Thomson blasts "garbage" surrounding Clarke-Bingle scandal

Sydney, Mar 21 : Former Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson has questioned vice-captain Michael Clarke’s need to leave New Zealand to end his engagement with fiancée Lara Bingle.

Thomson said that Clarke should have ended his engagement without returning to Sydney.

“I think you could quite easily end the relationship without coming back, couldn''t you? You could quite easily say, That''s it anyway,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Thomson, as saying.

He further said that former Australian players would find the situation to be funny.

“It''s just laughable. These cricketers who have had to go away from their wives for months on tours and other cricketers who went away for tours on boats would be laughing their head off. What the hell is this all about? It''s not even his wife,” Thomson said.

The 59-year-old said the nude photo scandal involving Bingle and AFL player Brendan Fevola seemed as though it may have been an attention-seeking ploy by Bingle.

“She went to the Allan Border Medal and nobody took any notice of her. All the other girls outdid her. That might have dented her ego a little,” he said.

Thomson also made comparisons of the scandal with the Tiger Woods saga, and doubts whether Australians cared about either of the two dramas.

“Everyone''s sick of it. It''s like Tiger Woods and his missus, to the normal everyday person, who really gives a stuff?” he said.

“Who gives a hang about Lara Bingle and what he''s doing with her? They''re more interested in what Michael Clarke''s doing on the cricket field,” he added.

New Zealand Cricket call in high-performance guru

Auckland, Mar 21 : New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has called in high-performance guru Don Tricker in a bid to lift the national team’s performance against Australia.

Tricker, who also works with the New Zealand Rugby Union, Bike NZ, Swimming New Zealand and Netball New Zealand, is considered an expert on high performance in sport.

“Don works with key sports and ultimately provides those sports with recommendations. He looks at the high-performance environment of a team or sport, the systems, structures and the way the players are prepared,” Stuff.co.nz quoted a Sparc spokesman, as saying.

“The first question he asks is: what do these athletes want? He looks to challenge the traditional model for sports. He examines a sport to see whether what it''s doing will produce the desired results. His job is to observe and then he will ultimately make a recommendation to NZC,” the spokesman added.

NZC Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said his organization had used Tricker in the past and on this occasion he was being asked to provide an independent assessment of the Black Caps environment.

“Don''s had an association with cricket for some time, certainly since the last World Cup in 2007. On and off, he pops in to see the unit to check on how they are going and to provide an independent view,” Vaughan said.

“He''s also been helping to work and develop our coaching staff. I know he''s spent some time with [coach] Mark Greatbatch and the other Black Caps coaches in terms of trying to develop them and figure out plans for their development. It''s a service that Sparc and Don offer, which is great,” he added.

PCB allows Rana Naved to play in Bangladesh T20

Lahore, Mar.20 : After allowing Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also given permission to ‘ banned’ fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan to participate in Bangladesh’s domestic T20 tournament starting March 26 in Sharjah.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had imposed a year’s ban on Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved and slapped hefty fines on them for violating the players code of conduct during the disastrous Australia tour.

It may be noted that the PCB had issued a strict warning to the players wanting to participate in domestic tournaments of other countries, saying they must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board.

The PCB had also prohibited players selected for the upcoming ICC T20 World Championship from taking part in Bangladesh’s domestic T20 tournament.

Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Mohammed Hafeez, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Nazir had signed for the tournament but insiders said the PCB does not want to risk these players ahead of the coveted T20 World Cup and is unlikely to grant them the NOC’s.

The PCB has allowed former captain Mohammed Yousuf, who is also facing an indefinite ban, to take part in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL).

Kiwis fighting to save Wellington Test against Australians

Wellington, Mar.20 : Replying to Australia''s imposing total of 459 for five declared, New Zealand were precariously placed at 108 for the loss of four wickets on the second day of the Basin Reserve Test.

Holding fort for New Zealand were skipper Daniel Vettori on 42 and Martin Guptill on an unbeaten 19.

Thanks to Vettori and Guptill, New Zealand recovered from a wobbly 43 for four to 108 without further loss of wickets. The home side is still 152 runs away from avoiding a follow-on.

Vettori picked the right balls to hit in his 79-ball knock, including five fours, while Guptill, now ensconced at No 5, played a mature hand with his side in trouble. He batted 113 minutes and 94 deliveries, with his only extravagant shot a big straight six off spinner Nathan Hauritz.

Left-arm paceman Doug Bollinger, with figures of two for 21, relished a bouncy pitch as he bookended the New Zealand top-order collapse.

He started the rot in the first over when he trapped BJ Watling dead in front with a fast inswinger, first ball.

New Zealand didn''t need any more run out dramas but Tim McIntosh provided them when he pushed into the off side and called Peter Ingram through.

It was risky, and bowler Mitchell Johnson obliged brilliantly when his right foot kick hit the stumps with the unlucky Ingram, on five, short.

McIntosh''s unhappy 74-minute stay for nine ended when he edged debutant Ryan Harris to the slips cordon for the Queenslander''s first test wicket.

Big hope Ross Taylor looked comfortable immediately, stroking four boundaries en route to 21, but a fired-up Bollinger returned and enticed an edge, leaving Vettori to marshall another rescue mission.

It was all Australia for the first half of the day, too, as Michael Clarke''s 168 and Marcus North''s 112 not out featuring in a record-breaking partnership that batted the hosts out of the test.

From 316 for four overnight, the pair rumbled on in perfect conditions as they put on 253, an Australian fifth wicket partnership record against New Zealand, beating the previous mark of 213 set by Greg Matthews and Greg Ritchie in the 1985-86 season.

Clarke''s was the only Australian wicket to fall today when he charged Vettori and was stumped down the leg side by Brendon McCullum.

His epic innings, a 14th test century for the Australian vice-captain, spanned 364 minutes, 253 deliveries and included 22 fours and two sixes.

A jubilant North reached his fourth century in his 14th test soon after Clarke''s departure as he top-edged Chris Martin over McCullum''s head for four.

North had batted exactly five hours when captain Ricky Ponting boldly called time on the innings, 50 minutes after lunch.

Debutant Brent Arnel was the most successful New Zealand bowler with two for 89 off 26 overs, Vettori toiled for 33 overs to take one for 111 off 33 while Martin was the only other wicket taker with one for 115 off 30.

Rana Naved, Shoaib Malik to challenge PCB ban

Islamabad, Mar.20 : Banned Pakistani fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has decided to challenge the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to impose a year’s ban and a hefty fine on him.

Naved said he has received the documents explaining the reasons for his suspension by the PCB and would file his appeal in a couple of days.

“ I have been preparing the response papers with my representatives and they will be ready in a couple of days time,” PakPassion.net quoted Naved, as saying.

The 32-year-old bowler said he has read the report prepared by the PCB’s Inquiry Committee, which had recommended harsh punishments for players who ‘underperformed’ during the Australia tour.

“Yes I have the report and have had a read of it. The only reason why they have banned me is due to underperformance. They felt that my performance on the tour of Australia was below par. I always give 10o percent effort every time I take the field, it doesn''t matter who I am playing for, I always give my all,” Naved said.

Meanwhile, former captain Shoiab Malik, who is also facing a year’s ban, has also decided to appeal against the PCB’s decision.

Malik said he has been informed that the board’s inquiry committee has found him guilty of creating ‘disharmony’ in the dressing room also faking an ankle injury during New Zealand tour.

Earlier, the PCB had given 30 days time to the banned, fined players to appeal.

The PCB had suspended Malik and Naved for one year, and slapped hefty fines on star all-rounder Shahid Afridi, wicket keeper Kamran Akmal and his batsman brother Umer Akmal following the recommendations of a committee headed by the Chief Operating Officer (CCO) Wasim Bari.

The PCB had formed the six-member committee to look into Pakistan’s deplorable performance during the tour of Australia, during which the visitors were white washed in all three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 match.

Cook's success as skipper in Bangladesh may allow ECB to consider squad rotation

London, Mar.20 : Alastair Cook''s success as stand-in England captain has paved the way for more players to be pulled out of tours.

If Cook delivers a clean sweep of one-day and Test victories over Bangladesh, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) could give serious thought to squad rotation and resting key men, The Mirror reports.

ECB Managing Director Hugh Morris said: "The bottom line is that we have to manage the workloads of our players because of the amount of cricket being played internationally now. That is reflected in the sort of selection decision we have made for this tour and over the next 12 months."

"Looking ahead to the Ashes tour followed immediately by the World Cup, there is an enormous amount of cricket being played and we need to make sure that the captain of the England team is fit and absolutely ready for those two challenges," Morris said.

"Alastair has done really well. He is one of the youngest England captains ever. It is a big responsibility on his shoulders and you want to see someone growing as a leader and getting more confident which he has done," he added.

'Bingle's engagement ring not worth the $200k Clarke paid for it'

Melbourne, Mar 20 : It has emerged that Australian model Lara Bingle’s engagement ring is not worth the 200,000 dollars cricketer Michael Clarke reportedly paid for it.

The devaluation in price of the ring was revealed by jewellery valuer Roy Cohen, CEO of The Gold Company and the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia, reports the Daily Telegraph.


According Cohen, the 4.7-carat pearl-shaped sparkler is worth only 50,000 dollars, but does acknowledge its notoriety has an unknown worth.

