cogitoergosum
2010-05-01 06:23:42 UTC
Twenty20, Tickets-aplenty: Sid Harth
http://bakulaji.typepad.com/blog/
Twenty20, Cricket-aplenty: Sid Harth
http://bakulaji.typepad.com/blog/
T20 World Cup: India face minnows Afghanistan
Nikhil Naz, Saturday May 1, 2010, St Lucia
For many, India's opening game in the T20 World Cup today is but a
mere formality. They face off against minnows Afghanistan - a team
many of the Indian stars have never head off.
NDTV: Do you know the name of any Afghanistan cricketer?
Yuvraj Singh: Laughs... "No, I don't!"
And that may be India's biggest problem. How do you prepare for a team
you don't even know? Skipper MS Dhoni though has done his home work.
"You know most of the ICC tournament, including the one they have
qualified from are also televised and there is a video of that. So
it's not very difficult clipping to get a hold off. So we will show it
to our bowlers and asses what their strengths and weakness are. It not
like we are blind, when it comes to the Afghanistan team, it's just
that we haven't seen them play too many international cricket," said
MS Dhoni, Captain, Indian T20 team.
Too much cricket is probably why India decided to pass on a practice
game before the tournament, a decision that could come back to haunt
the men in blue.
All the pre-tournament talk has been about how India is the only team
who haven't played a practice game. But in their very first game MS
Dhoni and his men take on debutants Afghanistan. Is that the practice
game they are looking for?
Related
Shoaib-Ayesha mudslinging was too much: Pak cricketers
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/shoaib-ayesha-mudslinging-was-too-much-pak-cricketers-19463.php
Pietersen's sexist remark angers women cricketers
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/pietersens-sexist-remark-angers-women-cricketers-18147.php
Now, Indian-origin cricketers allege racism in Oz
http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/now-indian-origin-cricketers-allege-racism-in-oz-17795.php
Bond arrives to strengthen KKR bowling department
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/bond-arrives-to-strengthen-kkr-bowling-department-17761.php
Sachin, Gambhir & Sangakkara fined for slow over rate
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/sachin-gambhir-sangakkara-fined-for-slow-over-rate-17758.php
A chopper ride every Sunday to play cricket
http://www.ndtv.com/news/cities/a-chopper-ride-every-sunday-to-play-cricket-19597.php
Mid-Day.com, Friday April 9, 2010, Pune
Flamboyant city hotelier and businessman Avinash Bhosale likes to do
everything in style. So when he decided to meet a bunch of old friends
every week for a game of cricket at Sinhagad Institute, he rejected
the idea of travelling to the ground by car from his Baner residence.
A distance of 20 km, from Baner to Sinhagad Institute is about 30
minutes by road. For Bhosale this was too much time wasted. He did the
next best thing. He uses his private chopper to cover the distance.
It takes him merely five minutes to reach the college ground where he
spends almost five hours playing cricket. Local residents close to
Sinhagad institute feel that it is just a craze.
"It's weird. You don't need to travel by a chopper to play cricket,"
said Satish Kale, a resident of Wadgaon Budruk who used to go for a
morning walk near the Sinhagad Institute.
Bhosale travels in his Bell helicopters and it has now become a common
sight at the ground at Sinhagad Institute on Sinhagad Road.
Asked why he did not use his car, he said, "I love cricket and I like
to spend time every Sunday with friends.
There is nothing wrong if I want to save time and use my chopper,
which takes me to the place in just five minutes. It would otherwise
take about 25 to 30 minutes. The cricket ground is big and there is no
need to create a separate helipad for the purpose."
Bhosale owns three models of choppers: Bell-407 and -427 and Augusta
109.
"I need the choppers for work and it is not a luxury. I use it
wherever it is required," he said.
According to him, using a chopper to go to play cricket is also not a
luxury. "It is how you look at it. Earlier, people used to criticise
me when I used to travel by Mercedes instead of Fiat," he said.
Bhosale has been playing cricket for the past 15 years and has sought
permission from M N Navale, president, Sinhagad Technical Education
Society, to play on the campus.
Navale said special attention is paid to the ground to keep it in good
condition and it is used only for students.
"Bhosale asked for permission and I agreed to sanction five hours
every Sunday morning. I am not charging him because he is my friend
and a well wisher," he said.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/cities/a-chopper-ride-every-sunday-to-play-cricket-19597.php
Shoaib-Ayesha mudslinging was too much: Pak cricketers
Press Trust of India, Thursday April 8, 2010, Karachi
The mudslinging is over and it's time to celebrate now, said Shoaib
Malik's teammates and other Pakistani cricketers as they welcomed his
decision to divorce Ayesha Siddiqui after a bitter row, paving the way
for his marriage with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.
"I am happy for Shoaib and Sania that they are getting married because
whatever was happening in the last few days in this issue was very sad
and in bad taste," said fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
"The way things went and were portrayed in the last one week brought a
bad name to Pakistan and was also spoiling image of India, so it is
good this controversy is now over," he added.
Pakistan's chief selector Mohsin Khan said he was relieved that the
issue had been resolved amicably between Shoaib, who will marry Sania
on April 15, and the Siddiquis.
