BCCI's stand to stop Sachin, Dinesh play in T20 baffles Mills

Wellington (PTI): Kiwi cricket association chief Heath Mills is baffled by BCCI's decision not to allow Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik play in the NZPCA-ACA Masters T20 match because it features Hamish Marshall who had a contract with the rebel Indian Cricket League.

Mills, CEO of the New Zealand Players Cricket Association, said it was a silly decision by the Indian board not to allow the duo to play the match.

"We are surprised. Both teams were excited with the possibility of playing with two of the Indian players, Sachin and Dinesh. It would have been great for our game.

"Some of the bowlers were young (from the U-19 level) and looking forward to bowling to one of the greatest players (Sachin) who have played the game.

"We are really disappointed. The fans would have liked to see those two players in action in this country," said Mills. Mills said he heard about the Indian board's decision this morning.

"I heard about it this morning at 8. Obviously during the week we had made the offer to the management and were happy to include two Indian players in the side to give them a hit in the middle. The team management seemed really keen with the idea and yesterday they confirmed two players would play and that they were allowed to do that.

"Then, we woke up this morning with news that the BCCI did not want the two Indians to play in the match because Hamish Marshall was playing. As you would know, Marshall was an ICL player. However, his contract finished with the ICL last year so we did not think there would be any problem," said Mills.

Mills said he was disappointed with the BCCI's decision.

"To be honest we are really disappointed with the position of the BCCI. I understand the situation with the ICL, but given Hamish is no longer a player with ICL, cricket's the loser on this day.

"The fans as well as the players were looking forward to this game and obviously everyone misses out. It just seems a bit silly to me," Mills said.

"When I learnt about the BCCI's decision from Justin Vaughan, the CEO of New Zealand Cricket, I went back and tried to find a solution by explaining that Hamish is no longer an ICL player and we want him to play (in the match).

"I was hoping for a change in their position. But I understand I would have to speak to the right people in Mumbai and so we had to run with their decision last night," he added.

Mills said he had spoken to Gary Kirsten and knew that the Indian duo were really keen to play the game.

"I didn't speak to Sachin but spoke to Gary Kirsten three or four times during the day. I know both players, including Sachin were very keen to play because they haven't had a hit so far.

"They were looking forward to playing in what was a competitive game of cricket against some pretty good bowlers and get a hit in the middle," he said.

Mills said the BCCI and the ICL should resolve the issues as the most exciting players were missing out on playing international cricket.

"I think we can't continue to have some of the best players excluded from international cricket. I understand the position of the BCCI. Down here we have got Shane Bond, Lou Vincent and Andre Adams. They can't play because of their allegiance to ICL. These are good players and it's sad that they are not playing international cricket.

"The BCCI and the ICC should come to a resolution to bring ICL to the fold and that would be fantastic for cricket worldwide. I just hope they are mindful of the impact on countries like New Zealand. I am sure there is a solution," said Mills.

Former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, who is here as the administrative manager of the tour, said, "This match is very insignificant. I don't have to react to this."

India withdraw Sachin from T20 Masters tie

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India withdraw Sachin from T20 Masters tie

Wellington: Star batsman Sachin Tendulkar and wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik have been withdrawn from an exhibition Twenty20 match by the Indian team management as New Zealander Hamish Marshall, who plays in the rebel Indian Cricket League, is part of the show.

Both Tendulkar and Karthik were to play in the Masters game between former Australian and New Zealand Internationals before the second Twenty20 match against New Zealand on Friday night.

Tendulkar was to play for New Zealand Cricket Players' Association team and Karthik for the Australian Cricketers' Association.

The Indian officials in New Zealand had permitted Tendulkar and Karthik to play in the exhibition match, but the Indian board told them to withdraw because of Marshall's ICL links.

Marshall played for the Royal Bengal Tigers in the ICL last year but has since quit the rebel league.

The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India banned all those playing in the ICL from playing any official form of cricket and all other boards have followed suit. Some boards, however, allowed the ICL players to play domestic cricket.

The Indian board last year had asked Test star VVS Laxman not to play for Nottinghamshire in the English County Championship as the team had ICL players in their ranks.

New Zealand Players Association chief executive Heath Mills said the Indian board's decision was regrettable and saw the issue as a bit silly.

"Hamish is no longer a contracted ICL player and the alternative of barring him from the game was not seriously considered," Mills said.

http://sify.com/sports/cricket/fullstory.php?id=14863106&cid=13275685

New Zealand win the Match with clost fight

New Zealand defeated India in the 2nd Consecutive T20 Match and win the searies with a tally of 2-0.

Mccullum is the top scorer.

Twenty20: India seek redemption as they look to level series

Wellington(PTI): World champions India would seek to restore their pride after being trounced in the first match as they go into the second and final Twenty20 game against New Zealand here tomorrow, fully aware that only an inspired show will help them to level the series.

The seven-wicket defeat at Christchurch in the first match must have taken the reputation of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's young bravehearts as kings of Twenty20 a serious beating which they can only rectify by winning tomorrow.

A victory will also boost their morale ahead of the five-match ODI series starting on March 3 and put a balm after their second successive loss against New Zealand in the shortest format of the game.

However, the visitors will have to do a lot of catching up as the Kiwis have the distinct advantage of having bowling all-rounders in their ranks, in contrast to India who rely on their batsmen to bowl in the middle overs.

The lack of a genuine all-rounder is beginning to prove quite costly. Only Ravindra Jadeja seems to fall in this category, but the youngster from Rajkot may not find the team management's favour yet.

McCullum powers New Zealand past India

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World champions India kicked-off their New Zealand tour on a dismal note, losing their opening Twenty20 match by seven wickets in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Put into bat, the tourists recovered from a mid-innings slump thanks to Suresh Raina's fighting unbeaten 61 and posted 162 for eight in the allotted overs. But that proved insufficient as the Kiwis overhauled the target with seven balls to spare.

Brendon McCullam led the Kiwis' charge, hitting three sixes in an unbeaten 56, while Martin Guptill (41), Ross Taylor (31) and Jacob Oram (29 not out) came up with useful contributions.
The two sides meet again in the second T20 match in Wellington on Friday before playing each other in five one-day internationals and three Tests. source: http://www.rediff.com

IPL loses out $31.1m deal

The Indian Premier League has lost out on a $31.16 million deal due to a dispute between Sony, its broadcaster and major sponsor, and Big TV, a direct-to-home (DTH) service provider.

Big TV officials confirmed that they have pulled out due to contractual violations. Big TV has pulled out due to Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd (MMPL), a company under the Sony umbrella which holds the IPL contract, signed with Airtel Digital TV, Big TV's rival.

