World's leading Test wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka will play for Bengal in India's premier first-class domestic competition this season, a newspaper reported Tuesday. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has signed up the off-spinner for the Ranji Trophy matches in the 2008-09 season beginning in November, the Kolkata-based Telegraph newspaper said. "The Lankan board chief executive, Duleep Mendis, has sent across a fax to us, mentioning that Murali will be available for Bengal in the upcoming first-class engagements," said CAB president Jagmohan Dalmiya. "With his experience of 756 Test and 479 one-day international wickets, Bengal cricket will benefit immensely." Muralitharan was expected to play four matches for the state side, which was relegated last season. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is also included in the state side. "The arrangement is clear. His obligations to the Lanka board will always come first," Dalmiya said. Muralitharan was not picked for Sri Lanka's next assignment -- a four-nation Twenty20 tournament in Canada next month. The Sri Lankan team has no international engagements this year, but Muralitharan is likely to turn up for the inaugural Champions Twenty20 League from December 3-10 at three Indian venues. The Indian cricket board last month allowed each state team to select a maximum of four outstation players, including a foreigner.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Aussies plan to delay Tendulkar record bid
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said Tuesday his team will try their best to make Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar struggle for his world record in the upcoming Test series. Tendulkar needs just 77 runs to beat retired West Indies captain Brian Lara's landmark of 11,953 and is expected to reach the milestone in the four-Test series beginning in Bangalore on October 9. "I don't have too many great memories of him because he tends to score heavily against us," Ponting said. "I have the highest regard for him. He is a true champion, one of the all-time greats, and reaching this milestone would be a great reward for him. "But we are here to win and know pretty well that we have to dismiss him early if we are to win here. We have come here with a few plans for him and hope our plans click." Tendulkar, who has averaged 56 against Australia in 25 Tests, already holds three world records -- the highest number of runs in one-day internationals (16,361) and most centuries in Tests (39) and one-dayers (42). Key Australian paceman Brett Lee said he had been looking forward to bowling to one of the great batsmen. "He is a world-class player who has proved himself over more than a decade," said Lee. "You talk about Don Bradman, Lara, Sachin and probably Ricky. It is an honour to bowl to Sachin and getting his wicket is the ultimate prize." Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson said it was always a challenge to bowl to Tendulkar. "I don't want to make any prediction but I can say it is going to be a great challenge (to bowl to him)," said Johnson. Tendulkar said Monday he was not focusing on the world record but on the team's performance. "I just have to go and play my best. Records will come if you keep playing well. My mind is not on the 77 runs and it is not as if I can relax after getting these runs," he said. "For the four Tests against Australia the team has some targets and I am more focused on those." Tendulkar was recently declared fit for the Australia Tests after missing the one-day series in Sri Lanka last month due to an elbow injury. Australia play their only practice game before the series here from October 2. The Bangalore Test will be followed by back-to-back matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Aussies 'comfortable' with India security
Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Tuesday his team was satisfied with security arrangements for the upcoming Test series in India following recent blasts in the country.
Fears were raised after 25 people were killed and more than 100 wounded as bombs went off recently across New Delhi, one of the venues for the four-Test series starting in Bangalore on October 9.
"We are keeping an eye on the situation," Ponting told reporters here.
"We are in constant touch with security people to know what they think of the situation. They are comfortable with the security provided to us and we are comfortable too.
"I must say we are happy with the arrangements."
Vice-captain Michael Clarke said they had full faith in the security being provided to the team.
"We have a security expert with us and he is doing his job. The team has full faith in our cricket board and the Australian Cricketers Association. We know they are taking the right decisions," said Clarke.
The Australians will meet an Indian Board President's team in a four-day practice match starting here on Thursday.
The Bangalore Test will be followed by back-to-back matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
Australia cancelled a scheduled Test tour of Pakistan in March due to security concerns and were also one of the teams that forced the Champions Trophy there to be delayed by a year.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Fears were raised after 25 people were killed and more than 100 wounded as bombs went off recently across New Delhi, one of the venues for the four-Test series starting in Bangalore on October 9.
"We are keeping an eye on the situation," Ponting told reporters here.
"We are in constant touch with security people to know what they think of the situation. They are comfortable with the security provided to us and we are comfortable too.
"I must say we are happy with the arrangements."
Vice-captain Michael Clarke said they had full faith in the security being provided to the team.
"We have a security expert with us and he is doing his job. The team has full faith in our cricket board and the Australian Cricketers Association. We know they are taking the right decisions," said Clarke.
The Australians will meet an Indian Board President's team in a four-day practice match starting here on Thursday.
The Bangalore Test will be followed by back-to-back matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
Australia cancelled a scheduled Test tour of Pakistan in March due to security concerns and were also one of the teams that forced the Champions Trophy there to be delayed by a year.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Monday, September 29, 2008
New selection chief embarks on World Cup mission
India's newly-appointed chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth said on Monday he has set his sights on building a winning team for the 2011 World Cup. "We will develop a team towards the World Cup 2011," the former opening batsman, who played a key role in India's only World Cup triumph in 1983, told reporters. "It is a slow process. But every Indian's dream has been to win the World Cup again after 1983. "We have the ability to win the World Cup, but we need to be focused for that." Srikkanth, 48, was appointed chairman of India's first ever paid selection panel on Saturday. Other members of the panel are Narendra Hirwani, Raja Venkat, Yashpal Sharma and Surendra Bhave. Srikkanth's first task as chairman will come on Wednesday when the selectors pick the Indian squad for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Australia starting in Bangalore on October 9. Srikkanth, a free-stroking batsman, needs to rebuild the Indian team after it crashed to a 2-1 defeat on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. Srikkanth, however, refused to join the debate on whether veterans like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Venkatsai Laxman should call time on their careers. "Younger players like Subramaniam Badrinath, Rohit Sharma and a few others have the talent, but it is not ability alone that makes a player tick at the highest level," he said. "Mental strength is critical and cannot be taught, it has to come from within, and the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Kumble have shown the way over a good period of time. "An eye for the future is equally important. Hard decisions might have to be taken in the future. But the current Test team is one of the best India has ever had and it will not be easy replacing them." Srikkanth, who captained the Indian team on the tour of Pakistan in 1989 but was later sacked for demanding better payments for his teammates, said he favoured different teams for the various formats of the game. "Different skill sets are needed to excel in each form," he said. "With Twenty20 also coming into the mix, it is crucial to identify talent for each form and nurture them. "The team has had some good results in the recent past and it's important to keep the good work going." Srikkanth played 43 Tests, scoring 2,062 runs at an average of 29.88. In 146 one-day internationals, he made 4,091 runs at 29.01.
Source: cricbuzz.com
New selection chief embarks on World Cup mission
India's newly-appointed chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth said on Monday he has set his sights on building a winning team for the 2011 World Cup. "We will develop a team towards the World Cup 2011," the former opening batsman, who played a key role in India's only World Cup triumph in 1983, told reporters. "It is a slow process. But every Indian's dream has been to win the World Cup again after 1983. "We have the ability to win the World Cup, but we need to be focused for that." Srikkanth, 48, was appointed chairman of India's first ever paid selection panel on Saturday. Other members of the panel are Narendra Hirwani, Raja Venkat, Yashpal Sharma and Surendra Bhave. Srikkanth's first task as chairman will come on Wednesday when the selectors pick the Indian squad for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Australia starting in Bangalore on October 9. Srikkanth, a free-stroking batsman, needs to rebuild the Indian team after it crashed to a 2-1 defeat on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. Srikkanth, however, refused to join the debate on whether veterans like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Venkatsai Laxman should call time on their careers. "Younger players like Subramaniam Badrinath, Rohit Sharma and a few others have the talent, but it is not ability alone that makes a player tick at the highest level," he said. "Mental strength is critical and cannot be taught, it has to come from within, and the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Kumble have shown the way over a good period of time. "An eye for the future is equally important. Hard decisions might have to be taken in the future. But the current Test team is one of the best India has ever had and it will not be easy replacing them." Srikkanth, who captained the Indian team on the tour of Pakistan in 1989 but was later sacked for demanding better payments for his teammates, said he favoured different teams for the various formats of the game. "Different skill sets are needed to excel in each form," he said. "With Twenty20 also coming into the mix, it is crucial to identify talent for each form and nurture them. "The team has had some good results in the recent past and it's important to keep the good work going." Srikkanth played 43 Tests, scoring 2,062 runs at an average of 29.88. In 146 one-day internationals, he made 4,091 runs at 29.01.
Source: cricbuzz.com
Vengsarkar sticks to principles
DILIP Vengsarkar insisted last evening that he has relinquished his post as chairman of the Mumbai selection panel as a matter of principle amidst talk in the fraternity of him being disappointed at not getting an opportunity to represent the Mumbai Cricket Association at the BCCI's Annual General Meeting held over the weekend. Whether Vengsarkar is hurt or no, it is a fact that the media quoted the MCA as saying that Vengsarkar will represent the association at the meeting only to clarify the next day that he will do so only if Sharad Pawar is unavailable. Leaving cynicism aside, Vengsarkar not wanting to be Mumbai selector is understandable because his term was extended when he became chief of India selectors. Now that he doesn't hold that position, it is only right for him to feel that a new selector be appointed as he mentioned in his letter to the MCA yesterday.Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi, who was recently inducted in the committee said that Vengsarkar not being there on the committee was sad from a state cricket point of view but expressed confidence that his erstwhile captain would be there for the committee with his inputs. "Dilip has vast experience and would surely be needed by us. Just look at the stature of the man and his experience," said Hattangadi, who was looking forward to sit on the same committee as the former batting great."I would like to thank the MCA Managing Committee as well as the Cricket Improvement Committee for all the support they had extended during my tenure. "Mumbai cricket is as healthy as ever and I am sure by the grace of God will remain so for many years to come," Vengsarkar is believed to have said in his communication with the MCA where he is one of the two vice-presidents.
