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Sahara’s bad blood with BCCI finally boils over
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Spot fixing: PCA to involve parents of young cricketers
Chennai Super Kings storm into fifth final
Mourinho to leave Real at end of season
Ferguson wins Manager of the Year award
Sunrisers take on Royals
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New Delhi, May 21 Sahara, which bought the franchise for Rs 1700 crore in 2010, said it was "disgusted" by the BCCI's attitude towards it and will not rejoin the league even if the entire franchise fee was waved off. "...we would not keep the IPL franchisee even if the entire franchisee fee is waved off. It is firm and final decision of Sahara to withdraw from IPL," the Sahara Group said in a detailed statement. "In 2010, Sahara had bid 1700 crore for IPL franchise on the basis of revenue calculation on 94 matches. It was tricky on part of BCCI to put the number in media as 94 matches for getting bigger amount. But we got 64 matches only," it added. ahara claimed that the BCCI turned a deaf ear to its pleadings for arbitration and reducing the franchise fee. "We and Kochi Team immediately protested and requested BCCI to reduce the bid price proportionately for viable IPL proposition. Nothing was heard. We waited with confidence that such a sports body should have sportsmanship spirit," it said. "We continuously requested BCCI for Arbitration from June 2011. But BCCI is only concerned about money and not about the genuine interests of the franchisee. Thus, (when) we could not penetrate BCCI's deaf ears, we announced our withdrawal in February 2012," it added. Sahara Group said it was tempted to withdraw from the Indian cricket team's sponsorship also but refrained from doing so in the interest of the players. "There is a very strong urge in us to withdraw from the Indian Cricket Team Sponsorship from today only. But, interest of the players will suffer if we do so. “We share an excellent relationship with the players and will not want such dedicated and good human beings who serve the country so committed to get harmed financially due to unsporting attitude of BCCI," the Group said. "So we have given time to BCCI to get the new sponsorship in place from January 2014, as we will continue the national team's sponsorship only up to December 2013 that's the expiry date of the present agreement." Recollecting the 2012 withdrawals and the subsequent return, the Group said the BCCI did not keep its word with regards to arbitration. "The BCCI approached us for a solution and requested us to not withdraw. After a series of discussions with the topmost BCCI officials including the BCCI President at Mumbai, a Joint Statement was issued by Sahara and BCCI in Feb 2012. The Joint Statement, amongst many other things, specifically mentioned the agreement to start Arbitration proceedings through immediate appointment of an Arbitrator," it said. "...Sahara suggested the name of a Retired Hon'ble Chief Justice of India on the 5th March 2012 to be appointed as the Arbitrator. There was no response from BCCI for four months and after repeated prodding, finally on the 9th of July Sahara's advocates received a letter from BCCI rejecting the name proposed by Sahara without mentioning any reason and also without suggesting any alternatives," it added. The company said the Board rejected all other names suggested by it for arbitration. “...despite our repeated efforts to have the Arbitration initiated, we sent other suggestion of names which too were turned down and instead meaningless communication was created to stall finalisation," it said. "In the meanwhile, Sahara kept on paying the full Franchise Fee of Rs 170.20 crore annually, without prejudice to its rights and contentions, in the hope that this will be resolved soon. But unfortunately, it was not done," it added. Sahara said its Chairman Subroto Roy met BCCI President on numerous occasions but the matter remained unresolved. “Fed up with this stalemate our Hon'ble Chairman Saharasri ji had written to the BCCI president that the arbitration for downward revision of the fees has not progressed in 3 years time, hence, has requested for a proper meeting to personally discuss the way forward and explicitly said that if a downward revision is not possible then we would want to surrender the franchisee. This fell on deaf ear," the company claimed. — PTI
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Sahara’s bad blood with BCCI finally boils over
