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Showing posts from May, 2017

Ramachandra Guha quits as BCCI administrator

New Delhi: Ramchandra Guha on Thursday resigned from the Committee of Administrators (CoA) appointed by the Supreme Court to implement recommendations of Lodha Committee in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing personal reasons. Guha has sought the apex court's permission to relieve him of his duties. Historian Guha, along with former captain of the women's cricket team Diana Edulji and Managing Director and CEO of IDFC Limited Vikram Limaye, was a part of four-member CoA, which is headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai to run the BCCI. On January 30, 2017, the Supreme Court appointed the CoA after the BCCI was reluctant to implement the Lodha panel report. It was said that they will function as the new interim bosses of the BCCI and run the day-to-day administration of BCCI till the Justice (retd.) R.M Lodha-led recommendations are fully implemented and elections are held.  via Sify.com http://ift.tt/2spZRbP
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Manchester United rated Europe's most valuable club

Manchester United have moved clear of Real Madrid to be rated as Europe's most valuable club by professional services firm KPMG. In a KPMG report which looked at the finances of 39 clubs based on their popularity on social media channels, revenues for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, and success in European competitions, United have been valued at 3.004 billion euros, ahead of both Real (2.895bn euros) and Barcelona (2.688bn euros). Bayern Munich remain in fourth place, while Manchester City edge past Arsenal to take fifth spot, both with enterprise values of just under 1.7 billion euros, reports Sport24 . Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus and Spurs are in the next four positions, which mean six of the 10 are from the Premier League. "The aggregate value of Europe's leading football clubs suggests that the overall value of football, as an industry, has grown," said KPMG's global head of sports Andrea Sartori, in a statement. "While this is partially explained...
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India will beat Pakistan, win Champions Trophy: Laxman

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has backed the Virat Kohli-led side to not only beat arch-rivals Pakistan in their Champions Trophy opener, but to defend the coveted title as well. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule "I am very confident that India will do well in the Champions Trophy and will defend the title," Laxman said on Wednesday. India had an ideal start in their defence of the title with comfortable victories over New Zealand and Bangladesh in both the warm-up games at the Kennington Oval. While bowlers came to fore in the first game against the Black Caps where they bundled out a strong batting line up of Kiwis for just 189 and won the match by 45 runs through D/L method, it was an all-round performance with some solid batting backed up by hostile opening spell from pacers that helped India embarrass Bangladesh by 240 runs in the second warm-up game. "Especially, the way they played in the last two warm-up games. The batsmen are in form...
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Shami key to India's Champions Trophy prospects: Irfan Pathan

New Delhi: As the high-octane ICC Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan draws closer, veteran India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has picked India as the favourites besides counting pacer Mohammed Shami as the key to the prospects of the men-in-blue in the June 1-18 tournament in England and Wales. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule Irfan, who was part of the victorious India side which lifted the Champions Trophy in 2013, said the mantra of success in English conditions is to hit the seam well, which he felt the in-form Indian pacers, led by Mohammed Shami, are capable of. "What's important in England is to hit the seam well. If you can keep bowling in the right areas and hit the seam, I think that's the best way to go for the bowlers," the 32-year-old told IANS . "With the kind of form our frontline pacers -- Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav -- are in at the moment, I am sure India can do really well in the C...
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Kohli versus Kumble: Yet another conflict cycle returns to Indian cricket

In 2007, the spat between former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and then India coachGreg Chappell brought Indian cricket to its knees as we crashed out in the very first round ofthe ODI World Cup that year. Now after exactly 10 years as we begin our campaign to defend the ICC Champions Trophy,another spat has been split wide open and at the centre of it is gentleman head coach AnilKumble. One hopes that history does not repeat itself and we get knocked out early from theChampions Trophy in England. I had written last year itself how Kumble had inherited a crown of thorns . Kumble’s term began inauspiciously with then BCCI chief AnuragThakur saying that Rahul Dravid was his first choice. Former Team Director Ravi Shastri also sulked and doesn’t seem to have forgotten hismissing that job to this present day. Since then MS Dhoni has quit all forms of captaincy butremains a key senior figure, maybe much more respected than Kumble in the team. Of course Virat Kohli has inherited th...
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I am really looking forward to Indo-Pak match: Dinesh Karthik

