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Dalmiya instrumental
in resolving dispute
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Cricket stadium nearing completion Barog camp called off, players to train in USA Sandeep gearing up to fill the void Williams sisters hope to regain touch Prakash Amritraj breaks into top 250 Ajeetesh Sandhu retains golf title GND varsity receive trophies Pinegrove, BCS register win
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Kolkata, May 21 Reacting to media reports that Abhijit Kale had written a letter to the BCCI, accepting that he had tried to influence national selectors Kiran More and Pranab Roy to get a berth into the national squad, Mr Dalmiya told UNI, “What is more important is that any decision that is to be taken will be a conglomerative one involving all three members of the committee.” “I cannot state unilaterally what will be my reaction to receiving a letter from Kale. Then why was the committee formed? Mr Kamal Morarka is abroad and is due to return this weekend or early next week and only after that will the decision on Kale be given,” he added without being specific on whether he had received the letter. Kale had reportedly further stated that he had offered no money, but was willing to accept whatever decision the BCCI took. Mr Dalmiya, however, did not want to react on the other reports in the media that he may be banned for two years. “People are free to make speculations. I don’t want to react to it,” he said. The BCCI disciplinary committee had concluded its hearing on the Abhijit Kale bribery case on May 15 and said the decision would be made public within the next seven days. At the end of a marathon nine-hour-long meeting when the disciplinary committee members of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), board President Jagmohan Dalmiya said, “We have heard all the parties for the whole day and we have concluded our hearing on the Abhijit Kale case the decision of which would be made public within the next seven days.” He, however, informed that the disciplinary committee would take at least a week’s time to give it’s decision since one of the three members of the committee, Mr Kamal Morarka, could not make himself available at the last hearing due to personal reasons . — UNI
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Zimbabwe cancel
Aussie Test series
Harare, May 21 “The Zimbabwe Cricket Union and Cricket Australia have agreed to adjourn the Test matches to a date to be fixed and have requested the ICC executive board to endorse this agreement at its June meeting,” said a statement read out by Cricket Australia chairman Bob Merriman. “We are saying we should not be playing the Test matches in the interests of Test match standards throughout the world.” Although the Test series were only suspended, Australian officials said it was unlikely the matches would be played for four years. “Cricket Australia has informed the ZCU that the Australian team is heavily committed over the next four years, and it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to play the two Test matches within this timeframe,” chief executive James Sutherland said. The rebel Zimbabwe players have all been sacked again, with immediate effect, and asked to hand in their cars, cell phones and other perks. Chris Venturas, the players’ lawyer, was notified of the decision by Alwyn Pichanick who is the lawyer for the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. The ODIs will be played in Harare on May 25, 27 and 29.
The International Cricket Council in London was notified and cancelled a planned teleconference vote on whether to strip the matches of Test status. Australian cricket chiefs had said they would be unlikely to play the matches if they were demoted from Test status. Zimbabwe cricket has been ripped apart by a strike by 15 senior players protesting against the ZCU’s selection policies, the make-up of the selection panel and the decision not to reinstate deposed captain Heath Streak. Five striking white players — Streak, Stuart Carlisle, Andy Blignaut, Ray Price and Trevor Gripper — were named in the 18-man Zimbabwe squad on Wednesday. But they told the selectors they would not play because they lacked match fitness and because a promised letter stating that legal action against them was being withdrawn failed to arrive at their lawyer’s office.
— AFP |
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Dalmiya instrumental in resolving dispute
Kolkata, May 21 After his extended talks involving the International Cricket Council, Cricket Australia and Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU), the crisis finally came to an end at around 2 pm today. Later Mr Dalmiya told UNI: “Yes the matter is solved and the tele-conference of nine full members of ICC has been called off. However, I cannot give more details now.” Meanwhile, BCCI sources confirmed UNI that it was Mr Dalmiya’s active and hectic participation in the discussion that did the trick. Hectic behind-the-curtain
activists had been going on for the past few days and the ICC, seeing no solution, approached Mr Dalmiya for his intervention in this matter. Besides being the BCCI president, Mr Dalmiya has been a former ICC chief and enjoys excellent relations with present ICC boss Ehsan Mani, Cricket Australia chief Bob Merriman and ZCU president Peter Chingoka. The intervention eventually worked and Mr Dalmiya was able to pursuade all the parties into arriving at an amicable solution which was accepted by all. The ICC also heaved a sigh of relief that the matter has been resolved before it plunged into deeper controversy. Nine full members of the ICC were due to be engaged in a tele-conference to decide the fate of Zimbabwe-Australia Test series.
