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Charlesworth may stay back
English run feast at Lord’s
Ian Bell celebrates his century during the second day of the first Test at Lord’s. — AP/PTI
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Lanka board stand on IPL irks ICC
Jr Asia Cup Hockey
Ronaldo backs Blatter ‘slave’ outburst
Bharti to fund u-16 football team
ICC panel to review ICL
Malik a weak captain, says Akram
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Charlesworth may stay back
New Delhi, July 11 A day after his dramatic resignation came to light, the FIH gave a new turn to the developments by indicating that the Australian legend would "stay back" in India and complete his stint which has been marked by a constant bickering with the hockey establishment. Charlesworth resignation has not gone down too well with the ad-hoc committee, currently running the hockey affairs in the country, with top officials questioning his contribution and utility for developing the game. To add to the confusion, some media reports claimed that Charlesworth had not tendered his resignation and had gone to Australia to attend to his ailing mother. But IOA, which had disbanded the Indian Hockey Federation under KPS Gill and formed its own committee, confirmed that he had put in his papers on June 25. A top delegation of the FIH officials will be visiting Hyderabad on July 18-19 when a final decision on Charlesworth's fate is expected to be taken. "I spoke to the FIH president Els (Van Breda Vriesman) and she said he'll (Charlesworth) stay back. We will talk in detail when a delegation of top FIH officials visits India on July 18-19," IOA general secretary Randhir Singh told PTI today. Charlesworth was, however, quoted as saying from Australia that he had heard about the speculation about his resignation but it was "absurd" for him to comment since he was not aware of the content of the reports. The Australian said he would be returning to India on July 26, but did not elaborate. The former Australian captain, one of the most respected players of his era, has cited several reasons including failure to pay his arrears and inadequate working conditions for his decision to quit after just a seven-month stint. Charlesworth has also threatened to take legal action against his employers if they fail to pay his "outstanding" bills. In a strongly worded resignation letter, a copy of which is available with PTI, Charlesworth said that he was convinced he could not effectively operate as an adviser as his recommendations did not carry any weight. Convener of the ad-hoc committee, Mohammad Aslam Khan said the latest development was the aftermath of the Australian's bitter relationship with the erstwhile IHF. "Let me put the record straight. The Indian Olympic Association-appointed ad-hoc committee took over the reins of hockey in May and this is an old story. All the issues concerning Charlesworth are from that era (relating to dissolved IHF)," Mohd Aslam said. "We are absolutely in the dark about the Gill-backed IHF's agreement with Charlesworth. The suspended IHF has not handed over any accounts, any paper to us till date. This is the real picture. As far his resignation is concerned, it has not been sent to us. We are not a party to it," he added. Meanwhile, sources told PTI that Charlesworth had put forth some unreasonable demands such as asking for a huge amount to run Indian hockey. "He wanted a huge sum, to the tune of Rs 14 crore to run Indian hockey on his own terms. He knew there was around Rs 24 crore sanctioned for Indian hockey, half of which he wanted to manage the show, which was really bizzare," the sources said. "Charlesworth felt the amount was required to make India competitive again and the figures and plans were in line with the countries like Holland, Germany, Australia and Britain," they added. "While our national coaches are working for meagre salary, he is getting a high sum and he is still complaining," they said. — PTI
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Randhir, however, lashed out at the Australian for lack of dedication and not being of any help to the cause of Indian hockey in his brief stay here. "Till now I've not been able to see any benefit to team India because first he was on different assignments and when he was sent to Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with the senior team, he went to Australia for his visa, which I feel could have been done later. He was hardly there for the team," Randhir said. "In fact, we wanted him to become our national coach so we offered him the post to which he also said 'yes', but then he suddenly quit without any notice," he added. "I am surprised that he has left the camp and gone back. There was a little problem in his communication with the IHF earlier but he shared good relations with the ad-hoc committee and all his problems had been settled. After that if he had any problem we were not aware," Randhir said. Asked if the latest development would send a wrong signal about India's image in international scene, Randhir said he did not feel so. "I don't think it should have any impact on our international image, neither should it affect our chances for the 2010 World Cup, but if it so happens, God help hockey," he said.
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The former Australian captain also cited the "entirely unrealistic" expectations on him and the failure to give him a proper support staff as some of the other reasons for packing his bags. "I have been working in India since December 10, 2007, although SAI unfortunately has failed to recognise in contractual format my earlier tenure. On March 20 under duress, I finally signed a contract that was far from adequate and from what was agreed earlier," Charlesworth said in his resignation letter.