Image Courtesy: BCCI \With India comfortably winning both the warm-up matches of the Champions Trophy, wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik feels that the Men in Blue have got what was required out of the two practice games and are heading into the tournament feeling "fairly confident". Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule The Men in Blue were at their menacing best in all the departments in the two practice games against New Zealand and Bangladesh. While bowlers came to fore in the first game against the Black Caps where they bundled out a strong batting line up of Kiwis for just 189 and won the match by 45 runs through D/L method, it was an all-round performance with some solid batting backed up by hostile opening spell from pacers that helped India embarrass Bangladesh by 240 runs in the second warm-up game. Among batsmen, Karthik made a strong case for a middle-order slot with a stylish 94 off 77 balls. Karthik, who got out for a duck in the first war...
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Kohli hints at Karthik's inclusion in Playing XI against Pakistan

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has hinted at Dinesh Karthik's inclusion in the Playing XI for the much awaited Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan after the wicketkeeper-batsman made a strong case for his selection scoring stylish 94 runs against Bangladesh in the second warm-up game at the Kennington Oval on Tuesday. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule Karthik, who got out for a duck in the first warm-up match against New Zealand, made full use of the opportunity in the second game as he tore apart the Bangladeshi attack in his 77-ball knock which was studded with 8 fours and a six. The 31-year-old, along with Shikhar Dhawan (60) and Hardik Pandya (80*), helped India post a gigantic 324-6 in their 50 overs which the Indian bowlers defended with precision. The Men in Blue then skittled Bangladesh out for a paltry 84 in only 23.5 overs, thus winning the game by a huge margin of 240 runs. "Very pleased. We got what we wanted in both the games. Last game as ...
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Live: India vs Bangladesh - Champions Trophy 2nd warm-up game

Image Courtesy: BCCI As India look to finalise their playing XI for the Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan on June 4, the second and final warm-up game today against Bangladesh at The Oval will have Rohit Sharma back in his familiar opening position with an aim to get some quality batting practice. After a convincing 45-run victory against New Zealand in a rain-curtailed opening warm-up match, skipper Virat Kohli will hope tha his batsmen get more game time than the 26 overs they got the other day. Squads: Team India: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Dinesh Karthik, Ajinkya Rahane. Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahaman, Mahmudullah Riyadh, Shakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mashrafe Mortaza, Rubel Hossain, Mustafzur Rahaman, Taskin Ahmed, Mehedi Hassan, Mosaddek Hossa...
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Messi's master-class inspires Barcelona to Copa del Rey triumph

Star striker Lionel Messi produced yet another master-class as Luis Enrique's Barcelona reign ended with a trophy as he inspired a third consecutive Copa del Rey title with a 3-1 final win over Deportivo Alaves at Vicente Calderon last evening. Messi opened the scoring for Barcelona with his 54th goal of the season in the 30th minute of the game. However, three minutes later, Theo Hernandez's brilliant free-kick briefly brought Deportivo Alaves level into the match. However, the Argentine then helped Neymar and Paco Alcacer to score towards the end of the first half to lead his side to a record 29th Cup triumph. Enrique had announced his planned departure from Camp Nou at the start of March, with his side then falling short of rivals Real Madrid in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League, reports goal.com . Barca, who had a rather disappointing season, did at least restore some pride with victory over last season's second division champions in what was the final ma...
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Messi's master-class inspires Barcelona to Copa del Rey final triumph

Star striker Lionel Messi produced yet another master-class as Luis Enrique's Barcelona reign ended with a trophy as he inspired a third consecutive Copa del Rey title with a 3-1 final win over Deportivo Alaves at Vicente Calderon last evening. Messi opened the scoring for Barcelona with his 54th goal of the season in the 30th minute of the game. However, three minutes later, Theo Hernandez's brilliant free-kick briefly brought Deportivo Alaves level into the match. However, the Argentine then helped Neymar and Paco Alcacer to score towards the end of the first half to lead his side to a record 29th Cup triumph. Enrique had announced his planned departure from Camp Nou at the start of March, with his side then falling short of rivals Real Madrid in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League, reports goal.com . Barca, who had a rather disappointing season, did at least restore some pride with victory over last season's second division champions in what was the final ma...
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Richard Levi recuperating after hit by bouncer