The IPL had signed with Big TV last August but Sony signed an advertising deal with Airtel on it's own. The conditions of the deal state that only Airtel's advertisements will be shown during the IPL match telecasts.

Meanwhile, Sundar Rama, CEO of the IPL, is working towards a quick resolution to this dispute. "Sony are our broadcasters and another ground partner has raised a valid issue, for which we have asked for a clarification," Raman said.

Rohit Gupta, president, network sales, MMPL, made it clear that the ongoing dispute would not hamper Sony's deal with IPL in any way. "We are discussing the issue with the BCCI and we are confident it will be resolved," Gupta said.

Big TV officials have made it clear that they will revive the deal only if all the original terms and conditions are adhered to. "According to our IPL deal, we had the first right of refusal for an on-air advertising deal," said Sanjay Behl, group head, brand and marketing, Reliance Communication. "Sony did come to us with their on-air offer but awarded the contract to a rival before we could respond. We have pulled out of the IPL and will look at reviving the arrangement only if the original terms and conditions are adhered to."

© Cricbuzz

Flintoff confident of playing in the IPL

England's injury struck all-rounder Andrew Flintoff made it clear to his fans that he will not withdraw from the second edition of the IPL starting in April.

A key to England's success in recent times, Flintoff recently picked up a hip injury during the third test against the West Indies which might keep him out of the fourth test and also put him in doubt for the IPL.

Flintoff, along with teammate Kevin Pietersen, became the latest and the most expensive addition to the star studded IPL, being bought by Chennai Super Kings for US$ 1.55 million.

Flintoff, who had thought of the prospect of playing in the IPL as "great fun", will be doing so ahead of a hectic schedule back home, where they take on the West Indies and the Aussies in the Ashes.

But there are still concerns over his participation as the ECB might not want to risk adding on to his injury with the English summer coming up, followed by the ICC 20-20 world cup. As of now though, Flintoff still remains in doubt for the final test against the West Indies, in which case the ECB might not allow him to participate in the IPL due to injury concerns.

David Collier, the ECB's chief executive, said in The Guardian that they could force any player to withdraw who "was carrying an injury that may affect his participation in the Ashes series".

Flintoff however remains hopeful and is optimistic about his recovery. "I don't think it will be touch and go," he said. "The IPL's still a while away so for all intents and purposes I'll be fit for that. I'm intending to go but it's not really at the forefront of my thinking. I want to play Test cricket and I want to play the one-day internationals.

"I'm not in the Barbados Test and there's a chance I'll play in Trinidad but I'll have to see how it settles down. We'll see how the next week goes. If we've got to get it rescanned, we'll see what happens. If I'm being honest I don't know."

The fourth test starts on 26th February in Barbados.

© Cricbuzz

Malhotra appointed IPL tournament director

Mumbai, Feb 25 (PTI) Ex-army officer Dhiraj Malhotra has been appointed as the tournament director for the second season of the Indian Premier League starting April 10 and concluding on May 24.

Catherine Simpson, of International Management Group, was appointed the joint tournament director of the T20 League and, along with Malhotra, would be in overall charge of cricket operations, programming and logistics during the 45-day event, a media release from IPL said.

Malhotra has been with the International Cricket Council for the last three years and has the experience of handling the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007 as well as the World Cup in the West Indies held in March-April that year behind him.

In addition, he has worked on various Champions Trophies and Under-19 World Cups.

Catherine Simpson has been working with IMG to promote cricket in the sub-continent and the Caribbean since 1994. She has also worked with the company on Wimbledon, Rugby World Cups and Miss World beauty pageants. PTI

Raina lifts India to handy total against New Zealand

Suresh Raina smashed an unbeaten half-century to help India recover from a slow start and reach 162 for eight in their first Twenty20 international against New Zealand in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Raina belted five sixes and two fours to finish on 61 not out off 43 balls, steering the world champions to a competitive total after New Zealand's bowlers ripped through the top order.

India, who were sent in to bat by Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori, slumped to 61-5 inside the first eight overs before Raina got some much-needed support from the lower-order.

Yusuf Pathan clubbed three sixes in a row in a quickfire 20 of 18 balls and then Harbhajan Singh kept the scoreboard ticking along with 21 from 22 deliveries in a 61-run partnership with Raina.

Source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/137/20090225/736/tnl-raina-lifts-india-to-handy-total-aga.htmlaa

ICL fate hinges on ICC Board meet

Johannesburg (PTI): After the much-anticipated tripartite talk failed to end the stalemate here, the fate of Indian Cricket League's application for ICC approval will now hinge on the governing body's April Board meeting in Dubai.

The three-hour meeting attended by ICC President David Morgan, Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan, Chairman of the Essel Group, which bankrolls the rebel league, Subhash Chandra and ICL's Business Head Himanshu Mody failed to reach an agreement on Monday.

Later the ICC said in a statement that no further meeting was planned and the issue would now be discussed in the ICC Board meeting in Dubai.

"No further discussions are scheduled and, as a result, the ICL's application to be recognised by the ICC as unofficial cricket will go back before the ICC Board at its April meeting in Dubai," the statement read.

ICC President David Morgan felt it was unfortunate that no solution came out of it and said, "I am grateful to all parties for coming together with the best of intentions and the discussions took place in a friendly and cordial manner but, unfortunately, we were not able to come to a successful conclusion in our discussions."

He, however, was happy that the "discussions took place without prejudice".

New Zealand to target Sehwag-Gambhir in T20 tie

Christchurch (PTI): Taming India's swashbuckling opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir will be crucial to New Zealand's success in the Twenty20 tie on Wednesday, Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori said.

Vettori said, "Sehwag creates a momentum at the top of the order and is such an aggressive player that he can take the game away quite quickly. A lot of our emphasis is on him and probably Gambhir. If we can put some pressure on India early and contain Sehwag and Gambhir, it would be handy.

"It is probably going to be crucial to our success. When these guys get away, it is always hard to get back in the game," said Vettori. Interestingly, the Kiwis aren't equally worried about Yuvraj Singh who has a formidable reputation in this format.

"We are not underestimating him as a player and how destructive he can be. We are just hoping that we get to him early by our plans for Gambhir and Sehwag. "If we can do that he will hopefully be more vulnerable than when he comes in with a bit of platform. But he still is a very good player and is in some very good form as well," said Vettori.

IPL ideal preparation for T20 WC: Dhoni

Christchurch (PTI): India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes the second edition of the Indian Premier League will be the perfect build-up before the side travels to England to defend their Twenty20 World Cup title in June.

Incidentally, the two Twenty20 games against New Zealand here are India's last opportunity to play as a team before the World Cup but Dhoni believes IPL would be the right platform to prepare for the mega event.

