Cricket India: Live India Cricket Match Score, Indian Players ICC Ranking

2nd Test Match: India V/s Sri Lanka Ends in a Draw

2010-07-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

India V/s Sri Lanka 2nd Test Match Ends in a Draw. Sri Lanka added 642 runs with loss of 4 wickets declared after that Indian opener started well. Sehwag added 99 runs in just 101 balls. Sachin added 203 & Raina added 120 runs to avoid test loss and retain 1st spot in ICC test ranking. Test was really a bad experience for viewers when it is full of runs no result.

2nd Test Match: India V/s Sri Lanka Score Card:

Sri Lanka - 1st Inning: 642/4 Declare

Batting:

KC Sangakkara - 219 runs in 335 balls

DPMD Jayawardene - 174 runs in 244 balls

NT Paranavitana - 100 runs in 221 balls

Bowling:

V Sehwag - 1/71

I Sharma - 1/102

India - 1st Inning: 707/10

Batting:

SR Tendulkar - 203 runs in 347 balls

SK Raina - 120 runs in 228 balls

V Sehwag - 99 runs in 101 balls

Bowling:

BAW Mendis - 4/172

TM Dilshan - 3/56

Sri Lanka - 2nd Inning: 129/3 Declare

Batting:

KC Sangakkara - 42* runs in 114 balls

Bowling:

V Sehwag - 1/17

A Mithun - 1/17

Watch IPL Live Streaming Cricket Match, DLF IPL T20 2010 Season 3 Live Steaming

2010-03-15T02:35:00.001-07:00

Watch IPL Live Streaming Cricket Match, DLF IPL T20 2010 Season 3 Live Steaming of All your favorite teams playing live on your computer.

Chennai Super Kings
Deccan Chargers
Delhi Daredevils
Kings XI Punjab
Kolkata Knight Riders
Mumbai Indians
Rajasthan Royals
Royal Challengers Bangalore

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/IPL

CricketLiveSteaming: http://www.cricketlivestreaming.com/

2010 IPL Merchandise by Online IPL Store Infibeam

2010-03-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

2010 IPL Merchandise is just one click away! Buy 2010 IPL T-shirts, Jersey, Merchandise, Caps, Bats & More of your favorite teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Hyderabad Deccan Chargers, Royal Chellangers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab at official Online IPL Store Infibeam.

Cheer On Your Favorite IPL Team With IPL Merchandise

Who Hits First ODI Double Hundred in ODI?

2010-03-11T01:07:00.000-08:00

As the record for the double century in ODI is recently achieved by Sachin Tendulkar. But when we see the past and we can't ignore womens in the cricket today.

First ever double century in ODI cricket was scored by Belinda Clark of Australia in 1997 Women's Cricket World Cup. Belinda Clark scored 229 not out against Denmark at Mumbai.

Sachin Tendulkar's Double Century:

Runs: 200*

Ball Faced: 147

Strike Rate: 136.05

4's: 25

6's: 3

Belinda Clark's Double Century:

Runs: 229*

Ball Faced: 155

Strike Rate: 147.74

4's: 22

6's: 0

Profile Page on Cricinfo:

Sachin Tendulkar

Belinda Clark

India Remains on 2nd Rank in ICC ODI Rankings

2010-03-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

Indian team got the 2nd place in ICC ODI Rankings after New Zealand lost the 2nd ODI against Australia.

All the best teams are in the race to top the ICC ODI Rankings and the Australia seems to be the best after its performance in the recent series against West Indies and now with the black caps. 3 more matches are remaining if new zealand can win those, now India has no tension of loosing the 2nd spot. New Zealand is right now on 4 place with 114 points just behind South Africa at 117 points.

If New Zealand manage all three ODI wins then they will finish on 120 points, three ahead of currently third placed South Africa.

The 2nd place in the ODI Championship (ICC Rating) at the annual cut-off date means India wins 75,000 dollars in addition to 175,000 dollars which it won for finishing as the number-one Test side.

Australia will receive a 175,000 dollars cheque for its 1st position on the ICC ODI Rating table. Current Top teams in the latest ICC ODI rankings: 1. Australia 2. India 3. South Africa.

2010 IPL Teams & IPL Team Players List

2010-03-05T03:17:00.001-08:00

2010 Chennai Super Kings Team Players - (IPL Chennai)

1 M S Dhoni (Captain)
2 M Muralidaran
3 M Vijay
4 Manpreet Gony
5 Sudeep Tyagi
6 Shadab Jakati
7 R Ashwin
8 K B Arun Karthik
9 Justin Kemp
10 Thisara Perera
11 Hemang Badani
12 L Balaji
13 S Badrinath
14 Suresh Raina
15 Matthew Hayden
16 Michael Hussey
17 Albie Morkel
18 Makhaya Ntini
19 Jacob Oram
20 Thilan Thushara
21 George Bailey
22 Parthiv Patel
23 Ganapathy Chandrasekhar

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2010 Mumbai Indians Team Players - (IPL Mumbai)

1 Sachin Tendulkar (Captain)
2 Lasith Malinga
3 Saurabh Tiwary
4 Kieron Pollard
5 R Sathish
6 Ambati Rayudu
7 Aditya Tare
8 Chandan Madan
9 Ishan Malhotra
10 K Syed Sahabuddin
11 Rahul Shukla
12 Dhawal Kulkarni
13 Abhishek Nayar
14 Shikhar Dhawan
15 Jean Paul Duminy
16 Graham Napier
17 Ryan McLaren
18 Dilhara Fernando
19 Sanath Jayasuriya
20 Dwayne Bravo
21 Zaheer Khan
22 Harbhajan Singh
23 Ali Murtaza

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2010 Kolkata Knight Riders Team Players - (IPL Kolkata)

1 Sourav Ganguly (Captain)
2 Cheteshwar Pujara
3 Owais Shah
4 Chris Gayle
5 Manoj Tiwary
6 Charl Langeveldt
7 Harshad Khadiwale
8 Chirag Pathak
9 Varun Aaron
10 Eklakh Ahmed
11 Ganapathi Vignesh
12 Iqbal Abdulla
13 Murali Kartik
14 Ishant Sharma
15 Brendon McCullum
16 Brad Hodge
17 Angelo Mathews
18 Ajantha Mendis
19 Laxmi Ratan Shukla
20 Wriddhiman Saha
21 Ashoke Dinda
22 Ajit Agarkar
23 Rohan Gavaskar

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2010 Deccan Chargers Team Players - (IPL Hyderabad)

1 Adam Gilchirst (Captain)
2 Arjun Yadav
3 Harmeet Singh
4 Azhar Bilakhia
5 Kemar Roach
6 Mitchell Marsh
7 Anirudh Singh
8 A Ashish Reddy
9 Rahul Sharma
10 Bodapati Sumanth
11 T Suman
12 Dwaraka Ravi Teja
13 Venugopal Rao
14 Herschelle Gibbs
15 Andrew Symonds
16 Ryan Harris
17 Dwyane Smith
18 Chaminda Vaas
19 VVS Laxman
20 Rohit Sharma
21 RP Singh
22 Pragyan Ojha
23 Mohnish Mishra

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2010 Delhi Daredevils Team Players - (IPL Delhi)

1 Virender Sehwag (Captain)
2 AB de Villiers
3 Pradeep Sangwan
4 Umesh Yadav
5 Amit Mishra
6 Kedar Jadhav
7 Moises Henriques
8 Wayne Parnell
9 Sarandeep Singh
10 Shashi Ranjan
11 Sarabjeet Ladda
12 Ashish Nehra
13 Aavishkar Salvi
14 Mithun Manhas
15 David Warner
16 Andrew McDonald
17 Dirk Nannes
18 Farveez Maharoof
19 Tillakaratne Dilshan
20 Gautam Gambhir
21 Dinesh Karthik
22 Rajat Bhatia
23 Joginder Singh

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2010 Kings 11 Punjab Team Players - (IPL Punjab)

1 Yuvraj Singh (Captain)
2 Brett Lee
3 Mohd. Kaif
4 Adrian Barath
5 Love Ablish
6 Vikramjeet Malik
7 Amanpreet Singh
8 Bipul Sharma
9 James Hopes
10 Manvinder Bisla
11 Reetinder Singh Sodhi
12 Yusuf Abdulla
13 Yash Gandhi
14 Karan Goel
15 Shaun Marsh
16 Kumar Sangakkara
17 M Jayawardene
18 Ravi Bopara
19 Irfan Pathan
20 S Sreesanth
21 Ramesh Powar
22 Piyush Chawla
23 Shalabh Srivastava

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2010 Rajasthan Royals Team Players - (IPL Rajasthan)

1 Shane Warne (Captain)
2 Johan Botha
3 Damien Martyn
4 Michael Lumb
5 Abhishek Jhunjhunwala
6 Shrikant Wagh
7 Abhishek Raut
8 Sumit Narwal
9 Faiz Fazal
10 Syed Ahmed Quadri
11 Amit Paunikar
12 Kamran Khan
13 Amit Singh
14 Graeme Smith
15 Dimitri Mascarenhas
16 Morne Morkel
17 Shaun Tait
18 Munaf Patel
19 Yusuf Pathan
20 Sidharth Trivedi
21 Swapnil Asnodkar
22 Mahesh Rawat
23 Naman Ojha

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2010 Royal Challengers Bangalore Team Players - (IPL Bangalore)

1 Anil Kumble (Captain)
2 Jacques Kallis
3 Manish Pandey
4 Srivats Goswami
5 Vinay Kumar
6 Bhuvanesh Kumar
7 K P Appanna
8 Eoin Morgan
9 Akhil Balachandra
10 A Mithun
11 Steven Smith
12 Virat Kohli
13 Praveen Kumar
14 Robin Uthappa
15 Mark Boucher
16 Dale Steyn
17 Dillon Du Preez
18 Cameron White
19 Ross Taylor
20 Kevin Pietersen
21 Roelof van der Merwe
22 Rahul Dravid
23 S Sriram

India v/s South Africa 2nd ODI: India Wins by 153 Runs

2010-02-25T00:48:00.001-08:00

Inspite of the century by AB de Villiers went in vein because of no support was found by him during his inning in the 2nd ODI in Gwalior. After all India wins by 153 runs in the second ODI in Gwalior.

Scene was started when Sachin Tendulkar started his inning by hitting his first 4 in the 2nd over of the match and then he didn't look back and ends with the record individual score of 200* in the ODIs breaking previous highest of Coventry & Anwar. Who held this for a long time.

Dinesh Karthik made 79 off 85 balls. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 68 off 35 balls, while Yusuf Pathan contributed 36. Tendulkar and Dhoni added unbeaten 101 runs for the fourth wicket. India finished at 401/3 in 50 overs. Chasing a victory target of 402, South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals and never came back into the match.

South Afirca finally bowled out for 248 in 42.5 overs and lost the match by 153 runs. Villiers remained unbeaten on 114. Hashim Amla made 34.

For India, Sreesanth took 3 wickets, while Ashish Nehra, Ravindra Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan took 2 wickets each. Sachin Tendulkar was declared 'Man of the Match'.

"I dedicate this double hundred to the people of India, who stood by me over these 20 years and always supported me through thick and thin", said Sachin Tendulkar.

It was very good performance by Indian batsmen and bowlers as well. Team efforts lead India to win the match and the series as well.

Next Match: 3rd ODI India v/s South Africa, at Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad on Feb 27 , 2010 - Saturday.

Another Record by Sachin Tendulkar: 200* Highest ODI Individual Score

2010-02-25T00:33:00.000-08:00

Record Record Record… Its been now a decade Sachin is playing cricket and making new records by breaking old records. Here is another one. 200 (Double Century) in one day internationals is the great achievement ever and the man who got it Sachin Tendulkar. He is behind all the records and he prove that he is the master of cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar scored exactly 200 not out against South Africa in Gwailor breaking previous individual highest score of 194 held jointly by Charles Coventry (Zimbabwe) and Saeed Anwar (Pakistan).

SachinTendulkar's innings was breathtaking. He faced 147 balls hitting 25 fours and 3 sixes. His strike rate of 136.05 was higher than any of the other innings on the list of top ten scores one-day international scores.

“I don’t know how to react,” said Tendulkar. “I’d like to dedicate this double-hundred to the people of India for standing behind me for the last 20 years throughout the ups and downs. I felt that when I was 175-plus and it was the 42nd over I had a chance, but I wasn’t actually thinking of it. It was only when I got closer to it that I thought about a double hundred.”

Another Record by Sachin Tendulkar: 200* Highest ODI Individual Score.

India v/s South Africa 1st ODI: India Win Thriller by 1 Run

2010-02-22T03:41:00.000-08:00

Another good day for indian cricket, indian cricketers & indian cricket fans. India win 1st odi against south africa by just 1 run. What a game of cricket that was. No one can decide in between who is gone a win the match. It was totally mind blowing game by both the teams. Players of both teams done very hard work for the match.

South African captian Kallis won the toss and elected to field first. Visitors know that the due factor come in the play in the later game and spinners will have problems bowling on the batsman pitch. Its really a nice pitch to bat on at Jaipur. India loose Sachin at his individual score at 4. Sehwag was disapponted with the runout himself as well on 46. India loose wickets at regular intervals. After Raina & Kohli made good partnership and make a healthy total of 298/9 for the visitors.

South Africa loose Bosman and Gibbs early and then Kallis was the main headache for the Indian bowlers. But Jadeja done very well by best figure bowling in the match. He took 2 wickets for only 29 runs given in 10 overs. He was judged man of the match for his 22 odd runs and the good bowling as well. India manage to keep kallis quite but the end was very dramatic. Tailenders Dale Styne & Wayne Parnell scored very fast in the end and took match to the last over where they just lost by a whisker.

It was really a good game of cricket once again and visitors were very disappointed for the match by loosing by only 1 run.

India leads the 3 odi series by 1-0. South Africa have to win both the games for moving to the 2nd spot in the ICC ODI Rankings and wining series as well.

India V/s South Africa ODI (One Day) Series Schedule

2010-02-19T02:52:00.000-08:00

1st ODI: India v South Africa at Jaipur
Feb 21 (14:30 local, 09:00 GMT)

2nd ODI: India v South Africa at Gwalior
Feb 24 (14:30 local, 09:00 GMT)

3rd ODI: India v South Africa at Ahmedabad
Feb 27 (14:30 local, 09:00 GMT)

Indian ODI Squad for 1st & 2nd ODI Against South Africa:

MS Dhoni
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravindra Jadeja
Dinesh Karthik
Virat Kohli
Praveen Kumar
Amit Mishra
Abhishek Nayar
Ashish Nehra
Yusuf Pathan
Suresh Raina
Virender Sehwag
Sreesanth
Sachin Tendulkar
Sudeep Tyagi
Zaheer Khan

South African ODI Squad for ODI Against India:

Jacques Kallis (c)
Hashim Amla
Loots Bosman
Johan Botha
Mark Boucher (wk)
AB de Villiers
Jean-Paul Duminy
Herschelle Gibbs
Charl Langeveldt
Albie Morkel
Morne Morkel
Wayne Parnell
Alviro Petersen
Dale Steyn
Lonwabo TsotsobeRoelof
van der Merwe

India Gains No.1 Spot Again in Test ICC Cricket Ranking

2010-02-19T02:48:00.000-08:00

India beats South Africa in 2nd test match at kolkata eden gardens by an inning and 58 runs. India were in serious danger of losing top spot in ICC Test Ranking after South Africa won the 1st test at Nagpur last week and then bad weather on Wednesday allowed only 31 overs of play on the day of the second Test Match. Last man Morne Morkel (12) kept Amla company for 20.4 odd overs before being leg-before to Harbhajan Singh in the 2nd last over of the match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. By the way, Harbhajan Singh took 5, Amit Mishra 3 & Ishant Sharma took 2 of the wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 289 despite a fighting 127 not out by Hashim Amla, his second century of the Test & 3rd of the Test series. India have slipped to 124 ratings points after conceding one ratings point while South Africa have stayed second on 120 ratings points.

