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BCCI fully autonomous, rules Supreme Court
Pakistan board denies report
on Ahmedabad
Pak to host Asia Cup in 2006
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ESPN-Star Sports to telecast 2006 soccer World Cup
Vasco hold JCT to a goal-less draw
Indian wins hearts at Lahore Marathon
Sharapova, Kuznetsova enter last 8
Jeevan, Sanam, Vivek reach quarters
Pbi varsity fencers reign supreme
Eight teams for college hockey
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BCCI fully autonomous, rules Supreme Court
New Delhi, February 2 A five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Mr Justice N Santosh Hegde in three-to-two majority decision virtually gave complete "freedom" to the BCCI to manage the game of cricket in the country, saying there was a clear dividing line between a State organ and non-state enterprise and the judiciary "should not be an instrument to erase it unless, of course, the circumstances of the day require it to do so." The majority verdict by Mr Justice
Hegde, Mr Justice B P Singh and Mr Justice H K Sema fully agreed with the view of BCCI counsel K K Venugopal that if the Board was held a State it would have "far reaching consequences" with regard to 64 other national sports federations as well as some other bodies which represented India in the international forum." However, the other two judges of the Bench, Mr Justice S N Variava and Mr Justice S B Sinha did not agree with the majority view and held that "the Board was a State within the meaning of Article 12" as it had de-facto regulatory powers delegated by the State to administer cricket. Disagreeing with them, the majority judgement said if such logic were to be applied, then every employer who regulated his employees' work in a particular manner, would also be treated as a State, and this would be violative of Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, providing a guarantee to every citizen to pursue any profession freely. "If BCCI is to be held a State for the purpose of Article 12, there is absolutely no reason why other similarly placed bodies should not be treated as State," the three judges said. The BCCI could not be held a State only because of the popularity of cricket in the country, they said. The ruling came on a petition by Zee TV which had sought to enforce $ 308 million contract against the BCCI, which it had signed in September last year for the telecast of Australia-India cricket series, but had reportedly cancelled later under pressure from Australian cricket board, which raised doubt over Zee's credibility to telecast international matches. While admitting Zee's petition, the apex court had made it clear that first it has to be decided whether by cancelling the deal, the board had violated any of the TV channel's fundamental right, or any right could be enforced against the Board. The judgement is seen as a major set back to Zee TV's effort to launch a sports channel. The award of contract to Zee TV was also challenged by ESPN-Star Sports. Dismissing Zee TV's petition, the apex court ruled that the actions of BCCI "are not actions of an authorised representative of the State". The Court also rejected the contention of the Centre, which had supported Zee TV's plea that the Board was a State, saying "the Union of India has failed to prove that there is any recognition by it to BCCI under the guidelines framed for regulating the sports in the country. The Court also said that in the present context the policy of the Government has also to be taken into account while seeking expansion of the scope of Article 12 of the Constitution, which defines "other authorities" like PSUs and other such government bodies. "The state is today distancing itself from commercial activities and concentrating on governance rather than on business...hence, there seems to be no need to further expand the scope of 'other authorities' under Article 12 by judicial interpretation at least for the time being," the Court said. |
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Red flag for Rawalpindi Express?