Source: www.mid-day.com
Gilchrist replaces Laxman
New Delhi: Adam Gilchrist, the former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, has been appointed captain of the Deccan Chargers, replacing VVS Laxman, who led the team during the inaugural season of the IPL. Darren Lehmann, the former Australia batsman, takes charge as coach, replacing former India player Robin Singh.
Gilchrist said it was a "tremendous thrill and honour" and looked forward to working hard and making the team successful. Gilchrist was Deccan's leading run-getter in the league's first edition, scoring 436 runs at 33.53. He led the team in eight of their 14 matches, after Laxman sustained an injury.
"Adam Gilchrist commands respect within the team and right around the cricket world. He has redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in modern cricket," Tim Wright, the Deccan Chargers chief executive, was quoted as saying on Cricinfo website. "I am confident Gilchrist will unite Deccan Chargers' outstanding talent. Four members of our squad were on the India tour of Sri Lanka, more than any other IPL team, and the quality of our overseas players is well known. These players will play for Gilchrist.
"We are delighted to be giving Darren Lehmann his first post as coach and have no doubt he will be a great success," Wright said. "He has already brought considerable energy into the group and has a no-nonsense approach to winning cricket matches. Lehmann is in India this week to run player trials in Hyderabad. We are looking to build a solid talent base for the future."
Deccan finished last in the inaugural edition of the league, winning only two of their 14 matches.
Gilchrist said it was a "tremendous thrill and honour" and looked forward to working hard and making the team successful. Gilchrist was Deccan's leading run-getter in the league's first edition, scoring 436 runs at 33.53. He led the team in eight of their 14 matches, after Laxman sustained an injury.
"Adam Gilchrist commands respect within the team and right around the cricket world. He has redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in modern cricket," Tim Wright, the Deccan Chargers chief executive, was quoted as saying on Cricinfo website. "I am confident Gilchrist will unite Deccan Chargers' outstanding talent. Four members of our squad were on the India tour of Sri Lanka, more than any other IPL team, and the quality of our overseas players is well known. These players will play for Gilchrist.
"We are delighted to be giving Darren Lehmann his first post as coach and have no doubt he will be a great success," Wright said. "He has already brought considerable energy into the group and has a no-nonsense approach to winning cricket matches. Lehmann is in India this week to run player trials in Hyderabad. We are looking to build a solid talent base for the future."
Deccan finished last in the inaugural edition of the league, winning only two of their 14 matches.
Source: www.mid-day.com
McCullam’s career best 6/90 helps NZ restrict India A to 248
CHENNAI, Sept 28 (PTI): All-rounder Nathan McCullam scalped a career best six for 90 as New Zeland A bowled out India A for 248 in their first innings on the opening day of their four-day cricket match here today.
The off-spinner, who had bowled just 11 overs without success in the tri-series also involving Australia, ran through the inconsistent Indian batting lineup, bowling 30.4 overs unchanged from the pavilion end after being pressed into the attack in the 16th over.
M Vijay (45) and in-form Yusuf Pathan (44) were the main scorers. The hosts failed to take advantage after winning the toss on the flat turf and lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 248 in 75.4 overs in post-tea session.
New Zealand started their reply strongly and were 36 for no loss in 12 overs at close of play with Aaron Redmond (31-41b, 4x4, 1x6) and B J Walting (2) at the crease.
McCullum, older brother of Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum, took wickets at vital times and his victims included Vijay, Captain Suresh Raina (21), Jayadev Shah (38) and Pathan.
Fast bowlers Michael Mason (1/23) and Trent Boult (1/42) and spinner Watling (2/31) gave McCullum good support.
After a shaky start losing opener Sahil Kukreja (5) in the fifth over, the Indians recovered well through Vijay (66b, 7x4) and Shikar Dhawan (27-85b, 2x4). The two appeared to be settling down for a big score when McCullum struck first.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ICL initiates cricket clinics in Delhi
As part of the ICL’s Youth Connect Program, Madan Lal – the former India all-rounder and current coach of Delhi Jets visited schools in the capital city to help young kids learn the finer nuances of the game. The overwhelming participation by the students across schools reflects the awareness and popularity of the ICL, the Delhi Giants and its players.
With cricket being the most popular sport in the country there is no dearth of talent. Most kids aspire to be cricketers and it becomes imperative to equip them with right knowledge and coaching from an early age. Keeping this is mind, the ICL arranged a seminar with Madan Lal who not only interacted with young enthusiastic kids but also gave them vital tips.
It was a big opportunity for young students to learn from one of the finest all rounders this country has produced. Madan Lal has been a bowling coach at the NCA and has also coached the senior Indian team. Meeting eager kids was also a new experience for the member of the World Cup winning team. The young kids too made most of the opportunity and sought an opinion on the technical aspect of their game. Madan Lal exhibited the correct way to grip the ball, the delivery stance and posture. The Delhi Jets players weren’t left behind and they obliged their young fans who wanted autographs.
ICL has in the past supported and encouraged various youth ventures like inter-college festivals, workshops, seminars with various education institutions and keeping in line the Dehi students competed in various quiz contests.
| The following is list of winners from Delhi Public School | |||||
| Sr. No. | Student Names | Class | |||
| 1. | Abhinav Bahl | = | VI - A | ||
| 2. | Jugal Malhotra | = | VI - C | ||
| 3. | Himanshu Tiwari | = | VI - C | ||
| 4. | Sarthak Soni | = | VI - D | ||
| 5. | Rohan Khanna | = | VI - A | ||
| Bumper Prize | |||||
| Manik Panwar | = | VII - K | |||
| The Following is list of Winners from Amity International | |||||
| Sr. No. | Student Names | Class | |||
| 1. | Kunal Verma | = | V - Amity Gurgaon | ||
| 2. | Sanchit Sehgal | = | VIII - Amity East Delhi | ||
| 3. | Akash Ahuja | = | VIII - Amity East Delhi | ||
| 4. | Madhav Kaushik | = | V - E - Amity Noida | ||
| 5. | Dishant Goyal | = | VII - A Amity Gurgaon | ||
| Bumper Prize | |||||
| Shivank Chaturvedi | = | X-B Amity International , Noida. | |||
Social Responsibility – Top agenda for ICL players
Chandigarh Lions captain and New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns undertakes 1001kms walk for his organization - the Chris Cairns Foundation. Besides, Mumbai Champs support Jai Hind College’s Monsoon Marathon.
The Indian Cricket League (ICL) fraternity has taken up social causes across the globe as a part of their social responsibility. The enormous support that the sport of cricket receives from the general masses makes it an ideal platform to create awareness and promote social causes.
Chris Cairns, Kiwi cricket stalwart and Chandigarh Lions’ captain, has undertaken a 1001kms walk from Auckland to Christchurch in New Zealand. This is in aid of his institute, Chris Cairns Foundation which has the sole objective of promoting rail safety and education in his country. “I really want the Foundation to make a difference with rail safety in New Zealand. Since Louise died over 100 people have lost their lives at road level crossings and I am committed to ensuring that people understand their responsibilities at level crossings and that this number does not continue to grow”, Chris was quoted as saying in his statement.
Indian domestic players too have displayed active interest in using the platform of cricket for promoting social causes in their respective regions. Mumbai Champs exemplified this initiative by participating and supporting Jai Hind College’s Monsoon Marathon; the run was organised in order to create consciousness about global warming.
The ICL have not only pioneered initiatives in the field of cricket but also have guided sportspersons so that they understand their social responsibility.
http://www.indiancricketleague.in/specials/diary/social-responsibility.htmlICL Stars help Sussex win Pro-40 County Championship
16th September, 2008
The ICL player-pool prowess and its contemporary relevance were proved when two of its players Murray Goodwin (Ahmedabad Rockets) & Mohammad Sami (Lahore Badshahs) were involved in a match-winning partnership to help their team, Sussex, win the Pro40 County Championship.
The high-octane match in it climax stage saw Sussex needing 4 runs of the last ball against Nottinghamshire with the stylish Rockets middle-order batsman, Goodwin on strike.
Chasing 226 for victory, Sussex was in all sorts of trouble at 130 for 8 before Mohammad Sami joined Murray Goodwin at the crease. With Nottinghamshire expecting a victory soon, Goodwin and Sami slowly started taking the game away from the opposition.
Once they settled into momentum, the duo practically had everything going in their favor as even Sami, who came as a tail-ender managed to preserve his wicket till the end scoring an unbeaten 32 from 40 deliveries with the help of 2 boundaries.
Murray Goodwin however was in impeccable form as his unbeaten 87 included six boundaries and three huge sixes. Needing four runs from the final delivery to win the match, Goodwin struck a six to take his side home to a well-deserved victory.
