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As end game nears, Srini makes three demands before resigning
Today could see the end of N Srinivasan’s reign at the top of the BCCI.
Simply Sunny
Maria battles through Round 3
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Kohli, Karthik lead India to win over Lanka
Muthiah calls for dissolution of BCCI probe panel
Haas lead cut to one after strong Schwartzel finish
I won’t return to BCCI fold: Jagdale
Brazil kids have skills we don’t have: Walcott
Theo Walcott with youngsters as part of the Sport Relief project "Bola Pra Frente" in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. — AFP
Panel can’t function as team not there, says Justice Chouta
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As end game nears, Srini makes three demands before resigning
Chennai, June 1 While it is all but certain that Srinivasan will have to step down from the president’s post, paying heed to the popular demand from the affiliated units, it is learnt that he wants three of his demands to be met before he quits. Srinivasan’s three demands are that he should be reinstated as President if he comes out clean after the probe; that he should represent India in ICC meetings; and that secretary Sanjay Jagdale and Treasurer Ajay Shirke should not be in the new panel as they had ditched him. The BCCI members, it is learnt, are not in favour of ignoring Jagdale and Shirke in the new panel and are unlikely to accept that demand. Top Board members are working on a strategy to force Srinivasan to step down, at least till investigations against his son-in-law and CSK Team Principal Gurunath Meiyappan are completed. Srinivasan will be told clearly by the members that his position was “untenable” under the circumstances and it would be in the interest of Indian cricket that he stepped down on moral grounds. If he continued to remain adamant, most of the Board officials will then quit and create a constitutional crisis within the Board, leaving him with no option but to step down. The working committee has 24 members and it has been largely summoned to gauge the mood which was heavily against Srinivasan. Now with both Secretary Jagdale and Treasurer Shirke gone it will be a 22-member forum as both Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) are not part of current working committee. As per norm, the resignation letters of Shirke and Jagdale will be tabled at the meeting for discussion and the members are likely to vehemently oppose the acceptance of the letter. “Jagdale and Shirke have done nothing wrong and we expect that majority of members to oppose their resignation. It will be interesting to see how Srinivasan reacts in that situation,” an influential member of the working committee told PTI. Even if Srinivasan volunteers to step down from post in order to allow free and impartial investigation into the spot-fixing and betting scandal, he may be asked as to why he didn’t keep a tab on the activities of his arrested son-in-law, the tainted former CSK Team Principal Gurunath Meiyappan. The other important issue that will come up for discussion is the status of the three-member probe panel as one of members — Jagdale — has already resigned from his post. “Whether a new member will be added to the existing panel of two retired judges from Tamil Nadu or a fresh panel will be formed will also come up for discussion,” the member said. If one goes by the book, Srinivasan can accept the resignations of Jagdale and Shirke and choose an interim secretary and treasurer. As of now, Haryana Cricket Association supremo Aniruddh Chaudhary’s name is doing rounds as an interim secretary.
— PTI Srini’s three demands
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I’ve spoken my mind, it’s up to Srinivasan to resign or not
By Sunil Gavaskar It is with some dismay but a great deal more amusement that I have been following the issue of my so called 'silence' on the current scenario in Indian cricket. Ever since the three Rajasthan Royals players were taken into custody, I have been on the TV channel that I am contracted to, and have given my views on the episode as it has unfolded. So to say that I have been silent is totally erroneous and downright mischievous. There are reasons given about why I am 'silent', and the main reason is that my 'silence' has been bought by the TV contract that the BCCI has with me. Firstly, now that the BCCI has its own production house, it is well within its rights to contract those who they want to, just like other sports channels have contracted some other players to do commentary for them. The reason why such contracts are done is to obtain exclusivity from the contracted entity so that he/ she does not appear on a rival channel and that is why good money is paid to the former players. That is also why I have not appeared on another TV channel excepting the news channel that has a contract with me. If all those who are reporting on the episodes for their papers or TV channels cannot write for a rival paper or appear on another TV channel, then how can I appear on a news channel other than the one I'm contracted to? And since I don't appear on the other channels, does