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Somdev defends revolt against AITA
Special panel appointed to address players’ concern
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Kochi, January 12 The Indian and England cricket teams arrived today for the second one-dayer to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here on Tuesday. The teams arrived by a chartered flight at the nearby Nedumbassery International Airport. On arrival, the teams were accorded a rousing welcome by the Kerala Cricket Association officials. England captain Alistair Cook at Kochi airport on Saturday. — PTI Curator satisfied with pitch
Patiala lad Jiwanjot is Punjab’s lifeline
SA declare first innings at 525/8
HIL will work wonders for Indian hockey: Dwyer
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Somdev defends revolt against AITA
New Delhi, January 12 Somdev also said that the young players have been "super unselfish" by joining his initiative as they risked several benefits. AITA selected a third-string team to play against South Korea as 11 players including Somdev, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna, dug their heels and said they will not represent the country unless AITA improves playing conditions. "I completely disagree with that," was Somdev's emphatic reply to PTI from Melbourne when asked if their stance paints a poor picture of Indian tennis and its players. "If you look at the past, Mahesh has represented India for 15 years and I have been playing for some years now. This is for the first time in Indian tennis in particuar, that players have united for what they believe in. It's an incredible thing." "Tennis is an individual game and it is not easy to get players together. There is a clear problem, that's why the players have come together. If you look it that way, it's a huge step forward for Indian tennis," he said. Somdev said in the past the players were scared of raising issues as they would be denied wild cards, funds and benefits by irking the top bosses of AITA. But now the players want things to change for good. "Our Young players have beeen unselfish. This is incredible to see them all on the same page. They know they are missing out on the chance of playing Davis Cup. But this would not have happened if there was not problem with AITA. "Sacrifice they are making will help the future generations. The sport in general and Indian tennis will move forward," he said. Somdev said they could have reconsidered their stand had AITA communicated its latest concessions through proper channel. "The last time AITA wrote to us was on January 6. We were completely unaware of the statement they came up with in the media yesterday. How are we supposed to reconsider our decision then?," he questioned. "I was very clear, that we want everything professionally before we took a stand," he said. AITA has agreed to change support staff, increased players' share in prize money, nodded on consulting players while choosing surface, venue and the physiotherapist. The federation has also agreed to give business class airfare for even group level ties and also accommodated the demand to have six players in the side instead of four. Somdev, however, said they are ready to play for India with new concessions but their fight for change in system will not stop. "We are not happy. Not happy with the way AITA communicated to us. If they give us the same statement that they gave to media yesterday, yes we will reconsider our stand but our fight for improvement will not stop." "We will always play for our country. We have always put country before ourselves." Somdev said they have no reason to not play for India but the assurances have to be in writing from the AITA. "Every single one of us is happy to play for India. We have earlier played and done well for our country. There is no reason to not do it for one tie,” he said." Every single one of us is happy to play for India. We have earlier played and done well for our country. There is no reason to not do it for one tie. We have not been communicated at all. They just said casually, "ho jayega ho jayega". We are hearing this for long time," he said. Somdev said the players have asked for just basic rights and want the AITA to deal with them professionally. "It is simple, all that players are asking is keep us in light of what is being done. We raised a few concerns and we want to be dealt with professionally. "What we are asking is basic rights, unfortunately we are not able to communicate that properly to the executive body or selection committee or the AITA in general and it is disappointing," he said. Somdev said if AITA would have given everything in writing, all the players would have happily played the Davis Cup tie. "If we had things in writing, if things were done professionally, 100 per cent we would have played. All the players would have made themselves available, if it was done in a professional way. But nothing was written to us by the selection committee," he said. "Right now, AITA has not said anything and there is zero communication and zero professionalism, regardless of what players have been saying. But honestly, I think it is a good thing because this has been going on for more than 20 years with all the players and I think now that it has come to light, someone can find a solution," he added. Meanwhile, AITA said, "It is correct that a written letter was not sent, but the concern of Business class fares for all four players for Asia Oceania Davis Cup tie and composition of team of six members was duly communicated. "We called up Vishu Vardhan and Sanam Singh on Friday morning (11th January 2013) but our phone went unanswered. AITA waited till 12 Noon for player’s response but no response was received.” — PTI
AITA challenges Somdev's claim