Goodwin, who was later awarded the ‘Player of the Match' award for his heroic efforts, admitted that he himself did not expect to win but he kept telling his ICL teammate, Mohammad Sami, to keep hitting the ball hard and into the gaps.
Sussex ended up wining the Pro40 County Championship by 2 wickets thanks to the match-resuscitating, unbeaten, 99-run partnership between the two ICL stars. This innings will hold both players in good stead for the forthcoming ICL season which begins in less than a month's time.
Sami will be seen in action for the Lahore Badshahs, a team which is considered one of the strongest units at the ICL despite not winning a title last year.
Goodwin will feature at the ICL for the Ahmedabad Rockets and his recent form in the county is a stark reminder for all opposition in the ICL that the Ahmedabad Rockets will be one of the dark-horses in the forthcoming ICL season. The challenge from the Rockets is something every ICL team management will take on priority.
It is best exemplified by the legendary player and coach of the Chennai Superstars, Michael Bevan, who in his recent interview to the ICL website, www.indiancricketleague.in, expected the Rockets to provide stiff competition to his side, Chennai Superstars. By the looks of Goodwin's form and confidence, Bevan's prediction may just come true.
Another big move in favor of the Ahmedabad Rockets is the inception of its home ground in the form of the Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, as the fourth venue in the forthcoming ICL season. If the Hyderabad Heroes' home-court advantage last season was anything to go by, then the Ahmedabad Rockets may just be ‘the side to watch out for' this season.
The ICL player-pool prowess and its contemporary relevance were proved when two of its players Murray Goodwin (Ahmedabad Rockets) & Mohammad Sami (Lahore Badshahs) were involved in a match-winning partnership to help their team, Sussex, win the Pro40 County Championship.
The high-octane match in it climax stage saw Sussex needing 4 runs of the last ball against Nottinghamshire with the stylish Rockets middle-order batsman, Goodwin on strike.
Chasing 226 for victory, Sussex was in all sorts of trouble at 130 for 8 before Mohammad Sami joined Murray Goodwin at the crease. With Nottinghamshire expecting a victory soon, Goodwin and Sami slowly started taking the game away from the opposition.
Once they settled into momentum, the duo practically had everything going in their favor as even Sami, who came as a tail-ender managed to preserve his wicket till the end scoring an unbeaten 32 from 40 deliveries with the help of 2 boundaries.
Murray Goodwin however was in impeccable form as his unbeaten 87 included six boundaries and three huge sixes. Needing four runs from the final delivery to win the match, Goodwin struck a six to take his side home to a well-deserved victory.
Goodwin, who was later awarded the ‘Player of the Match' award for his heroic efforts, admitted that he himself did not expect to win but he kept telling his ICL teammate, Mohammad Sami, to keep hitting the ball hard and into the gaps.
Sussex ended up wining the Pro40 County Championship by 2 wickets thanks to the match-resuscitating, unbeaten, 99-run partnership between the two ICL stars. This innings will hold both players in good stead for the forthcoming ICL season which begins in less than a month's time.
Sami will be seen in action for the Lahore Badshahs, a team which is considered one of the strongest units at the ICL despite not winning a title last year.
Goodwin will feature at the ICL for the Ahmedabad Rockets and his recent form in the county is a stark reminder for all opposition in the ICL that the Ahmedabad Rockets will be one of the dark-horses in the forthcoming ICL season. The challenge from the Rockets is something every ICL team management will take on priority.
It is best exemplified by the legendary player and coach of the Chennai Superstars, Michael Bevan, who in his recent interview to the ICL website, www.indiancricketleague.in, expected the Rockets to provide stiff competition to his side, Chennai Superstars. By the looks of Goodwin's form and confidence, Bevan's prediction may just come true.
Another big move in favor of the Ahmedabad Rockets is the inception of its home ground in the form of the Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, as the fourth venue in the forthcoming ICL season. If the Hyderabad Heroes' home-court advantage last season was anything to go by, then the Ahmedabad Rockets may just be ‘the side to watch out for' this season.
Champions T20 League final to be held in Mumbai
Mumbai: Lalit Modi, Chairman of the Champions Twenty20 League today announced that the eight-team tournament, to be held from December 3-10, would be played in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai with the final to be played in Mumbai.
Eight teams, including the reigning winners and runners-up from the domestic Twenty20 competitions in India (Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings), Australia (Western Australia Warriors and Victoria Bushrangers) and South Africa (Titans and Dolphins), besides reigning Twenty20 champions from Pakistan and England Twenty20 Cup winners Middlesex will contest a US$6 million team prize pool in this edition of the tournament. The tournament will be contested by 12 teams in Year Two between September 25 and October 10, 2009.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four each and will initially play each other on a league basis. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals, with the Winners of Group A facing off against the Runners-Up of Group B and vice versa, in the last four stage.
The winners will then clash in the Grand Finale to be played in Mumbai on December 10.
"In the Champions League Twenty20, I believe we have a concept that will inspire and motivate the future generations of club, state and county cricketers, while accelerating the development of the game globally," said Lalit Modi.
Eight teams, including the reigning winners and runners-up from the domestic Twenty20 competitions in India (Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings), Australia (Western Australia Warriors and Victoria Bushrangers) and South Africa (Titans and Dolphins), besides reigning Twenty20 champions from Pakistan and England Twenty20 Cup winners Middlesex will contest a US$6 million team prize pool in this edition of the tournament. The tournament will be contested by 12 teams in Year Two between September 25 and October 10, 2009.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four each and will initially play each other on a league basis. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals, with the Winners of Group A facing off against the Runners-Up of Group B and vice versa, in the last four stage.
The winners will then clash in the Grand Finale to be played in Mumbai on December 10.
"In the Champions League Twenty20, I believe we have a concept that will inspire and motivate the future generations of club, state and county cricketers, while accelerating the development of the game globally," said Lalit Modi.
Source: www.mid-day.com
$9 million agreement with Dubai sports city
KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan has signed a three-year, $9 million agreement to play its one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches in Dubai, the country's cricket board said on Thursday. The deal with Dubai sports city comes after failed attempts by Pakistan to convince teams to tour the country after a slew of bombings in recent months. Pakistan had sought new opponents after the postponement of a test tour by Australia and the ICC Champions Trophy, both because of security concerns. "We have signed the deal with Dubai sports city," Shafqat Naghmi, chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told Reuters. "It gives us option of playing international cricket and also improves our financial health." He said the agreement will feature a tri-series in 2009 after construction of the cricket stadium in the Dubai sports city is completed. Informed sources said the PCB will be paid $1.5 million for each event, as well as a $100,000 appearance fee to each player for every tournament played in the emirate. In 2002, Pakistan played West Indies and Australia at neutral venues after the teams refused to tour the South Asian country in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. The West Indies has been invited to go to Pakistan to play two tests immediately after the two teams finish a one-day series in Dubai from Nov. 12-16. However, Naghmi said its players had also expressed security concerns about touring Pakistan.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Bradman bat fetches record price
Donald Bradman's first Test cricket bat sold at auction here late Wednesday for a record 145,000 dollars (121,938 US), the auction house said. An Australian bidder acquired the bat, which was signed by the country's greatest cricketer and the entire 1928-29 Test team and their English rivals. "This is a record price for a cricket bat and there were several bidders, all of them within Australia, hoping to win the auction," a spokeswoman for Leski Auctions told national news agency AAP. Bradman, who died in 2001 aged 92, is Australia's greatest sporting legend and maintains an unbeaten Test batting average of 99.94 some 60 years after his last match. The bat sold at auction was used on Bradman's Test debut, during which he scored just 18 and 1 as Australia were thrashed by England. The English won the series 4-1. Bradman, who was dropped after the match, donated the bat to a competition run by a Sydney newspaper to help raise funds for a children's hospital.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Akhtar allowed to play domestic event
Pakistan cricket authorities said Tuesday that controversial paceman Shoaib Akhtar can play in a domestic cricket tournament -- just one week after barring him from the same event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Akhtar can play in a Twenty20 event without paying a 90,000-dollar fine that he owes from an earlier disciplinary breach, contradicting an earlier statement from a PCB legal adviser. The 33-year-old paceman was banned for five years in April for criticising the PCB's failure to award him a central contract. It was later reduced by an appeals commission to 18 months but the commission also imposed the fine. Lahore High court suspended the ban in July but upheld the fine. "We never barred him from playing the domestic event," PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told AFP. Akhtar was not initially included in any of the 13 teams due to compete for the national T20 title from October 4-8 after PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said last Tuesday that Akthar could not play. But his name was included recently in the Islamabad team for the event, which will serve as selection test for a four-nation event in Canada. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Canada are competing in the event, which will be held in Toronto from October 10-13. The PCB last month included Akhtar in a 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy, but two days later the PCB changed its stance and said Akhtar could only play if he paid the fine. The trophy was, however, postponed for 12 months over security fears. Akhtar returned home early Tuesday after playing two first-class matches for Surrey in the English county season. He managed just one wicket in two matches and failed to help Surrey avoid relegation to Division Two. Akhtar said he will play in the domestic event. "I am disappointed on not getting the number of wickets I wished but I have just returned from fitness problems so it will take some time to gain full rhythm," he said. "I will play in the domestic T20 event to prove my fitness and want to play for Pakistan as soon as possible," said Akhtar, whose last match for Pakistan was the third Test against India at Bangalore in December last year.Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Greg is no threat...
