 |
|
|
Pak aim to set target of 200 runs: Kaneria
TURNING POINT
Indian squad retained for Kolkata Test
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing tough with VIPs at Mohali
Bindra reiterates demand to set up BCCI-owned TV channel
McGrath leads Aussie fightback
2010 games: India to try for more events
Grand Mandi Marathon today
|
|
Pak aim to set target of 200 runs: Kaneria
Mohali, March 11 “We cannot say much at the moment. Let us see what happens if we put 200 runs on the board,” leg-spinner Danish Kaneria said while speaking to mediapersons after the fourth day’s play at the PCA Stadium here today. At the close of play, the visitors were in all sorts of trouble and were reduced to 257 for six. With India having a 204-run first innings lead, Pakistan are 53 runs ahead with just four wickets in hand. Asked if reaching this target looked possible keeping in view the number of wickets Pakistan had lost in the second innings, Kaneria said: “Razzaq is a good batsman as he has proved himself on so many occasions earlier, while Kamran Akmal also has the ability to bat. They should try to stay at the wicket for as long as possible. That’s what we will be waiting for when the last day’s play resumes tomorrow.” Kaneria, who emerged the best bowler in the side claiming a well-deserved six-wicket haul as India lost early wickets this morning to be all out for 516, refused to read too much into the umpire’s decision when Sachin Tendulkar was ruled not out by the umpire, when he was suspected to have been caught by a close-in fielder yesterday. “Even Sourav Ganguly was caught off a no-ball and immediately thereafter he was dropped in the slips. Tendulkar, everybody knows, is a great player. But these things are all part of the game.” Kaneria refused to concede that the dismissal of skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was batting well and looked set to steer Pakistan to safety, brought the team under any pressure, saying that losing wickets was part of the game. The wily leg-spinner, deemed the trump card for Pakistan during the tough series against the arch-rivals, when asked to comment on the shoddy fielding from Pakistan players, which saw then drop a couple of sitters, particularly in the slip cordon, said it was not for want of efforts. Kaneria revealed that he had not used his mystery delivery in the series so far. Before he embarked on the current series, Kaneria had said he was adding a mystery delivery to his rich repertoire to unsettle the mighty Indian batting line-up. The ace leg-spinner was sent back to Pakistan by the Pakistan Cricket Board after the conclusion of the Test series against Australia in order to prepare him for the crucial tour of India. Asked to comment on the decision, the lanky bowler said the move was intended to give him some rest so that he was fresh for the India series. Queried how he prepared himself for the arduous task, he said he just watched the videos of recent series played by India. About what his strength as a bowler was, he remarked that besides his normal leg-spin deliveries, he had a well-disguised googly and flippers to bamboozle batsmen. Kaneria foxed Irfan Pathan with a googly which the batsman failed to read completely. “Tail-enders are generally not good at reading such deliveries. So I was able to claim his wicket,” he replied. Kaneria said the wicket was still playing good. There was some help for the bowlers and the batsmen as well. The lanky spinner, the most successful bowler in the team and the only one to have 100 Test scalps in his kitty, said he was confident of his abilities. “My aim is to establish myself as the No. 1 leg-spinner in the world. I am improving with every outing,” he stated confidently. Personally, it was a very satisfying outing for the leg-spinner as with the six-wicket haul, the second-best figures on the ground after Anil Kumble’s 6 for 81 against England in 2001-02, he looks well on course to live up to the hopes reposed in him by the team management for the series. |
|
Turning
