Cairns drags Modi to court

Cairns drags Modi to court

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

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

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

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

Kuznetsova eases into French Open second round

Kuznetsova eases into French Open second round

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

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

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

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

SA pip West Indies by a run

SA pip West Indies by a run

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

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

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

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

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

Somdev Devvarman qualifies for French Open

Somdev Devvarman qualifies for French Open

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

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

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

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

BCCI issues show-cause notices to errant players

BCCI issues show-cause notices to errant players

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shoaib opts spiritual treatment for knee pain

Shoaib opts spiritual treatment for knee pain

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

BCCI serves show cause notice to six cricketers

STAFF WRITER 15:4 HRS IST

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

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

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

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

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

Azlan Shah Cup: India share title with South Korea

Azlan Shah Cup: India share title with South Korea

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

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

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

BCCI bigwigs to meet IMG officials today

BCCI bigwigs to meet IMG officials today

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

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

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

Michael Hussey guide Australia to World Cup finals

STAFF WRITER 1:15 HRS IST

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 14 (PTI) Michael Hussey hit a 24-ball 60 to script a dramatic runchase as Australia snatched a three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semifinals to set up a summit clash with England in the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here today.

Coming at number seven, Hussey added 53 runs off just 16 balls with Mitchell Johnson (5) and blasted three sixes and a four off Saeed Ajmal in the last over as Australia romped home with one ball to spare.

Earlier put into bat, brothers Kamran Akmal (50) and Umar Akmal (56) slammed blistering half-centuries as Pakistan amassed an imposing 191 for six.

Chasing 192 to win, the Australians were down in the dumps at 105 for five in 12.3 overs with David Warner (0), Shane Watson (16), Brad Haddin (25), Michael Clarke (17) and David Hussey (13) back into the hut.

Beckham confirms offer of England coaching role

Beckham confirms offer of England coaching role

ZURICH, May 14: David Beckham has confirmed he is keen to accept England manager Fabio Capello’s invitation to join his coaching staff at the World Cup. Beckham has been ruled out of the tournament in South Africa after rupturing his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan in March, but Capello wants the 35-year-old midfielder to play his part on the sidelines instead. Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini have given Beckham the chance to work as an intermediary between manager and players, as well as assisting on the training ground. Beckham, speaking on Friday at the presentation of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, admitted he is hopeful his rehabilitation from the injury will have progressed far enough to allow him to make the trip to South Africa. “I’ve spoken to the manager and Franco Baldini and they have made it well aware that I have a role to play with the players and the team,” Beckham said. “We have not discussed specifics but I’m honoured that a manager of Fabio’s status feels I can be important. “I am hoping to travel with the team but obviously we’ll have to see how my therapy goes.” The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is believed to have initially been concerned that his presence in the England camp could become a distraction. But Capello and Baldini have assured Beckham that he would be a valuable part of their bid to win the World Cup. Beckham is not expected to travel to England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Austria when the squad leaves on Monday, but he is set to be on the plane for South Africa on June 2. (Agencies)

Hussey powers Oz into final

Hussey powers Oz into final

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 14: Michael Hussey scored a brilliant 60 off 24 balls to give Australia a thumping victory against Pakistan in the second semifinal of ICC World Twenty20 here today. Now Australia face England in the final on Sunday. Chasing a tough target of 192, the Australians were in trouble as they lost a few early wickets but Hussey did not allow the defending champions to gain the upperhand in the match with his masterful display. Cameron White also contributed 43 to the winning cause. Earlier, Pakistan rode on blistering half-centuries by Kamran Akmal (50) and Umar Akmal (56) to post a challenging 191 for six. Put into bat, Kamran and Salman Butt (32) shared a 58-ball 82-run opening partnership to set the tone, while Umar provided the late charge as Pakistan stunned Australia with their stroke-play in a sticky Beausejour wicket here. Inclement weather and wet ground conditions had earlier delayed the start of the match by half an hour but that did not bother the Pakistan openers as they went about their business.

WADA ‘whereabouts’ clause won’t create problem in World Cup: Shetty

WADA ‘whereabouts’ clause won’t create problem in World Cup: Shetty

MUMBAI, May 13: Stand off between cricket authorities and the World Anti-Doping Agency over the controversial “whereabouts” clause in the WADA Anti-Doping Code is unlikely to create any problem for the 2011 ICC World Cup, feels tournament director Ratnakar Shetty.

“I don’t foresee a problem. WADA has told ICC it’s their problem to get it resolved. BCCI (Indian cricket board) has expressed certain concerns only about the whereabouts clause, nothing more than that,” Shetty, who is also BCCI’s chief administrative officer, said in an exclusive interview.

“ICC, WADA officials and BCCI had a meeting three months back in Dubai. It went off very well where we made it very clear that India is not opposed to the dope test, it’s only about the whereabouts clause where 24 hours the sportsman has to file in the details. That could be resolved,” Shetty explained.

“We are seeking the support of other boards also. N Srinivasan (BCCI secretary) and Shashank Manohar (BCCI president) have been working with other cricket boards as well as with ICC to find an early solution to this problem.

England beat Lanka, in final

England beat Lanka, in final

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 13: Once again Kevin Pietersen became the hero as he remained not out at 42 to see his team enter the final of the ICC Twenty20, beating Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the first semifinal here today. Craig Kieswetter was the other major contributor (39) as England easily chased down the target with 24 balls remaining.