India: If the Indian players start losing sleep because Greg Chappell is in bed with the enemy then they need a sharp wake-up call. What can Greg tell the Australians they don't already know about this Indian batting line-up?If the Australian captain doesn't know how he wants his bowlers to attack Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman after playing against them for a decade, then Greg isn't going to be of much help. If the Australian batsmen don't already have their own plan to cope with Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan then Greg would be better off taking in the sights of Agra.And despite Ricky Ponting's struggles with the bat in India he's still played eight more Tests in the country than Greg. That's right, Greg didn't play a Test in India and even though he's watched a lot of cricket under those conditions there's nothing like actually having been out in the middle.Make no mistake, in his time there was no better mentally organised batsman than Greg and I can vouch for his determination all the way back to his eighth birthday. It would be in the Australian batsmen's best interest to listen when Greg talks about mental preparation because he has a diploma in the subject. And it wouldn't hurt a few of the catching cordon to ask him about fielding in the slips because that's an area of concern for Australia.However, the Indians shouldn't be worrying about what Greg might pass on to the Australians in regard to weaknesses and foibles. It's more important they concentrate on making sure their game is in order. There's no doubt Greg is a valuable addition to Australia's Centre of Excellence; he can make a real difference to young players on the verge of international cricket. And travelling with the touring side in India for a few weeks will help him get a feel for the way the modern Australian player approaches the game. However, if the Indian players worry so much about Greg's presence in the opposition dressing room it puts them off their game then they are in big trouble before a ball is even bowled. If it reaches the point where it leads to India's defeat in the series then the home players will only have themselves to blame.
source: www.mid-day.com
ICC may control T20 Tournaments
London: As popularity of the Twenty20 format of the game seems going through the roof, the International Cricket Council (ICC) are considering regulating the spree of T20 tournaments to protect the attraction of international cricket.
"All these tournaments are springing up and what we are trying to do is regulate them in a more effective way. A private businessman might have different ambitions but we have to protect the game of cricket," ICC Chief Executive Officer Haroon Lorgat was quoted as saying.
"Twenty20 is an opportunity that people have spotted they can take advantage of, but that doesn't detract from what has been agreed by all members that we will not sacrifice nation-v-nation cricket. Everyone recognises its importance. People are not disregarding it," he said.
Interestingly, Lorgat's comment came days after 6 Bangladesh cricketers, including former captain Habibul Bashar, resigned from the national team in an apparent move to join the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).
"If there wasn't an interest in the sport there wouldn't be so many challenges. I would rather come into a scenario where things are moving at great speed, with new forms of cricket and a new audience," the South African added.
The Champions League Twenty20 tournament will also be held here in December, and the rebel ICL will also start its third session from October 10.
"All these tournaments are springing up and what we are trying to do is regulate them in a more effective way. A private businessman might have different ambitions but we have to protect the game of cricket," ICC Chief Executive Officer Haroon Lorgat was quoted as saying.
"Twenty20 is an opportunity that people have spotted they can take advantage of, but that doesn't detract from what has been agreed by all members that we will not sacrifice nation-v-nation cricket. Everyone recognises its importance. People are not disregarding it," he said.
Interestingly, Lorgat's comment came days after 6 Bangladesh cricketers, including former captain Habibul Bashar, resigned from the national team in an apparent move to join the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).
"If there wasn't an interest in the sport there wouldn't be so many challenges. I would rather come into a scenario where things are moving at great speed, with new forms of cricket and a new audience," the South African added.
The Champions League Twenty20 tournament will also be held here in December, and the rebel ICL will also start its third session from October 10.
source: www.mid-day.com
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tough task ahead
SYDNEY: Unfavourable stats stare at Ricky Ponting when he sits down to plan his strategy for the four-Test series against India. The Australian captain knows that it would take some doing to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy this time around.Ponting is leading a side with only four players of his 14-member squad having played Test cricket in India. But he has the best record of all Australian captains. In 44 Tests he has lost only four Tests, importantly two of them have been against India. One of these was the only match he played on the previous Test tour four years ago, reports The Australian.Ponting missed the first three matches on the 2004 tour through injury and Adam Gilchrist led the Australia side to cross what Steve Waugh said was the 'Final Frontier' by winning the first Test series in India for 35 years. Ponting led in the last Test only to lose narrowly on a dreadful pitch.The other loss against India under Ponting came during the third Test last summer in Perth before Australia drew the final Test in Adelaide to seal a difficult 2-1 series victory. source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/?in_leftnav
Friday, September 19, 2008
Harbhajan and co. aim to bowl over girls with dance
Showbusiness and cricket have long been passions in India. Now the two are joining forces in a new television show that pairs well-known stars with their sporting counterparts in a dance contest. "Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena", loosely translated as A Cricketer and A Maiden, follows a similar format to the popular British variety show "Strictly Come Dancing", where celebrities team up with ballroom dancing professionals. Former England opening batsman Mark Ramprakash and fast bowler Darren Gough have both won that series, showing nifty footwork and a previously hidden talent for the Tango, Foxtrot and Cha Cha Cha. Attempting to do something similar are fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, spinner Harbhajan Singh, swing bowler Irfan Pathan, wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, former slow bowler Nikhil Chopra and former batsman Vinod Kambli. Their partners will be stars of the large and small screen Surveen Chawla, Mona Singh, Ashima Bhalla, Nigar Khan, Barkha Bisht and Shama Sikander. But instead of ballroom, they will be swinging to popular tracks in an hour-long show from next Friday and Saturday on the cable-satellite channel Colors, in the hope of winning a 54,000-dollar top prize. Casting a careful eye over their efforts will be former Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram, who with the former Miss Universe-turned-Bollywood star Sushmita Sen and the studio audience will vote on the couples' efforts. Television advertisements for the show have already begun running, with the cricketers, dressed in maroon silk shirts, throwing shapes with their partners. Colors head of programmes Ashvini Yardi said in a statement: "We've all grown up idolising our cricketing heroes. I am sure that after 'Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena', we'll be practising their steps as well." England's Gough won "Strictly Come Dancing" after being left out of the national side in 2005. But there is no danger of Harbhajan being double-booked for the upcoming three-Test series against Australia starting early next month: the dance show is recorded.
Source: www.circbuzz.com
Tendulkar says Australia now India's major rivals
Batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar said that India's rivalry with Australia was now even more intense than with long-time arch-enemy Pakistan. Ahead of Australia's four-Test tour to India, which opens on October 9 in Bangalore, Tendulkar said he expected a fiercely competitive series between two teams who have battled for superiority over recent years. "I think it (India v Australia) has become bigger largely because of the competitiveness," Tendulkar said. "All the series between us from 2001 onwards have been very keenly fought and have been very close ones." In the ill-tempered 2007-2008 series in Australia, India lost the first two Tests but recorded a prized victory over the home team in the third Test in Perth. "We have gone to Australia and beaten them," Tendulkar stressed. "We have been able to surprise the Australian team and that's what the Australian public likes: competition and high standards of play. They love to see challenges and competitiveness. "The fan following for the India-Australia series has definitely increased as compared to say 15 years ago," he added. The "little master", now aged 35, is closing in on Brian Lara's record for the most runs ever scored in a Test career, but said statistics were not his priority. "I don't think much about records. I want to enjoy my game. If players focus on their performance, records automatically fall into place," said Tendulkar, speaking to reporters in New Delhi. "I focus on playing the game well. If it (the record) comes in doing so I will be happy," added the ace batsman, who is only 76 runs short of overtaking Lara's mark of 11,953 runs. India's last tour of Australia was marked by personal insults between teams, and allegations of racial abuse and bad sportsmanship. But Tendulkar said he did not expect a repeat of such problems during the upcoming series. "Talking on behalf of the Indian team, I can say we will play hard but fair and I feel the Australians also will do so," he said. Source: www.circbuzz.com
SL lifts domestic ban on 'rebel' ICL players
Sri Lanka will re-admit players aligned with the unauthorised Indian Cricket League into domestic cricket, officials said on Friday, in a move that defies the world cricket establishment. "Players will be allowed to play for their respective clubs and share their expertise, but cannot represent the country," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) media manager Shane Fernando told AFP. The SLC had last year banned its five ICL players -- Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Upul Chandana, Avishka Gunawardena and Saman Jayantha -- from playing any official cricket matches. The decision comes two days after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) joined its counterparts from other countries in banning 13 players, including former captain Habibur Bashar, who has signed up with the ICL. The ICL, bankrolled by India's largest listed media company Zee Telefilms, was launched last year in a direct conflict with the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI not only barred any ICL player or official from taking part in official cricket, but also convinced other boards to take similar action against their 'rebel' players. The Indian board also started its own lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition, featuring the world's top stars, to counter the ICL. Not surprisingly, ICL officials welcomed Sri Lanka's decision. "This is a step in the right direction," ICL business head Himanshu Mody told the Cricinfo website. "We hope that this decision will pave the way for Sri Lankan cricketers to play both for the ICL and their country in the near future." The ICL's first season last year comprised Twenty20 and 50-overs-a-side matches between eight teams that included a mix of international players and domestic Indian cricketers. Among the top stars aligned with the ICL are retired former Test captains Brian Lara of the West Indies and Inzamam-ul Haq of Pakistan, besides fiery New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond and veteran Chris Cairns. The Dhaka Warriors will be added as the ninth team in the second season starting on October 10.
source: www.circbuzz.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Right decision to tour India:Ponting
Melbourne: Captain Ricky Ponting has defended Cricket Australia's decision to go ahead with India tour despite recent bomb blasts in New Delhi, saying the the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and independent security experts have given them green signal.
