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Dec 22, 2011

Ranatunga condemns charges of match fixing scandal

Former World Cup winning Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga on Wednesday condemned the government for dragging his name in match-fixing scandal following accusations by an Indian bookmaker.

"I condemn the use of a statement made by a bookmaker to slander my name and that of Sri Lanka cricket after all we had done to bring dignity to the country", Ranatunga, now an opposition leader, told the Sri Lanka parliament on Wednesday.

Arjuna Ranatunga condemned the government for dragging his name in match-fixing scandal.

Ranatunga was responding to statements made in the parliament last week by former sports minister Gamini Lokuge and government parliamentarian Tilanga Sumathipala, who had accused him and Aravinda de Silva of allegedly receiving USD 15,000 to fix matches.

Sumathipala said that the Indian bookmaker's name had figured in the statement made by former South African captain Hansie Cronje during his confession.

Sumathipala said he, as the then chief of Sri Lanka Cricket, had received a report which had the names of Ranatunga and de Silva.

Nov 17, 2011

West Indies in India 2011, 5-match ODI Series Schedule

DateMatch DetailsTime (IST)Place
Nov 29 - TueIndia v West Indies, 1st ODI14:30Cuttack
Dec 02 - FriIndia v West Indies, 2nd ODI14:30Visakhapatnam
Dec 05 - MonIndia v West Indies, 3rd ODI14:30Ahmedabad
Dec 08 - ThuIndia v West Indies, 4th ODI14:30Indore
Dec 11 - SunIndia v West Indies, 5th ODI14:30Chennai

West Indies ODI squad for the 5-match series

West Indies have named Trinidadian rookies Jason Mohammed and Sunil Narine in their 15-member team for the five one-day internationals against India, but once again there was no place for Chris Gayle. Dwayne Bravo was not considered after suffering an injury.

Top order batsman Mohammed (25y) and spinner Narine(23y) were rewarded for their stellar performance in the Regional Super50 tournament, selector Robert Haynes said in a statement.

"In the Super50 Jason showed maturity, guts and fight in the way he batted on some difficult pitches," Haynes said.

"He scored vital runs to pull his team out of difficult situations, scored the most runs in the tournament and with the pitches in Guyana not being very different to the pitches in India. it augured well for his selection to the ODI squad."

"Sunil bowled well in Indian conditions in the Champions League for Trinidad and Tobago and then in the Super50 he was exceptional," Haynes said.

"Batsmen have difficulty reading him and we thought that he is deserving of his selection to show his worth against international batsmen."

WI ODI Squad: Darren Sammy(captain), Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo, Danza Hyatt, Anthony Martin, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons.

Nov 2, 2011

Salman Butt and Asif has found the duo guilty

In a development that is likely to have ramifications for far and long for cricket, the jury that heard the spot-fixing trial on Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif has found guilty. The now defunct News of the World tabloid had carried out the sting that implicated Asif, Butt and Mohammad Aamer a little over a year ago.

After the verdicts it was revealed that young bowler Mohammad Aamer pleaded guilty to the same charges two weeks before former captain Butt and paceman Asif went on trial at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Salman Butt was found guilty of cheating and of accepting money and Mohammad Asif has been found guilty of conspiracy to cheat. Butt now faces up to seven years in jail, while Asif could face upto 2 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Butt, Asif and Aamer conspired with British agent Mazher Majeed to bowl the no-balls as part of a plot that revealed "rampant corruption" at the heart of international cricket. Butt, 27, and Asif, 28, were each convicted of conspiracy to obtain or accept corrupt payments, and conspiracy to cheat at gambling. They had denied the charges.

The decision is a landmark one in many ways, not least because this is the first time that cricketers have been convicted by a court of law for on-field corruption. The jury didn't return an unanimous verdict on all counts, but reached a majority one on most counts after deliberating for more than 16 hours. According to television reports, the jury was also of the opinion that 'Salman Butt had lied throughout the trial'.

Butt was found guilty by a majority of 10-2 on the count of accepting corrupt payments. Both Butt and Asif were found guilty of a conspiracy to cheat by unanimous margins.

The International Cricket Council has already banned Butt for 10 years with five suspended, Asif for seven years with two suspended, and Aamer, 19, for five years straight after finding them guilty of corruption in February.

Oct 15, 2011

MS Dhoni inspires India won by 126 runs

In a topic of minutes, what was talented to be a contest ended in mortification for England, helping India end a winless line of 11 matches in 2011, On a measured, low wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, skipper MS Dhoni (87) and Suresh Raina (61) motorized India to 300-8 with some strong hitting in the last 15 overs in which they complete 150 runs.

MS DhoniEngland was on line at 111-2 before Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja blow a hole all the way through their center order that was impractical against the spinners' subtle variation. The 126-run edge is India's second-biggest win over England in ODIs, and didn't seem expected given how evenly the game was suspended through India's innings.

There were concern about Dhoni form from first to last for long, but they can be covered for now. The Indian skipper posted his 4th ODI fifty on the trot, with scores of 69, 78 and 50 before in England. In the midst of Graeme Swann hurtle during his overs; India's score had come to a crawl. But when the set batting first Power play was claim in the 36th over, India's run-rate burst through the top.

Suresh Raina overcomes an irritating start, finishing a swift fifty by hitting Tim Bresnan over the sightscreen for an attractive six. He added 72 with Dhoni in 10 over’s, and India's revival was happening. Past in the innings, Ajinkya Rahane made a boring 15 (41balls) after being drop on zero. Parthiv Patel was run-out for 9 runs. Then Gautam batted completely for 32 but fell LBW to a impractical full-toss ball from Jade Dernbach. It left India unsure at 79-3.