"Every game is important. These are two Twenty20 international games. But I think it will be important to focus on the IPL more," said Dhoni, who led India to triumph in the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

"It (IPL) would not help us only. It will help other players also who are part of IPL, which is a big tournament. Right now these two matches against New Zealand are too far away to contribute to the Twenty20 World Cup scenario," said Dhoni.

Lalit Modi gets interim relief in cheating case

Mumbai (PTI): In an interim relief for for Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi, accused of cheating and forgery by Jaipur police, a court here on Tuesday stayed his arrest for four weeks. Additional Sessions Judge Ashwinikumar Deore granted Modi the interim relief.

Modi had moved the court seeking anticipatory bail in the cheating case registered against him in February this year for alleged failure to deposit money he publicly promised for the Jaipur blast victims in the Chief Ministers relief fund. The complaint was filed by the state convenor of Nagrik Morcha Pandit Suresh Mishra at Jyoti Nagar police station in Jaipur.

According to the complaint, Modi had reportedly made a public statement that he would donate Rs 6 crore to the then chief minister of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje from the sponsors of IPL for the victims of the Jaipur blasts in May last year, Modi's lawyer Amit Desai told PTI. The complaint was lodged after Modi failed to deposit the amount to the relief fund.

Modi, who is also the President of Rajasthan Cricket Association, is already facing charges for allegedly acquiring a piece of land in Nagaur district through unfair means.

I will be fit for IPL, says Andrew Flintoff

London (PTI): England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff on Tuesday scotched speculation about his non-availability for the Indian Premier League, saying he will be fit before the second edition of the cash-rich event.

Flintoff sustained a hip injury recently and was ruled out of the fourth Test against the West Indies. ECB CEO Collier had said Flintoff may be stopped from appearing in the T20 League considering team's Ashes interest.

"I don't think it will be touch and go. The IPL's still a while away so for all intents and purposes I'll be fit for that. I'm intending to go but it's not really at the forefront of my thinking. I want to play Test cricket and I want to play the one-day internationals," Flintoff was quoted as saying by 'Daily Telegraph'.

Flintoff, who along with compatriot Kevin Pietersen grabbed a whopping USD 1.55 million contract with the IPL, also believes playing in the IPL will help England players prepare better for the T20 World Cup.

"It seems the (domestic) Twenty20 competitions always seem to fall between one-day and Test series. So as much Twenty20 cricket going into that World Cup will obviously benefit the side.

"You see how the Indians have gone – it's had a knock-on effect in one-day internationals. Obviously financially it's great. But to further our game and get better in that form of the game it's important we go," he said.

Turner defends Twenty20 selection

Christchurch (PTI): Two days before New Zealand take on India in the opening Twenty20 clash here, the country's convener of the national selection panel, Glenn Turner, has been forced to defend the decision to drop James Franklin and Scott Styris from the squad.

Former batsman Turner along with fellow selectors John Wright and Dion Nash omitted Franklin and Styris in favour of journeyman Ewen Thompson in the two Twenty20 matches that mark the start of India's series.

Turner said they chose to reward performers in the domestic circuit rather than go for name.

"It is too easy to say that when a player does well at provincial level, it doesn't count - we think that it does," Turner was quoted as saying by the 'Dominion Post'. He said the selectors wanted to try out new players before the Twenty20 World Cup.

"Also we are having quite a few injuries and we have the Twenty20 World Cup coming up in June and we only have these two matches.

"It is not a rotation policy, it is more about taking advantage of an injury situation to give someone else an opportunity. Quite often those last two positions you chose could go any number of ways," said the former New Zealand batsman.

"The argument is your core players win you games and those two final selections you make are less likely to. Therefore, by swapping them around a bit you learn more about different individuals," said Turner.

Regarding fast bowler Franklin's omission, Turner said he was not considered for the Twenty20 series against India because "over a period of time he has proved a bit sporting". He said Thompson had been recalled since a reliable new-ball bowler was needed to fill the gap left by Kyle Mills' unavailability.

"ET had one go and made a bit of a go of it," Turner said, referring to his dismissal of West Indies skipper Chris Gayle.

"Their (India's) openers like the ball coming on. We left him out previously because he lost form but he's been bowling better recently and he can also bat a bit towards the end."

On Styris issue, Turner felt for the moment the batsman did not warrant selection for the opening match on Wednesday.

"He starts off slowly and is committed to getting in and scoring big, but he hasn't really yet shown out. We are talking about Twenty20. He has a better show for the 50-over stuff," said Turner.

Eden Gardens to host all seven IPL matches: Jagmohan Dalmiya

Kolkata, Feb 20 (PTI) Putting all speculation at rest, Cricket Association of Bengal President Jagmohan Dalmiya today said Eden Gardens will host all seven home matches of Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League this season.

Dalmiya said he had been informed of the decision by KKR co-promoter Jay Mehta today.

"There was speculation that this year two matches of the Kolkata Knight Riders may be shifted to Cuttack. We had informed KKR that a decision in this regard would have to be taken soon because the matches start from April 10 and the time at our disposal was rather short," Dalmiya said in a release.

"On behalf of CAB, I have assured KKR of our best cooperation," Dalmiya added. PTI

ICC to bring BCCI and ICL on table

Dubai, Feb 21 (PTI) In a step aimed at ending the tussle between the Indian Cricket Board and the Indian Cricket League, the International Cricket Council has invited both the parties to a meeting in Johannesburg on Monday.

ICC President David Morgan and the Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat would meet with representatives of the BCCI and the ICL.

The representative of the BCCI and the ICL had met in October last year but the talks had failed.

Morgan said he had arranged the meeting to try and bring about a settlement to the long-running dispute between the two parties.

"I've long regarded it as a priority to bring together the BCCI and the owners of the ICL and I'm pleased to say we have fixed a meeting to take place in Johannesburg on Monday," Morgan said in a statement.

The ICC president cautiously said they were hoping to see an end the dispute but nothing can be promised.

"I hope we might be successful in coming to a mutually acceptable conclusion. I can't be certain that will be the case but I hope we can at least make a start in bringing about a settlement.

"I think this is significant because experience tells me that the best opportunity to solve a dispute is to have the parties face-to-face," he said. PTI

Eden to host all seven IPL matches: Dalmiya

Kolkata, Feb 20 (PTI) Putting all speculation at rest, Cricket Association of Bengal President Jagmohan Dalmiya today said Eden Gardens will host all seven home matches of Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League this season.

Dalmiya said he had been informed of the decision by KKR co-promoter Jay Mehta today.

"There was speculation that this year two matches of the Kolkata Knight Riders may be shifted to Cuttack. We had informed KKR that a decision in this regard would have to be taken soon because the matches start from April 10 and the time at our disposal was rather short," Dalmiya said in a release.

