Mumbai, October 27
International Cricket Council today refused comments on whether it was investigating Indian cricketer Suresh Raina accompanying a woman allegedly linked with illegal bookies, saying even if any report had been sent to it on the issue the matter will remain under wraps.

"We don't disclose the details of the financial deals with our commercial partners. Equally we also don't disclose the sending of reports by the Cricket Boards to the ACSU (Anti Corruption and Security Unit) in the public forum," Lorgat said. "Boards speak with us and we speak with the Boards. That's the protocol," said ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat at a press conference today. He was reacting to reports in "Sunday Times" of London that the ACSU is probing why the Indian Cricket Board kept quiet about a report of Raina being seen in the company of a woman linked to an associate of an illegal bookmaker during his team's visit to Sri Lanka in July-August. The report has been rubbished as "false and baseless" by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan in a media statement on October 24. "The BCCI has just learnt that several media outlets are claiming that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had submitted a report on Suresh Raina to it, and that no action was taken by the Board on the same. "The BCCI would like to clarify that it has received no such re

According to the newspaper report, it was the reaction of the BCCI secretary that led to the ICC investigation. Instead of acting on the report, Srinivasan is alleged to have got the Sri Lankans withdraw it. Raina plays for Chennai Super Kings, an IPL franchise owned by Indian Cements of which Srinivasan is a Vice-Chairman and Managing Director. According to the newspaper the investigation, led by ACSU head Ravi Sawani is looking into why the Sri Lankans shared the report with the BCCI first when under ICC anti-corruption rules it should have gone straight to the world governing body. Asked about the alleged spot-fixing incidents in England that has led to the suspension of three Pakistan players, Lorgat said while players' unions may or may not have support from their respective boards, Lorgat said that ICC was discussing ways to get member board-approved agents to represent the players. "Most of the members boards have recognised player unions but some of them have not (including BCCI). We have left it to the member boards (discretion). As far as player agents are concerned discussions are going on about what had happened in England," he said. In August, three Pakistan cricketers -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir -- were accused of spot fixing by taking money from illegal bookies to bowl no balls during a Test match against England at Lord's and were later provisionally suspended by the ICC. This allegations came to the fore when a British newspaper conducted a sting operation on the three players' agent.

Lorgat came out in support of the decision of the Indian and Australian selectors to rest several top players during the recently held rain-hit three-match ODI rubber, saying it was done with a view to prepare the teams for the all-important World Cup next year. "It was done with the World Cup in mind. I would have supported this rotation policy as a one-time chief selector of South Africa. It did not reflect the state of one-day cricket. A lot less noise is being made about (irrelevance of) the 50-over game than in the recent past," he said. Lorgat was confident that a single-tier Test league would be put in place by 2012 leading upto the top four teams fighting it out for the final by 2013. — PTI

Mumbai, October 27
The International Cricket Council today left it to the Indian Cricket Board and its South African counterpart to decide whether to use the highly debated Umpires Decision Review System during the full series in South Africa.

"The BCCI is still not convinced about the reliability of the technology in the Umpires Decision Review System. We would leave it to the BCCI and Cricket South Africa to come to an understanding (whether to use it or not)," said ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat at a media conference here.

India's tour of South Africa begins with the first of the three Tests at Centurion on December 16. Lorgat was optimistic that India would finally get around to accepting the UDRS in every series they play. "A lot of players are happy with the system. I am confident in due course the BCCI would give consent (to use the system)," said Lorgat at the function to announce ICC's five-year commercial deal for an undisclosed amount with money transfer major MoneyGram International. Lorgat also said unless the host board puts everything in place for the proper use of the UDRS, it cannot be implemented, adding once everyone is convinced about the reliability of the system, it will be made mandatory in every series. "Even for the (2011) World Cup, for that matter, we don't have sufficient 'Hot Spot' cameras to be used," he said.

"Discussions will go on between CSA and BCCI whether to use it (UDRS) or not and CSA will eventually make a decision in consultation with BCCI," Lorgat said. South Africa are in favour of the UDRS and CSA Chief Executive Gerald Majola said they are trying to convince India to use it in the Test series. "We have to persuade India because at the moment they don't want it," Majola said recently. According to ICC regulations, the host team can take a decision on the use of UDRS after consulting the visiting country and Majola said they want to implement the technology as "it's the most fair way for decisions to be made." However, the BCCI is not in favour of the system and have not agreed to using the UDRS in any series involving the country after the team got the wrong end of the system in the series in Sri Lanka a couple of years ago when they lost the Test rubber. UDRS was not used in the home two-match Test series against South Africa early this year as well as India's recently concluded Test series against Australia who had no problem in using the technology. The BCCI has also ruled out using it in next month's three-Test series against New Zealand. South Africa, on the other hand, have used the UDRS three times in their last four Test series against Australia in the 2008-09 season, against England at home last season and against West Indies in June. While former India captain Rahul Dravid approves the system, iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar feels the use of technology must be foolproof before a call is taken on its implementation in matches. South African skipper Graeme Smith considers UDRS as beneficial to the game and wants ICC to implement it consistently. — PTI

London, October 27
Awards and accolades continue to follow Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar who added the 'Lebara People's Choice' honour at the inaugural Asian Awards here to his trophy cabinet.