Amla was outstanding through the 2 match test series. Amla has fitted to the no. 3 spot after kallis was there for a long time. He is very cool cusomer who plays very good innings for south africa recent past. Amla, who was declared the man of the match and the series, was understandably disappointed for losing .

The one-dayers will be played in Jaipur (Feb 21), Gwalior (Feb 24) and Ahmedabad (Feb 27).

However, the fight for the second place is tight as only two ratings points separates second-placed India from third-placed South Africa. The two sides will go head to head in the three-match ODI series on February 21 in Jaipur and the side that wins the series will finish second and will earn an additional $75,000.

Amla replaced the injured Smith for the three one-dayers, while veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis was named the captain.

IPL-2010 Schedule, IPL Matches Dates, IPL Matches List

2010-02-05T02:12:00.000-08:00

Fri 12 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

1st match - Deccan Chargers v Kolkata Knight Riders

Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai

Sat 13 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

2nd match - Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Sat 13 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

3rd match - Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Sun 14 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

4th match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Sun 14 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

5th match - Chennai Super Kings v Deccan Chargers

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Mon 15 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

6th match - Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Daredevils

Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Tue 16 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

7th match - Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

Tue 16 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

8th match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Wed 17 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

9th match - Delhi Daredevils v Mumbai Indians

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Thu 18 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

10th match - Royal Challengers Bangalore v Rajasthan Royals

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

Fri 19 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

11th match - Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Fri 19 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

12th match - Deccan Chargers v Kings XI Punjab

Visakhapatnam

Sat 20 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

13th match - Rajasthan Royals v Kolkata Knight Riders

Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Sat 20 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

14th match - Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Sun 21 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

15th match - Deccan Chargers v Delhi Daredevils

Visakhapatnam

Sun 21 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

16th match - Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Mon 22 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

17th match - Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Tue 23 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

18th match - Royal Challengers Bangalore v Chennai Super Kings

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

Wed 24 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

19th match - Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Thu 25 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

20th match - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Fri 26 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

21st match - Rajasthan Royals v Deccan Chargers

Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Sat 27 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

22nd match - Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Sat 27 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

23rd match - Royal Challengers Bangalore v Delhi Daredevils

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

Sun 28 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

24th match - Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings

Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Sun 28 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

25th match - Deccan Chargers v Mumbai Indians

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad

Mon 29 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

26th match - Delhi Daredevils v Kolkata Knight Riders

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Tue 30 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

27th match - Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Wed 31 Mar (D/N)

16:00 PM

28th match - Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Wed 31 Mar (D/N)

20:00 PM

29th match - Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Thu 1 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

30th match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Deccan Chargers

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Fri 2 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

31st match - Kings XI Punjab v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Sat 3 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

32nd match - Chennai Super Kings v Rajasthan Royals

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Sat 3 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

33rd match - Mumbai Indians v Deccan Chargers

Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur

Sun 4 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

34th match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Kings XI Punjab

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Sun 4 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

35th match - Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Mon 5 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

36th match - Deccan Chargers v Rajasthan Royals

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad

Tue 6 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

37th match - Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Wed 7 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

38th match - Rajasthan Royals v Kings XI Punjab

Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Wed 7 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

39th match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Daredevils

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Thu 8 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

40th match - Royal Challengers Bangalore v Deccan Chargers

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

Fri 9 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

41st match - Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Sat 10 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

42nd match - Deccan Chargers v Chennai Super Kings

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad

Sat 10 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

43rd match - Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kolkata Knight Riders

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

Sun 11 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

44th match - Delhi Daredevils v Kings XI Punjab

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Sun 11 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

45th match - Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians

Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Mon 12 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

46th match - Deccan Chargers v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad

Tue 13 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

47th match - Mumbai Indians v Delhi Daredevils

Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur

Tue 13 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

48th match - Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Wed 14 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

49th match - Rajasthan Royals v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

Thu 15 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

50th match - Chennai Super Kings v Delhi Daredevils

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Fri 16 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

51st match - Kings XI Punjab v Deccan Chargers

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharmasala

Sat 17 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

52nd match - Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

Sat 17 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

53rd match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Sun 18 Apr (D/N)

16:00 PM

54th match - Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharmasala

Sun 18 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

55th match - Delhi Daredevils v Deccan Chargers

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Mon 19 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

56th match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Wed 21 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

Semi-Final - TBC v TBC

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore Stadium

Thu 22 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

Semi-Final - TBC v TBC

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore Stadium

Sat 24 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

3rd Place Play-off - TBC v TBC

Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai

Sun 25 Apr (D/N)

20:00 PM

Final - TBC v TBC

Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai

IPL 2009 Schedule, Indian Premier League 2009 Scores, IPL 2009 Teams

2009-04-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Here you will find IPL Season 2009 all the details like IPL 2009 Schedule (Indian Premier League 2009 Schedule), IPL 2009 Scores, IPL 2008 Results, IPL 2009 Players List & Many more about IPL 2009 Season.

IPL 2008 Results >>
Download IPL 2009 Schedule >>
Download IPL 2009 Team-wise Schedule >>

India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Live Streaming From Napier

2009-03-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

Watch Live Cricket Match: India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Live Streaming, India vs New Zealand 2nd test Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 Live Online.

Watch Live Cricket Match Link 1:
India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Live Streaming

Watch Live Cricket Match Link 2:
India vs New Zealand 2nd Test

Winning Padma Vibhushan is dream realised: Tendulkar

2008-01-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

Adelaide (PTI): Sachin Tendulkar may have won countless awards but the master batsman on Saturday said all those trophies pale in comparison to India's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan.

"I have won many awards and trophies but this is right at the top," Tendulkar said after the third day's play in the ongoing fourth and final Test against Australia.

"... I came to know about it through my wife. I was extremely excited by it but since I was in the middle of the match, it was important to keep my focus on the game," he added.

Tendulkar said being conferred the second highest civilian honour was like a dream realised for him.

"It's truly a great honour to accept this award as this is recognized by the government of India. I have played for so many years and when government of India recognises your effort, gives you the second highest civilian award in the country, it's very, very special," he gushed.

"It means a lot to me to get this award alongside such great personalities. It's truly something which I can only dream of," he said.

The champion batsman also congratulated the other awardees.

"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate other awardees. It's fantastic to be in the same list," he said.

Tendulkar was among five other top sportspersons, including chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, to have been selected for the Padma awards on Friday.

Source : hindu.com

India Win 4th ODI at Gwalior and also Series Win

2007-11-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

At Gwalior Pakistan choose to bat first and set target of 256 for India. India win the day night match with 6 wicket in hand.

After won the toss Pakistan Set the score of 255/6 in 50 overs with contribution of Mohammad Yousuf 99 of 104 balls not out and Younis Khan 68 of 89 balls.

India lose their 1st and 2nd wicket early in mode of Sourav Ganguly and Gautam Gambhir but after that Virendra Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar held the inning to gether and set the winning road for India. Virendra Sehwag run our on 43 and Sachin Tendulkar yet bowled on 97 Captain Dhoni and Vice Captain Yuvraj Singh got India an easy win over Pakistan. India leads series by 3-1 in 5 one day match series.

Last Score:

Pakistan : 255/6 (50 Overs)

India : 260/4 (46.3 over)

Indian Test Squad For Indian-Pakistan Test Series 2007

2007-11-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

Dinesh Karthik
Wasim Jaffer
Rahul Dravid
Sachin Tendulkar
Sourav Ganguly
VVS Laxman
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Anil Kumble
Harbhajan Singh
Zaheer Khan
Sreesanth
Yuvraj Singh
RP Singh
Murali Kartik

The first match of the Test series is to be held at Delhi starting from November 22 -26 and the other in Kolkata from November 30-December 4.

The Indian side will visit Australia for a four Test match series beginning from December 26. For the Australia tour the team will be selected at the end of the second Test against Pakistan and the start of third and concluding Test on December 8- 12.

Gambhir, Afridi caught in war of words

2007-11-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

Kanpur (PTI): After the relative lull in the first two matches, the third India-Pakistan ODI saw some sparks flying in the Green Park Stadium with Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi being the main protagonists.

It all started with a mid-pitch collision with both the players holding each other responsible for the run-in.

Gambhir straight drove Shahid Afridi for a boundary after which the duo were seen engaged in a war of words. As could be made out from reading their lips, expletives were exchanges between the batsman and the bowler. Gambhir took a single to change ends but there was no let up in the verbal duel.

In fact it got worse as a furious Gambhir headed straight to Afridi to give him a piece of his mind, resulting in a eyeball-to-eyeball encounter, which was eventually snapped by umpire Ian Gould's intervention.

Gould took Gambhir aside and told him to control his emotion, while Afridi too was told to mind his business by the umpire at the end of the over.

Incidentally, Gambhir also had a brief altercation with Sohail Tanvir who made a gesture at the left-hander after a fluffed shot.

In the post-match press conference, both the captains, however, sought to play down the incident.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni said people should not read much into it and added, "I think people love to see little aggression of this kind in one day cricket, isn't it?"

His counterpart Shoaib Malik too sought to put a lid on the incident.

"I think at times, aggression spills out. After the incident, I said sorry to Gambhir but these incidents do take place. There was nothing serious about it."

Interestingly, though Shoaib Akhtar's volatile temperament makes him am unpredictable customer in the middle, the 'Rawalpindi Express' was away from the action. The only time he seemed upset was when Sourav Ganguly delayed taking guard, insisting on the right position of the sight-screen.

After his barren first spell of four overs, Shoaib in fact looked out of breath and needed inhaler. Later on, he seemed to have picked up a left foot injury and came off the field to get it treated. Fawad Alam substituted him in the field.

Shoaib took off his boots and got some massages done as well before eventually returning to the field to claim his lone wicket in Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who dragged a slower onto his stumps to be out on 49.

Source : hindu.com

India Pakistan Third ODI at Kanpur: Batsmen Fashion Another Victory

2007-11-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

India's batsmen fashioned yet another sizzling batting performance to set up a victory for India after being put in on a difficult pitch in the 3rd ODI at Kanpur.

Given variable bounce and some early moisture thanks to heavy overnight rain, Shoaib Malik must have fancied his team's chances of an easy run chase in the afternoon, once the demons in the wicket had satiated themselves with Indian scalps. Instead, Kamran Akmal dropped Sourav Ganguly first ball, and from then on it was a matter of an experienced Indian opening pair weathering the early storm (albeit a somewhat wayward one - Umar Gul was particularly inconsistent), and the rest of the Indian batting chipping in with a lot of class.

Yuvraj Singh's was a terrific innings on a wicket which he may not have liked very much, while Dhoni came just at the right time and provided crucial impetus. Every plan the batsmen made came off.

The turning point in the Indian innings in my view was the fact the Shahid Afridi went for plenty. On this wicket with unpredictable turn and bounce, he might have proved to be a handful, but he wasn't allowed to settle into a line and length. The left handers in Indian line up made it difficult for him. Even though Sohail Tanvir was demonstrating the virtues of good old fashioned line, length and consistency from the other end, India could afford to play him out because Afridi and then Malik leaked runs.

Shoaib Malik's decision to hold Abdur Rehman back was sound - there were two left handers at the wicket. What he chose to ignore however is that the specialist spinner would probably turn it more than the part time batting all-rounders (this is not always true, but given that neither Malik nor Afridi are great turners of the ball, in this case it was probably significant). Rehman got a wicket in his first over, but by then it was probably too late. Tanvir had been taken out of the attack at the other end, and there was no pressure being built on Dhoni and Yuvraj.

For their part, Dhoni and Yuvraj continued their dominance of Pakistan. Since Dhoni joined the Indian team, he and Yuvraj have been at the wicket together against Pakistan 7 times in ODI's, and their association has yielded 4 century stands. All in all it has yielded 499 runs at a strike rate of 108. Both are amongst the top ODI batsmen of their era.

Dhoni is much underrated as an ODI batsman. He averages 43 in ODI's, while Yuvraj, since Jan 1 2005, averages 45.57 over 79 games. He's reached 50 21 times in 74 innings. Considering the 13 not outs it means that he has reached atleast 50 in ODI's once for every third dismissal. Compare that with Tendulkar's record as opener, which remains the gold standard in ODI cricket - Tendulkar has reached 50 102 times as opener in 283 innings. Considering 19 not outs, it means he's reached at least 50 once for every 2.6 dismissals. Yuvraj is not far behind over the past few years.

This is the standard of the Indian batting. Rahul Dravid, even considering his moderate scores in the recent Australian series (i don't think he was dropped because of that - it was a combination of both his decision to give up the captaincy and his poor scores), averaged 39.91 from Jan 1 2005 till date. Ganguly since his comeback has made 1235 runs at 45.74. Tendulkar, since Jan 1 2005, averages 41. In this year, his batting average is 46.35 (with 1 century and 12 fifties! - these 12 fifties include scores of 99, 93, 99, 94, 99!!). Ironically, the century was made at number 4 in 76 balls, while all the nineties have all been made opening the batting.

Ironically this doesn't give India the win-loss record that they should have. This year alone, Sri Lanka have scored on average 15 runs per 50 over innings less than India, and still produced the same win-loss record. England have scored 25 runs per 50 over innings less than India this year on average, and yet have a win-loss record which is only slightly inferior to India (18-16 to Indias 19-14). India have conceded an average total of 262 in a 50 over innings this year. Only Pakistan (270) is worse. Australia have conceded 253 per innings, but this includes their run of 6 straight defeats just before the world cup where they conceded 335+ to NZ three times. Even the West Indies have conceded on average 10 runs per innings less than India. New Zealand have conceded 16 runs per innings less than India. Part of this has to do with the fielding. Part of it has to do with the consistently ridiculous output of India's pace attack, to which i have alluded many times before (the latest numbers are in my previous post.)

Just two years ago, 1/60 would have gotten Irfan Pathan nervous about his place in the side. His slump began in the West Indies last year and from that time - 18th May 2006 to Jan 31 2007, he took 13 wickets at 39.07 with an economy rate of 5.90. Look at the numbers in my previous post - it makes you wonder about our expectations from our pacemen. Since his comeback, Irfan has taken 10 wickets at 44.10 with an economy rate of 5.38. His economy rate has improved without doubt, but is that enough? Are fast bowlers expected to take wickets?

The "blame BCCI" brigade is probably chomping at the bit by now - but i would caution them against initiating the usual blame game. Can questions be asked of our bowling coach? ODI pace bowling output has infact declined during Venkatesh Prasad's tenure. Is this because ODI cricket has changed? What does Venkatesh Prasad think about these numbers? Can someone please ask the him? Would asking him be more useful than the usual blame the BCCI approach? Is it less cool to ask Venkatesh Prasad a question than it is to blame BCCI?

India need their pace attack to be effective, along with the spin bowling. They need to be able to deliver 50 good overs. If they do that, then the batsmen are good enough to enable India to dramatically improve the win-loss record. Until such time, we'll have to make do with watching our batsmen fail in chases of 290 or more on a regular basis.

Source : desicritics.org

Anil Kumble named India Test captain

2007-11-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

By Andy Hooper and Reuters

Leg-spinner Anil Kumble has been appointed as India's Test captain for the three-match series against Pakistan.

Kumble, 37, was chosen ahead of one-day and Twenty20 captain Mahendra Dhoni after Sachin Tendulkar declined a third term as captain.

'Fag end': Test captaincy has come late to Anil Kumble
"I guess it has come at a stage when the next guy takes over and I have to make sure there is a smooth transition," Kumble said. "It has come at the fag end of my career. But it has given me additional motivation to carry on and perform."

Dhoni, 26, who led a young team to success in the Twenty20 World Cup, is widely acknowledged as the next generation leader.

However, there were fears that giving him the Test captaincy would be too much, too soon. After the Pakistan series, India face a Test tour of Australia before South Africa visit next year.