Islamabad, February 2 In the first strong hint that Shoaib Akhtar might not be an automatic selection for the tour of India starting later this month, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan has said he was indeed concerned over the recent conduct of the paceman. "Like I said before, I am going to have a hard talk with Shoaib because we have concerns over his behaviour and conduct, especially in Australia," Shaharyar told local daily 'The News'. The PCB chief, however, said he did not want to make any judgment without giving the fast bowler a fair hearing. "I want to have a hard talk with him. I want him to tell us his side of the story before we start condemning him," he said. Asked about the recent statements made by the fast bowler that he was often made a scapegoat for the team's poor performances and that a lobby was out to defame him, Shaharyar said he was not aware of those comments. "But yes, there is a clear code of conduct for every player, particularly in the central contracts, which states clearly that a player cannot give statements without permission from the team management." Shoaib, who took 11 wickets in the first two Tests in Australia at Perth and Melbourne before breaking down with a hamstring injury, is said to be low on the popularity list of the captain or the coach because of his individualistic behaviour. Shaharyar said he did look at Shoaib as a valuable player of the team but added there were same set of rules for everyone. Meanwhile, a report in PPI news agency said the PCB chief strongly backed the team, captain and players despite its poor performance Australia. "Our players will come back battle-hard for Indian tour. We have a bunch of talented young players. They had never faced such a hard opposition like Australia. "When they return after the series, the players will be strong, mentally and cricket wise," said Shaharyar. "Any young team which takes two steps forward is bound to slip one step back. Watching one step back, people back home got the feeling that team is crumbling. In fact, we have youngsters who are shaping up well," said the former diplomat. "An India-Pakistan cricket series is important due to tremendous involvement of people in both the countries. During India's tour of Pakistan, atmosphere was so sporting that it was hard to believe that the two countries are supposed to be enemies," he said. The PCB chief also threw his weight behind captain Inzamam-ul Haq.— PTI
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Pakistan board denies report on Ahmedabad
Islamabad, February 2 “The PCB has not said anything to the media on its reservations about Ahmedabad as a venue. It is all media speculation. We will convey our decision to the BCCI after receiving a report from the PCB team that visited India,” PCB spokesman Abbas Zaidi said. On whether the PCB had suggested Chennai as an alternative venue to Ahmedabad, he said so far no suggestion had been made. “Chennai is remembered for Pakistan’s nostalgic win during the 1999 tour,” he said. Zaidi further said the report from the two-member security and venue assessment committee that toured India was expected in a day or two. “We have to look at the report and there are no differences between the PCB and the BCCI on the finalisation of venues. Things are being worked out smoothly”, he said. The PCB, he said, would take a decision only after the return of chairman Shaharyar Khan in a day or two from Dubai, where he was attending the Asian Cricket Council meeting. Meanwhile, a report in the local media said the venue inspection team, comprising PCB general manager (operations) Zakir Khan and Lahore SSP Sohail Khan had returned home unhappy with the reception extended to them at some of the proposed Test and one-day venues. “From what we know, Zakir has conveyed his reservations to the PCB chief about the reception and cooperation they got at some venues,” a source was quoted as saying in ‘The News’. The team was particularly unhappy with the treatment they got when they visited the Ferozeshah Kotla ground in Delhi, undergoing a massive facelift and scheduled to host the fifth one-day international in early April. The source said because of the incomplete feedback, the PCB might send the team again to India for an inspection just before the start of the tour on February 25.
— PTI |
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PCB may send security team again
Lahore, February 2 The assessment team, comprising PCB General
Manager (Operations) Zakir Khan and Lahore SSP Sohail Khan, was especially hurt by the treatment they received at the under-construction Ferozeshah Kotla where the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) officials were not even aware of their arrival and only BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla was there to accompany the team, “The News’’ reported. Quoting Board sources, the daily said Zakir Khan had briefed the PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan about the visit and the incomplete feedback from BCCI might force PCB to send the team again. “From what we know Zakir has conveyed his reservations to the PCB chief about the reception and cooperation they got at some venues (in India)’’ the source was quoted as saying. Apart from incomplete feedback, the team also expressed doubt over the timely completion of the construction at Ferozeshah Kotla besides raising objection about the gallery at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
— UNI |
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Pak to host Asia Cup in 2006
Islamabad, February 2 “PCB has been given the rights by the ACC to host the Asia Cup during its meeting in Dubai on Monday. All teams, including India, have confirmed their participation,” Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said. The tournament is scheduled to be held early next year. “The event had to be postponed in the past whenever we planned to hold it in Pakistan due to Indo-Pak differences. This time Pakistan will host the event as all heads of various cricket boards have confirmed their team’s participation,” he was quoted as saying in ‘The News’. Sri Lanka had hosted the previous edition last year. — PTI |
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Murali to tie knot with Chennai girl
Chennai, February 2 Murali, who has undergone surgery, may be out of cricketing action for the next two months. He will marry Chennai girl Madhimalar
