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Mumbai take on Super Kings
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IPL will do $1billion business this year: Modi
Next two races crucial for F 1 future: Button
Tiger can still roar, feels Ballesteros
World Cup was a learning experience, says Rajpal
Bid for 2022 FIFA World Cup: Bob Houghton
AFC Cup
Shoaib Malik defers plan to sue PCB
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Royals outshine Kings Mohali, March 24 Initial nerves having been overcome, skipper Kumar Sangakkara looked like playing a worthwhile innings. But he suddenly took fancy to Tait, clobbering him for three spanking fours before being done in by recklessness in the same over. Manvinder Bisla then caused a flutter, playing some adventurous strokes. He toyed with lanky seamer Munaf Patel dispatching him thrice to the fence and once hoisting it over for a lusty six. The first six overs having produced 76 runs, somebody should have advised the Kings XI to bat sensibly and coast home comfortably. A victory would have put their campaign firmly on track. But once Bisla departed, contributing a scintillating 35, the hosts’ campaign started floundering sooner than expected. The former skipper Yuvraj failed to capitalise on a simple chance when Lumb grassed a sitter at deep midwicket off Trivedi. Not the one to learn any lesson from the reprieve, the southpaw wasted no time in taking the aerial route again in the same over only to end up giving a straight forward catch to Fazal at widish mid-wicket. Opener Bopara, was then consumed by Munaf Patel, when the bowler returned for his second spell. Any hopes of a fightback evaporated when an agile Abhishek Jhunjhunwala’s smart throw at the wickets found Irfan just short of the crease. Introduced into the attack towards the fag end of the innings, Yusuf then struck twice in quick succession to hasten Kings XI collapse. The hosts were bowled out for 152 in 19.1 overs, when Shuan Tait castled Srivastava. Earlier, Lumb and Faiz Fazal played sensibly to lay a good platform for the Rajasthan Royals. Lumb was a bit more adventurous of the two and scored 30-ball 41 as Fazal contributed more than run-a-ball 45. But it was Voges who provided the late thrust to the innings with a 24-ball 45 as Royals put decent 183 for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. These were his late heroics that proved decisive and fetched Voges the Man of the Match award.
Scoreboard Kings XI Punjab:
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With in-form Sachin leading from the front in batting and the home team’s bowling looking potent with two other top Indian stars Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh spearheading it, they appear to carry too many guns for the liking of the struggling visitors. Tendulkar’s two masterly half-centuries towards winning causes - against Delhi Daredevils at the Ferozeshah Kotla and at the Brabourne Stadium here on Monday - have shown very clearly that he holds the key in batting for Mumbai Indians. The big thing about the hosts’ display thus far has been the fact that their foreign recruits have been just support actors in the MI batting order with youngsters like Saurabh Tiwary and Rayudu rising up to the challenge splendidly to give excellent support to their captain’s endeavour. The trio’s superb display thus far has ensured MI keep its foot on the accelerator in the race to reach the semifinal despite the poor form of Sanath Jayasuriya, who had to be omitted in their previous clash and replaced with Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order. West Indians Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard have threatened to break loose but have not really set the Brabourne Stadium on fire yet. With Zaheer and Harbhajan doing their jobs well along with Sri Lanka’s sling-arm pacer Lasith Malinga, who has been brilliant at the fag end of the innings, MI have managed to forge a good bowling combination too to keep the opposition run-rate within manageable proportions. The fielding has been a bit inconsistent even with South African fielding expert Jonty Rhodes in the support staff but this has not so far denied them victory where they deserved it. MI are in second position just behind leaders Royal Challengers Bangalore in the table with six points from four ties, their lone defeat significantly coming against the latter. They would be eager to maintain their running start in the cash-rich League and book the last-four berth at the earliest. The hosts are also fortunate to have avoided traveling outside for their matches after returning from Delhi. Dhoni might play
Chennai Super Kings’ IPL campaign received a major fillip today with injured skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni joining the squad and practising at the nets ahead of their clash with Mumbai Indians here tomorrow. Coach Stephen Fleming said the team was cautious but optimistic about Dhoni’s return against the high-flying MI and if it happens it would be major psychological boost. “It looks good. He is right back with the team and he’s also training. We will take a call
tomorrow.” — PTI MS Dhoni during training on Wednesday. — PTI
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IPL makes money if the franchisees make money: Ness
