Tendulkar rested, Yuvraj dropped

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar will not be a part of India's Asia Cup squad, after it was reported that he requested the BCCI not to consider him for the tournament.

The other major announcement was the axing of Yuvraj Singh from the ODI squad. Yuvraj has displayed indifferent form and poor fitness levels in the recent past.

Tendulkar had sought a break to spend time with his children, while Yuvraj's ouster was on the cards after a series of disappointing performances in recent times.

"Sachin Tendulkar requested the Board not to consider him for the Asia Cup, as he wanted to spend time with his children, in view of the hectic cricket season ahead," Srinivasan said in a statement after the meeting.

The squad will be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who returns to take charge of the team.

Meanwhile, what will bring cheer to the Indian fans is the return of Virender Sehwag, who has recovered from his shoulder injury and forms part of the squad.

Also returning were Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Praveen Kumar and Ashish Nehra.

Amongst the surprise picks were Saurabh Tiwary and Ashok Dinda. While this the first time Tiwary has been picked, Dinda retained his place after being a part of the outfit that performed poorly in Zimbabwe. Dinesh Karthik and Yusuf Pathan are among the high profile names dropped from the side that went to Zimbabwe. Also axed was Murali Vijay who had a torrid outing, and Amit Mishra.

R Ashwin however retained his place after his good showing in the only match he played, along with Pragyan Ojha who had looked like the best spinner on view. They will partner Harbhajan in the spin department.

Squad: MS Dhoni (captain, wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Praveen Kumar, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha, R Ashwin, Saurabh Tiwary, Ashok Dinda.

Cricket tri-series: Sri Lanka opt to field against India

STAFF WRITER 12:18 HRS IST

Harare, Jun 5 (PTI) Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against India in the tri-series one-dayer here today.

Teams:

India: Suresh Raina (capt), Dinesh Karthik, Naman Ojha, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Ashok Dinda, Pragyan Ojha, Pankaj Singh.

Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suraj Randiv, Thissara Perera, Thilan Thushara.

Pakistan's Younus wins appeal against ban

Former Pakistan captain Younus Khan Saturday won his appeal against an indefinite ban and is now likely to be considered for the national team ahead of their England tour.

"The appeal of Younus against an indefinite ban is accepted and the order (punishment) is set aside," the arbitrator, retired justice Irfan Qadir, said in his order.

Younus was one of seven players who were banned or fined in March this year.

The penalties came after an inquiry committee investigated on and off-field problems during team's tours to the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Australia between November and February.

Younus and another former captain Mohammad Yousuf were handed indefinite bans over "infighting in the team which let the team down."

Younus was named in a preliminary squad of 35, subject to his clearance from the arbitrator, but was not selected in the 15-man Asia Cup squad announced on Thursday.

He is, however, likely to be considered for team's tour of England to be announced later.

Pakistan take part in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka from June 15-24. They will then play two Twenty20 and two Tests against Australia before playing hosts England in four Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 -- all in England.

The arbitrator last week lifted Shoaib Malik's one-year ban and reduced his two million rupees (24,000 dollars) fine to half.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) legal adviser Talib Rizvi confirmed Younus's appeal was accepted.

"The arbitrator has accepted Younus's appeal and the PCB will now complete the legal process," Rizvi told AFP.

The arbitrator also quashed the fine on current captain Shahid Afridi and reduced the fine on Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal.

"The appeals of Afridi, and Akmal brothers were also taken up and the arbitrator quashed the fine on Afridi and reduced the fines on Akmal brothers," said Rizvi.

Afridi was fined on charges of ball-tampering in a one-day match against Australia, while the Akmal brothers were punished for discipline violations.

Another former captain Yousuf, banned for an indefinite period, did not appeal, while all-rounder Rana Naved-ul-Hasan's appeal against a one-year ban and fine of two million rupees will be heard on June 19.

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