Image Courtesy: @NorthantsCCC Former South Africa batsman Richard Levi is recovering well after being hit on the head during a county match in England. The 29-year-old was rushed to a hospital via ambulance after being struck on his helmet from Josh Tongue's delivery while batting for Northamptonshire in their Second Division match against Worcestershire. Levi, wIho appeared in 13 T20 Internationals for South Africa with a top score of 117 not out, took to Twitter to confirm that although he was concussed after the blow, he is showing good recovery signs. "Given the all clear after my blow this afternoon. Thankfully no fracture just a concussion and observation. Thanks to all those who helped,' he wrote on Twitter . Later, Northamptonshire also released the statement on Levi's condition and said that the Proteas player was diagnosed with mild concussion following some test and that he is now resting at his home, reported Sport24 . "Following some precaution...
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Pakistan capable of beating India in Champions Trophy: Younis Khan

Former Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan believes that the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side has the ability to beat India in the much anticipated high-voltage Champions Trophy encounter scheduled to be played on June 4 at Edgbaston. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule "Pakistani side has the ability to beat India in Champions Trophy as Pakistan has outperformed India in the past as well," the Dawn quoted Younis as saying. "Pitches look good and in my opinion, even 400 runs will be easily chased down in the Champions Trophy," he added. While Pakistan hold a 2-1 lead over their fierce rivals and neighbours in the Champions Trophy, it is India who have won 10 out of the 11 contests at the World Cup and World T20 tournaments between the two sides. The 39-year-old also said that key to Pakistan's success in the upcoming Champions Trophy would be their fielding and that's what they need to concentrate more on it, in addition to bowling and batting. ...
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Stokes has come back from IPL a better cricketer: Botham

With just three days left to the commencement of hosts England's Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh, former skipper Ian Botham has said that in-form all-rounder Ben Stokes has developed mentally as a player after his successful maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) stint. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule The 25-year-old, who was named IPL's Most Valuable Player, picked 12 wickets besides scoring 316 runs in 12 games he played in the 10th edition of the league to help Rising Pune Supergiant reach the Playoffs before he returned to England for international duty. Recently, Stokes also smashed 11 boundaries and three sixes in his match-winning knock of 101 runs from 79 balls in England's second ODI against South Africa on Saturday to underline his reputation as one of the players to watch at the upcoming 50-over marquee event. Labeling Stokes as a 'matured' cricketer than before, Botham said that the former has returned from India with a ...
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No bilateral cricket series with Pak till terrorism remains: Govt.

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in 2014, Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Monday asserted that there cannot be a bilateral series between the two nations until there is terrorism from the Pakistani side. "BCCI should come out with a proposal on Pakistan only after consultations with the government. I have already made it clear that any bilateral series with Pakistan is almost impossible because there cannot be sports relations between the two countries until there is terrorism from the Pakistani side," Goel said. "Sports and terrorism cannot go hand in hand," he added. Goel, however, added that there was no control of the government on multilateral games. India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy encounter to be played at Edgbaston on June 4. BCCI acting secretary Amithabh Chaudhry, along w...
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Rohit Sharma, India's Inzamam-ul-Haq

The Indian cricket team is on a roll. They are the best Test side in the world, winning three home series ina row, being undefeated in a Test series for a while now. They are the defending champions of theChampions Trophy. A very effective T20 side as well, and going by the local talent that we have seen at thisyear's IPL, it won't be long before they become world T20 champions again. For once in our cricketinghistory, we can surely say that we have a team that can win in any format, anywhere in the world. Suchis that talent in the present squad. But what if I tell you that the most talented player in India, is not acertainty in this squad? If you were to ask any Indian cricket fan, who is the best player in the Indian team, you won’t besurprised to hear Virat Kohli’s name. To be fair, Kohli has done exceptionally well to warrant thispraise, both as a batsman and as a captain. Some fans may say Ravichandran Ashwin is the best bowler in theworld and that would be very hard to di...
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Not averse to bilateral series with Pakistan: BCCI