"On behalf of CAB, I have assured KKR of our best cooperation," Dalmiya added. PTI

Ponting not to play in IPL 2nd season

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Thursday revealed that he will skip this year's Indian Premier League starting April to concentrate on national commitments.

"My country comes first and there was no way I could give my all for Australia if I used the only two-week break we have to go and play in India," Ponting, who is contracted with the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, wrote in his column in 'The Australian'.

IPL Matches Schedule and Fixtures

Date, Match, Time

April 18, 2009, Bangalore Royal Challengers Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 8:00 PM

April 19, 2009, Kings XI Punjab Vs Chennai Super Kings, 5:00 PM

April 19, 2009, Delhi Daredevils Vs Rajasthan Royals, 8:30 PM

April 20, 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Deccan Chargers, 4:00 PM

April 20, 2009, Mumbai Indians Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers, 8:00 PM

April 21, 2009, Rajasthan Royals Vs Kings XI Punjab, 8:00 PM

April 22, 2009, Deccan Chargers Vs Delhi Daredevils, 8:00 PM

April 23, 2009, Chennai Super Kings Vs Mumbai Indians, 8:00 PM

April 24, 2009, Deccan Chargers Vs Rajasthan Royals, 8:00 PM

April 25, 2009, Kings XI Punjab Vs Mumbai Indians, 8:00 PM

April 26, 2009, Bangalore Royal Challengers Vs Rajasthan Royals, 8:00 PM

April 26, 2009, Chennai Super Kings Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 4:00 PM

April 27, 2009, Mumbai Indians Vs Deccan Chargers, 8:00 PM

April 27, 2009, Kings XI Punjab Vs Delhi Daredevils, 4:00 PM

April 28, 2009, Bangalore Royal Challengers Vs Chennai Super Kings, 8:00 PM

April 29, 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Mumbai Indians, 8:00 PM

April 30, 2009, Delhi Daredevils Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers , 8:00 PM

May 1, 2009, Deccan Chargers Vs Kings XI Punjab, 8:00 PM

May 1, 2009, Rajasthan Royals Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 4:00 PM

May 2, 2009, Chennai Super Kings Vs Delhi Daredevils, 8:00 PM

May 3, 2009, Bangalore Royal Challengers Vs Deccan Chargers, 4:00 PM

May 3, 2009, Kings XI Punjab Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 8:00 PM

May 4, 2009, Mumbai Indians Vs Delhi Daredevils, 4:00 PM

May 4, 2009, Rajasthan Royals Vs Chennai Super Kings, 8:00 PM

May 5, 2009, Bangalore Royal Challengers Vs Kings XI Punjab, 8:00 PM

May 6, 2009, Chennai Super Kings Vs Deccan Chargers, 8:00 PM

May 7, 2009, Mumbai Indians Vs Rajasthan Royals, 8:00 PM

May 8, 2009, Delhi Daredevils Vs Chennai Super Kings, 4:00 PM

May 8, 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers, 8:00 PM

May 9, 2009, Rajasthan Royals Vs Deccan Chargers, 8:00 PM

May 10, 2009, Chennai Super Kings Vs Kings XI Punjab, 8:00 PM

May 11, 2009, Deccan Chargers Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 4:00 PM

May 11, 2009, Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils, 8:00 PM

May 12, 2009, Kings XI Punjab Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers, 8:00 PM

May 13, 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Delhi Daredevils, 8:00 PM

May 14, 2009, Mumbai Indians Vs Chennai Super Kings, 8:00 PM

May 15, 2009, Delhi Daredevils Vs Deccan Charger, 8:00 PM

May 16, 2009, Mumbai Indians Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 8:00 PM

May 17, 2009, Delhi Daredevils Vs Kings XI Punjab, 8:00 PM

May 17, 2009, Rajasthan Royals Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers, 4:00 PM

May 18, 2009, Deccan Chargers Vs Mumbai Indians, 8:00 PM

May 18, 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Chennai Super Kings, 4:00 PM

May 19, 2009, Bangalore Royal Challengers Vs Delhi Daredevils, 8:00 PM

May 20, 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rajasthan Royals, 8:00 PM

May 21, 2009, Mumbai Indians Vs Kings XI Punjab, 4:00 PM

May 21, 2009, Chennai Super Kings Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers, 8:00 PM

May 22, 2009, Delhi Daredevils Vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 8:00 PM

May 23, 2009, Kings XI Punjab Vs Deccan Chargers, 8:00 PM

May 24, 2009, Delhi Daredevils Vs Mumbai Indians, 8:00 PM

May 24, 2009, Chennai Super Kings Vs Rajasthan Royals, 4:00 PM

May 25, 2009, Deccan Chargers Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers, 4:00 PM

May 25, 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Kings XI Punjab, 8:00 PM

May 26, 2009, Rajasthan Royals Vs Mumbai Indians, 8:00 PM

May 27, 2009, Deccan Chargers Vs Chennai Super Kings, 8:00 PM

May 28, 2009, Bangalore Royal Challengers Vs Mumbai Indians, 4:00 PM

May 28, 2009, Kings XI Punjab Vs Rajasthan Royals, 8:00 PM

May 29 ,2009, Rest,

May 30, 2009, First semi-final, 8:00 PM

May 31, 2009, Second semi-final, 8:00 PM

June 1, 2009, Final, 8:00 PM

'I can't think like I've already arrived'

MUMBAI: Sachin Tendulkar, Shaun Pollock and Zaheer Khan were on a conference call with Team Mumbai owner Nita Ambani when they mutually decided to bid for South African Jean-Paul Duminy. "Get him at any cost" was the message.

Back in South Africa, JP had no clue about this. Ahead of this year's auction, he was trying to figure out a price for himself when his agent asked him to settle for a 'modest' sum of $300,000. "$950,000! It took me a moment to digest that," he said, giggling, once the hammer came down and the big day had passed. "I'm looking forward to being in Mumbai," he emphatically announced.

JP, Jean-Paul, Duminy - he's okay with whatever name they've been using to praise his recent performances. The 24-year-old is fine as long as accolades are flowing in. In fact, given a full stint in IPL this year, the batsman is quite sure that his fame will reach newer heights.

"Patience is my virtue, my strength. I wait for the right opportunity," he told TOI, pointing out how the 166 against Australia at Melbourne came just at a time when the IPL beckoned.

"Any player would be lying if he says he wasn't looking forward to the auction. Money is a huge incentive," the attractive batsman says.

"It is the thrill of playing alongside Tendulkar and Jayasuriya, against the likes of Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Albie Morkel, that Duminy's waiting for. "It's dream cricket and that's the biggest thrill of the IPL," he says.

Duminy wasn't always like this, so confident of his approach, mentally battle-hardened and wanting to rub shoulders with the best in business.

