ACA ready to accept its ‘rebel’ cricketers

By our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI, April 30: With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lifting the ban on ICL cricketers, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) is now ready to accept the five State cricketers if they quit the ICL. However, their place in the State team would entirely depend on the decision of the selectors.

Speaking on the decision of the BCCI, the secretary of the ACA Bikash Barua told mediapersons today that the ACA would have no objection if the five State cricketers want to return to domestic cricket, severing all ties with the ICL. “BCCI has already decided to grant ‘amnesty’ to those cricketers who would quit the ICL and we too are ready to accept them if they fulfil the necessary formality.”

There are five State cricketers—Zakaria Zuffri, Abu Nachim Ahmed, Parvez Aziz, Sujay Tarafdar and Pritam Das— playing for the ICL. Except Zakaria, all four are in their early stage of their career. Few former cricketers of the State said that if Abu, Sujay and Pritam return to the Ranji squad then the teams new ball attack would assume better striking power.

When asked whether the ICL cricketers would be selected in Ranji squad once they quit the ICL, Barua said, “It will all depend on the selectors.”

Meanwhile, a section of the ACA is still unhappy on the five players as they, prior to joining the ICL, spoke negatively on the activities of the ACA. On this, Barua said, “ This disturbs me too. I will discuss the matter with senior officials of the ACA and try to cool the matter down.” THE SENTINEL

Butt returns home after meeting ICC officials

Butt returns home after meeting ICC officials

Karachi, Apr 28 (PTI) After holding talks with the ICC officials in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt has returned home amid criticism by former players who believe the PCB could have done more to prevent the 2011 World Cup ties from being moved out of the cricket-starved nation.
However, Butt was reluctant to reveal any detail of the meeting to the media in Lahore yesterday evening and declined to give any official statement as well.

The former Test cricketer is facing growing criticism of his handling of major cricket issues while the Senate Standing Committee on Sports has also said it would ask PCB to explain the lavish spending on sending officials and members to Dubai and Abu Dhabi to watch ongoing ODI series against Australia.

Sources close to the Senate Standing Committee said that members were preparing a brief after media reports pointed out that the PCB had spent nearly Rs 15 million paying the daily allowances besides the hotel and travelling expanses of its officials and members.

Two senior officials, Zakir Khan and Mohammad Naeem (who is related to Butt) are said to have pocketed approximately USD 14,000 and USD 13,500 respectively as daily allowances at a time when the board is talking about cost cutting measures to avert a financial crunch situation. PTI

Australian experts not happy with security arrangement

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Australian experts not happy with security arrangement

Karachi, Apr 27 (PTI) The Australian security experts have expressed their apprehensions about the security arrangements for the national cricket team during their ongoing one-day series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

According to a report in the "Daily Jang", security officer Frank James had conveyed his apprehension over the absence of police convoys for the Australian team when they travel between the hotel and ground.

The report said that although James had made no official complaint over the matter but he had spoken to the Pakistan board representative in Abu Dhabi about the security arrangements.

The report said the Australian security experts had pointed out the flaw in the security plan the moment the Australian team traveled from their hotel to the stadium for net practice.

"The Australians are very keyed up about the security plan and feel not having police conveys with the team while traveling is exposing them to great risks," the report said.

Cricket Australia took a long time to clear the security arrangements for the ongoing one-day series in the emirate states after they refused to send their team to Pakistan for security reasons. PTI

Akhtar has no fitness issues: Pak team manager

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team manager Yawar Saeed has dismissed reports that controversial pacer Shoaib Akhtar was facing fitness problems ahead of the One-day series against Australia in Abu Dhabi and Dubai starting on Wednesday.

He said Akhtar was training as hard as other players of the team.

"He (Akhtar) has been through some grueling practice sessions and has also bowled in the nets. We have not seen any problems with his fitness," Yawar said from Dubai where Pakistan was training for the five-match ODI and a one-off Twenty20 series against the World Champions.

He said since the team's arrival in Dubai last week, regular training sessions were being held and Akhtar didn't miss a single one of them.

"I don't know from where these stories are coming that Shoaib (Akhtar) could break down during the series as he is not 100 per cent fit. But so far on basis of the sessions we have had he looks fine," Yawar said.

