Senior BCCI functionary Rajiv Shukla on Saturday demanded an apology from Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar for making disparaging remarks against India's batting stalwarts such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in his biography.
In the just-released book 'Controversially Yours', Akhtar had words of praise for Tendulkar and Dravid but his remark that they lacked ability to finish off games early in their respective careers has created a controversy, reports PTI.
Shukla, a senior BCCI official and IPL chairman, said Tendulkar did not need any certificate from Akhtar as his class was acknowledged by none other than Sir Don Bradman.
"He (Tendulkar) is still touching new heights and as far as Dravid is concerned, he is continuing to play some great knocks, which shows his commitment to the team. Whatever Shoaib has written is distasteful.
"A player such as Tendulkar does not need any certificate from Shoaib as he got that from Australian legend Sir Don Bradman. Tendulkar does not need to prove anything to Shoaib. He must apologise to both Tendulkar and Dravid," Shukla said.
Talking about India's forgettable England tour, Shukla blamed injuries to key players for the debacle.
"The main reason for the defeats was that some of our key players were not in the team due to injuries. But we must say that England players were outstanding and whoever plays better wins," Shukla said.
The new IPL chairman rebutted the suggestions that players were overworked and that their injuries aggravated by playing in the T20 league.
"We have a lot of players in the reserve slot. When a player gets injured or wants to take rest due to fatigue, he informs and we replace him. We did the same during the England tour and we got some new talent. Nobody now can say that the schedule of the Indian team is tight. We play as much as some other leading nations," he said.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
BCB holds 'meeting' with cricketers
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held a meeting with the 23-member primary squad for the home series against West Indies, concerning their code of conduct.
The meeting took place at the BCB conference room following Red team's practice after 12:00pm on Sunday.
The board made an effort to conceal the matter. A member of the national squad recently strayed from the code of conduct. As a result BCB secretly arranged the meeting to discuss the manner of speaking in front of news media.
The story behind the story is that Mohammed Ashraful spoke to reporters about Mushfiqur Rahman's captaincy. He said, "The fans did not support the new skipper Mushfiqur Rahim at the BCB Cup final. Everyone should support him."
Within a day of the remark, the contracted players were summoned. Cricket operations committee chairman Enayet Hossain Siraj, media and communications committee chairman Jalal Yunus, manager Saiful Arefin Tutul, Sirajuddin Md. Alamgir and Aminul Haque Moni were present in the meeting.
When one of them came out he informed that the cricketers are not following the code of conduct.
When asked the reason of this sudden summoning of contracted players, Enayet Hossain Siraj and Jalal Younus attempted to sidestep the matter. Later Siraj said, "It's nothing serious. We don't sit with cricketers usually, so we just spent some time together."
Jalal said, "It's been long since we had a meeting with the players. Besides, we discussed openly about cricketers' code of conduct concerning their sponsorship and field attitudes� nothing more."
But no matter how much they tried to hide the matter, a player who was present in the meeting and expressed reluctance to acknowledge names said, "We were made aware of the code of conduct in no uncertain terms."
The meeting took place at the BCB conference room following Red team's practice after 12:00pm on Sunday.
The board made an effort to conceal the matter. A member of the national squad recently strayed from the code of conduct. As a result BCB secretly arranged the meeting to discuss the manner of speaking in front of news media.
The story behind the story is that Mohammed Ashraful spoke to reporters about Mushfiqur Rahman's captaincy. He said, "The fans did not support the new skipper Mushfiqur Rahim at the BCB Cup final. Everyone should support him."
Within a day of the remark, the contracted players were summoned. Cricket operations committee chairman Enayet Hossain Siraj, media and communications committee chairman Jalal Yunus, manager Saiful Arefin Tutul, Sirajuddin Md. Alamgir and Aminul Haque Moni were present in the meeting.
When one of them came out he informed that the cricketers are not following the code of conduct.
When asked the reason of this sudden summoning of contracted players, Enayet Hossain Siraj and Jalal Younus attempted to sidestep the matter. Later Siraj said, "It's nothing serious. We don't sit with cricketers usually, so we just spent some time together."