Earlier, Angelo Mathews (58) stood among ruins with a fighting half century as Sri Lanka scored a modest 128 for six.

Mathews, who hit three fours and a six in his 45-ball innings, got little support from his batting colleagues as the next highest contributors were captain Kumar Saangakkara (16) and Chamara Kapugedera (16) after Sri Lanka elected to bat at a slow Beausejour Stadium pitch. Mathews was involved in two partnerships — 46 off 45 balls with Kapugedera for the fifth wicket and 33 off 20 balls with Thissara Perera for the sixth — which took Sri Lanka at least something to defend.

Broad was the most successful England bowler with two wickets for 21 while Bresman, Sidebottom and Swann chipped in with a wicket each. Except for calling the coin correctly, nothing worked for Sri Lanka as they lost their three key batsmen by the fifth over for just 26 runs.

Sri Lanka’s woes deepened with their best batsman in the tournament Mahela Jayawardene departing in the first ball of the fifth over off a beauty from Stuart Broad with the ball lifting and moving a shade away from the bat for wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter to do the rest. Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews tried to repair the innings before the former was out in the ninth over for a 19-ball 16 to leave his side in deep trouble at 47 for four. Brief Score: Sri Lanka 128/6 England 132/3 (PTI)

Anand relieved after ending 'black' jinx against Topalov

NEW DELHI: It may not match the ecstasy of retaining the World Championship title but Indian chess wizard Viswanathan Anand is both delighted and relieved to have snapped a black jinx against his Bulgarian nemesis Veselin Topalov.

Both levelled at 5.5 after 11 rounds, Anand weaved a black magic in the decider, conjuring a stunning win over the local favourite to retain the world title in Sofia, Bulgaria.

It came as a fitting reply to Topalov's pre-match bragging that he would have the edge against the Indian because of his white pieces.

"I think I have lost my four or five games against Topalov with black but with white I won my last three. So it was very important to win this with black," a content Anand said.

"May be it is fitting in a way that finally I corrected this problem that I have been having with the black pieces," he said.

"In general, for the last four years we have been beating each other with white, so it was getting a bit one-sided," Anand said.

Graceful as usual, Anand lauded his opponent Topalov for showed great determination and fighting spirit to take the 12-game encounter down to the wire.

"He is one of the strongest players in the world. I think he is one of the grittiest and I feel a decade older after this match," Anand said.

Anand has triggered off a chess revolution in the country and asked how much effect his latest triumph would have on the mind of the Indian chess players, the champion chess player said, "Right now I can't think of any sort of legacy. I am just relieved that I am still gonna wake up tomorrow as world champion."

Malaysia stun India at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

IPOH: Malaysia stunned India 5-2 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Wednesday to keep alive their chances of making the final on home soil.

It was the biggest margin of victory ever achieved by a Malaysian team over the Indians, who are the defending champions in the tournament being played in northern Malaysia.

India still lead the standings with 10 points and a win over Egypt on Saturday will give them a place in the final.

Malaysia's hopes will hinge on whether they win their next match, against China on Thursday, and also on the Australia-South Korea result in the round-robin event.

The first-half ended 1-0 in favour of the Malaysians with Mohamed Amin Rahim scoring off a penalty corner in the 27th minute.

The game came alive in the second-half, with Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin scoring in the 39th minute and Mohamed Razie on target in the 41st.

As Malaysia dominated, India wasted their chances, pulling a goal back in the 44th minute through Danish Mujtaba but failing to stop the home side's stampede.

Amin scored a fourth goal in the 48th minute followed by Azreen Rizal on the hour.

India's second goal was scored by Ravi Pal in the 68th minute.

Meanwhile, world champions Australia let slip a three-goal advantage to earn a 5-5 draw with Pakistan in an exciting match.

Both teams were parading a host of young players and Pakistan overcame a shaky start to share the points after scoring a last-minute goal.

Timothy Bates, Grant Schubert and Christopher Ciriello scored in the first-half for the Australians while Mohamed Rizwan replied for the Pakistanis.

It was 4-1 to the Australians by the 40th minute with Ciriello adding his second. But the cracks showed in the Australian game and Pakistan took advantage.

Skipper Mohamed Imran was on target twice while Mohamed Irfan and Mohamed Ummar Bhutta added the other goals.

Schubert was the scorer of the fifth goal for the Australians.

Pakistan coach K. M. Junaid said the result was a huge bonus for his team considering they are rebuilding.

"This shows we are on the right track in giving the youngsters a chance to gain valuable experience. They have a lot of potential," he said.

"We did not expect to get a draw after falling behind 1-4. The players have made me proud and we must give them all the opportunity to make the grade at the senior level."

The race for a finals berth is still wide open with five teams still in the hunt.

TOI

It's England's consistency vs Lanka's flair on May 13

GROS ISLET: England's new-found consistency will be pitted against Sri Lanka's characteristic flair when the two teams clash in the first semifinal of the Twenty20 World Cup on Thursday.

England's display in the tournament has been a revelation of sorts with Paul Collingwood and his men winning all three Super Eight stage matches with consummate ease.

With their maverick top order batsman Kevin Pietersen returning to the ranks after a brief break to watch the birth of his first child, England's batting order would have a formidable look about it.

Pietersen has been in sensational form but even without him, England hardly broke a sweat as they upended New Zealand to prove that they don't rely on an individual or two to see them through.

In Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb, England have an opening pair which scores at a brisk rate and with Pietersen, set to return at Ravi Bopara's expense, and Collingwood to follow, their batting line-up is quite capable of laying the foundation for a big total.

In the middle order, the exciting Eoin Morgan, Luke Wright and all-rounder Tim Bresnan have the penchant to assert themselves early which suits the team.

Their bowling department also has the necessary variety. Bresnan and his new-ball colleague Ryan Sidebottom have more often than not given the early breakthrough while Stuart Broad has been among the wickets as well.

In the slow bowling department, Michael Yardy has been parsimony personified while Graeme Swann has struck regularly.

England's might notwithstanding, it is not going to be a cakewalk against the Sri Lankans who are high on confidence after sneaking through to the last four stage.

Unlike England, consistency has not been Sri Lanka's strong point in the tournament and even after beating India, they had to wait for an Australian triumph over the West Indies before a semifinal berth could be theirs.

The islanders, however, would take heart from their success against India, especially with Tillakaratne Dilshan returning to form and youngsters like Angelo Matthews and Chamara Kapugedera coming to the party.

Captain Kumar Sangakkara also looked in fine touch against India and he would hope Mahela Jayawardene, who had a brilliant run in the tournament before it was punctuated by two poor outings, to hit form on Thursday.

In Lasith Malinga, Thissara Perera and Angelo Mathews, they have quite a potent attack and Sangakkara would expect them to trouble the English batsmen Thursday.

TOI

India suffer 2-5 defeat against Malaysia in Azlan Shah

STAFF WRITER 20:24 HRS IST

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 12 (PTI) A lacklustre India suffered a disappointing 2-5 loss against Malaysia in a round-robin match to slump to their first defeat in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.

Despite the loss, India still topped the seven-team table with 10 points and they will have to beat Egypt in their last fixture on Saturday to make it to the summit clash.

Malaysia, on the other hand, jumped to the second spot with eight points after today's win, their biggest-ever against India.

Malaysia sounded the board through Mohamed Amin Rahim (27th and 48th minute), Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (39th), Mohamed Razie (41st) and Nasir Azreen Rizal (60th minute) while the Indian marksmen were Danish Mujtaba (44th) and Ravi Pal Singh (67th).

India needed to beat Malaysia to secure their place in Sunday's final but they seemed complacent throughout the match.

India eliminated with defeat against Lanka

Joseph Hoover

St Lucia (WI), May 11 (PTI) India were today knocked out of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup after suffering third defeat in a row as they lost their last Super Eights match to Sri Lanka by five wickets here.

After putting on 163 for five, India needed to not only win the crunch rubber but by at least 20-run margin to give themselves an outside chance of sneaking into the semifinals.

However, Sri Lanka not only ended India's hopes with their thrilling win but also dented hosts West Indies' semifinal chances.

Chamara Kapugedara hit a six off Ashish Nehra in the last ball of the 20th over as Sri Lanka made 167 for five after a wobbly start.

Sri Lanka now have four points in group F and West Indies will have to win the next match against Australia with a considerable margin to remain in the competition.

Sri Lanka keep hopes alive, India bite the dust

Sri Lanka keep hopes alive, India bite the dust

St Lucia, May 11: Sri Lanka beat India by 5 wickets at a thrilling match of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup at St Lucia tonight. The last-ball sixer by islander Chamara Kapugedara proved to be the dampener for India’s race for a semifinal berth. Chasing a target of 164, Sri Lanka made 167 for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

Earlier, Suresh Raina top scored for India with a 47-ball 63 as his team scored a competitive 163 for five in their crucial Super Eights match. India were 90 for one at half-way mark but could not accelerate much afterwards due to slow nature of the wicket.

If India manages to beat Sri Lanka by 20 runs, they will keenly watch the next match where an Australia win over the West Indies would clear their passage to the semifinals. Given the do-or-die situation, India batted aggressively and positively. Dinesh Karthik, who replaced Murali Vijay, started off with a bang by dispatching the first ball of innings off Angelo Mathews to the point boundary. Karthik (13) looked in good touch as he was striking the ball well but a leading edge off Lasith Malinga ended his stay at the crease, though India made a steady start.

Viswanathan Anand retains world chess title

Anand retains world chess title

Sofia, May 11: Viswanathan Anand held his nerve and focus way better than his opponent Veselin Topalov here on Tuesday to win the 12th and final game to retain his World Chess Championships title. The 40-year-old Indian beat local man from Bulgaria in the closing game with black pieces to emerge a 6.5-5.5 winner and seal his place as one of the dominant players of his era.

Anand first won the world title in 2000 and held it till 2002 when the chess world was still split. He became the undisputed World champion in 2007 and then retained the title in 2008 when he beat Vladimir Kramnik. This time around he beat Topalov to cement his place among one of the games’ all-time greats. Anand, who travelled more than 40 hours by road to reach the venue as flights in Europe were suspended due to the volcanic ash from Iceland, lost the first game. He, however, quickly hit back with wins in the second and third game.

India require to beat Lanka at least by 20 runs

STAFF WRITER 19:1 HRS IST

St Lucia, May 10 (PTI) A win alone is not sufficient for India to qualify for semifinals and they will have to beat Sri Lanka by a minimum of 20 runs on batting first and with 2.1 to three overs to spare on batting second in their last Super Eights clash of the T20 World Cup here tomorrow.

Not only India need to win big tomorrow but also require Australia to beat hosts the West Indies in the second match of the day.

