Pakistan drops Younis from Champions Trophy squad

Pakistan on Sunday omitted out-of-form Younis Khan from a 30-man initial squad for the eight-nation Champions Trophy after the middle order batsman flopped in recent one-day matches. 

The 35-year-old Younis managed just 116 runs in the series against South Africa earlier this month which Pakistan lost 3-2 and has not managed to score a century since November 2008. 

Pakistan is in group B of the event to be held in England from June 3-23. The other teams in their group are arch-rivals India, the West Indies and South Africa. 

Defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and England form group A. 

All teams had April 6 as the cut off date to announce their initial squad to be trimmed to 15 in May. 

Chief selector Iqbal Qasim said the Pakistani squad was a "mix of youth and experience". 

"Younis's name was not considered after he did not show the form in the last few matches," he told AFP. 

Pakistani media reported last week that Younis was contemplating retirement from one-day cricket after giving up Twenty20 following the team's 2009 World Twenty20 victory in England under his captaincy. 

But sources close to Younis denied he was retiring from one-day cricket. He was also dropped from the team for a series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates last August before he regained his place against India in December. 

Younis has so far scored 7014 runs in 253 one-day internationals after making his debut 13 years ago. 

Also overlooked was allrounder Abdul Razzaq, who hasn't played a one-day since November 2011. 

Pakistan face the West Indies in their opening match on June 7 before clashing with South Africa (June 10) and arch-rivals India on June 15. 

Probables: Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Ahmed Shehzad, Misbah-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Umer Amin, Sohail Tanvir, Hammad Azam, Azhar Ali, Shahid Afridi, Asad Ali, Anwar Ali, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Rahat Ali, Ehsan Adil, Imran Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Yasir Arafat, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Zulfiqar Babar, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan. 

Perera stars in Sri Lanka T20 win

Kusal Perera smashed a brisk 64 to set up Sri Lanka's 17-run victory over Bangladesh in a one-off Twenty20 international in Pallekele on Sunday. 

The opener, who was named man of the match, hit four sixes and five fours in his 44-ball knock as Sri Lanka posted a challenging 198-5 before restricting Bangladesh to 181-7. 

Mohammad Ashraful top-scored for Bangladesh with a 27-ball 43 while seamers Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera each bagged two wickets for Sri Lanka. 

"I am happy about my first win as captain," said Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal. 

"Kusal Perera gave us the start and we continued after that. We put up a good total and that is why we won." 

Bangladesh suffered a setback after reaching 68-2 in the eighth over as Ashraful was given out leg-before. He hit seamer Thisara Perera for two successive sixes and then a four in the same over. 

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (39) and Mohammad Mahmudullah (31) kept Bangladesh's hopes alive with a 50-run stand for the fifth wicket before both fell in the 15th over to leave their team struggling at 137-6. 

Bangladesh were let down by their bowling in the later stages of the innings as they gave away 75 in the last five overs. They also conceded 19 runs in wides. 

"We gave 20 runs more and that made the difference," said Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim. 

Sri Lanka's Jeevan Mendis and Angelo Mathews put on 66 for the fifth wicket off just 5.5 overs to help their side set a stiff target. 

Mendis hit three sixes, including two in an over from left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak, and two fours in his 17-ball 37 while Mathews contributed an unbeaten 30 off 27 deliveries. 

Sri Lanka plundered 32 off the last 13 balls, with Thisara Perera making a seven-ball 22 not out with two sixes and as many fours. 

The hosts made a brisk start after being put in to bat as they raced to 52 in the opening five overs, with Kusal Perera playing attacking shots against both pace and spin. 

Perera hit seamer Shahadat Hossain for two fours and a six in the first over of the match before smashing two more sixes, one each off spinners Sohag Gazi and Razzak. 

He completed his maiden T20 half-century in the eighth over with two runs to mid-wicket off Mahmudullah. 

Shahadat conceded 54 runs in four overs, including 24 in his last. 

How I am remembered is more important than records: Harbhajan

From flummoxing an all-conquering Australian side to being dropped from the Indian team, Harbhajan Singh's journey in international cricket has been a roller coaster one, but he says its rigours have taught him to "value relationships" above everything else. "When I played 100 Tests, it felt great but I have started realising that more important are the relationships that you have developed over the years," the 32-year-old off-spinner said on Sunday. "It's those you have played cricket with and have known along the way. I would rather be known as a cricketer who was a good human being than being dubbed as a top player and an equally worse human being," he added. 

For Harbhajan, if 90 out of 100 people like him, he will consider it as an achievement. "I only hope that when I stop playing the game, people would say that they cherished being in my company. I know 100 out of 100 guys won't say the same but I want at least 90 people to say that 'Bhajji achha insaan tha' (Bhajji wasn't a bad human being)," the veteran of 101 Tests said during a free-wheeling chat at a city hotel. 

Harbhajan did admit that he was a bit "nervous" going into his 100th Test, but things got better in the second innings. "Obviously, 100 Tests was big thing considering from where I had come. I never imagined I would reach this far. In the first innings in Chennai, I was nervous but it got better in the second innings. 

"In the Hyderabad Test match, I bowled well in the first innings. But in the second, I didn't bowl much. The other bowlers were getting wickets in every five overs and the captain was right in continuing with them. I know that I have tried my best and have no complaints. "A few more wickets would have been better but I had given my 100 per cent." 

With another season of IPL round the corner, Harbhajan is hopeful that Mumbai Indians would be able to win their maiden crown this time. "Cliched it may sound but the focus will be on winning the championship. My own performance will be as important as that of the team's performance." 

He had a very successful on-field partnership with Anil Kumble and is excited that the former India captain will be present as a 'mentor' in the MI dressing room. "It's great to have Anil bhai around. It not only helps to have around while talking cricket but other aspects too. He (Kumble) is someone who can gauge my state of mind. He has always been there with me to give me right kind of advice. His mentorship with MI will be a huge advantage not only for me but for other players," he sounded ecstatic. 