New Delhi: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Acting Secretary Amitabh Chaudhary on Monday said a bilateral series with Pakistan is possible if the government gives the go-ahead. "We are not averse to a bilateral series with Pakistan. But everything depends on whether the government gives the clearance," Chaudhary told a news channel. "The series will not be possible without approval from the government," he added. The two arch-rivals last participated in a bilateral series in December 2012 when Pakistan visited India for a limited overs series that included three One Day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals. Stay updated on the go with Sify Live Scores App. Click here to download it for your device via Sify.com http://ift.tt/2rbKdRR
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De Villiers 'pretty upset' with fresh ball-tampering row

South Africa skipper AB de Villiers has said that he was "pretty upset" with the umpires implying that his side was involved in ball-tampering during the second ODI of the three-match series against England which they lost by two runs at the Ageas Bowl. Full Scorecard De Villiers became embroiled in a row with the standing umpires, Rob Bailey and Chris Gaffaney, after they queried the condition of the ball before the start of the 34th over in England's innings bowled by Keshav Maharaj. However, the Proteas skipper later said he felt it was being implied that his players were at fault for scuffing up the ball. "The umpires felt the condition of the ball changed," ESPNcricinfo quoted de Villiers as saying. "In a way, making me feel that we are responsible. I was quite upset about that. I don't know what else I can say, I was pretty upset. It's done and dusted now, nothing happened, there were no fines given or anything like that." "I ho...
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Live: India vs New Zealand - Champions Trophy first warm-up game

Image Courtesy: BCCI India take on New Zealand in their first practice game in their preparation for the Champions Trophy, starting June 1. The BCCI on Saturday confirmed that all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who is presently down with viral fever, will miss the game against the Black Caps at The Oval. "The BCCI Medical Team confirms that Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh who is presently down with viral fever is making steady progress," the BCCI said in a statement. "There are no major health concerns and he is recuperating well, to the satisfaction of the medical team." "He is advised rest and will miss India's first warm-up match against New Zealand at The Oval on May 28, 2017. The medical team will continue to monitor Yuvraj Singh's progress and hope for a speedy recovery," the statement added. The Virat Kohli-led side will face Bangladesh in the second warm-up game on Tuesday. After a hectic six weeks of Indian Premier League (IPL), the two warm...
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'Kohli is a great batsman but has failed against me', says this Pakistan bowler

Image Courtesy: BCCI Ahead of the much awaited high-voltage India Pakistan encounter in the upcoming Champions Trophy on June 4 at Edgbaston, Pakistani speedster Junaid Khan has taken a dig at skipper Virat Kohli, saying his team is not afraid of the swashbuckling Indian batsman and they know how to tackle him. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule Junaid said Kohli is a great batsman but has failed against his pace in the past. "I have dismissed him in three out of the four matches we have faced each other. He is a brilliant batsman but he has failed against me," Junaid told The Express Tribune . "I bowled Kohli in India in front of his fans so it won't be a problem in England." Both Junaid and Kohli have faced-off quite a few times in the past and the 28-year-old Indian batsman has managed to score just 2 runs off his 22 balls in ODIs. The Pakistani speedster thus feels he has the psychological advantage over Kohli and will be looking to u...
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Champions Trophy: Yuvraj Singh to miss first warm-up match against NZ

Image Courtesy: BCCI The BCCI on Saturday confirmed that all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who is presently down with viral fever, will miss India's first warm-up match against New Zealand at The Oval on Sunday in their preparation for the Champions Trophy. "The BCCI Medical Team confirms that Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh who is presently down with viral fever is making steady progress," the BCCI said in a statement. "There are no major health concerns and he is recuperating well, to the satisfaction of the medical team." "He is advised rest and will miss India's first warm-up match against New Zealand at The Oval on May 28, 2017. The medical team will continue to monitor Yuvraj Singh's progress and hope for a speedy recovery," the statement added. The Virat Kohli-led side will face Bangladesh in the second warm-up game on Tuesday. After a hectic six weeks of Indian Premier League (IPL), the two warm-up games will help Team India get back into...
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Champions Trophy: Team India face NZ in first warm-up game