Jalal said, "It's been long since we had a meeting with the players. Besides, we discussed openly about cricketers' code of conduct concerning their sponsorship and field attitudes� nothing more."
But no matter how much they tried to hide the matter, a player who was present in the meeting and expressed reluctance to acknowledge names said, "We were made aware of the code of conduct in no uncertain terms."
Windies square T20i series
West Indies turned the tables on England to level the two-match Twenty20 International series at The Oval on Sunday.
West Indies dismissed their world champion opponents for just 88 in 16.4 overs after the home side required merely 114 runs to clinch the series.
One-down Ben Stokes scored highest 31 runs in the miserable England chase that saw four run outs.
All-rounder Garey Mathurin was the pick of the Caribbean bowlers with 3-9 in four overs.
The result was never likely after Graeme Swann won the toss and chose to bowl for the second match running.
The West Indies adopted a cautious approach, understandably after their 10-wicket defeat only days earlier at the same venue.
Marlon Samuels was the only batsman willing to make an effort with 35 off as many deliveries in his side's 113-5 off 20 overs.
Samit Patel took two wickets while Jade Dernbach, debutant spinner Scott Borthwick and Ravi Bopara each claimed one wicket.
West Indies dismissed their world champion opponents for just 88 in 16.4 overs after the home side required merely 114 runs to clinch the series.
One-down Ben Stokes scored highest 31 runs in the miserable England chase that saw four run outs.
All-rounder Garey Mathurin was the pick of the Caribbean bowlers with 3-9 in four overs.
The result was never likely after Graeme Swann won the toss and chose to bowl for the second match running.
The West Indies adopted a cautious approach, understandably after their 10-wicket defeat only days earlier at the same venue.
Marlon Samuels was the only batsman willing to make an effort with 35 off as many deliveries in his side's 113-5 off 20 overs.
Samit Patel took two wickets while Jade Dernbach, debutant spinner Scott Borthwick and Ravi Bopara each claimed one wicket.
Somerset spring another KKR surprise
English county side Somerset inflicted a five-wicket defeat on Kolkata Knight Riders in their Group B match of the Nokia Champions League Twenty20 tournament on Sunday.
Only days after losing by 11 runs to the same opponents in the pre-tournament qualifier, the Knight Riders failed to defend their 161-run score after Somerset got home with two balls to spare.
The foundation of Somerset's remarkable chase was a 105-run second wicket stand between Roelof van der Merwe (73) and Peter Trego (28).
Van der Merwe's 40-ball knock that featured nine fours and two sixes, was eventually terminated by Shakib Al Hasan, who had him caught and bowled.
The former Bangladesh captain who was quite expensive in the first two overs of his spell, redeemed himself by finishing with 1-30 off four overs. He also had a hand in breaking the Somerset century-stand when his direct throw had Trego short of his crease.
Earlier, an unbroken 90-run fourth-wicket stand between Jacques Kallis and hard-hitting Yusuf Pathan helped Kolkata post 161-3 in 20 overs.
Knight Riders welcomed back skipper Gautam Gambhir after he opted to rest during the qualifier, but he fell for a first-ball duck.
It was left to experienced Kallis (74 off 61 balls - 4 4s and 4 6s) and Pathan (21-ball 39 - 4 6s) to rescue the side after the scoreboard read 71-3 in 12 overs.
Lewis Gregory and Alfonso Thomas share three wickets for the English county side.
Only days after losing by 11 runs to the same opponents in the pre-tournament qualifier, the Knight Riders failed to defend their 161-run score after Somerset got home with two balls to spare.
The foundation of Somerset's remarkable chase was a 105-run second wicket stand between Roelof van der Merwe (73) and Peter Trego (28).
Van der Merwe's 40-ball knock that featured nine fours and two sixes, was eventually terminated by Shakib Al Hasan, who had him caught and bowled.
The former Bangladesh captain who was quite expensive in the first two overs of his spell, redeemed himself by finishing with 1-30 off four overs. He also had a hand in breaking the Somerset century-stand when his direct throw had Trego short of his crease.