Asked if he is looking to use IPL as a platform to get back into the ODI squad for Champions Trophy, the senior off-spinner replied, "I am not thinking that far ahead. I would like to just concentrate on each and every game. IPL is a format which is not too friendly for bowlers. There will be days when you can go for plenty but one can certainly buy a lot of wickets in the bargain." 

Trying to out-think the batsman is as important for him as having the right frame of mind. "It has got more to do with mindset irrespective of the format you are playing. It is equally important to be in the right frame of mind in order to execute the plan." So apart from Mumbai Indians, which is the team that can go the distance in this edition of IPL, he said, "Chennai Super Kings is a very balanced side. They are a real good team and has played consistently good cricket over the last five editions." 

Harbhajan also wished "speedy recovery" to Jesse Ryder, terming the burly New Zealander as a "gem of a person". "Jesse might have had alcoholic problems as people say but he came across to me as a very warm-hearted person during my tour of New Zealand in 2009. If you know him, he is a great buddy. I pray that he recovers soon," he signed off as he got ready to catch a flight to Bangalore. 

Very excited to be back in IPL: Ricky Ponting

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is very keen to put his best foot forward both as skipper and player for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, a tournament in which he took part only for a while in its inaugural edition in 2008. 

"Obviously, I am very excited to be back in IPL. I said when I had finished playing last time, hopefully I will be able to come back and play again. The way things have worked out -- with my retirement from international cricket and finishing off the domestic season for Tasmania and playing well -- have given me the opportunity to be back here," said the Aussie at his first media conference here today. 

He said retirement from the hectic international schedule has given him time to concentrate on T20 leagues. 

"The reason I did not come back to IPL 2 and 3 was because I had too much international cricket on at that time. And now that I don't have international cricket, the opportunities for me to play in these domestic tournaments are really opening up. 

"I am going to be here for a couple of months and then have a two-month stint at Surrey and another month or five weeks at the Caribbean Premier League as well. Now my whole focus is to make sure that I am the best player and best leader for Mumbai Indians for the next two months. 

"Luckily I had the chance to captain Australia for a long time. I have got a really good idea of what makes good teams successful. And they are all the things I will be bringing to the table in Mumbai," said Ponting. 

Ponting is very excited to be playing alongside Sachin Tendulkar, against whom he has played many times at the international level. 

"To be captain of any franchise is exciting but to think that I am the captain of Mumbai Indians and I will be playing alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, some of the guys I have had great battles over the years, as well as some of my Australian team mates and some of the young local Indian talent I have come across in the last couple of days is great. 

"With Mumbai now, we have John Wright, a successful ex-India coach, and Anil Kumble, a successful Indian captain and a very very good Indian player and leader. Obviously me coming into the set up, we have put together a really strong leadership group, if you like," said Ponting. 

"And if you think of some of the other guys we have around like Sachin and Harbhajan, we have got a lot of experience and lot of skill around the team. I think it is very exciting for the tournament," added the 38-year-old Tasmanian who retired with 27,000 runs in Tests and ODIs. 

He also said that the entire team is excited about the opening game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 4. 

"As far as I am concerned, there is no better franchise to be with and no better team to be with than the Mumbai Indians. The three days that I have been here, there has been a lot of excitement around the boys and around the team and the way we have trained over the last three days, it has been exciting. It's fair to say that everyone in our squad is excited about our opening game on fourth. 

"I think the biggest challenge so far has been getting the squad of players together. We have got international players playing all around the world and a lot of those guys are coming together a lot late. We fly to Bangalore tonight," said the former Australian skipper. 

"I am excited to be around the group again. I think a build up to any series is always a lot of fun but when it is a series and a tournament as big as the IPL it adds a little bit more. The excitement has been high around that group and I am looking forward to start of the tournament," he added. 

Even though he has not played IPL, except for a brief while in 2008, Ponting has been following it from whereever he was when the tournament was on. 

"Of course I have followed it (IPL). I am one of those people who follow cricket all around the world. It doesn't matter what series is being played...whether it is the IPL or the Test series in India or Test series in England, then I am always keeping a very close eye on what is happening." 

Ponting was optimistic that this could well be the season when MI break the jinx of not winning the coveted title. 

"Mumbai Indians have a pretty proud tradition in IPL of finishing up the top and being in the semi-finals. We obviously haven't won the tournament yet but hopefully this year is our year," he said. 

Though he has quit international cricket, Ponting has been playing domestic cricket quite a lot. 

"My wife thought that once I retire from international cricket things would start to slow down but I have actually been playing more. To tell the truth I have been away from home a bit more. I think that just goes to show my love for the game," he remarked. 

Gujarat lift Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Gujarat on Sunday clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Championship title after registering a thumping six-wicket victory over Punjab in the summit clash here. 

Electing to bat, Punjab suffered a top-order collapse to be reduced to 20 for four in the sixth over before they recovered a bit to score 122 for eight in their allotted 20 overs at the Holkar Stadium. 

Gujarat chased down the target with 13 balls to spare. 

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Gujarat bowlers as he returned with three wickets for just 14 runs from his four overs. Mehul Patel chipped in with two wickets, while Rohit Dahiya and Rakesh Dhurv took wicket apiece. 

Amitoze Singh top-scored for Punjab with a 42-ball 49, while wicketkeeper-batsman Chandan Madan contributed with 25 runs. 

Chasing a modest target of 123, Gujarat started badly as they lost their wicketkeeper captain Parthiv Patel (1) with the score on two. Opener Asad Pathan (32) and one-down batsman Niraj Patel (14) put up a 50-run partnership, before they were both dismissed in the eighth over with the team score of 52. 