India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will return to action after missing the hectic six weeks of Indian Premier League when the defending champions take on New Zealand in their opening warm-up game on Sunday ahead of the Champions Trophy, starting June 1.The two warm-up games will help the 'Men In Blue' get back into the 50-over groove and the emphasis will be on team combination moving into the tournament-proper.India last played an ODI against England, back in January this year.Since the match doesn't have official status, all 15 members in the squad will get a chance to play.All eyes will be on Ashwin as he is coming from a two-month break after he opted out of the IPL in order to recover from fatigue after playing all 13 Tests during the gruelling home season.The warm-up matches will provide Ashwin with much-needed game time as he fights for his place with Ravindra Jadeja in case the team management decides to go with one specialist spinner in the playing...
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Pakistan to play friendly T20 series against Afghanistan

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan has announced that the national side will play two T20 matches against Afghanistan. The 83-year-old, who was speaking at a press conference alongside Afghan Cricket Board chairman Atif Mashal, revealed that the short friendly series between the two sides could be played in Afghanistan, Pakistan or Sharjah. However, the date of the two matches is yet to be decided as the two sides are preoccupied in their own commitments at the moment, reports the Dawn. In an attempt to further strengthen relations between the two countries, the PCB also agreed to provide technical assistance to Afghanistan by giving training to curators, scorers, umpires and coaches. Meanwhile, Shaharyar said that Pakistan would try their best to help Afghanistan become a permanent member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Stay updated on the go with Sify Live Scores App. Click here to download it for your device via Sify.com http://ift.tt/2s72Kye
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Harbhajan hits back at media over 'privilege' statement against Dhoni

Veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has sharply hit back at the media reports suggesting that he had a problem with Mahendra Singh Dhoni's selection for the Champions Trophy. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule The 36-year-old was quoted in an interview on Thursday by a news channel, that he does not receive similar privilege as Dhoni gets, when it comes to Team India selection. Slamming media sites for misquoting him, Harbhajan clarified that he never doubted the former skipper's selection and requested not to quote him on things which he never said. "Dear media plz don't misquote all the time. Any1 who wants 2know what exactly I said in that interview please go & see the entire video," Harbhajan wrote on Twitter. The Indian off-spinner further said that Dhoni is his good friend and a great player, while urging not to harm his image just to create sensational stories. "MSD is a dear friend &a great player, I never doubte...
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Pujara slams ton on his home debut for Nottinghamshire

File photo of Cheteshwar Pujara India's Test mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara marked his home debut for Nottinghamshire with a century. Earlier, Nottinghamshire roped in Pujara for a four-match championship stint, replacing Australia pacer James Pattinson, who will be on national duty for the ICC Champions Trophy. Pujara, who has previously played county cricket with Derbyshire and Yorkshire, had made just two runs against Glamorgan in what was his first match of the season. This is only his second game in the County Championship Division Two and India's Test No.3 reached his hundred in 174 balls, striking 13 boundaries against Gloucestershire. Before being dismissed for 112, he was involved in an 185-run stand for the fourth wicket. Pujara, who averaged more than 50 on both of his previous stints, in 2014 and 2015 averages 51.32 in 48 Test matches for India and is coming off a fruitful 2016-17 season where in 13 Tests, he slammed four centuries and eight half-centuries and pla...
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We have nothing to lose in Champions Trophy, says Sarfraz Ahmed

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has insisted that his side is under no pressure and have nothing to lose at the upcoming Champions Trophy beginning June 1 in England and Wales. Champions Trophy 2017 | CT 2017 - Complete Schedule Pakistan, who come into the tournament eighth in the ICC ODI Team Rankings, have yet to lift this particular trophy, but comes to England with a sense of freedom as it looks to reach a first-ever final - with excitement the main emotion heading into the tournament. Edgbaston will first become Pakistan's second home, playing India next Sunday, and South Africa in its opening two matches, while fellow sub-continent outfit Sri Lanka will be its last group opposition at The Oval. And it was in Birmingham where Sarfraz stated his side's ambitions for the tournament, confident that a care-free approach can pay dividends in a bid for a global title. "We have nothing to lose, we just want to play our natural game," he said at the pre-tournament p...
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Delhi Daredevils put in bid in SA's T20 league: Report