Earlier, an unbroken 90-run fourth-wicket stand between Jacques Kallis and hard-hitting Yusuf Pathan helped Kolkata post 161-3 in 20 overs.
Knight Riders welcomed back skipper Gautam Gambhir after he opted to rest during the qualifier, but he fell for a first-ball duck.
It was left to experienced Kallis (74 off 61 balls - 4 4s and 4 6s) and Pathan (21-ball 39 - 4 6s) to rescue the side after the scoreboard read 71-3 in 12 overs.
Lewis Gregory and Alfonso Thomas share three wickets for the English county side.
Krasic rescues Juventus at Catania
Milos Krasic scored early in the second half to give Juventus a 1-1 draw at Catania as they stayed unbeaten in Serie A on Sunday along with Udinese after their goalless stalemate at Cagliari.
The two sides share the lead with eight points from four games. Atalanta remain the only other unbeaten team after a 2-1 win over Novara.
Promoted Atalanta, who won with goals from Matias Schelotto and Luca Cigarini, have the best playing record with three wins and a draw.
However they have only four points after having six deducted before the start of the season in a Serie B match-fixing scandal.
Roma were away to Parma in Sunday's other match (1845 GMT), looking for their first win under new coach Luis Enrique.
Genoa's unbeaten record ended when they lost 2-1 at Chievo, who also beat Napoli in midweek.
Striker Rodrigo Palacio, recalled by Argentina last week after a three-year absence, put Genoa ahead just after halftime with his fourth goal in as many games.
Sergio Pellisier levelled for Chievo in the 74th minute and Davide Moscardelli scored a stoppage-time winner.
Siena beat Lecce 3-0 helped by a brace from Emanuele Calaio after Mattia Destro opened the scoring while Lazio and Palermo played out a goalless draw in the afternoon's other game.
Juventus fell behind after 21 minutes at Catania, Alejandro Gomez supplying a low cross which was turned into the net by his fellow Argentine Gonzalo Bergessio.
Serbian striker Krasic equalised four minutes after the re-start with a right-foot shot which was badly misjudged by goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, another member of the Argentine contingent in the Sicilian side.
Juve had a let-off late in the game when a mistake by Giorgio Chiellini set up a chance for David Suazo but the Honduran was foiled by Gianluigi Buffon
The two sides share the lead with eight points from four games. Atalanta remain the only other unbeaten team after a 2-1 win over Novara.
Promoted Atalanta, who won with goals from Matias Schelotto and Luca Cigarini, have the best playing record with three wins and a draw.
However they have only four points after having six deducted before the start of the season in a Serie B match-fixing scandal.
Roma were away to Parma in Sunday's other match (1845 GMT), looking for their first win under new coach Luis Enrique.
Genoa's unbeaten record ended when they lost 2-1 at Chievo, who also beat Napoli in midweek.
Striker Rodrigo Palacio, recalled by Argentina last week after a three-year absence, put Genoa ahead just after halftime with his fourth goal in as many games.
Sergio Pellisier levelled for Chievo in the 74th minute and Davide Moscardelli scored a stoppage-time winner.
Siena beat Lecce 3-0 helped by a brace from Emanuele Calaio after Mattia Destro opened the scoring while Lazio and Palermo played out a goalless draw in the afternoon's other game.
Juventus fell behind after 21 minutes at Catania, Alejandro Gomez supplying a low cross which was turned into the net by his fellow Argentine Gonzalo Bergessio.
Serbian striker Krasic equalised four minutes after the re-start with a right-foot shot which was badly misjudged by goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, another member of the Argentine contingent in the Sicilian side.
Juve had a let-off late in the game when a mistake by Giorgio Chiellini set up a chance for David Suazo but the Honduran was foiled by Gianluigi Buffon
Inter's Sneijder ruled out of CSKA Moscow clash
Inter coach Claudio Ranieri will have to make do without the services of Wesley Sneijder in the upcoming Champions League match away against CSKA Moscow, as the playmaker is unavailable due to injury.