CSK fans await Hayden's mongoose magic at home

Chennai, March 20 : The fans are awe-struck with Matthew Hayden and his Mongoose bat following his 43-ball blitz Friday night at the Feozeshah Kotla and they look forward to another exhilarating experience from the opening batsman when Chennai Super Kings plays host to cellar-dwellers Kings XI Punjab here Sunday.

The ongoing Indian Premier League has not witnessed anything quite like Hayden's onslaught against the Delhi Daredevils who could not defend a total of 185 with the former Aussie opener belting 93, aided by seven sixes and nine boundaries. The five-wicket victory, their second in succession, gave the Super Kings campaign more momentum after the loss to Deccan Chargers in their opening fixture at home.

The Super Kings would be starting out firm favourites against the Punjab outfit that is in a bit of a mess after three consecutive defeats with no light to be seen at the end of the tunnel. Thus, the pressure is more on the visitors to get their act together and pick up their first points of the season.

In contrast, the Super Kings are flying high following their twin successes in Kolkata and Delhi. More importantly, the host team would be determined to put up a show to satiate their fans who were disappointed last Sunday after the defeat to the Chargers.

At the Kotla Friday night, the Super Kings would have felt the absence of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who is nursing an elbow injury, when Virender Sehwag was at full throttle. Dhoni's cover, Suresh Raina, just about survived the initial half of the game that exposed the Achilles heel of the Super Kings side, its bowling. It was left to Hayden and later Raina to see the team through the tricky chase.

The Super Kings would be yet again banking on their batting to see them past the Kings XI whose bowling has not really measured up to expectations. Punjab nearly pulled off a win against the Daredevils in their opening game at home, but lost in the last over. Later, they failed to defend a total of 203 against the Royal Challengers in Bangalore earlier this week before flying off to Cuttack where they lost to Chargers and now winging to Chennai.

Thus, a travel-weary Kings XI, carrying several out-of-form players and without Brett Lee, have their task cut out against the Super Kings.

Rajasthan Royals set 169-run target for Knight Riders

hmedabad, March 20 : Rajasthan Royals made 168 for seven in 20 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera here Saturday.

Avishek Jhunjhunwala was the top scorer with 45 while Adam Voges made an unbeaten 37.

Rajasthan Royals beat Knight Riders by 34 runs

Ahmedabad, March 20 : Rajasthan Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 34 runs for their first win in the third edition of Indian Premier League here Saturday.

Abhishek Jhunjhunwala top scored with 45 runs to take his side to 168 for seven in 20 overs. In reply, Knight Riders could make only 134 for five.

Yusuf Pathan took two for 23 for the Royals.

Dhoni likely to rejoin team next week

Chennai, March 20 : India and Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, nursing an elbow injury, might rejoin the Chennai team in time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Mumbai Indians next week, coach Stephen Fleming said.

Speaking at a media conference here Saturday, Fleming said: "We are in touch. He is recovering slowly. The physio has asked him to be ready to bat in the Mumbai game (slated for March 25). Dhoni will be seen by the physio well before that and we are hoping that he will be available for our matches starting with Mumbai."

On the Sunday's game against the Kings XI Punjab, Fleming was cautious and said: "I am surely happy on winning two games. But there are another eleven matches to go. We have experienced that one can go in superb form and suddenly lose the momentum."

"So, we are realistic about each challenge and each game. Our interest is to make the top four in the first phase and that stage will be ideal to win the tournament."

The Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders and the Delhi Daredevils in their two away games after losing to Deccan Chargers in their opening fixture at home.

Fleming pointed out that the Kings XI, having lost all their three games so far, would be only too keen to get some points on the board and that should make them dangerous opponents.

"They (Kings XI) have lost three games. But I think it is a dangerous side to play against. It is the team that is looking to win at this stage. We got to put them under pressure straight away and hopefully expose some lack of confidence which will come from losing those games."

"We cannot be over confident. We got to look into our moments, bowling discipline and strong fielding efforts. We have got to look after that," he said.

Giving full marks to stand-in captain Suresh Raina's performance against the Daredevils Friday night, Fleming said: "We are all happy. I think, Raina is a super star now. His job was tough, especially when you have to captain against Warner, Dilshan, Shewag and de Villiers. He has handled himself very well. He was able to change things around."

"We talked about it and he had the courage to bring the spinners early in the match. He did a wonderful job with his bat. He finished the job well and you like the captain to do that."

Royals showed lot of character, says Warne

Ahmedabad, March 20 : Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne said his boys showed character in scoring their first win in the third edition of the Indian Premier League.

The 2008 champions defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 34 runs at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera here, after suffering three consecutive defeats in the league.

"We made an ordinary start. The way we played in some of our earlier matches was really embarassing. But the way we played today was great and the guys showed lot of character to win this one," said Warne.

"This is a good start for us and hopefully it will help us to go a long way in this league," he added.

Knight Rider's captain Sourav Ganguly blamed his bowlers for the team's second consecutive loss.

"It was not our best. We need to bowl well and show some intensity on the field," he said.

Ganguly, who scored a 29-ball 33, said the Motera track was slow.

"But they (Royals) bowled pretty well in the middle overs. Now we have to play well and win matches to take off the pressure. We have to get our act right," he said.

Chelsea v Inter Milan: Jose Mourinho pays respects ahead of his return 'home'

Duly fortified, the former Chelsea manager took time out before training to deliver a lengthy, rather moving homily to the club he clearly still holds very dear, only once offering a disparaging comment. Reflecting on how his path and Chelsea’s have diverged since he was dismissed in 2007, Mourinho said: “I keep winning important things. They keep winning something. They won an FA Cup.’’ Otherwise respect reigned. The special relationship remained intact.

“The most important thing is the relation we have,’’ said the Inter Milan coach, holding court in the Centenary Club at the Bridge in advance of Tuesday night’s Champions League last 16 second leg tie, in which the Italians have a 2-1 advantage. “No regrets, no big problems. Just respect. Coming back to an ex-club it is important to feel like I feel. It’s one of the most beautiful things in football. They move on, I move on.’’

Injured, tearful Beckham faces World Cup heartbreak

ROME (AFP) – David Beckham's dreams of playing in a fourth World Cup looked doomed on Sunday after he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon injury.

The 34-year-old former England captain was hurt in AC Milan's 1-0 Serie A win over Chievo at the San Siro, a victory which helped close the gap on league leaders Inter.

"A rupture of the Achilles tendon is suspected," said a statement on the AC Milan official website.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said that the player will be out for "probably five or six months".

The World Cup gets underway in South Africa on June 11.

"I saw him and he was suffering. In the dressing room, I took him in my arms and told him that if he wanted, he will be with us next year."

Milan coach Leonardo said: "David's injury is bad for us. This was an important victory tonight, but this injury prevents us from really enjoying it.

"It's an important injury and we need to be able to judge how serious it is.

"David realised straightaway what had happened. He understood that it was a serious problem and he said so immediately. It?s such a great shame. He's a great lad who makes a huge contribution to the team."

Beckham, desperate to feature in Fabio Capello's England squad for South Africa and play in a fourth World Cup finals, twisted his left ankle during the final minutes of Sunday's match.

He limped off the field and was stretchered away in pain and in tears.

It's understood that he will undergo surgery in Finland on Monday.

"This injury has been a heavy blow for him and for us. Unfortunately the party is ruined," added Leonardo.

Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf, who had scored Milan's last-minute winner in the game, said he had great sympathy for Beckham.

"David is very bad. When it happened, it didn't seem to be a big thing, but eventually it looked to be a serious enough injury," said Seedorf.

Milan defender Ignazio Abate said the England star was inconsolable.

"He's not doing well. He was in tears in the dressing room, he wasn't saying a lot. This has affected us all."

Earlier Sunday, Beckham had admitted he was far from certain to win a place in England's squad for the World Cup finals.

Beckham was an unused substitute in England's recent friendly win over Egypt as Capello opted to look at Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right wing instead of the veteran for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.

The 34-year-old joined AC Milan on loan in January in an attempt to convince Capello he could still make an impact at the highest level, but he has been left on the bench several times during his spell at the San Siro.

An injury crisis at the club, however, meant he was handed a rare start on Sunday only to suffer the major injury.

"We wish him a speedy recovery," MLS commissioner Don Garber said.

Beckham is England's most-capped outfield player and has played in three World Cups.

Quoted in several newspapers in England on Sunday, former Manchester United midfielder Beckham said: "Am I banking on going to the World Cup? No, not at all.

"I am not guaranteed to go to South Africa. I have to work hard and hopefully win my place.

"There are a good few months left and plenty of games to play, but hopefully I can carry on playing well and get in the squad."

PCB says team manager Abdul Raqeeb is lying

Karachi, March 15 : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday said former team manager Abdul Raqeeb is lying that he had never filed any complaints against the players after the disastrous tour of Australia.

"PCB has completely rejected former team manager Abdul Raqeeb's recent statements in the press where he has denied complaining about player indiscipline. In his recent appearance before the Australian Tour Inquiry Committee, Mr. Raqeeb had suggested that they should be heavily fined. It is disappointing to note that Mr. Raqeeb has chosen to deny what is already well recorded and documented," PCB said in a statement.