"A marriage is a time for celebration and joy and unfortunately in
this particular case things had really gotten out of hand and the way
the media has projected the whole affair disappointed many people," he
said.
Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, meanwhile, reiterated that he had
never met Ayesha even when the team had gone for a reception at the
Siddiqui household in 2005.
"But the issue was getting on everyone's nerves and the mud slinging
was distasteful. So it is good all this is now over and Shoaib and
Sania's marriage will finally take place," he said.
Former Test player Basit Ali said Shoaib's flip-flops on the matter
still leave a lot of questions unanswered but he was glad that the war
of words was finally over.
"Only God knows the real truth and it is his personal matter but it is
good that he and Sania can now get married peacefully and everyone can
celebrate their wedding," he stated.
Pakistani pacer Umar Gul said he was happy to learn the controversy
has ended as he felt bad for both the parties.
"Something like this is never good for anyone but it is now over and I
wish Shoaib and Sania a lot of happiness and happy marriage," he said.
Former captain Rashid Latif, who caused a stir by stating that Ayesha
was not the girl Shoaib chatted with on the internet, said he was
happy the issue had been resolved.
"Only the families involved know what happened but it is good elders
got involved and ended this controversy which was bad for Pakistan and
India and must have caused lot of hurt to everyone involved in it,"
Rashid said.
Pakistan's coach Waqar Younis also said the way the whole issue was
being presented in the media was sad and disgraceful and not good for
anyone including Malik.
Related
Upset by Sania -Shoaib marriage, couple changes daughter's name
Rs 61 lakhs as 'Haq Mehr' for Sania
A chopper ride every Sunday to play cricket
After Malik, Asif faces legal trouble from ex-lover
US working to allow access to Headley: Ambassador
Possibility of DNA test made Shoaib divorce Ayesha?
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/shoaib-ayesha-mudslinging-was-too-much-pak-cricketers-19463.php
Pietersen's sexist remark angers women cricketers
Mid-Day.com, Saturday March 20, 2010, Mumbai
England cricket star Kevin Pietersen may have been defending his
teammates when he recently said in Bangladesh, "Test cricket is a
'man's game' and 'not a game for girls', but now the stroke maker may
need some serious defending as he is to arrive in India to play for
the Royal Challengers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pietersen had defended his teammates following accusations that the
tourists (England) did not play fair during the recent first Test
against Bangladesh. But former women cricketers in India are certainly
not amused by the statement.
In the '80s cricketer Sandeep Patil had made some such similar
statement, saying girls should be in the kitchen. He then made amends
by attending a prize distribution function."
Former India cricketer Diana Edulji said that Kevin had obviously not
seen the way the English girls play and termed him a "snooty
character". The former cricketer added that, "There is a lot of
aggression when women play, there is sledging especially when we play
England and Australia. As long as one does not cross a certain line,
that is fair."
Former India Test cricketer, Anjali Pendharkar, who is also on the
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) committee women's wing, says, "This
proves that the male chauvinist attitude has still not gone from the
game. I was India team manager when we toured England in 2006. The
aggression, the sledging was all there."
Sociologist Nandini Sardesai, wife of late cricketer Dilip Sardesai,
asks, "On what basis is he making such a chauvinistic statement? Why
is he saying this in Bangladesh? If he said it at home in England, he
would be thrashed."
Meanwhile, cricket commentator and former India player, Behroze Edulji
goes further, stating, "this is the typical attitude of a fair skin
which umpires go gaga over."
Behroze says that Kevin is trying to cover up his own failures,
"Today, the England women are tops in the ODIs and T20s, I think he
should be proud of the English women and what they have achieved in
two years, he should put on a skirt and face all these women.
He would also be better off concentrating on his own batting form.
Frankly, I think Mithali Raj (Indian women's captain) plays better
cricket than Kevin Pietersen."
Related
Modi offered us 50 million dollars to sell team: Kochi owners
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/ive-had-enough-tharoor-tweets-about-ipl-controve-19871.php
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/pietersens-sexist-remark-angers-women-cricketers-18147.php
Modi offered us 50 million dollars to sell team: Kochi owners
NDTV Correspondent, Wednesday April 14, 2010, New Delhi
The owners of the Kochi Indian Premier League (IPL) Team have
exchanged a new round of accusations with IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi.
Now, the CEO of the Kochi franchise, Shailendar Gaekwad, claims that
Modi offered them 50 million dollars to sell the team. A sign, says
Gaekawad, that Modi desperately wanted a new IPL franchise in another
part of the country instead of Kochi.
Attacking Modi for repeating on Wednesday that it's not clear exactly
who owns the team, the owners retorted, "How can Modi say 'We don't
know who the owners are'." (Read: Tharoor received death threat SMS
about IPL team, says aide)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/tharoor-received-death-threat-about-ipl-team-says-aide-19989.php
The consortium that won the bid for the Kochi team for 1530 crores is
led by Rendezvous Sports Group and claims that its members submitted
all required documents to the IPL, "including our PAN cards."
