Wednesday, December 5, 2007
India to host 2011 Cricket World cup
India will host the 2011 cricket world cup.
According to media sources, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Ehsan Mani says he is "grateful " to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for personally ensuring tax exemption for the 2006 Champions Trophy and that the immunity will "allow " India to bid for the 2011 World Cup.
"The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the ICC worked very closely to obtain the tax exemption. It would have been unfortunate, to say the least, if India had not been able to host the Champions Trophy, " Mani told IANS in an e-mail interview.
"I am very grateful to the Prime Minister of India for personally intervening in this matter; this demonstrates the importance of cricket to the people of India, " said the ICC president.
The London-based Mani said that the tax exemption, to be granted henceforth to all internationally recognised sports events to be held in India, would inspire the BCCI to bid for the 2011 World Cup.
"From an Asian perspective, this is an important decision as it will allow India to join Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in bidding for the World Cup 2011, " the ICC president maintained.
This is the first time that any cricket official, including from the BCCI, has talked about a joint World Cup bid by the four Test-playing nations of Asia, though some officials have spoken about India 's desire to host the premier tournament.
If the four countries eventually bid jointly, it will be the first time in the history of the World Cup that one edition will be held in so many Test nations. The maximum has been three when India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosted the World Cup in 1996.
Mani 's comments come even as New Zealand and Australia have expressed their desire to make a joint bid for the 2011 World Cup.
Mani, however, said the issue of choosing the host for 2011 tournament was not taken up at the annual ICC meetings in London last month.
"This matter is likely to come up for discussion over the next 18 months, " he disclosed.
India has hosted two World Cups, jointly with Pakistan in 1987, and then in 1996.
Also for the first time, Mani openly supported the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) request for allotting every third World Cup - or every 12 years - to the subcontinent because of the fact that four of the 10 Test-playing nations belong to the region.
"The request - not a demand - of the ACC is reasonable. After all, four of the (ICC) 10 Full Member countries are from Asia, " said the 60-year-old Pakistan-born chartered accountant.
"On the principle of rotation due weightage has to be given to this; I do not think that this will be a major issue, " said Mani.
ACC president Jagmohan Dalmiya had last year announced in Colombo that the continental body had decided to ask the ICC to allot every third World Cup to the subcontinent on the basis of its strength.
No other continent or region has as many Test-playing nations clubbed together.
Mani also said that offshore venues like Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Dubai - where the ICC offices will shift from London Aug 1 - can also hold some matches of the ICC events like the World Cup, Champions Trophy, under-19 World Cup and the ICC Trophy.
"Apart from the ICC events, cricket at any venue is a matter for our individual members and the venues, " said Mani.
"The World Cup requires at least eight venues to host the matches. There is no reason for these venues not to work closely with the subcontinent to host ICC events, " suggested the Rawalpindi-born Mani.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
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ICL a stage to showcase talent
CHANDIGARH: Looking at the youngsters, trying to make a mark in the ICL, former Test captain Ajit Wadekar was compelled to take a trip to the past when playing cricket was joy and nothing else.
Here for the Indian Cricket League as a Match Referee, along with off-spin great Erapalli Prasanna, the affable Wadekar recalled how some players just could not make it to the top despite the potential and faded away without a trace.
The forgotten ones
Vijay Bhosle, Sudhakar Adhikari, Prem Bhatia were names that came to his mind readily. “They were good and deserved to wear the National cap. But then they didn’t have the luck. Wish they had something like ICL then. Many cricketers, who were needy, would have benefited immensely,” said Wadekar.
More than financial security at the ICL, it is the platform to showcase their abilities that seems to have been the reason for many to join this venture. “What a pity the Board has decided to ban them from domestic cricket,” he added.
As Wadekar pointed out, many of today’s youngsters, unable to make it to the big league, would not be lost to the cricket world unsung. “If they have come for money, what is wrong with it? At least their future would be secure,” he stressed.
The ICL, as Wadekar emphasised, is not a rival to the BCCI. “We are making an effort to offer some cricket and some money to young cricketers. We need the seniors to guide them and what better than some of the greats of the game. I have been associated with cricket all my life and I am so happy to share my experience,” he said.
Wadekar concluded by appealing for the authorities to support the ICL. “The BCCI has been in existence for 75 years now. You think we can challenge them. It is wrong to say that the ICL is a confrontation. It is a platform for many to perform and attract attention.”
Here for the Indian Cricket League as a Match Referee, along with off-spin great Erapalli Prasanna, the affable Wadekar recalled how some players just could not make it to the top despite the potential and faded away without a trace.