Manprit Juneja (31), who hit a breathtaking unbeaten 108 in their final Super League match against Kerala yesterday, and Abdulahad Malik (31 not out) put up a further 64 runs together, as Gujarat kept abreast with the required run-rate. 

Akshar Patel (12 not out) sealed the victory in style with a six as Gujarat reached 128 for four in 17.5 overs. 

For Punjab, left-arm spinner Rajwinder Singh grabbed two wickets for 40, while Siddarth Kaul bagged a wicket. 

Brief Scores: 

Punjab 122 for 8 in 20 overs (Amitoze Singh 49; Jasprit Bumrah 3/14). 

Gujarat: 128 for 4 in 17.5 overs (Asad Pathan 32; Rajwinder Singh 2/40). 

Ashok Menaria: I am ready to bat anywhere

Former Indian under-19 captain Ashok Menaria, who is part of the Rajasthan Royals squad, says he is ready to bat at any position in the upcoming Indian Premier League. "I am ready to bat anywhere according to what the situation demands. I often get caught out as I tend to hit in air but I make sure that I try my best to fill in the role given to me," Menaria said. 

The 22-year-old left-handed batsman said he was looking forward to do a lot of bowling in the cash-rich Twenty20 league starting on April 3. "I had a good season in domestic cricket where I batted and bowled well. I am looking for more opportunities to bowl in IPL-6." 

Conceding that he has failed to live upto the expectations, Menaria said that the requirements of the team have compelled him to bat at different positions. "I have batted from number three to number seven but it is not an excuse. I would be not be a good cricketer if I make such excuses." 

Regarding Rajasthan Royals' first match on home ground against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, Menaria felt that there would be no pressure on his side. "We beat them here in the previous season. They are the defending champions and hence likely to feel the heat." 

Left-arm spinner Ankeet Chavan felt that his recent heroics were a thing of past. "Yes we had some good matches recently but all that is past now. I am looking forward for a good IPL. I will tend to keep my bowling tight. It will depend on the strategy whether I open the attack or not." 

It is up to Watson to decide to bowl or not: Brad Hodge

Rajasthan Royals batsman Brad Hodge on Sunday said he was not sure whether allrounder Shane Watson would be bowling in the upcoming Indian Premier League and added it was up to the Aussie all-rounder to take a call. 

Watson was restricted solely to batting duties during Australia's recent 0-4 whitewash against India in the Test series as a part of an injury-prevention plan so that he could be available as an all-rounder in full capacity for the Ashes series in July. 

"I'm not sure. He might start bowling from third or fourth match. But it is up to him to decide if he wants to bowl or not. The Rajasthan team management is considering strategies in both cases. He would be available for entire IPL and it would be good to see him bowl," Australia batsman said. 

Watson had decided to put bowling on the backburner after injuring his calf during the Sri Lanka series, but while watching Indian skipper MS Dhoni bludgeon the Aussie attack in the first Test he was convinced to eventually bowl again. 

Hodge said that Watson is a dominating player and his presence would certainly lift Rajasthan Royals. 

"He is a dominating player. He might not have done so well recently but can change the face of the game," he said. 

Stating that Watson would put the 'homework gate' episode behind him when he takes the field for the Royals, Hodge said: 

"He would be happy to be with the Royals after what happened to him a few days back. He has a place for the Royals in his heart. Nice things (also) happened to him in the last week. He was blessed with a baby. He would be looking to get back into good form." 

Hodge, meanwhile, felt that the pulling out of the Sri Lankan players from Chennai matches would not give the Chennai Super Kings any undue advantage. 

"I don't think they would be getting any major undue advantage out of this. We have only one Sri Lankan player in Kusal Perera. We still have 10 players to select from. Every team has to play only one match in Chennai so I don't think that it is such a big advantage for them." 

Talking about Ricky Ponting and other Australians playing for the other IPL teams, Hodge said they have mutual respect for each other. 

"We will have to play against fellow Australians but would like them to do well till our Rajasthan Royals win the match," he said. 

Safety of Lankan cricketers most important: Rajiv Shukla

Senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla said that the Board had taken a middle path by taking into the consideration the sentiments of the State (Tamil Nadu) government as well as the security of the players when asked about the controversy regarding the participation of the Sri Lankan players in the IPL beginning on Wednesday. 

"Our decision was not taken under pressure from (TN chief minister) Jayalalithaa. We cannot jeopardise the lives of Lankan players. The most important concern is the safety of Lankan cricketers. We had to take a middle path by protecting the players and also respecting Tamil sentiment. Chief ministers are responsible for the law and order of their states," said Shukla, who is the IPL chairman. 

"And we can't change venues on short notice. We would have needed two months to shift venue, two months to prepare pitches. So we cannot shift matches outside Chennai. It's not that people don't want IPL matches to be held there. They only want Lankan players out of Chennai matches. When the Sri Lankan Board has accepted the condition, nobody should have a problem. We cannot ignore Tamil sentiment," he said. 

The BCCI had decided not to allow franchises to field Sri Lankan players in the IPL matches to be held in Chennai after TN Chief Minister Jayalalithaa refused to host them in view of the anti-Lankan feelings in the state. 

Shukla also spoke about Sachin Tendulkar and said he feels that the master-bastamn should be allowed to retire on his own terms considering the huge contribution the veteran batsman has made to Indian cricket. 

"He (Tendulkar) has made a huge contribution to Indian cricket and is a guiding spirit of the team. Nobody has to tell him to go. When Sachin feels, it's time; he will go on his own," Shukla said. 

Tendulkar could score just a half century in India's recent 4-0 whitewash of Australia in the Test series with an average of 32, but Shukla was not concerned about it. 

"Nobody has a higher record than Tendulkar in the world. You can't take him lightly and dismiss him unceremoniously," he said. 