Terming the decision 'serious', Ponting told the Australian, "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have obviously been in very close contact with CA over the last few days.
"As we all know and has been outlined already, these are very different circumstances between India and Pakistan right at the moment and the Board has made that very clear."
He added that both as captain and player of the team he is comfortable to visit India on the advice of CA and the Australian Cricketer's Association.
The skipper also welcomed volatile all-rounder Andrew Symonds decision to return to the game as a better person.
"I actually think there were some really positive signs over the last couple of days with Andrew," said Ponting.
"He's fronted the media and admitted that there's some room for improvement in certain parts of his life," he added.
Terming the decision 'serious', Ponting told the Australian, "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have obviously been in very close contact with CA over the last few days.
"As we all know and has been outlined already, these are very different circumstances between India and Pakistan right at the moment and the Board has made that very clear."
He added that both as captain and player of the team he is comfortable to visit India on the advice of CA and the Australian Cricketer's Association.
The skipper also welcomed volatile all-rounder Andrew Symonds decision to return to the game as a better person.
"I actually think there were some really positive signs over the last couple of days with Andrew," said Ponting.
"He's fronted the media and admitted that there's some room for improvement in certain parts of his life," he added.
Source: www.mid-day.com
B'desh upbeat despite exodus as NZ loom
Bangladesh are confident the exodus of players to the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL) would not cripple the national team in next month's home series against New Zealand, a cricket official said on Thursday. Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar and 12 other leading players signed for the Twenty20 league on Tuesday. The board has said it would slap 10-year bans on those playing in unofficial tournaments. "No doubt it is a setback for us," Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media chief Ahmed Sazzadul Alam told Reuters. "But we are confident that we have enough players in the pipeline to fill the void. Bangladesh, who play three one-dayers and two tests against New Zealand, have only won one of their previous 53 tests (47 defeats) since making their debut in 2000. "The players waiting in the pipeline are equally talented," Alam said. "The only thing we will be missing is the experience of a few players." Among those who have signed up for the ICL, only Alok Kapali, Farhad Reza and Dhiman Ghosh were in the Bangladesh squad which played three one-dayers against Australia this month. Batsmen Shariar Nafees and Aftab Ahmed played in the previous test series, at home against South Africa in February. At least seven contracted players including Bashar, Nafees and Aftab have put in requests for retirement with BCB without giving any reason. Alam said many key players had not joined ICL. "Most of the players like Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Sakib Al Hassan, Tamim Iqbal, Abdur Razzak and Shahadat Hossain who are regulars in the national team, are still with us. "Our bowling department is not at all affected with their departure." New Zealand arrive in Bangladesh on Sept.30 and play two ODIs in Dhaka on Oct. 9 and 11 with the final game in Chittagong on Oct.14. The tests will be played in Chittagong and Dhaka from Oct.17 and 25 respectively. The BCB officials are also hopeful its depleted team and the Australian test tour of India happening around the same period would not affect the interest in the Bangladesh series and its income.
source: www.circbuzz.com
Racism row will not mar tour - Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is confident that the racism row that marred India's tour of Australia in January will not cast a shadow on next month's test series against the world's top-ranked team. "I don't think there is any friction between us," Tendulkar told reporters on Thursday. "As far as the Indian team is concerned, we would want to be competitive but play in the right spirit. I am very sure that the Australians would want to do the same thing." India threatened to pull out of the series in Australia after spinner Harbhajan Singh was initially found guilty of racially abusing all-rounder Andrew Symonds in the acrimonious second test in Sydney. A standoff between the teams ended after the charge was downgraded on appeal to using abusive language and the bowler let off with a fine. Australia won the series 2-1. Symonds was omitted from the touring squad named on Friday after missing a compulsory team meeting to go fishing. "I do agree they don't happen every weekend," Tendulkar said of the row. "But such things have happened in the past as well." Australia arrive this month in India ahead for the four-match series which begins on Oct. 9 with the first test in Bangalore. Tendulkar, who returns from his latest injury layoff in a premier domestic game next week, played down talk that the tourists were a weak unit. SERIOUS FORCE Australia named uncapped leg-spinner Bryce McGain, who could make his test debut at the age of 36, and offspinner Jason Krejza in the squad to replace retired Stuart MacGill. "As we all know it (Australia) is the number one team in the world. They will come here with serious force," Tendulkar said. "They still have a lot of experienced players in the team. It is not that it is a completely transformed side with no senior players in the team," he added. Tendulkar put the rivalry against Australia over the one against neighbours Pakistan. "I think it has become bigger only because of the competitiveness," he said. "All the series we have played in the recent past, taking from 2001, they have all been close ones. "Australians like good standard of play, and they enjoy healthy competition. We were able to surprise them on occasions."
Souce: www.cricbuzz.com
Cricket South Africa president quits
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) president Norman Arendse stood down on Wednesday, a year into a three-year spell at the head of the governing body. Arendse's resignation, which he announced at a news conference, comes with CSA set to merge their professional and amateur arms into one body on Sept. 26. They will hold fresh elections to choose officials and Arendse was being challenged for the presidency by Mtutuzeli Nyoka, head of cricket for the Gauteng province. Announcing his retirement, Arendse blamed a lack of support from CSA chief executive Gerald Majola and the 11 provincial affiliates and anti-transformation forces for his demise. "Although I was returned unopposed as president of CSA in August 2007 for a three-year term, I never at any stage enjoyed the full trust and confidence of the CEO, and all 11 affiliates," he said. "The CEO is of the view that the president is merely a ceremonial head there to preside over meetings, and to attend matches and functions. "By contrast, I hold the view that the CEO is employed by the Board, and is accountable to it," Arendse added. "As a consequence of these sharply contrasting positions, the relationship between the CEO and I has broken down irretrievably." Majola denied there was any personal enmity between himself and Arendse, in a statement released by CSA later on Wednesday. "The differences between us were of management style, and hardly irretrievable in my view. "We will thus continue our vision of making South African cricket a truly national sport of winners. We face the future with vigour and confidence," Majola said. Arendse added that he believed the affiliates who did not support him were against the transformation of the game to reflect the demographics of the country. MOST UNHEALTHY "Historically, the 6:5 split in South African cricket has bedevilled the administration of the game... and has reared its ugly head again. Currently six of the 11 affiliates appear not to support me as president. "The manipulation of this situation ... is most unhealthy, and detrimental to the game. "Since unity in 1992, those affiliates who continue steadfastly to support me... have traditionally been the affiliates that are supportive of transformation in cricket as they come from the non-racial fold. "The other affiliates have battled to come to terms with transformation and, in some instances, transformation is completely lacking and remains a foreign concept. "The charges against me appear to be my transformation agenda, and my demand of the CEO that he be accountable to me in my representative capacity as the president of the Board. "I plead guilty to both charges, and have nothing to say in mitigation of sentence," Arendse, who is a lawyer, said. Arendse said he will also step down from all his positions with the International Cricket Council, which is the sport's world governing body. Arendse has been involved in three selection disputes with the South African national team that have brought him into conflict with Majola.
