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India-Lanka-NZ Tri-Series
No-ball Incident |
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Will exploit tired Lankans: Taylor
Roaring with honesty
Fennell visits CWG stadiums
Oz firm refutes allegations
SFI unhappy with facilities at CWG venue
Now, cyclists rue selection process for Commonwealth Games
NBA eyes Punjab boy
BCS, Sanawar win on Day 2
HPCA to organise T-20 cricket tourney
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India-Lanka-NZ Tri-Series
“The Board has instructed team manager for an inquiry. I have made my views known to the Board and the manager. I don't think there's anything more can be expected from us as a team. Now the matter is with our Board, to act upon it as it thinks fit,” he said. Sangakkara refused to concede that Suraj Randiv's no-ball which denied Sehwag a century was a deliberate act and said the team will stand by the off-spinner or any other player whatever decision the Board takes. “It (whether deliberate or not) is a grey area. At the end of the day, everything is not in black and white. I think everyone realises that. I think all teams in the world have gone through similar experiences,” he said. “Anytime, we stand up to right thing and try to protect the players who are not at fault. In any way due to lack of experience or due to influence, if something happens and if we feel that a player needs to be supported, we support. But at all times, we hope all players will support the team as well. At the end of the day, what matters is the team. No one can win matches alone. If we do the right thing or the wrong thing, as a team we need to take the responsibility together,” said the home side captain. Sangakkara, who is the representative of current players in the ICC Cricket Committee, however, suggested that his players should uphold the spirit of the game. “You need to make sure that you keep trying to impress upon players that the responsibility of playing cricket is not all the time about runs and wickets and winning. Winning and losing is part of the game, the manner in which you play the game and the manner in which you present yourself on and off the field is also important,” the Lankan captain said. “It’s not just Sri Lanka, it’s the responsibility of all cricketers of the world. This incident was unfortunate, it's not Sri Lanka Cricket has to take the sole proprietorship of whole unsavoury incidents. All sides have gone through such incidents including India,” he said. Sangakkara was not happy with Sehwag speaking in two voices on the controversy and “sensationalising” the issue. “We can't expect just one side to keep making advances and holding out the hand while it has been sensationalised by other players. I think everyone has got the responsibility to move on from this incident,” he said when asked if Sri Lankan team has anything to say to Sehwag. “He said one thing at match presentation and there was a mark contrast in the press conference with regard to that no ball. I have spoken to Mahi (M S Dhoni) and Gary Kirsten. Sehwag has tweeted that there have been other approaches made to him. I think if you all talk of the spirit of the game, once you set right things in motion, it’s the responsibility of all players, to be within that spirit,” he added. Asked about local media reports that Tillakaratne Dilshan had suggested Randiv to bowl the no-ball, Sangakkara said, "The Board will inquire into the matter, taking into account all the statements made by the players, the views I have communicated to them, the views of manager. It doesn't matter, one person or five persons did it. End of the day, the team, has to face the consequences." — PTI
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No-ball Incident
Dambulla, August 18 "Suraj Randiv has been suspended from the next match against New Zealand tomorrow and his match fee for the India Vs Sri Lankan match on August 16, 2010, has been forfeited," SLC said in a statement today. "TM Dilshan's inference in this issue has resulted in his match fee for the same match also being forfeited. "Furthermore, Captain Kumar Sangakkara, too has been advised to ensure that repetition of such incidents do not occur, where disrepute will be brought to the game of Cricket, affecting the spirit of the game," the statement added. The decision to take disciplinary action against the players was taken by the six-member committee which meet this afternoon to discuss the recommendations of team manager who probed the 'no-ball' controversy. The development came on a day when the ICC also indicated that it could take action against guilty players under its Code of Conduct and the BCCI saying that it would expect its Sri Lankan counterparts to take action. "Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely proud of its team and their achievements over the years. It is of paramount importance to maintain the discipline of the Gentlemen's game, especially with Sri Lanka Cricket being winners of the 'ICC Spirit of the Game' award for two consecutive years," the statement said. "As such Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and T M Dilshan, for their actions during the 3rd ODI of the Micromax Tri-Series held on August 16, 2010, between India, in Dambulla, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no ball by Suraj Randiv," it added.