— UNI |
London, May 21 Captaining England for the first time in a Test match in the absence of the injured Michael Vaughan, Trescothick struck 60 not out as his side made a confident reply to New Zealand’s first innings 386 on the second day of the first Test. England were 136 for no wicket at tea, with Andrew Strauss unbeaten on 65 on his Test debut. The morning session was illuminated by Chris Cairns, who struck 82 from only 47 deliveries in an astonishing display of clean hitting. The Kiwi all-rounder, playing his final Test at Lord’s, came to the crease in the first over of the day after the tourists had resumed at 284 for five. Little more than a hour later Cairns was dismissed for his highest Test score against England studded with four sixes, 10 fours and a five. His penultimate six off Andrew Flintoff, a mighty blow over the long-on boundary broke West Indian Viv Richards’s world record of 84 Test sixes and the next ball also disappeared over the ropes, this time off the back foot over the cover boundary. Steve Harmison swung an evenly balanced match back England’s way when he dismissed Jacob Oram caught behind after the giant left-hander had added only three to his overnight score of 64. He then plucked Daryl Tuffey’s off-stump out of the ground after the nightwatchman had scored eight and seven balls later Simon Jones dismissed Brendon McCullum for five when the New Zealand wicketkeeper dragged the ball on to his middle stump. Daniel Vettori fell to Harmison for two, also playing the ball on to the stumps, and Cairns was left with No 11 Chris Martin for company. Farming the strike cleverly, Cairns crashed Jones to mid-wicket to bring up his half century from 37 balls with nine boundaries. He then struck the Glamorgan fast bowler for a huge six over long on and hit Harmison over the cover boundary. Scoreboard New Zealand (1st innings): (overnight 284-5) Richardson lbw b Harmison 93 Fleming c Strauss b Jones 34 Astle c G. Jones b Flintoff 64 Styris c G. Jones b Jones 0 McMillan lbw b Hoggard 6 Oram c G. Jones b Harmison 67 Tuffey b Harmison 8 Cairns c Harmison b Flintoff 82 McCullum b Jones 5 Vettori b Harmison 2 Martin not out 1 Extras:
(b-9, lb-6, w-2, nb-7) 24 Total: (all out, 102.4 overs) 386 Fall of wickets:
1-58, 2-161, 3-162, 4-174, 5-280, 6-287, 7-324, 8-329, 9-338. Bowling:
Hoggard 22-7-68-1, Harmison 31-7-126-4, Flintoff 21.4-7-63-2, S. Jones 23-8-82-3, Giles 5-0-32-0. England (Ist innings): Trescothick not out 60 Strauss not out 65 Extras:
(b-1 lb-2 nb-8) 11 Total: (37 overs) 136 Bowling:
Tuffey 12-3-28-0, Martin 8-0-47-0, Oram 6-1-16-0, Cairns 6-1-27-0, Vettori 5-0-15-0.
— Reuters
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Cricket stadium nearing completion Rohtak, May 21 Being dubbed here as ‘Lahli’s pride’, the stadium will have the state-of-the-art facilities. The HCA secretary, Mr Ranbir Singh Mahendra, disclosed that the pavilion block of the stadium will be completed in all respects with the first phase of construction which is being done by a leading firm of builders in the country. Spread over 12 acres of land on the Rohtak-Bhiwani highway, the stadium will initially have seating accommodation for 20,000 spectators. The seating capacity would be enhanced to 45,000 after completion of the second phase. The blueprint includes provision for flood lights in the second phase. A visit to the venue by this correspondent revealed that the work to complete the project was being undertaken on a war footing. The construction of the pavilion block was getting finishing touches. The task is expected to be over by June-end. The multi-storied pavilion located on the southern end of the stadium has spacious accommodation for the players besides changing
room, dining area, offices of the HCA, boxes for sponsors, an air-conditioned gymnasium, room for doctor, press and VIP enclosures and rooms for umpires and refrees. A provision for the lift has also been made. Another double storied block has been constructed near the pavilion with 20 rooms keeping in view the lodging requirements. The playing arena is also being developed in conformity with the international standards. Besides playing pitches, six practice pitches will also be laid. Provision has also been made to house an academy at the venue which would cater to the needs of 30 trainees at a time. Adequate parking space has also been provided. The stadium will not only give a boost to the game in this region. Till now, the HCA was required to acquire the rights for staging big matches at Nahar Singh Stadium, Faridabad owned by the Municipal Corporation. |
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Barog camp called off, players to train in USA
New Delhi, May 21 The Barog camp, which started on May 14, was scheduled to continue till May 27 but the players will now travel to Delhi so that they may undergo their training here and also complete their travel formalities for going to the USA. “We have shifted the Barog camp to Delhi since the presence of players is required for visa and other travel documents for going to the USA where we would be having a fitness camp,” an IHF official said. “We have decided to have a two-phase training camp — the first in the USA followed by Germany,” he said adding that the players would leave for the USA as soon as the travel formalities are completed. The venue of the camp in the USA is as yet undecided but the official said it would be attended by 18 players, including the nine who had been earlier named for the camp in Germany. The fresh decision means the camp slated to be held in Chandigarh from May 27 would stand cancelled. “We have asked the players to come here (Delhi) on Sunday evening and start training from Monday.” Asked how the players would cope up with the heat and humidity of Delhi, he said, “we have no other choice since the travel regulations for the