And if Australia beat West Indies even by one run, India will be through.

India need to boost their net run-rate which is a dismal -1.578.

However, despite losing to Australia by a huge margin of 81 runs, Sri Lanka have a NRR of -0.600 while West Indies' NRR is -1.057.

England beat New Zealand to take Pakistan in semis

STAFF WRITER 2:5 HRS IST

Gros Islet (St Lucia), May 10 (PTI) Assured of a berth in the last four stage, England edged out New Zealand by three wickets in a Super Eight match to clear Pakistan's semifinal passage as well in the Twenty20 World Cup here today.

After Pakistan beat South Africa at the same venue a few hours before to rekindle their semifinal hopes, New Zealand desperately needed a win to qualify as the second team from Group E but today's defeat and an inferior net run-rate saw them being pipped to the post by Shahid Afridi and his men.

Paul Collingwood and his men showed they were in no mood to entertain the Kiwi hopes as they first restricted New Zealand to 149 for six and then cruised to 153 for seven in 19.1 overs.

England's successful chase was built on cameos from Eoin Morgan (40 off 34 balls) and Michael Lumb (32).

India out of T20 World Cup’10

India out of T20 World Cup’10

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 9: West Indies beat India by 14 runs to keep their hopes alive for semi-final race. The former Champions India were, however, out of the Tournament. In reply to West Indies 170-run target, India performed meekly as there batsman were kept in the back foot with some fast and aggressive bowling by the West Indian bowlers.

Earlier, Chris Gayle butchered the Indian bowlers with a whirlwind 66-ball 98 as West Indies posted a competitive 169 for six in their Group F Super Eight match of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here today. Gayle slammed five fours and seven sixes and involved in three crucial partnership with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (23), Darren Sammy (19) and Keiron Pollard (17) after India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni put West Indies to bat.

India beat South Korea 3-2 in Azlan Shah

India beat South Korea 3-2 in Azlan Shah

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 9: Defending champions India quelled a late Korean surge to eke out a narrow 3-2 victory and stretch their unbeaten run in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today. The Indian scorers were Arjun Halappa (10th minute), Tushar Khandker (45th) and Shivendra Singh (60th), while Korea scored through two penalty corner strikes by Nam Hyun Woo in the 12th and 70th minutes.

India began aggressively mounting onslaughts with central midfielders Arjun Halappa and Vikas Pillay setting up wingers Mandip Antil and Tushar Khandker who penetrated and split the Korean defence. They earned the first penalty corner in the fifth minute after Halappa found the foot of Korean captain and sweeper Lee Nam Yong.

Patel admits issues but says Houghton remains India coach

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation President Praful Patel on Friday conceded there were "certain issues" between AIFF and Bob Houghton but asserted that the Englishman remains the national coach and will guide the team in next year's Asian Cup in Doha.

Addressing a press conference after AIFF Executive Committee meeting, Patel termed reports of Houghton's resignation as media speculation and said the coach would be in charge in the Asian Cup, scheduled in January next year.

"I myself spoke to Houghton a few days back and reports that he has resigned are completely baseless. He has certain issues (with the AIFF) as expressed by his agent. But that does not mean that he is no longer coach. He continues to be India coach and he will be there in the Asian Cup," Patel said.

"The Executive Committee has authorised me to take appropriate steps (in the Houghton issue)," he added.

On learning that the AIFF has started looking for a new coach after India's Asian Cup campaign in January next year, a miffed Houghton, whose current tenure ends at the end of Asian Cup, has threatened to resign if his contract is not renewed till 2013.

Houghton is understood to have given a three-month notice starting from April 30 though he is open to stay back if the AIFF agrees to his terms, which reportedly includes a $10,000 per month hike.

Patel stonewalled all queries on whether the AIFF would renew Houghton's contract after current terms expires in January next year.

"This is something between the AIFF and Houghton. We will discuss all issues with him. The matter is between AIFF and Houghton," he said.

Top AIFF sources said though no decision was taken today on renewal of Houghton's tenure post January 2011, there is no alternative other than giving the Englishman a new contract but the only question was whether the federation would agree to his demand for a hike of $10,000 per month in his salary.

"No decision was taken on Houghton's renewal of contract, nor on the terms and conditions. AIFF president himself will discuss the matter with Houghton and sort out the issue," a top source said.

In another important decision, the AIFF decided to give contracts starting from next month to 30 players chosen for the Asian Cup preparations with a hike of 15 per cent from what had been getting by them in the 2009-10 season.

"We have decided to give contracts to 30 probables for the Asian Cup. They will be given salary on pro-rata basis with 15 per cent hike from their existing contract amount for the eight months from June to January next year," the AIFF chief said.

"In case of some players not getting accordingly (under their current contract), the AIFF will look into it but that will be on case by case basis," he said.

The Executive Committee also decided to include Under-19 national side as one of the I-League teams from the next season starting in September and AIFF would give them contracts besides also appointing a foreign coach for them.

"An Under-19 team will be selected and they will play in the I-League from next season onwards. They will be given contract by the AIFF in a view to make it a team for the future say by 2014. The team will be based in Delhi and will have an international coach. We will start looking out for the coach," Patel, also the Civil Aviation Minister, said.

Asked about Mahindra United withdrawing from the I-League from next season, Patel said, "It was unfortunate that Mahindra decided to withdraw. We could not have done anything in this regard. They had given official communication yesterday."

