Thursday, April 1, 2010
Newzealnd's Squad for T-20 Worldcup
Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond, Ian Butler, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Aaron Redmond, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor.
Shoaib Malik faces threat of Legal action
Soon after television channels and newspapers carried reports of forthcoming marriage between Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, problems surfaced to haunt the couple.
In the latest development, father of Ayesha Siddiqui — the girl from Hyderabad, India, who has alleged that she was married to Shoaib — threatened to take legal action against the cricketer, an Indian television channel reported.
Ayesha’s father Mohammad Ahmed Siddiqui said: “Shoaib must legally divorce my daughter. Only then can he marry Sania Mirza. “According to Islamic law, my daughter cannot remarry if she doesn’t have the divorce paper.”
Speaking to the channel he also said that Sania Mirza would be Shoaib’s second wife.—Agencies
‘Shoaib Akhtar should announce retirement’
Former Pakistan cricket selector Ehteshamuddin has urged injury plagued fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to call it a day, despite the 34-year-old declaring himself fit to play again.
Last week Akhtar took part in three one-day practice games against the Afghanistan national team, which was training in Lahore. He played only as a bowler in the first two games, and in the third game he only turned up to bowl his overs.
“I think Shoaib should announce his retirement because it’s clear that his body is no longer able to support a fast bowler’s workload,” Ehtesham commented.
“Shoaib as a bowler has been finished since late 2006. After that point, he has never been fit enough to play international cricket,” he added.
The fast bowler had earlier said that his international career was not over and stressed that his aim was to win back his place in the Pakistan team.
“My aim and goal is to win back my place in the Pakistan team and I strongly believe that I will be back. You know things change very quickly in Pakistan cricket and I’m confident that my chance will come again,” Shoaib had said.
“I can’t say when, but I believe my chance will come,” he added.
Shoaib has not featured in a five-day match for Pakistan for more than two years, and many cricket followers and scribes around the globe are asking the question, “Will we ever see Shoaib Akhtar in a Pakistan shirt again?”—
Last week Akhtar took part in three one-day practice games against the Afghanistan national team, which was training in Lahore. He played only as a bowler in the first two games, and in the third game he only turned up to bowl his overs.
“I think Shoaib should announce his retirement because it’s clear that his body is no longer able to support a fast bowler’s workload,” Ehtesham commented.
“Shoaib as a bowler has been finished since late 2006. After that point, he has never been fit enough to play international cricket,” he added.
The fast bowler had earlier said that his international career was not over and stressed that his aim was to win back his place in the Pakistan team.
“My aim and goal is to win back my place in the Pakistan team and I strongly believe that I will be back. You know things change very quickly in Pakistan cricket and I’m confident that my chance will come again,” Shoaib had said.
“I can’t say when, but I believe my chance will come,” he added.
Shoaib has not featured in a five-day match for Pakistan for more than two years, and many cricket followers and scribes around the globe are asking the question, “Will we ever see Shoaib Akhtar in a Pakistan shirt again?”—
todays IPL match Shedule
match no. 30:
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Match will start on April 1, 2010
at 14:30 GMT
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Match will start on April 1, 2010
at 14:30 GMT
PCB mulls withdrawing Afridi’s Rs.3mn fine
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt said on Wednesday that Shahid Afridi's request for removing a three-million-rupee fine is under consideration.
Earlier, Afridi submitted a request with the board for the fine to be withdrawn saying he had already been punished for the same offence by the International Cricket Council.
“Two punishments can not be given for one offence,” Afridi said. “I met PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt and requested him for revoking the fine,” he said.
“I am just lodging a personal appeal with the PCB Chairman for revoking the fine,” he commented. “ I am not challenging PCB authority,” he added.
International Cricket Council (ICC) banned Shahid Afridi from two T20 Internationals for biting the ball in desperation during the fifth and final internationals during last trip to Australia.
PCB imposed the fine after Afridi bit the ball during Pakistan’s last one-day international match against Australia in Perth last month. Afridi missed two Twenty20 internationals in February after being banned for the offence by the ICC.
Afridi is set to lead Pakistan at the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean from April 30 to May 16.
Earlier, Afridi submitted a request with the board for the fine to be withdrawn saying he had already been punished for the same offence by the International Cricket Council.
“Two punishments can not be given for one offence,” Afridi said. “I met PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt and requested him for revoking the fine,” he said.
“I am just lodging a personal appeal with the PCB Chairman for revoking the fine,” he commented. “ I am not challenging PCB authority,” he added.
International Cricket Council (ICC) banned Shahid Afridi from two T20 Internationals for biting the ball in desperation during the fifth and final internationals during last trip to Australia.