Commentators have claimed the short-term nature of Kumble's appointment could undermine his captaincy and the team.

Former chairman of selectors Kiran More said: "Dhoni's an excellent captain, but he should play another year of Test cricket before being handed the Test reins.

"Given the situation, Anil was the best choice. He's experienced and hightly respected. But they should have named him for the next three series, which would have given the team surety and direction."

Source : telegraph.co.uk

Younis inspires Pakistan to four-wicket win over India

2007-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

MOHALI, India (AFP) — Younis Khan hit a blazing century as Pakistan scripted an unlikely four-wicket win against India in the second one-day international here on Thursday.

Younis anchored the Pakistani innings with a 117-run knock off 110 balls to help his side surpass India's total of 321-9 and register their most successful run chase ever in one-day internationals.

The thrilling win helped the visitors draw level 1-1 in the five-match series after India won the opener in Guwahati by five wickets.

Man-of-the-match Younis, dropped on 72, shared a crucial 102-run stand for the fifth wicket with Misbah-ul-Haq (49) before being dismissed in the 46th over.

He slammed nine fours and two sixes to overshadow the effort of Sachin Tendulkar, who hit a masterly 99 studded with 14 fours and a six to prop up the Indian innings.

A Pakistan victory looked in doubt after the dismissal of Younis but Shahid Afridi hit a quickfire 29 off 14 balls to seal the fate of the hosts.

"It was a real team effort. Younis, Misbah and Afridi batted really well under pressure," Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik said.

"We have gained a lot of encouragement from the win and our morale will be high as we go into the next match. The wicket was excellent, it was good for the batsmen and also had something for the bowlers."

Pakistan were off to a shaky start, losing opener Kamran Akmal to Rudra Pratap Singh in the sixth over and his in-form partner Salman Butt to Irfan Pathan.

Mohammad Yousuf (12) was stumped by Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Harbhajan Singh before Younis steadied the innings with his third one-day century.

"We could have bowled a bit better. We got a start with the ball but failed to capitalise on it," Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.

Earlier, Tendulkar, 34, fell just one run short of his century.

It was also Tendulkar's fifth dismissal in the nervous 90s this season following scores of 99, 93, 99 and 94 on the tour of Ireland and England earlier this year.

Tendulkar, playing in his record 404th one-dayer, shared a 173-run stand with Gautam Gambhir, who hit seven fours in his 57-ball knock.

Both Tendulkar and Gambhir were dismissed by pacer Umar Gul (2-56) in the space of two overs to peg back the Indian innings after Dhoni had elected to bat on a sporting track.

Tendulkar, in the news recently for refusing India's Test captaincy, was caught behind the wicket by Akmal diving to his right.

The wayward Pakistani bowlers gave away a whopping 41 extras, including 31 wides. Shoaib Akhtar picked up 3-42 but mostly bowled from a shortened run-up and was sloppy in the field, raising doubts about his fitness.

Pakistan's previous best one-day run chase was 319-7, also against India, in Ahmedabad in 2005.

Following the match, both sides were fined for slow over-rates, the International Cricket Council said.
ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama imposed the fines after the teams were ruled to be one over short of their targets when time allowances were taken into consideration.

Both captains were fined 10 percent of their match fees while the players each received five per cent fines.

Scoreboard:

India

Fall of wkts 1-6, 2-179, 3-186, 4-239, 5-259, 6-260, 7-266, 8-278, 9-311

Overs: 50

Pakistan:

Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Akmal), 2-81 (Butt), 3-105 (Yousuf), 4-174 (Malik), 5-276 (Younis), 6-283 (Misbah)

Overs: 49.5

Pakistan won by four wickets

Toss: India

Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Suresh Shastri (IND)

TV umpire: Amish Saheba (IND)

Match referee: Roshan Mahanama (SRI)

Third one-dayer: At Kanpur (Sunday)

Source : afp.google.com

Yuvraj and Dhoni Set India to Easy Win

2007-11-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

GUWAHATI, India (AFP) — Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh slammed solid half-centuries to guide India to an emphatic five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international here on Monday.

Skipper Dhoni top-scored with 63 and Yuvraj made 58 as India surpassed Pakistan's total of 239-7 with 18 balls to spare for a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Left-handed Yuvraj and Dhoni applied themselves remarkably well on a low, slow pitch as they took no risks during their 105-run stand for the fourth wicket to ensure a comfortable win.

Yuvraj hit one six and six fours in his 31st half-century and Dhoni eight fours in his 17th. When Dhoni was caught behind off paceman Shoaib Akhtar, India were just 15 short of win with five wickets in hand.

"The start we got was excellent. Our bowlers bowled according to the field. Murali Kartik and Harbhajan Singh have been doing well consistently and the conditions favoured the spinners," said Dhoni, named man of the match.

"The pitch was doing a bit and we knew if we got settled down we could go after the bowlers later."

Pakistan earlier rode on impressive half-centuries from middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf (83 not out) and left-handed opener Salman Butt (50) to reach a respectable total after winning the toss.

Akhtar briefly raised Pakistan's hopes of defending the total when he troubled the Indian top order in a sharp four-over opening spell, but was unlucky not to get more than one wicket.

His eagerly-awaited duel with record-breaking Sachin Tendulkar (four) ended early as he trapped the Indian leg-before in his second over with a slower delivery that kept a bit low.

Akhtar then came close to removing Gambhir early in the batsman's innings, the ball going between wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and first-slip Younis Khan and then eluding the outstretched right hand of the slip fielder for fours.

The lapses proved costly as Gambhir (44) went on to add 82 for the second wicket with Sourav Ganguly (39).

"I think a target of 240 was defendable on this surface, but we dropped two-three catches," said Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik.

"We were struggling a bit in the field. We learnt a lot from today's game. There are still four more matches to go and we hope to do better."

Indian spinners Harbhajan, Kartik and Tendulkar earlier played major roles in restricting Pakistan.

Part-timer Tendulkar grabbed two crucial wickets, while off-spinner Harbhajan and left-arm spinner Kartik conceded just 65 off their combined 20 overs.

Tendulkar dismissed hard-hitting Afridi (31) and Malik (two) just when Pakistan threatened to go for big shots.

India looked in command after tight spells from the spin trio, but Yousuf kept his end intact and helped his side score 74 in the closing 10 overs.

Butt, dropped for the recent home one-day series against South Africa, did the bulk of scoring in the initial overs and executed some handsome strokes against new-ball bowlers Zaheer Khan and Rudra Pratap Singh.

Yousuf initially struggled to score freely against spin and offered a chance on 10 when he mistimed a shot off Kartik, but Ganguly was a bit late to reach the ball running to his right in the covers.

The Pakistani batsman made the most of the chance and went on to complete his 58th half-century. He hit seven fours in his 88-ball knock.

Source : afp.google.com

Tendulkar, Akhtar set to spice up India-Pakistan series

2007-11-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

NEW DELHI (AFP) — If controversial Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar hopes to redeem his image on the current Indian tour, he will first have to conquer Sachin Tendulkar.

Chucking allegations, a drug-ban, indiscipline and injuries have dogged the mercurial paceman ever since his international debut in 1997. But when he is battle-ready, he can make life miserable for batsmen.

Akhtar's duels with Tendulkar have caught the fancy of fans on both sides of the border ever since his first-ball dismissal of the master batsman in a Test match in Kolkata in 1999.

Their duel was the talking point during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. Tendulkar won that battle with a bold 98 off 75 balls to set up his team's victory at Centurion.

Tendulkar later described the innings as one of the highlights of his record-breaking one-day career.

But Akhtar has not always been a punchbag for the Indians.

His 34 wickets in 23 one-dayers against the arch-rivals means he remains a constant threat. He has also grabbed 19 wickets in seven Tests against India.

Tendulkar has often dominated the Pakistani attack with rich strokeplay, having scored 2,122 runs in 61 one-dayers with five centuries and 918 runs in 16 Tests with two hundreds.

Pakistan will play five one-dayers on the current tour, with the first starting in Guwahati on Monday. The teams will then clash in a three-Test series beginning on November 22.

Akhtar is known as much for his mood swings as for hurling down thunderbolts and they have often proved his undoing in a career spanning nearly a decade.

He recently served a 13-match ban, primarily for striking team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat ahead of the inaugural Twenty20 world championships in South Africa in September.

Akhtar has been placed on probation for two years, meaning he could be suspended for life if he again breaches the players' code of conduct.

He returned to international cricket in the decisive fifth and final one-dayer against South Africa at home last month, only to prove he could be a batsmen's nightmare when on song.

His four-wicket burst nearly set up his team's win before the batsmen messed it up chasing a 234-run target at Lahore. Pakistan lost the series 3-2, but Akhtar won many a heart on his comeback.

He is now on a mission.

"I promise I will do my best and give my full effort on the tour of India to help my team win both the one-day and Test series," said Akhtar.

"I have missed a lot of cricket due to injuries and other reasons but now I want to focus on my game. This may be my last tour so I must do something special for the fans in India so that they remember me in a good way."

He needs to keep Tendulkar silent first if he wants to make this tour a memorable one for him.

India have found talented youngsters in Robin Uthappa, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, but still depend on Tendulkar for setting or successfully chasing a stiff target.

Tendulkar may not be as explosive a batsman as he was a decade ago, but he still has the shots to test any attack. He also has an uncanny knack of finding gaps where none appears to exist.

The Indian is the world's leading scorer in one-dayers with 15,703 runs in 402 matches and a record 41 centuries.

It promises to be an engrossing contest when he faces Akhtar, one of the fastest pacemen in the world.

Source : afp.google.com

Younis keen to better ODI record against India

2007-11-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

Guwahati: With a fine record against India in Test cricket, Pakistan vice-captain Younis Khan would like to do the same in One-Day Internationals as well and improve his average to match his whopping Test average of 106.10 against the neighbours when the series starts here Monday.

In six Tests against India, the smiling assassin has amassed an amazing 1,061 runs at 106.10 against India, with four centuries and three half-centuries. His highest score against India is 261, on which Pakistan rode to win the third Test in Bangalore in 2005.

Tendulkar, Afridi will be the key players, says Inzy

Now, Younis would like to rectify his modest ODI record against the same opponents, though the right-hander from the North West Frontier Province says he does not play for records. "I don't go by past records. In fact, I have never played for records," he said.

Younis, however, pointed to the early start of day matches as one of the reasons for his not-so-good ODI record against India. He has scored only 81 in 22 ODIs innings with three half-centuries. "You people start the day matches so early here in India that even before one could open his sleepy eyes, he finds himself on the ground," the friendly player said with a big smile.

He would gain confidence from the fact that he had some good scores in the recent home series against South Africa. He finished off with 82 and 58 in the last two ODIs before heading for India.

Pakistan in India – Tour Itinerary

Younis would also like to score runs in a dignified manner, the spirit for which cricket is known. He would not be drawn into unnecessary aggression. "It is going to be a contest between bat and ball. In my seven-year career I have never abused any opponent," he said.

Younis was also quick to jump to the defence of Indian medium pacer S. Sreesanth, who at times hogs headlines more for his on-field aggression than his bowling. "Sreesanth has never done anything against us. Even in the last series he did not do anything like that," he said.

He, however, pointed out that the line should never be crossed.

He believed that the India-Pakistan series would be fought on a level playing field despite Pakistan's two losses to India in the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa last September.

Younis said his team would not play with an aim to avenge those setbacks. "It will be a level contest," he said, while trying to play down his own role in the batting line-up that comprises the likes of Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Source : sify.com

Indian Cricket and Hockey stars felicitated together!

2007-11-02T08:49:00.001-07:00

The President of India felicitated the Indian cricket and hockey players together. It was wonderful when the captains of the two teams posed with the President, putting to rest the animosity of a step-motherly treatment to hockey players.

OCTOBER 30 was a memorable day for our country, as the President Pratibha Patil felicitated the Indian cricket and hockey players. Before that, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh felicitated the Indian cricket players. In fact, this was a rare opportunity when players from two different forms of games were honoured together.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his cordon first met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur. Indian team, which had won the ICC World Twenty20 Cup after beating Pakistan in the finals by five runs, was looking highly excited. Dr. Singh congratulated members of the Indian cricket team and felicitated them with the mementos for their achievement.

After meeting with the Prime Minister, the Indian cricket players headed towards the Darbar Hall of the Rasthrapati Bhawan. The Indian hockey team that has won the Asia Cup last month was also present in the interaction session with the President. Mahendra Singh Dhoni greeted the hockey captain Prabodh Tirkey and the duo together posed for the cameras. Later Dhoni presented a bat to the President signed by all the players of the winning team. The President also interacted with the players of the hockey team and Prabodh Tirkey presented her a replica of the Asia Cup.

"It is heartening to know that it has been a successful year for Indian sports. I congratulate the victorious teams for their hard work. As a sports loving nation we should see that achievements of sports persons do not go unappreciated," the President said in a brief speech before coming down from the dais to meet the players. "You deserve all the compliments for that. Not only me, the entire nation is proud of your achievements. I have called you to appreciate your triumph so that the younger generation can derive inspiration from you," she added.

Meanwhile Patil also appreciated the feat of Indian football team of winning the Nehru Cup and made a special mention of chess player Viswanathan Anand’s World Championship triumph. Yesterday’s meeting with the President has not only increased the moral of the players, but it has also pleased the people who always complain about the government’s step attitude about hockey. It is a fact that all greet the rising sun, if the players will give their good performance, every citizen of the country will appreciate it.

Of course, cricket is more glamorous and much popular among young generation, but hockey also has it distinct fervour. It would be illogical to say that the national game of India is not getting proper attention, whenever the team has got a big success all have praised that. Recent example is the triumph of the hockey team in Asia Cup when the whole national celebrated. If the team will give good performance consistently than hockey will also get popularity like game like cricket. Here we can’t deny that from financial point of view, the hockey players are getting less add than cricket players and the government should think about that.

Source : merinews.com

India’s practice session under clouds at Eden

2007-11-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Kolkata: The Indian cricket team's outdoor net sessions at the two-day camp, beginning here tomorrow, could be a casualty to rains with the Met office's forecast of light rains or thundershowers for the next 24 hours.

The practice facilities at the Pankaj Gupta Indoor Coaching Centre housed within the Eden Gardens could become the hub of activity if the weatherman's predictions come true.

Mohammad Asif pulls out of ODI series

The players are unlikely to risk injury by tuning up on the lush-green ground if the field is rendered soggy and slippery. The sky remained cloudy during the day with the sun making intermittent appearances, amidst sporadic drizzles since morning.

Samar Pal, joint secretary of Cricket Association of Bengal, however, expressed confidence that the Indian team would get perfect practice conditions at the camp. "Nobody has a control over the elements. As of now, the ground is in perfect shape," he said.

Indian team’s coaching staff who were originally scheduled to arrive in the city this afternoon to chalk out the plans and programmes for the camp, will now reach here tomorrow morning. "The players have to report by 1 pm. The nets will begin from 3 pm," cricket manager Lalchand Rajput said from Mumbai.

Bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad, fielding coach Robin Singh and Rajput would supervise the camp. The session is likely to stretch into the evening to allow the players practice opportunities under lights.

Pakistan in India – Tour Itinerary

Meanwhile, the Board today dispelled doubts expressed in some sections of the media about the camp to be held in Kolkata because of the rains. "There is no shift in the camp venue. It will be held at Kolkata," Cricket Board's Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty said.

>> More News

Source : sify.com

Pakistan captain Malik promises exciting cricket against India

2007-11-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik promised Thursday to play exciting cricket during a six-week tour of India.

"Playing India is always exciting, we all love to play India," Malik told reporters after the Pakistan team arrived in India for the tour comprising five limited-overs internationals and three Tests matches.

"We're eager to play exciting and competitive cricket," added Malik, whose team was escorted out of New Delhi's international airport by security staff that blocked a crowd of fans from approaching the players.