Virat Kohli (37) and Raina sought after relief by trying to punish Samit Patel. But Kohli was trapped at long-off trying one time as well many to push in the scoring against the left-arm spinner. A score of 250 would have been good from here on, but Dhoni and Raina exceed all prospect. Those companies provide India the force, but Raina fell on 61, trying to slog Steven Finn. Anything hopes this get through gave England were speedily quell by Jadeja's hectic 27 and a 65-run position with Dhoni in just seven overs, which bring India to the entranced of 300
.
Dhoni finished brilliantly, employing his helicopter whips and chips over cover. After a good start, England's seamers ended in waywardly.

With England skipper Alastair Cook moving to a smoothly paced 60, the chase was well set-up. India's pace bowling attack with Vinay Kumar and Umesh Yadav was untested. But their swift crush to spin was classic. Starting with Jonathan Trott, consecutive batsmen failed to get forward and low to counter the turn and immerse.

Cook holed out to cavernous midwicket off Raveenndra Jadeja. Trott missed the line difficult to slog-sweep a at once ball in Jadeja's next. England struggled to read Ashwin's carrom ball and straighter ball.Ashwin also accounted for the wicket of Kevin Petersen, with a straight hit from mid-on. Petersen was concerned profusion by Vinay Kumar, who caught on to his convention of walking down the wicket to pacers. Vinay bounce him a couple of times, once outstanding him on the arm and once giving him a sore blow on the finger.

Dhoni had investigate the playing situation here days gone by and found out there was plenty of dew. Hence he went with three pacers today.Yadav wasn't always correct, but ended up with two not expensive wickets after the spinners had done most of the break.

In a jiffy, England had lost 8-68, and the game was every one of but in excess of in the 32nd over roundabout the time India begins their fight back in the first innings. This series began as a contest between India stressed to create impetus and England going through the form of their lives. At this rate, it may end up life form a contest between India's usual strength - spin - and England's classical helplessness to counter it.

Oct 11, 2011

Brett Lee ruled out of South Africa Tour

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has been ruled out of his country's one-day and Twenty20 fixtures in South Africa, Cricket Australia said.

Brett Lee, who has taken 310 test and 357 one-day international wickets in a 12-year international career, is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks.

Brett LeeHe is certain to Miss Australia's two Twenty20s and three ODIs against South Africa in October and is a big doubt for the two tests that begin on Nov. 9 and 17.

"Brett complained of some abdominal pain after arriving in Cape Town on Sunday," Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement.

"After consulting specialists and having the relevant investigations he has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will be having surgery in Cape Town later today.

"He will obviously be ruled out of the Twenty20 Cricket and ODI series in South Africa and is likely to return to cricket in six to eight weeks."

Oct 10, 2011

Challenger Trophy 2011 Teams & Schedule

Chennai: Axed from India's 15-member squad for first two ODIs against England, off-colour spinner Harbhajan Singh was on Thursday named skipper of the India Green team for the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy to be held in Nagpur from October 10 to 13.

The new BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale announced the 14-member squads of India Blue, India Green and India Red teams for the 50-over-a-side tournament after a meeting of the national selection committee.

Gautam GambhirOpenning batsman Gautam Gambhir, who missed the ODI series in England because of a head injury, not only returned to the national fold but has also been handed the responsibility of leading the India Red side, while Tamil Nadu middle-order batsman S Badrinath has been named skipper of the India Blue team.

Apart from Harbhajan, Yusuf Pathan (India Red), left-arm pacer RP Singh (India Red), Amit Mishra (India Blue), Pragyan Ojha (India Blue) and Piyush Chawla (India Red), who all have been ignored for the first ODIs against England, will also have a chance to stake their claims for a comeback to the national team.

India Red: Gautam Gambhir (capt, DDCA), Shikhar Dhawan (DDCA), Abhinav Mukund (TNCA), Ambati Rayudu (Baroda CA), Ashok Menaria (Rajasthan CA), Wriddhiman Saha (WK, CAB), Jalaj Saxena (MPCA), Piyush Chawla (UPCA), Bhargava Bhatt (Baroda CA), Pankaj Singh (Rajasthan CA), Jaydev Unadkat (Saurashtra CA), T Sudhendra (MPCA), Yusuf Pathan (Baroda CA), RP Singh (UPCA).

India Blue: S Badrinath (capt, TNCA), Murali Vijay (TNCA), Paul Valthaty (HPCA), Manish Pandey (KSCA), Dinesh Karthik WK, (TNCA), Mandeep Singh (Punjab CA), Saurabh Tiwary (JSCA), Irfan Pathan (Baroda CA), Amit Mishra (Haryana CA), Pragyan Ojha (Hyderabad CA), Y V Krishanarty (JSCA), Prashant Parameshwaran (Kerala CA), Pradeep Sangwan (DDCA), Tanmay Srivastava (UPCA).

India Green: Harbhajan Singh (capt, Punjab CA), Robin Uthappa (WK, KSCA), S Anirudha (TNCA), T Suman (Hyderabad CA), Mohnish Mishra (MPCA), Ishank Jaggi (JSCA), Mohd Kaif (UPCA), C M Gautham (KSCA), S Ladda (Punjab CA), Iqbal Abdullah (Mumbai CA), Abhimanyu Mithun (KSCA), Samad Fallah (Maharashtra CA), Ishwar Choudhary (Gujarat CA), S Narwal (DDCA).

DateMatch DetailsTime (IST)Place
Oct 10 - MonIndia Blue v India Red, 1st Match14:30Nagpur
Oct 11 - TueIndia Green v India Red, 2nd Match14:30Nagpur
Oct 12 - WedIndia Blue v India Green, 3rd Match14:30Nagpur
Oct 13 - ThuTBC v TBC, Finals14:30Nagpur


Sep 26, 2011

Akhtar controversial book launch cancelled

The programmed release of Shoiab Akhtar's controversial book here tomorrow has suddenly been cancelled without any reason being given.

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar was to release Shoiab Akhtar's autobiography 'Controversially Yours' at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) premises.

"The event has been cancelled," confirmed a CCI official, without transferring any reason.

According to sources, the event was cancelled due to unexpected conditions.