Gaekwad, said that at a meeting with Modi, "We were asked a lot of
personal questions about some of our owners which we could not readily
answer. He asked questions about when did you meet Sunanda (Pushkar)
and other such irrelevant things....We said that whatever questions
were unanswered we will mail all the details as soon as possible. We
felt that most of the questions were planted. Before we could give all
the answers he went on Twitter and said at the press conference that
we did not have knowledge about all the owners." (Read: I am not a
proxy for Tharoor: Sunanda Pushkar) (Read: Who is Sunanda Pushkar?)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/i-am-not-a-proxy-for-tharoor-sunanda-pushkar-19990.php
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/who-is-sunanda-pushkar-19922.php
Modi on Monday, in a series of tweets, alleged that the details of
exactly who owns the team are unclear; he also said that Sunanda
Pushkar, a friend of the Minister of State for External Affairs,
Shashi Tharoor, has been gifted equity worth 70 crores. (Read: Lalit
Modi, Kochi IPL owners trade new charges)
The owners do not deny this. They describe Pushkar's share as "sweat
equity" saying it's in lieu of a salary for her Marketing experience.
The BJP, which has demanded that Tharoor be sacked for inappropriate
links to the owners, says that Pushkar has no earlier link to either
Kerala or cricket. It alleges that Pushkar is a front for Tharoor, who
is being rewarded for his successful lobbying for an IPL team for his
home state. (Read: Tharoor - Modi row: BJP says sack Minister,
Congress distances itself)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/prime-minister-must-sack-shashi-tharoor-says-bjp-19910.php
The Kochi team owners have formally complained to the Board of Control
for Cricket in India (BCCI) that Modi has violated confidentiality
agreements. In turn, the BCCI has reprimanded Modi and summoned a
special meeting to discuss the controversy.
Tharoor has clarified publicly that he is an advisor and a mentor to
the team-owners and that he does not intend to financially benefit
from the deal he allegedly helped strike.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Modi asserted that "It is my job
as Chairman of IPL to seek details and authenticate the shareholding
of every franchise... how would otherwise I know where the money is
coming from." (Watch: Lalit Modi on Tharoor: I have nothing to hide)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/ive-had-enough-tharoor-tweets-about-ipl-controve-19871.php
http://www.ndtv.com/news/videos/video_player.php?id=1218695
He added, "In regard to all other eight franchises, we are aware of
who they are ....everybody knows who they are . They attend our
conferences, meetings ... In regard to Kochi, we had some question
marks about who they are. In fact, the people who presented the bid
document themselves did not know who they were ...that's why the
issue has come up."
Stressing that he would address the issue after the current season of
the IPL concludes, he said, "This is a small issue for us ...it is an
issue nonetheless and we will deal with it."
Tharoor has said that Modi is targeting Kochi because the IPL
commissioner wanted the franchise bid to be won by "a different team".
The reference is to Modi's alleged preference for an IPL team from
Ahemedabad. (Read: Tharoor on IPL controversy)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/lalit-modi-kochi-ipl-owners-trade-new-charges-20001.php
Now, Indian-origin cricketers allege racism in Oz
Press Trust of India, Tuesday March 16, 2010, Melbourne
Around 10 Victorian cricketers are under investigation for allegedly
racially abusing players of Indian descent during a match on Saturday,
according to a media report.
The Geelong Cricket Association has launched a probe after receiving
an official written complaint from the Waurn Ponds Cricket Club
against opposition club Thomson, The Geelong Advertiser reported.
The complaint alleges six Waurn Ponds players of Indian descent were
subjected to a series of racially motivated verbal attacks during
Saturday's fourth-grade qualifying final at Grinter Reserve No.2.
Witnesses claimed some of the players were reduced to tears and were
even considering giving up the sport.
It is alleged the comments were made during Waurn Ponds' batting
innings, with requests to stop from both the umpire and several
aggrieved players allegedly going unheeded.
Waurn Ponds, based at Deakin University, comprises a strong core of
international students in its lower grades, with more than a dozen
registered players of Indian descent.
While the complaint did not name any players accused of the taunts, it
named Thomson player Paul Welsh.
Thomson on Monday denied the allegations and said it would support the
GCA investigation.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/now-indian-origin-cricketers-allege-racism-in-oz-17795.php
Bond arrives to strengthen KKR bowling department
Press Trust of India, Monday March 15, 2010, Kolkata
Kolkata Knight Riders bowling armoury got a big boost on Monday with
the arrival of their new New Zealand recruit Shane Bond.
Bond will add fire to the pace department of Knight Riders, which
already boasts of South African Charl Langeveldt, Ishant Sharma, Ashok
Dinda and Ajit Agarkar.
But, the Kiwi pace spearhead's availibility for Knight Riders match
against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday is still to be decided.
"He just arrived from a long flight this morning. Let's see how it
goes tomorrow morning," said a KKR source.
Knight Riders are still expecting the services of Brendon McCullum and
Chris Gayle among their overseas recruits.
Fiery opener McCullum is currently busy with New Zealand's two-Test
series against Australia from March 19-31. The other big hitting
opener, Gayle, is expected soon, said the source.
In absence of Gayle and McCullum, Knights have their makeshift openers
in Manoj Tiwary and Brad Hodge who stood in a 101-run partnership to
set up the issue against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.