The Netherlands international picked up a muscular problem in the build-up to this weekend's Serie A match against Bologna and was unable to feature in the 3-1 win.
Inter were initially hopeful that Sneijder would recover in time for Tuesday's match in Moscow, but the Italian giants have now revealed on their official website that the former Real Madrid star has been left out of the match squad for their second game of the Champions League group stage, reports goal.com.
Furthermore, full-back Maicon and midfielder Dejan Stankovic have also been omitted due to injury, while Diego Forlan is cup-tied.
Inter lost their opening Group B game against Trabzonspor 1-0 and will be desperate to achieve a positive result on Tuesday.
The Netherlands international picked up a muscular problem in the build-up to this weekend's Serie A match against Bologna and was unable to feature in the 3-1 win.
Inter were initially hopeful that Sneijder would recover in time for Tuesday's match in Moscow, but the Italian giants have now revealed on their official website that the former Real Madrid star has been left out of the match squad for their second game of the Champions League group stage, reports goal.com.
Furthermore, full-back Maicon and midfielder Dejan Stankovic have also been omitted due to injury, while Diego Forlan is cup-tied.
Inter lost their opening Group B game against Trabzonspor 1-0 and will be desperate to achieve a positive result on Tuesday.
We are not invincible: Guardiola
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola insists his team are not unbeatable even if it sometimes appears that way.
Saturday night saw Guardiola's men rampant against Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp, running out 5-0 winners on the back of a hat-trick from Lionel Messi - seven days after an 8-0 trouncing of Osasuna, reports ESPNstar.
Barcelona lost a pair of matches on their pre-season tour of the United States, and a team of reserves were beaten by Espanyol in the Catalonia Cup final.
But Barcelona`s main men can be imperious, and Guardiola acknowledges that.
He also suggests his team are there to be taken down a notch if they let their standards slip.
A pair of 2-2 away draws against Valencia and Real Sociedad might be taken as signs of weakness, and those results have contributed to Barcelona lying behind leaders Real Betis in the early La Liga standings.
"We are not unbeatable ... any team can beat us," Guardiola said.
"But if we do things right the fans who come to watch us will have a good time, which is the most important thing."
Reflecting on the comprehensive victory over Atletico, Guardiola said: "We played very well, it was a lesson in concentration, but from tomorrow on we have to do it again. Let's see if we're able maintain this level. It's this year's challenge."
He told his post-match press conference - according to Barcelona's official website - that Messi's latest masterful performance spoke for itself.
"Messi was decisive again, you can only congratulate him. He's a player that you don't have to explain, you just have to watch him in action," Guardiola said.
Saturday night saw Guardiola's men rampant against Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp, running out 5-0 winners on the back of a hat-trick from Lionel Messi - seven days after an 8-0 trouncing of Osasuna, reports ESPNstar.
Barcelona lost a pair of matches on their pre-season tour of the United States, and a team of reserves were beaten by Espanyol in the Catalonia Cup final.
But Barcelona`s main men can be imperious, and Guardiola acknowledges that.
He also suggests his team are there to be taken down a notch if they let their standards slip.
A pair of 2-2 away draws against Valencia and Real Sociedad might be taken as signs of weakness, and those results have contributed to Barcelona lying behind leaders Real Betis in the early La Liga standings.
"We are not unbeatable ... any team can beat us," Guardiola said.
"But if we do things right the fans who come to watch us will have a good time, which is the most important thing."
Reflecting on the comprehensive victory over Atletico, Guardiola said: "We played very well, it was a lesson in concentration, but from tomorrow on we have to do it again. Let's see if we're able maintain this level. It's this year's challenge."
He told his post-match press conference - according to Barcelona's official website - that Messi's latest masterful performance spoke for itself.
"Messi was decisive again, you can only congratulate him. He's a player that you don't have to explain, you just have to watch him in action," Guardiola said.
Messi closes in on Barca scoring record
Lionel Messi is excited about the prospect of taking second spot on the list of Barcelona's record goal-scorers from club hero Ladislau Kubala after the brilliant Argentine netted another hat-trick on Saturday.