PCB imposed the fine after Afridi bit the ball during Pakistan’s last one-day international match against Australia in Perth last month. Afridi missed two Twenty20 internationals in February after being banned for the offence by the ICC.
Afridi is set to lead Pakistan at the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean from April 30 to May 16.
South Africa Warmup matches Shedule before Worldcup
South Africa will play warm-up matches in Barbados against Sri Lanka on April 27 and England on April 28 before starting the tournament proper with a match against India in St Lucia on May 2.
Smith secures his Position in Worldcup while Parnell out!!
Graeme Smith will be fit to lead South Africa in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies next month, but left-arm fast bowler Wayne Parnell was not included in the South African squad announced on Wednesday.
Smith suffered a broken finger while playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League while Parnell had to return home without playing a game for the Delhi Daredevils because of a groin injury.
Parnell, then aged 19, was one of the stars of the 2009 World Twenty20 in England, taking nine wickets at an average of 13.22 as South Africa reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Pakistan.
His feats earned him a US$610 000 contract with the Daredevils.
Big-hitting all-rounder Justin Kemp was also ruled out after being injured in the IPL. He hurt his back while playing for the Chennai Super Kings.
The South African squad includes one uncapped player in swing bowler Juan Rusty’ Theron, who has impressed with his bowling in the “death” overs for the Warriors, South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 champions.
“Rusty Theron has impressed everybody with his skills and his temperament both in domestic cricket and in the Indian Premier League. He was a key player for the Warriors in doing the domestic limited overs double,” said coach Corrie van Zyl.
With both Parnell and Kemp not considered, all-rounder Rory Kleinveldt, who was not in an 18-man short list named recently, won a surprise call-up.
“Rory will be a good like-for-like replacement for Parnell,” said Van Zyl.
“He is capable of opening the bowling or operating at first change and he has also been a regular death bowler for the Cape Cobras, which is an important area for us. Rory also gives us some good batting options down the order.”Hard-hitting batsman Lungile Loots’ Bosman and swing bowler Charl Langeveldt, who were not available for the 2009 event, were also included.
Smith suffered a broken finger while playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League while Parnell had to return home without playing a game for the Delhi Daredevils because of a groin injury.
Parnell, then aged 19, was one of the stars of the 2009 World Twenty20 in England, taking nine wickets at an average of 13.22 as South Africa reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Pakistan.
His feats earned him a US$610 000 contract with the Daredevils.
Big-hitting all-rounder Justin Kemp was also ruled out after being injured in the IPL. He hurt his back while playing for the Chennai Super Kings.
The South African squad includes one uncapped player in swing bowler Juan Rusty’ Theron, who has impressed with his bowling in the “death” overs for the Warriors, South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 champions.
“Rusty Theron has impressed everybody with his skills and his temperament both in domestic cricket and in the Indian Premier League. He was a key player for the Warriors in doing the domestic limited overs double,” said coach Corrie van Zyl.
With both Parnell and Kemp not considered, all-rounder Rory Kleinveldt, who was not in an 18-man short list named recently, won a surprise call-up.
“Rory will be a good like-for-like replacement for Parnell,” said Van Zyl.
“He is capable of opening the bowling or operating at first change and he has also been a regular death bowler for the Cape Cobras, which is an important area for us. Rory also gives us some good batting options down the order.”Hard-hitting batsman Lungile Loots’ Bosman and swing bowler Charl Langeveldt, who were not available for the 2009 event, were also included.
South African Squad for T-20 Worldcup announced
1. Graeme Smith (captain)
2. Jacques Kallis (vice-captain)
3. Lungile Bosman
4. Johan Botha
5. Mark Boucher
6. AB de Villiers
7. JP Duminy
8. Herschelle Gibbs
9. Rory Kleinveldt
10. Charl Langeveldt
11. Albie Morkel
12. Morne Morkel
13. Dale Steyn
14. Juan Theron
15. Roelof van der Merwe
2. Jacques Kallis (vice-captain)
3. Lungile Bosman
4. Johan Botha
5. Mark Boucher
6. AB de Villiers
7. JP Duminy
8. Herschelle Gibbs
9. Rory Kleinveldt
10. Charl Langeveldt
11. Albie Morkel
12. Morne Morkel
13. Dale Steyn
14. Juan Theron
15. Roelof van der Merwe
prior out of the Worldcup
England have named uncapped batsman Michael Lumb and South Africa-born wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter in a 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 tournament to be played in the Caribbean from April 30-May 16.