Knights had a two-hour optional practice session in the morning with
the benched players along with Langeveldt and Cheteshwar Pujara going
on the rigours.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/bond-arrives-to-strengthen-kkr-bowling-department-17761.php
Sachin, Gambhir & Sangakkara fined for slow over rate
Indo-Asian News Service , Sunday March 14, 2010, New Delhi
Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar, his Delhi Daredevils
counterpart Gautam Gambhir and Kings XI Punjab skipper Kumar
Sangakkara have been fined $20,000 each for their teams' slow overrate
in the Indian Premier League matches played on Saturday.
An IPL release said Tendulkar was fined after the Mumbai Indians "were
assessed to be two overs behind their required rate" during their four-
run win against Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
"Under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate
offences, Tendulkar was fined $20,000 by match referee Andy Pycroft,"
the statement said.
In the game at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium at Mohali, both
the Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils were each assessed to be one
over behind the required rate.
Fines were slapped on both the captains by match referee Srinivas
Venkataraghavan.
With Gambhir leading from the front with a knock of 72, Delhi
Daredevils beat Kings XI by five wickets.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Sourav Ganguly was fined an
identical amount for his side's slow over rate during the tournament
opener against defending champions Deccan Chargers at the D.Y. Patil
Stadium in Navi Mumbai Friday.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/sachin-gambhir-sangakkara-fined-for-slow-over-rate-17758.php
Jaded India not taking any chances against lowly Afghanistan
By: Debasish Datta Date: 2010-05-01 Place: St Lucia
The Indian team took it easy ahead of today's World Twenty20 opening
game against Afghanistan.
But it has nothing to do with the fact that the former champions are
taking on the babies of world T20 cricket.
It has more to do with the Indian Premier League. Most of the players
are jaded and in dire need of rest, something they have been doing
since they landed in the West Indies. And catching up on sleep too!
"Those who played the IPL final are in need of some rest. I missed a
few games early on because of injuries so I am still in pretty good
shape," India skipper MS Dhoni said.
Afghanistan players celebrate an Irish wicket during a warm-up game
in Guyana on Wednesday
The Indian team opted for a net session yesterday afternoon and
overall, they seem to be looking more at feeling fresh about the World
Cup considering that they have played a lot of cricket.
The team's journey, that was spread over 24 hours with two stopovers,
was compounded by the fact that they had to take another two-hour bus
journey from the airport to the team hotel leaving them totally
exhausted.
While today's match is not likely to pose any real threat to the
experienced Indian side, the team is not willing to take any risks.
What they mean by risk wasn't explained but in all likelihood, it
means the team does not want a repeat of last year when India, the
defending champions, only beat Bangladesh and Ireland in the
competition and did not go past the Super Eights.
What could also be playing on their mind is the defeat to Bangladesh
in the 2007 World Cup, a tournament in which India did not go past the
first stage.
"We haven't heard anything about Afghanistan so it is difficult to say
anything. But they must have worked hard as without hard work, they
would not have reached here. In a format like this, if you lose one
match, you have to face the consequences," Dhoni said. For
Afghanistan, the journey has been nothing short of a dream and they
will be pushing harder now to announce themselves on the world stage.
The country has a history of cricket, the first registered match was
played on February 18, 1897. But after a long lull due to the ban on
the game by Taliban, it was revived only in 2000. They became an
International Cricket Council affiliated member in 2001 and now find
themselves a constant source of excitement for other teams and fans
alike in the West Indies.
"We will play better than what is expected from us," said skipper
Nowroz Mangal.
This will be the first time our match will be televised live for
people back home. There is tremendous interest in Afghanistan and
after the success in athletics at the SAF games, the focus is not on
cricket. This is a big stage and a big opportunity for us," Mangal
said.
Afghanistan may be short on quality players and experience, but they
will more than make up for it with their never say die attitude. For
most in Afghanistan, even the basic necessities were not always
available which made them fight everyday for survival and they will
surely bring that spirit on the field too.
Will they give India a scare? In cricket. nothing can be ruled out.
http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2010/may/010510-T20-World-Cup-India-Afghanistan.htm
Protest in IHK against HR abuses by India
Published: May 01, 2010
SRINAGAR (Agencies) - Anti-India protesters stoned a bus in Held
Kashmir on Friday, killing a passenger as the region was again
convulsed by violent demonstrations, police said.
Police said the 42-year-old man was hit in the head as he travelled
through Srinagar.
Later in the day, police fired teargas and charged hundreds of
protesters, who tried to march to the high-security office of the
United Nations to protest against alleged human rights violations by
Indian security forces. Police detained hardline leader of All Parties
Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who had called for a march
to the UN Military Observer Group in India. The chief of APHC’s
moderate faction, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was also placed under house
arrest to prevent further demonstrations, a police official said.
“The UN march was foiled and arrests were made to prevent large-scale
protests,” said the official, who asked not to be named.Tens of
thousands of people have been killed in two decades of anti-India
struggle in Held Kashmir.
Earlier, the Indian military Friday said it had killed three suspected
freedom fighters as they attempted to enter Held Kashmir from the
Pakistani side.
“The army has foiled an attempt by fighters to infiltrate into (Held)
Kashmir from across the Line of Control (LoC) by killing three
fighters,” army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel JS Brar told AFP.
