Pakistan will not allow their players to feature in Bangladesh Premier League's second season if the country's cricket board decides against sending its national team for a much-awaited series, according to a Pakistan newspaper.
According to The News, Pakistan's cricket chiefs are extremely unhappy over Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) reluctance to send its team to Pakistan for a limited-overs series that is expected to the pave the path for the return of international cricket in the country.
"Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will block its players' participation in the second edition of BPL in case the Bangladeshis decide against sending their team to Pakistan," a source told the newspaper.
Pakistani cricket stars including their former captain Shahid Afridi were the single biggest reason why the inaugural edition of BPL which concluded on February 29 turned out to be a highly successful event.
Over 20 Pakistani cricketers featured in the BPL, a Twenty20 league that was Bangladesh's version of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).
While top Pakistani cricketers like Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal just played in the final games of the event because of their series against England in the UAE, many of their other compatriots including fast bowler Mohammad Sami and opener Nasir Jamshed finished among BPL's biggest success stories.
BPL teams have roped in Pakistani cricketers for long-term stints but PCB can bar them from playing in the league.
"PCB believes that it has done everything possible for the smooth hosting of a home series against Bangladesh which is why it won't take any decision against the visit lightly," said the source.
"A negative call on the issue by Bangladesh is bound to strain cricketing relations between the two countries and the biggest loser could be the BPL," he added. Pakistan are desperate to host Bangladesh for a limited-overs series in Lahore and Karachi next month in its bid to revive international cricket in the country.
Pakistan have not hosted international teams since March 2009 when Sri Lankan cricketers were ambushed by terrorists in Lahore killing six policeman and a van driver. Several Sri Lankan players and one of their coaches were injured in the attack.
A Bangladeshi delegation visited Pakistan earlier this month to review security arrangements for the proposed series. Mustafa Kamal, the president of Bangladesh Cricket Board, who led the delegation, told senior PCB officials that he was satisfied with the security arrangements.
However, BCB has said that a final decision on the tour hinges on its government clearance.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
UK airlines warn of Olympics airport chaos
Four of Britain’s leading airlines say the government must do more to prevent severe delays and disruptions at London airports during this summer’s Olympics.
Britain expects hundreds of thousands of visitors for the games, including more than 10,000 athletes and 20,000 media personnel.
British Airways, bmi, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic said in a letter to the government published Saturday that an Olympic surge in passengers means any security alert or bad weather could cause chaos unless special arrangements are made.
The airlines say disruption can be minimized if air traffic controllers agree to change their usual practice and give scheduled flights priority over charters and business jets.
The letter warns that “failure to respond leaves the U.K. vulnerable to the type of major disruption that will cause significant reputational damage and would be foolhardy and reckless.”
Airlines, government and aviation authorities are due to meet Thursday to discuss plans for the July 27-Aug. 12 games.
The Transport Department said that “a range of special measures” would reduce disruption.
“We are confident that the majority of these additional issues have now been addressed and we look forward to discussing them with the airlines concerned at a meeting next week,” the department said in a statement.
Azarenka beats Sharapova to win Indian Wells title
Victoria Azarenka routed Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-3 to win the BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday in the WTA Tour’s first final between the No. 1 and No. 2 players since 2008.
Azarenka broke Sharapova six times in improving her record to 23-0 this year, the best start to a season since Martina Hingis went 37-0 to open 1997. The top-ranked Belarusian earned $1 million for her fourth title of the year.
It was a rematch of the Australian Open final, which Azarenka won 6-3, 6-0 in January to keep Sharapova from regaining the No. 1 ranking. This time, Sharapova was error-prone during the 1 1/2 -hour match on a cold, windy day in the desert. The second-ranked Russian kept hitting close to the lines and missing.
No. 3 Roger Federer was set to play American John Isner in the men’s final later.
North Carolina rolls past Creighton 87-73 in NCAAs
John Henson proved he was healthy again, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots in his return from a wrist injury that seemed perfectly timed for North Carolina’s latest push for the Final Four. 
Now Kendall Marshall has his own wrist injury that could prove devastating for the Tar Heels.
Henson had a double-double in his first game back from a sprained left wrist, and North Carolina beat Creighton 87-73 in the third round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday. But Marshall broke a bone in his right wrist when he was fouled on a drive to the basket and knocked to the floor midway through the second half.
Coach Roy Williams confirmed the injury after the game, and said he would talk to Marshall and his parents about his status Sunday night. The point guard still finished with 18 points and 11 assists.
“When you go to the Sweet 16, it’s supposed to be a lot more fun than this,” an emotional Williams said afterward.
Marshall’s injury overshadowed what should have been an exciting win for the Tar Heels (31-5), the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Regional. They built a 15-point lead in the first half, then kept control and pushed the margin to 19 after the break on the way to their second straight double-digit victory. Their defense was good enough to slow the eighth-seeded Bluejays’ offense and make high-scoring forward Doug McDermott work for his points.
Then there was Henson’s return after missing the past three games with the wrist injury from last week’s Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
Instead, the Tar Heels are unsure whether they’ll have their most irreplaceable player—the guy who drives Williams’ fast-paced attack with unparalleled court vision and perfect pitch-aheads in transition—for the rest of the tournament.
“I just want to be here for my team,” said Marshall, his eyes red with emotion. “It is what it is. We’re not saying that I’m not going to play. We’re not saying that I’m going to play. Bottom line, it’s a fracture and now I have to deal with it.”
Williams cleared reporters out of the locker room to inform the team of Marshall’s injury, then headed to his postgame news conference. The rest of the players struggled with the news.