Pakistan's coach, former Australian Test player Geoff Lawson, said he was anxious to experience the atmosphere of an India-Pakistan series, which he termed the biggest rivalry in world cricket.

"I think an India-Pakistan contest is bigger than the Ashes," said Lawson. "I understand a fair bit what happens here when India plays Pakistan. It's more than a cricket contest, it becomes a national rivalry."

The Pakistan team is without paceman Mohammad Asif who dropped out of the limited-overs internationals due to an elbow injury just before the team embarked on the tour.

"Asif's a quality player. We'll always miss him, but we have quality replacements," said Lawson.

The Pakistan team still features four pace bowlers in Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar and Sohail Tanveer.

Lawson said the Pakistan team had learnt a lot from its mistakes during the recent series against South Africa that Graeme Smith's team won 3-2.

Lawson said he was not bothered by that fact that India has been dubbed the stronger side for the upcoming one-day series that begins Nov. 5 in the northeastern city of Gauhati.

"Whether we start as the favourites or not, what matters is how players handle the pressure," he said. "There's very little difference between the two sides."

Malik said the Pakistan team was determined to repeat its one-day series triumph during the last tour of India in 2005.

"The recent matches against South Africa were very close contests, showing us that small mistakes can prove expensive," said Malik.

Pakistan will open the tour with a one-day practice match against a Delhi XI on Friday.

The Delhi team will be led by Test opener Gautam Gambhir, but will miss star batsman Virender Sehwag, whose father died this week.

The Delhi XI will also be without the injured pace pair of Ashish Nehra and Ishant Sharma. Nehra has pulled out of the match due to an ankle problem, while Sharma is recuperating from a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket board said it would ask its government to loosen a restriction that will see just 250 tickets per match sold to Pakistani fans.

Niranjan Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said Thursday that the allocation was too small and that the board would ask for more tickets for travelling Pakistani fans.

"Our president will also meet with the (Indian) foreign minister," Shah said.

Source : canadianpress.google.com

What links cricket and Bollywood

2007-11-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

There are two things Indians are crazy about -- cricket and Bollywood.

And when the two meet, fireworks are bound to happen. Just look at what followed after Om Shanti Om's Deepika Padukone cheered for the Indian cricket team at the recent Twenty-20 match against Australia held in Mumbai.

Speculation was rife that she was there to cheer the captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Though Deepika claims to be just friends with the Indian captain, reports say the actress was invited by Dhoni after she asked him for a special Om Shanti Om preview.

Whether there is any truth to that is debatable, but there is always been a strong romantic link between cricket and Bollywood. While some have 'run out' of steam, others are hoping to last at least half a century.

rediff.com takes a look at some of these partnerships.

Also read: Making beautiful music together

Source : specials.rediff.com

Sachin back into top 10 ODI batsmen rankings

2007-10-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has moved back into the top 10 of the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings for One-Day International (ODI) batsmen. In the latest rankings issued on Monday, Sachin moved up three places to sit at joint 9th, alongside Chris Gayle of the West Indies.

He is the only Indian batsman in the top 10. Vice-captain Yuvraj Singh is at 15th place, while captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni occupies the 16th position.

On the debit side of the ledger, however, former captain Rahul Dravid has slipped seven places and is now lies in 22nd place. India's highest-placed bowler in the relevant table is Harbhajan Singh, down in 29th position.

Australia's Andrew Symonds is within touching distance of top spot in the ODI batsmen rankings.

The powerful right-hander, who bludgeoned a brutal 107 from just 88 balls against India in Nagpur on Sunday, has rocketed up six spots to second place and is now just eight rating points behind his captain and team-mate Ricky Ponting.

That rise is a reflection of his outstanding form during the ongoing series as he is the leading run-scorer from either side with 365 runs at an average of 91.25 and a strike-rate of 110.94 runs per hundred balls.

Symonds, who has reached a career-high tally of rating points, forms an impressive Australian 1-2-3 at the top of the batting table, behind Ponting but ahead of Matthew Hayden, the winner of the ODI Player of the Year award at the ICC Awards in September and the second highest run-getter in the current series.

Three other Australians are in the top 11 - Michael Hussey (5th), Michael Clarke (8th) and Adam Gilchrist (11th).

The news is just as good for Ponting's men in the bowling list with left-arm wrist spinner Brad Hogg breaking into the top 10 on the back of being joint leading wicket-taker (alongside team-mate Mitchell Johnson) in the India series with 11 victims.

Hogg is one of three Australia bowlers in that top 10 with Nathan Bracken (3rd) and Brett Lee (9th) also featuring.

Source : cricket.indiatimes.com

All eyes on Dravid but India plans to pound Pakistan with a young team aided by big weights

2007-10-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

A big debate is going on Dravid. While the debate is on, young Indian team equipped with the T20 triumph and a respectable show against the Aussies are ready to take on the Pakistan team that looks weaker than normal.

Sandeep is seeking Pawar's intervention in bringing Dravid back. But BCCI is adamant. They want to rest Dravid for now. A message is being sent all Indian crickets. It is simple and clear – ‘perform or quit.’

Indian team is not affected by these controversial political maneuvers. They are determined to take on the Pak Team.

The team got further excited as they were greeted by the PM Manmohan Singh and Indian President.

It is a young team with a young outgoing dashing captain that resembles Kapil Dev in the past. India performs the best when such non-conventional non text book style cricketers dominate the scenes.

This team will be aided by the experience and guidance of Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly. Very soon, trust me, Dravid will be back after resting a little bit and getting things together for him.

Source : indiadaily.com

Final Momemts - ICC Twenty20 World Cup South Africs 2007

2007-09-26T01:23:00.000-07:00

Dravid at fifth, Dhoni drops to 15th in latest ICC player rankings

2007-08-30T04:39:00.000-07:00

Team India captain Rahul Dravid has made it to the top five ODI batsmen list in the latest LG ICC Player Rankings following his good form in the ongoing seven match series against England.

Dravid, who hit 46, 92 not out and 56 in the three matches, is at the fifth position with 738 points.

However, Mahendra Singh Dhoni who will be captaining India in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa next month has dropped down ten places to 15th position following his dismal form in the first three matches of the series.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting continues his dominance on the batting chart with 799 points with Englishman Kevin Pieterson following him at 782 points. Australia's Mike Hussey 766 points and fellow Aussie Matthew Hayden 746 points are at the third and fourth positions respectively.

The LG ICC Player Rankings for ODI bowlers chart shows England's Andrew Flintoff, who took five wickets in the second ODI at Bristol, breaking into the top ten with 658 points.

Leading the chart is South Africa's Shaun Pollock, who is way ahead with 874 points, with a gap of 80 points between him and the next in line Nathan Bracken 794 points. New Zealand's Shane Bond is at the third place with 790 points while Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas and M.Muralidaran are at the fourth and fifth places with 741 and 730 points respectively.

In the team rankings, India remains at the fifth place with 110 points, only one point behind Sri Lanka at the fourth. However, Australia's dominance 129 points is continously under threat by South Africa 124 points who won the series against Zimbabwe 3-0. New Zealand 114 points is at the fourth place while England is at the eighth position following their two wins in three matches against India.

Source : http://www.newindpress.com

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Indian Cricket Team for 20-20 World Cup Cricket Tournament

2007-08-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

01. M. S. Dhoni (C/WK) - Wicket Keeper/Batsman
02. Yuvraj Singh - Batsman All-rounder
03. Virender Sehwag - Batsman All-rounder
04. Harbhajan Singh - Bowler
05. Ajit Agarkar - Bowling All-rounder
06. Dinesh Karthik (WK) - Wicket Keeper/Batsman
07. Gautam Gambhir - Batsman
08. Robin Uthappa - Batsman
09. Joginder Sharma - All-rounder
10. Yusuf Pathan - Bowliing All-rounder
11. Piyush Chawla - Bowler
12. Sreesanth - Bowler
13. Irfan Pathan - Bowling All-rounder
14. RP Singh - Bolwer
15. Rohit Sharma - Batsman

Indian cricket's Rip Van Winkle wakes up to realities, but how

2007-04-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

By Ashis Ray

Not surprisingly, Rahul Dravid, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, has voiced concern about the payment system and restrictions on players' endorsement incomes arbitrarily and unilaterally declared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after its two-day conclave.

Clearly, the emerging theme of the meet was to make the unsuccessful representatives on the field scapegoats for India's unexpected early exit from the World Cup, and raise a red herring of cricketers' remunerations being the cause of it.

Some members of the Indian squad that went to the West Indies are unquestionably responsible for the abysmal failure and must pay for such non-performance. Given the suspicions that have been raised, their commercial contracts also need to be closely scrutinised. But a blanket dilution of fees and restraint on extraneous earnings would be unfair and unjust.

Reading between the lines, the BCCI's working committee attempted to attribute their decision to recommendations received from seven former captains invited to the conference, who have apparently distanced themselves from such advice since. Now BCCI officials seem to be divided on whether to insist on their proposal or listen to the players' point of view.

A productivity-based disbursement structure is propitious. But to dispense with retainers is debatable and may create insecurity. Also, rigid restrictions on cricketers' general proceeds could be unworkable under Indian law, if the players refuse to sign such an agreement with the BCCI. At the end of the day, it's the players' presence on the green that lays the golden egg. A potential biting of the hand that feeds the BCCI is yet another instance of this organisation being incapable of thinking through important decisions.

The wholesale gag on players also militates against freedom of speech as granted by the Indian constitution. It is common sense that if a player makes unacceptable statements, disciplinary action can be taken against him.

As expected, the BCCI's introspection has proved to be essentially an exercise in futility. It failed to address fundamental issues, such as the transfer of executive powers in the board and its affiliated associations to fulltime, caring, knowledgeable and professional persons. Instead, in a typically populist style of fooling the Indian people, it papered over cracks, that, too, clumsily.

Akin to Rip Van Winkle, the officials have woken up to the fact that international players should compulsorily be playing domestic tournaments, that subsidiary associations should 'prepare fast and lively wickets' for such competitions and India under-19 and 'A' teams should be touring overseas more frequently to gain experience of foreign conditions. That the world's richest cricket board had not been implementing the last mentioned is a tragic reflection of its ineffectiveness.

The BCCI wildly stated that all associated units should start their own academies linked to the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Would it not have been more sensible to initially have zonal institutes, while sourcing talent from the innumerable privately owned coaching camps that exist in most provinces?

It emphasises the medieval state of the BCCI that it will take six months to ratify a change in its constitution before selectors can be appointed on a fulltime, remunerated basis. Besides, it's shocking that the working committee has 'directed' the selection committee to send a 'young team' for next month's tour of Bangladesh. This is naked interference in the remit of selectors, who are supposed to pick a side purely on merit. Youth for the sake of it is a ludicrous policy. While it's wise to encourage younger players, they must deserve inclusion.

It makes sense to prepare for next year's Champions Trophy tournament with younger legs, but it could unduly jeopardise India's prospects if replacement of senior exponents is not undertaken in a phased manner. The same should also apply in test matches, but even more judiciously.

What's welcome though is the retention of Dravid as captain and the appointment of Ravi Shastri as interim cricket manager, Venkatesh Prasad as bowling coach and Robin Singh as fielding trainer. It will also be a boon for Indian cricket if Greg Chappell is recruited for an authoritative and meaningful role at the NCA. But more critical is the choice of long-term coach and the assistants around him.

(Ashis Ray is the author of the recently launched 'One-Day Cricket: The Indian Challenge' - Harper Collins - which can be bought online on www.ians.in)

Source : news.monstersandcritics.com

Indian cricket stars’ lookalikes hide from angry fans after India’s World Cup loss

2007-03-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI (AP) – Life as a lookalike of an Indian cricket star can have its perks, but lately it’s had a nasty downside, with some hiding from irate fans after India’s loss to Sri Lanka, a news report said Sunday.

India’s defeat to Sri Lanka on Friday disappointed millions of Indians with the team facing its ouster from the World Cup in the Caribbean. Fans vented their anger by burning effigies and posters of the players in several Indian cities and towns.

The team’s participation in the tournament has also resulted in the deaths of two Indians, one who hanged himself and another who died of a heart attack.

Lookalikes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Mohinder Dhoni – popular among cricket–mad Indians during better performances – have been watching their backs in recent days. In the past, they made frequent appearances on television and were cheered by spectators during cricket matches.

"When Sehwag plays well, I am treated well by people. But when he scores badly, even the lives of my wife and child are in jeopardy as people threaten to beat me up for Sehwag’s bad performance," The Times Of India newspaper quoted Yogendra Shah as saying.

He has temporarily moved out of Mehsana, his home town in western Indian state of Gujarat, to escape the wrath of cricket fans, the daily said.

Police have been drafted to protect the homes of some players and prevent a recurrence of the vandalism that followed a five–wicket upset loss to Bangladesh on March 17.

Suresh Rathod said he was treated like a very important person by cricket fans because he resembled India’s star batsman Tendulkar.

He said people’s extreme reactions were understandable as they felt let down by their heroes. "The Indian players have betrayed the trust of millions of people who worship them."

He said he had joined thousands of people in praying for the Indian team’s success in the World Cup.

However, Mukesh Patel, a clone of wicket–keeper Dhoni, has refused to go into hiding or shorten his long hair just because his idol got out without scoring in Friday’s match against Sri Lanka.

"I had long hair before Dhoni burst on to the cricket scene," the daily quoted him as saying.

Meanwhile, cricket fan Mahadeb Swarnakar, 28, allegedly hanged himself Friday after an argument with his wife because he wanted to watch the India–Sri Lanka match on a neighbor’s color television, while his wife wanted him to watch it with her at home on their monochrome set, said police superintendent Hari Kishore Kusumakar.

The poor farmer’s wife, Sadhana Swarnakar, panicked and also tried to hang herself, but survived when the rope broke. The incident took place in Shaktinagar, a village 60 kilometers north of Calcutta, the capital of West Bengal state, Kusumakar said.

Also Friday, P. Raju, a 28–year–old cricket enthusiast, died after he suffered a heart attack in Hyderabad, the capital of southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, while watching India losing badly to Sri Lanka, said his wife, P. Kavita. He died on arrival at a hospital.

Kavita told The Associated Press that her husband was shocked by India’s poor performance.

Source : http://www.caycompass.com

India Coach Greg Chappell’s Insatiable Hunger For Experimentation Met With A Disaster

2007-03-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

Was Greg Chappell the right choice to coach India coach after New Zealander John Wright made way for him in 2005? In retrospect one believes that the BCCI did not make a right choice, considering that he produced more victories in India than abroad.

As a player, Greg, was supposed to be one of the finest batsman Australia ever produced. But it seemed that coaching was not his forte. After all, he never had the experience of coaching an international team once he had hung his boots as a cricketer.

The biggest drawback of Greg’s coaching tenure with the Indian team was his insatiable hunger for experimentation, which met with a disaster.

His ploy to juggle and shuffle the batting order by playing around with cricketers’ fortunes seemed to shake their confidence right till the onset of the World Cup and through the tournament as well. And, the results were there for everyone to see as he messed up the entire dynamics of Indian cricket in association with captain Rahul Dravid, who never seemed to be bold and forthright like his predecessor Sourav Ganguly.

The Dravid-Chappell combo seemed to push India deep into a hole rather than lift the team out of it from time to time.

The batting positions of players of the caliber of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Irfan Pathan, including that of Dravid himself were relentlessly toyed with during Chappell’s tenure.

His first few months or in fact days with Indian cricket brought about the exit of one of India’s most successful captains – Sourav Ganguly.

It was a pity then that Ganguly did not find any supporters in Indian cricket to help him hold on to his position in the team, which had become a world beater under his astute
leadership.

Once Greg arrived he played his cards well, sought the ouster of Ganguly first and then rallied for Dravid to be roped in as captain at the expense of Ganguly’s exit from Indian cricket for a while.

Unfortunately, even Dravid seemed to have kept mum when Ganguly needed total support from his pro with whom he debuted at Lord’s in 1996 while scoring his maiden hundred at the Mecca of world cricket.