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/01-May-2010/Protest-in-IHK-against-HR-abuses-by-India
...and I am Sid Harth
http://bakulaji.typepad.com/blog/
Twenty20, Cricket-aplenty: Sid Harth
http://bakulaji.typepad.com/blog/
T20 World Cup: India face minnows Afghanistan
Nikhil Naz, Saturday May 1, 2010, St Lucia
For many, India's opening game in the T20 World Cup today is but a
mere formality. They face off against minnows Afghanistan - a team
many of the Indian stars have never head off.
NDTV: Do you know the name of any Afghanistan cricketer?
Yuvraj Singh: Laughs... "No, I don't!"
And that may be India's biggest problem. How do you prepare for a team
you don't even know? Skipper MS Dhoni though has done his home work.
"You know most of the ICC tournament, including the one they have
qualified from are also televised and there is a video of that. So
it's not very difficult clipping to get a hold off. So we will show it
to our bowlers and asses what their strengths and weakness are. It not
like we are blind, when it comes to the Afghanistan team, it's just
that we haven't seen them play too many international cricket," said
MS Dhoni, Captain, Indian T20 team.
Too much cricket is probably why India decided to pass on a practice
game before the tournament, a decision that could come back to haunt
the men in blue.
All the pre-tournament talk has been about how India is the only team
who haven't played a practice game. But in their very first game MS
Dhoni and his men take on debutants Afghanistan. Is that the practice
game they are looking for?
Related
Shoaib-Ayesha mudslinging was too much: Pak cricketers
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/shoaib-ayesha-mudslinging-was-too-much-pak-cricketers-19463.php
Pietersen's sexist remark angers women cricketers
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/pietersens-sexist-remark-angers-women-cricketers-18147.php
Now, Indian-origin cricketers allege racism in Oz
http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/now-indian-origin-cricketers-allege-racism-in-oz-17795.php
Bond arrives to strengthen KKR bowling department
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/bond-arrives-to-strengthen-kkr-bowling-department-17761.php
Sachin, Gambhir & Sangakkara fined for slow over rate
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/sachin-gambhir-sangakkara-fined-for-slow-over-rate-17758.php
A chopper ride every Sunday to play cricket
http://www.ndtv.com/news/cities/a-chopper-ride-every-sunday-to-play-cricket-19597.php
Mid-Day.com, Friday April 9, 2010, Pune
Flamboyant city hotelier and businessman Avinash Bhosale likes to do
everything in style. So when he decided to meet a bunch of old friends
every week for a game of cricket at Sinhagad Institute, he rejected
the idea of travelling to the ground by car from his Baner residence.
A distance of 20 km, from Baner to Sinhagad Institute is about 30
minutes by road. For Bhosale this was too much time wasted. He did the
next best thing. He uses his private chopper to cover the distance.
It takes him merely five minutes to reach the college ground where he
spends almost five hours playing cricket. Local residents close to
Sinhagad institute feel that it is just a craze.
"It's weird. You don't need to travel by a chopper to play cricket,"
said Satish Kale, a resident of Wadgaon Budruk who used to go for a
morning walk near the Sinhagad Institute.
Bhosale travels in his Bell helicopters and it has now become a common
sight at the ground at Sinhagad Institute on Sinhagad Road.
Asked why he did not use his car, he said, "I love cricket and I like
to spend time every Sunday with friends.
There is nothing wrong if I want to save time and use my chopper,
which takes me to the place in just five minutes. It would otherwise
take about 25 to 30 minutes. The cricket ground is big and there is no
need to create a separate helipad for the purpose."
Bhosale owns three models of choppers: Bell-407 and -427 and Augusta
109.
"I need the choppers for work and it is not a luxury. I use it
wherever it is required," he said.
According to him, using a chopper to go to play cricket is also not a
luxury. "It is how you look at it. Earlier, people used to criticise
me when I used to travel by Mercedes instead of Fiat," he said.
Bhosale has been playing cricket for the past 15 years and has sought
permission from M N Navale, president, Sinhagad Technical Education
Society, to play on the campus.
Navale said special attention is paid to the ground to keep it in good
condition and it is used only for students.
"Bhosale asked for permission and I agreed to sanction five hours
every Sunday morning. I am not charging him because he is my friend
and a well wisher," he said.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/cities/a-chopper-ride-every-sunday-to-play-cricket-19597.php
Shoaib-Ayesha mudslinging was too much: Pak cricketers
Press Trust of India, Thursday April 8, 2010, Karachi
The mudslinging is over and it's time to celebrate now, said Shoaib
Malik's teammates and other Pakistani cricketers as they welcomed his
decision to divorce Ayesha Siddiqui after a bitter row, paving the way
for his marriage with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.
"I am happy for Shoaib and Sania that they are getting married because
whatever was happening in the last few days in this issue was very sad
and in bad taste," said fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
"The way things went and were portrayed in the last one week brought a
bad name to Pakistan and was also spoiling image of India, so it is
good this controversy is now over," he added.
Pakistan's chief selector Mohsin Khan said he was relieved that the
issue had been resolved amicably between Shoaib, who will marry Sania
on April 15, and the Siddiquis.
"A marriage is a time for celebration and joy and unfortunately in
this particular case things had really gotten out of hand and the way
the media has projected the whole affair disappointed many people," he
said.
Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, meanwhile, reiterated that he had
never met Ayesha even when the team had gone for a reception at the
Siddiqui household in 2005.
"But the issue was getting on everyone's nerves and the mud slinging
was distasteful. So it is good all this is now over and Shoaib and
Sania's marriage will finally take place," he said.
Former Test player Basit Ali said Shoaib's flip-flops on the matter
still leave a lot of questions unanswered but he was glad that the war
of words was finally over.
"Only God knows the real truth and it is his personal matter but it is
good that he and Sania can now get married peacefully and everyone can
celebrate their wedding," he stated.
Pakistani pacer Umar Gul said he was happy to learn the controversy
has ended as he felt bad for both the parties.
"Something like this is never good for anyone but it is now over and I
wish Shoaib and Sania a lot of happiness and happy marriage," he said.
Former captain Rashid Latif, who caused a stir by stating that Ayesha
was not the girl Shoaib chatted with on the internet, said he was
happy the issue had been resolved.
"Only the families involved know what happened but it is good elders
got involved and ended this controversy which was bad for Pakistan and
India and must have caused lot of hurt to everyone involved in it,"
Rashid said.
Pakistan's coach Waqar Younis also said the way the whole issue was
being presented in the media was sad and disgraceful and not good for
anyone including Malik.
Related
Upset by Sania -Shoaib marriage, couple changes daughter's name
Rs 61 lakhs as 'Haq Mehr' for Sania
A chopper ride every Sunday to play cricket
After Malik, Asif faces legal trouble from ex-lover
US working to allow access to Headley: Ambassador
Possibility of DNA test made Shoaib divorce Ayesha?
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/shoaib-ayesha-mudslinging-was-too-much-pak-cricketers-19463.php
Pietersen's sexist remark angers women cricketers
Mid-Day.com, Saturday March 20, 2010, Mumbai
England cricket star Kevin Pietersen may have been defending his
teammates when he recently said in Bangladesh, "Test cricket is a
'man's game' and 'not a game for girls', but now the stroke maker may
need some serious defending as he is to arrive in India to play for
the Royal Challengers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pietersen had defended his teammates following accusations that the
tourists (England) did not play fair during the recent first Test
against Bangladesh. But former women cricketers in India are certainly
not amused by the statement.
In the '80s cricketer Sandeep Patil had made some such similar
statement, saying girls should be in the kitchen. He then made amends
by attending a prize distribution function."
Former India cricketer Diana Edulji said that Kevin had obviously not
seen the way the English girls play and termed him a "snooty
character". The former cricketer added that, "There is a lot of
aggression when women play, there is sledging especially when we play
England and Australia. As long as one does not cross a certain line,
that is fair."
Former India Test cricketer, Anjali Pendharkar, who is also on the
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) committee women's wing, says, "This
proves that the male chauvinist attitude has still not gone from the
game. I was India team manager when we toured England in 2006. The
aggression, the sledging was all there."
Sociologist Nandini Sardesai, wife of late cricketer Dilip Sardesai,
asks, "On what basis is he making such a chauvinistic statement? Why
is he saying this in Bangladesh? If he said it at home in England, he
would be thrashed."
Meanwhile, cricket commentator and former India player, Behroze Edulji
goes further, stating, "this is the typical attitude of a fair skin
which umpires go gaga over."
Behroze says that Kevin is trying to cover up his own failures,
"Today, the England women are tops in the ODIs and T20s, I think he
should be proud of the English women and what they have achieved in
two years, he should put on a skirt and face all these women.
He would also be better off concentrating on his own batting form.
Frankly, I think Mithali Raj (Indian women's captain) plays better
cricket than Kevin Pietersen."
Related
Modi offered us 50 million dollars to sell team: Kochi owners
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/ive-had-enough-tharoor-tweets-about-ipl-controve-19871.php
http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/pietersens-sexist-remark-angers-women-cricketers-18147.php
Modi offered us 50 million dollars to sell team: Kochi owners
NDTV Correspondent, Wednesday April 14, 2010, New Delhi
The owners of the Kochi Indian Premier League (IPL) Team have
exchanged a new round of accusations with IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi.
Now, the CEO of the Kochi franchise, Shailendar Gaekwad, claims that
Modi offered them 50 million dollars to sell the team. A sign, says
Gaekawad, that Modi desperately wanted a new IPL franchise in another
part of the country instead of Kochi.
Attacking Modi for repeating on Wednesday that it's not clear exactly
who owns the team, the owners retorted, "How can Modi say 'We don't
know who the owners are'." (Read: Tharoor received death threat SMS
about IPL team, says aide)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/tharoor-received-death-threat-about-ipl-team-says-aide-19989.php
The consortium that won the bid for the Kochi team for 1530 crores is
led by Rendezvous Sports Group and claims that its members submitted
all required documents to the IPL, "including our PAN cards."