The forgotten ones
Vijay Bhosle, Sudhakar Adhikari, Prem Bhatia were names that came to his mind readily. “They were good and deserved to wear the National cap. But then they didn’t have the luck. Wish they had something like ICL then. Many cricketers, who were needy, would have benefited immensely,” said Wadekar.
More than financial security at the ICL, it is the platform to showcase their abilities that seems to have been the reason for many to join this venture. “What a pity the Board has decided to ban them from domestic cricket,” he added.
As Wadekar pointed out, many of today’s youngsters, unable to make it to the big league, would not be lost to the cricket world unsung. “If they have come for money, what is wrong with it? At least their future would be secure,” he stressed.
The ICL, as Wadekar emphasised, is not a rival to the BCCI. “We are making an effort to offer some cricket and some money to young cricketers. We need the seniors to guide them and what better than some of the greats of the game. I have been associated with cricket all my life and I am so happy to share my experience,” he said.
Wadekar concluded by appealing for the authorities to support the ICL. “The BCCI has been in existence for 75 years now. You think we can challenge them. It is wrong to say that the ICL is a confrontation. It is a platform for many to perform and attract attention.”
Pakistan call up uncapped Rauf for final India test
KOLKATA, India (Reuters) - Pakistan have called up uncapped fast bowler Abdur Rauf for the final test against India, a team official said on Tuesday.
Rauf, 28, will replace second wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed in the 15-man squad to reinforce the pace attack after Umar Gul missed both previous tests with back trouble and returned home.
All-rounder Yasir Arafat was flown in as replacement for Gul.
Pakistan, hit by illness, drew the second test in Kolkata on Tuesday after the hosts won the opening game in New Delhi by six wickets.
The third and final test in Bangalore starts on Saturday.
Rauf, 28, will replace second wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed in the 15-man squad to reinforce the pace attack after Umar Gul missed both previous tests with back trouble and returned home.
All-rounder Yasir Arafat was flown in as replacement for Gul.
Pakistan, hit by illness, drew the second test in Kolkata on Tuesday after the hosts won the opening game in New Delhi by six wickets.
The third and final test in Bangalore starts on Saturday.
Brett Lee to star in Bollywood film on cricket
SYDNEY: Paceman Brett Lee has long expressed his desire to act in a Bollywood film and now fans of the Australian cricketing legend can look forward to soon seeing him in action on the big screen.
Lee will star in "Victory", a film on cricket to be produced by Vivek Aggarwal and Ajit Pal. Starring alongside Lee is Australian cricketing great Allan Border and fellow Australian cricketers Mike Hussey and Jason Gillespie.
"I am excited to be making my Bollywood debut in 'Victory' and I'm hopeful playing the role of a cricketer will come naturally to me!" said Lee, 31, who earlier this year released "You're The One For Me", a duet with Asha Bhonsle.
Not long ago, Lee had said: "I would love to appear in a Bollywood movie one day soon. I have had a couple of offers but my schedule at the moment is primarily focused on cricket and family. The time will come and I can't wait!"
The shooting of the film will commence in Australia in January 2008 during the India-Australia cricket series and will feature more than 20 current and recent cricket stars from around the globe
"This is a huge boost to Indo-Australian film trade and follows the success of 'Heyy Babyy' and the anticipated release of 'Love Story 2050', both of which were shot in Australia," said the film's Australian producer, Anupam Sharma of Films and Casting Temple.
Cricket and Bollywood make a heady mix. The announcement of a film on cricket comes close on the heels of the recent sporting box office hit "Chake De India", which was shot in Melbourne and Sydney.
Producer Vivek Aggarwal said: "This is a complex and ambitious project, but Australia was the natural choice. Not only because of the film-friendly culture but also because India and Australia share such a strong passion for cricket".
In "Victory", Ajit Pal makes his directorial feature debut. The film will be presented by one of the leading Indian production houses, AdLabs.
International cricket stars include Simon Jones and Saj Mahmood from England and New Zealand's Craig McMillan, Daryl Tuffey, Nathan Astle and Martin Crowe.
The lead actor is Harman Baweja, who recently shot his debut futuristic film "Love Story 2050" set in South Australia. The film stars Anupam Kher, Amrita Rao and Gulshan Grover among others.
Lee will star in "Victory", a film on cricket to be produced by Vivek Aggarwal and Ajit Pal. Starring alongside Lee is Australian cricketing great Allan Border and fellow Australian cricketers Mike Hussey and Jason Gillespie.
"I am excited to be making my Bollywood debut in 'Victory' and I'm hopeful playing the role of a cricketer will come naturally to me!" said Lee, 31, who earlier this year released "You're The One For Me", a duet with Asha Bhonsle.