It was a pity that Dravid, who fought tooth and nail to retain a terribly out of form Virender Sehwag for a place in the World Cup squad, never batted in favour of Ganguly then.

Kudos to Ganguly, who gave himself time until World Cup, to make a comeback into the Indian team and did it in great style once he was selected for the South Africa tour. He made his bat do the talking and the rest is history.

Coming to Greg, his lunacy to play around with key batting positions cost India the World Cup. A team as talented as India was thrown into shambles by one man’s single-minded desire to prove his point and that was to keep experimenting.

Had Greg given the team the stability it needed in terms of secured batting positions for senior pros, India would have done much better than enduring a first round exit.

Dravid’s captaincy was a total failure, as he never seemed to motivate his players on the big stage and instead of him taking the lead role by stepping up the order, the “Wall” simple crumbled when it mattered the most. At times his decisions seemed dreadful.

It is an after thought that Dravid now wants to own total responsibility for India’s shock exit from the World Cup, but can he undo what has already transpired. He isn’t God any way.

Source : http://www.cricketworldcuplatest.com

Abhishek Bachchan comes out in support of cricket team

2007-03-26T01:36:00.000-07:00

The battered Indian cricket team, out of contention in the World Cup, has found a supporter in Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan who said the players had given it their best.

"I was very disappointed last night. But what we should understand is that it is difficult to perform under the kind of pressure they were in. They gave it their best," Bachchan said at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi on Saturday.
Abhishek said just because the players endorsed products and appeared in advertisements did not mean they were compromising with the game.

"It would be unfair to come down on them for doing too many endorsements and call for replacing them," Abhishek said.

Empathising with the Indian team Abhishek said, "I have faced failure. And I know it is difficult to go out there and perform."

Abhishek was responding to a question on whether corporate sector interest in films would lead to a decline in their quality, as was the case with cricket.

Source : http://www.apunkachoice.com

Bangladesh win to eliminate India

2007-03-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Reuters) -- Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore praised his team for holding their nerve to clinch a maiden World Cup second round berth with victory over debutants Bermuda on Sunday.

Bangladesh chased a revised target of 96 in gathering gloom after Bermuda scored a challenging 94 for nine in the rain-affected final Group B match that was restricted to 21 overs.

"This is very significant for us," Whatmore told a news conference. "It was something that I personally knew we had the potential to do. It is reality now."

Bangladesh, who needed only to avoid defeat, joined group winners Sri Lanka in the Super Eights, their victory pushing India out of the competition.

"This game was the most difficult you could be in to qualify," the Australian said. "Chasing that total was never easy. The ball was doing all sorts of things in the first 10 overs."

Bermuda seamer Saleem Mukuddem took three early wickets to leave Bangladesh struggling on 37-3.

"Yes, my heart was pumping a little bit," Whatmore added. "The boys haven't been in this situation before. They have done very, very well."

Source : http://edition.cnn.com

Sri Lanka win leaves India on brink of elimination

2007-03-26T01:29:00.000-07:00

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad - Sri Lanka clinched an emphatic 69-run victory yesterday that pushed India to the brink of a humiliating first-round elimination from the World Cup.

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Source : http://www.canada.com

World Cup in a spin after Bangladesh win

2007-03-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh's spinners did the damage as they successfully chased down India's insufficient total to record another World Cup shock Tamim Iqbal's stunning 51 from 53 balls, featuring two sixes, proved to be the decisive knock but it was new-ball bowler Mashrafe Mortaza who set Bangladesh on their way with the early strikes to dismiss Virender Sehwag and Robin Uthappa.

India's innings was steadied by Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh, who shared a partnership of 85 after skipper Rahul Dravid, who had earlier won the toss and chosen to bat, fell in the 25th over at 72-4.

Source : http://www.clubcall.com

Indian Cricketers Score Record Win against Bermuda.

2007-03-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a day of records for the Indian cricket team as they put behind them their upset World Cup loss to Bangladesh at the weekend.

A century from Virender Sehwag steered India to a record World Cup total of 413 for 5, before they bowled debutants Bermuda out for 156 resulting in the biggest ever one-day victory margin of 257 runs.

India swept past Sri Lanka's previous highest total of 398 for 5, made against Kenya in 1996.

They eclipsed Australia's previous one-day record victory margin of 256 runs, achieved against Namibia in the 2003 World Cup.

The 1983 champions still need to beat a formidable Sri Lankan side convincingly in their third and final group game at the weekend to be in contention for the Super Eight stage if three teams tie on points.

Source : http://www.newswire.co.nz

Due to superstition Mr. Amitabh Bachchan will avoid cricket.

2007-03-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan avoids watching live telecasts of cricket matches involving India because he believes whenever he does so his home team loses, a newspaper report said on Tuesday.

Bachchan, 64, is known to be an avid cricket fan and has even lent his voice to a special song composed to inspire the Indian team participating in the World Cup, which opened in the West Indies this week.

"I normally don`t watch tense matches because I have this superstition that India will lose if I watch the match," Bachchan, among the busiest Bollywood actors even at his age, told the Times of India newspaper.

"That`s why I watch it after the results."

The iconic actor, who has inspired generations of Bollywood aspirants, is confident India will bring home the World Cup.

"The team is good in all departments," he said. "The blessings of the entire nation are with the Indian cricket team."

Bureau Report

Source : http://www.zeenews.com

'Best ever' Opening Ceremony, claim cricket analysts

2007-03-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

ANDREW HANCEL , Observer staff reporter

Grabbed by the colour and the energy, some of the world's leading cricket commentators believe the West Indies have delivered the best ever opening for an ICC Cricket World Cup.

The ninth ICC Cricket World Cup - the first to be held in the Caribbean - was declared officially open two nights ago in Florence Hall, Trelawny.

Dubbed 'Caribbean energy', the Opening Ceremony mirrored a West Indian party - gradually building momentum, before getting to a prolonged climax.
The three-hour affair was so captivating that the capacity crowd remained until the end, revelling in the historic moment.

"This is by far the best. This is world class. I got a call from a friend of mine who is in Barbados. who just called to say 'I'm so proud to be a West Indian tonight'. She was in tears.," said veteran West Indian cricket commentator, Tony Cozier.

"Everybody looks at it and says 'we can't do it'. They started on time and finished on time. and they got everything in," Cozier added.

The hard-talking, but highly respected former West Indies fastbowler, Michael Holding agreed.

Said Holding: "It is the best Opening Ceremony I've seen. I saw the opening ceremony in England and watched some of the opening ceremony on TV in South Africa. But to compare this to what happened in England is chalk and cheese. This is far, far superior."

Second vice-president of CONCACAF, Cpt Horace Burrell, believed that the Caribbean has delivered, adding that while the FIFA World Cup evolves on a grander scale, Sunday's opening ceremony was of the highest standard.

"Sitting there in the stands really made me feel proud, and it just goes to show what we can do as a region. I really can't find adjectives to describe the feeling, but I think it was really, really tremendous.

"World Cup football covers a wider spectrum. but nonetheless, I believe the performance here was really next to none. I have looked at the performances of opening ceremonies of other World Cup finals and I have to say, even though I might sound biased, that this is certainly the most magnificent that I've seen," says the Jamaican, who has been largely credited for taking Jamaica to its first and only senior FIFA World Cup in 1998.

As expected, the ceremony had a lot of Caribbean entertainers, with the likes of David Rudder, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Third World, Beres Hammond and the legendary reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, who had the distinction of closing the night's show.

Harpal Singh Bedi, special correspondent, United News of India, told the Observer that credit must go to the organisers, headed by Martin Lewis.

He said that he and his Indian colleagues were overwhelmed by the music, though they struggled to understand the language.

"This is the best one. It started slowly, but it picked up. Compare to other opening ceremonies, this is the most lavish. it lived up to expectation, no doubt about that," said Bedi, who says this is his fifth Cricket World Cup.

"Usually what happen, people lose interest when the opening ceremony starts and suddenly people start leaving. But with this one nobody left the stadium. It goes to the credit of the organisers. it was just fascinating," stated the Indian from New Delhi, who has also covered five Olympics.

Headley 'Delmar' Samuels, one of the world's most recognised cricket photographers, has captured several World Cups through the eyes of his camera lenses, and he too thought the opening event was the best.

"It is the best," beamed the West Indian photographer, "we just co-ordinate everything and get it right."

Ever since the region was awarded the 2007 Cricket World Cup, there have been many critics who questioned the Caribbean's capacity to deliver.

Having proved those cynics wrong on Sunday night, the opening ceremony's organisers deserve credit for a tremendous achievement, said Brian Murgatroyd, ICC Media and Communications manager.

"When I first saw the rehearsal last night (Saturday) it was the colour of the costume, the variety of colours, the vibrancy of them that grabbed me. The number of people at the back of the North Stand. it was like a city at the back and it was just incredible," said Murgatroyd from inside the media centre, adding that "I'm not going to disagree" with those who called it the best ever opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Cozier said the standard set by the Opening Ceremony should be duplicated for all Caribbean events.
"So many times we let standards fall. but we can do it and this is a standard that should be set for every show, in every country in the West Indies, every time," Cozier said.
"This is just a starter," said Holding. "You have the main course and the dessert to come.

"I'm anticipating all good things. I hope that everything will go smoothly, I'll expect that you'll have hiccups, because you have no world tournament or such a huge occasion that doesn't have hiccups, but I hope the hiccups will be minor and everything will be dandy by the 29th of April," Holding said.

"World class, by far the best that we have ever had in World Cup, as far as Opening Ceremony is concerned," reiterated Cozier.

For More : http://www.jamaicaobserver.com

India's amazing win against West Indies by nine wickets.

2007-03-09T23:12:00.000-08:00

India bowled out West Indies by nine wickets in their final World Cup warm-up match in Trelawny on Friday. The Indian fast bowlers led the way in the win. The hosts were dismissed in 25.5 overs while the Indians win in 18.3 overs.

Robin Uthappa (35 not out in 43 balls) and Dinesh Kaarthick (38 not out in 67 balls) took the team home.

Sehwag disappoint once again he out for duck face only three bowls.

India Won in WC warm-up game by massive 182 runs over Dutch

2007-03-07T00:54:00.000-08:00

Trelawny (Jamaica), March. 7 (PTI): Skipper Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar struck impressive half-centuries as India powered their way to a massive 182-run victory over minnows the Netherlands in their first warm-up game in the lead-up to the Cricket World Cup here.

Apart from setting the mood perfectly for the tournament proper, this match provided an opportunity to the Indians to acclimatise with the conditions in the Caribbean.

After setting an uphill target of 301 to win, the Indians bundled out their opponents only for 118 runs in 37.5 overs to script a convincing win yesterday.

Batting first, India were off to a good start with Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag scoring 60 runs for the opening stand.

But the top order squandered the advantage due to poor shot selection and at one stage India were looking vulnerable at 82 for 3.

However, Dravid and Tendulkar batted sensibly to set the platform for a big total after the mini collapse.

The veteran duo steadied the innings and tried to gather runs at a decent pace, adding 116 runs for the fourth wicket.

Tendulkar's run-a-ball innings was attractive as he punished the inexperienced Dutch bowlers, belting five fours and two sixes during his knock of 61.

Dravid, who provided a solid support to Tendulkar, subtly switched to aggressive mode and played some entertaining shots. His 74 came off 92 balls and was studded with five boundaries and two lofty sixes.

However, Dutchman R ten Doeschate stole the show with his five-wicket haul followed by a gritty 31.

Doeschate, with his slow medium pace, delivered a double blow by scalping Ganguly (19) and Sehwag (28) in two successive overs.

Majority of the Indian batters threw away their wickets while going for big shots and the trend started with Ganguly, who committed the crime of pushing a wide ball on the off-side and hand out an easy catch to W F Stelling.

Sehwag perished to an sharp inswinger which knocked off his middle stump after rushing through the yawning gap between his bat and pad.

Robin Uthappa, who came after the fall of Ganguly, played some glorious shots before dragging a Darron Reekers delivery onto his stumps at his individual score of 20.

When Dravid and Tendulkar were going smoothly, it seemed they would guide India to a 300-plus total. But, Tendulkar was caught brilliantly by Dutch captain Luuv van Troost off Tim de Leede.

Dravid now took the responsibility of scoring quickly and in his bid to do so he was caught by Alexei Kervezee while playing a big shot off P Borren.

Within seven overs, India lost four more wickets thereby jolted their chance of getting a bigger total as they were restricted at 300 for 9.

Doeschate took the opportunity to snatch his prized five-for. Apart from Ganguly and Sehwag, he accounted for Yuvraj Singh (14), M S Dhoni (21) and Harbhajan Singh (0) in a dream preparation to his World Cup campaign.

After shining with the ball, ten Doeschate showed his resolve and skills with the bat and notched up 31 runs off 37 balls, laced with four hits to the fence.

Other than him, opener B Zuiderent (32 off 73) was the only one who could provide some resistance to the Indians.

The task to polish off the Netherlands batting line-up was cakewalk for the Indian bolwers, who rolled their arms mainly for having some practice before the crucial games ahead.

Taking advantage of the laxity to field 13 players (of which only 11 could bat), Dravid gave chance to five of his main bowlers -- Irfan Pathan, S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble -- to warm up.

But, the most successful of the Indian bowlers was part-timer Yuvraj Singh, who claimed four wickets conceding 12 runs.

The piece of news the team would have cherished most was the form of Irfan Pathan, who after his unbeaten breezy knock of 25 got down to swing the ball both ways and capture a wicket, which showed some signs of improvement.

India will take on West Indies in their next warm-up game on March 9.

Source : http://www.hindu.com

Expected big scores from top order, says Dravid

2007-03-07T00:52:00.000-08:00

Trelawny (Jamaica), March. 7 (PTI): While expressing satisfaction over the win against the Netherlands in the warm-up game before the Cricket World Cup, Indian captain Rahul Dravid said he expected the top order to notch up big scores in the match.

"I expected the top three to go on and get big scores. But this is the early part of the tour and the boys looked good," Dravid said after the match here yesterday.

The Indian skipper said the victory against the Netherlands provided his team the right platform to proceed on their World Cup campaign.

"It was a good game, it was a sort of game we had our legs and feet moving. It was a must win game for us. We want to make our presence felt and make an impact," he said.

Dravid said the damp wicket made batting slightly difficult early in the innings, but it eased up with time.

"It was a bit wet and damp. But as it dried out, it played beautifully in the afternoon," he said.

On the next warm-up game against the West Indies on March 9, Dravid said the match would provide a chance to test the skills against one of the best sides.

"We have played each other a lot of times recently. But it is a good chance to test each other. And the West Indies are the best team in such conditions," he said.

Disappointed with the loss, Dutch captain L van Troost said his bowlers were slightly nervous earlier in the innings.

"Bowling-wise we were a bit nervous in the early part. We gave away too many extras. But the job was well done later and we were back in the game," he said.

"We always wanted to win. For that we had to bat for 50 overs," he said.

Source : http://www.hindu.com

Windies fails to woo Indian cricket fans

2007-03-07T00:48:00.000-08:00

New Delhi, March. 6 (PTI): Refusing to part with his hard-earned money for an expensive passage to the West Indies, the average Indian cricket fan has given a firm thumbs down to the World Cup.

While tour operators blame it on Men in Blue's late peaking, the average crowd find the packages beyond their reach.

Prem Kumar Maurya, a tour counsellor with FCM Travel Solutions, one of the five ICC-approved travel agencies in the country, believes things would have been different had the team peaked earlier.

"The hype generally builds around the team's performance and Rahul Dravid and his boys peaked too late. The team was not doing well for the major part of the recent past and it dampened the cricket tourists' spirit," he rued.

Reminded that the side did well in the twin home series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka before leaving for the World Cup, Mr Maurya lamented it was too late.