Gaekwad, said that at a meeting with Modi, "We were asked a lot of
personal questions about some of our owners which we could not readily
answer. He asked questions about when did you meet Sunanda (Pushkar)
and other such irrelevant things....We said that whatever questions
were unanswered we will mail all the details as soon as possible. We
felt that most of the questions were planted. Before we could give all
the answers he went on Twitter and said at the press conference that
we did not have knowledge about all the owners." (Read: I am not a
proxy for Tharoor: Sunanda Pushkar) (Read: Who is Sunanda Pushkar?)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/i-am-not-a-proxy-for-tharoor-sunanda-pushkar-19990.php
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/who-is-sunanda-pushkar-19922.php
Modi on Monday, in a series of tweets, alleged that the details of
exactly who owns the team are unclear; he also said that Sunanda
Pushkar, a friend of the Minister of State for External Affairs,
Shashi Tharoor, has been gifted equity worth 70 crores. (Read: Lalit
Modi, Kochi IPL owners trade new charges)
The owners do not deny this. They describe Pushkar's share as "sweat
equity" saying it's in lieu of a salary for her Marketing experience.
The BJP, which has demanded that Tharoor be sacked for inappropriate
links to the owners, says that Pushkar has no earlier link to either
Kerala or cricket. It alleges that Pushkar is a front for Tharoor, who
is being rewarded for his successful lobbying for an IPL team for his
home state. (Read: Tharoor - Modi row: BJP says sack Minister,
Congress distances itself)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/prime-minister-must-sack-shashi-tharoor-says-bjp-19910.php
The Kochi team owners have formally complained to the Board of Control
for Cricket in India (BCCI) that Modi has violated confidentiality
agreements. In turn, the BCCI has reprimanded Modi and summoned a
special meeting to discuss the controversy.
Tharoor has clarified publicly that he is an advisor and a mentor to
the team-owners and that he does not intend to financially benefit
from the deal he allegedly helped strike.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Modi asserted that "It is my job
as Chairman of IPL to seek details and authenticate the shareholding
of every franchise... how would otherwise I know where the money is
coming from." (Watch: Lalit Modi on Tharoor: I have nothing to hide)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/ive-had-enough-tharoor-tweets-about-ipl-controve-19871.php
http://www.ndtv.com/news/videos/video_player.php?id=1218695
He added, "In regard to all other eight franchises, we are aware of
who they are ....everybody knows who they are . They attend our
conferences, meetings ... In regard to Kochi, we had some question
marks about who they are. In fact, the people who presented the bid
document themselves did not know who they were ...that's why the
issue has come up."
Stressing that he would address the issue after the current season of
the IPL concludes, he said, "This is a small issue for us ...it is an
issue nonetheless and we will deal with it."
Tharoor has said that Modi is targeting Kochi because the IPL
commissioner wanted the franchise bid to be won by "a different team".
The reference is to Modi's alleged preference for an IPL team from
Ahemedabad. (Read: Tharoor on IPL controversy)
http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/lalit-modi-kochi-ipl-owners-trade-new-charges-20001.php
Now, Indian-origin cricketers allege racism in Oz
Press Trust of India, Tuesday March 16, 2010, Melbourne
Around 10 Victorian cricketers are under investigation for allegedly
racially abusing players of Indian descent during a match on Saturday,
according to a media report.
The Geelong Cricket Association has launched a probe after receiving
an official written complaint from the Waurn Ponds Cricket Club
against opposition club Thomson, The Geelong Advertiser reported.
The complaint alleges six Waurn Ponds players of Indian descent were
subjected to a series of racially motivated verbal attacks during
Saturday's fourth-grade qualifying final at Grinter Reserve No.2.
Witnesses claimed some of the players were reduced to tears and were
even considering giving up the sport.
It is alleged the comments were made during Waurn Ponds' batting
innings, with requests to stop from both the umpire and several
aggrieved players allegedly going unheeded.
Waurn Ponds, based at Deakin University, comprises a strong core of
international students in its lower grades, with more than a dozen
registered players of Indian descent.
While the complaint did not name any players accused of the taunts, it
named Thomson player Paul Welsh.
Thomson on Monday denied the allegations and said it would support the
GCA investigation.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/now-indian-origin-cricketers-allege-racism-in-oz-17795.php
Bond arrives to strengthen KKR bowling department
Press Trust of India, Monday March 15, 2010, Kolkata
Kolkata Knight Riders bowling armoury got a big boost on Monday with
the arrival of their new New Zealand recruit Shane Bond.
Bond will add fire to the pace department of Knight Riders, which
already boasts of South African Charl Langeveldt, Ishant Sharma, Ashok
Dinda and Ajit Agarkar.
But, the Kiwi pace spearhead's availibility for Knight Riders match
against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday is still to be decided.
"He just arrived from a long flight this morning. Let's see how it
goes tomorrow morning," said a KKR source.
Knight Riders are still expecting the services of Brendon McCullum and
Chris Gayle among their overseas recruits.
Fiery opener McCullum is currently busy with New Zealand's two-Test
series against Australia from March 19-31. The other big hitting
opener, Gayle, is expected soon, said the source.
In absence of Gayle and McCullum, Knights have their makeshift openers
in Manoj Tiwary and Brad Hodge who stood in a 101-run partnership to
set up the issue against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.