The PCB statement went on to add that Raqeeb had stated in his manager's report that when Younis Khan decided to drop Mohammad Yousuf for the second ODI against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, it led to a series of events that ultimately forced Younis to resign.

Raqeeb's tour report clearly mentioned that when Yousuf was told he was dropped on account of his poor fielding he curtly replied 'I have been fielding like this for the last 7 years'.

"He (YOusuf) publicly argued with the coach and the resulting disquiet in the team led to the dropping of Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal. Raqeeb stated that it was in the backdrop of these events that team unity completely broke down and eventually Younis Khan resigned from captaincy. Raqeeb has also admitted that he was unable to take any corrective action and remained totally helpless to arrest the sharply falling team morale during these events," the statement added.

"In another incident, Raqeeb has reported that a heated argument took place between Umer Gul and Mohammad Aamir in which nasty words were exchanged. Both players were fined as a result."

"Raqeeb has also mentioned that after the second Test in Sydney when Kamran Akmal was apparently being dropped for poor performance, he started giving statements in the Australian press which was a clear breach of the player's Code of Conduct.," the statement recalled.

"Consequently, Umar Akmal complained of a back injury; however, after a medical check-up no injury was found. Umar Akmal, however, also violated the code of conduct by giving statements to the press," the statement said.

The statement added: "Raqeeb has also written in his tour report that after the 5th ODI against Australia a brawl took place between Mohammad Yousuf and the coach on the selection of the team as Shahid Afridi had made two changes and dropped Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik. Raqeeb had repeated his complaints during his appearance before the Australia Tour Inquiry Committee. Now Raqeeb is issuing statements that are completely opposite to his own stated positions."

Three held in Kolkata for forging IPL tickets

Kolkata, March 15 : Three people were arrested Monday for selling fake Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets in the city, police said.

"Two men, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammed Faiyaz, were picked up from College Street area by the city police's detective department while another offender Mirajul Haq was held from Keshab Chandra Street locality," a senior Kolkata Police officer said.

According to sources, Haq was the owner of a digital printing shop where Ahmed and Faiyaz had forged the IPL tickets.

Police said two more people were also held for interrogation.

"They made 1,000 fake digital printouts of IPL tickets. They also forged the IPL hologram. We have seized some tickets from them and are now trying to confiscate the rest of fake tickets," the officer said.

Police said the three men were brought before a city court Monday and remanded in to 10 days of police custody.

Rana Naved renews Big Bash T20 contract with Tasmania

Karachi, March 15 : Banned Pakistani all-rounder Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan will play for Australia's Big Bash T20 team Tasmania this season.

Rana, who was banned for one year by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this month over indiscipline, said that he is also in talks for a English county contract with Sussex.

Last year Rana played for Tasmania in the Big Bash - Australia's domestic Twenty20 competition - and produced a few match-winning knocks for which he was rewarded with the best Twenty20 player of the season by Tasmania.

"I have renewed my contract with Tasmania as PCB has not barred us to play in domestic competitions," Rana said Monday.

"I am also hopeful of getting a contract from Sussex as talks are underway with their officials," he added.

Rana was banned along with former captain Shoaib Malik and was also slapped with a fine of Rs.2 million. Five other players were also banned or slapped with a fine by the PCB over indiscipline.

"I have still not received any notice from PCB regarding my ban. I will decide to appeal against the ban after getting details by the PCB," he said.

Kalinga Sena activists held for protests in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, March 15 : Over 30 activists of the Kalinga Sena, a fringe political outfit in Orissa, were Monday arrested at the Biju Patnaik Airport here for protesting against the Australian players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), police said.

Hundreds of Kalinga Sena activists staged a protest when the Deccan Chargers team arrived at the airport for an IPL matche to be played at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium March 19.

However, before the protesters could reach the team, the players were whisked away amid tight security to their hotel.

"We have detained more than 30 people when they were protesting at the Biju Pattnaik Airport," said Himanshu Lal, Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police.

Police cane charged the slogan-shouting protesters when they attempted to break through the police cordon.

The Kalinga Sena had earlier threatened to disrupt IPL matches in Cuttack unless Australian cricketers were barred from playing and the cheerleaders were excluded from the game.

Cuttack, a non-IPL franchisee city, got a chance to host matches after the Hyderabad-based Deccan Chargers picked Barabati Stadium as a venue, terming it as their "catchment" area.

The Deccan Chargers will meet Kings XI Punjab March 19 and Delhi Daredevils March 21.

Few takers for IPL at multiplexesv

New Delhi, March 15 : The live telecast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in multiplexes has not been able to pull in the audiences despite the initial buzz, according to experts.

Multiplexes are now keeping their fingers crossed for the tournament to pick up and bring footfalls.

"The maximum occupancy over the weekend has been only 20 percent and the minimum has been close to six percent during certain matches," Amit Awasthi, manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, told IANS.

"It hasn't picked up at all but we'll continue screening the matches hoping it catches buzz as IPL continues. In terms of films, there are no big releases this month hence no expectations. But we are pinning hopes on 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha' (LSD) releasing this Friday," he added.

A source from PVR cinemas echoed the view.

"The opening for IPL on the big screen has been average and nothing extraordinary. The occupancy has been about 25-30 percent. We are hoping it picks up. While in films, LSD is giving us some hopes," said the source.

March is usually a dry month for Bollywood, courtesy the Class 10 and Class 12 Board exams and the Hindi film industry has little to offer in terms of big budget outings.

Multiplexes this time are trying to cash in on the opportunity by screening the third edition of the IPL tournament that started Friday. It will end April 25.

The response however has been average so far.

"It's just the early days and the audiences' interest is waking back in IPL. It has been an Ok response and the good part is we've had had a repeated audience. There is a great word of mouth and we are hoping it (footfalls) will grow as the momentum of IPL picks up," said Tusshar Dhingra, COO of Big cinemas.

Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas is also optimistic.

"There has been no initial to IPL as of now as it has only been three days. Though there is a good buzz, the expectations have not been fulfilled," said Raizada.

"We are hoping the hype builds up with time. While in films we are hoping all the three films releasing this Friday - 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha', 'Shaapit' and 'Lahore' will bring in footfalls as they are from different genres," he added.

Around 800 screens around India, including close to 65 in Delhi and surrounding areas, are screening the matches at movie ticket prices that range from Rs.120-180 across different properties depending on the timing of the match.

Juhi Chawla invites Mamata to watch KKR match

Kolkata, March 15 : Bollywood actress and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Juhi Chawla Monday met Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee at her south Kolkata residence and invited her to watch Indian Premier League matches at the Eden Gardens stadium.

According to Trinamool Congress office sources, Chawla came to Banerjee's Kalighat residence and had a meeting with the party supremo for almost 20 minutes.

"It was a courtesy meeting between Banerjee and Chawla," sources at the Trinamool Congress office said, adding the party leader gifted Chawla a stole and welcomed her to the city.

"Chawla also invited Banerjee to watch KKR matches at the Eden Gardens," a Trinamool worker said.

Rajasthan Royals set 142-run target for Daredevils

Ahmedabad, March 15 : Rajasthan Royals made 141 for six in 20 overs against Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera here Monday.

Abhishek Jhunjhunwala was the top scorer with an unbeaten 53 while Dimitri Mascarenhas made 29.

England on top after Swann's five-wicket haul

Graeme Swann grabbed five wickets to bowl England into a commanding position in the opening Test against Bangladesh on Sunday.

The off-spinner finished with 5-90 in his fifth five-wicket haul as the hosts were bowled out for 296 in their first innings in reply to the tourists' mammoth 599-6 declared.

England, who did not enforce the follow-on, were 131-5 in their second innings at stumps on the third day for an overall lead of 434.

The tourists lost skipper Alastair Cook (39), debutant Michael Carberry (34), Kevin Pietersen (32), Jonathan Trott (14) and Paul Collingwood (three).

The 25-year-old Cook became the second-youngest batsman after India's Sachin Tendulkar to complete 4,000 Test runs during his 55-ball knock.

"The follow-on was discussed, but we felt this was the best way to win the game," said Swann.

"We are 430 ahead after three days. We lost a couple of wickets at the end which isn't ideal, but with two days to play I think we're in the box seat.

"It was hard work today. The pitch was not really responsive but I kept plugging away in the hope that if I got one, another might follow and so it proved."

Mushfiqur Rahim (79) and Naeem Islam (38) earlier put on a record 113 for the eighth wicket before England ended Bangladesh's late fightback with three wickets off four balls.

Wicket-keeper Rahim and Naeem frustrated England with their defiant knocks but the tourists managed to break the stand, thanks to brilliant fielding by Carberry.

His accurate throw from the deep to wicket-keeper Matt Prior found Naeem short of the crease as the batsman attempted a second run. Swann then ended the innings when he took the last two wickets off three deliveries.

Rahim fell to a superb one-handed catch by substitute James Tredwell at short mid-wicket after cracking 15 fours, while last-man Rubel Hossain was bowled for no score.

Bangladesh's previous best for the eighth wicket in Tests was 87 between Mohammad Ashraful and Mohammad Rafique against the West Indies at Gros Islet in 2004.

"At the moment, it is difficult for us but the match has not ended yet," said Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal.

"You cannot predict in cricket what will happen. We scored more than 400 runs in the fourth innings in a Test against Sri Lanka in Dhaka (in 2008).