“We just don’t know what we’re going to do at this point in time,” sophomore Harrison Barnes said.
Marshall, who is left-handed, was hurt when he was knocked to the floor by Ethan Wragge on a drive with 10:56 left. He made the first free throw, then missed the second before leaving the game. He played about 7 more minutes before leaving for good with 1:54 left. Trainer Chris Hirth then examined Marshall’s right wrist on the bench.
The Tar Heels had already lost top perimeter defender and No. 2 ballhandler Dexter Strickland to a season-ending knee injury in January, leaving only freshman Stilman White to relieve Marshall for spot duty. If Marshall can’t go, the job would likely fall to White and versatile senior Justin Watts.
“It’s a little bit shocking,” White said. “I know for sure I didn’t expect it to be that bad. I know Kendall’s a really tough guy. It’s just a little bit of shock right now. That’s the great thing about coach Williams—he always figures something out.”
The Tar Heels will face surprising Ohio in the round of 16 on Friday in St. Louis. The 13th-seeded Bobcats advanced with a 62-56 victory over South Florida.
As for Henson, his return drew a roar from the home-state fans filling the Greensboro Coliseum, both when he jogged out with his teammates for pregame warmups and when he was introduced during the starting lineups.
Henson had 13 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots in 28 minutes. Much of the time, Henson looked like his old self, knocking down midrange jumpers or using his long frame to snatch rebounds or swat shots.
He drew a technical foul in the first half when he got angry and started jawing with Creighton’s Grant Gibbs—who had chopped at the ball in Henson’s hands in the paint. He also had a moment when he cringed after taking a blow to the hand on another foul, which forced Williams to pull him briefly in the first half.
“Yeah, it was a little weaker than I wanted it to be, and I wasn’t as strong with the grip as I wanted,” Henson said. “But hey, we got the win and that’s all you can ask for.”
Marshall’s injury overshadowed Henson’s return and the reunion of McDermott and Barnes, who teamed together to lead Ames High School in Iowa to consecutive state championships and unbeaten seasons. McDermott came in averaging about 23 points and eight rebounds, while Barnes was leading the Tar Heels in scoring at about 17 per game.
That matchup never materialized, with Henson and freshman James Michael McAdoo getting most of the defensive work against McDermott. McDermott finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.
Barnes had 17 points on 7-for-19 shooting, including back-to-back 3-pointers to turn away Creighton’s final push after the Bluejays had closed within 12 with about 5 1/2 minutes left.
“Right before the game, we just shared a moment, but once the game started, we were both competitive guys and it didn’t feel weird at all,” McDermott said. “I didn’t realize I was playing against my former teammate the whole time until the end and he’s a really good player.”
Creighton came in leading the country with a 50.7 percent shooting average, but it couldn’t figure out a way to put the on-the-attack Tar Heels on the defensive. Creighton shot 41 percent.
North Carolina hit 14 of its first 19 shots and built a 39-24 lead on Barnes’ 3-pointer with 5 1/2 minutes left. UNC led by eight at half, but Creighton never got closer after the break. The Tar Heels shot 51 percent for the game and improved to 31-1 in NCAA games played in their home state.
“We came here with every intention of winning this game,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said. “You don’t get to this point if you don’t feel that way, regardless of who you’re playing.”
Friday, March 16, 2012
Little Master enjoys muted celebration
Dream successful.After waiting more than a year, India's Sachin Tendulkar finally became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries during an Asia Cup one-day match against Bangladesh on Friday.
The 38-year-old further cemented his place as one of the greatest of cricketing greats when he stroked a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to reach the landmark. He has scored 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in one-day internationals.
Tendulkar hit 10 boundaries and one six on the way to his hundred, which he reached off 138 deliveries on an easy-paced pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The celebrations for his much-awaited target were muted and Tendulkar looked more relieved than elated after completing the 100th run.
He stood at the non-striker's end looking at his bat for a moment before thanking the heavens. He then raised his helmet towards the crowd, planted a kiss on the Indian cricket logo and was hugged by team mate Suresh Raina.
Tendulkar said the achievement had yet to sink in.
"It was a tough phase for me. Especially tough when you know that I started off this season batting reasonably well," a tired-looking Tendulkar told the NEO Cricket channel.
"I batted well in Australia. I felt at times I was luckless. Doesn't matter how many hundreds you score, you still have to put your head down, grind it out and do the job for the team.
"It hasn't sunk in but I have definitely lost about 50 kilos."
"DIFFICULT MENTALLY"
It took the greatest accumulator of runs in international cricket more than a year to score his coveted hundred after he reached 99 centuries with his 111 against South Africa in the World Cup in Nagpur on March 12 last year.
"Precisely a year ago when I got my 99th hundred no one spoke about it during the World Cup. And then it was I guess the media who started all these," Tendulkar added.
"Wherever I went, to restaurants, the house keeping, the room service, whoever I met just spoke about the 100th hundred.
"It became a little difficult mentally, because I am not playing only for my 100th hundred.
"The 99 hundreds that I scored, nobody spoke about them. Everyone had their opinion but eventually I have got to do what is important for the team."
India prime minister Manmohan Singh said Tendulkar was an inspiration for the country.
"I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history - a hundred centuries," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
"He has made India proud. Tendulkar's long career has been a triumph of class, character and courage. Wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youth."
Tendulkar was finally out for 114 off 147 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and a six.
The 38-year-old further cemented his place as one of the greatest of cricketing greats when he stroked a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to reach the landmark. He has scored 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in one-day internationals.