Chandigarh, May 21 Sahara's complaints are not without merit. Pune did get a hard deal on several counts; when they protested, they were hustled down. Their biggest reason for their discontent was the fact that the big boys of the IPL -- Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who formed a cosy club based on their bigger status -- could make the rules of the IPL bend at their will. Sahara got the Pune franchise in 2010; the next year, as per plans, all the players in the IPL were supposed to be freed of their contracts and a fresh, massive auction of all of them was to take place. When Sahara bid for the Pune franchisee, and bought it for an astounding $370 million (Rs 1,702 crore), that was the understanding. However, the teams who had the superstar players didn't want to risk losing them - essentially, Chennai wanted to hold on to MS Dhoni, Mumbai didn't wish to let go of Sachin Tendulkar, and Royal Challengers Bangalore wanted to retain Virat Kohli. Thus, quite against the wishes of the smaller teams, the rules were bent. It was decided to defer the grand auction. "We all wanted an open auction, but Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore didn't want it," says a senior official with a smaller team. "We could not do anything about it because these teams enjoy a massive clout in the IPL, and we all know that you especially can't go against what Chennai wants." That was the genesis of Sahara's anger. Last year in February, Sahara suddenly announced their decision to pull out of the IPL, and also terminate their sponsorship of the Indian national team. They had been miffed that the IPL Governing Council had not allowed them a greater sum of money to spend at last year's auction, a reasonable demand since their marquee player, Yuvraj Singh, was undergoing treatment for cancer and was not able to play. They agreed after the IPL made a few concessions. Currently, the reason Sahara cites prominently behind their decision to exit IPL relates to their demand for reduction in their franchise fee. They had bought the franchise for Rs 1,702 crore factoring in the 94 matches that were originally supposed to be played in the IPL. But after the Kochi team was suspended, the number of matches came down, to 74 this year. This meant fewer opportunities to make money, and they were upset. This reason for their concern is not baseless, but it does seem a bit exaggerated in view of the amount they have been spending - they paid Rs 1,700 crore, and could have expected to renegotiate the fee to Rs 1,400-1,500 crores. The is big money, Rs 300 crores, but in the larger scheme of things of the Sahara empire, it's not really that great. Perhaps they also realised that it was practically impossible to recoup their investment in foreseeable future. "You know, our franchise was bought for a much smaller sum, and we're still struggling to break even," says an official from one of the original eight teams. "Some of the teams who are spending much more money than rules allow are not even interested in breaking even. And for Sahara, it was impossible to break even in 20 years, I'm sure." Timeline March 21, 2010 : Sahara Adventure Sports Limited successfully bid Rs 1900 crore (US$350 million) for the Pune franchise, the highest bid by any company in the history of IPL. 2011 : The target of 261 is the highest aYuvraj was nominated the captain of the team ahead of the 2011 IPL,while former Australian opener Geoff Marsh was appointed as the team's coach.On 3 May 2011, the Pune Warriors selected Sourav Ganguly to play for them as a replacement for the injured Ashish Nehra.This marked Ganguly's comeback to the IPL. 2012 : Sahara withdrew Pune Warriors India from the IPL along with the sponsorship of the Indian cricket team hours before the 2012 IPL auction, giving a major blow to BCCI and the IPL. They also boycotted the auction held on 4 Feb 2012. The reason for the withdrawal was due to disputes between Sahara and the BCCI regarding the IPL rules, such as player retention and the 4-foreign player rule and also the refusal by BCCI to allow Pune to add Yuvraj Singh's price to their auction purse so that they could buy another player as a replacement. February 16, 2012 : The BCCI and Sahara ended their differences and announced that Pune Warriors India will play in IPL 5. February 3, 2013 : After Sourav Ganguly's retirement, Clarke was bought back by the franchise for $400,000. Yuvraj also returned to the team following his recovery from cancer. Clarke, who was the frontrunner to lead the team, was ruled out of the entire season with a recurring back and hamstring injury. On 28 March 2013, the franchise named Sri Lankan Test and ODI captain and all-rounder Angelo Mathews as the captain.Withb four wins and 12 losses, PWI was placed eighth in IPL 6. May 21, 2013 : Pune Warriors India (PWI) withdrew from Indian Premier League as it was unable to to pay the full franchise fee for the current year which resulted in BCCI encashing the bank guarantee.