AITA refuted Somdev Devvarman's claim that the players were completely unaware of the additional concessions made by the national tennis federation, saying they had discussed the new offers with at least three players. AITA in a release said that they had spoken to Vishnu Vardhan, Divij Sharan and Sanam Singh about the new offers. "In respect of Somdev Devvarman's statement that AITA did not communicate with the players, we wish to state that this statement is totally incorrect. We were personally in contact with Vishnu Vardhan till about 11:30 pm on Thursday night," a release by Col. Ranbir Chauhan and Col. Amarbir Singh said. "We had categorically informed him that remaining demands (Business Class for Asia Ocenia Zone for 4 players and a squad of 6 players) of the players have been met but the selection of the Coach and Captain is the responsibility of the AITA. He assured us that he will contact other players, and would get back to us. During the day (10th January 2013) we had met Sanam Singh and informed of the same and requested him to speak to Somdev Devvarman. One of our Committee Members was also in touch with Divij Sharan. — PTI |
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Special panel appointed to address players’ concern
New Delhi, January 12 The proposal to appoint the committee was made by AITA President Anil Khanna. It will be formed on February 3 when the national federation proposes to have its next Executive Committee meeting. AITA said in a release that the committee will be headed either by a retired judge or a senior retired government officer of equal status and an eminent tennis player. It will go into the matters relating to Davis Cup and arrive at a suitable agreement with the players for Davis Cup matches. "This is to ensure that the needs of the players are satisfied," the AITA release said. A total of 11 players, including Somdev Devvarman, made themselves unavailable for the upcoming South Korea tie unless the AITA fulfil their demands with regards to playing conditions. AITA accommodated most of them but the players refused to change their stand, insisting that all their demands be met. Tennis crisis a shame, says Anand Amritraj
Former Davis Cupper Anand Amritraj today described the ongoing crisis in Indian tennis following the players' revolt against the AITA a shame and said that both the parties should work out a comprise formula and resolve the issue quickly. "It's a shame. They need to resolve it by talking face to face. This whole thing is now a complete impasse. They (AITA) have picked a team. So you stand behind them and wish them best, hope they can get past Korea and then work out where you go from there," Amritraj told reporters on the sidelines of Maharashtra Tennis League, where he will mentor Mumbai team. Eleven players, including Mahesh Bhupathi, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna, had revolted demanding better playing conditions from the AITA. AITA accommodated most of them but the players refused to change their stand, insisting that all their demands be met. The AITA yesterday ignored the revolting players and named a second-string Davis Cup squad that will take on South Korea for the Asia/Oceania Group I tie from February 1 to 3. Asked if, in his times, the players had a say in decision making, he said, "In 70s, when Vijay and I, we played in singles and doubles, we used have a large say in the decision making, not the composition of the team. "Vijay (Amritraj) was captain, Ramesh (Krishnan) was there. We got along fine and beautifully. We got along well with federation. It always went quite smoothly. There is no reason why it shouldn't go along the same way now. I wish the team best and hope they can get through this round," he said. "Everybody needs to move forward. Compromise and move forward. It seems to be complicated in Indian tennis, no question about that. But it is happening in cricket, football, hockey. But we always seem to have a few issues here or there,” he said. — PTI |
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Kochi, January 12 The teams arrived by a chartered flight at the nearby Nedumbassery International Airport. On arrival, the teams were accorded a rousing welcome by the Kerala Cricket Association officials. To add colour to the function 'chenda melam' (cylindrical percussion instruments) and kathakali, the traditional dance form of Kerala, were also performed at the airport where a strong crowd of about 3000 fans were present to cheer the players. The England team will have practice session tomorrow morning while India will have nets in the afternoon. All arrangements at the stadium are in the final stages of completion, a KCA official said. High-scoring tie on the cards, says Sreesanth
The second ODI between India and England at Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium would be a "high scoring game as the pitch is a belter", feels pacer S Sreesanth. The 29-year old Kerala bowler, who could not find a place in the team for the first three ODIs, in the ongoing five-match series against England, said 'it is going to be a batting wicket. You can be sure of 300-plus score," he said. Noted for his exuberant and emotional behaviour while appealing for and celebrating wickets, Sreesanth told PTI he was fit and was raring to go. — PTI
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kOCHI, January 12 Viswanadh said he was fully satisfied with the pitch. "We are ready to hold the match even tomorrow. It is hard and has enough grass and is a batting pitch," he told reporters after the pitch inspection. Meanwhile, Kerala Cricket Association Secretary T C Mathew said all preparations for the ODI are complete. About 2000 policemen would be deployed for ensuring security. Meterological department sources said rain would not play spoilsport as in 2010 when the India-Australia match had to be abandoned without even a ball being bowled.