Until a couple of years ago, in fact, he had been so low on confidence that he consulted Jeremy Snape, former cricketer-turned-sports psychologist to help him clear his mind.

"Snape took on the mental aspect of my game and changed it for the better. That stint with him allowed me to mature, soothe my trigger points. I wasn't able to grab a regular place in the team, specifically in Tests. Things gradually improved," says Duminy.

Finding those trigger points, enabling yourself to understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie is, in Duminy's opinion, the sole important factor of any sportsman's career.

"Today, I'd say my greatest strength is that I can identify the right situation, tell myself what I need to do and when that can benefit the team," he says.

It's not like Duminy comes across as an individual who thinks he's already figured out everything. "I can't think something like 'I've already arrived'. At the end of it all, contemporary cricket means daily struggle and it gets tougher as you go ahead.

"When I come to Mumbai for the IPL, I'll have to do enough to be accepted by my team, prove myself first," he says. Duminy only wants to get it across that he's got an eye for variety.

"And I'm grateful that the IPL saw that in me," he says. Batting aside, Duminy can also roll his arm over and is touted as a fielder in the class of Jonty Rhodes, which speaks a lot about this talented South African.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/I-cant-think-like-Ive-already-arrived/articleshow/4133480.cms

Mumbai Indians win on TV!

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals may have won the inaugural IPL in 2008 but Mumbai Indians were the most watched team on TV. According to IPL's post-event report compiled by their event management company, a copy of which is with TOI, Sachin Tendulkar's team attracted a total of 239 million viewers.

Shah Rukh Khan's team, Kolkata Knight Riders are second in the list with 227 million watching their matches while Chennai Super Kings are third with a figure of 219 million. IPL's defending champions Royals are fourth, attracting 212 million viewers.

The report also says that Bangalore Royal Challengers, who finished seventh in the league, were the least watched with a viewership of 199 million. Surprisingly, the fourth team in the IPL standings, Delhi Daredevils' viewership on TV is just a little more than Bangalore. Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab are fifth and sixth respectively on this list.

Looking at the figures of home matches, KKR topped the list with 125 million viewers, ahead of Mumbai Indians, who had the maximum viewership during away matches. The Daredevils are second in the list of away games with a viewership of 112 million.

As expected, the evening matches starting at eight provided significantly higher audience than the day matches, which began at four in the afternoon. There was not much difference between evening audience at the weekend compared with weekdays (8.4 million compared with 8.6 million).

"Fridays provided the highest audience on average with Tuesday providing the second-highest audience on average," says the report. "The highest audience for the day matches were on Sundays, while the lowest audience during day matches were on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The lowest audience for evening matches were on Sundays."

As for the fans' satisfaction, the report says that Chennai and Mumbai respondents "were the most satisfied" and Team Hyderabad respondents the least.

On the profile of the fans, the report says that they were "predominantly young, well-educated, about 27 years old and living in households earning a little under Rs 300,000 per annum".

The average money spent on IPL was Rs 2,304, the majority of it on ticket (61%), then food/drink (15%) and transport (12%). "The most was spent in Bangalore (Rs 2,832 per person) and least in Kolkata (Rs 1,493 per person)," says the report.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/Features/Mumbai-Indians-win-on-TV/articleshow/4072249.cms

The sold and the beautiful

PANAJI: Superstition or plain coincidence? Preity Zinta, the part owner of Team Mohali, had walked into last year’s IPL auction in a striking red dress. On Friday, the lady wore red again. And that was not the only similarity between the first IPL cricket bazaar and this one.

Bollywood actresses in designer togs, industrialists fiddling with Blackberrys after arriving in their Bentleys and Mercs, and the astronomical sums spent at the end of it - all reminiscent of the previous year’s bidding - made one forget the recession. Dollars, at an all time high these days, were showered on cricketers in a manner that simply mocked the very idea of a financial crunch.

It was all done amid smiles and an air of informality at the picturesque Fort Aguada. Vijay Mallya, sporting a Hawaiian shirt; Ness Wadia in torn jeans and a tee; Shilpa Shetty holding boyfriend Raj Kundra’s hand, hardly made it look like a working day.

Preity and Shilpa Shetty chatted, Juhi Chawla kept flashing her million-dollar smile and amid the pleasantries, it was hard to remember that everyone had assembled for serious business.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/Features/The-sold-and-the-beautiful/articleshow/4090591.cms

Shahrukh bowls googly in cola deal

MUMBAI: After making Shahrukh Khan croon "Yehi hai right choice baby" for the last ten years, Pepsi decided to let go of the Bollywood superstar recently.

However, while doing so, they did announce that the company would like to be associated with Khan's IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders.

The actor, however, seems to have other plans. KKR has now gone ahead and tied up with Coca Cola - brand Sprite to be specific - for the coming two years.

TOI has reliably learnt that Sprite will now be one of the team sponsors, which seems to be a clear case of Pepsi's loss being Coke's gain. The Coke spokesperson was unavailable for comment.

The deal is expected to involve sponsorship of merchandise, aligning with the team as a beverage partner and serving beverages in home stadiums.

In fact, Coke has also signed up with the Delhi Daredevils and leading India cricketer Gautam Gambhir.

However, the association between Coke, the team and the player isn't brand-specific as yet.

Reacting to Pepsi's disassociation after almost a decade, Khan told TOI that he is "now perhaps too old for Pepsi."

Recently, Mumbai-based market research firm AC Neilsen had revealed that Sprite has gone past Pepsi as the number two soft drink in India behind market leader Thums Up.

"They have thrown me out and I'm jobless," Khan had said after Pepsi dropped him as the brand ambassador when the contract ended in 2008. The actor did admit that he was looking forward to a renewed deal. He underwent a surgery at a Mumbai hospital on Monday and was unavailable for further comment.

Recently, Pepsi had also dropped Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly as brand ambassadors. Ganguly, incidentally, is also the captain of the team owned by Khan.

Sources suggest that these men do not fit Pepsi's bill as the company is now targeting the younger generation.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4146425.cms

Mortaza credits IPL riches to consistent form

DHAKA: Fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza on Friday said his $6,00,000 buy by Kolkata Knight Riders in the second Indian Premier League auction was a reward for his consistent form this season.

"Obviously I am delighted because I feel this is a result of all hard work I have put in over the years and a reward for being consistent this season," an elated Mortaza said.

"I have lots of friends and fans in India and that's why I am excited. I love being there and it is a pleasure to play in India. Kolkata is just next door and I know how much people there admire Bangladeshi cricketers. My challenge is to go over there and prove my worth," said the 25-year-old Mortaza, number eight in the ICC ODI rankings for bowlers.

Mortaza's bidding started with a base price of $50000 but his figures kept climbing steadily with the Kings XI Punjab hot on the heels of the Knight Riders before the Kolkata side roped him for 12 times his starting price.