USA are very strict.” IHF President KPS Gill also confirmed the Barog camp had been cancelled but refused to state the reason behind the decision. “The camp has been shifted to New Delhi and training would be held here. But I can’t say why it has been shifted since it is an internal matter.” The 13 players, participating in the Barog camp, were not aware of the sudden change in plans and went about their training as scheduled. “We don’t know about the camp being shifted to New Delhi. No one has told anything regarding this to us so far,” said one player but added that they had been asked to “keep our passports ready”. Gill declined to comment on the IHF’s plans to hold the camp in the USA saying that “the matter is under discussion”. The Germany camp, scheduled to be held from May 27 to June 21, is in all likelihood, to be shortened. But the IHF official said once the team reaches the European country from the USA, it would continue training as per schedule. “We will also be playing the four-nation tournament in Holland and continue with what we had announced earlier.” He said details of the change in the IHF’s plans would be announced formally on Monday. “Before that we can’t give details of the new schedule and dates of the camps.” — PTI
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Sandeep gearing up to fill the void
New Delhi, May 21 The 19-year-old from Jalandhar said he was also working hard to excel in the role of a defender and improve his tackling to become an allround player. “I should also be good defender and I am working on it. I need to improve my tackling a little so that my team is benefitted from my all-round abilities. “I am also adding variations to my penalty corners.” Sandeep, who shot into limelight after his exploits in Indian junior hockey team’s Asia Cup win in Pakistan last month, is being seen as a player “for the future”, blessed as he is with immense potential. But for this upcoming player, who realises that he has still has a long way to go before he can be compared with Jugraj, playing in Athens Olympics is his “ultimate” dream. “It’s too early to compare me with Jugraj. He is such a great player,” he told PTI from Patiala. “But I have got a lot of confidence that will help me settle down in the senior team. If I had slightest doubts over my abilities, I would not have been playing in the national team. “It’s a dream of every player to represent the country in the Olympics. My ultimate dream is to play in the Olympics in August and help the team win a medal,” he said. Sandeep said his outing in the four-nation tournament in Japan did a world of good to him since he learnt several tips to improve his game. “Playing in senior level is altogether a different ball game. You get more mature as you play against tough opponents at the highest level.” “It was a learning experience in Japan since I could make some adjustments to my game. I learnt how to make my drag-flicks more effective and worked on my defence play,” said Sandeep, who scored two goals from five attempts in Japan. The player was quite happy with the changes in the penalty corner rules, which will come into effect from June 1, as it will make scoring easier but admitted that as a defender he has to be extra cautious to ensure that he does not give away any penalty corners. “Of course it will help me a lot. Goal-post will be virtually empty. The defender has to stop the flick with the stick which is quite difficult. So I can score more goals. “At the same time it has some disadvantages. We have to be extra careful and should not concede too many penalty corners.” Sandeep, who scored 16 goals in the Asia Cup — 14 from penalty corners and two from strokes — said he was also looking to double-up as a penalty stroke specialist. “We are also going to get more strokes due to the new rule. My experience in converting strokes will come handy.” — PTI
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Williams sisters hope to regain touch
Paris, May 21 Lately, however, between endorsement commitments, and Serena’s acting, and Venus’ interior designing, they see less of each other. And with both beseiged by injuries, their on-court meetings have grown less frequent, too. “We have very tight schedules,” Venus said. “At Charleston (in April), I said, ‘I won’t see you again until the French Open’.” They were to find out in today’s draw at Roland Garros when they might see each other on court during the year’s second major. Neither played a match last season after the Wimbledon final in July. Venus’ strained stomach muscle prevented her from winning the fourth-round at the French Open and caused her to double over in pain between serves at the All-England Club. Serena recently underwent surgery on her left knee. Before those setbacks, the sisters played in five of the six Grand Slam finals, including the 2002 French Open. Serena won each time. In their first Sister Slam championship match, in the 2001 US Open, Venus came out on top. But that was back when she was No 1 in her home and all of tennis, winning four major titles and Olympic gold in 2000-01. As Monday’s start of the French Open approaches, the enduring images of Venus are less imposing: clutching her side at Wimbledon, making an early exit from the Australian Open, hopping on crutches in Berlin. The Williams’ parents taught them not to play in pain, but it’s been increasingly harder for Venus to find a time when she isn’t hurting somewhere. “The toughest part was accepting that I had to stay out,” she said, referring to her last year’s prolonged absence. “Having to accept my limitations was very hard. I was never taught to say ‘can’t,’ but I couldn’t.” Right when everything appeared to look brighter — a 15-match winning streak, consecutive titles — Williams bowed out of the German Open final on May 9 after twisting her ankle in the semifinals.