Presenting the award to the iconic batsman, Ratheesan Yoganathan, CEO Lebara, said, "Tendulkar is one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Sachin is a hero and a role model to many young Indians." "His skill on the pitch is remarkable, but his influence goes beyond just cricket - he has become an inspiration for future generations," he added. Tendulkar said getting popular choice awards is the ultimate honour.

"To receive an accolade from your peers is one thing, but to receive acknowledgment from the public is the ultimate honour. Thank you to all those who voted for me," he said. The Asian Awards 2010, presented by Lord Sebastian Coe, saw leaders in business, sports and the arts in attendance, including award winners Yash Chopra, A R Rahman and Vijay Mallya alongside guests Jermaine Jackson, Nasser Hussain OBE, Gurinder Chadha, Christian Louboutin and playback singer Sonu Nigam. Oscar-award winning music director Rahman won the award for outstanding achievement in music, while Yash Chopra received the outstanding achievement award in Cinema. Liquor-baron Vijay Mallya was chosen as the 'Entrepreneur of the Year' while telecom giant Bharti-Airtel owner Sunil Mittal was named the 'Philanthropist of the Year'.

Mittal's award was collected by Eiesha Bharti Pasricha. Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan got the 'Lifetime Achievement Award'. — PTI

Shimla, October 27
Vidya Stokes, the grand old lady of Indian Hockey, who upset former captain Pargat Singh by defeating him in the elections to become chief of Hockey India at the age of 83, today bid goodbye to her association with the game she has been connected for the last three decades.

“Due to my political compulsions I have decided to step down as it is getting increasing difficult for me to devote sufficient time to the game,” she said, immediately after tendering her resignation from the post of President, Hockey India to Leandro, President of the Federation of International Hockey.

Incidentally Stokes is the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Himachal and has won seven assembly elections. She has been the state party chief in the past. She said that she had authorized the Secretary General of the body to discharge all duties till arrangements are made by Hockey India Executive and ratified by the General Council.

She said that she was keen to step down even earlier but continued till the completion of the Commonwealth Games. “Not that anyone has asked me to resign but I myself feel guilty when I am unable to take out time for the game,” she said. She said that she would have had to take out atleast 20 days for the Asian Games in China as she was jury member and later she would have had to travel to Europe for the international body meet.

Even though there has been a major controversy over the age bar for the post of President, Hockey India, she dismisses all such reports. “There was no such controversy and even the Supreme Court ruled that the elections were valid,” she said.

Stokes who first became the Secretary of All India Women’s Hockey Association in 1977 has been associated with the game even after the merger of the Women and men’s hockey associations. She held the post of President of the All India Women’s Hockey Association in 1984, 1994 and 1998. She also remained the Chairperson and President of India Hockey Federation.

London, October 27
Blackburn Rovers fans hoping to see their team splash money on new players in next year's transfer window are likely to be disappointed as the Indian company set to buy it is expected to spend only five million pounds for the purpose.

Indian poultry giant Venky's has agreed to pay 46 million pounds for the English Premier League club but company chairperson Anuradha J Desai said that lavish spending is not on the agenda. Unlike big spending clubs owned by wealthy foreigners like Manchester City and Chelsea, Blackburn is likely to depend upon loan signings to strengthen a side that is just above the relegation zone at 17th. "We won't need to buy expensive players, we can always lease them. We don't expect to be in the top five of the Premier League. We will be happy to be in the top 10 to 12," Desai was quoted as saying in newspaper reports. That means Blackburn is unlikely to break its nine-year-old transfer record any time soon. Blackburn paid Manchester United eight million pounds for striker Andy Cole in December 2001, but has since spent more than 5 million pounds on a player only twice. Desai said Venky's, the flagship firm of Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group, was buying Rovers to raise its international profile. "Football is a global craze and as the VH Group globalizes, setting up feed plants and hatcheries around the world, we believe we can benefit from being owners of a major football club. It will help build our brand," she said. Venky's managing director B Venkatesh Rao said the completion of the takeover would be announced within 10 days. — PTI

London, October 27
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is homesick and wants to return to Argentina, a close friend has revealed. According to Roque Santa Cruz, Tevez is missing his family, particularly his young daughters - Florencia and Katia. "When you feel that your homeland is calling you back, you could end up giving up everything to return," the Sun quoted Cruz, as saying. "But I think he will see out the last three years of his contract before returning home," he added.

Tevez had earlier admitted that he was seriously thinking about quitting football forever. "I have been playing many games this season, and my body is feeling it. I am tired. I started to play when I was really young and I have always fought so much, but now I'm feeling the effort," Tevez had said. — ANI

Ferozepur, October 27
The committee of state officers headed by chief secretary, Punjab, has given its nod to recruit 269 coaches in Punjab sports department in different disciplines to raise the level of skills of players. While disclosing this here today, Pargat Singh, Director, Sports, Punjab, said that he hoped that process of recruitment of coaches would start after two months after clearance was given by two other bodies including group of ministers and state cabinet to this exercise.

“With the recruitment of coaches, the complexion of Punjab sports will go under a sea change and within few years, the Punjab will start dominating the country in sports field,” he added. He said that to promote sports at grass root level in rural Punjab under Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) Scheme, Sports Department would organizing four days Punjab State Rural Games for Boys Under - 16 from October 28 to October 31, in this border town of Punjab .

About 2600 players belonging to all districts of Punjab were likely to participate in this mega event, which would take place in local Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium. The players would take part in 15 disciplines of game and about 200 officials had been deputed to conduct the sports in professional manner and to avoid any kind of harassment to participants.

“The selected players under the “Catch them Young Scheme” will represent Punjab in the rural nationals after attending camps where vigorous training will be given to them by coaches of Punjab sports Department,” added the director, sports, Punjab.

“Under Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan, a grant of Rs one lac is given to every Village Panchayat to develop playing infrastructure. Similarly every Block Panchayat is given a grant of Rs. five lacs for the purpose,” he added.

BRIEFLY

Yuvraj wants to open academy
Bangalore: Out-of-favour Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh today said he is planning to open a cricket academy in about a year's time to groom budding cricketers. Yuvraj has been left out of the India's squad for the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand and was also not in the team for the recently concluded Test series against Australia. "I have an idea of starting an academy. The aim is to get the best of talent of India," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. — PTI

Hussey has no plans to retire
Melbourne: Inspired by Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar, Australian Mike Hussey today said he has no plans to retire despite the criticism of his continuing poor form and growing age. The 35-year-old said watching Tendulkar, who is two years older than him, play gives him enough inspiration to continue. "It does give you a bit of inspiration ... and I've got a lot of inspiration from a lot of guys," Hussey was quoted as saying by 'The Australian Associated Press'. — PTI

Anand draws against Carlsen
Nanjing: World champion Viswanathan Anand salvaged a draw from a losing position against Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the seventh round to occupy joint second spot in the Pearl Spring Chess tournament here. After a hard-earned victory over Wang Yue of China in the previous round, Anand survived by the skin of his teeth and managed a draw against Carlsen to move to four points out of a possible seven. — PTI

Moneygram-ICC tie up
Chandigarh: MoneyGram International, a global leader in money transfers, has signed a long-term sponsorship agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC). As per the agreement, MoneyGram will have a presence at all ICC tournaments around the world during 2011-2015. More immediately, MoneyGram will be a local partner level sponsor of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, which takes place in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2. — TNS

Rugby team leaves for Indonesia
Chandigarh: Rugby Sevens action shifts to the beautiful island of Sabah in Indonesia. Borneo Sevens will be played in Kota Kinabalu from October 29 to 31. Aga Hussain, vice-president of Rugby India said, "At the Commonwealth Games, the Indian Men's team faced the best in the world and this experience should hold them in good stead and help them put up a good show in Indonesia. With the Asian Games coming up, where both the men's and women's team will be in action, this tournament will definitely help us." — TNS

MYFC kicks off in Delhi
Chandigarh: Mahindra Youth Football Challenge kicked off in New Delhi at the Ganga International School, Hiran Kundana. The first match was played between N.K. Bagrodia, Rohini and Ramjas Day Boarding, Anand Parbat. The match saw N.K Bagrodia, Rohini beat Ramjas Day Boarding, Anand Parbat by 7-1. N.K. Bagrodia dominated the match from the start and was a complete team effort with 6 players scoring. Arjit was the star for Bagrodia scoring 2 goals. — TNS

Abhay is chef-de-mission
NEW DELHI: Indian Boxing Federation president Abhay Singh Chautala has been appointed the chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent for the Asian Games, to be held in Guangzhou (China) from November 12. Abhay Singh is also a vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association. — TNS