"We are not conceding defeat yet, because we know if someone plays an extraordinary innings anything is possible in cricket."

England had chances to break the Rahim-Naeem partnership in the afternoon session, but failed to capitalise on them.

Naeem was on 13 when Swann failed to hold on to a return catch and Rahim on 61 when Paul Collingwood dropped a catch at second slip off paceman Stuart Broad.

Bangladesh lost two wickets in the opening hour after resuming at 154-5, but Rahim and Naeem kept the England attack at bay with their determined knocks.

Paceman Tim Bresnan bowled Tamim (86), who managed to add just five runs to his overnight score. The Bangladeshi opener hit one six and 14 fours in his 124-ball knock.

Debutant paceman Steven Finn bagged his maiden Test wicket when he had nightwatchman Shahadat Hossain (14) caught by Collingwood at second slip.

Rahim reached his fifth Test half-century just before lunch, sweeping Swann to the boundary.

Clark will play the first Test against New Zealand

Melbourne, March 14 : Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Sunday said Michael Clarke is a "certain starter" for the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington Friday.

Clarke will have his first net with the Test squad Tuesday after joining his New South Wales teammates Simon Katich, Steve Smith, Phillip Hughes and Marcus North.

His decision to resume his playing career ends a week in the media glare over his decision to return home in the middle of the one-day series to sort out his now failed relationship with Lara Bingle.

"Michael is definitely coming over. He'll get himself prepared for the first Test," Ponting was quoted as saying in The Australian.

Australia lost to New Zealand by 51 runs in the fifth and final one-dayer but Ponting's side retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with a three-two series win.

"It has obviously been a tough time for him the last few days at home," Ponting said. "All the guys here (in New Zealand) have given as much support as possible and he was given as much time as he needed to get everything sorted at home."

"He'll come back for us as vice-captain and an experienced player in the Test side. We'll give him as much support as he needs when he joins the group again and make sure he's ready to go."

Sachin Tendulkar named UN Goodwill Ambassador

United Nations, March 12 : India's cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Tendulkar, the first player to score 10,000 runs in one-day internationals, will use his massive global popularity to raise awareness and harness support for environmental action in his home country of India and around the world, the UNEP announced here today.

"I have played and enjoyed my cricket across the planet. Now it?s also time to do something for the planet, which is our only home," he said.

"Being part of the effort to save the planet is an immense undertaking but it is a challenge I am ready to undertake. Working with UNEP and cricket fans across the globe, I am in good company. Together we can do it.?
The agency?s Executive Director, Achim Steiner, voiced confidence that Tendulkar?s ?character, personal integrity, intellect and profile will catalyze widespread environmental action.?
With 2010 being the UN?s International Year of Biodiversity, the cricket legend will work with the agency to boost the global and grassroots response to the loss of animal and plant diversity worldwide.
Tendulkar is no stranger to the work of the UN, having lent his voice to a UN Children?s Fund (UNICEF) campaign in India on the importance of personal hygiene.
As one of his first duties as Goodwill Ambassador, he will lead a Green Pledge to save the planet when the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off its third season tomorrow night in Mumbai.
The vow to be made in front of the millions of fans expected to be watching live on television, YouTube or at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai reads ?the Earth is our home and together we must conserve our precious wildlife, forests and oceans. I am proud to pledge that I will play my part in caring for our natural heritage.?
Along with Tendulkar, team captains from the Deccan Chargers to the Kolkata Knight Riders will sign a giant globe made out of recycled materials.
Noting that as a rapidly developing economy, India?s consumption and production patterns could define the planet?s future, Steiner said: ?We need to make the right choices in terms of how best to manage energy and natural resources.?
?To borrow a cricketing metaphor, these choices will define whether the world is running or soon will be run out.?

Harris all set to become Australia's 413th Test cricketer

Melbourne, Mar 9 : Fast bowler Ryan Harris is all set to become Australia’s 413th Test cricketer as a reward for his spectacular ODI performance late summer.

Rejuvenated Harris, 30, is poised to make his Test debut in New Zealand next week as a replacement for the injured Peter Siddle.

Australia will today name a squad for Tests in Wellington (March 19-23) and Hamilton (March 27-31) and Harris’s short-game form will be irresistible to a selection panel that is running out of time to experiment before next summer’s Ashes series.

Harris’s athleticism in the field and his robust power-hitting make him an attractive option in all forms of the game and his ability to swing the ball at more than 140km/h has made him a dominant force in one-day cricket for Australia.

Since being recalled to the national side for a one-dayer against Pakistan in Adelaide in January, Harris has taken 25 wickets in nine matches, The Herald Sun reports.

There is no reason his methods cannot work in Test cricket and former Test fast bowler Carl Rackemann has tipped him to succeed in the five-day game.

“I think he can be a real force in the Ashes. He has the best wrist position of any bowler in Australia at the moment. He is a seriously good bowler,” Rackemann said.

If, as expected, Harris is chosen in the Test team, he will become Australia''s 12th Test debutant in 17 months.

PCB committee recommends fine,ban on players for violating code of conduct on Oz tour

Lahore, Mar.9 : The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) inquiry committee looking into the national team’s recent disastrous tour Down Under has recommended hefty penalties for wicket keeper Kamran Akmal and star all rounder Shahid Afridi for violating the player’s code of conduct during the tour.

According to sources, the inquiry committee has proposed slapping a fine of three million rupees each on Akmal and Afridi for their misconduct.

“The inquiry committee, headed by PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wasim Bari, has also recommended two million rupees fine and one-year ban each on former captain Shoaib Malik, pace bowler Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan and batsman Umar Akmal,” The Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

While Afridi could be penalised for his involvement in a shameful ball-tampering incident in the fifth and final one-dayer in Perth against Australia, Kamran and his brother Umar are likely to face action for giving statements to the media.

Akmal has also come under match fixing scanner as he dropped several catches against the hosts during the second Test match at Sydney.

Flintoff will play again, says Moores

London, Mar 9 : England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who retired from Test cricket last year and is currently recovering from surgery, will play again, according to Lancashire coach Peter Moores.

Flintoff has been blighted by injuries and went under the knife in January in a bid to cure a long-standing problem with his knee, which was originally operated on in September.

And while Flintoff now admits there is a slight chance he may never make a comeback, Moores remains confident.

“I’ve no doubt at all that Freddie will play again. When the surgeon had another look at the knee, the fact that he was happy with it is the main thing — that it’s repaired or repairing well,” The Sun quoted Moores, as saying.

“Fred has got to do his rehab but he has shown in the past that when there’s a will for him to do it, and he strongly wants to play, he’ll come through,” he said.

“Having watched Fred do his rehab before — I’m very confident he’ll play again. He’s got to do his stuff if he wants to play. The key will be how it stands up over time and the pressure of playing, which nobody will know,” Moores added.

Waugh hopes Clarke leaving New Zealand tour for personal reasons is a "one off"

Melbourne, Mar 9 : Australian legend and cricket commentator Mark Waugh has said that he hopes Michael Clarke’s dash home from New Zealand is a one-off, as the cricketer’s personal life “encroached on his cricket”.



Clarke abandoned his New Zealand tour in middle and rushed back to home as his fiancee Lara Bingle broke her silence over the nude photo scandal involving Brisbane Lions AFL star Brendan Fevola.



It’s for the first time Clarke’s private life has taken precedence over his career as a professional sportsman, Fox Sports quoted Waugh, as saying.



“He’s had to leave the tour, so (his personal life) has encroached on his cricket. That’s not the way you want to be playing your cricket and living your life,” Waugh said.



“It’s difficult being a high-profile sportsman having a high-profile partner. You’re in the spotlight all the time, for good and bad reasons. It’s difficult to handle, especially when the press is negative.



“It’s not easy for anybody, and negative publicity has got to affect you at some stage. When it’s your wife or partner involved, it’s difficult to handle. Hopefully there’s not too many more dramas in the future,” he said.



“Leaving tours for personal reasons isn’t ideal, but it’s the first time and hopefully it’s a one-off,” Waugh added.



The status of Clarke and Bingle as Australia’s glamour couple, the country''s version of David and Victoria Beckham, means the tabloid press and celebrity magazines monitor their every move.



“I’m sure Michael would like to lead a much quieter life, but it’s not possible with the arrangement he’s got. There’s always going to be that balance between playing and off-field dramas,” Waugh said.

Rowdy Kiwi crowd nothing compared to Aussies: Vettori

Hamilton, Mar 9(ANI): New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori reckons that his side should feed off their home-crowd support as much as possible because next time when they tour Australia things are bound to get ugly.

The Kiwi fans are sure to give Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson another tough day at the office, but Vettori believes that it is nothing compared to what his men suffer in Australia.

“The games over there are pretty intense. I''ve been fortunate in the last few years. I''ve been captain and I haven''t had to field on the boundary (in Australia) so I''ve missed a lot of that stuff which is good,” The Herald Sun quoted Vettori, as saying.

“It''s the same worldwide. You get that when you stand on the boundary. They (Kiwi fans in general) certainly step up when Australia comes here. It''s the series that all New Zealanders look forward to. They get up for it as much as we do,” he added.

Vettori said even at home grounds the Black Caps receive some hostile comments.

