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Court stumps BCCI, declares its probe panel illegal
Dalmiya embarrassed...
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...but Srinivasan stays defiant
World Cup 2015: Pakistan first hurdle in India’s way
India and Pakistan have been clubbed together in Group B at 2015 World Cup. — AFP
England, Australia set to chop and change
Michael Clarke looks on in the nets before third Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday. — Reuters
Aussies batting issues mental, not technical
No Indian GP in 2014, confirms Bernie
Bernie Ecclestone said that the F1 management was always keen on organising the India GP in the first half, but the organisers wanted it in October. — File photo
India eves enter hockey Jr World Cup quarters
Srini, Jaitley hand in glove: Modi
Lanka tour China’s Sun remains on course for golden treble
Ledecky breaks world record in 1500 meters freestyle win
Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the 1500 mts freestyle gold in the world
championships on Tuesday. — AFP
Mehta wins snooker gold in World Games
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Court stumps BCCI, declares its probe panel illegal
Mumbai, July 30 A division bench comprising judges SJ Vazifdar and MS Sonak passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by the Bihar Cricket Association, challenging the constitution of the two-member panel to probe the allegations against Srinivasan and his son-in-law. “The entire incident needs to be re-investigated. There was disparity in the evidence collected by the probe panel,” the High Court noted. The court also asked the BCCI to file affidavits detailing how the probe panel that investigated Srinivasan and Meiyappan was constituted. The board was also asked to explain under what provisions the panel was set up. “We have succeeded and the court has accepted our contentions. It is now up to the BCCI to see what is to be done next,” the petitioner's counsel Amit Naik told reporters. Counsel for the petitioners submitted that the BCCI did not have any meeting to decide on instituting the panel. Moreover, it was argued, that no minutes about any meeting to set up such a panel was submitted to the court. In their affidavits in response to the petition BCCI and Srinivasan stated that the petition was “motivated and vested with personal interests.” Srinivasan argued that the Indian Premier League was a commercial venture and governed by its own rules and outsiders did not have any jurisdiction to complain about its proceedings. The High Court's order ensures Srinivasan would not return as BCCI president in September. Also, cries for bringing the BCCI under the Right to Information Act are expected to get louder following the recent developments.
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New Delhi, July 30 “I don't have the details yet and I don't know if it is a crisis or not. I want to say I am equally in the dark. But this has certainly put us in an embarrassing situation,” Dalmiya told media persons here. Dalmiya also did not give a definitive answer when asked about the course the BCCI would chart out now. “That is a million dollar question.” He said he had no clue who would chair the Aug 2 BCCI working committee meeting in Delhi. “I myself don't know where is the chair...I have to first understand where I stand... I don't have any information officially.” — IANS
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...but Srinivasan stays defiant
“Yes, I will be attending the meeting,” said Srinivasan. When asked in what capacity he will attend the meeting, Srinivasan gave a terse reply, “Come there and see for yourself as to what capacity I will be attending the meeting!” Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is a permanent member of the Working Committee and Srinivasan might attend the meeting by virtue of being the president of the state association. Srinivasan took an aggressive stance when asked about the ruling of the Bombay High Court. “I don't know why you people are making a big issue. A writ was filed and the court has given its verdict. The matter finishes there. I have no further comments to make on this issue,” he said. According to a BCCI source, the Working Committee will take a decision on whether to appeal against the verdict or wait till the police complete their probe in the matter. — PTI
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World Cup 2015: Pakistan first hurdle in India’s way
New Delhi, July 30 The first match of the prestigious one-day tournament will be held in Christchurch, the New Zealand city devastated by an earthquake in 2011, when the locals take on Sri Lanka on February 14. Later that day, Australia will face Ashes foes England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground -- also the venue for the day-night final match of the flagship tournament of the 50-over game on March 29. “The 2015 tournament will mark 40 years since the first World Cup in 1975 and that history of great contests and heroes helps make the tournament what it is — the most sought-after prize in our increasingly global game,” said ICC chief executive David Richardson. “This is one of the biggest events in world sport," Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said of the tournament, which is expected to draw a global television audience of close to one billion people. “It will attract cricket fans from around the globe and also promote Australia and our close friend New Zealand internationally —especially in India and other parts of south Asia.” New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said he was encouraged by the draw. “We’ve had recent success over both Sri Lanka and England in one-dayers, so to face them and a qualifying team in the first three matches is certainly an encouraging draw for us," he said. Ireland has qualified, the other three teams will be determined by the ICC World Cricket League tournament 2011-2013 in October and a qualifier in January and February 2014. Christchurch, which has scrambled to rebuild facilities in the wake of a ruinous earthquake in 2011, has provisionally been awarded three pool matches in the tournament hosted by Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29. Local cricket authorities have submitted plans for a redevelopment of Hagley Park and are awaiting the outcome of an Environment Court hearing.