Tendulkar hit 10 boundaries and one six on the way to his hundred, which he reached off 138 deliveries on an easy-paced pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The celebrations for his much-awaited target were muted and Tendulkar looked more relieved than elated after completing the 100th run.
He stood at the non-striker's end looking at his bat for a moment before thanking the heavens. He then raised his helmet towards the crowd, planted a kiss on the Indian cricket logo and was hugged by team mate Suresh Raina.
Tendulkar said the achievement had yet to sink in.
"It was a tough phase for me. Especially tough when you know that I started off this season batting reasonably well," a tired-looking Tendulkar told the NEO Cricket channel.
"I batted well in Australia. I felt at times I was luckless. Doesn't matter how many hundreds you score, you still have to put your head down, grind it out and do the job for the team.
"It hasn't sunk in but I have definitely lost about 50 kilos."
"DIFFICULT MENTALLY"
It took the greatest accumulator of runs in international cricket more than a year to score his coveted hundred after he reached 99 centuries with his 111 against South Africa in the World Cup in Nagpur on March 12 last year.
"Precisely a year ago when I got my 99th hundred no one spoke about it during the World Cup. And then it was I guess the media who started all these," Tendulkar added.
"Wherever I went, to restaurants, the house keeping, the room service, whoever I met just spoke about the 100th hundred.
"It became a little difficult mentally, because I am not playing only for my 100th hundred.
"The 99 hundreds that I scored, nobody spoke about them. Everyone had their opinion but eventually I have got to do what is important for the team."
India prime minister Manmohan Singh said Tendulkar was an inspiration for the country.
"I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history - a hundred centuries," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
"He has made India proud. Tendulkar's long career has been a triumph of class, character and courage. Wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youth."
Tendulkar was finally out for 114 off 147 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and a six.
Little Master enjoys muted celebration
D successful.After waiting more than a year, India's Sachin Tendulkar finally became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries during an Asia Cup one-day match against Bangladesh on Friday.
The 38-year-old further cemented his place as one of the greatest of cricketing greats when he stroked a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to reach the landmark. He has scored 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in one-day internationals.
Tendulkar hit 10 boundaries and one six on the way to his hundred, which he reached off 138 deliveries on an easy-paced pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The celebrations for his much-awaited target were muted and Tendulkar looked more relieved than elated after completing the 100th run.
He stood at the non-striker's end looking at his bat for a moment before thanking the heavens. He then raised his helmet towards the crowd, planted a kiss on the Indian cricket logo and was hugged by team mate Suresh Raina.
Tendulkar said the achievement had yet to sink in.
"It was a tough phase for me. Especially tough when you know that I started off this season batting reasonably well," a tired-looking Tendulkar told the NEO Cricket channel.
"I batted well in Australia. I felt at times I was luckless. Doesn't matter how many hundreds you score, you still have to put your head down, grind it out and do the job for the team.
"It hasn't sunk in but I have definitely lost about 50 kilos."
"DIFFICULT MENTALLY"
It took the greatest accumulator of runs in international cricket more than a year to score his coveted hundred after he reached 99 centuries with his 111 against South Africa in the World Cup in Nagpur on March 12 last year.
"Precisely a year ago when I got my 99th hundred no one spoke about it during the World Cup. And then it was I guess the media who started all these," Tendulkar added.
"Wherever I went, to restaurants, the house keeping, the room service, whoever I met just spoke about the 100th hundred.
"It became a little difficult mentally, because I am not playing only for my 100th hundred.
"The 99 hundreds that I scored, nobody spoke about them. Everyone had their opinion but eventually I have got to do what is important for the team."
India prime minister Manmohan Singh said Tendulkar was an inspiration for the country.
"I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history - a hundred centuries," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
"He has made India proud. Tendulkar's long career has been a triumph of class, character and courage. Wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youth."
Tendulkar was finally out for 114 off 147 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and a six.
The 38-year-old further cemented his place as one of the greatest of cricketing greats when he stroked a single off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to reach the landmark. He has scored 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in one-day internationals.
Tendulkar hit 10 boundaries and one six on the way to his hundred, which he reached off 138 deliveries on an easy-paced pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The celebrations for his much-awaited target were muted and Tendulkar looked more relieved than elated after completing the 100th run.
He stood at the non-striker's end looking at his bat for a moment before thanking the heavens. He then raised his helmet towards the crowd, planted a kiss on the Indian cricket logo and was hugged by team mate Suresh Raina.
Tendulkar said the achievement had yet to sink in.
"It was a tough phase for me. Especially tough when you know that I started off this season batting reasonably well," a tired-looking Tendulkar told the NEO Cricket channel.
"I batted well in Australia. I felt at times I was luckless. Doesn't matter how many hundreds you score, you still have to put your head down, grind it out and do the job for the team.
"It hasn't sunk in but I have definitely lost about 50 kilos."
"DIFFICULT MENTALLY"
It took the greatest accumulator of runs in international cricket more than a year to score his coveted hundred after he reached 99 centuries with his 111 against South Africa in the World Cup in Nagpur on March 12 last year.
"Precisely a year ago when I got my 99th hundred no one spoke about it during the World Cup. And then it was I guess the media who started all these," Tendulkar added.
"Wherever I went, to restaurants, the house keeping, the room service, whoever I met just spoke about the 100th hundred.
"It became a little difficult mentally, because I am not playing only for my 100th hundred.
"The 99 hundreds that I scored, nobody spoke about them. Everyone had their opinion but eventually I have got to do what is important for the team."