Ramamurthy, daughter of late Dr S. Ramamurthy of Malar Hospitals, on March 21. Twenty-four-year-old Madhimalar is an MBA and a director of Malar Hospitals. Her twin sister Radhimalar is a physician. An excited Madhimalar said, “I feel very excited at the thought of marrying Murali. He is a very simple and down-to-earth person. My friends just can not believe that I will be marrying him.” However, instead of cricket, music is her passion. She loves listening to Carnatic and Western music and her hobby is reading. Once the match was fixed, she started watching cricket on television. Said Madhimalar, “My father used to watch a lot of cricket. I have just begun my homework and started watching cricket matches. In fact, the first match I watched Murali play was the one where he played for Asian XI against the Rest of the World in Australia for tsunami relief.” Her mother, Dr Nithya Ramamurthy, is also excited about the groom-to-be and said, “We are happy to have Murali as our son-in-law. It feels great that we have found the perfect match for our daughter.” Murali, in June last year, advertised through a Tamil marriage portal looking for a bride anywhere in the world. Interested persons were asked to contact him directly. However, Murali came to know this family through common friends and a meeting was arranged. Asked about her first meeting with the ‘doosra’ expert, Madhimalar said, “Muralitharan flew down to Chennai and met me in early December and we were all bowled over by his honesty and simplicity. Despite being such a big celebrity, he is very simple. His mother like me as a prospective bride and soon Murali offered me the engagement ring. It all happened in a jiffy.” Both keep chatting over the telephone. Madhimalar said, “I have been running a huge mobile phone bill, but when it is the question of someone dear to my heart, I do not care about money.” Muralitharan’s family roots are from Tiruchy in Tamil Nadu, where his family still owns a hotel. He also owns biscuit factories in Kandy in Sri Lanka. Muralitharan was also a consultant coach with the MAC Spin Foundation, run by the MA Chidambaram Group here. He is expected to be here later this month to meet the Ramamurthys and finalise the grand finale on March 21. Sri Lankan and Indian cricketers are expected to grace the occasion. |
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ESPN-Star Sports to telecast 2006 soccer World Cup
Kochi, February 2 Under the terms of the agreement with Infront Sports and Media, FIFA’s exclusive television partner for the event, ESPN-Star Sports will provide full coverage of the World Cup, including all 64 matches on its two channels ESPN and Star Sports, Sricharan Iyengar, vice-president, Sales and Marketing, ESPN Software India Private Limited, told reporters here. The successful conclusion of the 2006 FIFA World Cup rights package saw the network continue its ‘winning streak’ of securing top flight football programming, which included exclusive broadcast rights for the English Premier League, Spanish Priemra
Liga, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup, he said. More than 25 million households in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan would get to watch the FIFA World Cup coverage, which would include live matches accompanied by English and Hindi commentary, daily pre-shows during match days and a daily review show, he added. Iyengar said the key challenge would be to draw fans from other sporting events. The surge in ratings for the telecast of the UEFA Euro 2004 in the Indian market clearly showed the growing popularity of soccer in India, he said. “Our investment in localising our content and adding Hindi commentary would help in further penetration of the game,” Himanshu Verma, director, Corporate Communications, ESPN Software India Limited, said. Managing director, ESPN Software India Private Limited, R.C. Venkatesh said no other sporting event captured the world’s focus and imagination like the FIFA World Cup. “Our successful acquisition of this event marks another step in our ongoing strategy to bring our viewers only the best ‘must-see’ programming available,” he said. — PTI |
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Vasco hold JCT to a goal-less draw
Ludhiana, February 2 After five matches, JCT have gathered seven points while the visitors with second draw and three losses earned second point. After failing to capitalise on a couple of chances by both the teams during the first half, players exhibited some fine dribbling and ball control but could not cut much ice. Vasco Club could have gained lead in the 40th minute when from the left flank, Kamal Thapa gave a cross pass in the striking circle to Levy
Coelhc. Levy found JCT goalkeeper Mansuru Mohammed on the wrong foot but his header went wide. Similarly, JCT too missed a sitter in the dying minutes of the match. Forward Sukhjinder Singh got the ball at the top of striking zone but he failed to contact which proved costly to the home side. In an attempt to surge ahead, players of both the teams were engaged in foul play which forced the referee to show yellow cards to
K.V. Danesh of JCT and Agnelo Colaco of Vasco Club. Derrick Pereira, coach of Vasco Sports Club, expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the encounter when he said that they had chalked out a strategy to hold the JCT in which they had come out successfully. JCT coach Sukhwinder Singh too was happy with the result. He said that the visitors played well to force a draw. He said that he was disappointed with the newcomer Alexander Jebba’s performance. “If the player continued with the same form, they would be forced to discontinue with Jebba’s services,” the coach remarked. Now, JCT Mill will travel to Kolkata to take on the defending champions, East Bengal there on February 6. |
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Indian wins hearts at Lahore Marathon
New Delhi, February 2 Ashis Roy said in a statement here that he was overjoyed by the welcome he got from ordinary people as well as the media in Pakistan. “People lined the streets of Lahore (and) cheered (me) by shouting slogans like ‘Papaji Jeete Raho’ (Long Live Brother) and ‘Masha Allah’,” he said. This was the 64th marathon that Roy has completed. He said the crowds, including veiled women, showered flower petals on him while children offered him drinks and sweets. Roy was the only Indian among the 500 runners, drawn from 16 countries, and was the oldest to complete the full marathon of 42.2 km.