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils owners have reportedly put in a bid to buy a team in Cricket South Africa's (CSA) new T20 league. Infrastructural company GMR Group, who are the owners of the Delhi Daredevils, have recruited several Proteas cricketers across the 10 seasons of the IPL. The CSA's T20 league, labeled as the T20 Global Destination League, will feature eight city-based teams. The competition is slated to start in early November this year and will end on December 16. It is reported that CSA has received over 150 'expressions of interest' from potential owners, with about 40 percent from South Africa, 35 percent Indian - and smaller figures from the United Kingdom, United States and United Arab Emirates. Lahore Qalandars, Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, were initially interested in bidding for a team, but have ultimately forgone the opportunity. "Cricket South Africa were asking for 50 million rand, for 10 years, for big...
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Don't enjoy same privileges as MS Dhoni: Harbhajan

Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh said that he doesn't get to enjoy the same privileges like former India skipper MS Dhoni despite playing for the country for more than a decade. Speaking to a television channel, Harbhajan stroked a slight controversy when he said, "Yes there is no doubt that Dhoni brings a lot to the table apart from his batting, whether he is in form or not. Obviously we have seen that he is not hitting the ball as well as we have seen.' "But when it comes to me. I do feel that we are not given that sort of privilege. We too have played for 19 years and won and lost India matches. I have won two World Cups too. So this privilege is for some players, and for some it is not and I'm one of those for whom this privilege is not there. I don't know why that is the case," Harbhajan added. Harbhajan further said that he doesn't want to sing his own praises and it's up to the selectors to pick him or not. "That question of ...
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Sri Lanka relishing underdog status: Mathews

Sri Lanka will start next month's Champions Trophy as underdogs but are confident they have the quality to compete for the title, captain Angelo Mathews said on Thursday. Sri Lanka, who have reached one semi-final since finishing joint-winners in 2002, feature in Pool B with defending champions India, Pakistan and South Africa. "I think in the past few months we have had a few lapses here and there. Nobody will give us a chance, to be really honest, but we are happy to enter the tournament as underdogs," Mathews told reporters. "We are confident, we have prepared extremely well - in Sri Lanka and England for the past few days, it's been really good. Hopefully we can play tomorrow's practice game (against Australia), and get a good practice out of it," he said. "Everyone has got a chance, no one can write anyone off and I'm sure it will be a very exciting tournament.” Mathews, 29, welcomes maverick paceman Lasith Malinga back to the squad aft...
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No room for error in Champions Trophy: Williamson

New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson said the squad he will lead into June's Champions Trophy should be in good form given plenty of recent preparations but admits that is no guarantee for success when it comes to one-off clashes. Williamson, who is set to lead New Zealand into his first major 50-over tournament as captain, said a lot of the team's members have been heavily involved in the Indian Premier League while others were in Ireland for the Tri-Series last week. "It counts for something but not for everything because we still come back to one-off clashes with opponents and if you win then you can go a long way in the competition," said Williamson, who took over as captain from Brendon McCullum in 2016. "But there is not much time for slip-ups or conservative cricket." New Zealand are in Group A of the Champions Trophy, to be held in England from June 1-18, with Australia, England and Bangladesh the other teams in their group. Williamson is ...
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Want to overcome challenges in England: Kohli

London: Acknowledging the burden on his predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni lower down the order, India skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday said the side needed to strengthen the lower middle order contribution as India begin their ICC Champions Trophy title defence against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 4. Kohli may be the star of the team these days, but expects his seniors Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni to flourish in the tournament. "We needed to strengthen our lower middle order contribution. Too much burden was on MS. He was not able to express himself," said the 28-year-old, who will be leading the men-in-blue squad for the first time in an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament. "But now we are balanced, we have good fast bowlers, depth in batting and the series against England (in January) sealed it for us." "We are in a good head-space going into this tournament," Kohli added in an ICC statement. India arrived in England and Wales as on...
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Champions Trophy success hinges on execution for Kohli