India prime minister Manmohan Singh said Tendulkar was an inspiration for the country.
"I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history - a hundred centuries," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
"He has made India proud. Tendulkar's long career has been a triumph of class, character and courage. Wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youth."
Tendulkar was finally out for 114 off 147 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and a six.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Losers Dhaka enter semis
Dhaka Gladiators have become the 3rd team to enter BPL semis, despite losing against Duronto Rajshahi by three wickets on Monday.
Gladiators scored 116 runs losing all wickets after 18.2 overs. Rajshahi overtook Dhaka's score with three balls and as many wickets remaining.
Rajshahi and Barisal Burners are the two other teams that have confirmed their berths in the semis.
Gladiators scored 116 runs losing all wickets after 18.2 overs. Rajshahi overtook Dhaka's score with three balls and as many wickets remaining.
Rajshahi and Barisal Burners are the two other teams that have confirmed their berths in the semis.
More drama sees Barisal in BPL semis
In a stunning reversal of its previous decision, the governing body of the Bangladesh Premier League early on Tuesday said Barisal Burners – not Chittagong Kings – will play the second semi-final against table toppers Duronto Rajshahi as the fourth team.
The governing body took the decision at a 2am meeting with the technical committee .The authorities in a press statement made it clear that Barisal were through and the previous declaration that Chittagong Kings had qualified for the semis would stand void.
The confusions and drama running into the match day are surely going to have some effect on the second semi-final. It will leave the inaugural edition of the domestic Twenty20 mired in more controversy after allegations over attempts of spot-fixing emerged.
It had been announced initially on Sunday that Barisal Burners were through to the semi-finals riding on the net run-rate after their dramatic victory against the Kings. And Chittagong, Khulna Royal Bengals and Dhaka Gladiators were left to fight it out among themselves for the remaining two spots.
On Monday, Dhaka Gladiators lost to Duronto Rajshahi by a narrow margin and Khulna Royal Bengals thrashed Sylhet Royals and the results put Khulna in the second place with 12 points, leaving Dhaka, Barisal and Chittagong tied on 10 points.
But in the head-to-head results, Dhaka had a superior net run rate and qualified for the semi-finals taking third place, having beaten Barisal Burners twice and Chittagong Kings once. It meant Chittagong Kings and Barisal Burners were to fight for the fourth spot.
Chittagong Kings had two wins, against Barisal Burners and Dhaka Gladiators, while Barisal had only one, against Chittagong. But, Barisal's net run-rate was superior to Chittagong's.
Chittagong Kings at a press conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel late in the morning said they would challenge the latest BPL governing body's decision in court.
The late night meeting ruled that Duronto Rajshahi (14 points) and Khulna Royal Bengals (12 points) finished top two on points and qualified for the semis as the first and second placed teams.
The drama began to unfold on Monday afternoon when BPL governing body president Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu announced that Barisal Burners were left out following the head-to-head results and Chittagong were in the semi-finals, apparently on the basis of a better head-to-head record in the three-way tie on 10 points, which included Dhaka.
But the BPL statement in the wee hours of Monday said that Barisal would be the fourth semi-finalists – understandably because their head-to-head record with Chittagong was tied and they had a better net run rate.
The press statement said the governing body and the technical committee "sincerely regret any misunderstanding that may have risen regarding this issue".
The governing body took the decision at a 2am meeting with the technical committee .The authorities in a press statement made it clear that Barisal were through and the previous declaration that Chittagong Kings had qualified for the semis would stand void.
The confusions and drama running into the match day are surely going to have some effect on the second semi-final. It will leave the inaugural edition of the domestic Twenty20 mired in more controversy after allegations over attempts of spot-fixing emerged.
It had been announced initially on Sunday that Barisal Burners were through to the semi-finals riding on the net run-rate after their dramatic victory against the Kings. And Chittagong, Khulna Royal Bengals and Dhaka Gladiators were left to fight it out among themselves for the remaining two spots.
On Monday, Dhaka Gladiators lost to Duronto Rajshahi by a narrow margin and Khulna Royal Bengals thrashed Sylhet Royals and the results put Khulna in the second place with 12 points, leaving Dhaka, Barisal and Chittagong tied on 10 points.
But in the head-to-head results, Dhaka had a superior net run rate and qualified for the semi-finals taking third place, having beaten Barisal Burners twice and Chittagong Kings once. It meant Chittagong Kings and Barisal Burners were to fight for the fourth spot.
Chittagong Kings had two wins, against Barisal Burners and Dhaka Gladiators, while Barisal had only one, against Chittagong. But, Barisal's net run-rate was superior to Chittagong's.
Chittagong Kings at a press conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel late in the morning said they would challenge the latest BPL governing body's decision in court.
The late night meeting ruled that Duronto Rajshahi (14 points) and Khulna Royal Bengals (12 points) finished top two on points and qualified for the semis as the first and second placed teams.
The drama began to unfold on Monday afternoon when BPL governing body president Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu announced that Barisal Burners were left out following the head-to-head results and Chittagong were in the semi-finals, apparently on the basis of a better head-to-head record in the three-way tie on 10 points, which included Dhaka.
But the BPL statement in the wee hours of Monday said that Barisal would be the fourth semi-finalists – understandably because their head-to-head record with Chittagong was tied and they had a better net run rate.
The press statement said the governing body and the technical committee "sincerely regret any misunderstanding that may have risen regarding this issue".