— Agencies |
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England, Australia set to chop and change
London, July 30 The wicket in Manchester may have been moved by 90 degrees since Australia last played there in the nerve-jangling drawn 2005 test but it is still expected to turn and there is an outside chance both sides will play two spinners. The ground where Shane Warne bowled his "ball of the century" to bamboozle Mike Gatting in 1993 and where Jim Laker took 19 wickets in 1956 is calling out for another spin hero and England's Graeme Swann is the only man who really fits the
bill. England, on the verge of a third successive Ashes series win after almost 20 years of previous Australian dominance, have included Monty Panesar in their squad as they mull two spinners but it is more likely Australia who will plump for the gamble. Ashton Agar, 19, looks set to come in either as a replacement or accompaniment. “I know how you're going to get all the England players out. That's an easy one. We've just got to execute our plans for it, and I think we've done that pretty well over a period of time," Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who took over from the sacked Mickey Arthur just before the series, told reporters. “We'd be mad to pick (Agar) if we didn't think he was technically up to it. He's 19, I'd hope he has plenty of room for improvement, the same as Nathan, they're both young kids, although Nathan's played a lot more." Australia, who have lost their last six tests, need to win to have any chance of regaining the Ashes with a draw no good as it would leave England two up with two to play. A level series means the holders keep the urn. Whether the extra need for victory makes the tourists go for two spinners remains to be seen, especially after a slightly injured Agar failed to threaten with the ball in the second test at Lord's, where England won by 347 runs. Pundits expect Clarke's men just to go with Lyon and replace James Pattinson with Mitchell Starcor Jackson Bird. Both took two wickets in the drawn three-day match against Sussex. Australia may worry Starc will scuff up the wicket perfectly for expert off-spinner Swann to trouble right handers just like left-handed batsmen.
— Reuters |
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Aussies batting issues mental, not technical
Australia's specialist batsmen have been mostly woeful on tour in England, surrendering their wickets cheaply and putting their bowlers under enormous pressure to protect razor-thin targets. Batting collapses in both innings at Lord's handed England a 2-0 lead in the five-test series with forecasts of a humiliating whitewash ringing in their ears. Many pundits Down Under have attributed their batsmen's travails to the stand-and-deliver approach honed in Twenty20 cricket, leaving them ill-equipped to patiently graft their way through a long test innings. Gilchrist said if that were the case, their opponents would also be struggling at the crease. “I think our guys are showing a disappointing mental approach to (batting) and I'm sure they're disappointed as much as anyone with their own choices and decisions they're making within their innings,” the 41-year-old told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday at the Melbourne launch of the 2015 World Cup. “A lot of people say 'Oh, T20 is ruining the game', but that's being played globally. “England's top six, they all feature - if not in T20, certainly in the one-day format - they all play for England and they've shown an ability to adapt and mould their game around the scenario that's required. “It's not a skill or technique, it's a mindset as much as anything ... the challenge is you've got to get through what's required at the time and flourish later on. “I think a lot of players themselves would agree they've sort of been caught either in first gear or sixth gear and not much in between. I've got no doubt they're aware of that and they'll be trying to fix that up.”
— Agencies |
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No Indian GP in 2014, confirms Bernie
New Delhi, July 30 Ecclestone, who has been controlling the F1 empire for nearly 40 years, said from his London office that he and his F1 management always wanted the India round early in the season, but the organisers preferred October. “When we signed the five-year deal with
Jaypee, we were keen on going to India in the first half and Jaypee wanted it to be in October. We gave in at that time, but now it looks we will have the race early 2015,”
Ecclestone, 82, said. Jaypee, later in the day, more or less came around to Ecclestone’s view. Sameer Gaur, managing director, Jaypee Sports International
(JPSI), said that he would have preferred the race in the festive season, but has no objection to the F1 management’s decision. “October-November suits us weatherwise and it is also a festive season. But if Formula One Management
(FOM) wants us to hold our race in March 2015, we don’t have any problem with that,” said Gaur. A JPSI source added that the decision was finalised after prolonged discussions with
Ecclestone. Ecclestone said the 2014 round will not take place as it would be impossible for Jaypee to host two races within six months. As it is, the hosts shell out $40 million (Rs 237.7 crore) for every F1 race at Buddh International Circuit
(BIC) as licensing fee. “It (hosting one race in October 2014 and another in early 2015) was too close. Therefore, after speaking to promoters, we think it is best not to have a race in 2014 and have one in 2015,” said
Ecclestone. However, Malaysia hosted two races in a short span of time when it organised the last race of 2000 in October and from the following year onwards the round has been held in
March. Ecclestone earlier said that the Indian Grand Prix was unlikely to happen next year and the reason for it was ‘political’. It is interpreted as the teams not being happy with the taxation policy of India and the red tape involved. Asked whether he would want Indian GP to continue after the five-year contract, Ecclestone said: “I really want it to continue, but it all depends on a lot of other factors. The sport is expanding its base every year.” ‘Govt needs to resolve tax issues with F1’
Force India team principal Vijay Mallya feels the Indian government needs to open a dialogue with the Formula One and resolve the tax issues faced by the teams after the 2014 Indian Grand Prix was today dropped following a rejig in the racing calendar. “Their logic is that there are 19 races and one race is India, therefore 1/19th of all revenue generated in Formula One is subject to Indian tax. From a narrow-minded, Indian tax man’s point of thinking maybe that is justifiable, but we need to sit down with them and engage with them and say, ‘Listen, this is not the only country that’s hosting an F1 race. There are other countries that have been hosting F1 races for decades and they don’t make the same demands. So how can you?’” Mallya said. “The Indian government on one side say they want India to be modern, but the irrational behaviour by the taxman doesn’t support such a mission. So it’s a question of sitting around the table and hammering it out with them.”