Chandigarh, March 24 Q: Lalit Modi’s announcement that the league will earn more than $1 billion in revenue must be heartening for the franchises as well. Don’t you think you guys deserve a bigger share of the pie? A: Well, we have a wonderful working relationship with the IPL governing council. We have had a few meetings with them already, but because of the league shifting to South Africa last year and then coming back to India again, we all have been pretty caught up. We had a few meetings in Bangkok and Mr Modi listens to us and am sure he wants the franchises to make money. Ultimately, if the franchisees makes money, then the IPL makes money. We get a chance to offer more to the fan and everybody is happier. Q: The IPL has an auction system in place. Do you think it is fair that the player doesn’t get to decide which team he wants to play for? A: You see, leagues through out the world have different ways to do this. The NBA, NFL and EPL. We have a the auction, and then there is a month’s trading window as well. This means if you are not happy with the team you have been bought by, you can always speak to them, and with the help of our association, we can make sure that this reaches a logical conclusion. Q: But why would you not want that in the first place? A: It is a system that is still evolving. You need the players to register with the IPL and then the rest of the procedure is in place. Things will improve and you have to look at it in entirety. Any problem can be taken care off by the one-month window that we have. Q: The win against Super Kings was a very, very close one. Where does the team morale go from here? A: Well it was quite a win. Really thrilling and I know everybody thought that we would lose, but trust me I didn’t. I always believed that this team has what it takes to win matches. Well that win was our first against Super Kings in five matches. But then our loss to Deccan was the first in four matches. That is T20 for you and that is IPL. Q: The start is not exactly what you would have wished for. But still another thing to look forward to is the Champions League. A: Of course it is. I believe we will be one of the Indian teams making the cut for the Champions League. It is another chance to showcase our team’s prowess. Q: You would have been part of the Champions League after the first season itself. Unlucky on that part? A: What happened is history. We are looking forward to making it happen this time as well. You see, we lost two last year, and then we won seven. This year, we have lost three, so maybe we will win eight. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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IPL will do $1billion business this year: Modi
New Delhi, March 24 “The tournament is still on and we have not reached the final number... Yes, it will be more than a billion dollar (about Rs 4,700 crore) this season ... last season we did $450 dollar. Thereafter, we would double every year,” Modi said and asserted that as long as the fans keep coming to IPL, the league’s brand value would increase and hence the revenue. Revenue for Sony, the official broadcaster, alone would be about Rs 700 crore to Rs 800 crore, he said brushing aside the criticism that the advertising rates for the IPL’s third season were very high. “There may be some advertisers who feel that way but there are lot many others who are willing to join us,” he said pointing out that the huge success of the tournament in terms of TV viewership would certainly entice the advertisers. “There is no other sporting event across the world generating more eyeballs than the IPL,” he said, adding that the league was virtually in every part of the world through either broadcasters of through the Internet - via YouTube. Asked about an independent brand consultancy valuing Brand IPL at at $ 4.13 billion, more than double from last year, Modi said that it was not done by the organisation and “it is indeed valuation given to us by outsiders.” ‘IPL will not go public’
Indian Premier League will not go for an Initial Public Offer and listing on the stock exchanges for raising money, Lalit Modi said today. “Why should we go for an IPO” We don’t want to raise money,” Modi said. He was responding to a query whether he would like to leverage from the huge success of IPL, which is expected to see revenues doubling this year from less than $ 500 million in the last season, and go public. The success of IPL as a business idea has also catapulted its brand value to
$ 4.13 billion this season, more than double from last year’s $ 2.03 billion, according to brand
consultancy firm Brand Finance. — PTI |
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Messi replaces Beckham as highest-paid footballer
But the 3.6 million pounds bonus the 22-year-old Barcelona player banked for winning the treble last season saw his overall pay climb to 29.6 million pounds. Beckham has finished in the top two footballers’ earnings spot for the ninth consecutive time after coming out on top five times. France Football magazine reports that the LA Galaxy midfielder suffered a drop in income from 29.1 million pounds to 27.3 million pounds last year. Beckham, who will miss the World Cup after his Achilles’ injury, is all set to be overtaken by Ronaldo with the Portuguese winger replacing as the face and body of Giorgio Armani this year. Messi was still only the fourth highest earning sportsman last year behind Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and LeBron James. Beckham is seventh also behind Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. — ANI
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Next two races crucial for F 1 future: Button