Chittagong Kings to move court
Just two hours to the first semi-final on Tuesday, Chittagong Kings said they will move the court against the BPL's decision to allow Barisal Burnerst to play Duronto Rajshahi in the second semi-final.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Chittagong Kings to move court
Just two hours to the first semi-final on Tuesday, Chittagong Kings said they will move the court against the BPL's decision to allow Barisal Burnerst to play Duronto Rajshahi in the second semi-final.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
"We're taking legal steps. Our representative has already been sent to the court," Samir Quader Chowdhury, CEO of SQ Sports, which owns the Kings, told a media conference at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel around 11:30am.
"We've been dropped in defiance of the bylaws. The rule was fixed by mixing the sub-clauses 1 and 2 of clause 21 (8). But a rule can't be made by taking some parts of different sub-clauses," he added.
Coach Khaled Mahmud and manager Nasir Ahmed were present there.
Shafiqul Haque Heera and Faruque Ahmed, the managers of semi-finalists Dhaka Gladiators and Duronto Rajshahi, respectively, and Khulna Royal Bengals media manager Jahid Razzaq Masum were also present in the conference.
Dhaka's Heera said his team will support the Kings if they were thrown out illegally.
Faruque of Rajshahi said they will also back the Kings if they were dropped unlawfully. He, however, added they are not abandoning the first semi-final against the Burners at 2pm.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Tevez could still play role for City: Mancini
Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez could still play for the club in the Premier League title run-in if he returned from Argentina, manager Roberto Mancini was quoted as saying in British media on Sunday.
"Everyone knows Carlos is a top player," the City manager was reported as saying in The Observer. "If he was here and playing it would be better, because Carlos can change games.
"If he were to come back next week maybe he can still help us in the next three months."
The 28-year-old Argentine striker, who fell out with Mancini after failing to heed his instructions to warm up during a Champions league game in September, had been widely expected to leave the club in the January transfer window.
However, despite interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain he was not sold.
He has been fined six weeks' wages for gross misconduct over his disappearance to Argentina without permission in November, a punishment he is appealing to the Premier League, and has also not been paid while he has been absent.
How soon Tevez could feature again for City, who are a point behind local rivals Manchester United with a game in hand ahead of Sunday's visit to Aston Villa, would depend on how quickly he could regain match fitness if he did come back to the club.
He last played for city in a League Cup win over Birmingham city on September 21.
"It depends on his condition, and when he returns," added Mancini. "We have already played a lot of games with only one striker. But Carlos knows the situation.
"I talked to him before he left, to try to resolve this situation, and if he comes back we can talk again. I don't have any problem with that. If he wants to play, it could happen."
"Everyone knows Carlos is a top player," the City manager was reported as saying in The Observer. "If he was here and playing it would be better, because Carlos can change games.
"If he were to come back next week maybe he can still help us in the next three months."
The 28-year-old Argentine striker, who fell out with Mancini after failing to heed his instructions to warm up during a Champions league game in September, had been widely expected to leave the club in the January transfer window.
However, despite interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain he was not sold.
He has been fined six weeks' wages for gross misconduct over his disappearance to Argentina without permission in November, a punishment he is appealing to the Premier League, and has also not been paid while he has been absent.
How soon Tevez could feature again for City, who are a point behind local rivals Manchester United with a game in hand ahead of Sunday's visit to Aston Villa, would depend on how quickly he could regain match fitness if he did come back to the club.
He last played for city in a League Cup win over Birmingham city on September 21.
"It depends on his condition, and when he returns," added Mancini. "We have already played a lot of games with only one striker. But Carlos knows the situation.
"I talked to him before he left, to try to resolve this situation, and if he comes back we can talk again. I don't have any problem with that. If he wants to play, it could happen."
Calm Dhoni takes India home
Gautam Gambhir's 92 at the top and some smart batting by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the finish helped India chase down a 270-run target against Australia in Adelaide on Sunday for their second win in the triangular series.
The visitors, needing 13 runs in the last over, reached the mark with four wickets in hand and two balls to spare, aided by a huge straight six by Dhoni who remained unbeaten on 44 to see India through.
Clint McKay, the most successful bowler for Australia on Sunday with three for 53, made it easier for the Indians by bowling a no-ball in the last over.
Gambhir, who was rested against Sri Lanka in India's last match, was drafted in for Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday as part of India's rotation policy.
Left-handed Gambhir laid the foundation for India, stitching together two fifty-run stands with fellow opener Virender Sehwag (20) and later with Rohit Sharma (33) for the third wicket.
Suresh Raina (30-ball 38) and Dhoni then added 61 runs for the fifth wicket before Raina fell with India still needing 31 runs for victory.
Ravindra Jadeja also departed soon but Dhoni, known for his calm demeanour on the field, stayed till the end to ensure there were no further hiccups.
Earlier, solid half centuries from David Hussey (72) and debutant Peter Forrest (66) took Australia to 269 for eight after captain Michael Clarke opted to bat after winning the toss.
The hosts, who had won both their earlier matches in the tournament, lost openers Ricky Ponting and David Warner within the first 10 overs.
Clarke was also dismissed trying to boost the run rate after making a brisk 38, which reduced Australia to 81 for three wickets.
Forrest and Hussey then added 98 runs for the fourth wicket to lay a solid foundation and Australia looked set for a 300-plus score from there.
But India pulled things back with some tight bowling and quick wickets in the last 10 overs to restrict Australia to a smaller total.
All-rounder Daniel Christian's run out, one of the three in the innings, in the 48th over also robbed Australia of some vital momentum in the closing overs.
India play Sri Lanka at the same venue in the fifth match of the triangular series on Tuesday.