it mean I am being silent? Just like every player, I have been directly or indirectly contracted to BCCI since the age of 12, when I first played for Mumbai schools. I was then given one rupee per day if I remember correctly by the Mumbai Cricket Association. So throughout my playing career, I was under contract with the BCCI either directly or through its affiliate, the Mumbai Cricket Association. It is just that the quantum of the fees has changed from the 1 rupee that I first got when I played for Mumbai schools and that is thought as being the reason for my so called silence. During the time that I played, I did speak up for the playing fraternity to ensure that their rights were looked after. I could have been dropped, but I did speak out for what I felt was right for my playing fraternity, and, believe me, playing for India was more important than any monetary inducement and yet I did not shy away from speaking my mind. The police agencies are doing their job so the criminality or otherwise will be established by them. As for the morality part, it is a free world and to each his own. What maybe immoral to one may not be immoral to another, and as long as it is within the framework of the laws that govern our country, nobody should be forced to say or do anything against their will is what I believe in. So whether Mr. Srinivasan should stay or step aside while the probe committee does its job is a moral issue, and it is for him to take a call on that. That has been my stand, and since it is not one that resonates with most TV channels and the print media, I am accused of being silent. It is for the BCCI and Mr. Srinivasan to take a call on the issue facing Indian cricket today because it is a moral issue. It is not for me to advise them what to do as everybody else seems to be doing, and if that is taken as being bought then good luck to democracy in our country. — PMG
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Maria battles through Round 3
Defending champion Sharapova was given a scare by China's Zheng Jie, recovering from a 4-1 deficit in the second set to win 6-1 7-5, while third seed Azarenka was pushed even harder before winning a three-setter against Frenchwoman Alize Cornet. Azarenka's 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory put her on collision course with former champion Francesca Schiavone who ended the hopes of another home favourite with a 6-2 6-1 beating of Marion Bartoli. Novak Djokovic dished out a painful lesson to young pretender Grigor Dimitrov, beating the Bulgarian 6-2 6-2 6-3 to move into the last 16. The only concern hanging over the world number one was an injury timeout in the third set when the trainer was called on court to massage a problem with his shoulder.
The Serb capitalised on a string of Dimitrov errors to gain revenge over the player who had beaten him in Madrid in May. Seven-times champion Rafael Nadal held off a brave but sporadic challenge from Italian Fabio Fognini 7-6(5) 6-4 6-4 to book his place in the fourth round. Third seed Nadal suffered the occasional wobble but, for the first time this year, did not drop a set as he set up a meeting with Japanese 13th seed Kei Nishikori. The Spaniard was bothered by Fognini's clever shots early on but once he got the measure of the 27th seed the contest was effectively over. Nadal sealed the win after two hours 45 minutes when Fognini sent a backhand long. Despite the pleasant conditions, the day began in stormy fashion on Suzanne Lenglen court where 13th seed Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese man for 75 years to reach the fourth round at the claycourt slam. His victory over Benoit Paire saw his opponent given a penalty point for receiving coaching, prompting loud boos and jeers from the crowd packed on to court. Paire had been on set point at the time and after arguing with the umpire and a tournament rules official he calmed down enough to take the set before losing 6-3 6-7(3) 6-4 6-1. Local favourite Richard Gasquet continued his French Open stroll with a 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Nikolay Davydenko to advance into the fourth round. — Reuters
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Kohli, Karthik lead India to win over Lanka
Birmingham, June 1 India’s new-look top order wobbled before Kohli continued his golden run against Sri Lanka, and Dinesh Karthik staked his claim for a place in the playing XI with a superb century towards the end. After the win, skipper MS Dhoni said, “We had already lost 3-4 wickets, and there weren't too many batsmen left (which is why we didn't retire our batsmen). I think the new ball, we didn't bowl really well. There was not much in the wicket for the fast bowlers. I think the spinners bowled really well, even in the second Powerplay it was nice. The innings will be a big morale booster for Karthik." Earlier, young left-hander Kusal Perera and seasoned Tillekaratne Dilshan took the Indian bowling attack to the cleaners as Sri Lanka posted a mammoth total. Dilshan smashed a 78-ball-84 (9x4, 1x6) while Perera also smote Irfan Pathan and Co to all parts of the ground hitting 82 off 94 balls (7x4, 3x6) as they added 160 runs in 26 