Patel said I-League would be reformatting from next season with a few corporate houses likely to field their teams though he did not commit on whether the top-flight league will have 16 sides or not.

"Major corporate houses are showing interest in the I-League and I am sure that the I-League from next season will be much improved. There will be re-formating of the I-League with some teams being added from next season. We need a shake-up to improve the standard of I-League," he said.

Asked about the long-delayed appointment of a new AIFF general secretary, Patel said, "Alberto Colaco (incumbent) will be there till January 2011 and we have asked a headhunter firm to give us a list of candidates. After that we will shortlist and call for interview."

He also announced that Santosh Trophy will be shifted from Goa to Kolkata and will be held in July.

TOI

Dominant India beat Pakistan 4-2 in Azlan Shah

IPOH: Defending champions India showed flair and pumped in three second half goals to thump arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Friday.

India led 1-0 at half time with Sardar Singh scoring from a rebound off their second penalty corner.

In the second half, Mandeep Antil (47th minute), Gurbaj Singh (53rd) and Tushar Khandker (56th) sounded the board while Pakistan reduced margin through Mohammad Imran (37th) and Kashif Ali (66th).

Putting behind Thursday's lacklustre show against China, India dished out an aggressive display throughout the opening half with attacks from both flanks.

The Indian mid-fielders moved in tandem and with rapid inter-positional play and substitutions had the Pakistan defence on its toe.

Rupinder Pal Singh sent the first ripples when he drove a fierce hit from the left but captain Rajpal Singh failed to connect.

Soon Rajpal set up Shivendra Singh in the circle but the striker could not beat Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Shah.

The Indians mounted attacks after attacks but the goal eluded them. Both Sarwanjit Singh and Mandeep Antil deflected over, while Bharat Chikara and Tushar Khandker also fumbled.

India did not give any room for the Pakistan forwards to progress into their danger zone as Sardar Singh stood tall with support from Dhananjay Mahadik and Arjun Halappa, alongside Gurbaj Singh and Vikas Pillay.

India got their first penalty corner when Antil cut in from the left flank only to find Rashid Muhammad's foot. Mahadhik's flick was padded dangerously leading to another penalty corner when Sardar Singh pushed home from a rebound.

Pakistan earned their first penalty corner from a stray attack with Mahadik committing the breach while challenging striker Abdul Haseem Khan. Amir Shahzad, however, wasted the opportunity.

Pakistan came back strongly on resumption in the second half and found the equaliser from a penalty stroke conceded by a deliberate obstruction by Rupinder Pal.

The execution by captain Mohammad Imran in the 37th minute had no answer from Indian custodian Sreejesh.

Stung by this reversal, India accelerated their pace mounting further pressure on the Pakistan defence.

They went ahead again in the 47th minute when Gurbaj set up Antil whose faint deflection beat the Pakistani custodian.

The Indian domination continued as six minutes later they increased their lead with Gurbaj nailing one from atop the circle.

With the swing in favour of India, Tushar Khandker cashed in to score the fourth goal from a turnover spearheaded by Shivendra Singh in the 56th minute.

Pakistan were able to put one past goalkeeper Sreejesh from their second penalty corner when Kashif Ali found the target.

India now have four points from two outings and will next play Asian champions South Korea on Sunday.

In an earlier fixture, world champions Australia comfortably beat Egypt 4-0.

TOI

T20 WC Super 8s: Sri Lanka crush West Indies by 57 runs

BRIDGETOWN (Barbados): Mahela Jaywardene's superb form at the World Twenty20 continued as he made an unbeaten 98 in Sri Lanka's 57-run win over the West Indies in the Super Eights on Friday.

The opener's entrancing innings at the Kensington Oval was the centrepiece of Sri Lanka's total of 195 for three - the best by any side this tournament.

But the West Indies helped last year's losing finalists greatly by missing six chances during a wretched fielding display as they lost for the first time this tournament.

Jayawardene, given two reprieves, faced 56 balls with four sixes and nine fours as he followed up his 81 against New Zealand and 100 against Zimbabwe with another dominant innings.

The former captain's average for the tournament now stands at a scarcely credible 139.5.

Jayawardene was joined in a stand of 166, the second best in all Twenty20 internationals by captain Kumar Sangakkara, who made 68 after being dropped on nought and 27.

Only Loots Bosman and Graeme Smith, with 170 for South Africa against England at Centurion last year, have enjoyed a bigger stand at this level.

West Indies lost two wickets early on as Shivnarine Chanderpaul and hard-hitting captain Chris Gayle both fell cheaply, with Sri Lanka holding their catches as the hosts slumped to 23 for two.

The innings never really recovered from that double blow and West Indies limped to 138 for eight off 20 overs.

Ramnaresh Sarwan (28) and Dwayne Bravo (23) were the only batsmen to pass 16 in an innings where extras was the third-best contributor with 17.

Spinner Ajantha Mendis took three wickets for 24 runs from his maximum four overs and paceman Lasith Malinga three for 28.

Senior spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, back in the side after recovering from a groin injury which officials feared might end his participation in this tournament, took none for 26 from four overs but his presence in the team was a huge boost to Sri Lanka regardless of his figures in this match.

After Sanath Jayasuriya fell cheaply, having being promoted back to his old opening slot, Gayle set the tone for what followed by dropping rival skipper Sangakkara, on nought, when he grassed a slip chance, despite getting both hands to the ball after an edge off paceman Jerome Taylor

Left-hander Sangakkara, who won the toss, was given another let-off when Kieron Pollard failed to hold a tough caught and bowled chance.