— PTI
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Will exploit tired Lankans: Taylor
Dambulla, August 18 "The thing in our favour more than that is that they played two games in a row which has been tough and shows that the team which have played a couple of games in a row they usually have not won," Taylor said at the pre-match media meet. "I guess they will be a bit tired after the tough series against India in the Test series. I guess that is an area where we will exploit. But they are a professional team and this is there conditions. I am sure they will be ready for the fight," he added. Asked about his viewpoint on the raging controversy, Taylor said Sehwag deserved the hundred. "I think it has been dealt with. It was disappointing for Virender. I was watching the game at the time and I thought he deserved a hundred, he batted very well. It was an unfortunate incident which I think has been dealt with. I am sure in the future it won't happen again," he said. Asked if the no-ball was bowled deliberately, he said," I think you have to ask Randiv that. I am not sure." The Kiwi captain, like Sehwag, said that he was not aware of the no-ball rules. "I don't even know that no-ball rule. When situations arise like this, rule changes come into question. That's why they are there for; to be questioned. They will come up with the answer that they think is necessary. I will just be happy to get a 100 first and then worry about that." Taylor said their strategy for tomorrow's match would be survive an early top-order collapse which has been a regular feature in the series. "I guess 230-240 is more like a par score on that wicket. Every game, the team has lost early wickets and put themselves on the back foot. I guess if we are in that situation again, we will look to retain wickets and put some pressure on the bowling team," he said. He also ruled out making any changes to the side. — PTI
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Roaring with honesty
Mohali, August 18 “I can claim with complete honesty that the mementos that we have built are not going to burn a hole into anyone’s pocket and in fact these mementos are my honest little effort to contribute to the Commonwealth Games. I think at a time when there is only talk of corruption and favouritism in the contracts, I want to tell the world that a Jat from Punjab can win a contract due to his hard work and diligence.” That Grewal sounds extremely upbeat about his effort is understandable, keeping in mind that his company was vying with other giants in the business, including Archies. What ultimately did the trick for Grewal was unmatched low price he offered, without compromising on quality. While the mementos he is rolling out are priced at Rs 650 per piece, the next lowest proposed amount was around Rs 1,800. Initially he will be producing 1,500 pieces, which can go up to 3,000 pieces depending on the organiser’s demand. Grewal has got the contract for the memento through Delhi-based Phulkari emporium. So how exactly did Grewal manage to get his hat into a ring that many would have believed to be out of bounds for anyone else than the big players? “I think it is down to dedication and firm belief that we can make a difference, if we have the will to put in the required effort. Before I stepped into this business, I was into agriculture. If not anything about business skills, then farming atleast teaches you to keep working relentlessly and stick to your belief when swimming against the tide.” The affable Jat doesn’t give away any business secrets, but as his smile merges into his dreamy eyes, you know he is not coming out of his ‘memento moment’ anytime soon!
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Fennell visits CWG stadiums
New Delhi, August 18 The CGF president will hold a series of meetings with government officials, including Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, and Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy, who is heading the Group of Ministers overseeing the preparations of the Games. Fennell, who was accompanied by CGF chief executive Mike Hooper, went around the city checking out the facilities at the stadiums. OC vice-chairman Randhir Singh and secretary-general Lalit Bhanot escorted the delegation around the venues and the Games village. Thyagaraj Stadium, which is a training venue for Netball was the first venue visited by the delegation in the morning. The officials then went on to see Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Indira Gandhi Complex, Games Village and Yamuna Sports Complex. The other venues that were inspected includes University’s Rugby Stadium, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Complex, Talkatora Stadium, Siri Fort Stadium and RK Khanna. Whereas, the two shooting ranges at Karni Singh and Kadarpur will be visited tomorrow. At many stadiums, final touches are still to be given to the venues and garbage and construction materials are found littered all over the surroundings. Fennell’s visit also gains importance because a few of the Commonwealth nations have raised doubts about the security during the event and they would be eagerly waiting for a report from the CGF chief to take a final decision. “The CGF has made it clear to the OC about their demand for all the necessary safety clearances. With little time left, they want them at the earliest,” said a senior OC member. The CGF has demanded all clearances in writing so that they can pass on the information to the 71 participating nations. Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada have been in touch with the CGF and have been vocal about their demands for security and safety certificates.