overs. The Indian bowlers were unable to dismiss the duo as both retired in order to allow other batsmen get a decent hit out there in the middle. Seamers Pathan (0/45), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/58), Ishant Sharma (1/41) weren’t consistent with their length while the spin trioka of Ravichandran Ashwin (0/45), Ravindra Jadeja (0/41) and Amit Mishra (1/53) also failed to make inroads. — PTI Scoreboard Sri Lanka K Perera retired hurt 82 Dilshan retired hurt 84 J’dene c Pathan b Ishant 30 S’kkara c Ashwin b Mishra 45 C’mal c Dhoni b Bhuvneshwar 46 T Perera not out 26 Dilhara not out 6 Extras: (b 5, lb 3, w 4, nb 2) 14 Total: (3 wickets; 50 overs) 333 Fall of wickets: 1-209, 2-279, 3-325 Bowling Pathan 5-0-45-0 Bhuvneshwar 8-0-58-1 Ishant-Sharma 6-0-41-1 Vinay-Kumar 7-0-42-0 Ashwin 8-0-45-0 Jadeja 8-0-41-0 Mishra 8-0-53-1 India Dhawan run out (Thirimanne) 1 Vijay c Thirimanne b Eranga 18 Kohli c Chandimal b Eranga 144 Sharma c K’sekra b Perera 5 Raina b Senanayake 34 Karthik not out 106 Dhoni not out 18 Extras: (b 2, lb 4, w 5) 11 Total: (5wkts; 49 ovrs) 337 Fall of wickets: 1-5,2-52, 3-62, 4-110, 5-296 Bowling Kulasekara 9-0-56-0 Mathews 5-0-26-0 Eranga 9-0-60-2 Perera 6-0-34-1 Senanayake 6-0-42-1 Herath 7-0-44-0 Mendis 3-0-31-0 Dilshan 3-0-20-0 Dilhara 1-0-18-0
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Muthiah calls for dissolution of BCCI probe panel
New Delhi, June 1 Only two members are left in the probe panel after the resignation of Cricket Board secretary Jagdale, who withdrew from the commission that was set up to prove allegations of betting against CSK Team Principal Meiyappan, the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals franchise whose players were arrested for their alleged role in spot-fixing. “Whoever appointed the 3-member committee, will realise the total illegality of constitution of the probe committee and dissolve the said committee rather than create more confusion and embarrass the 2 retired judges of Madras High Court by filling up the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Jadgale,” Muthiah said in a statement. Saying that the BCCI cannot be treated like a private club, Muthiah called for Srinivasan’s resignation. “In the present circumstances there is no other option except for Mr N Srinivasan to resign from the post of President of BCCI in order to maintain probity in public life. BCCI cannot be treated like a private club,” he said. “As the Board controls the profession of Cricketers, its actions are required to be judged and viewed by higher standards. It is furthermore unfortunate that room for suspicion has been created that all its dealings are not fair. The Board has been accused of shady dealings and double standards.” Muthiah said the constitution of the probe panel by BCCI was unacceptable as the issue of conflict of interest was involved in the exercise. “The appointment of the panel has been made by BCCI of which Srinivasan is the President. Even though he has made a statement that he will distance himself from the probe it is incongruous that the probe panel is appointed by BCCI.”
— PTI |
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Haas lead cut to one after strong Schwartzel finish
DUBLIN, Ohio, JUNE 1 South African Schwartzel, the first-round pacesetter after opening with a sizzling seven-under-par 65, rolled in a 12-footer at the 17th and a four-footer at the 18th to card a 71 on a challenging layout made more receptive by overnight rain. That left him at eight-under 136, a stroke behind American Haas who had fired a 67 in tough, windy conditions at Muirfield Village Golf Club on Friday to take control of the PGA Tour event hosted by Jack
Nicklaus. Five-times champion and last year's winner Tiger Woods was 10 strokes off the pace, having battled to a 74 the previous day, while Northern Irish world number two Rory McIlroy made the cut right on the number, after returning a 69. Schwartzel, one of 42 players who had to finish the second round on Saturday morning after almost two hours of weather delays on Friday, was delighted with his unexpectedly strong finish. "I thought if I could somehow get one back and get my round back to even, I'd be very happy," the 2011 Masters champion told reporters about his hopes with three holes to play. "I managed to make two, coming up 17 and 18. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. Yesterday we had some tough conditions, everyone did." McIlroy, who had four holes to complete on an overcast Saturday morning at Muirfield Village, scraped into the third round despite a messy bogey-bogey-par finish. The 24-year-old found a fairway bunker off the tee at the par-four 18th and had to sink a four-footer for par and a three-under 69 to join 72 other players who made the cut at three-over 147. "Relieved and frustrated at the same time, I guess," said McIlroy, who had left himself with an uphill task to make the cut after opening with a 78. "Bogeying 16 and 17 wasn't really the plan, and having to make one up and down at the last. "Happy to be in on the weekend with a couple of rounds to work on things, but I need to commit more to my shots and not guide the ball as much, just let it go."