India will benefit from a fitter, more mature squad when they begin their defence of the Champions Trophy next month, but the team have little room for error because of the tournament's short format, skipper Virat Kohli said on Thursday. Kohli, who was part of the side that trumped hosts England in the final at Edgbaston in 2013, is relishing the chance to lead India's title defence and says the squad is well balanced with the right mentality to replicate their earlier success. "This year the team is a lot fitter, the cricketers are a lot more mature because that was a very young group four years ago," Kohli told reporters after India touched down in London for the tournament starting on June 1. "It has gained a lot of experience in the last three or four years... We are in a good head-space going into this tournament." India begin their Group B campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Birmingham on June 4, before facing Sri Lanka and South Africa, and Ko...
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Rohit, Jadhav departure to England delayed

Team India departed for the United Kingdom to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy without Rohit Sharma and Kedar Jadhav. The two Maharashtra cricketers didn't accompany Virat Kohli and co. when the team boarded the flight to Londay on Wednesday night. As per reports, after winning the IPL, Rohit sought a few days leave to attend his cousin's wedding. In Jadhav's case, his visa did not arrive on time which prevented the Pune batsman from travelling with the team. The BCCI has approached the British High Commission to grant Jadhav the required clearance. The duo will now leave for England on Friday and join the team ahead of the first warm-up game against Bangladesh. via Sify.com http://ift.tt/2rTIkt8
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Ashwin plans to do 'something new' at Champions Trophy

Mumbai: Ace Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is hoping to come up with some new tricks to pose challenge for the opposing batsmen in the upcoming Champions Trophy, beginning June 1 in England and Wales. "I might be able to do something new in this tournament hopefully. I think I am equipped enough to do it. Hopefully these two practice games [against New Zealand and Bangladesh] will give me an indication about how well I go in this tournament, and how well my variations will come to fore," said Ashwin who collected his Ceat International Cricketer of the Year award from Sunil Gavaskar. "So, just hoping that these practice matches can be put to good use and I bring in something in new to the table and give something new to the team," he added. Ashwin, who had to miss the recently concluded season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with sports hernia, has worked on newer things to keep himself accustomed to the changing rules in the ODI cricket. "There...
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Irfan Pathan backs India to defend Champions Trophy title

Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed the Virat Kohli-led side to successfully defend the Champions Trophy beginning June 1 in England and Wales. India won the last Champions Trophy in 2013 and head into the marquee event as favourites after a hugely successful home season with 10 Test wins. The Men in Blue are number one in the Test rankings after series victories over New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia, and would hope to carry that form into the Champions Trophy. "The Indian ODI team has been playing well in recent times and the players selected for the Champions Trophy squad have been in top form as well. Look at the examples of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and others who have performed excellently in the IPL," Pathan said in an interview with pakpassion.net "The same applies for the batsmen as well. So, the fact that all of these players are in good form is crucial for the chances of any team in such a high-profile competition." "...
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BCCI miffed with Kumble, hunts for new coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun the hunt for a new coach for the Indian national team as current coach Anil Kumble's contract comes to an end with the Champions Trophy. Kumble won't be given an extension as there are indications that the board is keen on getting a fresh face as it is not happy with Kumble's open approach. "The process has been initiated since the term of the current coach, Mr Anil Kumble concludes with the Champions trophy. Present Head Coach, Mr. Anil Kumble will be a direct entry for the process." BCCI said in a statement. Earlier, a news website quoted senior BCCI official expressing the board's displeasure over Kumble continuing as chief coach. "I don’t think he is headed in the right direction. We are not against people voicing their opinion. But yes, there is a way and a protocol that needs to be followed everywhere and it is no different here. You can always confide in people you trust. But to knock at...
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Can't control the hype around Indo-Pak clash: Kohli

The Indian cricket team is in high spirits and according to skipper Virat Kohli, thanks to the IPL. Speaking to the media in a press conference ahead of the team's departure to England, Kohli sounded confident about India defending the title which was won under the leadership of MS Dhoni in 2013. However, Kohli said that the team is not taking any extra pressure of being the defending champions. "Last time also we went there to enjoy and that is what we will look to do this time too. We have done well in Test cricket and T20s and we want to make that success constant in all three formats. Biggest challenge is to not think that we are the defending champions," the Indian captain said. India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the first match and the skipper said that the team can't do much on the outside hype. "As a cricketer we can't control things outside the stadium. It is a big match we understand but in our heads there is no difference. The hype and ...
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Stokes credits Smith, IPL stint for improving his game