However, doubts still remain over Akhtar's availability for the entire series as he has a history of breaking down with fitness issues midway through a tournament.

Akhtar was selected for the Australia series after passing a fitness test in Lahore.

The fast bowler from Rawalpindi, who has a history of disciplinary and fitness issues since his debut in 1997, made a comeback to the national team in January after a 14-months gap in the home series against Sri Lanka, but was later dropped after the first two ODIs for lack of form and fitness.

Source: http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Akhtar-has-no-fitness-issues-Pak-team-manager/articleshow/4422920.cms

Harbhajan sells rights to licence his name

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Harbhajan sells rights to licence his name

NEW DELHI: Ace cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Wednesday sold licensing rights to his name as a brand to Delhi-based License India for an undisclosed Harbhajan Singh displays various merchandise while launching of brand 'Harbhajan Singh' with License India.

The deal, which has been dubbed as the first in the history of Indian cricket, could see the off-spinner's name being used in various types of merchandise and even in chain of restaurants as 'Bhajji Da Dhaba'.

"Licensing is a $191 billion business worldwide, although it is still nascent in India. Harbhajan is one of the most recognised faces of Indian cricket and we have signed an agreement with him to licence his brand name," License India president Gaurav Marya said.

He said the company would explore avenues to design and develop the brand 'Harbhajan' with established firms in the field of merchandise, manufacturing and retail, besides franchise operators.

"It is very important to have one's own brand and having merchandise and a restaurant chain with my own name bring me closer to my fans," Harbhajan Singh said.

Asked about future plans with his brand, Singh said: "There will be lot of surprises, not just in apparels and accessories but in other segments also."

A brand owner would help during post-retirement years "when established brands do not ask for frequent endorsements," Singh quipped in a lighter vein.

Singh is the first cricketer to have signed a licensing agreement with License India. It had earlier entered into agreements with management guru Shiv Khera and the children's book series Diamond Comics.

"We have started the process to identify prospective partners and franchise operators for brand Harbhajan Singh. We are hopeful that the first products would roll out into the market by end of 2009," License India business head Anupama Bindra said.

She, however, refused to give details regarding the contract signed with the cricketer.

Source: TOI

'BCCI should've a word with Dhoni and Bhajji'

Aggrieved and annoyed former cricketers have criticised Harbhajan Singh and MS Dhoni for missing the Padma awards ceremony. The overwhelming feeling
is that they have let the country down.

Some reactions:

Bishan Singh Bedi, former India captain: It's an unpardonable offence. The general practice is that the home ministry sends out letter asking the recipients if they are willing to accept the award or not and accordingly they are shortlisted.

In this case, I am sure both Dhoni and Harbhajan agreed to accept the award and so their names figured in the list. Later on, they behaved as if nothing happened.

They disgraced one of the highest honours. You can't buy this with money, especially since some Olympic medal winners have been a deprived lot when it comes to such recognitions.

It's really shameful. BCCI should have a word with the cricketers. Surprisingly, there is no word from BCCI either.

Maninder Singh, former Indian spinner: It's indeed very unfortunate and sad that these boys didn't attend the function. Harbhajan treated the whole issue as if it was a big joke by saying that next time he would be available two days in advance.

It's BCCI's responsibilty to educate these players. They should see how someone like Sachin Tendulkar behaves and learn from him. A great cricketer has to lead a life after cricket and money is not everything.

I feel BCCI should be a little more pro-active when it comes to such issues.

Ashok Malhotra, former India batsman: It seems commercial aspect have become more important for these players. You can't be so highhanded. Both Harbhajan and Dhoni have let the cricketing community down.

Arun Lal, former India batsman: I don't know the exact story from the cricketers' side but whatever has happened is not good for the game.

Source: TOI

Warne hails flower as new England coach

LONDON: Andy Flower has all the qualities to do well and England made the right decision by appointing the former Zimbabwe captain as the head
coach, said spin legend Shane Warne.

Hailing Flower's appointment as the new coach of England, Warne, who doesn't believe coaches have much of a role in international cricket, said the England and Wales Cricket Board got the designation right as well.

"England have taken a step in the right direction by appointing Andy Flower, and I think the new job title as team director is the right one," Warne was quoted as saying by 'The Daily Telegraph'.