Shukla's views are in agreement with that of the BCCI president N Srinivasan, who has also suggested that Tendulkar should be treated differently and people should not sit in judgement of the senior batsman. 

MCA ban on Shah Rukh Khan stays: Officials

Mumbai Cricket Association's five-year ban imposed on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan last year stands and he will not be able to attend his team's IPL match against hosts Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on May 7. "There is a clause in the agreement we are to sign with Mumbai Indians tomorrow that any person who has been debarred by the association cannot enter our premises. It's not specific to any single person," MCA joint secretary Nitin Dalal said on Sunday. 

"We had informed everyone concerned, including IPL authorities and team owners, about the ban after the decision had been taken," Dalal added. The other joint secretary, P V Shetty refused to discuss the matter any further and merely said that "the ban stands." 

The Bollywood superstar was banned for five years from entering MCA premises, including the Wankhede Stadium, by the Association's Managing Committee, headed by the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, on May 18 last year after he was involved in a skirmish with security staff and officials of the cricket body following KKR's victory over MI two nights earlier. 

Khan, however, denied he had misbehaved and maintained he reacted only after children, including his kids, were "manhandled" by the security staff at the stadium. However, IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, had said soon after the MCA decision was announced that a final call on Khan's ban will be taken by the BCCI. 

"State bodies can only recommend but a final decision has to be taken by the BCCI. When the matter comes to BCCI, the board will decide (on the ban)," Shukla had told reporters last year. Meanwhile, it has been learnt that security personnel at MCA have been told by the authorities not to allow Khan into the premises during this season's IPL, commencing on April 3. 

AB de Villiers to miss IPL opener

AB de Villiers proposed to his girlfriend Danielle Swart at the Taj Mahal during last year's IPL. And now a year on, the South African cricket star has tied the knot with his long-time acquaintance in Johannesburg on Saturday. Swart, 24, who lives and works in Cape Town, met de Villiers six years ago at her father's lodge in Limpopo (north South Africa). 

However, there will be little time for de Villers for his honeymoon as the batsman is set to appear for his local franchisee Titans in the semifinals of the national Twenty20 tournament. This means that his IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore will miss his services at least for their opening encounter against Mumbai Indians on April 4. 

It is also possible that he could potentially land in India only after April 10th, if the Titans qualify for the final, which is scheduled for April 7. In de Villiers absence, either Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan or Tamil Nadu's Arun Karthik will do the wicketkeeping duty. 

Dravid happy with Watson at the top

Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid was happy that star all-rounder Shane Watson would be available for the team right at the start of the tournament. Watson is expected to join the team for their second game against Kolkata on April 08.

In an interview to the Times of India, Dravid stated that Watson brings a lot of depth to the team. "Last year, he was not there for eight or none games and we really missed him. This year, we are lucky to have him at the start. If he plays to his potential, then Rajasthan will benefit immensely." Dravid went onto add that Watson will be promoted to open the innings with Ajinkya Rahane.

Paddy Upton, Rajasthan's coach, said that he was very upbeat about the team's chances this time around. Speaking to the Hindu newspaper, Upton stated that it was important to work out a fine balance between personal and team performance. "The focus will be on delivering top performances at a consistent level. We provide space to the players to take their own decisions. Along with improving their sporting skills, we help them develop their personality in a holistic way."

We are powerless to stop the players: SLC

Reacting to mounting pressure on the authorities to prevent the Sri Lankan cricketers from taking part in the upcoming Indian Premier League, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has said it was powerless to stop the players.

"We can't force players not to go", Nishantha Ranatunga, the SLC secretary said on Saturday.

Buddhist nationalist groups throughout last week petitioned SLC to stop the cricketers from going to India to play in the IPL, after the government clarified that the players were free to go as long as they would not be playing in Tamil Nadu. Ravana Force, one of the groups which pressurised the SLC for a player boycott, said they would resort to sterner action if the players go to India.

"We will not let this happen. We will resort to much drastic action if they go", Ven Ittakande Saddhatissa, a Buddhist monk said.

Both Ravana Force and National Bhikku Federation have said that the Sri Lankans must skip the IPL in protest of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's ban on the Island's players from entering the state. Particularly there is anger among the locals on the reported dropping of Nuwan Kulasekara and Akila Dananjaya by the Chennai Super Kings as means of appeasement of anti-Sri Lankan forces in Tamil Nadu.

Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga described the axing of the two CSK players as too serious a snub that Sri Lankans must think about. As many as 13 Sri Lankan players are scheduled to appear for different franchises at the sixth edition of the IPL, commencing on April 3.

Lee prepared for role of KKR bowling coach

KKR pace ace Brett Lee said that he was fully prepared for the role of bowling mentor for the Kolkata team. The 36 year old takes the place of Pakistani legend, Wasim Akram, who was the bowling coach for the past couple of seasons. Lee said that he was proud to be the bowling mentor while still playing. He said that it was a challenge that he liked to take it up.

The former Australian fast bowler replaced Akram who earlier stepped down as KKR bowling coach as Akram wanted to spend more time with his family. "Wasim decided to spend time with his family and I wish him all the best. He was a great help for the bowlers and I will try my best as the new mentor," said Lee.

Lee admitted that he had big shoes to fill as Akram was an integral member in the KKR side captained by Gautam Gambhir. He was part of the core team along with coach Trevor Bayliss and Akram had a massive influence in KKR winning their first ever IPL in 2012.

The pace spearhead stated that he was ready to play second fiddle to Jacques Kallis, whom he described as the "go to man" in the team. "The bowling attack has variety thanks to the presence of players like Kallis. He has been a crucial player for KKR, be it with bat or ball."

KKR have a varied bowling attack with Lee and West Indian offie Sunil Narine. Both played a key role in the Kolkata franchise winning its maiden IPL crown in 2012. Medium pacers Laxmipathy Balaji and Rajat Bhatia are two other important members in the bowling attack which also boasts the likes of young left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla.