Point Abhijit Chatterjee Lethal swing bowling by Tamil Nadu fast bowler Laxmipathy Balaji, returning to Test cricket after a very long gap forced by a pelvic injury, and the glaring error in judgement by Australian umpire Darrell Hair when he ruled Pakistani captain Inzamam-ul-Haq leg before wicket to Anil Kumble will not only count as the turning point of the fourth day’s play on Friday, but also as the turning point of the first Test match between India and Pakistan at Mohali. Friday’s turning point may be as important to the outcome of the match as was India winning the toss and electing to field on day one of the Test. But first to the exploits of the 24-year-old new-ball bowler from Chennai. To many people present at the PCA Stadium, Balaji’s bowling looked a lot like that of the legendary Kapil Dev in his heydays. Balaji also showed how to reverse swing the old ball as he did with the delivery which claimed the wicket of Asim Kamal towards the closing moments of the day’s play. He also had the likes of Yousuf Youhana and the Pakistani skipper in a bind. The second turning point of the day was the dismissal of Inzamam, who along with Youhana had stitched together a 139-run partnership. Inzamam was adjudged leg before to Kumble when the Pakistani was batting on 86. He had stretched full forward when the ball hit him on the pad fairly near the roll. The benefit of TV replay showed Inzamam was unlucky as the ball hit him outside the line of the off stump. From the same end where umpire Hair was standing a similar appeal was made against Youhana shortly afterwards but this time the Australian umpire ruled in favour of the batsman. Television replays showed that in Youhana’s case the decision should have gone in favour of the bowler. And it was the same umpire who had decided on the strange dismissal of Taufiq Umar. International captains have been saying repeatedly that they do not mind umpires making mistakes but decisions without reasoning leave a lot to be desired, especially in a keenly contested game such as this one.
|
Indian squad retained for Kolkata Test
MOHALI: Reposing faith in the squad playing in the ongoing Mohali Test, the BCCI has retained the same squad for the second Test scheduled to begin at Kolkata on March 16.
This was announced by Mr S.K. Nair, secretary of the BCCI, at the PCA Stadium here today after the meeting of national selectors in which skipper Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright also participated.
“The selectors, after consulting Ganguly and Wright, have decided to retain the
squad for the Kolkata Test,” Mr Nair said here. He said the team for the third and the final Test at Bangalore would be announced during the Kolkata Test.
Mr Nair revealed that as per the report of the team physiotherapist John Gloster, VVS Laxman was fine and there was no cause for worry. Laxman was hit hard on the elbow while fielding in the close-in position during the day.
— TNS
|
|
|
Musharraf to watch one-dayer
Islamabad, March 11 Sources said dates for the President’s visit would soon be firmed up through diplomatic channels. President Musharraf, who is an avid follower of cricket, had said in an interview last week that he would love to watch some of the India-Pakistan cricket series, but only if invited. Now the President had been approached for the Bangalore Test match scheduled later this month but the invitation extended on behalf of the Indian Prime Minister by the Indian High Commissioner Shiv Shankar Menon here on Thursday, is ‘open’ for any one of the matches that the President chooses to watch. The Indian High Commissioner formally conveyed the invitation via the Foreign Office. Although, the President has not indicated his preference for any specific match, it is learnt that he would rather go for a one-day international. All the one-day matches are scheduled for next month. Confirming receipt of the invitation, Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani told The Dawn on Thursday that the President’s schedule was being looked at and a decision would be taken in due course.” |
|
Playing tough with VIPs at Mohali
Mohali, March 11 Playing tough with VIP visitors including Ministers, who tried their best to gain access to the Indian and Pakistan cricket teams, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) security representative today directed them to stay away. On the other hand, VIP visitors without passes were chucked out from the VIP enclosures by PCA officials, hurting many egos. Though it was not liked by PCA’s top brass, but Mr Naranjan Singh Virk, Regional Security Manager of the ICC, put his foot down on many an occasion when VIPs ushered by PCA officials tried to get near the teams’ enclosures. Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana, accompanied by a number of Ministers and other party leaders turned up at the PCA’s long room to watch the post-lunch proceedings of the match. While Mr Hooda and the PCA Chairman, Mr I.S. Bindra, were allowed to enter the areas earmarked for the players, other Ministers including Mr Randeep Surjewala, had to stay back in the long room. The Punjab PWD Minister, Mr Partap Singh Bajwa, was also not allowed to have a meeting with the cricket stars. All these Ministers and leaders were told that no one was above the ICC anti- corruption and security rules. Mr Virk is at the PCA stadium to keep the Indo-Pak cricket teams under surveillance during the Test match. Admitting that every international cricket match faces a threat from bookies, Mr Vicky Banga, the Indian cricket team manager, pointed out that the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit vigil was a big deterrent. He, however, said there was no way to ensure that bookies stay away from a
match. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr S.P. Singh, said he had provided information to the ICC representative about the important bookies operating locally and also in the region. However, the local police, he pointed out, did not have any information about international bookies. As far as VIPs without passes are concerned, the first to face the wrath of PCA officials was Bihar Governor Buta Singh’s close relative, Mr Rajinder Singh, MD, Punjab Forest Development Corporation. He was asked to leave the secretary’s box, a VIP enclosure, on one of the top floors of the pavilion. Leading the clean-up operation was the wife of a senior PCA official who later took upon herself to check the passes of all those trying to gain access to VIP areas. Since the police was blamed for the lapses, the SSP, Ropar, directed his men to ensure that no one without a valid pass is allowed to enter the stadium. The order, however, had its own fall-out when even PCA officials who tried to usher in their VIP guests were stopped by the policemen. |
|
Dismayed by team’s show, bowled over by hospitality
Wagah, March 11 They even did not waited for completion of the match. However, all of them were unanimous in their praise for Indian hospitality they received during their stay. Gulam Hussain Bhatti, a Nazim of Lahore, said the disappointing performance of the young and inexperienced Pakistani team in the Mohali Test had put them off. However, he said he was bowled over after getting so much love from Indians. Liaquat Ali, a businessman from Lahore, said a majority of the visitors had come to visit Punjab and to do shopping. Kashif Ehzaz thanked the Indian Government for allowing them to visit Amritsar. |
|
Bindra reiterates demand to set up BCCI-owned TV channel
Mohali, March 11 Mr Bindra revealed that the channel had the potential to rake in the kind of moolah through which cricket not only at the state level, but at city or even college levels, could get a big boost. “An Irani Trophy cricketer could get remuneration similar to that being received by Test and one-day players, while those representing the country would be able to get the amount comparable with those playing the famous NBA in the USA. Speaking at length on the twin issues of immense potential of Indian cricket and TV rights, Mr Bindra explained that huge revenues could by earned by the BCCI which could be utilised for the benefit of Indian cricket, state associations and the cricket-loving public at large. “It is a goldmine which needs to be exploited,” Mr Bindra said. He stated that Indian cricket had the potential to generate the type of money through which world-class facilities like those available to NBA players and other premier sports could be made available to Indian cricketers. “We have failed miserably to realise the potential of Indian cricket,” he stated, putting the value of the Indian cricket at a mindboggling $ 2 billion. Every channel was run by cricket, he said. Dwelling on the potential of Indian cricket, the former BCCI president said Indian cricket was the driving force behind the cricket played across the globe. “The stadiums like the one at the PCA would be there with every state association. Cricket stadiums could further be improved to the level of those in Toronto, where covers overhead enable cricket to be an all-weather game,” he stated. Indian viewers would benefit in the sense that they would have a medium to see quality cricket as at present the current sports channels had very little of interest to them. Quoting instances, he stated that not long back, during the matches involving India, 60 per cent to 80 per cent tickets were purchased