There was further good news for the Bangladeshis with Tigers skipper Mohammad Ashraful snapped by Mumbai Indians at his base price of $75,000 in the second round after most teams had exhausted their 10-player quota of foreign players.

Ashraful revealed that signing for Mumbai Indians would allow him to realise a childhood dream -- to play alongside batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.

"Sachin Tendulkar has been an idol for me and as a youngster I dreamt of playing alongside him some day and now we are in the same team," he said.

Amid the euphoria, Mortaza and Ashraful, however, feel bad for teammate Shakib Al Hasan, number one all-rounder in ICC ODI rankings, who didn't find a taker in the auction despite his sensational run of form this year.

"I would have been a lot happier if Shakib had got a team. He has been sensational this year and he deserved to get a team," said Mortaza.

Echoing Mortaza, Ashraful said, "Shakib missing out was a bit of a shock because he is one player who has dominated in both forms of international cricket this season.

"Nevertheless I am very happy for Mash (Mortaza) as he been outstanding for us. The fact that two players from Bangladesh have been picked after an intense bidding was an encouraging sign for Bangladesh cricket also," he said.

Mortaza also revealed that Kings' XI Punjab captain Yuvraj Singh had promised him to induct in the Mohali-based outfit.

"I often had conversations with Yuvraj and he said he would take me in his side," Mortaza said.

The Kolkata and Mohali outfits were locked in a 30-minute tug-of-war over Mortaza and at the end of it, the Knight Riders had the last laugh as they agreed to cough up $600,000.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, the other Bangladeshi cricketer in the auction, remained unsold.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/News/Mortaza_credits_IPL_riches_to_form/articleshow/4090046.cms

Knight Riders yet to decide on shifting of matches from Eden

KOLKATA: Amid unconfirmed reports that the Eden Gardens would host all the seven home Indian Premier League games of the Kolkata Knight Riders, the franchise owners Red Chillies Entertainment on Wednesday said it was still not certain about the venues of the matches.

The Cricket Association of Bengal on Tuesday denied shifting of KKR's matches to Cuttack and Bangladesh with treasurer Subir Ganguly saying that the Eden would host KKR's all home matches and the dates would be finalised this week.

"We are not losing out on any matches and will host all the seven matches. The franchise is against taking the matches to some other venues. So there's no question of Cuttack and Bangladesh as the likely venues," Ganguly had said.

"We will get the confirmation this week after getting the letter. The fixtures, however, will be decided after General Assembly election dates are announced as the organisers don't want a clash of tournaments," he had said.

KKR Chief Executive Joy Bhattacharya, however, would not confirm any such development.

"At this moment, nothing is finalised. So I am not able to confirm either way," he said.

Meanwhile, CAB has got a relief with the IPL Governing Council, headed by Lalit Modi, deciding to shell out Rs 13.5 crore which includes Rs 3.5 crore as last year's dues.

"We will get Rs 13.5 crore from the IPL Governing Council by this week. From the amount, Rs 10 crore will be for the proceedings from the IPL profits, while Rs 3.5 crore as the budget for last year's seven matches that Eden hosted at a cost of Rs 50 lakh per match," Ganguly said.

"There were some issues about overspending by the past administration, but we are happy with what the franchise and IPL body are offering us. The deficit will not hurt much as after all we are getting Rs 10 crore towards the profits," Ganguly added.

Over the last few months, the past CAB administration under Prasun Mukherjee had been preoccupied with the pending payment issue to the tune of Rs 7.26 crore.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/News/KKR-yet-to-decide-on-shifting-matches/articleshow/4113898.cms

Now, KKR target Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: After bagging Bangladesh pacer Mashrafe Mortaza for a whopping $600,000 at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Goa, Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders are hoping to build on their increasing popularity across the eastern border by staging some practice-cum-exhibition matches in Dhaka next month.

The matches will be staged before actual IPL action kicks off on April 10.

According to IPL sources, the KKR team management and the Bangladesh cricket board are in talks to organise these matches, with the dates to be confirmed in due course. ‘‘KKR is yet to confirm the dates, but they are certainly planning to visit Bangladesh for three to four days to play some practice games,’’ an IPL source told TOI on Sunday.

Will KKR also cash on the team’s merchandising prospects in Bangladesh? Source say KKR got a call from the Bangladesh cricket board a couple of days ago and King Khan’s men were told about the team’s popularity in that part of the world.

‘‘We know that Bangladesh loves it’s cricket. If the Kolkata team featuring a local player like Mortaza plays a match against Bangladesh, cricket fans are going to enjoy every bit of it,’’ a source said.

Prior to these proposed exhibition cum practice matches, KKR will also have a conditioning camp in Kolkata to select a preliminary squad of 22 from 50-odd players. The camp is tentatively scheduled from March 16.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4096375.cms

IPL matches to get all support from state government

JAIPUR: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday refuted Rajasthan Cricket Association President Lalit Modi's claims that his government was trying to sabotage IPL matches in Jaipur and promised all kind of facilities for the Twenty20 games in Rajasthan.

Gehlot said the factional war in the RCA was none of state government's concerns, according to an official spokesperson of the state government.

"They would be given facilities which were provided by previous government to hold matches here, keeping people's craze for cricket in view," he said.

Modi had earlier threatened to shift IPL matches out of Jaipur, alleging the state government was harassing him.

Gehlot, however, said his Government has nothing to do with the ongoing controversies in the faction-ridden RCA.

RCA secretary Subhash Joshi leads the dissident group against Modi, who is already in a legal mess for alleged cheating and acquiring land through wrongful means.

"RCA being an autonomous body is governed by its own constitution and Rajasthan Sports act and the disputes were their internal matters," the spokesperson said.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/News/IPL_matches_to_get_all_support_from_state_government/articleshow/4150399.cms

Sprite joins Knight Riders as official pouring partner

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday announced its tie-up with Coca-Cola India and named 'Sprite' as the official beverage of the Indian Premier League team.

With this deal, Coca Cola India also won the branding rights for 'Sprite' on the players' apparel and helmet from the second season of the Twenty20 extravaganza.

Apart from its presence on apparels and helmets, 'Sprite' would also have in-stadia presence and activation rights for all seven home-matches at Eden Gardens, according to a release.

"From the time of its inception last year, Kolkata Knight Riders has far exceeded the expectation of competitors and compatriots in terms of our fan following and the success of our brand and business. With Sprite now on board as Associate Sponsor and Official Pouring Partner, I am confident we will together provide more enhanced experiences to our fans and consumers, making the second season of IPL 2009 all the more action-packed and exciting," KKR co-owner Jay Mehta said.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/News/Sprite_joins_Knight_Riders_as_official_pouring_partner/articleshow/4151263.cms

Uncertainty over IPL final after cancellation of CCI EGM

MUMBAI: There's a cloud of uncertainty over the conduct of the final of this year's Indian Premier League at the Cricket Club of India following the cancellation of the February 27 EGM due to opposition from the members.