Not long ago, Lee had said: "I would love to appear in a Bollywood movie one day soon. I have had a couple of offers but my schedule at the moment is primarily focused on cricket and family. The time will come and I can't wait!"
The shooting of the film will commence in Australia in January 2008 during the India-Australia cricket series and will feature more than 20 current and recent cricket stars from around the globe
"This is a huge boost to Indo-Australian film trade and follows the success of 'Heyy Babyy' and the anticipated release of 'Love Story 2050', both of which were shot in Australia," said the film's Australian producer, Anupam Sharma of Films and Casting Temple.
Cricket and Bollywood make a heady mix. The announcement of a film on cricket comes close on the heels of the recent sporting box office hit "Chake De India", which was shot in Melbourne and Sydney.
Producer Vivek Aggarwal said: "This is a complex and ambitious project, but Australia was the natural choice. Not only because of the film-friendly culture but also because India and Australia share such a strong passion for cricket".
In "Victory", Ajit Pal makes his directorial feature debut. The film will be presented by one of the leading Indian production houses, AdLabs.
International cricket stars include Simon Jones and Saj Mahmood from England and New Zealand's Craig McMillan, Daryl Tuffey, Nathan Astle and Martin Crowe.
The lead actor is Harman Baweja, who recently shot his debut futuristic film "Love Story 2050" set in South Australia. The film stars Anupam Kher, Amrita Rao and Gulshan Grover among others.
National Cricket League, 6th round review
Khulna remain on top after draw against Dhaka
Rabeed Imam
December 5, 2007
National Four-Day League
Khulna's ascendancy to the top of the National Cricket League League has been a testament to the quality some of the biggest names in Bangladesh cricket have brought to the team. Round six, however, began for them with the realisation that this was the last time they would have the services of Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Tushar Imran, Syed Rasel and Abdur Razzak - all of whom will join the national squad's camp ahead of the tour to New Zealand. Khulna's stars shone once again in a draw against Dhaka which enabled them to stay ahead of Rajshahi, who also could not force a result against Sylhet. A rejuvenated Chittagong meanwhile brushed aside Barisal to register their second win in consecutive games and moved to fourth and are only a point behind Dhaka.
Shahriar Nafees scored 108 in Barisal's seven-wicket loss to Chittagong © TigerCricket.com
With new Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons watching, Khulna's stand-in skipper Mortaza, captaining the side because Habibul Bashar had a stiff neck, chose to bat against Dhaka at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Motiur Rahman Stadium and things were going to plan with opener Nazmus Sadat and Bashar's replacement, Mostafizur Rahman, making half centuries. Khulna were 213 for 3 with Tushar strolling to 54 before Mohammad Ashraful drew him out of the crease and had the batsman stumped. That breakthrough started a collapse and the home side could add only another 40 before they were all out on the second morning. Khulna had given their top wicket-taker Syed Rasel (21 wickets from five matches) a rest, but that came as little relief for the Dhaka batsmen who, except for Mahmudullah Riyad (51), struggled to get the ball away. Mortaza was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 44 but Shakib (3 for 32) and Monjurul Islam (1 for 32 from 20 overs) illustrated Khulna's stranglehold on Dhaka, who batted 99 overs for 204. It had taken more than two days for the completion of two innings and one side had to take initiative. Khulna concentrated on scoring more freely in their second innings. Tushar and Shakib formed a fourth-wicket partnership of 152 before Tushar was bowled by Riyad eight short of a deserved hundred. Shakib ended day three unbeaten on 88 and was given the chance to reach his second ton of the competition before Mortaza declared on 327 for 5. Chasing 375 in 80-odd overs would have taken some effort, but Dhaka never even contemplated a dash. Instead the openers, Anwar Hossain and Mehrab Hossain (Sr.), played themselves in and added 97 in 33 overs. Mehrab top-scored with 75 while Ashraful (67) and Shamsur Rahman (51 not out) had some batting practice as Dhaka finished on 275 for 4.
Sylhet were celebrating soon after choosing to field against Rajshahi in Fatullah when seamer Tapash Baishya removed openers Jahurul Islam and Zunaed Siddique with just 16 on the board. Disaster struck when Baishya suffered a shoulder dislocation in his third over and was stretchered out of the match. Farhad Hossain (106) and Anisur Rahman (114) further dampened Sylhet's spirit. The two put on 205 for the third wicket and Farhad Reza, coming in at No 8, scored 55 to help Rajshahi to 417. Sylhet appeared unruffled by the massive score and were 88 for 1 at close on day two but gave it away to right-arm medium-pacer Alamgir Kabir, who took three quick wickets including that of captain Rajin Saleh to leave them on 121 for 5. Golam Mabud, who scored a century in Sylhet's last match, then repaired the damage with Ezaz Ahmed (65) in a 135-run stand but when Ezaz fell, Mabud ran out of partners and was left stranded on 82. Left-arm spinner Saqlain Sajib picked up his second five-wicket haul in the championship (5 for 55) while Kabir had 4 for 74 as Sylhet were bowled out for 293. Rajshahi built on their 124-run lead and were content on playing for a draw. They were all out for 224 after tea on the final day with Alok Kapali getting 5 for 77 and Sylhet (19 for 2 in 3.4 overs) simply completed the formality of going out on to the middle.