soruce: www.circbuzz.com
Bangladesh T20 rebels banned for 10 years
Bangladesh cricket chiefs said on Wednesday that 13 players who opted to compete in the unauthorised Indian Twenty20 league will be banned for 10 years. The Indian Cricket League (ICL) unveiled late Tuesday its new Dhaka Warriors team in New Delhi, which comprises 11 Bangladesh internationals reportedly earning 200,000 dollars each over a three-year period. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held an emergency meeting Wednesday and decided to ban the players for joining the unapproved league for 10 years, BCB spokesman Rabeed Imam said. "We don't have full reports of who have joined the ICL. But today, the board has decided that whoever has joined the unapproved league would be automatically banned for 10 years," he said. The board was also considering legal action against the 13 for breaching International Cricket Council rules, he added. At least seven of the 13 players informed the BCB they were retiring from Bangladesh cricket, citing personal reasons. The 13 players announced for the Dhaka Warriors include former captain Habibul Bashar and senior team-mates Shahriar Nafis, Dhiman Ghosh, Mohammad Rafique and Alok Kapali. The others are Aftab Ahmed, Farhad Reza, Manjural Islam, Mabud Chowdhury, Mahbubul Karim, Mohammad Sharif, Mosharraf Hossain and Tapash Baisya. Players aligned with the ICL -- bankrolled by India's largest listed media company Zee Telefilms -- are banned from playing official domestic and international cricket. The meeting was held a day after the board announced it would not accept the players' retirements. Earlier Wednesday, Bangladesh's Australia-born coach Jamie Siddons, who joined the cricket minnows a year ago, denied the sport was in crisis. "We can't afford to lose that many players on a regular basis. We'll replace these guys with young players but my biggest concern is that the ICL will come knocking again next year," Siddons told AFP via telephone from Australia. Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful told the leading Bengali language newspaper 'Prothom Alo', in an interview published Tuesday that he was offered a 700,000-dollar contract to play in the ICL, which he declined.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008
ESS pay $1bln for Champions League rights
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - ESPN Star Sports will shell out nearly $1 billion for the commercial and marketing rights for the Twenty20 Champions League. The inaugural tournament will be held Dec. 3-10 with $6 million in prize money. It will feature eight teams, two each from Australia, India and South Africa and the champions from the England and Pakistan domestic leagues. Organisers said on Thursday the broadcaster had bid $900 million for a 10-year deal, plus some $75 million for marketing. "The commercial rights were won by ESPN STAR Sports with a bid of $975 million (including $75 million for marketing the tournament)," they said in a statement. "This makes the Champions League Twenty20 the highest value cricket tournament on a per game basis." The Australian, Indian and South African boards will jointly organise the Champions League, an off-shoot of a lucrative Indian version launched this year. "We are absolutely delighted that after a fair and transparent process, we have what we believe to be the best commercial deal for the inaugural Champions League season and for cricket fans across the world," Lalit Modi, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president said in the release. Organisers plan to expand the field to 12 teams next year.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Chanderpaul tops list of ICC award winners
West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was named as the 2008 International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricketer of the Year at an awards ceremony here on Wednesday. The 34-year-old left-hander, a mainstay of his side's batting for over a decade, was chosen ahead of his three fellow nominees - Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, South Africa skipper Graeme Smith and Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn. During the voting period, the gritty Guyanese played eight Test matches, scoring 819 runs at an average of 91.00, including three centuries and six fifties, all of which were against the top seven teams in the world. "I am honoured to be given this prestigious award tonight and I am very thankful to God for blessing me with the talent that I have," Chanderpaul said upon receiving his award. Chanderpaul, who follows India's Rahul Dravid, all-rounders Andrew Flintoff (England) and Jacques Kallis (South Africa), the joint winners in 2005, and two-time ICC Cricketer of the Year Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, in taking the award, also played 13 ODIs during the voting period.He finished top of the averages with 74.75 having scored 598 runs, a haul that included a century and five fifties. He is currently ranked number one in the ICC Test batting rankings and sixth in the list for ODI batsmen. There was a consolation for Steyn when the paceman was named Test player of the year. During the 12-month voting period, Steyn took 86 wickets at an average of just 18.10 in the 14 Test matches he played. No other bowler took more than 58 wickets in the same period and he was the only bowler to earn an average less than 21.50 (of those who played more than three matches). "I have had a pretty decent year I suppose but I didn't think about winning this award until the past few days," said Steyn. "I don't really know how I feel. Perhaps tomorrow morning it will have sunk in for me because obviously this is a huge award and it's massive for me," added the bowler, who recently helped South Africa win their first Test series in England since 1965.
India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni was named as the one-day player of the year, while his team-mate Yuvraj Singh won the inaugural international Twenty20 performance of the year award after striking six sixes off an over from England quick Stuart Broad during last year's World Twenty20 in South Africa. Sri Lanka's 'mystery' spinner Ajantha Mendis was chosen as the emerging player of the year while England captain Charlotte Edwards was named as the women's player of the year. Australia's Simon Taufel, the only man ever to win his award, was named as umpire of the year for the fifth time in a row. Dutch all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate won the Associate player of the year award for those outside the Test elite. Sri Lanka, for the second year in a row, won the spirit of cricket award presented to the team which, in the opinion of the ICC elite panels of umpires and match referees, has best conducted itself on the field. Chanderpaul and Steyn also featured in the ICC Test team of the year chosen by the ICC selection panel chaired by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd and including Australia batting great Greg Chappell, recently retired South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock, Sidath Wettimuny, the former Sri Lanka opener and former Bangladesh batsman Athar Ali Khan. Australia fast bowler Brett Lee was the only player included in both the ICC's Test and one-day teams of the year.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Dhoni and Yuvraj win ICC awards
India one-day captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was named the International Cricket Council (ICC) 2008 one-day international player of the year here on Wednesday. At the same awards ceremony, Dhoni's India team-mate Yuvraj Singh became the inaugural winner of the Twenty20 international performance of the year. Dhoni beat fellow nominees Sachin Tendulkar, Australia quick Nathan Bracken and Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf to win the award. During the voting period, Dhoni played 39 ODIs and scored 1,298 runs at an average of 49.92 and at a rate of 82.46 runs per 100 balls faced. In that time he hit a century and nine fifties. The wicket-keeper also made 62 dismissals (46 catches and 16 stumpings) in the same period. Dhoni, currently ranked as the world's best ODI batsman, said: "I am really happy to get this - it's a great privilege. "Also, it feels great to know that I am the first Indian player to get this particular award and it's very special because now I am in the company of a lot of other good cricketers. "Some fantastic players have won this award in the past and to be mentioned in their company is truly a humbling experience for me." Yuvraj's award was recognition for the batsman's feat in hitting six sixes off an over from England fast bowler Stuart Broad during the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa last year, which India eventually won after defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final. It was the first time a player had hit six sixes in a single Twenty20 international over. Herschelle Gibbs did it in an ODI during the last year's World Cup in the Caribbean while West Indies great Garfield Sobers became the first man to achieve the feat in a first-class match back in 1968. "I would like to thank the ICC for recognising the performances of the players - it's an important aspect of the year for us," said Yuvraj. "After the fifth six in that over I remember having butterflies in my stomach and I knew that if I managed to hit it for six it would be very special. It was a great feeling when I saw the ball go over the boundary."source: www.cricbuzz.com
Friday, September 5, 2008
Federer, Djokovic book US Open rematch in semis
New York: For Roger Federer to win his fifth US Open title in a row, the Swiss second seed must prove he still has what it takes to beat Novak Djokovic, this time in a semi-final rematch of last year's final.
Twelve-time Grand Slam winner Federer and Serbian third seed Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open champion, advanced to a Saturday semi-final replay of their 2007 title showdown with impressive quarter-final triumphs Thursday.
Federer advanced to his 18th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final and stretched his US Open win streak to 32 matches by defeating 130th-ranked qualifier Gilles Muller 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to end the Luxembourg left-hander's dream run.
"I'm happy to keep the semi-final streak alive. That's a huge streak for a long time," Federer said. "I'm really happy with my mindset going into the semi-finals. I'm happy to take it to the final four one more time."
Federer, who last missed a Slam semi-final at the 2004 French Open, has a 6-2 career record against Djokovic, including a 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 victory in last year's final.
"He's an absolute favorite in that match," Djokovic said. "I lost to him last year. For him it's a big challenge to go back to number one. For sure it's going to be a great match."
Djokovic eliminated US eighth seed Andy Roddick 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) in Thursday's other Arthur Ashe Stadium quarter-final, the Serbian spurred on by Roddick's jokes to the crowd two nights earlier about Djokovic claiming several injuries.
"Andy said I have 16 injuries. Obviously I don't," Djokovic said, drawing boos from a crowd dominated by Roddick supporters.
"Like it or not, it's like that," Djokovic said. "They are already against me because they think I'm faking everything."
"That was not nice to say in front of this crowd that I have 16 injuries and I'm faking it. The momentum is not nice."
It will be the first healthy meeting of Federer and Djokovic since last year at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets in the Australian Open semi-finals on the way to his first Slam title, but Federer said he was ill, and Djokovic retired against Federer in an April semi-final on Monte Carlo clay.
Saturday's other semi-final will send British sixth seed Andy Murray against Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal, who seeks his third Slam crown in a row after beating Federer in the French Open and Wimbledon finals.
"Hopefully I can take it one more step than I did at the French Open and Wimbledon," Federer said.
The Swiss ruled the rankings for 237 weeks until last month, when Nadal ended his reign before capturing singles gold at the Beijing Olympics.
"You could see why he was number one," Muller said. "Every time the score was tight he came up with the better shot."
Federer, 27, has not lost at the US Open since David Nalbandian beat him in the fourth round in 2003. But his aura of invincibility has been punctured this year after seasons of utter domination.
"It's not too much about Roger's invincibility. He's human," Muller said. "Everyone knew he had a tough year. He struggled a little bit. It's more the belief I had in myself, the confidence that I could beat him.
"I could have won the two tie-breakers for sure. I just wasn't so lucky."
Federer won the only break of the match in the ninth game of the second set on a forehand winner. Muller denied Federer on three break points in the third set on the way to a tie-break, then grabbed a 4-1 edge before Federer rallied.
"I'm happy I was able to come back and pull it out because it looked like it was going to go four," Federer said. "When you are down you try to fight and that's what I tried to do out there."
Muller, who twice rallied to win here after losing the first two sets, upset Russian fifth seed Nikolay Davydenko in the fourth round to become the second qualifier in the US Open final eight after France's Nicolas Escude in 1999.
"A lot of people think I should be happy but I'm disappointed because I feel like I had my chances and I didn't take advantage of them," Muller said.
Djokovic made the most of his chances to down Roddick, who was two points from forcing a fifth set until he double faulted twice to give the Serbian his only break point of the set, which Djokovic converted on a backhand lob winner.
Each man held once more to set up the tie-breaker, which went to 5-5 before Roddick netted a backhand volley to give Djokovic match point. The Serbian smacked a service winner and Roddick wass done after two hours and 34 minutes.