But there was no place for Mathew Prior, although Ravi Bopara and Michael Yardy both received recalls to a squad captained by Paul Collingwood.
“We believe we've picked a balanced squad that can meet the needs of the Twenty20 format - aggressive batting with variation and strength in depth and various bowling options that accommodate the conditions and surfaces in the West Indies,” said Geoff Miller, England's national selector.
“Our fielding, which is such a vital aspect of limited-overs cricket, has improved markedly and there's no reason we can't perform well in what will be a challenging global tournament.” Miller added: “On the recent tour of Bangladesh Craig Kieswetter showed what he is capable of in international limited-overs cricket and as a wicketkeeper at the top of the order he gives us options down the order.
“Craig has improved over time and his selection indicates real competition for places which is only healthy for the England team.
“Despite missing selection for this format of the game, Matt Prior very much remains in the England set-up and a part of our plans.”Miller said Lumb had “consistently performed well in limited-overs cricket for Hampshire and has also impressed during his time in the IPL and with the England Lions”.
“As a powerful left-hander Michael adds aggression to our batting and has the ability to compliment the rest of the line-up,” Miller said.
“Both Michael Yardy and Ravi Bopara have earned recalls to the England squad after going away and working hard on their cricket with excellent results.”
But there was no place for Mathew Prior, although Ravi Bopara and Michael Yardy both received recalls to a squad captained by Paul Collingwood.
“We believe we've picked a balanced squad that can meet the needs of the Twenty20 format - aggressive batting with variation and strength in depth and various bowling options that accommodate the conditions and surfaces in the West Indies,” said Geoff Miller, England's national selector.
“Our fielding, which is such a vital aspect of limited-overs cricket, has improved markedly and there's no reason we can't perform well in what will be a challenging global tournament.” Miller added: “On the recent tour of Bangladesh Craig Kieswetter showed what he is capable of in international limited-overs cricket and as a wicketkeeper at the top of the order he gives us options down the order.
“Craig has improved over time and his selection indicates real competition for places which is only healthy for the England team.
“Despite missing selection for this format of the game, Matt Prior very much remains in the England set-up and a part of our plans.”Miller said Lumb had “consistently performed well in limited-overs cricket for Hampshire and has also impressed during his time in the IPL and with the England Lions”.
“As a powerful left-hander Michael adds aggression to our batting and has the ability to compliment the rest of the line-up,” Miller said.
“Both Michael Yardy and Ravi Bopara have earned recalls to the England squad after going away and working hard on their cricket with excellent results.”
England Squad For T-20 Worldcup
1. Paul Collingwood (capt),
2. James Anderson
3. Ravi Bopara
4. Tim Bresnan
5. Stuart Broad
6. Craig Kieswetter
7. Michael Lumb
8. Eoin Morgan
9. Kevin Pietersen
10. Ajmal Shahzad
11. Ryan Sidebottom
12. Graeme Swann
13. James Tredwell
14. Luke Wright
15. Michael Yardy
2. James Anderson
3. Ravi Bopara
4. Tim Bresnan
5. Stuart Broad
6. Craig Kieswetter
7. Michael Lumb
8. Eoin Morgan
9. Kevin Pietersen
10. Ajmal Shahzad
11. Ryan Sidebottom
12. Graeme Swann
13. James Tredwell
14. Luke Wright
15. Michael Yardy
Pink Ball to be tested in Abu dhabi
A four-day match starting today in Abu Dhabi will use pink balls as part of a bid by the ICC and officials governing the laws of cricket to eventually play the five-day test format under lights to arrest its declining popularity.
The Marylebone Cricket Club, which formulates the laws for the governing body, will play Durham under flood lights. The match is traditionally staged at Lord’s as the season-opening game in England.
White balls, used in one-day internationals instead of red ones for tests and first-class cricket, have failed to retain their colour over long stretches of time. Pink balls were recently used as an experiment in Australia but only in limited-overs games.
“The research we undertook showed there was a willingness among fans to attend day-night test cricket and that was something boards were attracted to,” MCC chief executive Keith Bradshaw said Sunday.
“All the reports that came back on the pink ball were very encouraging. But the proof will be in the pudding, which is over the next few days. If the ball holds its shine and shape and the players are happy, then it’s as good a test as any.”
Bradshaw, however, refused to indicate when tests could be played under lights.
“We don’t want to create any expectations of a time-scale because if there are some issues with the ball, we don’t want to push too hard and find we’ve created expectations we can’t fulfil,” he said. “But I would like to think that if the tests go well and the ball stacks up that we could implement this fairly quickly.”
Bangladesh is due to travel to England for two tests from May 27 to June 8 and authorities had initially hoped the tour would feature the first day-night test. But Bradshaw said that is unlikely to now happen.
“That would be very difficult now,” Bradshaw said. “People are buying tickets with the expectations that it’s a day test.”
The captain of Durham and MCC both said they are unsure what to expect from the pink ball test.
“Like anything that is new, we are excited about this,” MCC skipper Alex Gidman said. “I don’t know about the ball, but the concept of playing four-day cricket under floodlights is one that is exciting. It is worth a shot.”
Durham captain Will Smith agreed.
“It will be a great occasion,” he said. “I was slightly sceptical at first, but it’s a great opportunity for the guys to go out there and experience something different.”
The Marylebone Cricket Club, which formulates the laws for the governing body, will play Durham under flood lights. The match is traditionally staged at Lord’s as the season-opening game in England.
White balls, used in one-day internationals instead of red ones for tests and first-class cricket, have failed to retain their colour over long stretches of time. Pink balls were recently used as an experiment in Australia but only in limited-overs games.
“The research we undertook showed there was a willingness among fans to attend day-night test cricket and that was something boards were attracted to,” MCC chief executive Keith Bradshaw said Sunday.
“All the reports that came back on the pink ball were very encouraging. But the proof will be in the pudding, which is over the next few days. If the ball holds its shine and shape and the players are happy, then it’s as good a test as any.”
Bradshaw, however, refused to indicate when tests could be played under lights.
“We don’t want to create any expectations of a time-scale because if there are some issues with the ball, we don’t want to push too hard and find we’ve created expectations we can’t fulfil,” he said. “But I would like to think that if the tests go well and the ball stacks up that we could implement this fairly quickly.”
Bangladesh is due to travel to England for two tests from May 27 to June 8 and authorities had initially hoped the tour would feature the first day-night test. But Bradshaw said that is unlikely to now happen.
“That would be very difficult now,” Bradshaw said. “People are buying tickets with the expectations that it’s a day test.”
The captain of Durham and MCC both said they are unsure what to expect from the pink ball test.
“Like anything that is new, we are excited about this,” MCC skipper Alex Gidman said. “I don’t know about the ball, but the concept of playing four-day cricket under floodlights is one that is exciting. It is worth a shot.”
Durham captain Will Smith agreed.
“It will be a great occasion,” he said. “I was slightly sceptical at first, but it’s a great opportunity for the guys to go out there and experience something different.”
shoaib, Sania congragulated by Cricketers
Current and former cricketers on Wednesday greeted all-rounder Shoaib Malik and his fiancee, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on their engagement, wishing the couple the very best in life.
Former captain Imran Khan congratulated the couple and wished them a happy union.
“My best wishes to you (Shoaib) and Sania and I pray both of you live a blessed life,” Imran said on a popular television show.
Other players, including Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal also expressed joy over the engagement news and wishes the couple a great future.
”I am happy for Shoaib and hope he lives a happy life. Sania is not only a good tennis player but a great person too and I am happy for both of them,” Afridi said.
Kamran, one of Shoaib’s closest friends, said he was not surprised by the announcement and was looking forward for the Valima (reception) in Lahore next month. “You can be sure the Lahorites will celebrate this occasion with great fanfare. It is a really good pairing,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Aussie ‘keeper and IPL team Deccan Chargers’ skipper Adam Gilchrist also congratulated Sania on the big day.
The skipper of the Hyderabad-based franchise offered his good wishes to Sania, who also belongs to the city, for her wedding on April 15. “I have read about their marriage in the papers. If you are in love, you should go for it. I wish them a happy married life,” Gilchrist said
Former captain Imran Khan congratulated the couple and wished them a happy union.
“My best wishes to you (Shoaib) and Sania and I pray both of you live a blessed life,” Imran said on a popular television show.
Other players, including Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal also expressed joy over the engagement news and wishes the couple a great future.
”I am happy for Shoaib and hope he lives a happy life. Sania is not only a good tennis player but a great person too and I am happy for both of them,” Afridi said.
Kamran, one of Shoaib’s closest friends, said he was not surprised by the announcement and was looking forward for the Valima (reception) in Lahore next month. “You can be sure the Lahorites will celebrate this occasion with great fanfare. It is a really good pairing,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Aussie ‘keeper and IPL team Deccan Chargers’ skipper Adam Gilchrist also congratulated Sania on the big day.
The skipper of the Hyderabad-based franchise offered his good wishes to Sania, who also belongs to the city, for her wedding on April 15. “I have read about their marriage in the papers. If you are in love, you should go for it. I wish them a happy married life,” Gilchrist said
Sirilanka announces squad for T-20 Worldcup 2010
Sri Lanka on Wednesday named the squad for the World Twenty20 tournament to be played in the Caribbean from April 30-May 16.
