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Names likely to be out today
NZ players’ chief bats for ICL
We can all learn from Zaheer: Vaughan
Ojha scripts India A’s win
Paes-Damm bow out in semis
Shimla schools emerge champs
Amritsar clinch u-22 title
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ICL hits Punjab hard
Chandigarh, August 19 Reports from reliable sources said today that three key players — Reetinder Sodhi, India U-15 World Cup winning skipper and former one-day player, off-spinner Rajesh Sharma and wicketkeeper Sarabjit Singh — had joined the ICL, while three other players, including former Punjab skipper Dinesh Mongia, were likely to follow suit in a day or two. The sources said Rajesh and Sarabjit, currently playing in the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai, have already left the team, while Sodhi is slated to do so shortly. As per the deal, Rajesh and Sarabjit will get Rs 80 lakh each for the three-year period, while Sodhi will get a little less than Rs 1 crore. Twentyfive per cent of this amount will be paid at the time of signing the deal, the sources said, adding that those joining the ICL had been assured of the amount for the stipulated three-year period. Confirming the development, M.P. Pandove, secretary, Punjab Cricket Association, while talking to TNS from Mumbai, said: “I have been intimated by the team manager in Chennai that Rajesh and Sarabjit have left the team.” He, however, feigned ignorance about Sodhi joining the cash-rich league. Putting up a brave front despite virtually half the team having chosen to desert, Pandove said any player was free to make such decisions. The state association would not object to it. “However, such players will not be welcome to the BCCI fold,” he added. Pandove said the team manager has been told not to allow those joining the ICL to take any further part in the Chennai tournament. Chandigarh player Dinesh Mongia is slated to join the ICL along with Ishan Malhotra and Munish Sharma. The 2003 World Cupper Mongia, who was surprisingly overlooked for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa next month, has reportedly got an amount in excess of Rs 1 crore. Mongia said that negotiations were on and he would sign the contract soon. Punjab opener Ravneet Ricky has, however, declined the offer, probably because he did not get the amount they wanted. Ever so keen to see players fulfil their potential in the premier national championships but unable to do so during the past two years despite hiring an overseas coach, the Punjab Cricket Association was least expecting such a development at this juncture. The PCA, with president I.S. Bindra, former BCCI chief, and secretary M.P. Pandove, board joint secretary, at the helm, is among the better run state cricket associations in the country, having impressive infrastructure at the disposal of players. In fact, the lure of lucre is too strong for the players to resist. Those playing in the Ranji Trophy and willing to throw their lot with the rebel league are slated to get an amount ranging from Rs 60 lakh to Rs 1 crore for three years. Earlier, the Hyderabad team suffered a big jolt when seven players led by former Indian under-19 captain Ambati Rayudu decided to switch loyalties and join the ICL. Encouraged by the players’ response, the ICL has reportedly decided to expand to 12-team format from the initial six-team format in the next three years.
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Pak cricket in crisis Karachi, August 19 One of the players told PTI on condition of anonymity that the deal was done but the ICL had restricted them from making any announcements. "The signings will be announced by the ICL themselves this week. We are not supposed to disclose anything," he said. However, a Pakistan Cricket Board official refused to believe that these players have signed the ICL contracts. "I can understand Azhar Mahmood, Inzamam or even Farhat signing to play in the ICL but I doubt it if Yousuf and Razzaq would sign up because they are still leading players for us and certain selections for our test and one-day teams," the official said. Razzaq, Azhar and Inzamam are in London at the moment and were not available for their comments. The Pakistani selectors had dropped Razzaq and Yousuf for the Twenty20 World Cup being held in South Africa next month. Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has become the first Pakistani player to sign up to play in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL). — PTI
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Names likely to be out today
New Delhi, August 19 According to reports, Punjab Ranji skipper Dinesh
Mongia, Railways all-rounder JP Yadav, Mumbaikars Amol Muzumdar and Nilesh Kulkarni and the Delhi trio of Aakash Chopra, Amit Bhandari and Vijay Dahiya are ready to jump on the bandwagon. From Bengal, former India stumper Deep Dasgupta is believed to have taken the plunge as well. With time running out for the event, the ICL authorities went on a signing spree over the past few days and managed to lure in eight players from the Hyderabad Ranji team. Besides, S. Sriram of Tamil Nadu also joined the rebel league, while former India player Sanjay Bangar revealed he was in negotiations with the
organisers. The UP trio of Shalabh Srivastava, Ali Murtaza and Avinash Yadav have also reportedly sided with the rebel league. The
ICL, which has its biggest catch in West Indies great Brian Lara, has spread its tentacles in Pakistan as well.