The tradition-bound CCI had asked its members to say yes or no for hosting matches of the twenty20 event, including the final, at its Brabourne Stadium through the EGM.

But in the wake of strong opposition at the Open session held to explain the demands of the IPL, the EGM itself has been shelved.

"The EGM has been cancelled because of opposition from the members," said a CCI source.

The EGM was convened by CCI to decide whether to give or deny IPL "the exclusive use of the whole or substantially the whole of the Club House for their (IPL's) invitees, guests and cricket officials for a limited duration before, during and after match days."

Rajasthan Royals, winners of the title in the inaugural year of the event, have the option of conducting the title clash this year on a revenue sharing formula with the IPL and have chosen Mumbai to host it, with CCI being their first choice.

The IPL has offered D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as the alternative option for Rajasthan Royals. In case it was not suitable the franchise outfit has been given the option to shift the final out of Mumbai, chairman Lalit Modi had told reporters a few days ago.

CCI's CEO and Secretary, Kamaljeet Rajpal, had, in his earlier notice convening the EGM, said the IPL had offered the club "substantial seats in the stands of the stadium in lieu of the seating in the Club House which will be offered to members on a first come basis free of cost."

In 2008, the IPL had demanded exclusive use of the entire clubhouse to conduct matches.

But the CCI had rejected the demand and matches had to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, prior to the commencement of it's make-over for hosting the 2011 World Cup matches, and at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai which hosted the final too.

Meanwhile, the rejection of IPL's demands have also put a question mark over Mumbai Indians, the franchise outfit of Reliance Industries, in hosting their seven home ties at the Brabourne Stadium.

"Our negotiations are still on with CCI," said a source from the franchise, who explained that the D Y Patil was also there as the alternative venue.

But the drawback of playing in the new state-of-the-art venue, which hosted the final last year, was lacking of a five star hotel in it's vicinity for the teams to stay, the source informed.

"It is not a preferred venue for teams because of logistical reasons, mainly because it involves travelling long distances from hotels in South Mumbai to the satellite city across the harbour, for practising as well as playing the match," the source said.

The problem in finding a suitable venue in Mumbai for hosting IPL ties seem set to continue till the refurbished Wankhede Stadium, undergoing massive renovation currently, is ready by the end of 2010.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/News/Uncertainty_over_IPL_final_after_cancellation_of_CCI_EGM_/articleshow/4154682.cms

Ponting won't play in IPL II, to focus on national duty

MELBOURNE: Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Thursday revealed that he will skip this year's Indian Premier League to concentrate on national commitments.

"My country comes first and there was no way I could give my all for Australia if I used the only two-week break we have to go and play in India," Ponting, who is contracted with the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, wrote in his column in 'The Australian'.

"I have been talking with my team, the Kolkata Knight Riders for a month or two now and in the end my only choice was to withdraw from the 2009 competition, but I will most certainly be back for 2010 when I hope to be able to make a much greater contribution," he said.

Ponting, who is currently in South Africa with the Australian squad for a Test and ODI series, thanked Knight Riders for letting him go this time around.

"The franchise has been fantastic about the whole thing and I want to thank them for their understanding," he wrote.

The Australian skipper said he could have played in the IPL for two weeks but said it would have been unfair on both Knight Riders and the national team.

"And then there was the issue of giving up the chance to be with my family for a fortnight. It is always hard to leave Rianna (wife) and I cherish every second I spend with my daughter Emmy."

Ponting said part of his decision not to play in IPL this year was that Twenty20 cricket was physically demanding and he wanted to preserve himself for the World Cup of the shorter format in England in June.

"Part of the reason I decided to withdraw from the IPL is that Twenty20 is such a physically demanding game and you have to be at your best to play the game and I want to be at my best for the (Twenty20) World Cup. I am really in good physical shape at the moment but have to admit that there is a bit of tiredness after the summer.

"It (not playing in IPL) is not an indication of any intention to ease myself out of Twenty20 cricket. I am really looking forward to the (Twenty20) World Cup. It's one trophy we do not have on the shelf and have never had," Ponting said.

"I have given no thought to not playing any form of the game or retiring from any form of the game. I love captaining my country and will not let go while I have a contribution to make," he added.

The Australian skipper said he would catch up Knight Riders' progress in the second edition of the IPL on television.

"It will be painful not to be with the Knight Riders and I am going to be sneaking out in the night to catch as many of their matches as I can on the television," Ponting said.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ponting-to-miss-IPL-to-focus-on-national-duty/articleshow/4156951.cms

ICL defaulting on payments: Report

NEW DELHI: The recession-hit rebel Indian Cricket League, which has cancelled its next tournament, has not paid players' wages due last December, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported.

The report said the league owed as much as $100,000 to some players.

"Players in the ICL, which includes Australians Jason Gillespie, Damien Martyn, Michael Kasprowicz, Jimmy Maher, Ian Harvey and Stuart Law, receive quarterly payments of up to $105,000 for the top-paid stars," the report said, adding that players, though, were confident the league would not collapse.

"We have never been paid on time, so it's no different except there's an even longer delay this time," one player was quoted as saying, "So far, they are behind one payment. You never know. It's India. If it happens, it happens. Everyone has been hit by the economic crisis, even the Indian Premier League. They said they are just working through a few things, so we will just have to wait and see. I think the ICL will go on."

The players have received a letter from owner Subhash Chandra asking for patience and promising all wages would be paid. "We have been given the word we will be looked after and we are confident they will honour that," a player said.

http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/News/News/ICL-defaulting-on-payments-Report/articleshow/4157932.cms

Yousuf non-committal of leaving ICL to play for Pakistan

Karachi, Feb 19 (PTI) Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf today remained non-committal on leaving the rebel Indian cricket League and enhance his chances of returning to the national squad.
In a meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt in Lahore today, Yousuf insisted the board should consider him for selection since the International Cricket Council (ICC) has not forced its member boards to ban any players for taking part in the league.

"I have not thought about leaving the ICL till now although the board Chairman felt this would be the easiest way for me to make a comeback to the Pakistan team," Yousuf told reporters after the meeting.

The middle-order batsman said the meeting was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere and Butt conveyed that he wanted him (Yousuf) to play for Pakistan again.

"I am grateful that the board Chairman is willing to work out a solution to this problem and has given me a patient hearing," Yousuf said.

Butt had earlier remarked that instead of running around Yousuf should come and meet him to discuss the ICL issue.