“Sometimes it is directed at us, so we will look forward to that. But no, they are a good crowd and they get into it,” he said.

He further said that while the Kiwi fans will be keeping an eye on Johnson, the New Zealand batsmen would not take him lightly.

“We know that Johnson is their strike bowler. The way that Ricky Ponting uses him is to come in and try to take wickets. He''s the guy that I suppose more than anyone we need to make sure we play him on his merits,” Vettori said.

“The other guys are pretty new to a lot of us. Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris we haven''t played a lot against, Nathan Hauritz even,” he added.

I supported Asif 'emotionally', 'financially', want my money back: Veena Malik

Lahore, Mar.9 : Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif’s estranged girl friend Veena Malik, a noted film and TV actress, has claimed that she had supported Asif both ‘emotionally’ and ‘financially’ during his bad days, and now she at least wants her money back.

Malik has sued Asif for recovery of 3.4 million rupees.

“When he (Asif) was banned from cricket and when no one was willing to support or help him I stood by his side and I gave him money which he said he would pay me back when things improved,” Malik.

“Now that his situation is better he is trying to avoid meeting his commitment but I want my money back, it is my hard earned money,” she added.

Malik also claimed that Asif had proposed her on Valentine’s Day but she had refused as she wanted to concentrate on her career.

Meanwhile, Asif has rubbished Malik’s allegations.

“She supported me a lot but this money business is not correct,” The Daily Times quoted Asif, as saying.

Asif was romantically linked to Malik, and there were rumours last year that both got secretly married in London, which has been denied by both of them.

However, Asif got married to a girl from Lahore, Hina, recently.

According to sources, Asif had assured Malik of marriage once his cricket career was back on track and he was selected in the Pakistan team.

“Veena kept on giving Asif money during his turbulent period. She had to sell her house in Islamabad, a couple of residential plots and gold jewelry to help Asif come out of the mess in which he was,” sources said.

“She was madly in love with him, but he dumped her and married someone else. Veena has documentary proof of the money she was giving to Asif for the last two years,” the sources added.

India''s top sportspersons felicitated in Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 9 : Several Indian sportspersons were felicitated here at an awards function.

Organised by the magazine ''Sports Illustrated;, the event saw many sportspersons including Sachin Tendulkar and Sania Mirza, being felicitated for bringing laurels to the country.

Along with the award, Tendulkar was also presented a miniature gold bat in recognition of his double century, the first ever double-ton in One Day International (ODI) cricket against South Africa on February 24.

Expressing happiness, Tendulkar said, "It has taken many years for somebody to get a double hundred and it was fantastic feeling the kind of reaction I got. And I''m still getting the reactions; just want to take this opportunity to thank all the people for having reacted so warmly. It feels terrific."

Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra was also felicitated with an award.
Sania Mirza, who is recovering from a wrist injury, was presented with an award and a miniature gold tennis ball for her recent performance.

Receiving the award, Sania Mirza said she was preparing for the Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled in October 2010 in New Delhi.

"Of course, to me Commonwealth and Asian Games is the most important thing at the moment. Firstly, it is happening in India and secondly, it is my third Asian Games and first Commonwealth, so I''m really looking forward to it," said Mirza.

Mirza had sustained the injury after losing to Spain''s Anabel Medina Garrigues in the first round of the 2010 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship.

However, Mirza was happy with her contribution during the Fed Cup Group II matches in Kuala Lumpur last month, which helped India qualify for Fed Cup''s Asia/Oceania Zone Group-I stage.

Rugby World Cup 2011

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Bond all set to play in IPL-3

Wellington, Mar 8 : New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond is all set to declare himself available for the Indian Premier League, starting on March 12.

New Zealand Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills’ said Bond will declare himself available for the upcoming IPL-3.

Al Qaeda had threatened to target players during the IPL, but Bond, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram (if fit) are now more likely to attend than when the terror warning was first issued.

“They’re going of their own accord; New Zealand Cricket isn’t involved so it comes down to an individual decision at the end of the day.

“Bondy will be the first one to go, so he’s probably getting close to making a decision and all I’m going to do is keep relaying information to him from our security adviser, Reg Dickason,” Mills said.

“The measures they’ve put in place have got a lot better so they (the players) are getting more confident. Certainly more confident than they were two weeks ago,” Mills said.

“I’d say they’d be of a mind to go at the moment, but that’s their call and obviously I wouldn’t want to be seen to say that they’re definitely going,” Stuff.co.nz quoted Bond, as saying.

Mills said that security strategies around the 12 venues and host cities in India had shown marked improvement in recent days and he felt they would improve again in the lead-up to the tournament.

Karachi Dolphins coach blames batsmen for RBS Twenty20 Cup ouster

Karachi, Mar 8: Karachi Dolphins coach Sadiq Mohammad has blamed his batsmen for their defeat in the thrilling RBS Twenty20 Cup semi final against Sialkot.

Chasing a target of 150, the Dolphins seemed to be clear favourites at the half way stage, but with four wickets down and the score on only 22, the game tilted in the favour of the Stallions.

A mixture of some reckless cricket and fantastic bowling and fielding from Sialkot ensured a seven run victory despite a strong middle-order batting line-up consisting of Fawad Alam, Shahzaib Hasan and Shahid Afridi.

Mohammad said that a gameplan was clearly outlined for his team, before they started to chase the score of 150 needed for victory.

“I said to the boys that you are facing experienced, international bowlers, don''t disrespect them, play each ball on merit and don''t try to smash every delivery out of the park. These are not club bowlers who you can smash around at will,” Pakpassion quoted Mohammad, as saying.

“Asif hurt us with his opening spell and to lose three wickets with the score on 21 was hard to take. Nonetheless, I still felt that with our batting lineup and the fact that we had successfully chased down scores previously in the tournament, we could go on and reach the score of 150,” he added.

The coach further said that despite his warnings and messages, which were sent to batsmen out in the middle, his players continued to play rash shots.

“We sent a message out to Shahzaib to keep his cool after his great start. He had given us a great start and we wanted him to try and stay there in the middle for 10 overs. However, despite the messages he lost his concentation and gave Sialkot their first wicket and the boost that they needed,”

“Shahid (Afridi) went in at number six which I thought was ideal for him. I wanted him to stay calm and to try and disturb the line and length of the bowlers. As an experienced international player he should have realised that the Sialkot fielders were all on the edge of the circle and his aim should have been to look for quick singles, to bring in the fielders and then try to hit over the top. Instead he went for one shot too many.”

“We sent messages out to him to stay cool and not to bat in a wild manner. He was nearly caught the ball before his dismissal and then eventually he was dismissed,” he added.

PCB chairman defends Waqar's appointment as coach

Islamabad, Mar 8: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has defended Waqar Younis’ appointment as Pakistan coach despite allegations of match fixing against him.

Butt said that all those fined on the basis of Justice Malik Qayyum’s inquiry report ten years ago had been cleared for national duties now, and stressed the services of players like Waqar, Wasim Akram or Ijaz Ahmed were being utilised after clearance and recovery of fines.

“Ten years have passed since the Malik Qayyum report came out and they have paid their fines and the International Cricket Council (ICC) also has no objection to them being given responsibilities by the board,” The Daily Times quoted Butt, as saying.

Some former players have criticised the board for appointing those players on key positions despite being named in the Qayyum match-fixing inquiry report.

Waqar, Wasim, Aaqib Javed, Saeed Anwar were among those who the Qayyum committee fined for not cooperating with the inquiry that lasted for some 18 months.

Butt further said that Waqar would be paid around Rs. 650,000 monthly salary besides other perks.

“We think that is a reasonable amount we are paying for his services since the former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was paid around Rs 1.7 million a month by the board,” Butt added.

Kiwi coach welcomes aggressive start of Chappell-Hadlee series

Wellington, Mar 8 : New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch has no problem with the aggressive start of the Chappell Hadlee series and expects the Hamilton crowd to be “quite rowdy” on Tuesday for game three against Australia.

Tensions have been running high during the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series; with Australia’s Mitchell Johnson becoming New Zealand’s new public enemy No.1 after he head butted Scott Styris in game one.

Greatbatch said he welcomed the competitive nature of contests between the Trans-Tasman foes. “The last time I played (against Australia), Merv Hughes spat on me.”

“But we had a beer at the end of the day. It’s competitive, it’s great. It’s Australia-New Zealand. It was pretty controlled (in Auckland). It was good aggression and it was good cricket,” FOX Sports quoted him, as saying.

“It’s gamesmanship. We’re in the entertainment business and people pay money to come and watch,” Greatbatch added.

The injury-hit Black Caps called up uncapped batsman Shanan Stewart for game three at Seddon Park.

“Shanan has been in our thinking for the Twenty20 World Cup. He’s in great nick, he’s got a couple of hundreds and a 200 today (227 not out for Canterbury against Central Districts).

“He’s an experienced middle order player, a very dynamic one-day player and we feel he plays the aggressive game we''re looking to play against the Australians,” said Greatbatch.

Pak actress serves a legal notice to Asif

Lahore, Mar 8: Pakistani film and TV actress Veena Malik has served a legal notice to her former boyfriend and Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif for recovery of Rs 3.4 million.

The notice, sent through her counsel, reportedly states that Asif was given different amounts on different occasions by Veena on the promise that he would return it, but he did not.