— PTI
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NZ players’ chief bats for ICL
Christchurch, August 19 Heath Mills, manager of the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association, said that its cricketers would become a prime target for the embryonic league because of their comparative low incomes. ''The ideal scenario from my point of view would be for the ICC to support it as long as it didn't impinge upon international cricket,'' Mills said. ''I can't see many negatives of third-party funding coming into cricket and another professional league would give players an opportunity to earn more income, just like those who go to county cricket, he added. International Cricket Council
(ICC) meeting is scheduled to be held in September which will determine whether the
Essel-group-owned tournament will be endorsed by the game's governing body. The players' associations will meet at the same time in Johannesburg and Mills said that their message would be for the ICC to get behind the initiative, rather than to force it into
rebellion. — UNI
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Karthik qualifies for central contract
Mumbai, August 19 The BCCI’s finance committee, which met here today, took note of his eligibility and has recommended that he be put in Grade C of the three-tier contract system that entitles him to an annual retainer of Rs 20 lakh, according to BCCI sources. The Tamil Nadu player, who was the highest scorer for India in the series with 263 runs, met the qualification criteria of having played five Tests or 15 ODIs in a season during the course of the rubber. Left-arm pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, the man of the series with 18 wickets, was upgraded from Grade C to B and can leapfrog to the topmost tier, Group A, if he continues with his impressive show, the sources said. Grade B players get Rs 35 lakh annually, while Grade A players take home Rs 50 lakh in annually retainers. The BCCI’s Working Committee had decided to stop graded retainer payments in the aftermath of the team’s World Cup debacle earlier this year but had to put this decision on hold with the players not signing the new contracts drawn up. But with the turnaround in the team’s fortunes with back-to-back series victories in Bangladesh and England, it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will stick to its earlier stand or continue with graded contracts for the new season starting on October 1.
— PTI
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We can all learn from Zaheer: Vaughan
London, August 19 "India, and Zaheer Khan in particular, deserve a lot of credit for the angles they created and the variety of their bowling," said Vaughan, who still hit a classy century in the second Test at Trent Bridge. "On the last day at The Oval, Zaheer was still swinging the ball both ways. Using the traditional method he should have been bowling over the wicket, but he came around to the left-handers. He was changing the angles again. The guys would not have seen that before and I guarantee they would not have practised that. "Zaheer - and I think he was the man coming up with all the ideas - kept doing the unexpected. It was fascinating to watch and something we can all learn from. That's why the series was hard," the England skipper was quoted as saying by 'The Observer' today. The England skipper, who is spared the hullabaloo of the one-day international, rated Zaheer above the likes of Sri Lankan paceman Chaminda Vaas and former Pakistani tearaway Wasim Akram for the way he swung the ball. "We never really knew what was coming next. I can't remember so much swing, not even from Chaminda Vaas or Wasim Akram. Sometimes when RP Singh was bowling around the wicket it felt as if the ball was starting at third slip," he added. Describing coach Peter Moores as great during the series, Vaughan said coaches have to think as Zaheer did. "I've found Peter great. He's got fresh, different ideas and goes about the job in his own way... I just love coaches when they come up with new ideas. I'm still in contact with Duncan and he always comes up with something. He's a very clever man. These coaches have to think outside the box - as Zaheer did," he said. Despite the 0-1 loss in the Test series, the 32-year-old Vaughan said his inexperienced team proved itself. "I'm more optimistic about this England team than I was four weeks ago," he said and added "it's been a very productive summer for me (with no fitness trouble)". Vaughan said it was a bonus for him to be playing again after the injury. "I told myself that when I came back I couldn't be too desperate because sometimes when you are so desperate to prove people wrong it all goes awry. Vaughan has also not ruled out a return to the one-day side. He has four Pro40 games on the horizon for Yorkshire as well as three Championship matches.
— PTI
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Ojha scripts India A’s win
New Delhi, August 19 After India A scored a challenging 198 in 46.3 overs before losing all their wickets, the Sri Lankans were bundled out for 154 in 41.3
overs, thanks to Ojha's exploits at the Gymkhana Club Ground. Ojha returned enviable figures of 5 for 21 off 7.3 overs while Team India discard Irfan Pathan captured two valuable wickets for India
A. Gayan Wijekoon (46) emerged as the top-scorer for the Sri Lankan team. Earlier, put in to bat, India A did not impress while negotiating the Sri Lankan
seamers. Left-arm pacer Sujeewa de Silva, who picked up four wickets for 33 runs, was the chief trouble maker for the Indians. However, Arjun Yadav (50) showed some steely resolve to notch up a half-century in testing time. Yusuf Pathan (40) and captain Mohammed Kaif (38) were the other major contributors for the Indian team. India have already made to the final of the triangular tournament.