The visitors, needing 13 runs in the last over, reached the mark with four wickets in hand and two balls to spare, aided by a huge straight six by Dhoni who remained unbeaten on 44 to see India through.
Clint McKay, the most successful bowler for Australia on Sunday with three for 53, made it easier for the Indians by bowling a no-ball in the last over.
Gambhir, who was rested against Sri Lanka in India's last match, was drafted in for Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday as part of India's rotation policy.
Left-handed Gambhir laid the foundation for India, stitching together two fifty-run stands with fellow opener Virender Sehwag (20) and later with Rohit Sharma (33) for the third wicket.
Suresh Raina (30-ball 38) and Dhoni then added 61 runs for the fifth wicket before Raina fell with India still needing 31 runs for victory.
Ravindra Jadeja also departed soon but Dhoni, known for his calm demeanour on the field, stayed till the end to ensure there were no further hiccups.
Earlier, solid half centuries from David Hussey (72) and debutant Peter Forrest (66) took Australia to 269 for eight after captain Michael Clarke opted to bat after winning the toss.
The hosts, who had won both their earlier matches in the tournament, lost openers Ricky Ponting and David Warner within the first 10 overs.
Clarke was also dismissed trying to boost the run rate after making a brisk 38, which reduced Australia to 81 for three wickets.
Forrest and Hussey then added 98 runs for the fourth wicket to lay a solid foundation and Australia looked set for a 300-plus score from there.
But India pulled things back with some tight bowling and quick wickets in the last 10 overs to restrict Australia to a smaller total.
All-rounder Daniel Christian's run out, one of the three in the innings, in the 48th over also robbed Australia of some vital momentum in the closing overs.
India play Sri Lanka at the same venue in the fifth match of the triangular series on Tuesday.
Gayle spends a busy day
Chris Gayle has spent a busy day even though his team Barisal Burners was not in action on Sunday.
Gayle launched a product of Elite Paint at 3:00pm in Banasree. After that he launched the 200th ATM booth of AB Bank in Banasree.
After launching the ATM booth Gayle said, "Bangladesh is a wonderful country. I am really surprised experiencing the hospitality of the country. Happy to be here."
Director Mesbahul Hoque, assistant managing director (credit) Badrul H Khan and assistant managing director (business and commercial) Ahsan Afzal of AB Bank were also present.
The 200th booth of AB Bank has been launched to increase the service in alternative banking sectors.
Earlier, the managing director of Elite Paint welcomed Gayle when he launched 'colour-paste'. Director Sajib Ahmed and Ravej Ahmed of the company were present there.
Elite Paint is the sponsor of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team Barisal Burners.
Gayle launched a product of Elite Paint at 3:00pm in Banasree. After that he launched the 200th ATM booth of AB Bank in Banasree.
After launching the ATM booth Gayle said, "Bangladesh is a wonderful country. I am really surprised experiencing the hospitality of the country. Happy to be here."
Director Mesbahul Hoque, assistant managing director (credit) Badrul H Khan and assistant managing director (business and commercial) Ahsan Afzal of AB Bank were also present.
The 200th booth of AB Bank has been launched to increase the service in alternative banking sectors.
Earlier, the managing director of Elite Paint welcomed Gayle when he launched 'colour-paste'. Director Sajib Ahmed and Ravej Ahmed of the company were present there.
Elite Paint is the sponsor of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team Barisal Burners.
Barcelona freeze and title slips away in Pamplona
Barcelona's fading hopes of capturing a fourth consecutive La Liga crown suffered a major setback when they lost 3-2 at Osasuna on Saturday to leave Real Madrid seven points clear at the top with a game in hand.
In freezing conditions in Pamplona, Osasuna striker Dejan Lekic scored twice inside the first 22 minutes and Barca, who have struggled on the road all season, waited too long to react.
Spanish World Cup winners Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas started on the bench, and although Alexis Sanchez pulled one back for the visitors in the 52nd minute, Raul Garcia quickly restored Osasuna's advantage.
Barca's youth team winger Cristian Tello grabbed a second in the 73rd but a late charge just failed to produce the equaliser.
The world and European champions' second defeat of the season left them on 48 points, seven short of leaders Real, who host high-flying Levante on Sunday.
"The league is much tougher now, and I suppose tomorrow we will see the gap grow even larger, " Barca coach Pep Guardiola told reporters.
"If we could play well on this pitch in the second half we should have done so in the first as well. We found it hard to get into the game."
Atletico Madrid climbed to sixth with 31 points despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Racing Santander.
Home keeper Tono was man-of-the-match as he pulled off a string of saves to deny Atletico, who are unbeaten in the six games since Argentine Diego Simeone took the helm and have yet to concede a goal in that time.
Osasuna are seventh also with 31 points, one ahead of King's Cup finalists Athletic Bilbao, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis in the late game.
Nelson struck a rasping last-minute winner for Betis, who played the last 25 minutes against 10 men after Bilbao defender Javi Martinez, the scorer of the equaliser, was sent off for a second bookable offence.
BUMPY PITCH
Osasuna's bumpy pitch and a swirling wind saw both sets of players struggling to keep their feet at the Reyno de Navarra stadium, but the hosts adapted quicker than Barcelona.
Serbian striker Lekic beat Victor Valdes at his near post after only five minutes to open the scoring and the Navarrans continued to boss the game until they doubled the lead.
A low cross from the right saw Lekic arrive unmarked again to find the net and Barca went in at the break trailing by two goals for the first time in the league since Guardiola took the helm in 2008.