“If Asif fails to return the same within seven days after receiving the notice, an FIR will be lodged and legal action will be taken against him in a court of law,” The Daily Times quoted the notice, as saying.

Asif was romantically linked to Veena, and there were rumours last year that both got secretly married in London, which has been denied by both of them.

Veena claims that she had helped Asif financially during the period when he was under a ban for using drugs.

Asif served a 12-month ban for failing a dope test in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and was also fined Rs. one million by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for possessing opium that landed him in 19 days of detention in Dubai airport.

According to sources, Asif had assured Veena to marry her once his cricket career was back on track and he was selected in the Pakistan team.

“Veena kept on giving Asif money during his turbulent period. She had to sell her house in Islamabad, a couple of residential plots and gold jewelry to help Asif come out of the mess in which he was,” sources said.

“She was madly in love with him, but he dumped her and married someone else. Veena has documentary proof of the money she was giving to Asif for the last two years,” the sources added.

Michael Clarke quits New Zealand tour for personal reasons

Melbourne, Mar 8 : Vice-captain of the Australian cricket team, Michael Clarke, is said to have quit the New Zealand tour and is heading back to his Sydney home for personal reasons.

A spokesman said Clarke, 28, left the team hotel in Hamilton on the eve of the third one-day international against the Black Caps and it was not known when he would return, reports the Age.

Clarke’s departure leaves the Australian one-day squad down with just 12 players; paceman Clint McKay and all-rounder Adam Voges are vying for a place in the side with Clarke gone.

According to a spokesman, a replacement player may be called up from Australia for the final two one-day games in Auckland on March 11 and Wellington on March 13.

It’s not known if Clarke will return for the two-Test series starting on March 19.

The Test squad will be named later this week.

North hoping selectors see 'bigger picture' to allow him further test stint

Sydney, Mar 8: Australian batsman Marcus North will learn in the next 48 hours if his time as a Test player has come to a close.

Selectors convening this week to name Australia’s Test for the tour of New Zealand, will decide whether they should continue with a struggling North or replace him with all-rounder Cameron White or leg-spinner Steve Smith, who have been in superb form this season.

Several former cricketers are adamant that North must be sacked from the No. 6 spot after a horror series against West Indies and Pakistan, that will allow Australia to experiment with White and Smith for the Ashes series, which is just 10 months away.

North''s place in the Test squad is in doubt after he had a disastrous series against Pakistan, where he scored just 41 runs in three Tests with a top score of 21 and an average of 10.25.

However, despite the figures, North is hopeful that selectors would take a long-term view of his Test career before naming Australia''s Test squad either tomorrow or Wednesday.

“I''m hoping the selectors look at the bigger picture and look over my entire Test career, and the form that I''ve shown against the top teams in the world, and also the big series that I''ve played in,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted North, as having told ABC Radio''s Grandstand program.

“I thought South Africa, England and the West Indies were good series for me and … some low scores in the Pakistan series meant that it was a very lean series for me.”

“I don''t feel like I''m going out there and looking out of touch. I''m making some good starts - don''t get me wrong, I''m very disappointed with that, but I feel like I''ve got a lot to offer in the No.6 position for Australia. It would be a shame for it to end in a couple of days or on that New Zealand tour,” he added.

Australian team has a "handful of idiots" John Reid

Hamilton, Mar 8: Former New Zealand captain and ICC match referee John Reid has said the Australian team includes "idiots" who need to pull their heads in.

Both the New Zealand and Australian camps are reveling in the passion and emotion generated by New Zealand''s sensational victory in the second international Twenty20 game and the opening clash of the five-match one-day series at Napier.

Tempers were flaring during the Napier ODI where Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson''s head-butt to New Zealand batsman Scott Styris''s helmet took hostilities into another realm.“The spirit the game is played in is the most important thing. Like it or not, these guys are role models for youngsters. It''s an old-fashioned term, but it''s a fact. Johnson was the aggressor, but he''s mad headbutting someone with a helmet on,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Reid, as saying.

"Generally the Australian team looks good, but there are a handful of idiots who need to be reined in. Do your work with the bat and the ball, not your mouth. It''s not necessary," he added.

Commenting about Johnson being fined 60 percent of his match fee by match referee Ranjan Madugalle for headbutting Styris''s helmet, Reid said: “Johnson was the most fortunate to escape a ban for his headbutt. I refereed with Madugalle for 10 years."

"I think he did a reasonable job, but if anything he could have come down a bit tougher,” he added.

AC Milan Miss An Opportunity

AC Milan squandered a 3 min lead in the Champions League, round of 16 match and lost to Man U after Rooney headed in two goals.

AC Milan had a dream start when David Beckham’s free kick was struck by Ronaldinho, which took a deflection into the goal. Manchester United came onto the score sheets with a strange goal from Paul Scholes in the 35th minute.

After the break United came out all guns ablaze and took the challenge to the opposition. Sub Antonio Valencia’s cross allowed Rooney to jump in between the centerbacks to head home his first for the night and United’s second. Roo added another 8 minutes later, this was also scored from a header.

United Lose Their Way

Manchester United fell to a 3-1 defeat against Everton on Saturday, even after taking a 0-1 lead through Berbatov.

United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson commented:

“It was a bad result for us and at this time of the year you can’t afford results like that, but I don’t think we will panic because it has been a funny season. Teams have been losing points that you don’t expect so the very nature of the league suggests we still have a chance. But Tuesday is a massive game now.”

The Red Devils controlled the game a lot but were unable to force more goals. Ferguson said in retrospect that the mid-week’s Champions League game against AC Milan must have taken a toll on his team.

“Milan could have had an impact,”

he said.

“It is difficult to think that when you go through all the emotions and the pace and intensity and atmosphere of a game like Tuesday, you don’t lose something. Whatever it was, it was just too much for us today.”

“We had some good chances early on and we could have been two or three up. The equaliser changed the game a little bit. But it was the second half that let us down. Our second-half performance was very poor and when you are going for the championship you expect Manchester United to respond to the importance of the game.”

Wenger Furious Over Ramsey’s Injury

Arsenal won the match against Stoke City, however, the horrific injury to fellow team mate Aaron Ramsey surely cast a shadow over the win.

After the match Wenger commented:

“I’m proud of our game because it was an unbelievable battle from the first minute. We needed to be tough and resilient to win.”

When asked about the injury to Welshman, Wenger said:

“I’m of course very sad because of what happened. We know it’s a bad injury. We have to transfer him to London tonight to see if he needs emergency surgery. We don’t know how long he will be out but it’s certainly long term.”

He also added:

“I’m not very happy with the tackle. We know what we are expecting, a battle everywhere, but we have now lost three players on horrendous tackles and I refuse to believe it’s always coincidence.”

Scandals Galore For The England Team

If it wasn’t enough that Wayne Bridge has ruled himself out for selection in the England squad, Capello and the England team have been hit by another scandal. Ashley Cole is heading towards a messy divorce.

Fabio Capello is surely not a happy man, with one scandal after another being thrown into his face. He said in an interview to CNN:

“Yes. I am not lucky because I prefer the normal life and to speak about football, not personal lives. The next press conference will not be easy to speak about Egypt. A lot of questions will be about John Terry, Wayne Bridge and other things around their private life.”

It’s a tough situation for the Italian since he’s a stickler for discipline. He commented:

“When I met the players for the first time I told them they had to respect all the people that work with me, around us and the other players.”

“I want the respect at every moment. When we are eating, training, working, on the bus. Always.”

“I don’t understand why 25 or 26 people have to wait for one or two. It is about respecting the rules.”

Shoaib and Tanvir not in World Twenty20 squad

Except for the omission of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, there were no major surprises in Pakistan's preliminary 30-man squad for the defence of their World Twenty20 title in the Caribbean in two months' time. Injured fast bowler Sohail Tanvir, who has not played any cricket since November, was also overlooked.

Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, said Shoaib had been overlooked because he had hardly played any cricket in the past ten months. Though Shoaib has only taken part in a couple of List A matches since the series against Australia in UAE last May, he had said last week that he was still confident of making an international comeback. He will lead Islamabad Leopards in the upcoming RBS Twenty20 Cup.

Butt said Tanvir would undergo knee surgery in Australia. "The doctors are not sure when he will regain the fitness," he told AP.

Another fast bowler who was missing from the probables was Mohammad Talha, who had been part of the squad for the two Twenty20s against England last weekend.

Men's squad: Imran Nazir, Imran Farhat, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Shahzaib Hassan, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Naveed Yasin, Hasan Raza, Kamran Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Arafat, Hammad Azam, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami, Saeed Ajmal, Raza Hasan, Abdul Rehman, Kamran Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed, Zulqarnain Haider.

Younis Khan pulls out of RBS Twenty20 Cup

Younis Khan the former Pakistan captain, has pulled out of the domestic RBS Twenty20 Cup that is underway in Karachi, due to unknown reasons.

Younis was slated to lead the Abbottabad Rhinos, but did not play in the team's opening match, a defeat against Faisalabad Wolves on March 1, before deciding to withdraw from the tournament, which features Pakistan's leading cricketers.

The decision was confirmed on Monday by Taimur Khan Afridi, the manager of Abbottabad Rhinos. Afridi said that he was unaware of Younis's reasons to pull out of the event.