The sudden cancellation generated speculation that it may be because of the less than flattering remarks about Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

In his tell-all autobiography, Akhtar has made many controversial claims including one where he says that the Indian batsman Tendulkar did not have the ability to finish matches in the initial stages of his career.

Meanwhile, a protest was held in suburban Dahisar today against Akhtar, for his comments on Tendulkar. Protesters carried Akthar's posters on donkey-backs.

On Monday, Akhtar is scheduled to attend another function to promote his book in the city.

England in India 2011, ODI Series Schedule

DateMatch DetailsTime (IST)Place
Oct 14 - Fr India v England, 1st ODI14:30Hyderabad
Oct 17 - Mo India v England, 2nd ODI14:30Delhi
Oct 20 - Th India v England, 3rd ODI14:30Chandigarh
Oct 23 - Su India v England, 4th ODI14:30Mumbai
Oct 26 - We India v England, 5th ODI14:30Kolkata
Oct 29 - Sa India v England, Only T20I20:00Kolkata

Sep 12, 2011

MS Dhoni chosen to lead ICC World ODI XI

Following their successful WC triumph, as many as four Indians have found a place in the annual ODI XI announced by the ICC here on Monday.

MS Dhoni has been bestowed with the honour of being nominated as the skipper of the team and he has been joined by fellow team-mates Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh.

MS DhoniThe team comprises of two players each from Sri Lanka and South Africa and a player each from Pakistan, Australia and England.

Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan has been nominated as the fellow opener with Virender Sehwag while the middle order consists of stalwarts like Kumar Sangakkara, AB de Villiers, Shane Watson and Yuvraj Singh with the keeper being Dhoni. Graeme Swann is the lone spinner in the side while the pace department includes Zaheer Khan, Umar Gul and Dale Steyn. Sri Lankan pace sensation Lasith Malinga has been nominated as the 12th man.

Chairman of the LG ICC Awards selection panel, Lloyd said: "This has been an outstanding year for 50-over cricket. I think everyone saw in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 how exciting this format can be.

"The ICC Cricket World Cup was rightly applauded as one of the greatest in history and no one who was in Mumbai will forget that remarkable evening.

"The ODI team of the year reflects the success of India with four players selected - Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, M S Dhoni and Zaheer Khan. Yuvraj was, of course, the player of the tournament and MS Dhoni, the man-of-the-match in the final, whilst fellow finalists Sri Lanka has three players in the side."

Lloyd was joined on the panel by former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas, former England captain Mike Gatting, former New Zealand bowler Danny Morrison and former South African bowler Paul Adams.

ICC ODI Team of the Year
  • Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
  • Virender Sehwag (India)
  • Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
  • AB de Villiers (South Africa)
  • Shane Watson (Australia)
  • Yuvraj Singh (India)
  • MS Dhoni (India, wicketkeeper & captain)
  • Graeme Swann (England)
  • Umar Gul (Pakistan)
  • Dale Steyn (South Africa)
  • Zaheer Khan (India)
12th Man - Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

Sep 7, 2011

England continued their unbeaten run against India

England won by seven wickets against India in the rain-hit second One-day International of the NatWest series at the Rose Bowl here Tuesday.

The match had been reduced to 23 overs a side after a delayed start due to rain.

Put to bat first, India scored 187 for eight with the help of Ajinkya Rahane.

Rahane's 54 and Suresh Raina's blistering 40 off 19 balls.

But England skipper Alastair Cook-led England reached the target of 188 in 22.1 overs.

Cook led the run-chase with 80 off 63 balls.

The first ODI had been called off due to rain.

England lead the ODI series 1-0 after winning the second ODI.

Sep 5, 2011

Manoj Tiwary to replace injured Rohit Sharma

Manoj Tiwary has been called up to replace the injured Rohit Sharma for the remainder of the ODI series against England. Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the series after being struck on his hand by a Stuart Broad delivery resulting in a fracture.

Tiwary has played only three ODIs for India thus far, making his debut in 2008 against Australia. He was included in the squad for the ODI series in the West Indies recently and he played 2 matches notching up a top score of 22.

Tiwary represented the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL last year and was one of their top performers.

India are already struggling without many key players in the squad, but the form shown by newbie, Ajinkya Rahane would have given the troubled visitors some hope and they will hope Tiwary can do the same for India.

Aug 30, 2011

England aim to dominate India in ODI Series too: Bresnan

England fast-bowler Tim Bresnan has sounded a notice to India saying that they will come hard at them in the upcoming ODI series. England, according to Bresnan, wants to inflict another whitewash on the World Champions.

India will go into the five-match ODI series, starting September 3, without five of their World Cup heroes due to injuries.

Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan have all been ruled out of ODI action and Gautam Gambhir is also likely to miss the series due to concussion.

Bresnan pointed out that India will go into the series as favourites following their victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 a couple of months ago. However, he added that England is a tough side to beat at home and they will be full of confidence following their 3-2 series win against Sri Lanka earlier in the summer.

"If we come out with confidence against India, we should get the result we're after. We sustained the assault during the Test matches and we'll be looking to do the same in the one-dayers," Bresnan said.

Bresnan maintained that England are eyeing nothing short of victory in all the remaining matches in the tour, which also includes a one-off Twenty20 Cricket match on Wednesday.

Aug 26, 2011

I Support Anna Hazare



Aug 25, 2011

Gambhir likely to be fit for ODIs

The uncertainty over Gautam Gambhir's contribution in the upcoming ODI series against England is all but over with the Indian opener likely to be fit for the five-match ODI Series, team manager Shivlal Yadav said here today.

Yadav said Gambhir should be fine for next month's ODI series after his MRI scan did not show anything untoward.

Gambhir is critical to India's plans in the ODIs now that his fellow opener Virender Sehwag has been completely ruled out for the five one-dayers and one-off Twenty20 match.

Gambhir suffered the concussion after he backpedalled at mid-on in a bid to catch a miscued pull off Kevin Pietersen during the 4th Test. The chance was fluffed when he fell back and hit his head on the ground with a thud.