— PTI
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Lin, Zhu do it for China
Kuala Lumpur, August 19 Defending champion Dan downed Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro 21-11, 22-20 in a dramatic final to become only the second men’s singles player in history to win consecutive World Championship titles. Lin, known as Super Dan to his legion of fans, dropped to the floor and pulled his shirt over his head as the 9,000-strong crowd cheered his win. Lin, 23, said he had long wanted to emulate Chinese great Yang Yang, who won his world titles in 1987 and 1989. “He is one of my idols since childhood and I have worked hard to try to follow in his footsteps,” he said. Lin was criticised by his coach in the lead-up to the tournament for lacking commitment after he lost a dead rubber match at the Sudirman Cup in Scotland, but the champion said he had never stopped working hard. Kuncoro, seeded ninth, showed flashes of the form that brought him a surprise win against Malaysian star Lee Chong Wei earlier in the tournament. Kuncoro clawed his way back into the second game, fighting from 6-12 down to level the score to 14-14 with an overhead jumping slash shot that brought roars from the crowd, which had draped Putra Stadium in giant Indonesia flags. The pair matched point for point in a final tense encounter but Lin eventually held on for a 22-20 win. World number five Zhu was never in doubt in her final against Wang Chen, downing the Hong Kong sixth seed 21-8, 21-12. Zhu watched her more famous team-mates, including world number one Zhang Ning and defending champion Xie Xingfang, knocked out of the tournament. China, a powerhouse of badminton, had been gunning for a clean sweep of all five world title ahead of next year’s Beijing Olympics. They triumphed in women’s doubles in an all-China battle, but sill came up two crowns short. In women’s doubles, third seeds Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen fought off defending champions Gao Ling and Huang Sui for a 21-16, 21-19 victory. But Indonesia denied the Chinese victory in mixed doubles, with Nova Widianto and Lilyana Natsir outclassing number ones Zheng Bo and Gao Ling. The second seeded Indonesians took command from the outset and never let the Chinese mount a strong fightback, winning 21-16, 21-14. Indonesia also clinched the men’s doubles title thanks to Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, who played a fast and furious match against South Korea’s Jung Jae-Sung and Lee Yong-Dae. The world number three pair won 21-19, 21-19 against the South Koreans, ranked 12 in the world, for their first world title.
— AFP
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Kyrgyzstan record 4-3 win New Delhi, August 19 Kyrgyzstan, 152nd in FIFA ranking compared to the 170th position of Cambodia, scored two goals in five minutes to take a comfortable 2-0 lead by the 16th minute, but then relaxed their grip to take it easy, which proved almost fatal as Cambodia seized this opportunity to mount a series of attacks to knock in three goals to lead 3-2 at half-time. But immediately on resumption, Kyrgyzstan restored parity and regained lead well in time to garner full points. There was never any doubt about the superiority of the tall and strong Kyrgyzstan team in comparison to the puny Cambodians. But the latter put up such a spirited display, marshalled by their striker Hok Sotitya, that their narrow defeat was no disgrace, particularly after suffering a numbing 0-6 thumping at the hands of India in the opening match. Kyrgyzstan, playing in a 2-4-4 formation, meant business from the outset, and forged ahead in the 11th minute when wing back Samsaliev Talant moved up to take a long shot which curled into the Cambodian net. Four minutes later, off a fine move, medio Bokoev Aibek floated a cross from the right for Mamatov Bakytbek to head in. Cambodia then played at a feverish pitch to reduce the margin through Hok Sotitya, who scored off a free kick over the defensive wall (1-2) in the 34th minute. Six minutes later, the hard-working Chan Rithy scored when a free kick taken by Sotiya was headed down by a defender and Rithy made no mistake in despatching the ball home to draw level (2-2). Then to the shock of the Kyrgyzstan players, Chin Chum headed in off a corner kick by Hok Sotitya (2-3) to put Cambodia in the lead. But three minutes into the second session, Kyrgyzstan, once again getting into the attacking mode, drew level through Djamshidov Ruslan, who dribbled into the corner of the box, before volleying home, while Harcchenko Vadim scored off a flag kick. India take on Bangladesh tomorrow in a “revenge” match as Indian captain Baichung Bhutia would be matching his wits against his former mentor and present Bangladesh coach Syed Nayeemuddin. However, the Indian camp has a cause for concern as NP Pradeep, who suffered a knee injury in the opening match against Cambodia, looks a doubtful starter.