The loss of competitiveness in the IPL

Much newsprint has already been used in the country over debating the ban on Sri Lankan players in Chennai. Should sport and politics mix? Is the decision prompted by political expediency in view of the forthcoming general elections and where do we finally stop with such decisions? Should the BCCI have moved IPL matches away from Chennai like the way they had done in the case of Hyderabad during the Telengana unrest in 2010? And finally should the franchise owners abide by this decision or should they protest against the ban? Each of the questions are relevant and merit discussion. However, in this piece I'd like to concentrate on what this decision does to the Indian Premier League and how the tournament has lost competitiveness as a result of this imposition from the top.

Frankly, CSK hasn't lost much at all. Nuwan Kulasekara and Akhila Dhananjaya wouldn't even have made MSD's first team for most games. In fact, Kulasekara has been part of the team for a while now and has not played more than 25% of the games. And it is difficult to imagine Dhananjaya making the team ahead of the spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Rather when Mumbai play Chennai at the Chepauk sans Malinga it is clearly an unfair contest. Without Malinga to bowl the death overs, MI is half the side. It is like Chennai without MSD or Ashwin.

The same is true for the Pune Warriors and more so in the absence of Michael Clarke. Without the services of Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Matthews, the Warriors will be seriously weakened when they play Chennai in Chennai. The ban will also affect the Daredevils because they'd have to leave the skipper Mahela Jayawardene out. Delhi, who have traded Ross Taylor for Ashish Nehra and are without the services of Pietersen who is out of the IPL due to injury, will be a seriously weakened lot when they step out at the Chepauk. Finally, the Sunrisers without skipper Kumar Sangakkara in the team dressing room will be a ship without its captain.

Now let us conjure up a hypothetical situation. Imagine three teams locked in a tussle for a semi-final spot and one of them facing CSK in Chennai without the key players in their ranks. The other two teams, playing in other parts of the country, are in full strength. Simply put, it is blatantly unfair. This ban has seriously dented the credibility of the IPL and has the potential to seriously impact the final results. Team owners, who have picked particular players for particular roles, will now have to adjust last minute. And some players are simply irreplaceable. On the spin friendly Chepauk pitch Ajantha Mendis could well have been a match winner for Pune. Similarly, Malinga is always a match winner for Mumbai.

At a time when the IPL is in need of innovation and team owners are doing everything to grow the support base, the ban comes as a real problem for most of the teams. Weakened significantly as a result, they will now find it immensely challenging against a strong Chennai outfit, which is easily the most consistent team of the competition.

Finally, one should spare a thought for these players. For no fault of theirs they are being treated as pariahs in one part of India. To even suggest that by forcing Malinga out of the Mumbai-Chennai game we can force the hand of the Sri Lankan establishment is naive. This is not even a symbolic gesture. Rather, it trivialises the real issue, which is one of real serious significance. Each of us condemn genocide and by saying that Sri Lankan players will not play in Chennai we are suggesting that only Tamils can only mourn the loss of their brethren. What about Tamils in Kolkata or Mumbai? What about heir sentiments? How will they feel seeing Malinga play going by the same logic? And what about other Indians who feel equally strongly about genocide?

While politics and sports have always been the two sides of the same coin, playing of the national anthem at the start of play is a clear indication of such mixing; these blanket bans just don't serve any purpose. In this case all it has done is render some of the much anticipated games lopsided.

Ryder regains consciousness

New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder has regained consciousness and is talking to friends and family as he recovers from an alleged assault in Christchurch earlier this week, his manager said on Saturday.

Ryder, 28, was rushed to hospital early on Thursday with serious head injuries after being involved in two altercations outside a bar and fast food restaurant in Merivale, a suburb of Christchurch.

Local media reported Ryder had sustained a fractured skull and a collapsed lung in the assault. Two men have been charged with assault and will appear in court on April 4.

"Jesse's condition has improved to the extent that he is now out of the induced coma and off the ventilator," Ryder's manager Aaron Klee said in a statement issued through New Zealand Cricket. Jesse is awake and talking to us, but he is obviously still working through the immediate effects from being in the coma and the drugs the medical team have been using.

"Naturally we are thrilled with this progress. This is only the start of the recovery process for Jesse and there is still a big battle ahead to full health, but the progress is positive."

Ryder had been expected to travel to India for the lucrative Twenty20 tournament with the Delhi Daredevils this week, but had been in a self-imposed exile from international cricket after a series of alcohol-related incidents.

Despite publicly swearing off alcohol, Ryder had begun drinking again in recent weeks, New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills said on Thursday.

Police, however, told reporters on Thursday they did not think alcohol was a factor in the alleged assault. Ryder was not expected to return to international cricket for New Zealand's tour of England in May-June, following their 0-0 draw in the recently completed home test series.

An aggressive batsman with a superb eye and delicate touch, Ryder has made 1,269 runs in 18 tests at an average of 40.93 with a highest score of 201 and 1,100 runs in 39 one-day internationals at 34.37.

Daniel Christian rates IPL higher than Big Bash

Australian all-rounder Daniel Christian on Friday rated the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of his country's domestic T20 Big Bash.

"Big Bash popularity is massive in Australia, but obviously not like IPL. The viewership for IPL is pretty high for the IPL than Big Bash," Christian told reporters after a training session at the Chinnaswamy stadium here.

The Big Bash and IPL are fantastic and is a pleasure and honour to play in both the tournaments, he said.

Christian said he has not played under Virat Kohli, but had words of admiration for the Indian vice-captain. He also said he is excited to play alongside Chris Gayle and Muttiah Muralitharan.

"Yeah. I am looking forward to play with Chris, especially after having had to bowl at him a fair bit in the past," he said.