Even though speculation over his availability has died down after the MRI scan, the left-hander did not come out to practice with his colleagues on Wednesday.

The present series has been one of misfortune for Gambhir. He was painfully hit on his right elbow while fielding at forward short leg during the 1st Test at Lord's.

He subsequently had to miss the 2nd Test at Trent Bridge. He did play the 3rd Test at Edgbaston and scored 38 and 14 in the two innings.

Aug 24, 2011

India can overtake Sri Lanka in ICC ODI rankings

Going by present form, it looks highly unlikely but if India can manage to beat England by a 4-1 margin or better in the upcoming one-day series, they can climb to 2nd spot from 3rd in the ICC ranking chart.

World champions India (117) are placed 3rd behind Sri Lanka (119) in the list, headed by Australia (130)

Australia's 3-2 series win has restricted Sri Lanka to earn only one ratings point which, in turn, has given India a chance to reclaim the second position.

To achieve the number two position, India will have to beat England by 4-1 or whitewash the hosts in the five-match ODI series, starting at Chester-le-Street on September 3.

Aug 23, 2011

Pakistan in Zimbabwe 2011 Series Schedule

DateMatch DetailsTime (GMT)Place
Sep 01 - 05 Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Only Test07:30Bulawayo
Sep 08 - Thu Zimbabwe v Pakistan, 1st ODI07:00Bulawayo
Sep 11 - Sun Zimbabwe v Pakistan, 2nd ODI07:00Harare
Sep 14 - Wed Zimbabwe v Pakistan, 3rd ODI07:00Harare
Sep 16 - Fri Zimbabwe v Pakistan, 1st T20I12:00Harare
Sep 18 - Sun Zimbabwe v Pakistan, 2nd T20I12:00Harare

Aug 8, 2011

Dravid recalled for T20 and ODI series against England

Rahul Dravid on Saturday earned a surprise recall to shore up India's struggling batting line-up while an off-colour Harbhajan Singh was dropped from the 16-member squad for the T20 and one-day cricket series against England beginning August 31.

Rahul DravidRahul Dravid, the lone batsman who has been steady with two back-to-back centuries in the ongoing 4-match Test series, makes his way into the ODI fold after a gap of almost two years to provide stability to a brittle line-up struggling in the seaming English conditions.

Harbhajan Singh, who has been ruled out of the Test series because of an abdominal strain and has been been woefully out of form in recent times, was expectedly not considered for the ODIs along with another star injured player Yuvraj Singh, nursing a broken left index finger.

Karnataka paceman Vinay Kumar and wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel were recalled into the 16-member squad announced by the BCCI secretary N Srinivasan after a meeting of the selection committee.

"Zaheer Khan is suffering from a recurrent right hamstring strain and a right ankle impingement. He will require a surgery for his ankle, followed by intensive rehabilitation for both the ankle and hamstring. He will need at least 14-16 weeks to recover completely. He will therefore not be able to participate in the ongoing Test series and subsequent Twenty20 International and ODI series against England," the BCCI said in a statement.

His loss has been RP Singh's gain as the pacer from Uttar Pradesh makes a comeback nearly after 3 years. He last played a Test match in April 2008 and an ODI in September 2009.

Paceman S Sreesanth, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha and all-rounder Yusuf Pathan also failed to find favour with the five-man selection panel.


Team Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag (vice-captain), Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Suresh raina, Rohit Sharma, RP Singh, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Parthiv Patel.

Jul 8, 2011

Sourav appointed vice-chairman of WB Sports Council

The West Bengal government on Wednesday reconstituted the Sports Council by inducting former India skipper Sourav Ganguly as one of its its vice-chairmen.

Ganguly will work alongside former footballers Gouranga Banerjee, Compton Dutta, international paddler Poulami Ghatak and GM Dibyendu Barua.

"We are trying to bring everybody from all disciplines to revive the sports in Bengal," sports minister Madan Mitra told reporters while announcing the reconstitution of the Sports Council.

It was also decided to divide the council into two committees -- advisory board and working committee. Both would be headed by Mitra.

The advisory board will have eight vice-chairmen including hockey Olympians Gurbux Singh and Dr Vece Paes, football Olympian Chuni Goswami and Dronacharya awardee Syed Nayeemuddin.

The advisory board will also have former Test cricketer Arun Lal, footballers Shyam Thapa and Subrata Bhattacharya.

Former Indian football captain P K Banerjee and Leslie Claudius will be members in the working committee which will have representation from various sports.

Jun 24, 2011

Styris announced his retirement from international career

New Zealand all rounder Scott Styris has announced his retirement from international cricket, saying he wanted to concentrate on the domestic T20 competition and the IPL.

Scott StyrisScott Styris said the Black Caps were entering a new era under skipper Ross Taylor, who was appointed this week, and the time was right to leave the international Cricket.

The 35-year-old, who is currently playing T20 for English county side Essex, said he would continue to play domestic cricket for New Zealand's Northern Knights and the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

"I really enjoy the T20 format of the game and see it as a way to stay involved in cricket for another year or two if I can," he said.

"Not being on the international circuit means more time at home and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with my family."

Jun 17, 2011

Chris Gayle may leave WI cricket

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is so frustrated and disillusioned with his Cricket Board officials that he might consider walking away from the national team, a media report here has claimed.

According to the 'Trinidad Guardian', the friction between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Gayle has only increased after a stormy meeting, which was ironically called to settle the differences after the batsman's controversial radio interview.

Chris GayleIn that outburst, Gayle had lambasted the WICB for leaving him in a lurch during his recent injury crisis.

The WICB wants Gayle to retract from the statement but he has refused, heightening the tensions.

He was left out of the ODI Cricket Team squad for the just-concluded series against India, and could also be dropped from the side for the Tests starting Monday.

"Chris wants to play cricket for the West Indies. He wants to play really badly and this is why he turned up for the meeting. However, what was said and how it was said at the meeting has left him rather frustrated and he may now look at taking his game away from the West Indies," the newspaper quoted a source as saying.