Knights had a two-hour optional practice session in the morning with
the benched players along with Langeveldt and Cheteshwar Pujara going
on the rigours.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/bond-arrives-to-strengthen-kkr-bowling-department-17761.php
Sachin, Gambhir & Sangakkara fined for slow over rate
Indo-Asian News Service , Sunday March 14, 2010, New Delhi
Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar, his Delhi Daredevils
counterpart Gautam Gambhir and Kings XI Punjab skipper Kumar
Sangakkara have been fined $20,000 each for their teams' slow overrate
in the Indian Premier League matches played on Saturday.
An IPL release said Tendulkar was fined after the Mumbai Indians "were
assessed to be two overs behind their required rate" during their four-
run win against Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.
"Under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate
offences, Tendulkar was fined $20,000 by match referee Andy Pycroft,"
the statement said.
In the game at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium at Mohali, both
the Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils were each assessed to be one
over behind the required rate.
Fines were slapped on both the captains by match referee Srinivas
Venkataraghavan.
With Gambhir leading from the front with a knock of 72, Delhi
Daredevils beat Kings XI by five wickets.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Sourav Ganguly was fined an
identical amount for his side's slow over rate during the tournament
opener against defending champions Deccan Chargers at the D.Y. Patil
Stadium in Navi Mumbai Friday.
http://www.ndtv.com/news/indian-premier-league/sachin-gambhir-sangakkara-fined-for-slow-over-rate-17758.php
Jaded India not taking any chances against lowly Afghanistan
By: Debasish Datta Date: 2010-05-01 Place: St Lucia
The Indian team took it easy ahead of today's World Twenty20 opening
game against Afghanistan.
But it has nothing to do with the fact that the former champions are
taking on the babies of world T20 cricket.
It has more to do with the Indian Premier League. Most of the players
are jaded and in dire need of rest, something they have been doing
since they landed in the West Indies. And catching up on sleep too!
"Those who played the IPL final are in need of some rest. I missed a
few games early on because of injuries so I am still in pretty good
shape," India skipper MS Dhoni said.
Afghanistan players celebrate an Irish wicket during a warm-up game
in Guyana on Wednesday
The Indian team opted for a net session yesterday afternoon and
overall, they seem to be looking more at feeling fresh about the World
Cup considering that they have played a lot of cricket.
The team's journey, that was spread over 24 hours with two stopovers,
was compounded by the fact that they had to take another two-hour bus
journey from the airport to the team hotel leaving them totally
exhausted.
While today's match is not likely to pose any real threat to the
experienced Indian side, the team is not willing to take any risks.
What they mean by risk wasn't explained but in all likelihood, it
means the team does not want a repeat of last year when India, the
defending champions, only beat Bangladesh and Ireland in the
competition and did not go past the Super Eights.
What could also be playing on their mind is the defeat to Bangladesh
in the 2007 World Cup, a tournament in which India did not go past the
first stage.
"We haven't heard anything about Afghanistan so it is difficult to say
anything. But they must have worked hard as without hard work, they
would not have reached here. In a format like this, if you lose one
match, you have to face the consequences," Dhoni said. For
Afghanistan, the journey has been nothing short of a dream and they
will be pushing harder now to announce themselves on the world stage.
The country has a history of cricket, the first registered match was
played on February 18, 1897. But after a long lull due to the ban on
the game by Taliban, it was revived only in 2000. They became an
International Cricket Council affiliated member in 2001 and now find
themselves a constant source of excitement for other teams and fans
alike in the West Indies.
"We will play better than what is expected from us," said skipper
Nowroz Mangal.
This will be the first time our match will be televised live for
people back home. There is tremendous interest in Afghanistan and
after the success in athletics at the SAF games, the focus is not on
cricket. This is a big stage and a big opportunity for us," Mangal
said.
Afghanistan may be short on quality players and experience, but they
will more than make up for it with their never say die attitude. For
most in Afghanistan, even the basic necessities were not always
available which made them fight everyday for survival and they will
surely bring that spirit on the field too.
Will they give India a scare? In cricket. nothing can be ruled out.
http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2010/may/010510-T20-World-Cup-India-Afghanistan.htm
Protest in IHK against HR abuses by India
Published: May 01, 2010
SRINAGAR (Agencies) - Anti-India protesters stoned a bus in Held
Kashmir on Friday, killing a passenger as the region was again
convulsed by violent demonstrations, police said.
Police said the 42-year-old man was hit in the head as he travelled
through Srinagar.
Later in the day, police fired teargas and charged hundreds of
protesters, who tried to march to the high-security office of the
United Nations to protest against alleged human rights violations by
Indian security forces. Police detained hardline leader of All Parties
Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who had called for a march
to the UN Military Observer Group in India. The chief of APHC’s
moderate faction, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was also placed under house
arrest to prevent further demonstrations, a police official said.
“The UN march was foiled and arrests were made to prevent large-scale
protests,” said the official, who asked not to be named.Tens of
thousands of people have been killed in two decades of anti-India
struggle in Held Kashmir.
Earlier, the Indian military Friday said it had killed three suspected
freedom fighters as they attempted to enter Held Kashmir from the
Pakistani side.
“The army has foiled an attempt by fighters to infiltrate into (Held)
Kashmir from across the Line of Control (LoC) by killing three
fighters,” army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel JS Brar told AFP.
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/01-May-2010/Protest-in-IHK-against-HR-abuses-by-India
...and I am Sid Harth