Yousuf joined the rebel league last year as he was unhappy with the treatment meted out by former captain Shoaib Malik and previous board officials. PTI

Uncertainty over IPL final after cancellation of CCI EGM

Mumbai, Feb 19 (PTI) There's a cloud of uncertainty over the conduct of the final of this year's Indian Premier League at the Cricket Club of India here following the cancellation of the February 27 EGM due to opposition from the members.

The tradition-bound CCI had asked its members to say yes or no for hosting matches of the twenty20 event, including the final, at its Brabourne Stadium through the EGM.

But in the wake of strong opposition at the Open session held to explain the demands of the IPL, the EGM itself has been shelved.

"The EGM has been cancelled because of opposition from the members," said a CCI source.

The EGM was convened by CCI to decide whether to give or deny IPL "the exclusive use of the whole or substantially the whole of the Club House for their (IPL's) invitees, guests and cricket officials for a limited duration before, during and after match days." Rajasthan Royals, winners of the title in the inaugural year of the event, have the option of conducting the title clash this year on a revenue sharing formula with the IPL and have chosen Mumbai to host it, with CCI being their first choice. PTI

IPL rejects PCB request over Asif ban

Mumbai, Feb 16 (PTI) The Indian Premier League (IPL) today rejected the request of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to advance the date of commencement of the one-year ban imposed on pacer Mohammad Asif for returning a positive dope test from September 23 to July 15, 2008.
"We have received a request from the PCB to prepone the ban on Asif from September 23 to July 15, 2008. We cannot do so. The ban was imposed by the IPL Drug Tribunal comprising Sunil Gavaskar, Dr Ravi Bapat and Shirish Gupte," said IPL Chairman Lalit Modi at a media conference here.

Modi explained that Asif had the option to go in for an appeal against the ban, imposed for one year by the IPL Tribunal for testing positive for banned drug Nandrolone in the first season of the League, but chose not to do so.

"I do not know why the ban was imposed for one year. He could have appealed against it and then the Appeals Tribunal would have looked into it. He did not do so. The ban stays from September 23, 2008," he said.

Modi said he presumed that the commencement of the ban was fixed from September 23 as Asif had asked for his 'B' sample too to be tested for the banned drug and it was done only in September. PTI

Modi threatens to take away IPL matches from Jaipur

Mumbai, Feb 16 (PTI) Embroiled in a series of legal battles and facing dissent in his home association, IPL Chairman Lalit Modi today threatened to shift the Twenty20 matches out of Jaipur, saying the recent FIRs lodged against him were "politically motivated".
Modi said he has been authorised by the IPL Governing Council to decide on the venue of the IPL matches and shifting them from Jaipur was an option being considered.

"It is going to deter the IPL management from staging matches (in Jaipur). The Governing Council has already taken a decision authorising me to decide whether we should be able to hold matches anywhere, whether it's one place or x, y, z," Modi told reporters here.

"The option to move matches (out of Jaipur) is available to us. We are looking at alternate venues without doubt. If any government anywhere is going to deter the IPL management from staging matches we would take away those matches and hold them elsewhere," he added.

A case of cheating was lodged against Modi at a Jaipur police station yesterday for alleged failure to deposit the entire Rs six crore he publicly promised for the city's blast victims in the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. PTI

ICC Twenty20 Cricket Schedule World Cup 2009

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ICC Twenty20 Cricket Schedule Fixtures World Cup 2009

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
India	Pakistan	Australia	New Zealand
Bangladesh	England	Sri Lanka	South Africa
Ireland	Netherlands	West Indies	Scotland
Group E	A1, B2, C1, D2	Group F	B1, A2, C2, D1

Date	Lord's	Trent Bridge	The Oval
Fri, 5 June	Opening ceremony England v Netherlands 1730-2030
Sat, 6 June		India v Bangladesh 1730-2030	New Zealand v Scotland 1000-1300 Australia v West Indies 1330-1630
Sun, 7 June			South Africa v Scotland 1330-1630 England v Pakistan 1730-2030
Mon, 8 June		Ireland v Bangladesh 1330-1630 Australia v Sri Lanka 1730-2030
Tues, 9 June	Pakistan v Netherlands 1330-1630 New Zealand v South Africa 1730-2030
Wed, 10 June		Sri Lanka v West Indies 1330-1630 India v Ireland 1730-2030

Placement for the Super Eight stage is determined as follows:

The first two teams in each group are placed 1 or 2. They will retain this position for the Super Eight stage, irrespective of whether they finish first or second in their group, unless they are knocked out by the team 3 in their group. In this instance, team 3 replaces the position of the team they knock out.

Date	Lord's	Trent Bridge	The Oval
Thu, 11 June		D1 v A2 (1330-1630) B2 v D2 (1730-2030)
Fri, 12 June	B1 v C2 (1330-1630) A1 v C1 (1730-2030)
Sat, 13 June			C1 v D2 (1330-1630) D1 v B1 (1730-2030)
Sun, 14 June	A2 v C2 (1330-1630) A1 v B2 (1730-2030)
Mon, 15 June			B1 v A2 (1330-1630) B2 v C1 (1730-2030)
Tues, 16 June		D1 v C2 (1330-1630) D2 v A1 (1730-2030)

The teams finishing first and second in groups E and F, based on points obtained in the Super Eight stage will compete in the semi-finals

Date	Lord's	Trent Bridge	The Oval
Wed, 17 June	REST DAY	REST DAY	REST DAY
Thu, 18 June		Women's semi-final A1 v B2 (1330-1630) Men's semi-final E1 v F2 (1830-2030)
Fri, 19 June			Women's semi-final B1 v A2 (1330-1630) Men's semi-final F1 v E2 (1730-2030)
Sat, 20 June	REST DAY	REST DAY	REST DAY
Sun, 21 June	Women's final 1000-1300 Men's final 1500-1800 Closing ceremony

Ticket prices

Lord's and The Oval	Gold		Silver		Family Stand
Men's Prices (inc. VAT)	Adult	U16	Adult	U16	Adult	U16
Opening game and ceremony	£60	£15	£40	£12	£30	£10
Group game - double header	£60	£15	£40	£12	£30	£10
Super 8 game - double header	£70	£15	£50	£12	£40	£10
Semi-finals day (women/men)	£90	£15	£60	£12	£50	£10
Finals day (women/men)	£90	£15	£60	£12	£50	£10

Trent Bridge	Gold		Silver		Family Stand
Men's Prices (inc. VAT)	Adult	U16	Adult	U16	Adult	U16
Group game and single header	£30	£12	£25	£10	£20	£8
Group game - double header	£50	£12	£35	£10	£30	£8
Super 8 game - double header	£60	£12	£45	£10	£40	£8
Semi-finals day (women/men)	£75	£12	£60	£10	£40	£8