— Reuters |
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I won’t return to BCCI fold: Jagdale
Indore, June 1 “I am not even looking at the possibility of coming back into the BCCI fold. I think I am done with my innings,” Jagdale told reporters here. The 62-year-old top official, along with treasurer Ajay Shirke, yesterday quit from their respective posts in a bid to put pressure on beleaguered BCCI President N Srinivasan. Jagdale said a “massive” clean-up job is required to rid the game of corruption. “The spot-fixing and betting scandal in the IPL has badly dented the image of cricket. A massive clean-up job is required to overcome this. But this will take time as the damage done is very big. It is very difficult to stop fixing in cricket and BCCI has its own limitations. But the the Board can strengthen its surveillance and curb the menace of fixing. At the same time, the BCCI will have to take strict action against cricketers who are found guilty.” He said the onus is now on the BCCI to earn back the faith of the fans. “To earn the faith of fans, the BCCI administrators will have to show determination and work as a unit.” Asked whether the Board should be brought under the RTI to rein in corruption, Jagdale said it won’t help. “If Sreesanth decides to put a towel in his trousers and bowl a fixed over, RTI cannot help,” he said. Jagdale was also against the idea of getting BCCI affiliated to the Sports Ministry. “Delhi Commonwealth Games were held with the Sports Ministry at the helm. The Sports Minister was directly attached to the organisation. I don’t need to say much on what happened during that time.” — PTI
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Brazil kids have skills we don’t have: Walcott
Rio de Janeiro, June 1 England face Brazil on Sunday at the rebuilt Maracana and although the visitors come with a sense of humility, they also know that there is no point being overawed. Though Walcott was impressed by the ability of the locals – who could fail to be? – he was also part of a team that beat Brazil 2-1 at Wembley in February. “I wouldn’t say we are lagging behind [in terms of technique], not at all,” he said. “But we will be tested.” There were low clouds over Rio and an intermittent drizzle that reminded the England players of home. But if there was one overwhelming memory to take from a visit to a Football Association-funded project, it was that the team have to make sure they are back here come next summer. From their hotel on the beach in Copacabana, manager Roy Hodgson and his players are already getting a flavour of what a World Cup here would mean. Those with a sea view will be able to see the goalposts on the beach, and tomorrow they will play at one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. For the whole team, even those with Champions League and Premier League winners’ medals, a World Cup here would represent one of their career highlights. “It is going to be spectacular to just be out here and to experience different parts of Brazil,” Walcott said. “Hopefully we can come out here again and show our stuff on the pitch. First of all we have to do the job. As soon as you come here you realise just what a football place it is.”
— The Independent |
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Panel can’t function as team not there, says Justice Chouta
New Delhi, June 1 Unless the commission is there, I don’t think we can function now,” said Justice Chouta. He insisted that it was left to the BCCI to appoint some other person following Board secretary Sanjay Jagdale’s decision to step down from his post and out of the probe panel. “It is left to the BCCI to appoint some other person... after the resignation of Mr. Sanjay Jagdale,” he said. Justice Chouta, Justice R Balasubramanian and Jagdale were in the three-member inquiry commission, which was appointed by the BCCI. — PTI
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The beleaguered BCCI president N Srinivasan will face the toughest test in his administrative career in tomorrow’s emergent Working Committee meeting where members are likely to push for his ouster in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal.
Rio de Janeiro, June 1
Paris, JUNE 1
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo signed with the Madrid wax museum, after which two sculptors spent most of an hour taking measurements of his muscular anatomy. As if Michaelangelo were preparing to carve a statue, the professionals measured the body proportions of the Real Madrid striker, who wore shorts but no shirt. The work was done using a compass, tape measure, pencil and paper, an approach resembling a scene from the Renaissance. Ronaldo was surprised and then grinned at the sight of the traditional tools."In what pose do you wish us to immortalize you?" asked the sculptors.