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Dhoni’s relative in queue to buy tickets
Ranchi, January 12 Mamata Singh Dhoni, wife of Dhoni's elder brother Narendra Singh Dhoni, was spotted yesterday in the queue, marked for ladies, with her daughter. The crowd recognised them when the little daughter was repeatedly asking her mother whether "chachu (uncle)" would play or not. When scribes asked why she had to purchase tickets from the counter, she said she had tried over phone to contact officials of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association, but could not reach them. She reportedly bought two tickets for Rs 1,500 each. Meanwhile, a Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) release said tickets worth Rs 1200, 1500 and 2000 were sold out today after the counter opened yesterday for sale. However, tickets for Rs 10,000, 12,000 and 15,000 are available, the release added. — PTI
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Ranji Trophy: Punjab’s success smells like team spirit
Chandigarh, January 12
From five matches they had 29 points and were on the top of the table (Group B). The plan had worked: Get as many as you can from the home matches. Punjab had finished clinically, knowing well that they were now in the knockouts. Mumbai posed a stiff challenge and a draw at their home would have sufficed. Punjab did that too, albeit with a stutter towards the end. Till this time, Punjab had not tasted defeat for the simple reason that they were doing their basics right. Batsmen scored runs heavily and the bowlers took wickets regularly. There was hardly any problem in the fielding department. However, as they say, there is always a cloud lurking around the silver lining. Punjab, too, came under the weather facing Madhya Pradesh (8-wicket defeat). Gujarat were just too hot to handle, and another defeat ensued. But the lads from Punjab did not take it to the heart as they were already in the quarterfinals. Shifting gears when it mattered the most, they trumped Jharkhand with a first innings lead and are now waiting to ambush Saurashtra on Rajkot's infamous paata — flat track — on Thursday.
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Patiala lad Jiwanjot is Punjab’s lifeline With five centuries from nine matches and just 27 runs away from being the highest run scorer in Ranji Trophy this year, debutant Jiwanjot Singh has taken everyone by surprise. Hitting a century on his debut match, the 23-year-old Patiala lad solved Punjab's opening woes that had lasted years. Jiwanjot Singh talks to The Tribune:
On the experience of playing with international players: It's a great motivation when you play alongside Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh. It encourages you when such a big player is guiding you and leading you. The team as a whole feels different. On the team's success mantra: One thing that I have felt right from the start is that our team is determined to succeed. More than individual success it is collective success that we are focusing on. — TNS |
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SA declare first innings at 525/8
Port Elizabeth, January 13 Faf du Plessis completed his second test century as South Africa cruised to 505 for seven in their first innings at tea on the second day of the second test against New Zealand at St. George's Park on Saturday. Du Plessis, who began the day on 69, eventually scored 137 off 252 balls with 14 fours and two sixes before he became medium-pacer Colin Munro's first test wicket when the batsman was caught in the covers. The 28-year-old right-hander reached three figures in emphatic style by striking the first ball he faced after the lunch break, from off-spinner Jeetan Patel, over long-off for six. Left-hander Elgar proved the perfect foil for Du Plessis, bringing up his maiden test fifty off 86 balls before reaching tea on 91 not out off 157 deliveries with 13 fours and a six. Elgar and Du Plessis combined for a stand of 131 off 38.5 overs. Brief Scores: South Africa 525/8 declared (Graeme Smith 54, Amla 110, AB de Villiers 51, Faf du Plessis 137, Dean Elgar 103no) v New Zealand. — PTI
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HIL will work wonders for Indian hockey: Dwyer
New Delhi, January 13 "The Hockey League is going to be tremendous for Indian hockey. The youngsters will get the opportunity to compete with the very best players from around the world," he said. Dwyer feels that it will be a challenge for the players to come together and perform in the upcoming HIL. "The biggest challenge for these players of such varied cultures is to try and gel together on and off the pitch. We share mutual respect and admiration for each other and the more we play, the sooner our combination will settle," said Aussie skipper. — PTI
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Somdev Devvarman asserted that their collective refusal to play in Davis Cup does not potray India and its tennis players in bad light and the "revolt is one of the most remarkable things" that has happened in Indian sport.
Somdev also said that the young players have been "super unselfish" by joining his initiative as they risked several benefits.
From the rut of being an also-ran team to be amongst the table toppers, this has been a phenomenal year for Punjab. The signs were there to see even before the tournament had begun. But once it began, it was not just the team to beat but a team that could not be beaten at all. First up, Hyderabad were handed a 68 run defeat. Then came the fancied Bengal, they too returned with an innings and 27-run defeat. In a rollicking form, Punjab were already being touted as the favourites this year. Railways managed to eke out a draw but Punjab had Saurashtra and defending champions Rajasthan on the mat in the next two matches. If there still were any doubts up to that point, they were now laid to rest. Punjab's domination was complete.
On what he has learnt in the last nine matches: You need to work very hard as the competition is very tough. There are no easy runs. Even if you score a century, you can get out on the very next ball. There are hardly any easy runs. I need to work on my technique also.