“Drivers have a good understanding of what the car is doing and possibilities for improving the car. This season we’ve taken away a lot of grip with going to a narrow front tyre,” The Sun quoted Button, as saying. “When you come up behind someone, you don’t have the grip you had last year to follow and overtake. But you can’t just think of one area. We need to see what happens this weekend in Australia and then Malaysia,” he said. “Let’s not get carried away. If the next two races are also not very exciting, then we as F1 need to look at the options. That’s not pointing a finger at anyone. We all need to have ideas and, hopefully, we are listened to and can improve the sport. “Last year, the racing was some of the best we’ve seen and there was quite a bit of overtaking. But if it becomes too easy to overtake, the moves are not exciting,” Button added. Button is certain that Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit will make Sunday’s race more exciting than Bahrain. The McLaren star finished seventh after being stuck behind Mercedes rival Michael Schumacher for long periods. “I hope it is more exciting. Bahrain felt boring to me but I was stuck behind a car the whole race. Tyres will work differently here, so it could be more fun.” Button is sure that he and his teammate Lewis Hamilton will be closer to Ferrari and Red Bull this time around. Schumi’s days
numbered: Webber
Schumacher has already suffered two embarrassing defeats to Rosberg, first in qualifying in Bahrain and then in the race as they finished fifth and six. “It depends what people mean by competitive because Michael was competitive in Bahrain,” The Mirror quoted Webber, as saying. “Is him winning by 60 seconds like he used to in the past, competitive? Winning by those sorts of margins will be tough for Schumacher this season but yes he will be competitive. Whether he can be as dominant as he was in the past will be another subject. I wouldn’t expect him to beat Nico - I expect it to be close. Rosberg is competitive and I would say Schumacher is too,” Webber said.
— ANI |
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Tiger can still roar, feels Ballesteros
London, March 24 “If he decides to compete in The Masters it is because he knows that he has a good chance. We all know his potential and he knows the golf course very well, so I think he has a great chance to win,” he added. In December last year, Woods announced that he was taking an “indefinite break” from golf, and two months later, he confessed to a number of extramarital affairs. Recently, Woods revealed his intention to return to action at Augusta National, the scene of four of his 14 major victories. According to his practice partner John Cook, Woods is in “vintage” form at the moment. American John Cook, who has 11 PGA Tour wins, said he had played rounds with Woods on Thursday and Friday and hit balls with him on Sunday. “I don’t see anyone that hits the ball like he does. We all know that that’s not the whole battle, there are a lot of other issues there for him, but as far as ball-striking goes, if he takes that up there, it’s vintage,” Cook said after play at the Tavistock Cup at Isleworth. Woods was given a further boost by the public backing of tennis world No 4 Rafael Nadal. “The first thing I think is that society is in a bad way. Starting with the sports media, we have to judge Tiger as an athlete. His private life is his business and nobody else’s. I still admire him because he’s an exemplary athlete,” Nadal said. — ANI
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Vijender’s medal changed it all: Jagdish
Patiala, March 24 In the city to attend five-day workshop on boxing at NIS for the training of core probable for the Commonwealth Games, Jagdish shares his success mantra with The Tribune and how the prospects of boxing have changed after the historic Olympic medal by Vijender. Talking about his Bhiwani center, Jagdish informs that he is working as a coach in SAI Training Centre and trains almost 40 regular and 68 day-boarding boxers. Along with this, he runs Bhiwani Boxing Club, which has recently been sponsored by Sahara India, in which the players that are too young to be in SAI are trained. On being questioned about the current scenario in boxing, he says it is for the first time that boxing has got exposure at such a large scale. “Vijender’s Olympic medal has spinned things around for boxing lovers. The dedication and confidence of these boxers have brought them where they are today. It’s for the first time that the nation has accepted any other game than cricket and boxing has been introduced to each and every Indian. I must say it’s the hardwork of these players that people have started looking towards boxing as a suitable career,” he adds. While comparing the facilities offered to sportspersons in Haryana and Punjab, he said things in Haryana are certainly better. “After the government has given jobs to all major achievers, players have started taking sports even more seriously. Financial security is a must if you want sportspersons to give their best results and that’s what has brought Haryana boxers where they are today. Though there are great boxers in Punjab also but they are still lagging behind because of lack of facilities. I think the Punjab Government must provide better facilities to catch youth at ground level and to bring them at par with the current legends.” Talking about the effect of these players on his trainees, he smiles and says, “Juniors always look upto their seniors and these players are like icons to them. They copy their technique to a large extent and also their style, food habits and dressing sense. Now everyone has started thinking about Olympic medals and that in itself is a big achievement. Everyday five to ten kids come to my academy to join boxing.” Giving his success mantra, he says hardwork and discipline are the only two things required for success. Rest all-name, fame, money- comes with it. “Keep working hard and move forward with conviction. There is no stopping a man who is really serious about achieving an aim. Sooner or later, success will touch your feet,” he signs off.