Djokovic broke Roddick in four of his first eight service games, providing the margin for claiming the first two sets, but Roddick held serve his next nine chances to set up the fourth-set drama.
Roddick's fifth loss in seven US Open quarter-finals ensured American men would equal their longest Slam title drought at 21 events, matching a five-year hex that the late Arthur Ashe ended by winning the 1968 Wimbledon title.
Twelve-time Grand Slam winner Federer and Serbian third seed Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open champion, advanced to a Saturday semi-final replay of their 2007 title showdown with impressive quarter-final triumphs Thursday.
Federer advanced to his 18th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final and stretched his US Open win streak to 32 matches by defeating 130th-ranked qualifier Gilles Muller 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to end the Luxembourg left-hander's dream run.
"I'm happy to keep the semi-final streak alive. That's a huge streak for a long time," Federer said. "I'm really happy with my mindset going into the semi-finals. I'm happy to take it to the final four one more time."
Federer, who last missed a Slam semi-final at the 2004 French Open, has a 6-2 career record against Djokovic, including a 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 victory in last year's final.
"He's an absolute favorite in that match," Djokovic said. "I lost to him last year. For him it's a big challenge to go back to number one. For sure it's going to be a great match."
Djokovic eliminated US eighth seed Andy Roddick 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) in Thursday's other Arthur Ashe Stadium quarter-final, the Serbian spurred on by Roddick's jokes to the crowd two nights earlier about Djokovic claiming several injuries.
"Andy said I have 16 injuries. Obviously I don't," Djokovic said, drawing boos from a crowd dominated by Roddick supporters.
"Like it or not, it's like that," Djokovic said. "They are already against me because they think I'm faking everything."
"That was not nice to say in front of this crowd that I have 16 injuries and I'm faking it. The momentum is not nice."
It will be the first healthy meeting of Federer and Djokovic since last year at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets in the Australian Open semi-finals on the way to his first Slam title, but Federer said he was ill, and Djokovic retired against Federer in an April semi-final on Monte Carlo clay.
Saturday's other semi-final will send British sixth seed Andy Murray against Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal, who seeks his third Slam crown in a row after beating Federer in the French Open and Wimbledon finals.
"Hopefully I can take it one more step than I did at the French Open and Wimbledon," Federer said.
The Swiss ruled the rankings for 237 weeks until last month, when Nadal ended his reign before capturing singles gold at the Beijing Olympics.
"You could see why he was number one," Muller said. "Every time the score was tight he came up with the better shot."
Federer, 27, has not lost at the US Open since David Nalbandian beat him in the fourth round in 2003. But his aura of invincibility has been punctured this year after seasons of utter domination.
"It's not too much about Roger's invincibility. He's human," Muller said. "Everyone knew he had a tough year. He struggled a little bit. It's more the belief I had in myself, the confidence that I could beat him.
"I could have won the two tie-breakers for sure. I just wasn't so lucky."
Federer won the only break of the match in the ninth game of the second set on a forehand winner. Muller denied Federer on three break points in the third set on the way to a tie-break, then grabbed a 4-1 edge before Federer rallied.
"I'm happy I was able to come back and pull it out because it looked like it was going to go four," Federer said. "When you are down you try to fight and that's what I tried to do out there."
Muller, who twice rallied to win here after losing the first two sets, upset Russian fifth seed Nikolay Davydenko in the fourth round to become the second qualifier in the US Open final eight after France's Nicolas Escude in 1999.
"A lot of people think I should be happy but I'm disappointed because I feel like I had my chances and I didn't take advantage of them," Muller said.
Djokovic made the most of his chances to down Roddick, who was two points from forcing a fifth set until he double faulted twice to give the Serbian his only break point of the set, which Djokovic converted on a backhand lob winner.
Each man held once more to set up the tie-breaker, which went to 5-5 before Roddick netted a backhand volley to give Djokovic match point. The Serbian smacked a service winner and Roddick wass done after two hours and 34 minutes.
Djokovic broke Roddick in four of his first eight service games, providing the margin for claiming the first two sets, but Roddick held serve his next nine chances to set up the fourth-set drama.
Roddick's fifth loss in seven US Open quarter-finals ensured American men would equal their longest Slam title drought at 21 events, matching a five-year hex that the late Arthur Ashe ended by winning the 1968 Wimbledon title.
source: www.mid-day.com
No time to celebrate: Paes
Mumbai: Leander Paes moved a step closer to a grand double after clinching the US Open mixed doubles title yesterday. The celebrations though, will have to wait. For, Paes is set to partner Lukas Dlouhy in men's doubles final tonight.
"Sadly, there's no time to celebrate as the doubles final is less than 24 hours away. So, no party tonight… we'll celebrate tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be a double delight," Paes told MiD DAY from New York.
The 35-year-old, who was partnered by Zimbabwe's Cara Black (29), defeated Britain's Jamie Murray and American Liezel Huber 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in the final.
Paes and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy have already made it to the men's doubles final and will face brothers Mike and Bob Bryan of the US.
Paes, who won the Wimbledon alongside American Lisa Raymond in 1999 and the Wimbledon and Australian Open crowns in 2003 with US star Martina Navratilova, said: "It was a tough match. No final is easy. The joy of finally winning a mixed doubles title at US Open is fantastic. I have lost two mixed finals here previously."
Paes, pairing with American Meghann Shaughnessy had lost last year's final to Max Mirnyi and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
In 2001, Paes and Lisa Raymond fell in the final to Australians Todd Woodbridge and Rennae Stubbs.
"Cara played really well and backed me up just when I needed it. She had a couple of fantastic reflexes at 6-4 in the second set. I knew we would win it then," he said.
Paes also added: "Cara's been wanting to partner me for quite sometime. Thankfully, we met a few months ago and got together," Paes said.However, the Paes hopes to carry on with Black for some years now. "We will play together through this season and next as well," he signed off.
"Sadly, there's no time to celebrate as the doubles final is less than 24 hours away. So, no party tonight… we'll celebrate tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be a double delight," Paes told MiD DAY from New York.
The 35-year-old, who was partnered by Zimbabwe's Cara Black (29), defeated Britain's Jamie Murray and American Liezel Huber 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in the final.
Paes and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy have already made it to the men's doubles final and will face brothers Mike and Bob Bryan of the US.
Paes, who won the Wimbledon alongside American Lisa Raymond in 1999 and the Wimbledon and Australian Open crowns in 2003 with US star Martina Navratilova, said: "It was a tough match. No final is easy. The joy of finally winning a mixed doubles title at US Open is fantastic. I have lost two mixed finals here previously."
Paes, pairing with American Meghann Shaughnessy had lost last year's final to Max Mirnyi and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
In 2001, Paes and Lisa Raymond fell in the final to Australians Todd Woodbridge and Rennae Stubbs.
"Cara played really well and backed me up just when I needed it. She had a couple of fantastic reflexes at 6-4 in the second set. I knew we would win it then," he said.
Paes also added: "Cara's been wanting to partner me for quite sometime. Thankfully, we met a few months ago and got together," Paes said.However, the Paes hopes to carry on with Black for some years now. "We will play together through this season and next as well," he signed off.
source: www.mid-day.com
Kirsten faces BCCI backlash
The Cricket Board today took strong exception to coach Gary Kirsten's comments in the media that Mahendra Singh Dhoni was ready for Test captaincy and asked the South African to concentrate on his job only.
BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah has categorically told Kirsten to avoid airing his personal views in media and focus on his job of coaching.
"As per the rules and regulations, Kirsten should not have spoken such things in the media, it is not his job. We have the selectors to decide who should be the captain," Shah told reporters.
"His job is to coach the Indian team and not give interviews on the selection matters or the captaincy. His comments have not gone down well with those concerned because he is an important member of the support staff. But I will still give him a benefit of doubt," Shah said.
He also dismissed the notion that Kumble should hang up his boots.
"Anil is a great cricketer and he knows well when to quit. As long as he is in form, I don't think the selectors are going to drop him," he said.
Kirsten had told a television channel earlier this week that ODI skipper Dhoni was ready to take over the Test captaincy from Anil Kumble.
"He (Dhoni) is ready for it (Test captaincy) but there is no need to rush as of now. Anil (Kumble) has done an exceptional job, he is a great leader and he is toiling in many overs for India. He is prepared to do 30 overs in a day. But he is on the other side of the physical side of the game.
Shah said Kumble was doing well and the selectors were not contemplating any change at the helm of the Test team.
"Anil Kumble is a great cricketer. He knows when he should bow out or give up the captaincy. Right now he is bowling very well and the selectors will never drop him or change the captaincy," he said.
When asked if Yuvraj Singh, who is struggling with the bat, should take a break from international cricket, the Board secretary expressed hopes that the left-hander would soon rediscover his form.
Shah further added that the decision to include or exclude a player from the team was that of the selection committee.
"Our selection committee has been doing the job with great responsibility. Let them select the team," Shah added.
BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah has categorically told Kirsten to avoid airing his personal views in media and focus on his job of coaching.
"As per the rules and regulations, Kirsten should not have spoken such things in the media, it is not his job. We have the selectors to decide who should be the captain," Shah told reporters.
"His job is to coach the Indian team and not give interviews on the selection matters or the captaincy. His comments have not gone down well with those concerned because he is an important member of the support staff. But I will still give him a benefit of doubt," Shah said.