Replying to a query, Christian said in the next couple of days he would catch up with coach Ray Jennings and captain Kohli to know about his role in the team.

"More than likely I will be batting somewhere in the middle and offering some overs like I normally do," he said.

Christian said the team's set-up is very good and was pleased to hear that he had been bought by RCB to play in this year's IPL.

"Obviously, I admired RCB, when I was playing for the Deccan Chargers. I am very pleased when I found out in the auction that I was picked for RCB," he added.

FIXTURE

T20 KKR v DD at Eden Gardens, Kolkata - 04/03/2013
T20 RCB v MI at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - 04/04/2013
T20 SH v PWI at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad - 04/05/2013
T20 DD v RR at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi - 04/06/2013

Graeme Smith receives ICC Test Championship mace

Dubai: South Africa captain Graeme Smith on Thursday received the ICC Test Championship mace and prize money of USD 450,000 for leading the team to the top spot in ICC Test rankings on the annual cut-off date of April 1.

Smith received the mace from the ICC`s umpires and referees manager, Vince van der Bijl, in a ceremony at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

"I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the Reliance ICC Test Championship mace and prize money, not just on behalf of myself, the players and the team management but on behalf of all South Africans," said Smith.

"We all appreciate the enormous privilege of representing our country and taking on the responsibility that goes with it," he added.

South Africa have finished at the number one spot for the first time since the current ranking system was introduced in 2003.

India are placed third behind England in the current rankings.

Ex-Liverpool defender Aurelio set for Gremio debut

Rio de Janeiro: Former Liverpool and Valencia defender Fabio Aurelio is set to make his debut for Brazilian top-flight club Gremio, more than nine months after suffering a serious knee injury.

The 33-year-old trained freely on Wednesday and was included in coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo`s preliminary squad to face Cruzeiro in the Campeonato Gaucho on Thursday.

Aurelio underwent surgery in July to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee suffered during a training exercise just days after signing with the Porto Alegre club.

He will compete for Gremio`s left-back spot with Arsenal loanee Andre Santos and highly rated teenager Guilherme Biteco.

Aurelio was released by Liverpool in June last year after six seasons and 87 first-team appearances for the Merseyside club.



He also spent six years at Valencia having joined the Spanish outfit from Sao Paulo in September 2000.

I don`t like to set targets for myself: Tendulkar

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians` iconic player, Sachin Tendulkar does not want to set any targets for himself in the Indian Premier League season-6 as the senior Indian batsman is focused on winning the maiden IPL crown for the home team`s loyal fans.

"I don`t like to set targets for myself, even if I set targets, I like to keep it to myself. I am little superstitious that way," said Tendulkar.

"The (team) target is to win the tournament, that`s what all of us wanted to do. It would be a fantastic gift for all the Mumbai Indians fans. I always wanted to win it. We go out there to win and give our best. Leave the rest to the almighty," Tendulkar told `Times Now` on the sidelines of a function here.

Tendulkar, who would be playing under the captaincy of former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting this season, said the team has prepared well for the tournament and will go all out to win the trophy.

"In the earlier seasons also, we always went out to win the tournament but it wasn`t so. Once we got really close and on a couple of occasions, we made it to the semis. All I can promise on behalf of Mumbai Indians team, on behalf of the players, our commitment, focus and dedication will be there.

"No one can guarantee results but one thing we can guarantee is our commitment. Our commitment will be there and we expect the same kind of support that we have received in the last five years. It`s terrific to have that kind of support which helps us to give our best as a team," he added.

Mumbai Indians will start their IPL 2013 campaign on April 4 in Bangalore against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

New Delhi: India`s most successful golfer, Jeev Milkha Singh has signed up for his maiden appearance at the Panasonic Open India next week with the aim of finally winning his first Asian Tour title on home soil. Singh, a two-time Asian Tour number one, confirmed his participation in the third edition of the USD 300,000 tournament at the Delhi Golf Club, a course where he has never won previously. Long regarded as the flag bearer for the Indian golf, Singh has won six times on the Asian Tour and multiple times on the Japan and European Tours, including last year`s Scottish Open. His two Order of Merit triumphs came in 2006 and 2008 on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013. "I`ve played in the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan previously and I`ve done well there, so I`m looking forward to my first time in India," said Singh. "I`m going to play at the Delhi Golf Club after such a long time. I think I last played there some five years ago (at the Hero Indian Open where he finished fourth in 2008). I`m looking forward to that. In April, the course will be firm and hard and I`m looking forward to the challenge." "It`s a very different golf course. I don`t carry my driver on this course...just a three wood and three iron. It`s an amazing course, a demanding course. You have to hit it well and mentally you have to be strong to win on that course." Singh included the Indian Open onto his early 2013 schedule to ensure he achieves the minimum number of tournaments required to keep his Asian Tour card for 2014. "I`ve got to get my numbers up on the Asian Tour this year. I couldn`t do it last year due to injuries. This is my last year of exemption on the Asian Tour (through his Order of Merit triumph). Although I have my career earnings ranking to count on, I want to get my numbers up and keep my full exemption going," said Singh, who was conferred an Asian Tour Honorary Membership in 2009. Singh believes the staging of world-class tournaments such as the Panasonic Open India, which is one of four to be played on the Asian Tour annually, is the perfect platform for India`s emerging talent to enhance their burgeoning reputations. "Indian golf is the fastest growing sport in our country. A lot of new guys are taking up the game, big corporate wigs play the game and they love it. And they put in the money to help the game grow in this country," said Singh. "There is a lot of talent coming out from the country. Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Himmat Rai... they are world class. They can play anywhere in the world and they can do really well," said Singh. The top-three players in the tournament will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, which will be held in Osaka, Japan, in September. The event will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media`s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.

New Delhi: Sahara Force India and Mercedes-Benz on Thursday signed a long-term agreement for the Silverstone-based team to use a full Mercedes-Benz powertrain from the 2014 season onwards.

The agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply Force India with a complete Power Unit (internal combustion engine plus energy recovery system), transmission and all associated ancillary systems under the new regulations for 2014.

Mercedes-Benz entered the era of customer engine suppl

y in 2009 with
the Silverstone-based team and this close working relationship is now in its fifth season.

These historic links and the growing competitiveness of Force India helped pave the way for an expansion of the existing partnership to also include the supply of the gearbox and hydraulic systems.

"Our new agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the coming years is the most significant in the history of Sahara Force India," Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India, said.

"With new powertrain regulations being introduced next year, I can`t think of a better partner to work with as Formula One enters a new and exciting era. The agreement gives us the long-term stability we require and will enable us to continue our journey towards the front of the Formula One grid," he added.New Delhi: Sahara Force India and Mercedes-Benz on Thursday signed a long-term agreement for the Silverstone-based team to use a full Mercedes-Benz powertrain from the 2014 season onwards.

The agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply Force India with a complete Power Unit (internal combustion engine plus energy recovery system), transmission and all associated ancillary systems under the new regulations for 2014.

Mercedes-Benz entered the era of customer engine suppl

y in 2009 with
the Silverstone-based team and this close working relationship is now in its fifth season.

These historic links and the growing competitiveness of Force India helped pave the way for an expansion of the existing partnership to also include the supply of the gearbox and hydraulic systems.

"Our new agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the coming years is the most significant in the history of Sahara Force India," Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India, said.

"With new powertrain regulations being introduced next year, I can`t think of a better partner to work with as Formula One enters a new and exciting era. The agreement gives us the long-term stability we require and will enable us to continue our journey towards the front of the Formula One grid," he added.

eev Milkha Singh set for Indian Open debut

New Delhi: India`s most successful golfer, Jeev Milkha Singh has signed up for his maiden appearance at the Panasonic Open India next week with the aim of finally winning his first Asian Tour title on home soil.

Singh, a two-time Asian Tour number one, confirmed his participation in the third edition of the USD 300,000 tournament at the Delhi Golf Club, a course where he has never won previously.

Long regarded as the flag bearer for the Indian golf, Singh has won six times on the Asian Tour and multiple times on the Japan and European Tours, including last year`s Scottish Open. His two Order of Merit triumphs came in 2006 and 2008 on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.

"I`ve played in the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan previously and I`ve done well there, so I`m looking forward to my first time in India," said Singh.

"I`m going to play at the Delhi Golf Club after such a long time. I think I last played there some five years ago (at the Hero Indian Open where he finished fourth in 2008). I`m looking forward to that. In April, the course will be firm and hard and I`m looking forward to the challenge."

"It`s a very different golf course. I don`t carry my driver on this course...just a three wood and three iron. It`s an amazing course, a demanding course. You have to hit it well and mentally you have to be strong to win on that course."

Singh included the Indian Open onto his early 2013 schedule to ensure he achieves the minimum number of tournaments required to keep his Asian Tour card for 2014.

"I`ve got to get my numbers up on the Asian Tour this year. I couldn`t do it last year due to injuries. This is my last year of exemption on the Asian Tour (through his Order of Merit triumph). Although I have my career earnings ranking to count on, I want to get my numbers up and keep my full exemption going," said Singh, who was conferred an Asian Tour Honorary Membership in 2009.

Singh believes the staging of world-class tournaments such as the Panasonic Open India, which is one of four to be played on the Asian Tour annually, is the perfect platform for India`s emerging talent to enhance their burgeoning reputations.

"Indian golf is the fastest growing sport in our country. A lot of new guys are taking up the game, big corporate wigs play the game and they love it. And they put in the money to help the game grow in this country," said Singh.

"There is a lot of talent coming out from the country. Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Himmat Rai... they are world class. They can play anywhere in the world and they can do really well," said Singh.

The top-three players in the tournament will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, which will be held in Osaka, Japan, in September.

The event will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media`s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.

Afridi ready to retire if proper replacement surfaces

Islamabad: All rounder Shahid Afridi has claimed he doesn`t think there is currently any player who is good enough to replace him in the Pakistan team, adding he is ready to retire if a suitable substitute for him is available. Afridi stated that there was a dearth of talented all-rounders and the moment there was someone ready and able to take the responsibility, he would call time on his international career.

Afridi said he would quit as soon as a replacement for him surfaces, adding at present it seems there is no one who has the talent to play as an all-rounder and make a sustained impact at the international level. The all rounder added he has said time and again he would not block anyone good enough for Pakistan. Afridi, who is regarded as the most popular Pakistani cricketer of the present times, also thanked his supporters for renewing their trust in him.

Yusuf Pathan ties the knot with Afreen

Mumbai: Out-of-favour India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan on Wednesday tied the knot with fiancee Afreen, at a family function here.

The 30-year-old big-hitting batsman had got engaged in a private ceremony at his farmhouse in Nadiad, 60 kms from Vadodara, last year.

Afreen was born and brought up in Mumbai but practises physiotherapy in Vadodara.

It is an arranged marriage and the match was decided after both families gave their consent.

Pathan, who has been out of the Indian team for some time now, has scored 1365 runs in 57 ODIs and 438 runs in 22 T20s.

Manchester United could be my last top club: Van Persie

London: Robin van Persie says that he may finish his career at Manchester United, insisting that it is a club where older players are valued.

The 29-year-old has been little short of a revelation since his £24 million summer switch from Arsenal, netting 23 goals in 38 appearances to fire the Red Devils to the summit of the Premier League.

Despite a barren run that has seen the Netherlands international find the net just once in 10 games, Van Persie says that he is relishing life at Old Trafford.

"For the coming years, it`s Manchester United. And maybe longer. United would be my last top club," he told Voetball International.