Barcelona turned to youngsters Tello and Isaac Cuenca at halftime, perhaps reserving Xavi and Iniesta for the return to Champions League action next Tuesday, and the latter provided the cross for Alexis to score in the 51st minute.
It was only a brief respite.
A poor clearance from Valdes, one of a string of errors among Barca's players, led to Osasuna's third, when Raul Garcia squeezed a shot in off the post in the 55th.
Substitute Fabregas laid on the second for Tello, who cut back inside his marker to smash the ball high into the net.
Osasuna hit the post on a counter-attack but the action was all in their area in the closing minutes, and Fabregas had a header saved on the line in the fourth minute of added time.
In freezing conditions in Pamplona, Osasuna striker Dejan Lekic scored twice inside the first 22 minutes and Barca, who have struggled on the road all season, waited too long to react.
Spanish World Cup winners Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas started on the bench, and although Alexis Sanchez pulled one back for the visitors in the 52nd minute, Raul Garcia quickly restored Osasuna's advantage.
Barca's youth team winger Cristian Tello grabbed a second in the 73rd but a late charge just failed to produce the equaliser.
The world and European champions' second defeat of the season left them on 48 points, seven short of leaders Real, who host high-flying Levante on Sunday.
"The league is much tougher now, and I suppose tomorrow we will see the gap grow even larger, " Barca coach Pep Guardiola told reporters.
"If we could play well on this pitch in the second half we should have done so in the first as well. We found it hard to get into the game."
Atletico Madrid climbed to sixth with 31 points despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Racing Santander.
Home keeper Tono was man-of-the-match as he pulled off a string of saves to deny Atletico, who are unbeaten in the six games since Argentine Diego Simeone took the helm and have yet to concede a goal in that time.
Osasuna are seventh also with 31 points, one ahead of King's Cup finalists Athletic Bilbao, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis in the late game.
Nelson struck a rasping last-minute winner for Betis, who played the last 25 minutes against 10 men after Bilbao defender Javi Martinez, the scorer of the equaliser, was sent off for a second bookable offence.
BUMPY PITCH
Osasuna's bumpy pitch and a swirling wind saw both sets of players struggling to keep their feet at the Reyno de Navarra stadium, but the hosts adapted quicker than Barcelona.
Serbian striker Lekic beat Victor Valdes at his near post after only five minutes to open the scoring and the Navarrans continued to boss the game until they doubled the lead.
A low cross from the right saw Lekic arrive unmarked again to find the net and Barca went in at the break trailing by two goals for the first time in the league since Guardiola took the helm in 2008.
Barcelona turned to youngsters Tello and Isaac Cuenca at halftime, perhaps reserving Xavi and Iniesta for the return to Champions League action next Tuesday, and the latter provided the cross for Alexis to score in the 51st minute.
It was only a brief respite.
A poor clearance from Valdes, one of a string of errors among Barca's players, led to Osasuna's third, when Raul Garcia squeezed a shot in off the post in the 55th.
Substitute Fabregas laid on the second for Tello, who cut back inside his marker to smash the ball high into the net.
Osasuna hit the post on a counter-attack but the action was all in their area in the closing minutes, and Fabregas had a header saved on the line in the fourth minute of added time.
Jamshed propels Kings to victory
Chittagong Kings snatched a thrilling six-wicket win over Khulna Royal Bengals in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match.
Nasir Jamshed's 86 runs in 47 balls assisted Kings to chase the target of 172 with five balls to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
Jason Roy (36) was the second highest scorer for the Kings.
Earlier, Royal Bengals, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored 171 for three in 20 overs.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored the highest of 59 runs for Royal Bengals while Herschelle Gibbs scored 34 and Dwayne Smith 39.
Shakib Al Hasan was not out 4.
Mahmudullah picked up two wickets for Chittagong Kings while Bravo took one.
Nasir Jamshed's 86 runs in 47 balls assisted Kings to chase the target of 172 with five balls to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
Jason Roy (36) was the second highest scorer for the Kings.
Earlier, Royal Bengals, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored 171 for three in 20 overs.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored the highest of 59 runs for Royal Bengals while Herschelle Gibbs scored 34 and Dwayne Smith 39.
Shakib Al Hasan was not out 4.
Mahmudullah picked up two wickets for Chittagong Kings while Bravo took one.
Glads overpower Royals
Dhaka Gladiators easily defeated Sylhet Royals by seven wickets their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match on Sunday.
They reached the modest 125-run target with 10 balls to spare.
Anamul Haque scored 48 while Imran Nazir and Mohammad Ashraful added 26 and 23 not out.
Earlier, Royals were bowled out for 124 in 19.5 overs.
Naeem Islam scored highest 30 runs for Royals while Imrul Kayes scored 23 runs and Brad Hogg remained not out on 18.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza picked up two wickets for Gladiators while Azhar Mahmood, Kieron Pollard, Elias Sunny and Mohammad Ashraful have one each.
Royals won the toss and elected to bat first.
They reached the modest 125-run target with 10 balls to spare.
Anamul Haque scored 48 while Imran Nazir and Mohammad Ashraful added 26 and 23 not out.
Earlier, Royals were bowled out for 124 in 19.5 overs.
Naeem Islam scored highest 30 runs for Royals while Imrul Kayes scored 23 runs and Brad Hogg remained not out on 18.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza picked up two wickets for Gladiators while Azhar Mahmood, Kieron Pollard, Elias Sunny and Mohammad Ashraful have one each.
Royals won the toss and elected to bat first.