He also dismissed the notion that Kumble should hang up his boots.
"Anil is a great cricketer and he knows well when to quit. As long as he is in form, I don't think the selectors are going to drop him," he said.
Kirsten had told a television channel earlier this week that ODI skipper Dhoni was ready to take over the Test captaincy from Anil Kumble.
"He (Dhoni) is ready for it (Test captaincy) but there is no need to rush as of now. Anil (Kumble) has done an exceptional job, he is a great leader and he is toiling in many overs for India. He is prepared to do 30 overs in a day. But he is on the other side of the physical side of the game.
Shah said Kumble was doing well and the selectors were not contemplating any change at the helm of the Test team.
"Anil Kumble is a great cricketer. He knows when he should bow out or give up the captaincy. Right now he is bowling very well and the selectors will never drop him or change the captaincy," he said.
When asked if Yuvraj Singh, who is struggling with the bat, should take a break from international cricket, the Board secretary expressed hopes that the left-hander would soon rediscover his form.
Shah further added that the decision to include or exclude a player from the team was that of the selection committee.
"Our selection committee has been doing the job with great responsibility. Let them select the team," Shah added.
source: www.mid-day.com
Paes hopes to repeat 1999 Wimbledon feat
New York: Nine years after his twin crowns at Wimbledon, Leander Paes is hoping history to repeat itself at the US Open.
Having reached the finals of both men's and mixed doubles of the US Open, Paes is recalling the 1999 Wimbledon and reckons this is going to be special for him.
"I think 2008 in New York is going to be special," said the ace, after he and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy thumped Argentine pair Maximo Gonzales and Juan Monaco 6-2, 6-0 in just 46 minutes to storm into the men's doubles final.
The former Davis Cup captain and his Zimbabwean teammate Cara Black have already made it to the mixed doubles final.
In 1999, Paes had partnered Mahesh Bhupathi and Lisa Raymonds to win the men's doubles and mixed doubles crowns at Wimbledon.
"I was much younger back then," said Paes, recalling the feat.
"As you get older, I push my body to new limits and try to raise the bar a few more times," he said.
Paes was particularly happy with the show against the Argentines and said, "When you finish a semi-final of a Grand Slam in 46 minutes, you're always happy.
"It was one of the fastest matches I had in my career. The balls looked like watermellons out there."
Made to play twice on Tuesday, Paes was also happy to get some rest before turning up for the mixed doubles final.
"They made me play twice and I was scheduled early. Now I can go back and relax," he said.
On his partnership with Dlouhy, Paes said, "It's going very well right now. Lukas is crazy just as I am. He's also very hard working. That's why it's working out so well."
Though he cherishes all his Grand Slam titles, Paes insists the highlight of his career is the bronze medal he won in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
"Nothing will ever better my Olympic medal," he said.
"Let me remind you it was in the singles. That's the epitome of my career," Paes added.
Having reached the finals of both men's and mixed doubles of the US Open, Paes is recalling the 1999 Wimbledon and reckons this is going to be special for him.
"I think 2008 in New York is going to be special," said the ace, after he and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy thumped Argentine pair Maximo Gonzales and Juan Monaco 6-2, 6-0 in just 46 minutes to storm into the men's doubles final.
The former Davis Cup captain and his Zimbabwean teammate Cara Black have already made it to the mixed doubles final.
In 1999, Paes had partnered Mahesh Bhupathi and Lisa Raymonds to win the men's doubles and mixed doubles crowns at Wimbledon.
"I was much younger back then," said Paes, recalling the feat.
"As you get older, I push my body to new limits and try to raise the bar a few more times," he said.
Paes was particularly happy with the show against the Argentines and said, "When you finish a semi-final of a Grand Slam in 46 minutes, you're always happy.
"It was one of the fastest matches I had in my career. The balls looked like watermellons out there."
Made to play twice on Tuesday, Paes was also happy to get some rest before turning up for the mixed doubles final.
"They made me play twice and I was scheduled early. Now I can go back and relax," he said.
On his partnership with Dlouhy, Paes said, "It's going very well right now. Lukas is crazy just as I am. He's also very hard working. That's why it's working out so well."
Though he cherishes all his Grand Slam titles, Paes insists the highlight of his career is the bronze medal he won in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
"Nothing will ever better my Olympic medal," he said.
"Let me remind you it was in the singles. That's the epitome of my career," Paes added.
source: www.mid-day.com
Kaif takes a stance, a new one!
BANGALORE: It Takes Two! India A's Mohammad Kaif (left) and Robin Uthappa share a light moment at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore yesterday. pic/Vinod Kumar TEven before the India A vs Australia A three-day game began, Mohammad Kaif could be seen trying to adjust his stance.Methodically, he wanted his left shoulder to point towards mid-off so that it would open up shots on the off side for him. He was seen practicing for hours trying to get the shoulder in the right position.Two days agoFor the last two days, Kaif showed how much of a difference the change in stance has made to his batting. He was the only batsman on show from both sides, who was timing the ball sweetly and driving the cherry through the off side with comfortable ease.Gone are those jittery movements he would make before facing the bowlers that made him appear nervous and edgy.With rain affecting the first two days of the match, India A were finally bundled out for 284. In reply, Australia A were 113 for 8.Most batsmen struggled to adjust to the up and down nature of the wicket here at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, but Kaif made it look as though the pitch had no demons.Three bad shotsHe played only three bad shots in his 204-ball 94 and one of them resulted in his dismissal. While attempting to heave Marcus North for a six, he was caught at deep mid-on.With one more three-day game against Australia A to be followed by two four-day games against New Zealand A, if Kaif continues to bat the way he did here, chances are he could well be a contender for a place in the Test series against Australia.
Source: www.mid-day.com
Symonds' absence might reduce tension: Kirsten
Andrew Symonds' likely absence may leave Australia short on experience when they tour India next month but at the same time, it might ease tension in the high-profile series, reckons India coach Gary Kirsten.
Symonds has had a stormy relation with both the Indian players and the crowds. Booed and barracked in India, he also figured prominently with Harbhajan Singh in the Sydney racism row last summer.
Nursing a hurt ego after Cricket Australia downgraded the racism charges against Harbhajan, Symonds is cooling his heels after he was sent back home for preferring a fishing trip to a compulsory team meeting.
Though the volatile all-rounder is likely to miss the India series, Kirsten feels it might help in reducing the tension that of late surrounds an Indo-Australian series.
"There is a lot of hype around him and the quality of player that he is, and also I gather there is a lot of tension around from what happened in the last series," Kirsten was quoted as saying by The Age.
"To not have him around...does that alleviate it? Does it make it better? I don't know the answer. But I don't think it takes the gloss off the Test series," said the South African.
"One thing we must always be aware of is the game is bigger than the individual," Kirsten added.
Should Symonds miss the tour, Kirsten said, Australia would have to draft in inexperienced players and India would do everything to capitalise on that.
"To not have those types of individuals means they are going to be replaced by more inexperienced players, so we will hopefully be able to exploit (that)," said Kirsten, pointing out that the Aussies would no more have Adam Gilchrist in the ranks as well.
"We all know with the Australian set-up that they always replace those individuals with quality players, but in the heat of Test match battle sometimes experience counts for a lot," he said.
Australia will announce the team for the four-Test series in India next week and though Shaun Marsh and David Hussey are knocking on the selectors' door, the final shape of the squad remains unclear.
CA has already sent selector Jamie Cox to India to monitor the performance of Australia A spinners Beau Casson, Bryce McGain and Jason Krezja and assess if they merit a place in the senior squad.
Symonds has had a stormy relation with both the Indian players and the crowds. Booed and barracked in India, he also figured prominently with Harbhajan Singh in the Sydney racism row last summer.
Nursing a hurt ego after Cricket Australia downgraded the racism charges against Harbhajan, Symonds is cooling his heels after he was sent back home for preferring a fishing trip to a compulsory team meeting.
Though the volatile all-rounder is likely to miss the India series, Kirsten feels it might help in reducing the tension that of late surrounds an Indo-Australian series.
"There is a lot of hype around him and the quality of player that he is, and also I gather there is a lot of tension around from what happened in the last series," Kirsten was quoted as saying by The Age.
"To not have him around...does that alleviate it? Does it make it better? I don't know the answer. But I don't think it takes the gloss off the Test series," said the South African.
"One thing we must always be aware of is the game is bigger than the individual," Kirsten added.
Should Symonds miss the tour, Kirsten said, Australia would have to draft in inexperienced players and India would do everything to capitalise on that.
"To not have those types of individuals means they are going to be replaced by more inexperienced players, so we will hopefully be able to exploit (that)," said Kirsten, pointing out that the Aussies would no more have Adam Gilchrist in the ranks as well.
"We all know with the Australian set-up that they always replace those individuals with quality players, but in the heat of Test match battle sometimes experience counts for a lot," he said.
Australia will announce the team for the four-Test series in India next week and though Shaun Marsh and David Hussey are knocking on the selectors' door, the final shape of the squad remains unclear.
CA has already sent selector Jamie Cox to India to monitor the performance of Australia A spinners Beau Casson, Bryce McGain and Jason Krezja and assess if they merit a place in the senior squad.
source: www.mid-day.com
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