People tend to plan their tours well ahead and the damage was already done. Initially we had expected to cover 500-600 people under three packages but the response is very, very disappointing," he said, refusing to disclose the exact number.

Apart from the team's poor show, he blamed the lukewarm response to the high expenses involved.

"You have to admit that it's quite expensive. Besides, people also have apprehensions about the accommodation there. You don't have enough big hotels there and I think all these factors combined to put off an average Indian cricket fan," he elaborated.

FCM Travel Solutions offered three packages starting from Rs 3.6 lakhs per head and the trend is unlikely to change, he said.

The Trinidad and Tobago High Commission here, however, put up an optimistic face and said they were not unhappy with the response.

"The applications are still coming in," said a spokesman, refusing to disclose the number.

Shyam S Sharma, Founder-president of the Dada Army, which often sends its members to root for the Indian team abroad, however, begged to differ and said the response was quite timid.

"The packages leaves a deep hole in your pockets and few can really afford the trip. We at Dada Army are quite upset. We had plans to take 100 people from India and 900 NRIs as well to be a 1000-strong support base for our team. Thanks to the cost involved, we are struggling to make it even 100," he told PTI.

"Some had even bought the tickets planning to go but the huge cost has put them on the backfoot. Still, we'll have 49 members coming from the US and UK. Four of us would leave before India's first match there and six others are likely to join us," he said.

Promising to match the opponents decibel-by-decibel in the Caribbean, Mr Sharma, a lawyer by profession, said the motley crew would offer their unconditional support to the side, chanting "Apne Bachche Sabse Achchhe" and assuring the players "Whatever You Do, We Are With You".

Source : http://www.hindu.com

Nike: 'Just Play It', anywhere, anytime

2007-03-07T00:42:00.000-08:00

When three immortal words - Just Do It - unite with the fanaticism of Indian cricket, all hell breaks loose.

In what is only the second Indian ad for international sports brand Nike (the first ad was more of a tactical one, and ran only for a short duration last year), JWT India has tried to capture this chaos in an endearing manner. Nike India forayed into cricket-oriented products recently, beginning with the Indian cricket team's jerseys and other gear.

"What Brazil is to football, India is to cricket," says Agnello Dias, or Aggie, senior vice-president and executive creative director, JWT. Obviously, there was no question of choosing any other sport for a Nike India-specific ad. To understand the origins of the ad, perhaps, the origins of Indian cricket need to be analysed. "Indian cricket has traditionally always been the 'kalakaar' or textbook cricket type," says Dias. But this character of the game changed when players such as Tendulkar, Sehwag and Ganguly entered the scene and didn't necessarily play 'correct' cricket; they played result-oriented cricket, which has its origins in the 'galis' of India.

"If one truly wants to witness the spirit and passion of coarse Indian cricket, then it is not in plush stadiums," says Dias. "It is in the heartlands of India." In this cricket-crazy nation, one will find kids and young boys playing cricket on rooftops, terraces, 'galis' (small lanes), virtually anywhere. According to JWT executives, these young kids are not dissuaded by any obstacles and play cricket the way they want to.

Stemming from that insight, Dias, along with the team at JWT, Bangalore, conceptualised a TVC that is on air at the moment and will run through the upcoming ICC World Cup.

The ad opens on the shot of a traffic jam in a crowded Mumbai street; stuck in the jam is a bus full of 16-17 year old cricketers. Notwithstanding the jam, one of them leaps out onto the roof of the bus and, before you know it, a cricket match is on in full swing on top of the bus. In the classic 'gali' cricket way, one of the shots has the ball striking a dusty hoarding, another one, messing up an old man's daily cuppa. Watching the ball land in the hands of a young fellow in a nearby flat, the cricketers yell, 'Balcony, ball dena! (Hey you, in the balcony! Pass the cricket ball!)" The boy on the balcony jumps on to the cricketers' terrain and starts bowling ferociously.

As the batsman strikes ball after ball, all the cricketers get out of the bus, scrambling in a bid to catch the elusive ball. Soon, the bystanders get involved in the game, too. Stuck in the jam also are cricketers Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth, who, for once, don't join in the game, but simply watch the proceedings. An elephant picks up the ball with his trunk, men jump on to the tops of cars to catch the ball, people bump into each other and drop things, an old Parsi man's statue with his finger up acts as the umpire - all these form a part of the chaos that is the film. In conclusion, as the jam clears, the disappointed boys turn their backs on the game. But one of them is not willing to give up and, yelling deep from his lungs, flings himself up into the air (freeze shot with Nike logo and super, 'Just Do It') and ends up bowling.

Says Sanjay Gangopadhyay, marketing director, Nike India, "This film has its roots in the change which India is currently going through - we're far more confident and positive than we were a decade ago." This confidence has seeped into Indian cricket also. "With instances such as the Natwest Trophy finals, we have proved that we are willing to fight it out, even if we're batting at number six or seven," explains Aggie of JWT. Thus, two words, 'Gutsy Cricket', formed the client brief.

Few know that an even tougher challenge posed itself before JWT than just bringing out the spirit of cricket. Internationally, Nike has always associated itself with mean sports such as football, rugby and basketball, whereas cricket is considered a gentleman's game. In a sense, JWT had to prove this theory wrong by showing that cricket is a tough game, too, and involves the same sweat and toil as the other sports. To do that, the agency drew out the aggression and competitive spirit of the young players, from the way they grunted and yelled while playing to the way the bystanders got involved.

Further, a Konkani song with lyrics on the attitude of a game (penned by Aggie) was added to the TVC as the background track. The idea of using a Hindi track was vetoed because the effect needed was that of a fresh, hummable song. The film and the track were both sent to Portland for approval from the Nike executives there; Aggie feared that they would insist on a Hindi song, rather than the Konkani song, which has an inherent Latino feel to it. "Luckily, they saw how the Konkani song added to the feel of the film and gave their blessings," says a much-relieved Aggie.

Cricketers Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth were cast as mere onlookers as the game in the ad is supposed to belong to young, aspiring players.

The ad was shot by Abhinay Deo of Ramesh Deo Productions; Nitin Desai is the art director. The background is a set created by Desai in Karjat, Maharashtra. The film, shot on a Rs 1 crore budget, is easily one of the most expensive Indian ad films made recently. A traffic setting was used because Nike is known for scaling up a common, every-day setting. Elements such as a man looking into a mirror and clipping his nostril hair (when the ball strikes the mirror), or even the Parsi statue working as the umpire, have all been thrown in to add to the well-planned chaos effect. Further, words such as 'Balcony, ball dena' are quintessentially a home-grown Mumbaikar's line - something that Mumbaikars Aggie and Deo would know only too well.

Source : http://www.agencyfaqs.com

India to warm-up against Dutch in Jamaica

2007-03-06T00:34:00.000-08:00

A confident India will warm-up against cricket minnows the Netherlands at Trelawny stadium in Montego Bay on Tuesday, seeking to acclimatise to the Caribbean conditions before launching their quest of regaining the World Cup after nearly a quarter of a century.

The Rahul Dravid-led team, which is regarded as a front-runner for the title by a few former cricketers, will use the opportunity to fine-tune their skills for the mega event. The Indians will play another practice game against the West Indies on Friday before the tournament gets underway on March 13.

The Indians will open their campaingn with a match against Bangladesh in Queen`s Park Oval in Trinidad on March 17.

The Indian team will go into the tournament high on confidence after their recent home series wins against the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

Dravid said his team was well-prepared for the tournament.

"We have a pretty good team and we are very confident," he said.

The captain also said he was hopeful that the tournament would unfold positively for the team which had finished runners-up in the previous 2003 edition.

"I know that all the other teams will be aiming to play their best cricket but we are very confident that this is going to be a very good tournament for us," Dravid added. India, one of the only five countries to have won the title, have been placed with former champions Sri Lanka, minnows Bangladesh and Bermuda, the ICC associate member, in Group B.

In the other warm-up matches tomorrow, Pakistan will meet Canada in Trinidad and defending champions Australia will play Zimbabwe in St Vincent. New Zealand will take on Bangladesh in Barbados.

Bureau Report

Source : http://www.zeenews.com

World Cup and the Indian connection

2007-03-06T00:32:00.000-08:00

Agencies

A look at the team lists in this year's World Cup and it's more than obvious that India is not only driving cricket's economy, but also contributing to the talent base of some other countries.

If the likes of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies trace their roots back to India by a few generations, other instances are much younger.

As the ninth World Cup approaches, it is apt to celebrate this Indian connection.

England:

(Mudhsudhen Singh) 'Monty' Panesar (24): The first Sikh to play for England is only 13 Tests and nine ODIs old, but already a household name in his land of birth as well as that of his forefathers.

England's own 'Turbanator' from Luton was kept out of the one-day scheme of things because of his apparent lack of fielding ability, but some sterling performances in the longer version of the game - including the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar in his first Test over - as well as the CB tri-series forced his way into the World Cup squad.

Ravinder Bopara (21): 'Puppy' claimed the wicket of Mike Hussey in the only one-dayer he has played so far, but the former Under-19 and 'A' team player is primarily a batsman who can bowl a bit. He has scored 2246 runs at a respectable 34.03 and taken 46 wickets in 48 first-class matches.

New Zealand:

Jeetan Patel (26): The offie picked 5-145 in his first-class debut for Wellington and has been a perfect foil to the left-arm spin of Daniel Vettori. Has 25 scalps from 17 ODIs so far, and is also a brilliant fielder.

Kenya:

Tanmay Mishra (20): This Mumbai-born is the most promising amongst the youngsters picked by the Kenyan selectors last year in their effort to rebuild the side. A middle order bat, 'Mish' has scored 661 runs in 25 ODIs and is also very athletic on the field.

Hiren Varaiya (22): Nicknamed 'Viru', Varaiya had an as memorable ODI debut when he claimed a wicket off his first ball in a match against Canada last year. This left-arm spinner has taken 24 wickets at an impressive 18.12 from 15 ODIs.

Mallhar Patel (23): Shahid Afridi gifted him the first ball duck on debut in the Champions Trophy in England in 2004. A middle order batsman, Patel has played three one-day matches so far.

Rajesh Bhudia (22): 'Cocu' comes from Bhuj, Gujarat. A right arm medium-pacer, he has played in three first-class matches and taken five wickets.

Canada:

Ashish Bagai (25): The Delhi-born wicketkeeper-batsman will be take part in his second World Cup, having played in the 2003 edition in South Africa. Bagai, also the north-American team's vice-captain, has 710 runs from 26 one-dayers under his belt and is coming off a personally rewarding World Cricket League in Kenya where he was leading the run-scorer with 345, including two centuries, and was the player of the tournament.

Scotland:

Navdeep Singh Poonia (20): The 6-foot 3-inch Glasgow-born came into the World Cup squad because of his performance in the World Cricket League, in which Scotland finished runners-up to Kenya - with 111 runs from eight matches. His average in the tournament, 13.87, might not be impressive, but Poonia has a reputation for big hitting. His best knock of 67 against Canada came from 66 balls and contained 11 fours and two sixes.

Source : http://www.centralchronicle.com

Indian security liaison officer for World Cup named

2007-03-06T00:31:00.000-08:00

By IANS, [RxPG] Mumbai, March 5 - A deputy commissioner in Delhi Police will shadow the Indian cricket team in the West Indies for the first 30 days of the World Cup starting March 11, it was announced here Monday.

'The government of India has appointed Mr. Madhup Kumar Tewari, DCP security of Delhi Police as the security liaison officer to the Indian team for the first 30 days of the World Cup,' said cricket board secretary Niranjan Shah.

'He will then be replaced by an official of Intelligence Bureau,' said Shah.

Besides this official, India's home ministry is also sending two bomb disposal squads of its crack National Security Guards - comprising 16 members to assist the West Indies organisers.

The NSG commandoes are being sent at the request of the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, for security assistance during the 16-nation World Cup that will last 49 days.

'Mr. Tewari will leave on March 7 and will coordinate with security arrangements at the hotel during travel for net practice, practice matches and World Cup matches,' said Shah in a statement.

World Cup will start with a West Indies-Pakistan match March 11 while India will play their first match March 17.

The final will be played at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, April 28.

Source : http://www.rxpgnews.com

Matrix offers Indian cricket visitors huge Caribbean cellular bonanza

2007-03-06T00:25:00.000-08:00

Matrix Cellular (International) Services has announced dirt cheap cellular package for visitors from India going to the West Indies to watch the World Cup, and estimates to earn a revenue of Rs 10 crore over the duration of the series, Gagan Dugal, MD, Matrix revealed to indiantelevision.com today.

This will be possible using Matrix's pre-configured post-paid SIM cards designed for the occasion only.

The company is looking at high-spending tourists, expecting between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 revenue per user over the period, and Dugal says that virtually everyone who is going there have bought his cards, specifically, the TV companies as newspaper reporters.

"Even a large number of Indian players and team management have bought our cards," Dugal claimed, adding that another two entire teams are using their cards, though he would not reveal names of the countries.

They have tied up with Jamaica-based Cable and Wireless, and have acquired 2,000 lines from them to start with. "But we shall keep acquiring more lines once the first 2,000 are sold out," Dugal said, adding that he expected a Rs 150 crore turnover between now and the end of the tourney.

The company provides local connectivity solution to users, who thus do not pay international roaming charges, which are prohibitive.

"You can purchase the preconfigured post-paid cards to the Islands and there, you are on local network, so there is no incoming charges," Dugal explained.

The incoming rates for Matrix World Cup card users in Jaimaica would be nil, and for any of the other islands it would be US $0.55 and international roaming for other islands would be $0.70.

Any caller from India would pay the applicable ISD charges for the duration of the conversation, but since there is no international roaming in Jamaica and minimal charges for the other islands, this is a very affordable offer.

Dugal says that in a sense there is no comparison with his competitors' offers, say that of Hutch, because whatever concessions they give, their users would still have to pay international roaming charges.

Also, Dugal explained, users on other networks calling a Matrix number the islands would have to pay the ISD charges, but irrespective of which network a calls from to a Matrix number, it will be free for Jamaica and 55 cents in other islands.

Though the cards have been pre-configured for the duration of the series, the users would get some extension, till they arrive back to India. "Many may want to extend the holiday for a week or so, and accordingly they would get the extension, at no extra cost.

"Let us put it this way, we are like a boutique operation and most celebrities and high spending users take our cards, so we charge nothing for the extension of the service during the stay, say if someone wants to visit Bahamas for a few days before finally returning to India," Dugal said.

He clarified, of course, that it would not be possible if someone wants an extension of a month or more.

These SIM cards allow up to 50 per cent savings vis-à-vis using Indian Global Roaming and are more convenient than using pre-paid or calling cards, Dugal said.

Matrix is a leading player in the country's telecom industry giving connectivity solutions, and offers such services in tie-up with networks in 34 countries, including the Us, UK, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Holland, Italy, Japan, and other countries.

In fact, the website of the company claims that as a service provider to individual travellers, Matrix would even advice some other SIM card if that would be more beneficial to the particular user.

Matrix has an alliance relationship with SOTC, Jet Airways, British Airways, Citibank, American Express, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered Bank amongst others to offer its services to their preferred member base and other customers.

"At Matrix we love cricket, so when our team rips apart opponents on the pitch, we expect hysteric Indian fans calling home or receiving calls on the Caribbean islands. We want them to do so at the lowest possible call rates," he held.

He added that Matrix, special, World Cup, SIM cards is the company's way of wishing team India good luck.

Source : Indiantelevision.com's Media, Advertising, Marketing Watch

India's bowling has found depth: Walsh

2007-03-05T00:59:00.000-08:00

Author : Amitabh Sharma

Kingston, March 5 Former West Indies captain and pacer Courtney Walsh believes that Indians have found depth in their bowling attack with leg spinner Anil Kumble back in the side.

'I had concerns about the Indian bowling attack,' Walsh said. 'But with Kumble back in the side now, Indian bowling has found the depth and the experience.'