Rahim fined Tk 25,000 for showing dissent
Mushfiqur Rahim has been fined Tk 25,000 for breaching the code of conduct in a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match.
Rahim, the skipper of the national team, protested the umpire's decision and showed dissent while he was leading Duronto Rajshahi in a BPL match against Barisal Burners on Saturday.
He was reported to match referee Mike Proctor after the game.
Proctor concluded that by challenging the decision of the umpires and clearly showing dissent, Mushfiqur had brought the game into disrepute.
"Rahim accepted that he was guilty of the code of conduct breach," Procter said.
"We took into account his general good conduct history but also felt that as captain of the side he must take responsibility for what happened on the field and a fine was imposed."
Rahim, the skipper of the national team, protested the umpire's decision and showed dissent while he was leading Duronto Rajshahi in a BPL match against Barisal Burners on Saturday.
He was reported to match referee Mike Proctor after the game.
Proctor concluded that by challenging the decision of the umpires and clearly showing dissent, Mushfiqur had brought the game into disrepute.
"Rahim accepted that he was guilty of the code of conduct breach," Procter said.
"We took into account his general good conduct history but also felt that as captain of the side he must take responsibility for what happened on the field and a fine was imposed."
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Arambagh floor Brothers
Arambagh rallied back to upset Brothers Union 2-1 in the Bangladesh Premier League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigerian forward Joshua Olalekan put his team ahead five minutes before half-time. His compatriot Samson Lliasu fed him with a nice through pass and Joshua beat his marker and placed the ball in the far post net.
Arambagh's Ujumefun Joel equalised in the 75th minute with a delicate side volley off a cross curved by Aminur Rahman Shohag from the right flank.
In the last minute of the three-minute stoppage time, Joel scored the winner after Elita cut the ball back to him and the Nigerian placed the ball in the near post.
Nigerian forward Joshua Olalekan put his team ahead five minutes before half-time. His compatriot Samson Lliasu fed him with a nice through pass and Joshua beat his marker and placed the ball in the far post net.
Arambagh's Ujumefun Joel equalised in the 75th minute with a delicate side volley off a cross curved by Aminur Rahman Shohag from the right flank.
In the last minute of the three-minute stoppage time, Joel scored the winner after Elita cut the ball back to him and the Nigerian placed the ball in the near post.
Fifa donate $250,000 to victims of Egypt disaster
Fifa are to donate $250,000 (157,321.75 pounds) to the families of the victims of last week's Egyptian stadium disaster in which 74 people were killed after violence flared at a soccer match in Port Said between al-Masry and Cairo-based Al Ahli.
"I stated after the tragedy that this day was a black day for football. I'm still very shocked by what happened. Many of the victims were so young," Fifa president Sepp Blatter said in a statement.
"They were also a crucial support for their families, who now need help. The football community, including Fifa, must assist its Egyptian brothers and sisters."
Fifa said the sum would be paid into a charity account opened by Al Ahli.
At least 1,000 people were also injured in the violence when fans invaded the pitch after al-Masry's victory on Feb 2. Most of the deaths were among people trampled in the crush of the panicking crowd, while others fell or were thrown from terraces.
"I stated after the tragedy that this day was a black day for football. I'm still very shocked by what happened. Many of the victims were so young," Fifa president Sepp Blatter said in a statement.
"They were also a crucial support for their families, who now need help. The football community, including Fifa, must assist its Egyptian brothers and sisters."
Fifa said the sum would be paid into a charity account opened by Al Ahli.
At least 1,000 people were also injured in the violence when fans invaded the pitch after al-Masry's victory on Feb 2. Most of the deaths were among people trampled in the crush of the panicking crowd, while others fell or were thrown from terraces.
United fight back to hold Chelsea
Manchester United fought back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Chelsea in a thrilling Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Two penalties from Wayne Rooney and a header by Javier Hernandez kept the champions in touch with leaders Manchester City after Chelsea had built a 3-0 lead after 51 minutes through an own goal by Jonny Evans, a scorching left-foot volley from Juan Mata and a David Luiz header.
But United, who dominated most of the first half, struck back with two penalties from Wayne Rooney after 58 and 69 minutes and Hernandez powered in a header seven minutes from time after Cech had saved a Rooney shot.
The result left Manchester City two points clear of United at the top of the table with 57 points, both teams having played 24 games.
Chelsea, without injured skipper John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard and the suspended Ashley Cole, stayed in fourth place on 43 points, six behind Tottenham Hotspur who play at Liverpool on Monday.
In the day's earlier game, Newcastle United beat Aston Villa 2-1 to move above Arsenal into fifth place on 42 points.
Substitute Papiss Cisse scored on his debut to secure Newcastle's victory.
Two penalties from Wayne Rooney and a header by Javier Hernandez kept the champions in touch with leaders Manchester City after Chelsea had built a 3-0 lead after 51 minutes through an own goal by Jonny Evans, a scorching left-foot volley from Juan Mata and a David Luiz header.
But United, who dominated most of the first half, struck back with two penalties from Wayne Rooney after 58 and 69 minutes and Hernandez powered in a header seven minutes from time after Cech had saved a Rooney shot.
The result left Manchester City two points clear of United at the top of the table with 57 points, both teams having played 24 games.
Chelsea, without injured skipper John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard and the suspended Ashley Cole, stayed in fourth place on 43 points, six behind Tottenham Hotspur who play at Liverpool on Monday.
In the day's earlier game, Newcastle United beat Aston Villa 2-1 to move above Arsenal into fifth place on 42 points.
Substitute Papiss Cisse scored on his debut to secure Newcastle's victory.
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