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English run feast at Lord’s
London, July 11 South Africa were seven without loss in reply before rain and bad light brought a premature end to the day’s play. Although Bell’s abundant talent has never been questioned his reaction to pressure has after a series of soft dismissals when seemingly well set. His response at Lord's was to help Kevin Pietersen (152) revive England from a shaky 117 for three on Thursday with a fourth-wicket partnership of 286, a record against South Africa. After Paul Collingwood (7) and Tim Ambrose (4) had fallen cheaply either side of lunch, Bell and Broad added 152 for the seventh wicket, another England record against the South Africans. They were assisted by some more inaccurate bowling from the South African pace attack, sloppy ground fielding and stolidly unimaginative captaincy from the world's most experienced leader Graeme Smith who rotated his bowlers mechanically and rarely altered the field. South Africa also did themselves no favours when Dale Steyn peppered tail-ender Ryan Sidebottom with some short-pitched deliveries after a rain break in the final session.
— Reuters Scoreboard England (1st innings) Strauss lbw Morkel 44 Cook c de Villiers b Morkel 60 Vaughan b Steyn 2 Pietersen c Boucher b Morkel 152 Bell c & b Harris 199 Collingwood c Amla b Harris 7 Ambrose c Smith b Morkel 4 Broad b Harris 76 Sidebottom not out 1 Extras (b-14, lb-12, w-7, nb-15) 48 Total (8 wkts, 156.2 overs) 593 Fall of wickets: 1-114, 2-117, 3-117, 4-403, 5-413, 6-422, 7-574, 8-593 Bowling: Steyn 35-8-117-1, Ntini 29-2-130-0, Morkel 34-3-121-4, Kallis 20-3-70-0, Harris 38.2-8-129-3. South Africa (1st innings) Smith not out 2 McKenzie not out 5 Total: (no wicket, 3.2 overs) 7 Bowling: Sidebottom 2-0-5-0, Anderson 1.2-0-2-0.
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Lanka board stand on IPL irks ICC
Colombo, July 11 Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) says it has decided to make the concession because the players have committed themselves to another series against England in
2011. "The players were already committed to playing in the IPL for three years (2008-10) but have assured us they will give the 2011 tour of England top priority ahead of the IPL. Taking this into consideration we couldn't let them down," SLC chief executive Duleep Mendis said. However, SLC's decision has evoked sharp criticism from the ICC with CEO Haroon Lorgat fearing it might be the start of a dangerous trend. "If we don't manage this situation we could be threatening the lifeblood of all member countries. International cricket generates revenue that is essential to our survival," Lorgat was quoted as saying by Cricinfo. "My folks always used to say to me to be careful because money is the root of all evil. The root of this issue is the sums of money involved - it is far more attractive financially to play in the IPL," he added. Lorgat said it was the SLC's responsibility to ensure that players don't fall for the easy money on offer at the IPL. "It is up to Sri Lanka to sort out the situation. To satisfy players financially by relying on their payments from the IPL is not sustainable," he said. "Players have short careers and they want immediate rewards but we have to educate them about the development of the game. All of us, players included, must be responsible during this time of enormous opportunity," he observed. Lorgat reiterated that the ICC was considering the possibility of having a window for IPL in the international calendar. "There is no doubt that there are inherent conflicts in the situation. Each country would rather look after its own interests and then you also have to get together to look after the global interests. I would hope that the ICC has people with the integrity to look after the game globally. "I suspect that the prospect of a window for IPL is a subject that will not disappear from the radar," he said.
— PTI |
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Symonds reluctant to visit Pak for Champions Trophy
Sydney, July 11 Symonds, who arrived home from a West Indies tour yesterday, said he was yet to be convinced whether it was safe to play in Pakistan. "My feelings haven't changed a great deal. I don't mind the odd game of cricket for Australia, but it is only a game at the end of the day, and putting yourself in a position where you're not safe, to me is ridiculous," The News quoted Symonds as saying. Players from Australia, New Zealand and England have expressed concern over playing in Pakistan after a deadly suicide blast in Rawalpindi, one of three venues for the tournament. Symonds had first raised objections about Australia's scheduled Test tour of Pakistan in April, which was eventually cancelled following a wave of suicide bombings. Meanwhile, acting Australian captain Michel Clarke refused to express an opinion, and instead preferred to leave the call up to the game's administrators. He said he would wait to hear what Cricket Australia (CA), the Australian Cricketers' Association and the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided on the issue. I'd go anywhere: Watson
Melbourne: The thought of going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy is giving jitters to his teammates but Australian all-rounder Shane Watson says he is so desperate to keep his place in the side that he would not mind ignoring security concerns to play in the troubled country. Watson, whose history of injury breakdowns came in the way of his cementing a slot in the Aussie team in the past, has blossomed into a consistent match winner off late pulling of man-of-the-series winning performances in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) and the ODI series against West Indies. And the 27-year-old is no mood to halt his remarkable run by pulling out of the mini World Cup due to security concerns. "I'd go anywhere, I'd play anywhere," he was quoted as saying in 'The Australia'. — ANI\PTI
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India blank Japan