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Oz firm refutes allegations
New Delhi, August 18 “SMAM and Michael Bushell refute in the strongest possible terms allegations and innuendos of any impropriety related to SMAM and Michael Bushell-owned company shareholdings. SMAM and EKS are two separate, independent companies and operate in different areas of business”, it said here today. “Neither SMAM nor EKS (or any persons involved with either entity) were involved with the companies’ appointment of the other of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games (or any Commonwealth Games)”, SMAM added. It elaborated that SMAM was a privately-held company registered in Singapore, and hundred per cent shares of it were held by SMAM of Australia. Voting rights of SMAM are entired controlled by SMAM”, the company added. It further noted that SMAM was registered in Australia and its shares were “beneficially held by Michael Bushell, and the voting rights of the firm are entirely controlled by him.” NMAM emphasised that Craig McLatchey held no business interest in SMAM or in any other company owned by Michael Bushell. Ithaca Pvt. Ltd, in its capacity as trustee of McLatchey family trust, holds one F class share in Eris Ltd, a private investment company of the Bush family, and Eris owned 24 per cent of SMAM owned by Bushell, but the F class share has no voting rights, no capital rights and no fixed dividend entitlements. SMAM said despite providing a “wide range of services, since its appointment in 20017, it has not received any penny from the OC for the work done for the CWG”.
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SFI unhappy with facilities at CWG venue
Jaipur: Absence of a foreign coach and lack of facilities at the newly-built swimming complex have left Swimming Federation of India (SFI) worried about India’s medal prospects in the sport at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
With less than 45 days left for the October 3-14 Games, SFI secretary Virendra Nanavati said swimmers are still waiting to get hang of things at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Complex, and the delay is hampering their preparation for the mega-sporting event. “We have been trying hard for the past few years to get a foreign coach but nothing has been done and the matter is still lying with government officials. Many other sports are enjoying the services of foreign coaches but not the swimming federation. In such a scenario what would you expect from swimmers?" questioned Nanavati. “Much has to be done before the Games kick off. We had a Test event there at the complex but found many lacunas and were forced to cancel it. We have submitted a list of the improvements needed to organisers and hoping for the good. We would lose the home advantage unless the pool gets ready for the camp to be held there in September," Nanavati said, who is in the city for the Senior National Swimming Championship. Nanavati said the swimming federation had provided a list of 12 coaches to the SAI and even finalised the name of Australian Alan Thompson as the chief coach, but deal could not be materialised due to SAI's “lethargic” attitude. “The SFI was ready to spend hundreds of dollars from its own pocket. Thompson had agreed to coach the Indian team in April this year but lethargic attitude of the SAI proved to be a hurdle. The officials kept the papers under wraps for long and are still sitting over them as ducks. Good coaches can't be hired without handsome amount,” he said. "SAI had agreed to give Thompson $5,000 per month and the SFI was ready to pay him another $2000 to make the total figure $7,000 per month,” Nanavati said. — PTI |
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Now, cyclists rue selection process for Commonwealth Games
Patiala, August 18 These cyclists were in the city to take part in the road event trials that were conducted yesterday but to their surprise, they were denied the entry on the grounds that the SAI had instructed that only the campers would be a part of these trials. It is pertinent to mention here that the last open trials for the cycling camp were held in April when all college and university going players were taking their exams. Many players rued that the confussion involving the Cycling Federation of India is reflecting on their sports career now. “It is difficult to understand what does the government want from us. We were left with no option but to opt for either studies or the trials. Another problem was that even if we went for the trials, we were out of practice because of our exams. But now that we have been working hard, we should at least be given a chance to prove our worth,” added a Punjab player. Another player Rajinder Soni from Maharashtra, who is also an international medallist, said, “I was conveyed on telephone to come for the trials but was refused entry on the last moment. I came all the way from Maharashtra with two other friends of mine. Moreover, I even bought a new cycle worth Rs 4.5 lakh to compete. The SAI should at least consider our previous record. I have represented India in so many international competitions. But denying this last opportunity is very humiliating,” he rued. The authorities on the other hand refuse to say anything stating that because of the court case relating the Cycling Federation of India, it was the SAI that was looking after the details. So it was their decision whether to allow these players or not.