England all-rounder Ben Stokes says batting tips from Australia captain and IPL team mate Steve Smith was key to helping him improve as a player following a hugely successful debut season in the lucrative Indian Twenty20 tournament. Stokes was named the league's Most Valuable Player after the tournament ended on Sunday with his 12 wickets and 316 runs in 12 games helping the Rising Pune Supergiant to reach the final before he returned to England for international duty. "I felt like my game has got a lot better, from being able to work with the best players around the world and specialist coaches in that format," Stokes told British media as he continues preparations for next month's Champions Trophy. "My bowling has gone up another level, working with Eric Simons, from South Africa (Pune's bowling coach). Being able to work on those skills for six weeks was a really good thing." Stokes, however, singled out Pune captain Smith, who he will line up agai...
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'Uneasy' Proteas staying put despite Manchester attack

Visiting South African cricketers "are uneasy" following Monday's suicide bomb attack on a pop concert in Manchester but abandoning their tour of England is not under consideration, the team's manager has said. Britain has increased its security threat level to "critical" from "severe" following the attack that killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. South Africa begin their three-month tour of England with a one-day international against the hosts at Leeds on Wednesday and team manager Mohammed Moosajee admitted the players were concerned. "As you can understand we have some genuine concerns, the players are uneasy... there was a lot of chatter at the breakfast table," Moosajee told reporters at the Headingley ground. "I am happy to say we've had constant communications from the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and their security manager. "There have been guarantees put in place that s...
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PCB, BCCI officials to meet, discuss cricketing ties

Karachi: Top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will meet in Dubai on May 29 to discuss the financial losses, which the former side had suffered due to India's constant refusal to play bilateral series as per agreement signed in 2014. Earlier this month, the PCB had sent a legal notice to its Indian counterpart, initiating proceedings to seek compensation from the Indian board for failing to honour the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two cricket boards in 2014. However, the BCCI rejected the same saying that it was only an MoU between the two sides, to which, Shaharyar hit back and said that it was a proper contract signed between the two boards in their bid to revive bilateral ties. According to sources, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, executive committee chairman Najam Sethi and chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad will engage with the BCCI's delegation led by CK Khanna in the meeting. The ...
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Former Disney CEO Eisner close to buying Portsmouth

LONDON (Reuters) - American billionaire businessman Michael Eisner is poised to take control of Portsmouth after the ex-Premier League club's Supporters Trust (PST) voted to sell its 48.5 per cent share on Monday. The decision paves the way for the former Walt Disney CEO to complete a summer takeover of the largest club under fan ownership in England, adding another colourful chapter to one of football's most famous old names. "This is true fan ownership and democracy at work," PST chairman Ashley Brown said in announcing the result of the vote. "We believe he (Eisner) understands the importance of the custodianship of Pompey and will be an owner all fans will be proud of." Portsmouth, who were founded in 1898, have a gold-plated heritage, winning the title twice in 1949 and 1950, and the FA Cup in 1939 and 2008. They have always enjoyed strong local support but a series of financial problems under foreign owners culminated in relegation from the Premie...
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Collective effort responsible for Mumbai Indians' IPL win: Rohit

After the Mumbai Indians lifted their record third Indian Premier League (IPL) title, skipper Rohit Sharma credited his team's collective efforts for their plucky one-run win over rivals Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in the 2017 final on Sunday. IPL Final Scorecard: RPS vs MI | Final IPL standings | IPL Results | Top Stats: Orange & Purple Cap holders | Full Coverage While Mumbai's earlier title wins came in 2013 and 2015 were driven by strong individual performances, Rohit believes this year's IPL title was a product of united group work with intelligence. The 30-year-old insisted that individual brilliance could only help a team in winning a few games, but in order to clinch the title, it requires team unity and intelligence. "I personally feel it is how you prepare at the start of the tournament - getting your combinations right and going on to the field is the most critical part of winning the tournament. Individual brilliance can win you a few games, ...
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