"At international level, the 'coach' shouldn't be coaching - players don't need to hear about high left elbows and all that rubbish," said Warne, who had repeated run-in with former Australian coach John Buchanan during their days together.

Instead of trying to coach players at this level, Warne said the job is more about communication.

"Basically, you want a good communicator who creates an environment where players feel comfortable and can play their own way knowing they will get support.

"Flower is a quality individual who earned the respect of everybody in the game with the way he played and for what he did off the field," said the flamboyant spinner who leads defending champion Rajasthan Royals in the second edition of Indian Premier League in South Africa.

Warne felt Flower's would be a calming influence on the England team.

"I think he will be a big calming influence in the dressing-room. He is one of those people who will be hard, but very fair. And being quite young, an Essex player until recently, means he is in tune with the modern game. He has all the qualities for the role," said the Australian.

Source: TOI

South Africa beat Australia to seal series

PORT ELIZABETH: Herschelle Gibbs made an emotional return to form as he hit a century which set up a series win for South Africa in the fourth One-Day International at St George's Park on Monday.

South Africa won by 61 runs to take a winning 3-1 lead in the five-match series. It was South Africa's third successive One-day series triumph against Australia and ensured they would retain their world number one ranking in One-day cricket.

Gibbs hit 110 as South Africa made 317 for six after being sent in to bat on a slow pitch.

Australia made a good start in reply, with Brad Haddin (78) and Michael Clarke (50) putting on 129 for the first wicket. But their innings lost momentum against the slow bowling of Roelof van der Merwe (three for 46) and Johan Botha (one for 48).

Fast bowler Dale Steyn took four for 44 to wreck the bottom half of the Australian innings as the tourists were bowled out for 256.

Gibbs and AB de Villiers (84) put on 136 off 123 balls for South Africa's third wicket in a partnership filled with sparkling strokes and audacious running between wickets.

When he reached his 21st One-Day International century Gibbs acknowledged the crowd then sank to his haunches and appeared to wipe tears from his eyes.

It was the first major innings played by Gibbs, 35, since drink driving charges against him were withdrawn last month in return for agreeing to do 100 hours of community service.

Earlier in the season he spent time in rehabilitation for alcohol-related problems after his arrest last year. He made his runs off 116 balls with two sixes and nine fours.

"It's been a long time coming but I knew there was one coming, it's been boiling for the last few games," said Gibbs.

"It was just time for me to get through the first ten overs and take it from there."

Ponting's decision to send South Africa in to bat in a must-win game for Australia was influenced by a good record for teams batting second on the small Port Elizabeth ground, including a successful chase by Australia, who were set to make 327 in 2001/02.

Australia had won four out of five previous matches against South Africa at the ground.

"Our batting is our strength so we backed our strength to chase runs," said Ponting. "We thought it (the pitch) would do a bit more than it probably did this morning but Herschelle played beautifully and AB played really well."

Haddin raced to a half-century off 41 balls as he and Clarke gave Australia an ideal start.

Haddin appeared to target Johan Botha, the off-spinner who has bowled economically in two series against Australia, hitting two sixes in Botha's first over, which cost 14 runs.

Botha was taken off and was hit for another six by Haddin when he returned four overs later. But in trying to hit another ball out of the ground he lofted a catch to long-on.

Van der Merwe took the next three wickets with his left-arm spin as the required rate climbed rapidly.

Ponting hit four boundaries off Steyn in the first over of a batting power play in the 41st over but hit the last ball to midwicket to be out for 53, effectively ending his team's hopes.

"At 130 for nothing I was feeling a bit nervous," admitted South African captain Graeme Smith.

"But our spinners did it again. The two-spinner option has worked well for us and it's nice to finish off with a series win for the country. It means a lot to us."

Source: http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/4th-ODI-South-Africa-beat-Australia-to-seal-series/articleshow/4396896.cms

Irregularities in school cricket

Sports reporter
GUWAHATI, April 7 – Great deal of anomilies have been reported in the Assam Cricket Association-organised Inter District School Cricket Championship for the Dilip Sarma Trophy.

The final match between Govt HS School, Karimganj and Hindi High School, Bokakhat concluded at the Nurul Amin Stadium, Nagaon today. The Karimganj team defeated the Bokakhat boys by an innings and 65 runs. In reply to Karimganj’s 219, Bokakhat were all out twice for 33 and 121.