"This is a man who has served West Indies cricket well in the past and he was also captain of the regional team. However, he was treated very badly by one individual at the meeting and this has left him in a state," the source added.

Gayle was accompanied by Executive President of the West Indies Players' Association Dinanath Ramnarine and WIPA Vice-President Wavell Hinds in the a near four-hour long meeting with the WICB on Saturday.

"Chris was penalised (by being dropped from the West Indies team) before he was given a hearing. This was totally unfair and was aired at the meeting.

"Also one official who represented the WICB was very provocative towards Chris and was not even allowing him to answer questions posed to him. This was very unfortunate," the source revealed.

Jun 9, 2011

Clinical India ease to win to lead 2-0

Half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel followed up Amit Mishra's career-best bowling to lead India to a seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the rain-affected 2nd One-day International on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli struck six fours and one six in 81 from 103 balls to earn the Man-of-the-Match award, and Patel made 56 from 64 deliveries, as the Indians, chasing a revised target of 183 from 37 overs due to rain, reached their target with 20 balls remaining.

Virat KohliIndia skipper Suresh Raina clinched victory, when he steered a delivery from Ravi Rampaul wide of point for two runs.

India now lead the five-match series 2-0, following a four-wicket victory in the first ODI two days ago at the same venue.

Amit Mishra had upstaged half-centuries from Lendl Simmons and Ramnaresh Sarwan, triggering a batting collapse with a career-best spell, as West Indies posted 240 for nine from their allotted 50 overs.

Amit MishraMishra captured four for 31, as the Windies collapsed dramatically from a comfortable 175 for two in the 36th before the WI skipper Darren Sammy added some late order runs.

Munaf Patel bagged three for 35 from 10 overs, and Yusuf Pathan took two for 51 from eight overs to play their part in destabilising the West Indies' batting.

India suffered an early setback, when Shikhar Dhawan was caught at square cover off Ravi Rampaul for three in the third over. However, a second wicket stand of 120 between Kohli and Patel put India firmly on track, while enduring two stoppages for rain.

Patel was caught behind down the leg-side off leg-spinner Anthony Martin in the 27th over but he had made 56 off 64 by then, and Kohli was caught at long-off off Devendra Bishoo, the other West Indies leggie, in the 31st over. However, at that stage, India required only 10 more runs to achieve the D/L adjusted target and get a 2-0 lead, which Raina and Rohit Sharma duly delivered.

The 3rd ODI will be played on June 11 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.

May 24, 2011

Afridi pulls out of 2-match ODI series against Ireland

Pakistan's glitzy all-rounder Shahid Afridi has pulled out of the 2-match ODI series against Ireland due to the illness of his father.

Shahid AfridiAccording to a Geo News report, Afridi had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board that he would not be available for the two-match ODI Series in Ireland on May 28 and 30.

"Afridi wants to spend time with his ailing father who is under treatment in the United States. It has nothing to do with him being removed from the One-day International team captaincy," a source claimed.

The Chairman of the PCB, Ijaz Butt removed Afridi as captain earlier this month and replaced him with Misbah-ul-Haq who is presently leading the team in the Test series against the West Indies.

May 5, 2011

Indian ODI Team selection on May 13

The Indian squad for the one-day series and a Twenty20 match against the West Indies in the latter's backyard will be picked on May 13 in Chennai.

"The selection panel is to meet at Chennai on May 13 to choose the team," Cricket Board sources told PTI.

The meeting will be held a day after Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni would have led Chennai Super Kings against the Delhi Daredevils at home. The Super Kings' next fixture is against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, also at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, on May 18.

The Indian squad, which is scheduled to leave for the Caribbean on June 1, will start the tour with a Twenty20 international against the West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain in Trinidad on June 4.

The five ODIs follow the conclusion of the one-off Twenty20 game at the Queen's Park Oval (June 6 & 8), Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua (June 11 and 13) and Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica (June 16).

After the conclusion of the limited-overs games, India will take on the West Indies in a three-match Test Series from June 20-July 10 with the matches scheduled at the Sabina Park, Kensington Oval in Bridgetown and Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica.

Apr 19, 2011

Senior players to skip ODI series in West Indies

Some of India's senior cricketers, including skipper MS Dhoni, are likely to skip the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies starting early June.

Already exhausted by a crammed international schedule, the senior players want to take some rest.

Indian Cricket Team 2011A top BCCI source said that it is possible that at least five-six senior players may be rested since India has a hectic international schedule ahead.

While some senior players may skip only the ODI series, others who have injury problems in recent times may opt out of the entire tour of the West Indies where they play one T20 International, five ODIs and three match Test series during the tour starting June 4.

Opening batsman Virender Sehwag is likely to miss the entire tour of the West Indies to regain full fitness, while other senior players like Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh may be rested in a phased manner.

It is learnt that some senior players have already written to the BCCI expressing their desire to skip the tour of the West Indies so that they are fit enough for the crucial tours of England and Australia later in the year.

India have a hectic international schedule this year. Immediately after the ongoing Indian Premier League, India will tour the West Indies for five ODIs and three Tests, followed by a long tour of England in July-August.

England will then come to India for a One-day international series in November and West Indies will follow for a three-Test and five ODI series. The Indians then travel to Australia for a high-profile series in December-January.

If the senior cricketers are rested, some of the players who have done well in the ongoing IPL like Paul Valthaty of Kings XI Punjab and Ambati Ryudu of Mumbai Indians may get an opportunity.

There is also speculation that Yuvraj Singh, who has been in terrific form and named the player of the tournament in the World Cup 2011, could be named captain in the absence of Dhoni and other senior players.