— Agencies |
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India eves enter hockey Jr World Cup quarters
Monchengladbach, July 30 Australia, after a 3-3 draw with New Zealand, topped the pool with seven points, while India finished second with six points. India will now face Pool D toppers in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while Australia will be up against the second-placed team. India scored five goals in each half through Vandana (7th minute, 15th, 31st), Poonam Rani (22nd, 27th), Rani (39th, 49th), Ritusha Kumani Arya (44th), Manjit Kaur (69th) and an own goal in the 66th minute. Anastasia Miroshikova scored the lone goal for Russia in the 36th minute. Fully aware that only a win would keep them in quarter-finals hunt, the Indians went for the offensive from the onset and opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Vandana who converted the team’s third penalty
corner. Vandana was again in the thick of things eight minutes later when she doubled India’s lead through a field
effort. Poonam then joined the party and scored two goals in a span of six minutes to extend India’s lead. Vandana completed her hat-trick four minutes from the lemon break to make the scoreline 5-0. But 40 seconds into the second half, the Indians were in for a rude shock when Anastasia pulled one back for Russia. Barring the slight lapse in concentration, the Indians played neat, error-free hockey. Rani quickly restored India’s five goal lead before Ritusha slapped the ball into the back of the opposition net from a crowded circle to make it 7-1. India’s goal-scoring spree continued as Rani slammed her second of the day in the 49th minute. An own goal from Russia four minutes from the hooter made it 1-9 before Manjit converted a late penalty corner to complete the rout.
— PTI |
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Srini, Jaitley hand in glove: Modi
New Delhi, July 30 “BCCI members wake up and see writing on the wall and not blindly support Srini and Jaitley in this scam. Fans will not accept this from you,” Modi wrote in his twitter page. “Day to day hearing in A C Mutthiah vs BCCI on conflict of interest also likely to start in next few days. Supreme Court will decide on this.” When one of his follower asked if Jaitley would be the next BCCI president and whether he is behind the PIL to keep Srinivasan in limbo, Modi tweeted: “No, he is not. He is behind crooks only like Srini. All crooks always stay together.” Replying to another tweet which raised questions over Jaitley for not protesting against Srinivasan, Modi wrote: “How can he. He is master strategist behind (all this). I openly challenge him to give a straight answer against Srini. He will not. “Modi further tweeted: “Next meeting they will ban me for life. To try and stir media attention .... Every dog has its day. Let them enjoy this moment but I am sure truth will prevail,” he further wrote.