Messi's superb treble against Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old's 11th career hat-trick, put him on 192 goals, two behind Hungarian Kubala, who played for Barca in the 1950s and early 1960s. Cesar Rodriguez is the club's record marksman with 235.
"I just take it a game at a time but obviously I'm very excited," World Player of the Year Messi told Barca TV on Sunday.
"Hopefully I can overtake him (Kubala)," he added.
"I want to continue making history here."
Messi made his debut for Barca's first team in October 2004 and became the club's youngest league scorer when he netted against Albacete in May 2005 at the age of 17 years, 10 months and seven days.
In five La Liga games this season, he has already scored eight goals, one more than last term's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.
"Messi was decisive again, you can only congratulate him," Barca coach Pep Guardiola said after Saturday's 5-0 victory over Atletico.
"He's a player that you don't have to explain, you just have to watch him in action.
"He is two goals away from Kubala's record, at 24 years old. It's all been said, there's not much to add."
Messi, typically, argues that his success comes from playing in a great team and says individual awards are secondary.
"I think the most important thing for this team is to keep winning, and keep winning titles for us and the fans," he told Barca TV.
"This is far more important than any individual prize or statistic."
Messi's superb treble against Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old's 11th career hat-trick, put him on 192 goals, two behind Hungarian Kubala, who played for Barca in the 1950s and early 1960s. Cesar Rodriguez is the club's record marksman with 235.
"I just take it a game at a time but obviously I'm very excited," World Player of the Year Messi told Barca TV on Sunday.
"Hopefully I can overtake him (Kubala)," he added.
"I want to continue making history here."
Messi made his debut for Barca's first team in October 2004 and became the club's youngest league scorer when he netted against Albacete in May 2005 at the age of 17 years, 10 months and seven days.
In five La Liga games this season, he has already scored eight goals, one more than last term's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.
"Messi was decisive again, you can only congratulate him," Barca coach Pep Guardiola said after Saturday's 5-0 victory over Atletico.
"He's a player that you don't have to explain, you just have to watch him in action.
"He is two goals away from Kubala's record, at 24 years old. It's all been said, there's not much to add."
Messi, typically, argues that his success comes from playing in a great team and says individual awards are secondary.
"I think the most important thing for this team is to keep winning, and keep winning titles for us and the fans," he told Barca TV.
"This is far more important than any individual prize or statistic."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Rain dampens Australia's hopes
Rain disrupted play for the second successive session on Monday dampening Australia's hopes of wrapping up a series-clinching win against Sri Lanka on the final day of the second Test match.
Sri Lanka were 317 for six wickets at tea and held a lead of 80 runs before rain stopped play after 18.1 overs in the post-lunch session.
The morning session witnessed just 17.2 overs of play.
The hosts lost two quick wickets after lunch as Ryan Harris removed wicketkeeper batsman Prasanna Jayawardene (21) to pick up his third wicket in the innings and Shane Watson dismissed Thilan Samaraweera (43).
Angelo Mathews (11 not out), the only recognised batsman left for Sri Lanka, and Suraj Randiv (four not out) were at the crease when the umpires took an early tea due to the rain.
In the morning session, Australia picked up the crucial wickets of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene as they pressed for victory.
The hosts added 65 runs to their overnight total in the first session for the loss of Sangakkara (69) and Jayawardene (51) as they battled to save the Test match after conceding a huge first-innings deficit.
The experienced duo added 101 runs for the third wicket before Sangakkara fell to the second new ball on his overnight score, his edge off Ryan Harris carrying straight to Australia captain Michael Clarke at second slip.
Clarke also took a brilliant one-handed diving catch off Trent Copeland to send back Jayawardene, who stood his ground until replays confirmed the ball had not touched the ground.
Australia missed an opportunity to dismiss Thilan Samaraweera on nought when Clarke dropped him off Harris, three deliveries after the dismissal of Sangakkara.
Australia won the first match of the three-Test series by 125 runs.
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