by the Indians. Even in the matches not involving Indians, a majority of the viewers were Indians. This was the case at venues like Toronto, Sharjah and even in England to a larger extent and Australia and South Africa to some extent. Recalling a match in Old Trafford, Mr Bindra said 85 to 90 per cent of those who came to see the match were Indian supporters. “There is huge possibility of the extent of marketability of Indian cricket,” he emphasised. Ridiculing the unprecedented delay in reaching any decision regarding the telecast of the current series against Pakistan, Mr Bindra said till two days before the start of the current series nobody knew who was covering the big event. “Getting proper value is not possible in such cases,” he stated. “If such crucial decisions are take at the eleventh hour, not more than 1 per cent of the market value of the series could be realised as no time is left for marketing,” he said. “Twenty diamonds cannot be sold in half an hour,” he remarked. Mr Bindra lamented that the cricket board was too conservative. “It has a large number of persons who are either amateurs or perhaps do not understand the issue.” Mr Modi, who was involved in the marketing with ESPN, TEN Sports and DD Sports, reiterating that the Indian cricket was driving world cricket, explained the rationale behind setting up of the channel by the BCCI. “As per the current calendar, only 27 days of Indian cricket in a year were being telecast,” he said asking why it could not be telecast it for 70 days or more? “Through the channel, we will ensure that domestic cricket tournaments like Ranji Trophy get priority. It will not take more than three months to set up the channel,” Modi said. Through the money generated, international-level stadiums could be set up and overall facilities would get a boost. “In the long run beneficiary will be public.” “By not doing this we are cheating the public, denying revenue to players and even state cricket associations,” Mr Bindra said. |
|
|
McGrath leads Aussie fightback
Christchurch, March 11 Scoreboard
New Zealand (1st innings): Cumming c Gillespie Fleming lbw b Warne 18 Marshall b Warne 146 Vincent lbw b Clarke 27 Astle lbw b McGrath 74 McMillan c Gilchrist McCullum c Langer Vettori not out 24 Franklin lbw b McGrath 0 O’Brien c Gilchrist Martin c Gilchrist Extras (b-4, lb-14, Total (all out, 141 overs): 433 FoW: 1-56, 2-153, 3-199, 4-330, 5-355, 6-388, 7-403, 8-403, 9-415. Bowling: McGrath 42-9-115-6, Gillespie 29-5-87-0, Kasprowicz 25-6-85-1, Warne 40-6-112-2, Clarke 5-0-16-1. Australia (1st innings): Langer b Franklin 23 Hayden c Astle Ponting not out 41 Martyn lbw b Vettori 32 Gillespie not out 0 Extras (lb-6 nb-4):
10. Total (3 wkts, 41 overs): 141 FoW: 1-48, 2-75, 3-140. Bowling:
Martin 14-2-58-0, Franklin 10-3-22-1, O’Brien 6-1-32-1, Vettori 11-4-23-1.
— AFP, Reuters |
|
2010 games: India to try for more events
New Delhi, March 11 CGF senior vice-president Raja Randhir Singh said today that these games would be in addition to the 15 approved by the CGF. Mr Justin Madden, Sports and Commonwealth Games Minister of the State of Victoria, and the organising committee members of the games discussed various aspects regarding holding of the 2010 games with IOA President Suresh Kalmadi and Secretary-General Randhir Singh today.
— OSR |
|
Grand Mandi Marathon today
Mandi, March 11 Mr Ali Raza Rizvi, Mandi Deputy Commissioner and chairman of the Shivratri fair committee, said the marathon was aimed at raising funds for the District Red Cross Society. “If it turns out to be a success, it will be promoted on the lines of the Mumbai run or the Pune marathon,” he said. The race, which would start from Paddal stadium, has been sponsored by Airtel and the HP Tourism Development Corporation.
— TNS |
|
|
Athletics meet opens Ambala, March 11 A march past of the athletes was also commenced. At the inaugural ceremony Mr Saini asked the students to participate in various games for the all-round development of their personalities. He said the sports should be played with a sport sprit. Chairman of the college management committee, Dr Jai Dev welcomed the chief guest. He also enumerated achievements of the college. He asked the students to take keen interest in athletics besides their routine academic activities. The Principal of the college, Dr. V.P. Batra also addressed the students.
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Mohali, March 11
Mohali, March 11
Kasparov quits
John Major honoured