Mohali, April 2
It is that time of the year once again. Cricket is set to adorn its jazziest avatar and bombard the nation with the high-octane T20 Indian Premier League. And the region’s own team, Kings XI Punjab will be at the forefront of what is looking to be one of the more fiercely fought seasons.

The KXIP team launched their campaign at a press conference at the PCA Stadium in Mohali today in the presence of captain-cum coach Adam Gilchrist, assistant coach Vikram Rathore, bowling coach John Henry Dawes, fielding coach Mike Young and COO Colonel Arvinder Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Gilchrist made it clear that he was looking to carry forward the strides taken by his side last year. “I am excited about my new responsibility of being the coach. However, I feel it won’t be an additional responsibility for me as I have always been involved in all the team activities. Also, the coaching staff of Kings XI Punjab is phenomenal and with their support, we are hopeful of having a good season,” he added.

He further said, “Although I might be referred to as the coach, but I would want to make it very clear that this will have to be a combined effort. Yes, there has to be one person who has to co-ordinate and can be held accountable, and that will be me, but on the whole, this will be a total team effort.”

He also said that with Dawes being picked up by the BCCI for the Indian team, it was extremely good for the franchise to have a direct link to the Indian team.

Gilchrist also said that although KXIP didn’t have the resources that some of the other teams had, they were still happy with the way their team was shaping up and he was really pleased with how it had the look of a really well-balanced side.

He also said with the unpredictable nature of T20, it was extremely difficult to lay out a strategy. “The format doesn’t give you time. It makes thinking on your feet very important and you have to react to situations and be able to adapt. You can plan all you like but still you have to be ready to go ahead and change your plans at the very last moment.”

Col Arvinder Singh, talking about the readiness of his team for the upcoming season said, “Our team is a perfect mix of talented and budding cricketers and with Gilchrist leading and mentoring the squad, we are confident of exemplary cricketing action. All the players in the team have the potential of becoming game changers.

“We have new faces, new associates and new plans for the season. We are ready and will be looking forward to what should be an extremely promising season.” 

Chandigarh, April 2
A legend, a man feared and respected in equal measure for his destructive prowess on the field, Adam Gilchrist has seen all shades of a cricketer’s life. Even as a kid, his all-consuming passion was the sport, and his drive came from the will to excel. He had dreamt, and spent hours sweating it in the gym and on the field to realise that dream. But the mantle of a captain-cum-coach was not something even he had thought of. Now as he takes up the responsibility at Kings XI Punjab, Gilchrist is all set to follow in the footsteps of another Australian legend and former teammate, Shane Warne.

Gilchirst will be sharing his experiences, and guiding his teammates all through. How to stay focused, how to hold their nerve, and how to, ultimately, try and lead Kings XI to a title shot in the IPL.

As the biggest star in the side, and the most experienced as well, Gilchrist has left no stone unturned to get his team in the right frame of mind as they gear up for their first outing in the League at Jaipur on April 6.

“Although, we don’t have the so-called big names, but we are giving it our all in the regular training sessions. Working under the guidance of an experienced support staff, we are hopeful that the fifth edition will remain a high-pitch affair and will bring lots to cheer for the fans all over. The presence of three to four all-rounders is our main strength and I am sure they will give their best,” Gilchrist added.

While promoting a footwear brand at a city-based school, Gilchrist, with his forever broad smile, attracted all students. But even the champion cricketer hesitated to answer a questionnaire made by his school going fans.

“I just want to advise all youngsters, that this is a cricket-driven country with a lot of potential and all they need is to click at the right time. The opportunity is open to them and they can make it big. The IPL might not be the best platform to judge performances of youngsters but they can get the confidence to face tough competition and excel only here. The game is fast and only the fittest survives” said Gilchrist.

Gilchrist also heaped praise on Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. “Well, he has no match. He has the best ever foot work, shot selection and presence of mind, he deserves 100 centuries and he did it with style. Hopefully, he will continue to play, he is still fit to play all the version of the sport” said Gilchrist.