Apr 18, 2011

Dilshan named in Sri Lanka Skipper

Tillakaratne DilshanTillakaratne Dilshan has been named as Sri Lankan Skipper for all 3 formats(Test, ODI & Twenty20i) in the upcoming tour of England in May 2011. The decision comes after former skipper Kumar Sangakkara resigned from the post after Sri Lanka's loss to India in the World Cup 2011 finals. A vice captain has not been names as the prospective candidates are all nursing injuries and doubtful for the tour.

Dilshan was the top run scorer in the World Cup 2011 and is currently playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

Apr 12, 2011

Pakistan in Ireland 2011, Two-match ODI Series

DateMatch DetailsTime (IST)Place
Apr 27 - FriIreland v Pakistan, 1st ODI15.15Belfast
Apr 29 - Sun Ireland v Pakistan, 2nd ODI15.15Belfast


Watson smashed 15 sixes as Australia crush Bangladesh

Shane Watson smashed a record 15 sixes in a career-best 185 not out as Australia sealed a 3-match ODI series against Bangladesh with a 9-wicket win in the 2nd ODI on Monday.

The explosive opener gave a superb display of power-hitting as he also smote 15 fours in his 96-ball knock to help Australia achieve a 230-run target with 24 overs to spare for an unbeatable 2-0 lead.

Shane WatsonWest Indies' Xavier Marshall was the previous record-holder with 12 sixes against Canada in 2008.

Watson also scored the most runs (150) in boundaries in a ODI innings, breaking South African Herschelle Gibbs's record of 126.

"It was a nice day today as everything came off," said Watson, named man of the match.

"I had no idea (of sixes record). I was pretty tired and didn't want to run too much. It was pretty hot and humid, so I tried to limit my running and it worked out nicely."

Watson's innings was also the highest by an Australian in one-day internationals, the previous best being 181 not out by Matthew Hayden.

He completed his sixth one-day hundred off 69 balls, the third-fastest by an Australian after Hayden (66 balls) and Adam Gilchrist (67).

"That's probably the best innings I've seen. He (Watson) hit the ball so cleanly from the start today," said Australia skipper Michael Clarke.

Watson looked in excellent touch from the beginning, hammering three fours in the opening over bowled by Shafiul Islam. He raced to his half-century off 26 balls with the help of four sixes and five boundaries.

He then reduced Bangladesh's bowlers and fielders to a state of helplessness with his onslaught, once hitting four sixes in an over from left-arm spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo.

Watson dominated an unfinished 170-run stand for the second wicket with former captain Ricky Ponting, who contributed an unbeaten 37.

"He (Watson) batted really well and the credit goes to him," said Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan.

Bangladesh were earlier struggling at 88-5 before crossing the 200 mark, thanks to wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 81 off 80 balls which contained one six and nine fours.

Rahim's best came in the closing stages of the innings when he smashed two fours and a six off successive deliveries from paceman Brett Lee before hitting two boundaries in seamer Mitchell Johnson's last over.

He played a major role in steadying the innings after Johnson (3-54) and leg-spinner Steven Smith (2-34) had put the hosts in trouble, adding 79 for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Mahmudullah (38).

Shahriar Nafees was the only top-order batsman to offer resistance, scoring 56 off 73 balls with six fours. He fell after completing his 12th half-century in one-dayers, offering a simple return catch to Smith.

Apr 7, 2011

Pakistan in West Indies 2011, Schedule

DateMatch DetailsTime (IST)Place
Apr 21 - Th West Indies v Pakistan, Only T20I-Gros Islet, St Lucia
Apr 23 - Sa West Indies v Pakistan, 1st ODI-Gros Islet, St Lucia
Apr 25 - Mo West Indies v Pakistan, 2nd ODI-Gros Islet, St Lucia
Apr 28 - Th West Indies v Pakistan, 3rd ODI-Bridgetown, Barbados
May 1 - Su West Indies v Pakistan, 4th ODI-Bridgetown, Barbados
May 05 - Th West Indies v Pakistan, 5th ODI-Providence, Guyana
May 12 - 16 West Indies v Pakistan, 1st Test-Providence, Guyana
May 20 - 24 West Indies v Pakistan, 2nd Test-Basseterre, St Kitts

Kamran Akmal Dropped for West Indies tour

The Pakistan selectors on Wednesday dropped faltering wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal from ODI and T20 cricket team for this month's tour of the West Indies and rested senior players.

The 29-year-old was criticized for dropping crucial catches during the World Cup semi-final, where Pakistan lost in the semi-finals to arch rival India.

Kamran Akmal"We have given Kamran Akmal a break because his wicket-keeping was not up to the mark during the World Cup 2011," chief selector Mohsin Khan told AFP. "We think Kamran needs a rest."

Local media said the wicketkeeper will also lose his Test place to younger brother Adnan Akmal, part of the Test team to New Zealand earlier this year.

Mohammad Salman, 29, will keep wickets in the Twenty20 and one-day matches.

Pakistan will play a Twenty20 international, five one-day games and two Tests on the month-long tour, starting from April 18.

Khan said the tour gives Pakistan an opportunity to test new players.

"We have chosen the team with a plan to try some youngsters who can serve Pakistan in the future," said Khan. "Younis Khan and Umar Gul have been rested while Abdul Razzaq could not fit into the team."

ODI Captain Shahid Afridi had hinted that senior players would be rested to give younger team members a chance, prompting Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq and Umar Gul -- all part of the World Cup squad -- to be left out.

Afridi will not be part of the Test team after retiring from the longer version of the game last year.

Misbah-ul-Haq will lead Pakistan in the Test match, for which a squad will be announced later.

Squad (ODI & Twenty20): Shahid Afridi (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shahzad, Taufiq Umar, Usman Salahuddin, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Tanvir Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Hammad Azam, Aizaz Cheema, Mohammad Salman.

