacers bowled no-balls on order during the Lord's Test.

Meanwhile, Kamran's fellow teammates believe that his possible ouster from the World Cup squad will be a huge setback for the 1992 champions.

"It would be a great loss for the team if Kamran is thrown out of Pakistan's World Cup plans. He is an important player and cannot be replaced properly at such short notice," a player said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Rooney is sensitive lad who unites England team: Lampard

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 04:57 PM

London, Nov 8 (ANI): England midfielder Frank Lampard has defended troubled ace striker Wayne Rooney, who witnessed a dip in form after his extra marital affairs became public.

Lampard said that Rooney is a sensitive lad who unites the England dressing room.

Speaking on tonight's Radio 5 Live documentary entitled 'The Real Rooney', Lampard said: "He's a confident boy but not over confident. He's a very sensitive lad."

"We get on very well. He crosses all the boundaries or factions within a squad that you always have. He's one you want next to you as a mate if you go to war - or if you just want a laugh," The Sun quoted him, as saying. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

ICC's Pak Task Team impressed by anti-corruption progress made by PCB

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 04:37 PM

Islamabad, Nov 8 (ANI): The ICC's Pakistan Task Team (PTT) received an update on the progress being made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ensure integrity of cricket via teleconference on Sunday, and were impressed by the progress reported by the board.

Chairman of the PTT and ICC Director Giles Clarke was joined by members of the task team as well as PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt and ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

Lorgat said, "PCB has clearly recognized that it is imperative to protect the integrity of cricket and we are indeed impressed by the progress reported. Their willingness to play such an active role on the integrity issue is vital to the future of international cricket. They have shown a clear determination to tackle their challenges."

"The ICC Task Team is mindful of those challenges and is committed to supporting the PCB," he added.

The progress reported by the PCB included developing of an Anti-Corruption Code, a proposed plan to regulate agents of Pakistani players, and an enhanced and countrywide education programme.

PTT Chairman Giles Clarke said, "The PCB chairman and his team must be congratulated for the speed with which they have adopted the recommendations of the ICC Board. Everyone is encouraged by the statements and actions of the PCB and we must hope that they continue."

Butt said that the PCB was determined to implement the recommendations provided by the ICC.

"We at the PCB, like the ICC, are committed to a zero-tolerance approach to any form of corruption," he added. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Harbhajan slams maiden Test ton, match ends in a draw

Mon, Nov 08 10 04:21 PM

S S Ramaswamy Ahmedabad, Nov 8 (PTI) India found an unlikely batting hero in tailender Harbhajan Singh who produced a match-saving maiden Test century to steer his team to safety alongwith VVS Laxman as the first cricket Test against New Zealand ended in a draw here today. The gutsy Harbhajan (115) notched up his only first class century and combined with veteran Laxman (91) as the duo dented New Zealand''s push for victory with a solid 163-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Resuming their second innings at a precarious 82 for six, Laxman and Harbhajan saved India the blushes by batting cautiously before the innings folded up for 266 shortly after the tea break for an overall lead of 294. The Kiwis were 22 for one in their second innings before both captains decided to call off play. Zaheer Khan removed opener Tim McIntosh for a duck but Brendon McCummum (11) and Bradley-John Watling (2) ensured there were no further setbacks for the visitors who will take a great deal of confidence from their performance here. The two teams will now travel to Hyderabad for the second Test to be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium from November 12 to 16. It was Harbhajan who stole the spotlight on the final day''s play and had it not been for his valiant batting effort, the story could have been quite different for the home team. Harbhajan, who made his highest score of 69 in the first innings, achieved his dream of scoring a century in Test cricket. His 115 came off 193 balls and contained 13 boundaries and three sixes. Harbhajan reached his maiden hundred in style with a six off Vettori and held his bat aloft to reciprocate the applause of his teammates in the dressing room. The stylish Laxman, who has bailed India out of many a crisis, was a picture of poise and concentration as he held the innings together and kept guiding Harbhajan. Laxman was wrongly given out leg before wicket to rival team captain Daniel Vettori by umpire Steve Davis as TV replays showed the ball had deflected on to the pad off the inside edge of the bat. Laxman and Harbhajan took India from a difficult 65 for six last evening at the fall of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni''s wicket and were not separated till close to the tea interval when Vettori won the verdict against the former. The duo was together for 10 minutes under four hours and faced 328 balls. Vettori also sent back Zaheer Khan off the next ball, to another questionable decision by the same umpire as the bat and pad were close together when the ball hit its target, to be on a hat-trick which was staved off by Ojha. More PTI SSR MRM

Source: Published>

PCB boss Butt's close confidante Yawar likely to replace Bari as board's COO

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 04:07 PM

Lahore, Nov 8 (ANI): Pakistan's former team manager Yawar Saeed is tipped to take over as the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) new Chief Operating Officer after Wasim Bari was sacked under a Service Rule Act that does not allow the board to give regular employment to persons over the age of 60 years.