According to Walsh, Kumble is a consistent and unpredictable bowler who can do wonders in the World Cup.

'He can turn and swing the ball around and if the pitch favours him, he can be a match winner,' Walsh said.

Kumble is among the three bowlers, after Shane Warne and Muthaiah Muralidharan, who surpassed Walsh's record of taking most wickets in test matches.

In 2001 on his home ground of Sabina Park in Jamaica, Walsh beat the record of 434 test wickets set by India's Kapil Dev. During his career (1984-2001) of 132 test matches, Walsh took 519 test wickets before retiring in 2001.

Walsh was also upbeat about former Indian captain Saurav Ganguly's comeback in the team. 'Great players don't disappear that fast,' Walsh said. 'He (Ganguly) has found the form and should make a good impact.'

Walsh's World Cup favourite team is the West Indies team. He is confident that they will break the 'home team' jinx and win the World Cup.

'I am supporting the West Indies team, through and through,' said Walsh. 'People might call me crazy but I am throwing my weight behind them and wishing that they will win.'

Walsh's other favourites to reach the finals are Australia and South Africa though he doesn't rule out Pakistan either. 'They (Pakistan) are one team to watch out for, they are unpredictable,' he said.

And Walsh's dream final...he would want history to repeat itself. 'I have been telling my friends, I would love to see a India and West Indies final (like in 1983 when India won the World Cup), but this time we will win.'

(c) Indo-Asian News Service

Source : http://www.earthtimes.org

Dravid wanted Sehwag: Vengsarkar

2007-03-05T00:56:00.000-08:00

andhracafe

New Delhi, March 3 India's chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar has disclosed that Virender Sehwag was picked for the upcoming cricket World Cup on captain Rahul Dravid's insistence.

Asked in a television interview whether Dravid wanted an out-of-form Sehwag, Vengsarkar said: 'Definitely, yes.'

When asked, had Dravid not demanded Sehwag would the swashbuckling opener have been dropped, the former India captain said: 'Definitely, I agree with you. He (Dravid) made the difference.'

The interview, conducted by Karan Thapar for 'Devil's Advocate' programme, will be telecast on CNN-IBN Sunday night.

Before leaving for the West Indies, Sehwag gave hints of getting back into form as he scored 46 in the fourth and final one-day international against Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam. He also spent long hours at the nets in Delhi polishing his batting.

Vengsarkar said he would always back the captain as he should get the team of his choice.

After the team selection, Dravid, when asked at a press conference, had not entirely denied that he did not want Sehwag, India's only triple centurion in Test cricket.

Giving his reasons and his own example, Vengsarkar said during the interview that when he was the India captain in 1989 he never got some of the players he was keen on.

'...when I was captain, they (selectors) never gave me players on whom I was keen. It was always 3-2 in selection committee meetings. I didn't want Rahul to go through the same thing. That is why I backed Sehwag, on whom Rahul insisted that he should be there,' he said.

'It is a bit of a gamble, definitely, but in cricket you have to take these gambles.'

Describing Sehwag as a match winner, Vengsarkar said that the Delhi player has 'done exceedingly well in the past'.

On India's prospects in the World Cup, starting in the West Indies March 11, Vengsarkar was optimistic.

'If they go till the last four (semi-finals), it could be anybody's cup. All eight sides in the fray are good sides. If India does not enter semi-finals, of course, I will be very, very disappointed,' he said.

'They have the ability. They have to believe in themselves that they are the best team in the world. And they ARE the best in the world.'

Talking about team coach Greg Chappell's role, the Mumbai-based Vengsarkar said that his 'inputs are quite important' for the team's success in the 16-nation World Cup.

'I hope he remains with the team beyond the World Cup,' he said, adding that the board would have the final word whether to extend the former Australia captain's contract or not.

India are placed in Group B and play their opening match against Bangladesh March 17. Sri Lanka and qualifiers Bermuda are the other teams in the pool.

The final will be played April 28.

India's Yuvraj Singh Confident Of Winning The World Cup, Hopes For A Much-Improved Team Performance In The Caribbean

2007-03-05T00:55:00.000-08:00

by Sudhakar Shanbhag

India’s middle order batsman Yuvraj Singh believes that his team has the wherewithal to repeat their outstanding performance of 2003 World Cup and in fact go one step further by actually winning the Cup in the West Indies.

The stylish southpaw reiterated that the present Indian team touring the Caribbean for World Cup is a hungrier lot and have worked harder on their game and fitness.

Yuvraj believes that the West Indian wickets might just suit the Indians better as they are the only country to have travelled to the West Indies for a full-fledged Test and one-day series last summer.

Although the pitches for the World Cup are newly laid, Yuvraj says they wouldn’t differ much this time.

Source : www.cricketworldcuplatest.com

Team profile: India - ABC Sport

2007-03-05T00:53:00.000-08:00

India will take one of the world's most feared batting line-ups into the World Cup as they seek to claim their first title since 1983, but the performance of their unheralded bowling attack is likely to determine how far they progress.

Led by Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the world record for one-day international runs with 14,782, the Indian batting card also features Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and young gun Robin Uthappa.

Tendulkar has been below his best of late and has certainly not been displaying the kind of form that earned him Player of the Tournament honours at the 2003 World Cup for his total of 673 runs.

But no one doubts the diminutive ace will not be right on his game for what should be his last tilt at a World Cup title, one of the only achievements missing from his most impressive CV.

Dhoni, who is currently ranked the fourth-best one-day batsman in the world, will also be crucial to India's World Cup success.

A strong tournament from the swashbuckling Dhoni, who averages 45 with the bat in limited-overs cricket at the phenomenal strike rate of 98, would take some of the pressure off the big three.

The trio of Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly all feature in the top six run-scorers of all-time, and India will need them firing if they are to make their second successive World Cup final following the mauling they received at the hands of Australia in the 2003 decider.

On that day, Australian captain Ricky Ponting struck a blistering 140 off 121 balls as the world champions posted 2 for 359 from their 50 overs before bowling the Indians out for 234 inside 40 overs.

Australia tore the attack to pieces on that occasion and the Indian bowlers, although not boasting the big names of the batting line-up, are arguably the key to success this time around.

Irfan Pathan and Zaheer Khan head the pace attack with all-rounder Ajit Agarkar in tow, and the Indians boast two proven spinners in Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.

If the bowlers can restrict their opposition to scores of under 300 throughout the tournament, there is no batting line-up in the world, save for Australia, more capable of chasing down the totals.

Another interesting dynamic is the team's Australian coach Greg Chappell.

The former Test captain has not had the easiest time since taking over the reins in 2005, but of late appears to have the support of the public and of wayward former captain Ganguly.

Chappell has said strong performances out of at least seven of his 11 players throughout the tournament would go a long way towards securing the country's second World Cup.

If he can achieve this aim, few would be prepared to back against one of the most naturally talented sides in the tournament.

Squad

India: Rahul Dravid (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthick, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Irfan Pathan, Ajit Agarkar, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel.

Source : http://www.abc.net.au

Underwater video album for Indian Cricket team ahead of ICC World Cup

2007-03-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

By Sarada Lahangir

Cuttack (Orissa), March 4 : While Indian Cricketers have reached thearibbean land to take on other cricket playing nations contesting for the ICC World Cup 2007, an expatriate Indian is shooting an underwater video in an River Mahanadi to cheer the national team.

The 38-year-old Sabir Bux is a big cricket fan and intends to wish good luck to the national cricket team.

He says the soaring expectations from the Indian team has inspired him toake such a distinctive attempt to extended best wishes to Indianricketers.

The song is a third attempt by Jeddah-based Bux, who was encouraged byndian media to come up with something special for the World Cup.

"I am shooting a song under water for the impending World Cup. We want India to win the Cup this time and some of us youngsters are shooting this song especially for the World Cup," said Bux.

Sabir has already produced two underwater videos in the Red Sea, and written a book on underwater life.

The crew, which comprises Sabir's brothers and few friends, spends six toeven hours a day to the video shoot.

"It is our wish to support the players who have gone for the World Cup and we will do our level best to help them," said Sikander Bux, Sabir's brother.

Last Tuesday, at a glitzy ceremony, the Indian film industry's celebrities wished Indian cricket team good luck for the 2007 World Cup in Mumbai.

Sixteen national teams will vie for cricket's biggest extravaganza, beingeld through March-April in nine Caribbean nations. The winner will berowned after the final in Barbados on April 28.

Indian cricket team reached finals in the last cricket world cup in Southfrica.

Source : http://story.malaysiasun.com

Team India Hold Their First Net Practice Session

2007-03-05T00:51:00.000-08:00

by Rohit Bhandiye

The Indian cricket team held their first practice session at the newly built Trelawny Stadium in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Saturday.

With the entire team yet to recover well from a long and punishing journey, captain Rahul Dravid and his team took it easy in their first practice session.

"Some of the boys are still trying to get over the jet lag. But we've been very happy with the facilities and there is a good spirit and feeling in the group," Dravid said.

Having reached the final of the last World Cup, expectations are even higher this time around.

Dravid's team has had mixed success coming into the World Cup, having beaten both West Indies and Sri Lanka in one day series at home.

But coach Greg Chappell does not read too much into those wins and does not consider India as the favourites.

"We are quietly confident that we got the make up to do well in the tournament. I think that's the important thing. Whether you are the favourite or not, is all about execution," Chappell said.

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar will be playing in his fifth World Cup this time.

As the most experienced player in his team, much will depend on Tendulkar's form.

Having got close by reaching the final on previous occasion in South Africa, Tendulkar is determined to do well this time around.

The World Cup is the most important trophy that is missing from Tendulkar's list of achievements in his long and glittering career.

"It's not only me, but the entire nation's dream. It is extremely important. We've tried our best in the past and we will continue to do that," he said.

India will play two practice matches against the Netherlands and West Indies in Jamaica next week before starting their World Cup quest.

India are placed in Group B along with former champions Sri Lanka, first-timers Bermuda and minnows Bangladesh against whom they play their first game on March 17.

Source : http://www.cricketworldcuplatest.com

Tendulkar eyes special fifth World Cup

2007-03-05T00:47:00.000-08:00

TRELAWNY, Jamaica - Sachin Tendulkar wants to make his fifth World Cup special in his new role as a middle-order batsman and with the ball.

The premier batsman was the player of the 2003 edition after scoring 673 runs to help India reach the final.

Tendulkar, who holds the records for most one-day runs (14,783), hundreds (41) and appearances (381) has also played some memorable knocks in the World Cup.

In 2003, he smashed Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar over point for six to score 98 and lead the team to an emotional victory. In 1999, he returned to England after his father's funeral to score 140 against Kenya.

"It is always special to be part of the World Cup," he told reporters at the weekend. "I've been part of that four times and all four times it has been great."

The 33-year-old also wants to make up for the disappointment of missing last year's rare test series triumph in West Indies due to injury.

Tendulkar recently gave up his one-day opener's slot to add depth to the batting in what could be his last World Cup. "Batting at middle order is difficult," he said. "The last eight games played in India have just helped me figure out what I should do differently. I want to get rhythm and continue with that."

He also wants to contribute with his occasional bowling on Caribbean soil which many expect would play slow.

"I know it helps to be irregular," said Tendulkar, who has 147 one-day scalps. "I'd want to introduce an element of surprise."

Skipper Rahul Dravid hoped his players would benefit with their quiet build-up in the Caribbean, away from the frenzy around the team in India. However, the team would get protection from elite Indian commandos during the event.

"When we play in India we are used to the security, the number of people around us all the time," he said. "Hopefully they will stay in the background and don't get too visible.

"In some ways, it is a relief for us the tournament has started," Dravid said. "It'll give us a chance to get closer.

"Not often does the Indian team get a chance to sit around the pool and have lunch without being disturbed."

The Indian team trained on Sunday at Jarrett Park stadium in Montego Bay with just a handful of journalists watching them work out in intense heat.

India are in group B with 1996 winners Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and debutants Bermuda.

They play two warm-up matches, against Netherlands on Tuesday and against West Indies on Friday.

- REUTERS

Source : http://www.nzherald.co.nz/

India among 'six teams that can win World Cup'

2007-03-02T20:40:00.002-08:00

IANS

PORT OF SPAIN — South African coach Mickey Arthur has named India as one of the six teams that can go on to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

"There are six teams in my opinion that can win and they are, of course, South Africa, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka," reports here quoted Arthur as saying soon after his arrival, along with the South African squad, at the Piarco International Airport here early on Thursday.

He said this World Cup is very open and the team that plays better on the day can win the World Cup.

South Africa was the first side to arrive in Trinidad & Tobago for the World Cup. The team will play two warm-up matches against Ireland and Pakistan at the Frank Worrell Oval at the University of West Indies near here.

Once the tournament starts, it will play its preliminary group matches in St. Kitts & Nevis. South Africa is placed in Group A along with Australia, Scotland and the Netherlands.

"It is all about peaking at the right time and I think, for us, things have been going nicely this season," Arthur said "We have shown an upward curve so hopefully our planning is coming to fruition."

Meanwhile, South African captain Graeme Smith said that he does not read much into the fact that his team is now rated number one in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) ratings.

"I don't really read much into these things, of course it is nice to be rated the number one team, but I concentrate more on delivering on the field of play," the Guardian report quoted him as saying.

"I am hoping to have a good World Cup and together with the other senior players, I will be looking to do my part in order to make my team successful," he said.

Smith described his side as having a good bowling attack.

"...We have got a lot of variation so I think we back ourselves pretty well and I think this will be the key with the wickets not being tested and the team that adapts best will be able to get the most of it," he said.

Source : www.khaleejtimes.com

Indian team reach Windies for World Cup

2007-03-02T20:40:00.001-08:00

Indo-Asian News Service

KINGSTON — The Indian cricket team for this month's World Cup arrived here early yesterday morning.

The 15-member squad, led by Rahul Dravid, had left Mumbai by a British Airways flight early Wednesday.

The team will play two warm-up matches, against the Netherlands and the West Indies, at the Greenfields Stadium in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on March 6 and 9, before the opening ceremony at the same venue on March 11.

India, winners of the 1983 World Cup, start their World Cup campaign with a Group B match against Bangladesh at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on March 17.

The other teams in this group are 1996 champions Sri Lanka and first timers Bermuda.

In all, 16 nations, divided into four pools, are taking part. The final match will be played April 28 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Two top teams each from the four pools advance to Super Six, or quarter-finals, followed by semifinals and the final.

Source : www.khaleejtimes.com

India coach faces uncertain future after Cricket World Cup

2007-03-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

Greg Chappell will mastermind India`s campaign at the World Cup knowing his future as an international coach rests on how Rahul Dravid`s men perform in the Caribbean.

The former Australian captain`s two-year term as India coach, arguably the most high-profile and nerve-wracking job in the business, ends after the showpiece event finishes on April 28.

India`s cricket chiefs, who are known to move fast only when it comes to financial windfalls, have not even begun negotiations with Chappell, preferring to keep their options open till after the World Cup.

"What is the rush?," Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Niranjan Shah told AFP. "Our first priority is to do well at the World Cup, other things can wait."

There is little concern for the fact that one tournament alone cannot judge a good or bad coach. Or that Chappell may understandably want an early settlement on his future.

The 58-year-old has so far declined to comment publicly if he wants to continue in a job that reportedly gives him an annual salary of 300,000 dollars plus handsome perks.

For the record, Chappell prefers to play with a straight bat.

"I canÂ’t say about the future. I know as much as you probably do. Right now, IÂ’m thinking about the World Cup."

No other Test-playing nation has so far publicly indicated their interest in hiring Chappell, perhaps waiting for the BCCI to make up its mind.

The outspoken Chappell has made more headlines in 22 months as India coach than his predecessor, the genial John Wright of New Zealand, did in five years on the job.

His public spat with former captain Sourav Ganguly divided the cricket-crazy nation like never before, as did his policy to continue experimenting with the batting order at the cost of the team`s success.