Adding further on the contentious issue of ageing Indian stars and their retirement, he said, “I personally cannot comment on the issue of retirement of Indian players. But the Indian team needs an immediate replacement of Rahul Dravid.”

Later when asked about the present standing of the Indian team, he said, “This is the same team that won the World Cup and hopefully they will make a comeback with youngsters like Virat Kohli making the headlines. A team is a bunch of performers, sometimes it goes down, but it also has the ability to soon come up.”

New Delhi, April 2
India might have completed their first anniversary of the World Cup triumph today, but the memories of the historical feat has left an everlasting impression on Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar, who was vital to India's success in the World Cup a year back, said that he will cherish the memories of the triumph throughout his life. "Time flies but memories last forever. What a day it was!!! 02-04-2011," tweeted Tendulkar as the country celebrates the first anniversary of its second World Cup triumph.

Exactly on the same day a year ago, India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to lift the World Cup after a gap of 28 long years.

Tendulkar's World Cup-winning teammate Virender Sehwag also recollected the memories of the historic feat and thanked the cricket-crazy fans of the nation and the BCCI for their enormous support.

"Can't believe its been a year since we were crowned the World Champs! Everyone contributed to the dream spcly the supporting fans! Thank you," he tweeted.

"A big hug to each and every team member including the support staff.

"A special thanks to the BCCI for being sensitive to our needs and providing us whatever we requested," Sehwag wrote on his twitter page. — PTI

Chennai, April 2
The Star Group today bagged the broadcast and digital rights of India's international cricket matches at home for a period of six years after bidding a whopping Rs 3851 crore (approx USD 750 million).

The Rupert-Murdoch-owned company beat competition from Multi Screen Media (Sony) to bag rights for all international matches at home and domestic events like Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and the Irani Trophy starting from July 2012 till March 2018.

The company's six-year contract is valued at Rs 3851 crore and will cover 96 matches in all. It would be coughing up Rs 40 crore per match on an average, much higher than the Rs 32.5 crore per match that Nimbus was paying the BCCI before its contract was terminate last year due to default in payments.

Star and Multi Screen Media (Sony) were the only two companies to make the bids but a total of five had filed the tenders.

"The BCCI is very happy with the deal. Now the media rights have been fully evaluated and fully priced with Star coming out with a such a deal," BCCI President N Srinivasan told reporters while making the announcement. The second highest bidder was Multi Screen Media (Sony), which bid Rs 3700 crore.

"Following a transparent process of verifying the eligibility of each bidder, the winner was chosen," Srinivasan said. Star Group's India CEO Uday Shankar promised that the company would provide good telecast of the matches.

"I thank the BCCI for giving Star the broadcast rights. In collaboration with our partners ESPN, we will do a commendable job," he said.

"We have already got channels. But the option of launching a channel, if number of matches demand that, is always open," he added.

ESPN-Star already have the rights of all ICC events and also the rights of domestic cricket in England and Australia. The BCCI's marketing committee had set the price for category A games at Rs 31.25 crore per match (approx $6.1 million) plus Rs 1 crore (approx $0.2 million), while category B games were set at Rs 34 crore (approx $6.67 million) plus Rs 1 crore.

The BCCI was forced to call for fresh tenders after it cancelled Nimbus' contract due to payment dafaults and concerns over the company's financial status. The terminated four-year deal, starting 2010, was worth Rs 2000 crores ($379.5 million).

The matter was subsequently referred for arbitration, with the Bombay High Court ruling that Nimbus must deposit Rs 305 crore (approx $60 million) with the court as security for the amount the BCCI claims it is owed by the company.

Nimbus has also made a counter-claim of Rs 600 crore (approx $118 million) from the board.

The Board had earlier failed in its attempt to sell the internet rights separately last year, as the initial base price of Rs 3 crore and the subsequently reduced price of Rs 2 crore found no takers. — PTI

Chennai, April 2
Sachin Tendulkar today decided to hand over the captaincy of Mumbai Indians in the fifth edition of IPL to Harbhajan Singh following a discussion with the management of Mumbai Indians.