According to one source, all indications were now that board chairman Ijaz Butt would prefer to have his long-time friend Saeed replace Bari as the chief operating officer, the Daily Times reported.

"Although Yawar is over 70 years but he can be given a contract to work in the board," the source added.

The government service rules allow organisations to employ retired persons on a contract basis for any specialised or senior position.

A close confidante of Butt, Saeed had stepped down as manager of the national team after Pakistan's troubled tour of England. The source said that the PCB chairman was now keen to have him working in the board.

"That is the way Ijaz operates, he trusts Yawar and Intikhab Alam a lot and that is why he also made Intikhab the manager of the national team recently although the former captain had failed as a coach of the national team earlier in the year," the source noted.

The source also indicated that the sudden decision to terminate the services of senior employees on the basis of their age had something to do with the ultimatum given by the ICC to Butt to clean up his management and introduce a new team in the board.

"Otherwise Bari is over 62, Khizar Hayat- the umpires manager- is 71, Shafiq Ahmed- the general manager domestic cricket affairs- is already 61, when they were given the termination notices why didn't the board act earlier against them?" the source questioned.

Also, some of the employees whose salaries were under 100,000 rupees were given fresh contract letters for a year, sources revealed.

"The board in the letter has also told the employees including Bari who were drawing salaries in excess of 100,000 that they can reapply for the post afresh, and if the board feels their services are required, they will be given fresh contracts on fresh terms for a year," one source said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Bhupathi-Mirnyi pair ends runners-up at Valencia Open

Mon, Nov 08 10 03:51 PM

Valencia (Spain), Nov 8 (PTI) A title win continued to elude Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi as they lost the Valencia Open final to British brothers Andy and Jamie Murray here. The third seeded Indo-Belarusian pair lost the summit clash 6-7 (8) 7-5 7-10 to the wild card pair. It''s for the fourth time in the season that Bhupathi and Mirnyi have lost a title clash. They ended runners-up at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments in Miami, Monte-Carlo and Cincinnati earlier in the season. Bhupathi and Mirnyi are trying to grab one of the four spots available in the season-ending World Tour Finals in London. Top eight singles players and pairs compete in the prestigious tournament. If Bhupathi qualifies for the London event, he will not play for India in the Asian Games, starting November 12 in Guangzhou.

Source: Published>

Manchester derby dominates fixture list in EPL

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 03:27 PM

London, Nov 8 (DPA) One fixture that stands out above all others in this week's midweek Premier League programme is the Manchester derby at Eastlands Wednesday.

Manchester United, despite being far from their best, remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League, and are only two points behind leaders Chelsea.

Manchester City have stuttered of late, losing three games in a row - two of them in the Premier League - before Sunday's fiery win over West Bromwich Albion.

The return of Carlos Tevez after a trip back to Argentina as he recovered from a thigh injury seemed to galvanize them, and United full-back Patrice Evra agrees he is City's most dangerous player.

'City have spent a lot of money, but for me Carlitos is easily the best player they have,' Evra said.

'They have other good players, but Tevez attacks and defends.

'They could not afford to lose him. He is a big player, the most important they have - and every single Manchester City player knows that.'

Whether Mario Balotelli, who scored both goals against West Brom, is involved is unclear. He was sent off for violent conduct, but manager Roberto Mancini indicated he would appeal against the decision.

Leaders Chelsea are at home to West London rivals Fulham, who won only one away game last season and are yet to win one this.

'We will have to be well organised, make sure we have got good shape and discipline and work really hard to keep a clean sheet,' said Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy.

'We know we are going to be under the cosh for long periods but of course we must try and cause a threat at the same time.'

After beating Chelsea Sunday, Liverpool are looking for a fifth straight win as they go to troubled Wigan Athletic, while Arsenal, after their home defeat to Newcastle, look to get their season back on track at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The pick of Tuesday's games sees Tottenham Hotspur host a Sunderland side that has won just once away from home in the past 15 months, but which was extremely unfortunate to lose at White Hart Lane last season.

Tottenham could be without Rafael van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon, both of whom have hamstring injuries, while Darren Bent is a major doubt for Sunderland for the same reason.

Birmingham City travel to Stoke City in Tuesday's other fixture.