Chappell has been rebuked by the country`s lawmakers for suggesting that "MPs are paid to talk in parliament" and was assaulted by a fan for ignoring players from the eastern state of Orissa.

Even his desire to take a quiet holiday with his wife, Judy, in the backwaters of Kerala ahead of the World Cup created a ruckus with the local police.

The owner of the houseboat where the couple was staying was hauled up by police for not reporting the presence of foreigners as required by law.

It is rumoured that the local media forced police to take action against the houseboat owner because journalists were peeved they were not informed the Indian cricket coach was holidaying in the area.

Under the Chappell-Dravid combine since July 2005, India have played 18 Tests and 59 one-day internationals with results indicating an upward swing in the team`s fortunes.

Of the 18 Tests, India have won seven and lost four with seven drawn. Of the 59 one-dayers, the team has won 31, lost 25 with three games ending in no-results.

"No one can convince me that Chappell has not done a good job so far," said former captain and respected TV commentator Ravi Shastri, who was part of the BCCI panel that interviewed the Australian in 2005.

"But will the BCCI retain him? Your guess is as good as mine."

Chappell, one of the finest batsmen of the modern era, retired in 1984 with 7,110 runs from 87 Tests at an average of 53.86 and 24 centuries, including two in his first and last matches.

He also scored 2,331 runs in 74 one-dayers and even though elder brother Ian Chappell was regarded a better captain, Greg won 21 of his 48 Tests as Australian skipper and lost only 13.

Bureau Report

source : www.zeenews.com

Ganguly best captain of recent past: Dravid

2007-03-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sourav Ganguly was the best captain of the Indian cricket team in the recent past, skipper Rahul Dravid has said of his predecessor as Team India reached the West Indies Friday for the World Cup.

"Yes, he (Ganguly) was, if you look at the numbers that were produced during the past five years and the games we played during his captaincy. In that sense he was the best captain, and we had the best team," Dravid told a TV channel. in an interview.

Speaking with Prannoy Roy on "India Questions" programme, to be telecast March 11, Dravid said: "We are happy that he's come back and that he is playing well... At the end of the day, the team wants players who are playing well and performing well."

When asked what his contribution to Ganguly's come back has been, Dravid was categorical.

"The credit for going through it (his exclusion from the team) and coming out of it goes to him... He's worked hard... he's leaner, meaner and fitter... he's playing well. He's been fielding well... and we hope he can repeat that performance in the World Cup...."

Dravid said that defending champions Australia would be the favourites to win the title again.

"I think there will be eight teams that will be looking to be in that final. I think Australia will start as favourites but not by much... that gap is closing. It's going to be a tough World Cup," he averred.

Dravid was confident that India would also attempt to win the World Cup, beginning March 11, and that India's performance in the recent matches bore ample testimony to the team's form.

The Indian team, which reached Montego Bay, Jamaica, Friday morning, will play their first match against Bangladesh March 17.

The final is on April 28 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Bureau Report

source : www.zeenews.com

Indian Cricket Board President Sharad Pawar Plans To See World Cup Super 8 Matches

2007-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

by Rohit Bhandiye

BCCI President Sharad Pawar is planning to visit the West Indies in the first week of April to watch a couple of Super 8 series games.

"He could not make it to Mumbai and meet the team as his flight got delayed in Delhi and he cancelled his scheduled brief visit in order to be present for the Union Budget today. But he has plans to go in April to the World Cup's Super 8 series and watch a couple of games," a BCCI source said.

"He's extended his best wishes to the team," the source added.

India is expected to make it to the Super 8 stage from Group B which includes Sri Lanka, Bermuda and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, some Board officials, including Secretary Niranjan Shah, had a meeting with the team and spoke to them about the International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct and other related matters.

The need for being careful in attending to telephone calls from unknown persons was impressed upon the team members especially in the light of the recent controversial Marlon Samuels episode.

"The team members were also advised about the need for talking to the media as per the International Cricket Council's guidelines. The players, however, have been told not to talk exclusively to media organisations with whom they may have special arrangements," the source said.

The Indian team left for West Indies in the early hours of Thursday.

Source : www.cricketworldcuplatest.com

Lok Sabha wishes to Indian cricket team

2007-03-02T00:27:00.000-08:00

By IANS, [RxPG] New Delhi, March 1 - Joining millions of cricket fans in the country, the Lok Sabha Thursday sent its best wishes to the Indian cricket team that have left for the West Indies for the World Cup beginning March 11.

'I am sure the house will join me in sending our best wishes to the Indian Cricket team,' Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said.

The 15-member Squad left for the Caribbean from Mumbai early Thursday morning.

When Republican Party of India MP Ramdas Athawale said the house wanted the team to win the World Cup, Chatterjee quipped: 'It needs some discipline. Let the players not follow the parliamentarians.'

He was referring to repeated disruptions seen in both houses of parliament this week as the opposition demanded a statement on the government's moves to extradite Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrrocchi, the accused in the Bofors pay-off scandal, who was arrested in Argentina Feb 6.

The speaker also congratulated Congress MP Naveen Jindal, who won a gold medal in the fifth Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters Shooting Championship in Jaipur and a silver at the National Games in Guwahati last month.

Source : www.rxpgnews.com

Capturing the Caribbean : Cricket World Cup 2007

2007-03-02T00:22:00.000-08:00

Puneet Arora

With a newly designed Jersey similar to the one we wore in 1983, the men in blue are ready to capture millions of hearts and the World Cup this year. Lets join hands in supporting our best ever one-day team which is all geared to conquer the Cup…

WITH THE CRICKET World Cup round the corner, one cannot stop remembering our cricket team’s past performances, their aspirations, their hopes in the present World Cup, the big names in the team and of course the wonder team of 1983.

I remember the slogan of this advertisement whenever I think about the World Cup 'Eat Cricket, Sleep Cricket' and now even ‘dream cricket’. It’s in our blood. Despite recent losses in the last series in the Caribbean and the team’s constant failure or call it a practice of staying out of form for some big players, we Indians never stop supporting our team. And more than just once, our cricket team has made us feel proud. For the coming World Cup, our team seems to be the most balanced among the 16 competitors and thus deserves to lift the cup on their way back.

Our batting line is one of the strongest in the world. With Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly we know that we have no shortage of experience. These players are not only known for their capability to change the face of the game single handedly but they can also be quite consistent.

In an essay of records, Sachin Tendulkar also holds the World Record of scoring maximum runs in the World Cups. He has so far scored over 1730 runs in the World Cup tournaments. And with most of the people seeing this as his last World Cup, we cannot imagine what the Master Blaster has on his mind. Along with Sourav Ganguly and Mark Waugh , Sachin also holds the record for maximum number of centuries, 4 each, in the World Cups.
With most expecting this to be Ganguly’s last world cup as well, are we heading for more centuries coming from two of the greatest Indian batsmen of all times. Sourav has always been known for his ‘out of the ground’ sixes. No wonder he also holds the record for the largest number of sixes in the World Cup. So far he has hit 23 sixes and with the kind of return he has made to the team, we certainly expect this figure to hit the hilt.

When we are talking about the performances of the big names of Indian cricket we cannot forget mentioning Rahul ‘The Wall’ Dravid. Rahul has lived up to his reputation of being the backbone of the Indian Team with a record for the highest partnership in the World Cup. He along with Ganguly scored 318 runs against Sri Lanka at Taunton in 1999.

With young guns likeYuvraj, Dhoni, Pathan, Kartick and Sehwag around, our Batting grid looks the strongest. The good thing is that this current team looks very sturdy with the bowling department as well. Speedsters like Shreesanth, Munaf Patel, Zaheer and Agarkar in the team give them good bowling options. They are fast, if not the fastest, intelligent and aggressive. Our spinners in Bhajji and Kumble give the team not just more experience but also an edge over most spinners in the world. With the team working harder than ever and of course with our blessings and support it looks all set to come back with not just more records and individual success stories but with the Cricket World Cup. Lets start planning a grand welcome already.

Source : www.merinews.com

Shah Rukh Khan gives good wishes to Indian cricket team

2007-03-01T02:50:00.001-08:00

By Agencies

It was a colourful and heartfelt send off for the Indian cricket team embarking on their World Cup mission, as Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan voiced the feelings of scores of countrymen, advising the Men in Blue to "do your best and leave the rest."

"I don’t know a lot about sports, but I do know that it is not about winning and losing. It is about the belief that every sportsman has and the effort they put in. I just want to say to Rahul (Dravid) and the boys, that they should just do their best and leave the rest," SRK told almost the entire cricket team, including captain Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, at a function in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The function was organised by soft drinks major Pepsi on the eve of the team's departure for the West Indies.

As some of India's top artistes including Shankar Mahadevan and Adnan Sami performed some foot-tapping numbers for the scores of fans gathered at the venue, actress Priyanka Chopra also put in an appearance to wish the team all the success in Caribbean.

Standing next to Dravid on stage, SRK even apologised to the team on behalf of the media, saying, "Sometimes we may have said rude and demeaning things about the team when they lose, but let me tell you that we take it all back. We love you and we hope you bring back the World Cup."

Looking dapper in a blue India T-shirt, Dravid thanked SRK and scores of fans for the wishes saying "these wishes of a billion people will definitely help us in the World Cup when we go out and do our best."

Other members of the Indian team tapping and moving to the beats of the songs were Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Tendulkar and S Sreesanth.

Cheering the team on, SRK inquired Yuvraj Singh's fitness and told Sehwag "to rock with his bat".

The tone of the event was set by the music director trio of Shankar Ehsan Loy who played some of their most popular tracks including Mitwa ( Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna ), 'Suno Gaur Se Duniya Waalo' and 'Tainu Le Ke Main Jaaonga' from Salaam-e-Ishq .

"We are playing this song especially for the team because we hope the lyrics of the song come true and we bring back the World Cup trophy," Shankar said.

Adnan Sami brought the podium alive with the Pepsi 2003 World Cup anthem, "Ae Aaa O" and some of his other chartbusters.

Scores of fans and curious onlookers had assembled at the venue to catch a glimpse of some of the country's biggest icons.

Source : http://www.apunkachoice.com

World Cup Last Hurrah For Golden Oldies - Tendulkar, Lara, Ganguly, Jayasuriya, Inzamam and Kumble

2007-03-01T02:49:00.000-08:00

By Rohit Bhandiye

The 2007 World Cup might herald a new era for cricket in terms of commercialisation and globalisation, but it would also mean the last World Cup for several stalwarts of the game like India's Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, West Indian Brain Lara, Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya and Pakistani Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Standing tall among the golden oldies is Sachin Tendulkar who has been the face of Indian cricket for nearly two decades now.

The boy wonder from Mumbai was truly a product of one-day cricket whose exploits with the willow have coincided with the rise of India both as a cricket and economic power.

Compared to Sir Donald Bradman by none other than the Don himself, Tendulkar is cricket's most prolific run scorer - with 10,668 from 135 Tests and 14,783 from 381 ODIs.

The world record holder for most Test centuries (35), India's premier batsman has stamped his class in cricket's showpiece event. In 33 matches from four World Cup appearances, Tendulkar has amassed 1732 runs at 59.72 with four hundreds.

At 33, Tendulkar might be younger than some of his contemporaries, but wear and tear from playing at the highest level for 17 years means his body has been a specimen for the anatomy student.

He would be keen to celebrate his 34th birthday in the Caribbean as it coincides with the first semi-final on April 24.

Sourav Ganguly might not have struck terror in bowlers' hearts like his more illustrious teammate, but the Prince of Kolkata has the gift of timing that others could only envy. And 10,470 runs from 286 one-dayers speak for themselves.

But the 'God on the Off-side' will be remembered less for his run-making ability than captaining India to the World Cup final in 2003.

Taking over the reins from Tendulkar in the most troubled times in Indian cricket, 34-year-old Ganguly led the side through its most successful phase in modern history.

Besides the 21 Test victories, making him the most successful Indian captain, Ganguly has led the side to 76 ODI wins, the most memorable being the NatWest Trophy tri-series win at Lord's in 2002.

Whether the former skipper, who fought his way back into the side after a 15-month lay-off, can inspire India to its second ever World Cup success remains to be seen.

Another giant who in all probability will be playing in his last limited overs tournament is Anil Kumble .

The 36-year old leg-spinner has gone from being the venomous top-spinner on under-prepared home tracks to the most durable all-weather bowler for India.

After three World Cups and rising to be India's highest wicket-taker in both forms of the game, 547 in Tests and 334 in one-dayers, Kumble still faces questions - over his fielding ability.

Besides the Indian trio, other players in the twilight of their careers include the host captain Brian Lara .

The 37-year old West Indian genius' penchant for big knocks has seen him twice break the world record for highest individual Test score and breach the 400 mark.

Having amassed 11,953 runs in Tests and 10,136 in one-dayers, Lara would be keen that he can complete the West Indian resurgence by leading to them to their third World Cup triumph in his third stint as captain.

Sri Lankan opening batsman Sanath Teran Jayasuriya , 37, is another player who would leave an indelible mark when he hangs his boots.

The Matara Marauder, who redefined one-day batting with his smashing success in the 1996 World Cup, has lost none of his ferocious willow power and the slow Caribbean wickets could very well be the perfect setting for him to unleash his pyrotechnics.

'Sleeping Giant' Inzamam-ul-Haq remains as ever a nightmare for bowlers as he did 15 years ago when he piloted Pakistan to their maiden World Cup triumph.

Inzamam, who turns 37 on Saturday, is Pakistan's leading run-scorer (8,813) and also holds the record for the highest individual score (329) and most centuries (25). With 11,665 runs, he is not far behind Tendulkar in the one-day arena.

Source : http://www.cricketworldcuplatest.com

Confident Indian cricket team has photo session ahead of depature for World Cup

2007-03-01T02:47:00.000-08:00

Malaysia Sun

Indian cricket squad had a photo session with the media in Mumbai today before departing for West Indies to play the World Cup scheduled to begin from March 14.

All team members, including Coach Greg Chappell looked confident during the photo-off function held on the lawns of the Hotel Taj Mahal in the city.

The country has expectations from the team having many experienced players like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly, for whom this may be the last World Cup in the their cricket carrier.

Indian team has been placed in Group B with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda. It will play its first match against Bangladesh at Port-of-Spain on March 17 after playing warm-up games against The Netherlands on March 6 and West Indies on March 9.

"We're all looking forward to the World Cup. It's the showpiece tournament in one-day cricket and we are in as good a position as we could have been. The pieces of the jigsaw puzzle have fallen into place in the last few weeks. There is a good balance, good experience and youth in the squad, and a good variety in bowling and batting. That will give us a wide range of options no matter what the condition and no matter what the opposition," Chappell said.

"The fielding in the last few games has been good. We have worked hard on it and will continue to so in the World Cup. The positive side is that we have got some 1900 ODIs between the group and that hopefully will offset any deficiencies anywhere. We have cover for pretty much all the key players and key positions. We have got flexibility in bowling and batting. We have got a squad that we can expect to do well with," he said.

"Obviously now it is down to execution. We can do all the preparation that we have done and continue to do in the Word Cup, but now it is up to the performance on the day and each game and that's where the pressure is going to be," he added.

Source : http://story.malaysiasun.com

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wishes Good Luck To Indian Cricket Team

2007-03-01T02:43:00.000-08:00

By Rohit Bhandiye

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday wished the Indian cricket team 'good luck' for their campaign in the next month's World Cup in the West Indies.

"I join the people of our country in wishing the cricket team all the best for the World Cup. We are all with you and look forward to you returning victorious," the Prime Minister said in a statement.

The 15-member Indian Squad would leave for the Caribbean from Mumbai on Wenesday.

India are placed in Group along with former champions Sri Lanka, minnows Bangladesh and first-timers Bermuda.

India will play their first match against Bangladesh in Jamaica on March 17, followed by Bermuda on March 19 and Sri Lanka on March 23.

Source : http://www.cricketworldcuplatest.com