— IANS |
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Sharapova, Kuznetsova enter last 8
Tokyo, February 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova trounced Swiss qualifier Marie-Gayanay Mikaelian 6-3, 6-1 to join her fellow Russian in the last eight of the $ 1.3 million tournament. Sharapova struggled initially in her first match since losing to Serena Williams in last week’s Australian Open semi-finals. The Wimbledon champion dropped serve twice and was clearly frustrated with herself before finally taking control and racing through the tie-breaker 7-3. A more focused Sharapova powered through the second set in just 20 minutes, the 17-year-old closing out the match with her ninth ace. Third seed Kuznetsova looked comfortable from the start on Tokyo’s indoor carpet as she pummelled Mikaelian into submission in just 49 minutes. American Jill Craybas beat Russian Tatiana Panova 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. Japan’s Akiko Morigami overcame Spaniard Maria Sanchez Lorenzo 6-4, 6-1. — Reuters |
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Jeevan, Sanam, Vivek reach quarters
New Delhi, February 2 Top seed Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and second seed Sanam K. Singh stormed into the quarters while third seed Vivek Shokeen overcame stiff resistance from his opponent to reach the last eight in the boys section. Jeevan beat Ronald Chow of Hong Kong 6-3, 6-2 and Sanam thrashed Christian Hodel of Romania 6-1, 6-2 while Vivek had to sweat hard for his 7-6(5), 7-5 win over Bassam Beidas of Liberia. The only Indian seed to crash out of the tournament was fifth seed Faisal Aidil who was tamed by Brad Williams of South Africa 6-3, 6-0. — UNI |
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Pbi varsity fencers reign supreme
Patiala, February 2 The hosts first won the men’s sabre team championship when they downed strong contenders GND university, Amritsar in the final by a margin of 15-6. Punjabi university women then took the foil team championship by beating Kanpur University 15-6. The third title in the form of the women’s sabre team championship came the hosts way when their eves notched up comfortable 15-6 win against GND, University, Amritsar. Punjab University prevented a clean sweep by the hosts when they managed to pip to the post the hosts 13-11 in the men’s epee team championship. Results:
Men (epee team championship):
Semi-finals: Panjab University beat Kurukshetra University 15-5. Punjabi University beat GNDU, Amritsar 15-13. Men’s sabre team championship: Semi-finals: Punjabi University beat Periyar University, Salem 15-7. GNDU, Amritsar beat TIET, Patiala 15-5. Women’s Foil team championship: Semi-finals: Punjabi University beat GNDU, Amritsar 15-2. Kanpur University beat Osmania University, Hyderabad 15-6. Women’s sabre team championship: Semi-finals:
Punjabi university beat Periyar University 15-7, GNDU, Amritsar beat TIET, Patiala 15-9. |
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Eight teams for college hockey
New Delhi, February 2 Organising secretary Shiv Kumar Verma said due to financial constraints, the number of teams had been reduced to eight this year from the previous year’s 16. The tournament had generated a lot of interest after its inception in 1993 as it had helped popularise hockey at the university level. The teams in the fray this year are DAV College, Jalandhar, St Joseph’s College, Bangalore, Faculty of Humanity and Social Sciences, Varanasi, Khalsa College, Patiala, Loyola College, Chennai, Ranchi College, Faculty of Youth Affairs and Adventure Sports (Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education), Gwalior, and Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Milia, Delhi. |
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Islamabad, February 2
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