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We will try to bring the new law soon, says Sports Minister
New Delhi, May 21 Jitendra had a meeting with Law Minister Kapil Sibal to discuss the proposed legislation. “I agree (with law ministry) that there should be a law. A strong punishment should be handed to people who were involved in the shameful act (spot-fixing in IPL). Sports and Law ministry very soon will bring a new law,” Jitendra told reporters after the meeting with Sibal. Asked what was the possibility of bringing in the new law before the next Parliament session Sibal said, “Attorney General will be consulted in the matter. We had a good meeting today. It is to be decided which ministry will pilot it, what should be the structure of it.” Sibal also said that they will seek a political consensus. “Before it goes to Cabinet, we will try to get all political parties on board," Sibal said. The arrest of three Indian cricketers by the Delhi police on charges of spot fixing in IPL matches shook the cricket world last week. The three Rajasthan Royals players — S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan — were charged under 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. Earlier, Law Minister Kapil Sibal said had said, “Yes, I talked to (Sports Minister) Jitendra Singh.... We will soon draft a new law to deal with the malice of betting." He said the confidence of the people in sports is shattered when such controversies erupt. While people think whatever is happening in the field is in the interest of the game, facts turn out to be otherwise, the Minister said. The IPL was dealt a massive blow when Special Cell of Delhi police arrested pacer S Sreesanth and Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan — on Thursday. — PTI
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Spot fixing: PCA to involve parents of young cricketers
Mohali, May 21 "We are inviting the parents of U-16 and U-19 cricketers and have interactions with them. While the step will help us take more feedback about the youngsters' activities, the parents, too, will get true picture about the progress/shortcomings of their child," PCA Secretary M P Pandove told PTI here today. While admitting that it's not possible for the PCA or the BCCI to monitor individuals round the clock, Pandove opined such interactions would definitely make them much better players. "We feel by having interaction with the parents, we can get a better picture about a particular player. Both the sides can then play a role in grooming the player which will help him distinguish clearly between right and wrong," he said. Pandove, who took part in the BCCI Working Committee's Emergent Meeting held in Chennai on Sunday, felt the period between the age of 17 to 20 is crucial for honing the basic cricketing skills of a player. "Once players have strong fundamentals, they can improvise. Enforcing strict discipline is a must if we are to produce a good bunch of cricketers, who will prove an asset for their state and the country," he said. He gave the example of former India veteran and Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid in this regard. "Take the example of Rahul Dravid. When I was a (national) selector (in mid 1990s), there was lot of demand that Dravid, who initially featured in Test matches, should be allowed to play the one-dayers. "However, I put my foot down as I felt that Dravid, who has a solid technique, should first play more of the five-day and four-day matches as it will help him perfect his skill. The rest is history and now even after retirement, Rahul is proving his mettle even in the IPL," he said. PTI
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Chennai Super Kings storm into fifth final
New Delhi, May 21
Chasing CSK’s total of 191 for 1, Mumbai Indians folded up for 144 though they will get another chance to make the challenge round when they face-off against the losers of the second play-off match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals here tomorrow. For CSK, Michael Hussey (86 n.o,58b, 2x6, 10x4) yet again provided the batting anchor as he and Suresh Raina (82 n.o, 42b, 5x6,5x4) put on an unbeaten 140–run stand for the second wicket, off 76 balls, to help them post 192 which proved too stiff a target for Mumbai to surmount, playing without Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar. Mumbai Indians seemed to lose the plot in the second over when their first wicket fell for 12 runs. But Dwayne Smith played an irrepressible knock to keep them in the hunt as his 50 came off just 21 balls with five fours and four sixes to keep the run-rate ahead of the asking rate. But the introduction of left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja swung the match in favour of CSK as he scalped Smith for 68 (28b, 6x4, 5x6) and eight runs later, trapped Dinesh Karthik plumb for 11. Jadeja struck for a third time to get rid of the dangerous Kieron Pollard who had hoisted him for two consecutive sixes of the first two balls of the 16th over. Jadeja had the last laugh to end with a haul of 3 for 31 off his quota of four overs. After that, wickets crashed at regular intervals as Mumbai lost eight wickets for 57 runs to crash out and CSK sailed into the final. Hussey, who raced past Chris Gayle’s record of 708 runs this season — he has now scored 731 runs — had two fruitful partnerships of 52 with Murali Vijay and 140 with Suresh Raina. Hussey’s knock not only to avenged CSK’s two losses to Mumbai Indians in the league stage, but also help them enter the final for the fifth time.