"I have every day at United a new challenge. My development is an ongoing process. That gets an extra boost when you are surrounded by new coaches and team-mates, all with their own ideas, in a totally new environment."

The former Arsenal talisman went on to laud the club for valuing experience, with 38-year-old Paul Scholes and 39-year-old Ryan Giggs lining up alongside the Dutchman on a regular basis.

"You have a number of clubs in Europe where older players are valued," he added.

"You used to have that at Juventus and AC Milan. Manchester United today is a good example."

Goal.com

Oscar Pistorius can leave SA to compete internationally, with conditions

Pretoria: There was a sigh of relief for Paralympian superstar Oscar Pistorius after he won appeal against bail conditions, and was allowed to leave South Africa to compete in international competition, with certain conditions.

Judge Bert Bam asked the 26-year-old to provide authorities with his travel plans at least a week before he leaves the country. Pistorius was also asked to return his passport to the court within 24 hours of returning to South Africa

Pistorius had also sought an end to supervision by a probation officer and compulsory drug and alcohol testing. His lawyers argued that the “Blade Runner” should be allowed to return to his home and to travel.

Pistorius who is nicknamed "Blade Runner" as he competes on special carbon fibre blades, has been accused of premeditated murder of his model girlfriend and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine`s Day.

Pistorius said that it wasn’t premeditated as he mistook her for a burglar who was hiding in the bathroom.

Pistorius was granted bail on a record one million Rand ($112,770) after his bail plea hearing lasted for four days.

Finch replaces Clarke for Pune Warriors

Australian top-order T20 specialist Aaron Finch is all set to replace Michael Clarke in the sixth edition of IPL. Clarke was earlier ruled out of the tournament with a back injury and will be out of action for 10 weeks. Angelo Mathews will captain the team in his absence.

Playing for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, Finch scored 332 runs at an average of 66.40 in the last season. However, he was plagued with poor form during the T20s in January against Sri Lanka and West Indies scoring only 12 runs in three matches. On the domestic T20 circuit, he averages 36.14 in 58 matches having scored 1699 runs at a strike-rate of 130.49.

This will be his third IPL franchise after playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2010 and Delhi Daredevils in 2011 and 2012. Delhi Daredevils released him after the 2012 season and he went unsold in this year's auctions at a base price of $200,000.

Finch is expected to leave for India on the 30th. The Warriors will play their first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5.

Dhawan to miss Sunrisers opener

Sunrisers Hyderabad, the new IPL outfit, have suffered a blow ahead of the tournament with star player Shikhar Dhawan being ruled out due to injury for at least their opening tie against Pune Warriors, to be held on April 5.

"Shikhar Dhawan at this stage will not be available for the first game. We are obviously working closely with the BCCI and the medical team with regard to his progress," Sunrisers coach Tom Moody said.

"We are hoping that within a couple of weeks he will be available to join the team," he added.

Dhawan, who scored fastest ever century on debut in the recently-concluded Test series against Australia, had sustained an injury during the series.

Asked how many matches Dhawan is likely to miss, Moody replied: "We don't know as yet. We are hoping that he is going to have a speedy recovery."

Stating that the team has a good mix of youth and experience, the coach said that the efforts are being made to improve the bonding among them.

"It (preparation for the IPL) has been going on well. Our first official training session will be this afternoon. We have had a number of meetings with players. Myself, Waqar (Younis), who is the bowling coach and our assist coach...we spent a lot of time on a individual basis," he said.

"For us obviously it is new. Lot of new faces we need to get familiar with. So we spent a good time getting to know the players. We had a good team evening, a good bonding session, which we will continue to do over the next week also.

"Lot of international players are scheduled to come in the next few days. We are obviously excited," Moody added.

Regarding the Sri Lankan players in the team -- Kumar Sangakkara and Thisara Perera -- who would not be able to play in Chennai, Moody said the issue will be dealt by the officials.

"We will let the officials deal with the delicate situation. Both the players (Sangakkara and Perera) are coming and I am sure the officials will sort out the situation in Chennai," he said.

Meanwhile, Waqar Younis, who is the bowling coach of Sunrisers, said it is going to be a big challenge for him.

"It is very exciting for me and also a big challenge. I am appearing in IPL for the first time, hopefully, with Tom and me, Dale Steyn, Ishant Sharma and a lot of other players , we make a good unit and try to do well," he said.

Waqar insisted that he would not be doing anything with seasoned players like Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma but take care of the younger ones.

He also said it is a great advantage to have VVS Laxman as the team mentor.

Shakib snapped up by Leicestershire

Shakib Al Hasan has been roped in by Leicestershire for their Friends Life T20 competition this season. The young and inexperienced squad are expected to struggle in Division two of the County championships and they will need the addition of some star players to boost their chances. However, Leicestershire have shown that they have T20 pedigree, having won the Friends Life T20 competition in 2011 and making it to the qualifying stages of the T20 Cricket League.

Shakib has been named the No 1 all-rounder in the ODI rankings and is also 2nd in the Test match list. He has been out of cricket since November last year with a stress fracture on his shin but he is confident that he will be fit for Bangladesh's forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe.

He will play alongside Joe Burns, the Australia A batsman, during a tournament which Leicestershire will hope to put in a performance which keeps the fans happy. The coach of the Leicestershire cricket team, Phil Whitticase has said that the team was really pleased to sign on the world's best all-rounder in Tests and ODIs. He pointed out that Shakib has an exceptional record and he hopes that Shakib will contribute in the team's success. Reiterating Mr. Whitticase's statement, Chief Executive Mike Siddall stated, "We are glad to have the services of Shakib who brings in experience and calibre. He has an excellent record and we are looking forward to his wonderful play." Joshua Cobb, who was Shakib's team-mate in the Dhaka Gladiators outfit, will also be in the team.