Without a league win in five, Aston Villa host Blackpool Wednesday, while Bolton Wanderers go to Everton, Blackburn Rovers make the trip to Newcastle United and bottom side West Ham United face West Bromwich Albion.

'We just have to get out of there,' said West Ham's full-back Lars Jacobsen.

'When you look at the team, look at the players, the way we play, we do not belong there.'

Source: Web Search

Russia unprepared to host 2018 World Cup: Aleksandr Bubnov

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 03:17 PM

London, Nov 8 (ANI): Russian football legend Aleksandr Bubnov has said that his country is not ready to host the 2018 World Cup.

The famous Dynamo Stadium pitch, which is the site for the new showpiece arena for the 2018 World Cup if Russia's bid is successful, is in shambles and stands are a mass of tangled metal and torn up plastic seats.

Aleksandr said: "Russia isn't ready to host the 2018 World Cup, I'm afraid. As of today, Russia hasn't a single stadium, which would meet the requirement of a World Cup. In my opinion England could hold the World Cup now - and that's before all the investment that will pour in."

"England invented football. The World Cup there in 1966 is now long ago and you have the best league in the world. I think 2018 will go England's way," The Sun quoted the Russian legend, as saying.

The decision is to be announced by Fifa, the world football's governing body, on December 2.

Aleksandr said his nation is unprepared for the tournament due to Russia's virulent corruption, both in football and wider society, its lack of infrastructure and the need for the development of the national team.

"Russian officials approached me after I raised questions about our 2018 bid and asked, 'Are you so unpatriotic that you don't want the World Cup in Russia?' I'm very much a patriot but we are totally unprepared to host the World Cup," he added.

Russia has pledged 61.5 billion pounds to transform ageing cities and build infrastructure, including 14 new stadiums if it wins the bid.

He is worried that much of the cash will be siphoned off through backhanders and bribes.

Aleksandr said: "Corruption is a disease in Russia. It begins with police and business. The building industry is corrupt too." (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Three Pak cricketers fined for "returning late to team hotel by five minutes"

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 03:07 PM

Lahore, Nov 8 (ANI): Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam has fined three national players for disciplinary reasons after they were late "by five minutes" in returning to the team hotel in the United Arab Emirates.

Opener Shahzaib Hasan, spinner Abdul Rehman and wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider were fined 500 dirhams (136 dollars) on Sunday for breaking curfew timings during the ongoing one-day series against South Africa, the Daily Times reported.

"We have reminded the players that there will be no tolerance on discipline, and after these three players returned late to the team hotel by five minutes they have been fined and issued show-cause notices," said Alam.

The team manager also said that the players had been warned of severe consequences if they breached the code of conduct again, as they would then be punished with double fines and other sanctions.

Last month, Pakistan had introduced a new code of conduct for players, with stricter punishments after being plagued with problems of discipline and corruption, which rocked their cricket recently. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

SPORT-RACE

Mon, Nov 08 10 02:51 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 8 (PTI) Following are the winter race results held here today. The Moment of Glory Plate Div.II (about) 1000 M Cat III Classic Dancer (M/s V Krishna Das, Anil Kumar Venkat Epur, Bharat Venkat Epur and A N Prasad) 59.5 Nitin Singh First Kohinoor Magic 61 carried 57.5 (rpt) carried 57.5 Ajit Kumar Second Mighty Power 57.5 S John Third Golden Estelita 60.5 DeepShanker Fourth All ten Ran Won By: 5 l, Short-head, 1-1/4 l Time: One minute 06.78(rpt) 06.78 seconds Winner Trained By: Srinagesh Favourite: Max Baby Tote Paid: Rs 117 for win, Rs 16, Rs 8 and Rs 9 for places SHP: Rs 17 Forecast: Rs 734 Quinella: Rs 285 Tanala: Rs 3508 paid on 12 tickets. .

Source: Published>

Saina receives Khel Ratna from Gill

Mon, Nov 08 10 02:37 PM

New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal today received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award from Sports Minister M S Gill after missing out on the August 29 ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan due to the World Championships in Paris. "Dr M S Gill, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, gave away Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for the year 2010 to Ms Saina Nehwal at a simple ceremony here today," the Sports Ministry said in a statement. "As she was in Paris taking part in World Championship when the National Sports Awards were conferred by the President of India on August 29, she could not receive the Award on that occasion. In view of this, the Award was conferred on her today," it added. The award carries a medal, citation and cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh. Saina won the Indonesia Super Series, Singapore Open super Series, Indian Open Grand Prix this year. She had won the Indonesia Super Series and the Indian Open Grand Prix last year. The Hyderabadi was a semifinalist in last year''s World Championship and in the All England Super Series this year. She won the women''s singles gold medal in Commonwealth Games last month. She was conferred the Arjuna Award last year.