Hyderabad, July 11 The Japanese were up for the challenge and their solid defence kept the hosts on their toes right until the final whistle. If Japan had not wasted a couple of chances in the second half, India would have been in deep trouble. In other matches of the day, Korea scored the day's most emphatic win, pumping eight goals against lowly Bangladesh in Group B. Seo Jun Su began the carnage in the seventh minute through a penalty corner and after that goals rained on Bangladesh. Defender Nam Hyun Woo (11th, 17th, 33rd) converted three penalty corners to put Korea 4-0 ahead at the break. The change of ends didn't bring any respite for the Bangladeshi players as Koreans added four more to their account. Lee Dong Hyun (38th), Bae Jong Suk (43rd), Lim Woo Geun (51st, 56th) were the scorers. In another Group B match, Pakistan, with five Olympic probables in the side, scored a 5-1 victory over Oman.Three-times champions Pakistan were 3-0 up at the interval. Oman gave a tough challenge but Pakistanis latched on to the opportunities. Pakistan's Abdul Haseem Khan struck four goals, in the 21st, 29th, 52nd and 65th minute. Yasir Jan Al Balushi struck the consolation goal for Oman in the 48th minute. In a Pool 'A' tie, Singapore and Malaysia played out a 2-2 draw. Singapore forged ahead through Mohd Fazari Mohd Jailani (4th) and Cher Shao Jie Benjamin (32nd). After the break, Malaysia bounced back with captain Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin (44th) and Heh Tuah (49th) striking. — IANS
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Ronaldo backs Blatter ‘slave’ outburst
London, July 11 Ronaldo was responding to Blatter's comments made earlier in the day, in which the head of world football insisted the player should be allowed to join Spanish giants Real Madrid if he wants to. "I completely agree with the FIFA president," said the player currently resting in Portugal after undergoing an ankle operation. He added: "The president is correct, but I do not want to say more." Real Madrid are believed to be prepared to offer around 85 million euros for the 23-year-old and pay him nine million euros on a five-year
deal. Ronaldo, a boyhood Real fan, has consistently been linked with a move to the Spanish capital since the end of last season after scoring an impressive 42 goals last term as United won both the Premier League and Champions League. Wading into the protracted wrangle over the player's future, Blatter said that the current practice of tying players to long contracts amounts to "modern slavery". And he urged Manchester United and Real Madrid "to sit together" if Ronaldo wants a move to the Spanish club. "The important thing is we should also protect the player," Blatter told Sky News. "If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found,” Blatter
added. — AFP
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Bharti to fund u-16 football team
New Delhi,
July 11 The first major test for the colt team, under
Bharti sponsorship, will be the Asian Football Championship to be held
in Uzbekistan in October. The Under-16 team are presently touring West
Virginia (US) where they are playing practice matches and will then
travel to Europe. There is great hope pinned on this U-16 squad after
they defeated Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to qualify for the Asian
Championship. And if they manage to enter the semifinal of the Asian
Championship, they would qualify for the 2009 Under-17 World Cup. AIFF
president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said “We are very happy with the
support from Bharti and this will provide a lot of encouragement to the
boys." |
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ICC panel to review ICL
Dubai, July 11 "The purpose of the group is to ensure that whatever conclusion is reached is in the best interests of the game," an ICC spokesperson was quoted as
saying by Cricinfo. The committee, which was formalised during the International Cricket Council's (ICC) annual meeting in Dubai last week, includes ECB chairman Giles Clarke, Cricket South Africa (CSA) president
Norman Arendse, BCCI president-elect Shashank Manohar, BCCI vice-president Lalit
Modi, and ICC senior counsel David Becker. While India, Australia and South Africa are clear that players associated with the ICC cannot take part in the league, England will have to take a tough call on the issue as around 25 ICL players are currently playing for 15 English counties. ICL warns of legal action
London: The rebel Indian Cricket League has warned the ICC of legal action if the game's world governing body continues to ignore it. The league, which is preparing to approach the London High Court, feels it is being discriminated against because the ICC has refused to recognise it.
— UNI |
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Malik a weak captain, says Akram
New Delhi, July 11 Akram was particularly irked by Malik's comments during the Asia Cup that he was only playing with the XI which the selectors had handed over to him. Akram said selection in Pakistan is always a politicised affair but Malik needed to put his foot down if he had some other ideas. "Fourteen boys went to the Kitply Cup; they won the tournament, but two have been dropped. They didn't even play and are dropped. What they must be going through, I can only imagine. That's where Shoaib Malik has to be strong," Akram told Cricinfo. "As a leader and as a player he has to be positive. In the beginning I thought he had the skills; now I have my doubts. Against Zimbabwe he bowled 10 overs in almost every match, against Bangladesh he bowled a little less. But in big matches he is not bowling. Do you think nobody notices? People do. Most of all, players notice how the leader is doing," Akram said.
— PTI |
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Ian Bell came of age as an England batsman on Friday with a monumental 199 on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Lord’s.