"Sachin Tendulkar in discussion with the management of Mumbai Indians has decided to hand over the responsibilities of captaining Mumbai Indians in Season V of the Indian Premier League to ace off spinner Harbhajan Singh," a press release issued by Mumbai Indians stated.

"The Mumbai Indians is more than a team. It is like a family to me. At this point of time, I feel I need a break from the responsibility of captaincy of the Mumbai Indians.

After due consideration, I discussed my intention to hand over the Captainship of the team to Harbhajan Singh, with Mukeshbhai and Nitabhabhi," Tendulkar was quoted in the media release.

Tendulkar further stated, "I was touched by the graciousness and wholehearted support they offered me while emphasising that they would accept any decision which helps me to continue enjoying the game. Harbhajan will have my wholehearted support as the senior most player in the team."

Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani termed it as a "difficult moment when Sachin expressed his desire to relinquish the captaincy." "But we believe that Sachin is the best judge on such matters and hence, as always, we fully support his decison. I have learnt a lot during the last three seasons working with Sachin closely. Sachin is the soul of Mumbai Indians, and I am sure he will guide Bhajji as he takes on the responsibility of captaining Mumbai Indians," Nita Ambani said.

Harbhajan termed this as a "huge honour" as he thanked Sachin and Mrs Ambani for entrusting this responsibility. "Sachin paaji spoke to me about his decision of wanting me to take over the responsibility of the team. It is huge honour and I thank Paaji and Nita Bhabhi for the faith reposed in my abilities", he said.

"Mumbai Indians is a great team with explosive talent and promising youngsters. I am committed to do the very best and look forward to leading the team to play to its full potential during the season," Harbhajan added. — PTI 

Chennai, April 2
A galaxy of stars, including Amitabh Bachachan and American pop star Katy Perry, will set the ball rolling for the fifth edition of Indian Premier League with a glittering opening ceremomy which promises to enthrall the audience here tomorrow.

High-octane twenty20 cricket will get underway on April 4, promising excitement and entertainment for the audience in the next 54 days when nine teams will be competing featuring international heroes and unheralded players. Having proved its success in the past four editions with growing popularity, the Indian cricket board's money spinning event will formally be launched with the IPL Opening Nite.

The dazzling show will be graced by legendary Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood stars Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Salman Khan among other celebrities. The gala ceremony at the YMCA College of Physical Education would also feature all nine team captains taking the MCC Spirit of Cricket pledge.

Although very little information has been shared on the Opening Nite, whose tickets start from Rs 1,500, the evening is expected to provide a sumptuous feast of dance and music for the fans with American pop star Katy Perry set to perform for the first time in India during the show, which will also have India's dancing sensation Prabhudeva. — PTI

Colombo, April 2
England's Andrew Strauss insisted today that he would fight on as captain and battle through his batting slump as the team look for a series-levelling win in the final Test against Sri Lanka.

Strauss's world number one side face a must-win situation at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo tomorrow after losing the opening game of the two-match series in Galle by 75 runs. It was England's fourth consecutive defeat in Asia this year following the 3-0 rout by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. They must win in Colombo to avoid falling to second spot in the world rankings behind South Africa.

"We desperately want to win this Test match and make amends for what happened in Galle," said Strauss, who is himself struggling to score runs at the top of a fragile batting order.

"I am very sure we have the ability to do it, and that is what we will challenge ourselves to do in the next five days. We have not been as consistent as we would like to be, and now we have this final chance and salvage something out of the winter and go into the summer with some momentum.

"I retain absolute faith in our players. You are not going to win every game you play. But if you retain faith, you will turn it around, especially when you have players of quality in your side, which I know we have." Strauss has gone 23 innings without adding to his 19 Test centuries, and managed just one three-figure knock in his past 48 innings.

But the left-handed opener, who has averaged a poor 28.52 since his last century, denied he was thinking of resigning as captain to concentrate on his batting.

"I have not considered quitting the captaincy, and going into this game, it is not something that is on my mind," Strauss said.

"Obviously I want to score some runs, there is no doubt about that. But I am confident we have the material to do well in this Test. Everyone is motivated to show that we can play better than what we have done so far.