Chennai Super Kings
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Mourinho to leave Real at end of season
Madrid, May 21 The Portuguese's imminent departure, three years before his contract expires, will add fuel to widespread expectations he is poised to return to former club Chelsea. While Real have yet to name a successor, president Florentino Perez confirmed the club had approached Paris St Germain to ask about the availability of Carlo Ancelotti. "After the talks with our coach Jose Mourinho we have reached the agreement to end the contractual relationship at the end of this season," Perez said. "Both the club and the coach agree that it is the right moment to end this relationship," he said, adding Mourinho would not receive a payoff. The club have two La Liga games left to play this season and Mourinho's final match in charge will be at home to Osasuna the weekend after next. Real's move for Italian Ancelotti, who has told PSG he wants to leave, had been rejected by the French champions but he was not the only candidate, Perez said. Mourinho, 50, joined Real after leading Inter Milan to the Champions League title in 2010. He agreed to extend his contract with the La Liga club to June 2016 in May last year. Perez had hoped Mourinho, whom he has often referred to as "the best coach in the world", would help the club win the 10th European crown that has eluded them since 2002 and end the dominant run of arch rivals Barcelona. To help realise his dream, he splashed more than 400 million euros of the club's money on players, including a world record 94 million euros on forward Cristiano Ronaldo. However, after three seasons Mourinho's haul of major titles is one La Liga and one King's Cup, a hugely disappointing return for the world's richest club by income. He ended a run of six successive years of last-16 exits in the Champions League but three semi-finals in three years was not enough. This season, Real failed to defend their league crown as Barca eased to a fourth title in five years. They were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League and lost to city neighbours Atletico Madrid in the King's Cup final. — Reuters
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Medals won, but no exposure to new rules
New Delhi, May 21 The boxers, 20 in all, returned to the country today after competing in Khabarovsk International Competition in Khabarovsk, Russia and Invitation FXTM International Limassol Boxing Cup in Cyprus. While the team from Russia came back with two silver and three bronze medals, the contingent to Cyprus was even more successful with 10 medals (four gold, three silver and three bronze medals). Without doubt, the trips were morale-boosting for the boxers, who cannot compete under the Indian flag because of the international suspension, but they were looking for more than just medals. "We were hoping that the new changes would be applied at the event but that didn't happen. It would have been very good for us to get some competitive experience without headguards," said a boxer who won a bronze medal at the tournament in Russia. The headguards will be done away with in the coming World Championships in October. "We do train without headguards in the national camp. Even some trials have been conducted without headguards but to compete without protective gear internationally is an altogether different ball game," said a coach. Speaking of life without headguards for boxers, a coach said the role of doctors and physiotherapists would be more significant from now on. "We would probably need as many doctors and physiotherapists as the coaches that are there in the camp. The risk of injury would be up by 100 per cent because of this change," said another boxer. "In fact, I think we need to have a full-fledged rehabilitation centre to take care of the boxers. Their fitness needs to be monitored even more closely now," said a coach. The contingent that went to Cyprus ended up bagging the overall Championship but the irony of the situation was that the team could not even celebrate the triumph despite being the first from India to achieve such a feat in Europe, because of the international suspension. In Cyprus, Madan Lal (52kg), V Durga Rao (56kg), Mandeep Jangra (69kg) and Praveen Kumar (+91kg) won gold while Manoj Kumar (64kg), Dinesh Kumar (91kg) and Sukhdeep Singh (75kg) had to be satisfied with silver medals. Anil Kumar (60kg), Jagroop Singh (81kg) and L Devendro Singh (49kg) had crashed out in the semifinals to end up with a bronze each. Thokchom Nanao Singh (49kg) and Dilbagh Singh (69kg) had to content with silver medals after losing their final bouts. — PTI
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Ferguson wins Manager of the Year award
London, May 21 "In a way I am glad it is all over now because it has been hard work," said Ferguson. The 71-year-old, who won 38 trophies in the 26-year reign at Old Trafford, will be succeeded by Everton's David Moyes. LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said, "Finding words to describe the monumental levels of achievement and the indelible legacy Sir Alex leaves in the game is impossible. This evening's award adds yet another record to that list, making him the only person to win it for a fourth time." "David Moyes, his choice of successor to the Old Trafford throne, has won it three times and I know that Sir Alex will hope and believe that David goes on to equal and surpass the new record," he added. — Reuters
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New Delhi, May 21 Since the ugly revelations of the spot-fixing Scandal followed by the arrests of three of its players, including India international S Sreesanth, cricketing matters have taken a backseat for the champions of the first edition of the IPL. One can expect the Sunrisers to be favourites as they don't have to deal with the demons of an ugly controversy. — PTI
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Kapil Kumar leads after Round 1 of PGTI event Winning start for MPHA
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