Apr 6, 2011

Australia in Bangladesh 2011, ODI Series Schedule

DateMatch DetailsTime (IST)Place
Apr 09 - Sat Bangladesh v Australia, 1st ODI
Aus won by 60 runs
09:00Dhaka
Apr 11 - Mon Bangladesh v Australia, 2nd ODI
Aus won by 9 wickets
09:00Dhaka
Apr 13 - Wed Bangladesh v Australia, 3rd ODI13:30Dhaka


Sangakkara quits Sri Lankan captaincy

Kumar Sangakkara has stepped down as Sri Lanka's ODI and Twenty20 skipper. This comes just three days after Sri Lanka's World Cup 2011 final defeat at the hands of India. He has offered to continue as the Test skipper on an interim basis for the forthcoming series with England and Australia.

All-rounder Angelo Mathews or batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan likely are to replace as captain.

The following is the statement released by Sangakkara:

"I would like to announce that after careful consideration I have concluded that it is in the best long-term interests of the team that I step down now as national captain so that a new leader can be properly groomed for the 2015 World Cup in Australia.

"This was a decision I made prior to the 2011 World Cup. I will be 37 by the next World Cup and I cannot therefore be sure of my place in the team. It is better that Sri Lanka is led now by a player who will be at the peak of their career during that tournament.

"It has been a true honour and a great privilege to serve my country as captain during the past two years and, although bitterly disappointed that we could not win the final, I am very proud of the performances of the team.

"I am also very grateful for the wonderful support received from Sri Lankan fans all around the world. Our supporters were a source of great inspiration before, during and after the tournament and I know all the players are extremely thankful for this.

"I met with the selectors on Monday and I explained my reasons for my decision and I assured them of my fullest support in helping our new captain settle into the leadership.

"In this regard, I have offered to continue as the Test captain for the forthcoming Test Series with England and possibly Australia if the selectors believe this would help the new captain and aid the transition.

Mar 29, 2011

Ponting quits as Australia Cricket Captain of both Test and ODI

Ricky Ponting quit as Australia's Test and one-day skipper Tuesday, just days after the champions were knocked out of the World Cup 2011, but said he remained available for selection as a batsman.

Ricky PontingThe 36-year-old, who led Australia in 77 Test matches for 48 wins -- the most of any Test Captain -- 16 losses and 13 draws. In his 228 one-day matches in charge, he returned 164 wins and 50 losses, insisted he was "not tapped on the shoulder" to give up the captaincy, and endorsed deputy Michael Clarke as his successor.

"I have resigned as skipper of both the Test Cricket and one day Australian teams, Ponting told a press conference." I will continue to play and am available for selection in both the one-day and Test teams.

"I have thought long and hard about what Australian cricket needs. Now is the right time for the next captain to assume the responsibility for both the Test and one-day teams," he added.

Ponting said Australia's exit in the quarter-finals of the World Cup last week in India prompted his decision to stand aside.

"The fact that we went out of the World Cup when we did was the main reason," he said, while denying he had been forced out by Cricket Australia.

"Today is a new start for me and I am very excited about the future. I will give my complete support to our new captain and continue to do my best to set the best possible example for my team-mates and emerging cricketers alike." Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke paid tribute to Ponting's "outstanding" leadership.

"Ricky Ponting has been an outstanding batsman, one of the best to wear the baggy green," he said.

"His leadership as captain has been outstanding and I sometimes think his brilliance with the bat has overshadowed his fine work as captain.

Feb 8, 2011

Virat Kohli jumps to join 2nd in ICC ODI rankings

Indian batsman Virat Kohli jumped 3 places to join 2nd in the latest ICC ODI players rankings issued on Monday.

Virat KohliVirat Kohli and AB de Villiers share the 2nd spot with 784 points behind Hashim Amla 889.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and opening batsman Gautam Gambhir are the other two Indian batsman in the top 10 at 5th and 9th respectively. Dhoni slipped down one place while Gautam Gambhir jumped one spot.

Explosive batsman Yusuf Pathan jumped 34 places to be at 47th.

In the bowlers' chart headed by New Zealand's Daniel Vettori, South Africa pacers Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe achieved career-best rankings at 2nd and 10th respectively.

Jan 19, 2011

Boom Boom Pathan powers India to thrilling two-wicket win

A burst of powerful hitting by Boom Boom Yusuf Pathan spurred India to a thrilling two-wicket win in the 3rd ODI match against South Africa at Newlands on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 221, India was struggling at 93 for five before Yusuf Pathan launched a savage attack against South African off-spinners Johan Botha and JP Duminy.

Yusuf PathanOn a pitch where most batsmen found it difficult to play optimistic strokes, Pathan, making his first appearance in the series, struck 59 off 50 balls as India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match ODI series.

Pathan and Suresh Raina (37) put on 75 for the 6th wicket but both were out in quick succession to set up a tense finish.

Paceman Morne Morkel took 3/26 and fellow fast bowler Dale Steyn getting 2/31 but could not stop India from getting home with ten balls to spare. Harbhajan Singh made a crucial 23 not out, including two sixes.

The match changed dramatically in the 28th over of the Indian innings when Pathan, on six, edged Botha for a four between wicketkeeper AB de Villiers and skipper Graeme Smith at slip.

Pathan swept the next delivery and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, running in from the boundary to try to take a catch, miscalculated the ball and it went for another boundary.

In the next over from JP Duminy, Pathan again swept in the air and Morkel also miscalculated the ball in thinking a catch and it went for another four.

Then Pathan struck three sixes off four balls from Botha, all sailing over a fielder at deep mid-wicket.

On an untypical Newlands pitch, South Africa struggled to 220 all out with newcomer Francois 'Faf' du Plessis and JP Duminy putting on 110 as they rescued a floundering innings.

Du Plessis made 60 and Duminy 52 on a pitch of inconsistent pace and bounce.


Man of the Match: Yusuf Pathan

Jan 18, 2011

Watson seals Australia win with 6

A terrific solo effort by Shane Watson with the bat enabled Australia to overcome a poor fielding effort and beat England in the opening ODI match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Shane WatsonOne of the few Australians to emerge with his reputation intact after the Ashes disaster, Watson's brilliant unbeaten 161 enabled the home side to chase down England's imposing total of 294 from 49.4 overs with five balls to spare.