Source: Published>

Laxman, Bhajji slam 50s, put India in a winning position

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 02:17 PM

VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh have batted India into a powerful position in the first Test with timely fifties - from a losing position.

Leading by 169 runs and a 5th day pitch to bank upon, skipper MS Dhoni, if he has the belief and courage of effecting a sporting declaration, may well have a very good chance of winning the Test, and if it does end in a draw, he could put a big dent in the Kiwi morale, which is high after 2 days of heroics with both bat and ball. This is important to gain the upper hand for the rest of the series - at the moment the tourists have almost run away with all the confidence-generating points.

The ink on the script is almost dry, all Dhoni has to do is act on it. He should remember that at the start of the Test, when he won the toss, that he had a huge smile plastered on his face as he had opted to bat first, which meant he would call the shots with the Kiwis facing the Turbanator and Ojha on a last day's pitch.

When the toss was over, the Indian team was seen jumping with joy, especially Harbhajan. Surely, time is now ripe to put their money where their mouth is.

The heroes for India are of course Laxman and Harbhajan Singh.

What looked like a terminal decline on Sunday has been transformed into a position of strength for Team India by old warhorse VVS Laxman in the company of the ever-pugnacious Harbhajan Singh.

Looking at defeat at one time when five Indian wickets fell for just 15 runs, and having lost the sixth wicket (in the form of MS Dhoni for 22) near stumps, the New Zealand team must have been quite happy about their position in the Test - they could not lose from here and most probably they would win it.

However, they did not figure on Laxman continuing to bat positively in the morning and Harbhajan keeping his end of the bargain up with some solid defense work and timely aggression.

Laxman completed his 50 (47th fifty in Tests) and India were looking in fine fettle at at 139/6 (59.4 Ovs) - the overall lead is 169 runs. While Laxman took over 150 deliveries to bring up his 50, Harbhajan was not letting any grass grow under his feet, by smashing his way to 44 off just 74 deliveries (he brought up his 50 soon thereafter with a four over gully - it is his 9th Test fifty. Bhajji is only the 4th batsman at No. 8 to have got a fifty in both innings of a Test match.)

Considering this is the fifth day pitch, the turn for Indian spinners would be considerable, if they maintain their composure and stick to the basics by keeping line and length perfect. The pitch will do the rest, especially the footmarks.

This kind of a declaration will give India the courage to eclipse all opposition even from the direst of situation in the future.

After all, with Australia losing to India in Tests, India are in a great position to make the No. 1 Test spot theirs well into the future.

History beckons.

Source: Web Search

I was rubbish five years ago, says England spinner Swann

Mon, Nov 08 10 02:07 PM

Melbourne, Nov 8 (PTI) Spinner Graeme Swann, who has been billed by spin legend Shane Warne as the one who holds the key to England''s Ashes defence against Australia this summer, believes he was "rubbish" five years ago and wasn''t good enough to perform at the Test level. Warne had recently rated Swann as the most improved player in world cricket and said that if the spinner falls over and breaks a leg, England would surely find themselves in serious trouble. "I was rubbish when I played against him (Warne) five years ago. I was just dwindling away in county cricket. I was enjoying my time but I wasn''t good enough to perform at Test level," Swann recalled. "It''s nice he (Warne) remembers me in the first place because I didn''t really give him any reason to, and he recognises I''ve been bowling well recently," Swann was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press. The English tweaker, who has taken 113 wickets from 24 Test outings, insists he is not feeling any extra pressure ahead of the five-Test series against Australia, starting at the Gabba on November 25. "It''s very nice when people say that (I hold the key), especially the best bowler in the world ever. But I don''t feel any extra pressure, I feel the same pressure that you do as the single spinner in a four-man attack. I know I''m going to have to bowl a lot of overs," Swann said. The 31-year-old feels he has a serious point to prove in Australia this summer. Swann conceded he was barely more than a passenger in last year''s Ashes triumph in England, collecting just 14 wickets at an average of 40.5 during the series. "I don''t think I bowled particularly well through that last Ashes series. A couple of matches aside I was a little bit below par, probably just riding the wave, if you like, of the Ashes. "This time around I''m looking forward to hopefully carrying on the form I had in South Africa last year (21 wickets at 31.38) on very similar wickets where I bowled fairly well and was able to hold an end down and pick up a few scalps along the way," he said.

Source: Published>