Younis, had earlier retired from Twenty20 internationals after leading Pakistan to victory in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2009. He normally plays for Peshawar Panthers in domestic events but joined the Rhinos' set-up for the Twenty20 Cup.

Mohsin for separate Twenty20 team

Mohsin Khan began his stint as Pakistan's new chief selector by calling for Pakistan's Twenty20 set-up and thinking to be divorced from the Test and ODI line-ups, arguing that cricket's newest format had played havoc with Pakistan's skills in the longer formats.

Mohsin was appointed yesterday, taking over from Iqbal Qasim, who handed in his resignation after Pakistan's winless tour of Australia. He becomes the third full-time chief selector in less than a year and though his first assignment will be to pick a squad of 15 for the World Twenty20 defense in the Caribbean in April, his real work, he said, will begin after that.

"My personal opinion is that Test cricket and ODI cricket should have no relation to Twenty20 cricket," Mohsin said at the National Stadium in Karachi, echoing the belief of Mohammad Yousuf who said during the Australia tour that the format would "destroy" cricket in Pakistan.

"Twenty20 cricket should be totally separate apart from some outstanding players like Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Fawad Alam, Saeed Ajmal and Umar Gul who fit into every format. But apart from these players, I would request the chairman to have a totally different set-up for the format. Twenty20 cricket has messed up our Test cricket skills and in ODIs we cannot bat even 50 overs."

The terms of reference for his role and its parameters appear broad and flexible currently; no time limit is set on the job and the former Test opener even insisted that he would be more than willing to help out in a coaching capacity, an option he was initially keen on in his negotiations with the chairman.

"For two to three months I had been in direct talks with the chairman," Mohsin said. "I said that if I do come back to the board then in two fields am I capable of giving something back to cricket, coaching or selection. The chairman called me yesterday and said he wants me to start with the selection committee right now.

"Coaching is still my first choice and I have told the chairman, I still feel physically fit enough to do it. I have said whenever you need my services in coaching department it is always there. In our top order batting we do have a problem, so I have said whenever you need my services I am ready."

Pakistan's chief selectors in recent years have had to deal constantly with problems over the ambit and nature of their role. The post has become, essentially a full-time, professional one, barring Qasim's recent stint, which was in an honorary capacity.

But both Abdul Qadir and Salahuddin Mulla in recent years have faced issues over the apparent undermining of their authority and say in selection by the captain and coach. "The chairman has given me total authority," Mohsin said. "In selecting a team, there are three pillars and all have to take blame or credit: the selection committee, captain and coach. All three have to take responsibility. I want the captain and coach in the process, because they have to fight on the field."

These issues will be discussed in a meeting with Ijaz Butt later in the week but Mohsin said he is more than happy to have no set time limit on his role. "I have not asked for a specific time period. I will start and do the work and keep doing it until the board is satisfied with me and I am satisfied with them. People have had tenures before which they didn't finish so I said to the chairman let's not set a fixed time. Until I am doing well, until the board thinks I am doing well, fine. I don't want to be a burden anywhere. You clap with two hands, not one. We will work together, how long for I don't know."

All-round Waqas stars in Lahore win

Group B

Naved-ul-Hasan, batting at No.3, smashed 95 off 57 balls and grabbed a wicket in Sialkot Stallions' 17-run win in a high-scoring encounter against Rawalpindi Rams at the National Stadium. Naved struck 10 fours and three sixes in his fierce knock and was supported by Shahid Yousuf (31), Shoaib Malik (33 not out) and Abdul Razzaq (25 not out) as Sialkot piled up 197. Rawalpindi lost Babar Naeem early in their reply but Naved Malik and Tahir Mughal (34 off 19) put together 51 in quick time. At 106 for 3 in the 11th over, Rawalpindi were in the hunt but Sarfraz Ahmed grabbed two quick wickets to peg them back and ensure Sialkot didn't lose the advantage. Hammad Azam fought hard with an unbeaten 36 but the effort proved inadequate.

Group A

A four-wicket haul from allrounder Waqas Ahmed helped Lahore Lions steal a two-run victory, their third straight win in the tournament, against Multan Tigers at the National Stadium. In chase of 167, Kashif Naved shone with a 42-ball 58, which included five fours and two sixes. He was supported by Rameez Alam's 33 but Waqas picked up wickets regularly after the pair were dismissed to turn the game in Lahore's favour. Lahore had slipped to 41 for 3 in their innings but were revived by the Akmal brothers, Umar and Kamran, who added 54 for the fourth wicket. Umar went on to score 64 while Waqas dealt some lusty blows at the death to lift Lahore to a score that proved just about adequate.

Afridi miffed with Karachi management

Disenchanted with the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) after being overlooked for the captaincy in the domestic RBS Twenty20 Cup that is underway in Karachi, Shahid Afridi has threatened to quit his domestic side. Mohammad Sami, the Pakistan fast bowler, was preferred to Afridi and the allrounder was miffed at not being given a reason for the preference in leadership of the Karachi Dolphins.

"I think the KCCA senior officials need to rethink their attitude towards senior players and how they treat them," Afridi told reporters at the National Stadium. "I think the KCCA officials should have had the courtesy to at least tell me why they didn't want me as captain. I am always prepared to play even as a ordinary player but there is a way you treat senior players and the KCCA is not doing that.

"I have always taken a lot of pride in representing Karachi in domestic cricket but if the KCCA continue to treat senior players badly then I might be forced to play for some other region in coming events."

The KCCA secretary Siraj-ul-Islam Bukhari, who has held the post for more than three decades now, was quick to explain that Afridi had misunderstood the situation. "The fact is that last season when we wanted him to lead the side he was not available and this year we also had to take into consideration the fact that Mohammad Sami had led Karachi to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title and deserved to continue as captain," he said.

According to Afridi, however, he had been told last year by national coach Intikhab Alam that he could play in only two matches during the competition. "Since I was not available for the entire tournament I decided it would be better if the KCCA appointed someone else as captain who could lead in the entire event," he said. "I have no big issue with the captaincy I am playing under Sami but it is also a fact that a senior player like myself deserves better treatment from home association."

The Dolphins, whose squad includes the internationals Fawad Alam, Khalid Latif, and Safraz Ahmed, are currently at the top of Group D in the RBS Twenty20 Cup standings. They have won their only match so far.

Afridi has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately because of the infamous ball-tampering incident in Australia.

Ajmal takes Faisalabad to semi-final

Faisalabad Wolves eased to a seven-wicket win over Islamabad Leopards to qualify for the semi-finals where they will meet Group A toppers Lahore Lions. Offspinner Saeed Ajmal bagged four wickets and was supported by Asad Ali and Khurram Shehzad, who grabbed two wickets each, to bowl out Islamabad Leopards for 103. Faizan Riaz top scored with 25 but the total proved terribly inadequate. Opener Asif Hussain smashed 44 off 39, striking five fours and a six, and Ali Waqas assisted him in an 82-run stand to help steer Faisalabad to victory in the 16th over.

Khalid Latif's hurricane unbeaten 75 helped Karachi Dolphins crush Lahore Eagles at the National Stadium and ease into the semi-finals. The match ended in a comprehensive victory for Karachi, who needed less than 10 overs to complete the chase of 121, losing only the wicket of Shahzaib Hasan along the way. Latif slammed 13 fours and two sixes in his innings to drive Karachi at more than 12 an over. Such a one-sided affair didn't look on the cards when Lahore openers, Imran Farhat and Taufeeq Umar, motored to 38 by the fifth over after being sent in. A couple of quick blows slowed Lahore, and worse followed when they lost five wickets for eight runs to slip to 90 for 8. It was No.9 Fahad Masood's 17-ball 23 that pushed the target to triple figures.

Waqar Younis signs as Pakistan coach

Waqar Younis has signed on as the new coach of the Pakistan side, in the process becoming the fourth coach of the team in three years. The former fast bowler has been in negotiations with the PCB over the last few days, but confirmed that he will now replace Intikhab Alam on a tenure that sees him through to December 2011.

Waqar, who is based in Sydney currently, will arrive in Lahore next week to begin work, the first assignment of which will be to prepare Pakistan's defense of the World Twenty20 crown in the Caribbean in April-May. "I've signed on and agreed to the contract," Waqar told Cricinfo. "I'll be arriving in Lahore from next week to begin work."

Though the PCB had talked of - and approached - at least one foreign option to replace Intikhab in the aftermath of the tour to Australia, Waqar emerged as a favourite to take over last week. He was sent a contract over the weekend and though there initially were a few sticking points, it is believed the chinks have been ironed out.

"I'm absolutely honoured to take on the role and it is a very exciting challenge," Waqar said. "Hopefully I can deliver on the role. Cricket has given me a lot over the years and I want to give something back to cricket and country now. I've always played my cricket with passion and aggression and I want the team to play like that."

This will be Waqar's first official role as head coach at any competitive level, though he has worked with Pakistan twice previously as a bowling coach. The first was a stint under Bob Woolmer between March 2006 and January 2007, a successful stretch during which a number of bowlers prospered. The second time was on the recent Australian tour, where he was one of three coaches in a set-up headed by Intikhab and that appointment was for the series only.