Selectors included uncapped wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal in the 15-man squad while veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya also kept his place in the side.
Squad: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Muttiah Muralitharan (vice-capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Thissara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga, Chanaka Welagedara, Chamara Kapugedara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chinthaka Jayasinghe.
Selectors included uncapped wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal in the 15-man squad while veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya also kept his place in the side.
Squad: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Muttiah Muralitharan (vice-capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Thissara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga, Chanaka Welagedara, Chamara Kapugedara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chinthaka Jayasinghe.
Delhi Win against Rajisthan Royals in style
Some power-hitting from Dinesh Karthik and suicidal top-order batting from Rajasthan Royals ensured that the Delhi Daredevils notched their 3rd successive win in a row in IPL 2010. Set a target of 189, the Royals’ reply never really got going and they ended up losing by 67 runs. Farveez Maharoof bagged the wickets of Michael Lumb and Faiz Fazal in the very first over.
Naman Ojha’s 27 gave the away side some much needed momentum, but once Ojha fell trying to up the ante further, it was all doom and gloom in the Royals camp.
If there were a man who could dig the Royals out of this deep ditch, it was Yusuf Pathan. He began in typically thundering fashion, smashing Sarabjeet Ladda for two sixes in the 7th over.
Royals’ almost extinguished flames of hope suddenly started flickering again, thanks to Pathan’s terrific start. But all that optimism died down the moment David Warner latched onto his 3rd of 4 catches in the match to dismiss Pathan off Amit Mishra.
It was all over right then and there less than 10 overs into the chase as the Royals went through the motions from then on.
Gautam Gambhir’s decision to bat first seemed to have clicked when Virender Sehwag came out all guns blazing. Yusuf Pathan was greeted with a 6 and a 4 in the very first over. And it all looked rosy until Royals pacer Sumit Narwal struck gold in the 4th over.
Both openers David Warner and Virender Sehwag fell to Narwal’s accuracy, which reduced the Daredevils to 25/5.
The Daredevils showed some semblance of recovery with Paul Collingwood and Gautam Gambhir going steady, but a horrific mix up between the pair saw Collingwood being run-out.
The introduction of Dinesh Karthik gave the Daredevils some much needed impetus, and along with Gambhir, Delhi looked like getting back on track.
Narwal struck again to dismiss Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir for 43. But that only intensified Karthik’s effort – he hit Shaun Tait for three consecutive fours in the 18th over.
The Daredevils vice-captain was in scintillating form, and the Royals bowlers had no answer for his ingenuity. The Royals finally got their man off the last ball of the innings, but Karthik’s 69 off 38 balls was enough for the Daredevils to set a testing target of 189.
Naman Ojha’s 27 gave the away side some much needed momentum, but once Ojha fell trying to up the ante further, it was all doom and gloom in the Royals camp.
If there were a man who could dig the Royals out of this deep ditch, it was Yusuf Pathan. He began in typically thundering fashion, smashing Sarabjeet Ladda for two sixes in the 7th over.
Royals’ almost extinguished flames of hope suddenly started flickering again, thanks to Pathan’s terrific start. But all that optimism died down the moment David Warner latched onto his 3rd of 4 catches in the match to dismiss Pathan off Amit Mishra.
It was all over right then and there less than 10 overs into the chase as the Royals went through the motions from then on.
Gautam Gambhir’s decision to bat first seemed to have clicked when Virender Sehwag came out all guns blazing. Yusuf Pathan was greeted with a 6 and a 4 in the very first over. And it all looked rosy until Royals pacer Sumit Narwal struck gold in the 4th over.
Both openers David Warner and Virender Sehwag fell to Narwal’s accuracy, which reduced the Daredevils to 25/5.
The Daredevils showed some semblance of recovery with Paul Collingwood and Gautam Gambhir going steady, but a horrific mix up between the pair saw Collingwood being run-out.
The introduction of Dinesh Karthik gave the Daredevils some much needed impetus, and along with Gambhir, Delhi looked like getting back on track.
Narwal struck again to dismiss Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir for 43. But that only intensified Karthik’s effort – he hit Shaun Tait for three consecutive fours in the 18th over.
The Daredevils vice-captain was in scintillating form, and the Royals bowlers had no answer for his ingenuity. The Royals finally got their man off the last ball of the innings, but Karthik’s 69 off 38 balls was enough for the Daredevils to set a testing target of 189.
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