"I am not distracted at all about my form. The challenge of leadership is that it is easy when everything is going well. But when it gets tough, it is important to show the right direction. I like that sort of challenge." Asked how he planned to return to form, Strauss said: "It's not rocket science. Watching the ball is a good starting point. Take time to get in and then convert the start into a big score." England are undecided on their bowling combination after Stuart Broad returned home for assessment of a calf injury that he sustained in the first Test.

Tim Bresnan and Steven Finn are standing by to replace Broad, but both could play if England decide to drop spinner Monty Panesar and leave Samit Patel to share the spin attack with Graeme Swann.

"We have to work out how this wicket is going to play," Strauss said. There are a few permutations there and we have to see what is going to be best for us." — AFP 

New Delhi, April 2
In a surprise turn of events, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today named former Indian Hockey team captain and Olympian- Ajitpal Singh as the Chef-de-Mission of the Indian contingent for the London Olympic Games 2012. Perhaps, for the first time, the Indian contingent for an Olympics will be led by a top sportsperson. Ajitpal Singh has the unique distinction of leading the Indian team to their only World Cup Hockey Championship triumph at Kuala Lumpur in 1975.

Three-time Olympian Ajitpal Singh, 65, is the first active sportsperson to be honored by being appointed as chef-de-mission of the Olympic contingent.

IOA acting president Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra said senior vice-presidents Tarlochan Singh and BP Basaya will be the IOA’s delegates for the Games. (Tarlochan was tipped to be appointed as the chef-de-mission but a couple of members in the seven-member selection panel differed, and a consequence, Ajitpal was appointed as the consensus candidate.

Malhotra said Ajitpal Singh’s choice " unanimous and we have fulfilled yet another promise of giving sportspersons major roles in the affairs of the IOA”.He said he was confident that Ajitpal will live up to the high expectations, and will be a "true ambassador of the country.” "It is not an ornamental post, it carries a lot of responsibilities and Ajitpal as a leader will have to play the role which will bring glory to the country”, Malhotra added.

Malhotra said the IOA has now effectively silenced its critics once again who always used to say that athletes are being ignored in the functioning of the sports bodies”. “We have set the trend, and I hope it will continue” he added.

IOA Secretary-General Randhir Singh termed it as a historic decision, as “an Olympic medal winner will be leading the Indian contingent in the Olympics for the first time”. He supported Malhotra’s views about sportspersons getting their due in the IOA scheme of things.

Malhotra said ”before this another farreaching decision was taken when IOA decided to share all the sponsors' money with the qualified sportspersons”.

He said the decision will create new energy and excitement amongst the sportspersons in the country.

Ajitpal, who is holidaying in Goa, said he was humbled by this decision of the IOA. ”I am grateful to the IOA Acting President and other members who have reposed faith in me. I am truly humbled. I will try my best to live up to the expectations”.

“I am confident that India will win more medals this time, because the qualified sportspersons are now focused to give their best for the country” he saidm, and added: “I know how the sportspersons feel after day’s hectic schedule in the Olympics. Winning and losing is part of the Game. Though I will be there for the sportspersons but I will also be a strict disciplinarian”.Ajitpal, considered as best centre half of his time, represented India in the 1968,72,76 Olympics- He also played in three World cups-- 1971, 1973 and 1975 and two Asian Games in 1970 and 1974. 

New Delhi, April 2
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's hometown Ranchi will witness their favourite son in India jersey for the first time when they will host an ODI international against England during the series from November 2012 - January 2013.

Dharamsala, which has hosted IPL matches for the past two seasons will also host an ODI for the first time during the same series while the newly constructed stadium in Rajkot will also host a match.

The stadium in Pune where the Warriors team will be playing their home matches this season will host a T20 International, according to a media release issued by BCCI.

Although the dates haven't yet been confirmed, India will be playing Two Tests and a couple of T20 internationals against New Zealand in August and September.

From November to January, India will host England for four Test matches, 2 T20 Internationals and 5 ODIs followed by Australia who will play four Test matches.

The Test matches against New Zealand will be held in Hyderabad and Bangalore while Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Nagpur will host Test matches against England.

