S P O T L I G H T

ICC gives Indians more time
Dubai, August 31
The International Cricket Council today gave Indian cricketers some more time to reconsider their stand on the sponsorship issue and sign the agreement for next month’s Champions Trophy. ICC Chairman Malcolm Gray told reporters after the Executive Board meeting here today that 11 of the 12 participating countries had either signed or agreed to sign the contract in the next two or three days. He said in view of the difficulties faced by the Indian cricketers and the board, ICC decided to give them some more time to take their decision. Gray said he will be in touch with BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya over the next couple of days and help him find an acceptable solution to all. PTI

2 Americans shot
Jakarta, August 31
Unidentified gunmen today shot and killed three persons, including two US nationals, and injured 14 others in an attack close to an American-owned mining operation in Indonesia’s Papua province, the police said. The victims, who had not been identified, were travelling in a convoy of cars when the attack happened, said a Papua police spokesman. Nine of the 14 injured were foreign nationals. AP

Mehmood’s son dead
Mumbai, August 31
Macky Ali, younger son of comedian Mehmood and brother of singer Lucky Ali, passed away following a cardiac arrest in Mumbai in the wee hours today. Macky was 35. His mortal remains will be laid to rest in Bangalore where the family owns a farmhouse. Macky, who suffered from polio, also acted in “Kunwara Baap” and produced music videos and albums. UNI