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United lose clash of Manchesters
London, August 19 The result left Sven-Goran Eriksson’s City top of the league with a maximum nine points, while United languish just outside the bottom three with two points. It is United’s worst start to a Premier League season since 1992 when they managed just one point from their opening three matches. It is also the worst start by any defending champions. An untidy Manchester derby at Eastlands was settled after 31 minutes by Geovanni, one of the numerous signings made by Eriksson since taking charge last month. The Brazilian midfielder broke into space and delivered a low shot that skimmed off the shin of United defender Nemanja Vidic before nestling inside the post. It was one of the few City attacks in a match dominated by United. Carlos Tevez was twice guilty of wasteful finishing for the champions while Vidic headed against the crossbar. Earlier, high-flying Everton came crashing back down to earth yesterday with a 1-0 defeat at Reading, while Tottenham Hotspur belatedly hit form with a 4-0 demolition of newly promoted Derby County. Stephen Hunt scored Reading’s winner just before half-time, and Everton, who had won their opening two matches, could find no way back after the break as they were knocked off the top of the table on goals scored by Wigan Athletic. Tottenham got back on track after a poor start to the season, with two goals from Frenchman Steed Malbranque and one from Jermaine Jenas killing off a poor Derby side inside the opening 15 minutes at White Hart Lane. Darren Bent, a £16.5 million capture from Charlton Athletic, scored his first competitive goal for Tottenham in the second half. Wigan gave Roy Keane’s Sunderland a wake-up call with a 3-0 victory at the JJB Stadium. Emile Heskey’s first-half volley and penalties after the break from Danny Landzaat and Antoine Sibierski inflicted a first defeat on Sunderland. Two sides looking for their first points of the season, West Ham United and Middlesbrough, both got off the mark. Big-spending West Ham won at Birmingham City thanks to a Mark Noble penalty, while Egyptian striker Mido scored on his debut as Boro came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1. The match at Craven Cottage ended controversially, however, as Fulham appeared to have a late equaliser harshly ruled out when the ball was adjudged not to have crossed the line. Fulham also lost Brian McBride, who dislocated his knee while putting his side ahead in the first half, and Hameur Boazza who dislocated his shoulder. Bolton Wanderers were beaten 3-1 by a Portsmouth side inspired by Nwankwo Kanu to leave them bottom. Nicolas Anelka gave Bolton an early lead but Kanu quickly equalised and then sent John Utaka clear to race half the length of the pitch and make it 2-1 before half-time. Matt Taylor scored with a late penalty to seal Portsmouth’s first victory. England’s leading striker Michael Owen made his first appearance of the season for Newcastle United after recovering from a thigh injury, coming on as a second-half substitute in a dour 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
— Reuters
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Paes-Damm bow out in semis
New Delhi, August 19 The Indo-Czech pair squandered a one-set lead to go down 6-3, 0-6, 7-10 to the Americans, who advanced to their 12th final this year. The top seeds will take on the sixth-seeded Israeli duo of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram, who defeated Czechs Lukas Dlouhy and Pavel Vizner 7-6, 7-5, in the semis today. Paes and Damm were off to a brilliant start as they broke Mike Bryan’s first service game en route to capturing the first set. Bopanna-Qureshi in
final Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi stormed into their fourth successive final after a straight-set win against Jim Thomas and Steve Darcis in the $50,000 ATP Challenger in Bronx, New York. The fourth seeded Indo-Pakistani duo beat their unseeded rivals 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals of the hardcourt event.
— PTI
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Shimla schools emerge champs
Chandigarh, August 19 In table tennis (boys), DAV, Lakkar Bazaar, won in junior as well as senior categories. In the junior girls category, The Scholars’ Home, Paonta Sahib, stood winners, while hosts Pinegrove School took the honours among senior girls. In badminton (boys), Dayanand Public School,
Shimla, won in senior as well as junior categories. In the girls’ section, Pinegrove School won the junior title, while BL Central Public School,
Solan, were the winners in the senior category. Lokinder Chauhan, ADM,
Solan, was the chief guest on the final day of the tournament. — TNS
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Amritsar clinch u-22 title
Amritsar, August 19 The local team put a convincing 286 for nine on the board. Gaurav Bhandari remained not out on 53 as Tarun Sharma was involved in a stand of 83 runs with him. Minor Counties were bowled out for 194 runs. Brief scores: Amritsar 286 for nine. (Bharat Lumba 52, Sharad Lumba 27, Vipin Chouhan 36, Tarun Sharma 26 not out, Gaurav Bhandari 53 not out Amarinder 4/63 and Manjot 2/35). Minor Counties: 194 all out (Harnam Bajwa 60, Tarun Sharma 4/34, Bharat lumba 3/27).
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