Fittingly, Watson hit the winning runs from the first ball of the last over, lofting Ajmal Shahzad over long-on for six to take Australia to 297-4.

He and Brad Haddin laid the foundation for the win with a 110-run partnership, although another scratchy innings by skipper Michael Clarke threatened to ruin the chase.

Clarke put on 103 with Watson for the 2nd wicket, but again looked sadly out of form and often earned ironical cheers from the crowd when he managed to score as he eked out 36 from 57 balls.

The solo crack of Watson, dropped on 44 by Jonathan Trott from the bowling of Chris Tremlett at mid-on, spared Australian blushes after a hapless performance in the field.

Kevin Pietersen led the way for England, who won the toss and elected to bat, with 78 from 75 balls with three sixes.

Just over a month out from their World Cup defence, the Australians offered up dropped catches, missed stumpings, botched run outs and wickets from no-balls, as well as 14 wides.

Jan 17, 2011

Battling India seal dramatic one-run victory

India made an astonishing recovery to take a one-run victory over South Africa in the 2nd ODI match at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday to level the five-match series at one match each.

Munaf Patel took two wickets in what proved to be the final over to finish with four for 29, with Yuvraj Singh taking a low catch at gully to end the match when Wayne Parnell cut powerfully in an attempt to score the winning runs.

Munaf PatelSouth Africa seemed in control when they made an aggressive start to their innings after Lonwabo Tsotsobe produced career-best bowling figures of four for 22 as India were bowled out for 190 on what is usually a high-scoring ground.

skipper Graeme Smith and JP Duminy took South Africa to within 71 runs of victory with seven wickets in hand and less than half the overs used up.

But Duminy played a rash shot against part-time off-spinner Rohit Sharma and was caught at long-on.

It still looked comfortable for the hosts as Smith and David Miller added 32.

But as with the Indian innings, the batting powerplay proved disastrous for the batting side.

Smith was out to the first ball of the powerplay, bowled off an inside edge by man of the match Patel for 77 and Miller went in the next over when he top-edged an attempted pull against a slower bouncer by Zaheer Khan.

South Africa lost their last six wickets for 37 runs in what was almost an action replay of the Indian innings.

"We played some good cricket for 70 overs of the game," said Smith, who was captaining South Africa for a record 139th time.

"Some of our decision making at the back end of the game wasn't good enough but Munaf bowled really well."

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose side had lost their last six wickets for 21 runs, said: "It's a big win for us. We were 40 to 45 runs short in our innings but the bowlers bowled in the right areas and put a lot of pressure on the South African batsmen."

Dhoni said the the bowling of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who took one for 32 in ten overs, had changed the game.

"The South African batsmen had momentum when he came on and they lost momentum against him."

Tsotsobe led a superb performance by the South African bowlers and fielders after India won the toss and batted.

Yuvraj Singh made 53 and Dhoni scored 38 but neither batsman was able to dominate during a 4th wicket stand of 83 off 107 balls.

Jan 13, 2011

SA won by 135 runs against India

South Africa's faster’s struck early to set up a complete 135-run win in the first ODI international against India at Kingsmead on Wednesday.

Chasing a target of 290, India's hopes were efficiently ended when they were reduced to 43 for four in the 11th over. Despite a half- century by Virat Kohli they were bowled out for 154.

Virat Kohli"We were outplayed completely," admitted Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"We were superb with the ball," said South African skipper Graeme Smith.

Dale Steyn dismissed Murali Vijay in the first over and left-arm bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe picked up the key wicket of Sachin Tendulkar three overs later.

Morne Morkel, who came on as first change, took two wickets in one over as the Indian batsmen failed to come to terms with the pace and bounce of a Kingsmead pitch with a reputation for being more lively in the 2nd innings of day-night games.

Lonwabo TsotsobeTsotsobe went on to claim 4 for 31 runs, while fellow Steyn and Morkel took two each and left-arm fast bowler Wayne Parnell took one.

Hashim Amla got the South African innings off to a fast start, scoring 50 off 36 balls with eight fours but the home side's total of 289 for nine was built around a 131-run 4th wicket partnership between AB de Villiers (76 off 69 balls) and JP Duminy(73 off 89 balls).

While they were together South Africa looked on target for a total of more than 300 but both fell to the part-time off-spin of Rohit Sharma instead of cashing in towards the end of the innings.

Man of the match: Lonwabo Tsotsobe

Jan 12, 2011

England in Australia ODI Series 2011, Schedule

DateMatch DetailsTime (IST)Place
T20i Schedule
Jan 12 - WedAustralia v England, 1st T20I14:05Adelaide
Jan 14 - FriAustralia v England, 2nd T20I14:05Melbourne
ODI Schedule
Jan 16 - SunAustralia v England, 1st ODI08:50Melbourne
Jan 21 - FriAustralia v England, 2nd ODI08:50Hobart
Jan 23 - SunAustralia v England, 3rd ODI08:50Sydney
Jan 26 - WedAustralia v England, 4th ODI08:50Adelaide
Jan 30 - SunAustralia v England, 5th ODI08:50Brisbane
Feb 02 - WedAustralia v England, 6th ODI08:50Sydney
Feb 06 - SunAustralia v England, 7th ODI08:50Perth

Win in SA ODI Series could push India to Top ODI team

With the World Cup just around the corner, India will have their eyes on the rankings as a win in the five-match ODI series against South Africa could help India go into the World Cup as the number one ODI team.

Presently ranked 2nd in the ICC ODI rankings, India are likely to face stiff competition for the top spot from top ranked Australia, world number four South Africa and fifth ranked England, and according to the ICC website, any of these four teams could start the cricket's flagship event as the number one team.

Even as India lock horns with South Africa from Wednesday, Australia will resume their competition with traditional rivals England in a 7-match ODI series starting on Sunday.

Third ranked Sri Lanka could also get to the top spot although pre-event fixtures have not yet been confirmed.