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World Cup was a learning experience, says Rajpal
Chandigarh, March 24 "Our focus now is Asian games," the Chandigarh-lad said adding that the players are now looking at the CommonWealth Games as a preparatory tournament for the team. Expressing satisfaction at the blend of old style and attacking hockey played by the team, he said that the boys were contributing a lot towards the game. Rajpal said that the bench strength of the team was strong and players are looking forward to the upcoming major events. The skipper, however, admitted that the defence of the team was weak. — PTI
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Bid for 2022 FIFA World Cup: Bob Houghton
Mumbai, March 24 "In 2014, Brazil will host the World Cup and in 2018 England are the favourites. But 2022 could be a possibility if we could have enough of world class stadiums built in India, tap good players and improve infrastructure," he said. Houghton said USA's football profile changed once the country hosted the World Cup in 1994.
— PTI |
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AFC Cup
New Delhi, March 24 Al Hilal, though, would be ruing a missed penalty kick by Brhano Qasem in the 10th minute of the match. With the win today, Churchill now tops Group B with four points from two matches, having drawn their opening match 2-2 at home against Defending champions Kuwait Sports Club. The Goan side now have a strong chance to qualify for the knock out round of 16 from their group. After the costly miss from the spot by Al Hilal, Odafe gave his side the lead in the 15th minute before the home side restored parity in the 37th minute. Odafe, who had scored a gaol against Kuwait Sports Club, found the back of Al Hilal net a few minutes before the hour mark which turned out to be the match winner. Churchill play their next match at home against the same side on April 6.
— PTI |
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Shoaib Malik defers plan to sue PCB
Lahore, March. 24 “I want to appeal but I have deferred it (appeal) for seven days because I want to complete consultation with my friends, lawyers and other well-wishers on the issue,” The Dawn quoted Malik, as saying. “I am leaving for Sharjah to play the Bangladesh League matches there and will return after one week to decide when to file the appeal,” he added. The PCB has given 30 days time to challenge its decision. Earlier, Malik had said that he would appeal against the PCB’s ban on every possible forum. “I will fight against the ban and go to every possible platform to prove my innocence. I want to prove my innocence as there have been no cases of indiscipline in my 11-year career,” Malik had said. The veteran of 29 Tests and 190 One-day Internationals said he has always given his best for the country and would fight for justice. “I am innocent and I always played for the country throughout my 11-year career. I will knock every door to get justice,” Malik said. Malik was banned for a year and slapped a hefty fine along with fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan following the recommendations of an inquiry committee, which was formed to look into Pakistan’s woeful performance in Australia. The PCB had also banned former captains Mohammed Younis and Younis Khan for an indefinite period on the committee’s recommendation. The senior players were found guilty of being involved in ‘infighting’ in the team and creating rifts among players. — ANI
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Mumbai, March 24
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London, March 24
Red Bull driver Mark Webber believes he has seen enough in just one race weekend to know the legendary Michael Schumacher’s days as a dominant force in Formula 1 are over. Webber predicts the 41-year-old will suffer a string of embarrassing defeats to little-known teammate Nico Rosberg.
‘Afridi best man to lead’