But the result was not recorded as the Bokakhat team lodged complaint against their opponent alleging they have fielded players who were not bonafide students of the school. The organisers have carried out an inquiry and found out that one Rajesh Shukla was not a student of the Karimganj school.

The organisers did not hold the prize distribution ceremony after the match and the matter will be discussed in the ACA governing body meeting whether the teams will be sent to the BCCI’s tournament or not.

Earlier, several players were found to be over 15 years after medical examination and were barred from taking part in the meet. The Nazira team was disqualified after the opening match at Nagaon as all the players of the team were found to be over-aged. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Gautam Gambhir ton gives India big lead

WELLINGTON, April 5 (PTI): Gautam Gambhir cracked a fluent 167 as India put themselves on course to a historic series triumph by taking a mammoth 531-run lead in the 3rd and final cricket Test against New Zealand here today.

The left-handed Gambhir notched up his sixth Test century, his second successive one in the series, to power the visitors to a commanding 349 for 5 in their second innings when play was called off a little early because of bad light on the third day. Rahul Dravid (60) and VVS Laxman (61) were the other notable performers as India took complete control of the match with yet another solid batting display.

Yuvraj Singh (15) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (16) were at the crease at stumps on Day Three. With two days left in the game, India are the clear favourites to clinch the series 2-0 and record their first Test series triumph on New Zealand soil in 41 years.

As at Napier when he dropped anchor for 642 minutes for a match-saving 137, Gambhir batted close to six hours and was the hub around which the Indian innings revolved. He was involved in two significant partnerships – 170 for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid and 106 with VVS Laxman for the fourth – after India resumed the day at overnight 51 for one in pursuit of their 100th Test win.

With his second century of the series, Gambhir has aggregated a massive 445 runs, clearly ahead of Sachin Tendulkar (344), Rahul Dravid (314) and VVS Laxman (295).

The pugnacious opener, who has garnered an awe-inspiring 1556 runs in 22 innings since making a return to Test cricket in July last year, was finally out trapped in front by Iain O’Brien, operating with the second new ball summoned after 87.1 overs.

New Zealand bowlers had to toil hard without much success on a Basin Reserve track which became easier for batting with not much swing or seam movement. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Kevin Pietersen reaffirms commitment to team

London, April 1: Kevin Pietersen swears he is as committed to the England team as he was as captain, clarifying that his outburst was the culmination of an enduring summer and not that he wanted to leave the team midway through the West Indies tour.

Pietersen said his frustration stemmed from the loss of his captaincy and the poor showing of the team. That was the time, he had said, he was “at the end of his tether” and wanted to go back to his wife.

“Maybe I was a little too honest, but where the honesty came from was frustration. The frustration on two parts: the captaincy in the first half of the winter that didn’t go to plan - no victories there. Then coming into the last part also we didn’t get a victory.”
“The frustration of not winning a game on the tour (West Indies) so far except for that mathematical error on the West Indies part (in Guyana) - that was hell of a frustration,” Pietersen clarified on Wednesday.

He went so far as to say England’s tour of India which he captained was a “shambles”.
“It’s the longest time I’ve ever been away from my wife, that’s been playing on me. But what never came out was how desperate I am to win games for England, and me saying I was at the end of my tether last week was not a case of me wanting to leave these shores as everybody said.”
“I love playing for England, it’s a dream come true playing for England and I realise that every day, with a steep learning curve of being a little too honest. What I learned last week was not to be so honest,” Pietersen was quoted as saying in the British media on Wednesday.

Asked whether he was traumatised by the sudden loss of his captaincy before the West Indies tour.

“I would not say traumatised. A lot of water has gone under the bridge now and my relationship with Andy (Flower, the coach), Straussy (Andrew) and Hugh (Morris, the managing director) is absolutely fine.”

“I’m 100 per cent committed to England as much as I was when I was captain, as much as before I was captain. I want to support the captain, I want to support the coach, and I do that on a daily basis. I haven’t even had a hint of an argument with anybody.”

Strauss explained Sunday that going home for such a non-urgent reason would have set “a bad precedent”, but added that Pietersen had been very professional in every respect on tour, and had no malice in him. (IANS)