— AP |
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Prakash Amritraj breaks into top 250
New Delhi, May 21 Prakash, already the highest-ranked Indian on the ATP circuit, is almost certain to move to 245 when the rankings are updated next week. It will be the first time an Indian has moved into the top 250 since Bhupathi achieved the feat seven years ago, according to information received here today. The 245 ranking means Prakash earns a direct entry into the qualifying rounds at Wimbledon. The other semifinal pairing features Chandigarh lad Sunil Kumar Sipaeya who scored a sensational upset win over compatriot Harsh Mankad, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals. Sipaeya faces Igor Kunitsyn of Russia while Prakash plays unseeded Russian Kirill Ivanov-Smoenski in the semifinals. Mankad made up for his singles loss by reaching the doubles final. Mankad and Pakistan’s Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi, who had won a $ 10,000 title in New Delhi last year, defeated Toshihide Matsui of Japan and German Frank Moser 6-1, 7-6, (7/4) in the semifinals. — PTI
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Ajeetesh Sandhu retains golf title Chandigarh, May 21 A Class X student of St John’s School, Ajeetesh returned his best card of one under 71 on the third day of the championship to have an overall aggregate of 299. Raj Randhawa, a regular at the Jaypee Greens finished at 300 with a best par score on the third day. Karan Vasudeva of Delhi was also one stroke behind Randhawa with an overall score of 301, Another Chandigarh boy, Fatehbir Dhaliwal, clinched the B Category Subjunior title returning the best card of the tournament on the third day. Fatehbir had an overall aggregate of 303 with a three under card of 69 on the third day. Amanjyot Singh of Jaipur finished seven strokes behind the leader while Raghav Wahi of Jammu finished with an aggregate of 329. |
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GND varsity receive trophies Amritsar, May 21 Dr Gurpreet Kaur Dhillon, Deputy Director Sports and Mr. Inderjit Bawa, Assistant Director Sports received these trophies on behalf of Vice-Chancellor of the Guru Nanak Dev University from President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Dr. Mohan Das on the occasion of annual general meeting of Inter University Sports Board of India held at Amravati University. It was for the 12th time that the university had won Dr B. L. Gupta overall general championship trophy, The university stood runners-up six times and remained third for five times. The trophy was instituted by the AIU in 1980-1981. It is awarded to a University on the basis of excellent achievement in the inter-university (men and Women) tournaments. GND varsity has won the Osmania University Platinum Jubilee Trophy for six times and remained third once. The trophy was introduced by the AIU in 1995-1996. It is given to a university that secures the highest points for participation of women teams in the inter-university tournaments. |
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Pinegrove, BCS
register win Subathu, May 21 In the girls’ section Pinegrove and Lawrence School reached the finals. On the second day of the league matches, Pinegrove girls beat Vivek High School girls 20-12. Kirat scored nine points for Pinegrove School while Shibani scored six points for Vivek High School. In another match Bishop Cotton School registered a 37-19 win against Shimla Public School. Rabib scored 14 points and Rankau scored nine points for BCS and Ankush scored nine points for Shimla Public School. In an exciting match Sanawar boys beat Vivek High School 23-11. Karan scored 15 points for Sanawar while Fateh Singh scored five points for Vivek High School.
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