But Waqar believes his relative lack of experience in an expansive role will not be a hindrance, hinting that he would relish the broader sweep such a post would afford him. "I'll probably have more control of various situations and have a say in more decisions. I really enjoyed my time as bowling coach, especially the first one under Bob.

"The last one was a little more difficult but I'm confident I can deliver. I learnt a lot from Bob during his time and I'm hoping I can put that to good use."

Pak players Akmal, Rana Naved vow to fight SCG match fixing claims

Karachi, Mar. 1 : Pakistan cricketers -- wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and all-rounder Rana Naved-ul-Hasan have threatened to take legal action against all Pakistani news outlets for being implicated in a match-fixing scandal during the Sydney Test in Australia.

A day after Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt said two players were under investigation for match fixing, the Voice of America television and radio network reported Akmal and Naved-ul-Hasan were the players under scrutiny.

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt had stopped short of naming the two players on Friday at a press conference. After first saying that two Pakistan players were under investigation for match fixing, he later retracted his statement saying he was talking about an old case.

Ijaz created further confusion when he said that the board was provided such information by the ICC that the PCB was forced to take action against the players.

Kamran started the tour of Australia as vice-captain to Mohammad Yousuf but finished being dropped from each of the Test, one-day and Twenty20 teams.

He turfed four catches during the Sydney Test in January.

Akmal, said he was not bothered by the allegations and was focusing on his game to give his best in the World Twenty20 championship beginning April 30 in the West Indies.

“These false reports do not bother me and I will continue to focus on my game. I want to give my best performance for my country,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lahore-based Akmal, as saying.

He, however, made it clear that he might consider suing media organizations that had accused him of being involved in match fixing.

“It is a huge allegation and I will decide on my response after discussing the issue with my lawyer and the Pakistan Cricket Board,” he said.

Rana Naved has also strongly denied the accusation and threatened to take legal action over the issue.

A highly placed source in the board, said that both players were dropped for the Twenty20 international series against England in Dubai this month for this very reason.

“Although both have been named in the 30 probables for the T20 World Cup but they will eventually not be selected in the final 15,” the source said.

According to the source, the PCB acted after the International Cricket Council (ICC) provided them with information that linked the two players to match fixing.

Batting and bowling expert should be made Pak coach: Miandad

Karachi, Mar.1 : The Director-General of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Javed Miandad, has described the selection of former fast bowler Waqar Younis as the national team coach as wrong, and believes that only a person who command respect in both departments of the game – batting and bowling -- should be appointed coach.

When asked about coaching offer to Younis, The News quoted Miandad, as saying that this was not in his jurisdiction to talk on this matter.

Miandad has opposed the former pacer’s appointment, citing his involvement in the match fixing scandal.

According to the Daily Times, Miandad said he was surprised that the PCB had not heeded to the Justice Malik Qayyum’s report on match fixing issued 10 years ago and was giving responsibilities to those players who were fined on the basis of the report.

“Everyone knows that Justice Qayyum had recommended to the board to not give positions of responsibility to Waqar, Aaqib Javed, Wasim Akram etc in Pakistan cricket. But this is what is happening,” he said.

“I don’t see the logic behind offering Waqar the coaching position because he was with the team in Australia as bowling and fielding coach and didn’t do anything notable. Plus he has not prior experience of being a full-time coach,” Miandad added.

He also that he was surprised at the plans to have a foreign consultant with the team.

“I have offered my services to the board so why waste money on a foreign consultant?” he asked.

Aussie fans, media refuse to admit Twenty20 defeat against New Zealand

Christchurch, Mar 1: Australian cricket fans and media seem to be in denial over their defeat in the high-scoring Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday.

New Zealand claimed a sensational victory over Australia after the tied game was decided in a ‘super over’ eliminator, which also ended Australia’s unbeaten run this summer.

Having witnessed the Aussies romp through home series’ against West Indies and Pakistan, some fans are taking the loss to Black Caps particularly hard and venting their frustrations in a Daily Telegraph forum on the game.

“A draw... this is the closest the Kiwis will get to beating Australia,” The New Zealand Herald quoted Simmo of Sydney, as saying.

“Hello - did you morons not watch the game - it was a tie! Aussies are still undefeated this summer! That stupid 1-1 ‘match’ they played afterwards was the most stupidest thing I have ever witnessed!!!” DrewP added.

New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 116 of 56 balls with 12 fours and eight sixes as the Black Caps scored 214-6 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Australia kept their cool as they stared at the biggest run chase in Twenty20 history, and came up one run short to also finish on 214-4, leaving the match tied.

Needing 12 to win from the final over by Tim Southee, Australia scored 11 with skipper Michael Clarke run out off the final ball chasing a third run.

Though McCullum set up New Zealand’s score by smashing the second highest score in Twenty20 internationals, it was fast bowler Tim Southee who led the Black Caps to the historic win.

Southee produced a superb spell, and restricted the Australians to six runs for the loss of one wicket off his over, which was chased down by McCullum and Martin Guptill with three balls to spare off Shaun Tait.

Tait was the complete opposite to Southee, bowling two wides to hand New Zealand the momentum heading into the five-match ODI series.

“Tait was given the responsibility of bowling the return over, and it wasn''t one of his best,” wrote the Sydney Morning Herald’s Will Swanton under the headline “Tait loses the plot as McCullum plunders ton”.

Ex-Aussie PM Howard nominated to lead ICC

Former Australian prime minister John Howard, a cricket lover seen at Test matches around the world, was Tuesday named as a candidate to lead the sport internationally from 2012.

Howard, 70, said he was honoured and humbled to be Australia and New Zealand's nominee for International Cricket Council (ICC) president but refused to comment until his candidacy was made official in June.

Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said it was extremely difficult to nominate someone for the role which involves juggling the political and cultural considerations of 10 diverse cricketing nations.

"We are pleased that an eminent candidate in John Howard has agreed, after an exhaustive process, to take the role of joint Australia-New Zealand nominee for the ICC Presidency," they said in a statement.

"The ICC faces significant and complex internal and external challenges in its quest for cricket to become a genuinely global sport."

Howard, Australia's prime minister from 1996 to 2007, is a self-confessed "cricket tragic" whose only official position since losing power has been as director of the Bradman Foundation which honours the legendary Don Bradman.

The ICC presidency is a two-year rotating position currently held by England's David Morgan, who hands over to India's Sharad Pawar later this year.

It is expected that Howard will take on the deputy presidency ahead of assuming full leadership in mid-2012.

Jayasuriya takes flak after entering politics

Veteran Sri Lanka batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has come under fire for his decision to enter politics while still playing for the national team.

Jayasuriya will contest April 8 parliamentary elections as a candidate for President Mahinda Rajapakse's Freedom Alliance party in his home constituency of Matara.

The 40 year-old, the oldest cricketer still playing at the top level in the world, retired from Test cricket in 2007 but has vowed to continue his international career in the shorter forms of the game.

"His career is waning. He has set a bad precedent by entering politics before retiring completely from cricket," said Arjuna Ranatunga, the 1996 World Cup winning skipper, who took to politics only after he quit the game.

"Hereafter, players who don't get selected will get on the ruling party platform in exchange for a place on the national team," said the former capitain, who has defected from the ruling party to the opposition.

Jayasuriya campaigned for the president during January's presidential poll which was won comfortably by Rajapakse, a war hero for his legions of supporters but an authoritarian populist to his critics.

Rajapakse ended the country's 37-year ethnic conflict last May when he crushed the separatist Tamil Tigers in a military campaign since dogged by war crime allegations.

When Jayasuriya was forced into retirement in 2006 due to poor form, Rajapakse personally intervened to have him reinstated.

The batsman, who plans to play on until the 2011 World Cup, has dismissed his critics, saying he can juggle his international career while being a member of the 225-member national parliament.

"There is no rule or ethics for sportsmen not to get involved in politics," Jayasuriya told the English-language Nation newspaper. "I do believe that it would be fine as long as I do not allow these two fields to mix."

Jayasuriya, who captained Sri Lanka from 1999-2003, is almost certain to win and could become the first member of parliament to play international cricket.

Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge said national sporting stars have a right to dabble in politics so long as they do not neglect their game. "It's on merit. If they qualify, they can represent the country, while being an MP."

Other critics claim Jayasuriya is trying to cash-in on his fame to prolong his dwindling career and cement his place in the national side but he dismisses them.

"I have performed to my level best and I will continue to perform. It will not be affected by politics. My political career has its own purpose and I have different ambitions as a cricketer."

Afridi, Akmal likely to face disciplinary action for 'horrendous' tour Down Under

Lahore, Mar.2 : Senior Pakistani cricketers, all rounder Shahid Afridi and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal, are likely to face some disciplinary action on the recommendations of an inquiry committee, which was formed to look into the team’s horrendous performance Down Under.

According to sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the committee has completed its probe and is preparing its final report.

“The committee will meet again on Tuesday (today) where they will approve the report after which the PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wasim Bari, who heads the committee, will submit it to the PCB chairman Ijaz Butt,” The Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

While Afridi could be penalised for his involvement in a shameful ball-tampering incident in the fifth and final one-dayer in Perth against Australia last month, Akmal is likely to face action for breaking the players code of conduct.

Akmal has also come under match fixing scanner as he dropped several catches against the hosts during the second Test match at Sydney.