Barisal captain Shahriar Nafees, playing a day after being excluded from Bangladesh's ODI squad to New Zealand, scored a determined 108 against Chittagong at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium. He made 108 off 141 balls but had little support from the other batsmen as Barisal were dismissed for 293 before lunch on the second day. Nafees Iqbal guided Chittagong to 270 for 4 at the end of day two with an unbeaten 118. On day three, Iqbal stretched his score to 153 and Nazimuddin, another notable batsman to miss out on a national call-up, hit a spanking 57, with 50 of those runs coming in boundaries. Chittagong declared on 352 for 9 to set the match up and their new-ball bowlers Tarek Aziz Khan and Kamrul Islam struck early blows. Barisal were then stunned by wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh, who traded gloves to come in and bowl some dibbly-dobblies and ended up taking the wickets of Raisul Islam and Humayun Kabir from a four-over spell. Barisal were eventually bundled out for 192 leaving Chittagong needing 137. Opener Gazi Salauddin hit 60 as Chittagong raced to the target in 28 overs for the loss of three wickets.
NCL One-day
Rajshahi were out to maintain their all-win record and delivered another no-nonsense performance against Sylhet in Fatullah. Alok Kapali's 69 was the only bright spot in Sylhet's 209 as Rajshahi's bowlers kept the pressure on. Once the top order had been taken care of, Khaled Mashud gave the ball to Farhad Hossain, an occasional offspinner, and he promptly mopped the tail, taking the last five wickets to finish with figures of 5 for 16. Rabiul Karim and Naeem Islam made fifties as Rajshahi won by 6 wickets in the 47th over.
Khulna woke up to the tough life without the stalwarts as Dhaka quicks Mahbubul Alam (4 for 34) and Niaz Morshed (2 for 39) sent the home team's first six packing with 51 on the scorecard at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Motiur Rahman Stadium. Captain Abdur Razzak (39), the only national player turning up for the one-dayer, stretched the innings to 125 but it was no where near competitive as Dhaka chased the target with ease, Shamsur Rahman scoring a patient 53 not out in their eight-wicket win.
Barisal were asked to bat by Chittagong at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium and captain Nafees was a first-over casualty. Hannan Sarkar soon followed him to the pavilion in the seventh over but the next four batsmen, Imran Ahmed (50) Roqibul Hassan (56), Kamrul Islam (78 not out) and Arafat Salauddin (68) carried the score to 289 for 5. Languishing on 50 for 4, Chittagong fought back with Nazimuddin (84) and captain Ehsanul Haque (57) who were involved in a 128-run partnership in 20.2 overs. Roqibul, who was given the Man-of-the-Match award, ran Ehsanul out while Nazimuddin was lbw to Toriqul Islam soon after and Chittagong fell 15 runs short.
Player of the Week - Farhad Hossain
Critics of Rajshahi argue that they take the joy out of watching cricket with their overly pragmatic approach but this team gets results despite not having one name to evoke excitement and each cricketer responds when asked to deliver. Hossain is the perfect example. His 106 in the four-day match changed the course of the game and then in the one-dayer he was asked roll his hand over and finished with a five-for and chipped in with 41while batting.
Points table
National Cricket League
Team Mat Won Lost Tied Draw Aban Pts
Khulna 6 2 0 0 4 0 72
Rajshahi 6 3 1 0 2 0 66
Dhaka 6 2 1 0 3 0 54
Chittagong 6 2 2 0 2 0 53
Barisal 6 2 3 0 1 0 51
Sylhet 6 0 4 0 2 0 33
National Cricket League one-day
Team Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against
Rajshahi 6 6 0 0 0 12 +0.654 1375/289.5 1227/300.0
Dhaka 6 3 3 0 0 6 +0.193 1131/271.4 1189/299.3
Khulna 6 3 3 0 0 6 +0.020 1247/300.0 1148/277.3
Chittagong 6 2 4 0 0 4 +0.062 1409/285.3 1462/300.0
Sylhet 6 2 4 0 0 4 -0.271 1207/300.0 1229/286.1
Barisal 6 2 4 0 0 4 -0.650 1297/299.1 1411/283.0
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