The four Tests against Australia will be held in Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur and Mohali.

Summarised itinerary:

New Zealand Series – Aug – Sep 2012 2 Test Matches – Hyderabad and Bengaluru 2 T20 Internationals – Vizag and Chennai England Series – Nov 2012 – Jan 2013 4 Test Matches – Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Nagpur 2 T20 Internationals – Pune and Mumbai 5 ODIs – Rajkot, Dharamsala, Ranchi, Mohali and Kochi Australia Series – Feb 2013 – Mar 2013 4 Test Matches – Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur and Mohali. — PTI

Patiala, April 2
Having won the hearts of millions in the past couple of years, now it is the real test for India’s men pugilists as they leave the country tonight to take part in the Asian Continental Olympic Boxing Qualification Tournament that gets underway at Astana, Kazakhstan, from April 4. The status of boxing in India has swelled manifold ever since Vijender Singh’s Beijing Olympic fete and now that four Indian players - L. Devendro Singh (49 kg), Jai Bhagwan (60 kg), Manoj Kumar (64 kg) and Vikas Krishan (69 kg) have already qualified for the London - the expectations of sports lovers are very high.

The forthcoming tournament is all the more important because Vijender is yet to bag an Olympic berth. He has lately avoided many international tours and has focused on honing his skills at NIS, Patiala, for this crucial tournament after he lost the very first bout of the World Championship at Azerbaijan last year. Though he has a fair chance of qualifying, as there are four vacant slots in his weight category, still he is not taking a chance and has been working day and night to secure it.

Notably, the available quota places for London Olympics in various weight categories at the Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament are: 52 kg (4 places), 56 kg (3 places), 75 kg (4 places), 81 kg (3 places), 91 kg (1 place) and +91 kg (1 place).

Talking to The Tribune in this regard, Brig PK Muralidharan Raja, secretary general of the IABF, said he was hopeful that at least three players would qualify. “I am unable to accompany them because we have to make the final announcement for the women squad day-after tomorrow that will compete in the World Championship and Olympic Qualifier in May but I am keeping my fingers crossed,” he added.

Thanking the entire nation for their support, chief coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu informed that all players had been flooded with messages from well wishers, which certainly was a big motivation. “They are all set to fight for the honour of their country and by God’s grace, they will not let anyone down,” added the confident coach.

Meanwhile, the three-day trials for the selection of Indian women squad for the first and the only Olympic Qualifying tournament- 2012 AIBA World Women’s Boxing Championships to be held from May 9 to 20 in Qinhuangdao, China- concluded at NIS, Patiala, today. Though the squad will be selected for all 10 weight categories but as there are only three weight categories for Olympics - 51 kg, 60 kg and 75 kg.

Five-time World Champion MC Mary Kom (51 kg) and Former World Champion L Sarita Devi (60 kg) are the biggest bets for India in the women section. 

New Delhi, April 2
Former Olympian and senior national selector Balbir Singh Junior hailed the selection of Ajitpal Singh as the chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent for the London Olympics.Balbir Singh, who is the president of the Sansarpur Village Hockey Association, said it was a pround moment for the hockey fraternity of his village as Ajitpal would be the 14th Olympian from the village to yet again represent the country, albeit this time as a sports officials. He said in 2008 at Beijing, Bindi Kullar of Sansarpur represented the Canada hockey team in the Olympics, to keep up the hockey tradition of this Punjab village.

"We the players and denizens of Sansarpur are proud to learn that Ajitpal Singh has been appointed as the chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent, which a great honour not only for hockey, but for Indian sports as a whole. The IOA has lived upto its promise of giving due representation to sportspersons in the body", Balbir Singh told The Tribune from Jalandhar.

BRIEFLY

Djokovic lifts Miami title
Key Biscayne:World number one Novak Djokovic defeated Britain's Andy Murray 6-1, 7-6 to win the Sony Ericsson Open for the second consecutive year on Sunday. Djokovic's victory was his third at Miami and avenged his 2009 loss to Murray here at Crandon Park. — Reuters