Sangakkara eventually holed out having faced 49 balls with three sixes and five fours.

Jayawardene, enjoying a new lease of life as a Twenty20 opener, showed his class early on when he advanced to loft fast bowler Taylor for six over long-on.

But he too was given a couple of lives, with left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn the unfortunate bowler on both occasions.

Jayawardene, on 65, was well beaten by a Benn delivery, only for occasional wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher to miss the stumping.

And, in the same over, Jayawardene had added only one to his score when a top-edge was skied behind but neither Fletcher nor short third man Wavell Hinds went for the catch and the ball fell safe.

No-one has yet made two Twenty20 international hundreds but the unselfish Jayawardene refused to hog the strike in the last over as Tillakaratne Dilshan ended the innings with a four.

Both teams are back here on Sunday, with the West Indies playing India and Sri Lanka facing Australia, who thrashed the Indians by 49 runs earlier Thursday.

TOI

T20 WC Super 8s: Australia thrash India by 49 runs

BRIDGETOWN: India's grandiose plans of trapping Australia in a web of deceit backfired equally sensationally here on a bright Friday afternoon.

Their gambit of going into the opening Super Eights match with just two speedsters, despite Kensington Oval's penchant for bounce and pace, was always laced with great risk; but they were surely being over-ambitious, if not downright cheeky, if they thought their part-time spinners could double as a fifth bowler too.

Not surprisingly, they suffered a thumping 49-run defeat while chasing 186; they also found a huge dent in their designs on a semifinal slot. Rohit Sharma, who was added as a contingency to any batting malfunction, slammed a counter-attacking 79 (46 balls, 4x4, 6x6); but it was always going to be only a face-saver, rather than a match-saver.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni showed that he follows the norm too, when he chose to bowl on winning the toss. But took his first chance by tossing the ball to Harbhajan Singh: the crafty off-spinner bowled a deceptive maiden over too to raise hopes of a successful ploy.

The mayhem, however, was just round the corner. Strike bowler Ashish Nehra was greeted by David Warner (54) with a boundary; Shane Watson (72), then, added to the insult, smashing him for a six. The opening pair hoisted 104 runs in just 10 overs to suggest a true and complete rout.

They maintained the same punishing rate till the 15th over, galloping away to 145 for 2; but the last five overs yielded only 39 runs to give India some respite, and even some hope.

Earlier, Harbhajan conceded only three runs in his second over too; it promptly forced Dhoni to make his next gamble: he summoned Ravindra Jadeja to replace Nehra at the other end. A double-spin attack by the fourth over itself on a pace paradise; if nothing, it exposed India's hand completely. The first three deliveries went off peacefully; but the next three sailed into the stands for spectacular sixes. The aerial assault had begun.

Dhoni persisted with spin from one end; from the other, he furiously rotated his meagre resources, hoping to regain some sanity, somewhere. But the Aussies had smelled blood; the bowlers continued to bowl short and they responded by swatting them like flies.

Jadeja was brought back in the 10th over, in a last-ditch attempt; he was promptly handed the same treatment. This time, Warner took up the mantle, belting him for three sixes. Yuvraj Singh had to fill in with his own left-arm spin for the remaining two overs. India needed a handsome start to make the chase: Murali Vijay waded through Dirk Nannes' opening over, which came at him at over 90 miles per hour. Suddenly, as the ball zipped past clueless bats, it looked the story was unfolding somewhere else. Gautam Gambhir drove his first delivery and tickled another to pick up two fours.

Nannes, however, delivered two quick blows in the next over to trigger the collapse; next over, Suresh Raina too fell, attempting another vain pull. By the fifth over, India had been reduced to 23 for four. Rohit, who came as high as No. 4, was joined by Dhoni: this was the last hope for a fightback.

But Dhoni too didn't last long, succumbing to the lone spinner. It was just a question of time after that. Rohit played many glorious shots but the tailenders, weighed down by the daunting target, kept attacking and tumbling.

In the end, Rohit remained unconquered on 79. India now play West Indies on Sunday in a must-win game for survival.

Squads:

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Murali Vijay, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Rohit Sharma.

Australia: Michael Clarke (C), Brad Haddin (w), David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Dirk Nannes, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

TOI

India beat Pakistan 4-2

India beat Pakistan 4-2

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 7: Defending champions India breathed life into their Azlan Shah hockey campaign with a resounding 4-2 win over arch rivals Pakistan here on Friday. India opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Sardar Singh to go 1-0 up at half time. Pakistan’s Muhammad Imran converted a penalty stroke to draw level in the 37th minute in the action-packed second half. India then scored thrice to take a decisive 4-1 lead with contributions from Mandeep Antil (47th), Gurbaj Singh (53rd) and Tushar Khandekar (56th minute). Pakistan pulled back one through Kasif Ali's drag-flick strike in the 66th minute but it was too little too late. It was an improved performance by India who wasted five penalty corners and struck in the dying moments to escape with a 1-1 draw against China in their first match. India, who defeated Pakistan in their last meeting at the hockey World Cup in New Delhi, had to win this match to give themselves a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. India seized the initiative and started making deep forays into the Pakistani half led by Arjun Hallapa who did not play the match against China on Thursday

India surrender meekly

India surrender meekly

Warner, Watson make bowlers toil as Australia pile up 184/5

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 7: Rohit Sharma’s blistering unbeaten half-century went in vain as Australia humiliated India, inflicting on the 2007 champions a crushing 49-run defeat in a Super Eight Group F match of the Twenty20 World Cup here today.

Barring the toss, which Mahendra Singh Dhoni won and opted to field, nothing went right for India today and the Australian team, under Michael Clarke, made a statement that they are determined to win the only major trophy missing in their cupboard.

Put into bat, Australia rode on the blistering 104-run stand provided by openers David Warner (72) and Shane Watson (54) in 10-odd overs to post a commanding 184 for five even though they looked good for the 200-mark.

India beat Pakistan 4-2

India beat Pakistan 4-2

Ipoh (Malaysia), May 7: Defending champions India breathed life into their Azlan Shah hockey campaign with a resounding 4-2 win over arch rivals Pakistan here on Friday. India opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Sardar Singh to go 1-0 up at half time. Pakistan’s Muhammad Imran converted a penalty stroke to draw level in the 37th minute in the action-packed second half. India then scored thrice to take a decisive 4-1 lead with contributions from Mandeep Antil (47th), Gurbaj Singh (53rd) and Tushar Khandekar (56th minute). Pakistan pulled back one through Kasif Ali's drag-flick strike in the 66th minute but it was too little too late. It was an improved performance by India who wasted five penalty corners and struck in the dying moments to escape with a 1-1 draw against China in their first match. India, who defeated Pakistan in their last meeting at the hockey World Cup in New Delhi, had to win this match to give themselves a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. India seized the initiative and started making deep forays into the Pakistani half led by Arjun Hallapa who did not play the match against China on Thursday

England beat Pakistan by six wickets in T20 WC

STAFF WRITER 22:8 HRS IST

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 6 (PTI) England defeated defending champions Pakistan by six wickets in the first Group E Super Eight stage match of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup here today.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan: 147 for nine in 20 overs (Salman Butt 34, Umar Akmal 30; Michael Yardy 2/19, Stuart Broad 2/25, Ryan Sidebottom 2/28).

England: 148 for four in 19.3 overs (Kevin Pietersen 70 not out, Michael Lumb 25, Craig Kieswetter 25; Saeed Ajmal 2/15).

South Africa beat New Zealand by 13 runs in T20 WC

Joseph Hoover

Barbados, May 7 (PTI) A blistering 72-run fourth wicket stand between Albie Morkel and AB de Villiers powered South Africa to a 13-run win over New Zealand in their Super Eight match of the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup at the Kensington Oval here.

The pair produced 72 runs in 38 balls to help South Africa make an intimidating 170 for four yesterday.

In reply, New Zealand could only muster 157 for seven with only Jesse Ryder (30) and Nathan McCullum (26 not out) making scores of substance.

Charl Langeveldt, Morne Morkel and Johan Botha shared six wickets equally between them while Herschelle Gibbs was credited with three catches in the outfield.

Albie Morkel was the toast of the Protean victory.

Coming into bat in the 14th over, he went berserk at the square, hammering every thing that was flung at him.

The battle for semifinals begins today

The battle for semifinals begins today

BARBADOS, May 5: India will have to battle it out with three World Champions to seal one of the two semifinal slots from their cluster when the Super Eights stage begins at the Kensington Oval from Thursday.

India have been drawn along with West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia, who by far look the best equipped all-round team capable of claiming the coveted trophy.

Serena in quarters

ROME, May 5: World number one Serena Williams overcame a mid-match slump to defeat unseeded Andrea Petkovic in three sets at the Foro Italico on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Rome Open.

The Australian Open champion won 6-2, 3-6, 6-0 against the 49th ranked German but rarely looked to be at her best.

Serena is playing in her first tournament since winnin

Anand loses, World Championship match tied at 4-4

From Our Chess Correspondent

Sofia (Bulgaria), May 4 (PTI) World champion Viswanathan Anand was in for a surprise by a resurgent Veselin Topalov who scored a remarkable victory with white pieces in the eighth match to square off the World Chess Championship 4-4 here today.

Anand had been aptly surprised in the seventh game which was perhaps a prelude to things to come in the next. A loss in game one, two victories thereon in game two and four and after three successive draws, the world champion finds himself at a level scores in what is the most keenly contested world title in recent times.

England qualify for Super Eight following a washout

STAFF WRITER 2:57 HRS IST

Providence (Guyana), May 5 (PTI) England entered the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup after heavy downpour washed out their crucial Group D match against Ireland here.

With each team getting one point, England qualified for the Super Eight stage, thanks to their superior net run-rate.

England have a net run-rate of -0.452, better than Ireland's -3.500 after the two group matches.

Hosts West Indies have already qualified as the top team from the Group D.

Put into bat, England went off to a dismal start but Eoin Morgan's determined 37-ball 45 helped them eke out a moderate 120 for eight yesterday.

Morgan, who struck five fours, found good support from Luke Wright (20 off 24). The duo came together when the team was struggling at 49 for four and added 41 runs for the fifth wicket partnership to give a timely recovery.

AIFF president in damage-control mode

AIFF president in damage-control mode

New Delhi, May 4: Realizing the seriousness of the controversy surrounding national coach Bob Houghton’s resignation, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel has called the members of the executive committee for a crisis management meeting on Thursday.

In a bid to defuse the crisis, Patel will have an informal dinner meeting at his residence with all the committee members before the executive meets the next day (Friday).

Even as Patel started talking to senior AIFF officials, he maintained that Houghton has not resigned.

“The news about Houghton resigning as the football coach is not correct. I myself spoke to him last night in Cape Town. I think the only issue between the AIFF and the coach is that Houghton wants to know his future post-January 2011, when his contract comes to an end,” Patel, who is also the civil aviation minister, told reporters outside Parliament on Tuesday.

Patel said that there is no other issue between him and the federation.

“Bob continues to be our coach and I am sure the Indian team will play under his leadership in the Asian Cup in Doha in January. The news about the shoddy treatment meted out to him was incorrect,” Patel added.

Patel said that the executive committee will meet on Friday to discuss the issue.

“We are meeting on Friday where this issue will also be discussed. Once again, Houghton has not resigned,” Patel said.

Houghton resigned as India’s chief football coach on Monday following his differences with AIFF secretary general Alberto Colaco.

A top official in the AIFF told IANS that Patel has requested Houghton to reconsider his decision.

“But Patel will have some tough time in pacifying the executive committee members, who are angry with Colaco. Thanks to Colaco, Indian football is facing another crisis,” the source said.

The official said that differences between Houghton and Colaco reached the flash point when the secretary general during his visit to Malaysia for an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) meeting last month, met a top agent and asked him to look for a replacement for Houghton.

“Despite several differences, Houghton was willing to extend his contract after the mega-event and had even informed Colaco about it on April 5. But when Houghton heard that Colaco had asked the agent to look for a new coach, he was furious and resigned on Monday through an e-mail, giving a notice of three months,” the official said.

Speaking to IANS from Cape Town, Houghton said: “Yes, I have resigned. But it is a more complicated issue.” (IANS)

Rain favours the host to beat England

Rain favours the host to beat England

PROVIDENCE, May 4: West Indies won through to the second round of the World Twenty20 after beating England by eight wickets in a match whose context was completely changed by rain on Monday.

England made a challenging total of 191 for five, featuring 55 from former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan, after being sent-in to bat by West Indies captain Chris Gayle.

But rain, which had interrupted Sri Lanka’s match against Zimbabwe here earlier in the day, returned after the West Indies had started their reply in barnstorming fashion to be 30 without loss at the Guyana National Stadium.

And when play resumed, the West Indies were left with a revised target of 60 in six overs, under the Duckworth/Lewis method for rain-affected matches.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (15 not out) and Andre Fletcher (12 not out) saw the hosts to victory with a ball to spare as they scored the eight runs they needed off the last over, from fast bowler Stuart Broad.

England now have a winner-takes-all clash against Ireland, who suffered a 70-run Group D thrashing by the West Indies last week, here on Tuesday to decide which team will join the hosts in the Super Eights.

Murali ruled out of Twenty20 WC due to injury

STAFF WRITER 15:19 HRS IST

Providence (Guyana), May 3 (PTI) Sri Lanka's campaign in the Twenty20 World Cup today suffered a blow with off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan being ruled out of the entire tournament due to a groin strain.

Muralitharan sustained the injury during his side's two-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener here on April 30.

Team physiotherapist Tommy Simsek said Muralitharan has sustained a grade one strain on his right adductor muscle and will need up to three weeks' rest.

No replacement for 38-year-old spin wizard has been named by Sri Lankan team management. He took two wickets for 25 runs against New Zealand.

Muralitharan has more international wickets than any other cricketer with 792 in 132 Tests and 512 in 334 ODIs. He has 13 wickets in 10 Twenty20 Internationals.

Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe today in a must-win encounter to have any chance of advancing to the Super Eight stage.

Indian team for Zimbabwe to be picked on May 9

STAFF WRITER 13:30 HRS IST

Mumbai, May 3 (PTI) The Indian squad for the upcoming triangular ODI series in Zimbabwe followed by a two-match T20 rubber against the hosts is to be picked by the national selection panel in Chennai on May 9, BCCI sources said today.

The tri-series featuring -- India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe -- is scheduled from May 28 to June 9 with the three outfits playing one another twice in the round-robin phase leading up to the final between the top two teams.

The first three league matches are to be held at Bulawayo, while the last two as well as the summit contest would be held at Harare.

The ODI tournament is to be followed at the best-of-two T20 International series between India and Zimbabwe with the ties set to be held at Harare on June 12 and 13.

We trusted IPL financial experts: Sunil Gavaskar

We trusted IPL financial experts: Sunil Gavaskar

Mumbai, May 2: Breaking his silence on the controversy surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL), former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has said he and his other fellow cricketers had complete faith in financial experts in the committee.

In an article appearing in the Times of India, Gavaskar expressed regret over the fact that he did not have much knowledge of financial and legal issues, so was unable to understand what was discussed in IPL meeting.

“Pity, we cricketers don’t have so much knowledge, for then we would have been able to understand a lot of the financial and legal issues that came up in council meetings. We cricketers looked at all the others who were knowledgeable about finance and trusted their expertise,” Gavaskar writes.

AIFF to renew Houghton’s contract

AIFF to renew Houghton’s contract

NEW DELHI, May 2: Faced with a resignation threat, All India Football Federation is set to renew national coach Bob Houghton's contract beyond Asian Cup in January next year.

Houghton had threatened to resign if his contract is not renewed till 2013, besides also demanding a hike of $10,000 per month after his current tenure ends in January 2011. The Englishman was apparently ticked off by the AIFF looking for a new coach after his current stint.