— Agencies |
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Zol puts India U-19 in command
Kurunegela, July 30 Resuming the second day on 70 for two, India declared their first innings at 393/8 riding on Zol's 128. Sizeable contributions came from Sanju Samson (70) and Shreyas Iyer (84) — the two had made half-centuries in the first Test as well. At stumps, Sri Lanka were 11 for no loss in their second essay, still 170 runs behind the visiting side. Overnight batsmen Zol and Samson started confidently. Zol's strokeful knock came off 204 deliveries and was laced with 16 boundaries and a six. Zol had scored 173 in the last match that ended in a draw. The skipper was ably supported by Samson and the duo stitched together a 160-run stand for the third wicket to take India past the Lankan first innings score of 212. Before getting out to spinner Lakshan Jayasinghe, Samson stroked 10 boundaries in his 122-ball knock. The right-handed Iyer, who came in at the fall of Samson's wicket, too looked at ease as he joined hands with Zol to build a healthy lead. The pair shared a 60-run stand before Zol was dismissed by left-arm pacer Binura Fernando at 279. Coming in at number six, wicketkeeper Ankush Bains could only manage seven runs before spinner A K Tyronne had him caught. Offie Aamir Gani then made a quick 41 that included four boundaries and a six, in the process sharing a 98-run partnership with Iyer for the seventh wicket. India lost 3 quick wickets — Iyer, Kuldeep Yadav and Gani — before declaring their first innings. Hashan Dumindu (6) and Minod Bhanuka (5) were at the crease when the stumps were drawn. Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 1st Innings 212; India 393 for eight in 101 overs (Vijay Zol 128, Shreyas Iyer 84; Priyamal Perera 2/24); Sri Lanka 2nd Innings 11/0 (Hashan Dumindu 6 batting, Minod Bhanuka 5). — PTI
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China’s Sun remains on course for golden treble
Barcelona, July 30 The towering Chinese matched a feat previously achieved only by Grant Hackett when he romped to the 400 metres freestyle title on Sunday, becoming only the second man after the Australian to claim world titles at 400, 800 and 1,500 metres. While Sun’s three titles have come at two different championships — he won the 800 and 1,500 in Shanghai two years ago and was second in the 400 — he is on course to match Hackett’s three golds from the 2005 edition in Montreal. “I feel good, the kind of feeling you always have in the preliminaries,” Sun, gold medallist at 400 and 1,500 metres at last year’s London Olympics, said. The 22-year-old said he was not thinking about breaking Zhang Lin’s world record for the 800, which is not an Olympic event, which his compatriot set in Rome in 2009 with the aid of a now-banned non-textile suit. Sun was second-quickest in the 800 heats on Tuesday behind Connor Jaeger of the United States, with Canada’s Ryan Cochrane, silver medallist in Shanghai and third at the Rome world championships in 2009, third fastest. In the morning’s other heats, Frenchwoman Camille Muffat set the pace in the women’s 200 metres freestyle ahead of Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu, gold medallist in Monday’s 200 metres individual medley, and world-record holder Federica Pellegrini. American teenager Missy Franklin, who is swimming eight events including relays, was fifth fastest. — Reuters
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Ledecky breaks world record in 1500 meters freestyle win
Barcelona, July 30 Lotte Friis of Denmark led for much of the race at the hilltop Palau Sant Jordi, with Ledecky lurking on her shoulder, but could not match the American’s late burst and finished with silver in 15:38.88, also inside Ziegler’s mark. Lauren Boyle of New Zealand was third. American Olympic champion Missy Franklin won her second gold of the championships with victory in the women’s 100 metres backstroke. The 18-year-old powered home in a time of 58.42 seconds following Sunday’s 4x100 metres freestyle relay triumph. Australia’s Emily Seebohm was second in 59.06 seconds and Aya Terakawa of Japan took bronze in 59.23. In men’s 200 metres freestyle, Yannick Agnel of France won gold. The Olympic champion touched in a time of one minute 44.20 seconds, with Conor Dwyer of the United States taking silver in 1:45.32 and Russia’s Danila Izotov bronze in 1:45:59. American Matt Grevers won gold in the men’s 100 metres backstroke. Grevers, the Olympic champion, touched in a time of 52.93 seconds, with compatriot David Plummer taking silver in 53.12 and France’s Jeremy Stravius bronze in 53.21.
— Reuters |
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Cricket World Cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand have been drawn in the same group for the 2015 tournament, while title-holders India will face off against long-time rival Pakistan, officials said on Tuesday.
The first match of the prestigious one-day tournament will be held in Christchurch, the New Zealand city devastated by an earthquake in 2011, when the locals take on Sri Lanka on February 14.
England will look to leave Australia in a spin and retain the Ashes by taking a 3-0 series lead at Old Trafford from Thursday with team selection seen as key on the famously dusty track.
The wicket in Manchester may have been moved by 90 degrees since Australia last played there in the nerve-jangling drawn 2005 test but it is still expected to turn and there is an outside chance both sides will play two spinners.
The ground where Shane Warne bowled his "ball of the century" to bamboozle Mike Gatting in 1993 and where Jim Laker took 19 wickets in 1956 is calling out for another spin hero and England's Graeme Swann is the only man who really fits the
bill.
Both Formula one boss Bernie Ecclestone and organisers of the Indian Grand Prix, Jaypee Group on Tuesday confirmed that the 2014 India round will have to be dropped to tweak the racing calendar and it will now be held in the first half of
2015. Ecclestone, who has been controlling the F1 empire for nearly 40
years, said from his London office that he and his F1 management always wanted
the India round early in the season, but the organisers preferred October.
American teenager Katie Ledecky slashed six seconds off the world record to win gold in the women’s 1500 metres freestyle at the world championships in Barcelona on Tuesday.
The 16-year-old, who also took the 400 metres freestyle title on Sunday, touched in a time of 15 minutes 36.53 seconds to destroy the previous best of 15:42.54 set by compatriot Kate Ziegler in 2007.
New Delhi, July 30
Perth, July 30