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NBA eyes Punjab boy
Jalandhar, August 18
But it is not just that he is a big looking creature. He has already made it to the international level in his age group in the basketball circuit. Known as Satta among his fellow players, he is Satnam Singh from Ballo village, near Rampura Phul. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has its eye on Satta, who is a tallest player in his age group in the country. NBA director in India Troy Justice says Satnam has colossal hands with very firm looking fingers. “To me, he appears to be a great talent,” he said while working on him in a basketball court at Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana. Satnam has already played in Asian Basketball Championship in Malaysia and has attended the Basketball Without Borders Camp in Singapore. But soon he would fly to Florida, US, to join the internationally famed IMG academy on September 1 to improve his technique. He is the only player from Punjab to be selected for training at the IMG academy known for producing eminent international players of golf, soccer, basketball, baseball and tennis. From India, eight players - Satnam, Sanjeev Kumar, Dinesh Mishra, Ashiv Jain, Pooja, A Kavita, Soumya Babbar and Barkha Sonkar - have been selected for training under the IMG-Reliance scholarship scheme. Satnam is a find of Teja Singh Dhaliwal, who has dedicated his life to sports. “When I first saw him, he was just eight-year-old but was exceptionally tall. His father, who was the sarpanch of the village, was also a tall person. I requested him to send Satnam to Ludhiana Basketball Academy and he joined us when he was just nine,” said Dhaliwal. He is very hardworking and a great learner. “We have high hopes as he is very agile and can be best player to take control of rebound from the ring. If he makes to the NBA or other International basketball leagues, it will be a big day for the country and, especially, Punjab because it will give a big boost to basketball in the country”, he said. Basketball became popular in China following entry of some Chinese players in the NBA league.
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BCS, Sanawar win on Day 2
Chandigarh, August 18 The second match between Sherwood College, Nainital, and Durga Public School, Solan, was played with great sprit by both the teams. But it was clearly a one sided match as Sherwood knocked the daylight out of Durga Public School by defeating them 3-0. A cracking shot by striker Abhay Mankoti got Sherwood the upper hand in the match. This was followed by two more superb goals scored by Angad S Cheema and Gaurav Mankoti of the same school. The third match of the day was played between hosts Lawrence School, Sanawar, and YPS Mohali. A total of five goals were scored during the first half in which three were scored in quick succession in the first 10 minutes. The first goal came as a default when a defender of YPS Mohali tripped the ball into his own goal. The second goal was scored by Sanawar when Ekim Jeet Sohal slipped the ball into the goal from a gentle pass by Aman Suyal. A serous interjection by YPS Mohali within the penalty area awarded a penalty to Sanawar, which was converted for a third goal by Aman Suyal again. |
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HPCA to organise T-20 cricket tourney
Shimla, August 18 The association had organised T-20 Mahasangram for the first time last year in which 1,017 teams participated and matches were played at 60 centres. Cash prizes of about Rs 30 lakh were distributed among teams comprising 14,300 players. Anurag Thakur, president, HPCA, said T-20 Mahasangram was an opportunity for young players from rural Himachal to showcase their talent, give them international exposure so that they could enter the big arena. |
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Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara today took full responsibility for the 'no-ball' incident during his team's tri-series match against India and said his Board will take appropriate action if any player is found guilty. “I regret what happened, we need to take responsibility as a team. The incident is up to the Board to take a decision. The Board has said they will take action. I spoke my mind out to the team on the whole incident. Now it's up to cricket board to decide.”
Dambulla, August 18
Mohali, August 18
Shimla, August 18
Dambulla, August 18
Jamshedpur:
Johannesburg: