Gambhir to lead Team India for West Indies Tour (Squad Details)

Gautam Gambhir will spearhead the Indian campaign for the upcoming ODI seriesagainst West Indies in the Caribbean while Suresh Raina has been appointed Gambhir’s deputy.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar were among the seniors who were rested as the national selectors on Friday recalled Tamil Nadu batsman S Badrinath and Bengal wicketkeeper Wriddhimaan Saha in India’s 16-member ODI squad for the tour of the West Indies.

Karnataka paceman Vinay Kumar also found a berth while Amit Mishra, Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma made a comeback to the team.

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla and the temperamental paceman S Sreesanth, both of whom featured in India’s World Cup-winning squad, were dropped from the team announced by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan after a meeting of the selection committee.

The three seniors – Dhoni, Tendulkar and paceman Zaheer Khan – who have been rested for the ODI series and the lone Twenty20 match, would be available for the Test series.

The series starts with the Twenty20 match on June 4 followed by the five one-dayers, starting June 6. The three Tests are scheduled from June 20.

“Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan have been rested. They will be available for the Test series,” Srinivasan said in a statement.

Opener Virender Sehwag was not considered for selection as he will undergo a shoulder surgery which will him rule him out for four to six weeks.

Paceman Ashish Nehra was also not considered as he is recovering from finger injury sustained during the World Cup.

Ambati Rayudu, who has been a prolific scorer in the ongoing IPL, failed to get the nod with the selectors preferring to go the more experienced Badrinath.

Badrinath was rewarded with a berth in the squad for his excellent performance in the IPL and the domestic circuit. Badrinath has had a fantastic Ranji season scoring a whopping 922 runs at an average of 131 and he followed it up with 349 runs in the IPL so far.

Squad:  

Gautam Gambhir (C)

Suresh Raina,

Parthiv Patel (wk)

Virat Kohli

Yuvraj Singh

S Badrinath

Rohit Sharma

Harbhajan Singh

R Ashwin

Praveen Kumar

Ishant Sharma

Munaf Patel

Vinay Kumar

Yusuf Pathan

Amit Mishra

Wriddhiman Saha

Shah Rukh takes a dig at Sourav

Taking a mild dig at Sourav Ganguly who joined Pune Warriors, Kolkata Knight Riders' co-owner Shah Rukh Khan said they have done well without Dada.

Shah Rukh also said that KKR had offered Ganguly a role in the team but he was not really game with the assignment that the franchise had in mind for him.

KKR, who dumped Ganguly for the ongoing season, were in for a shock as Pune Warriors roped in the former India captain as replacement player for injured Ashish Nehra.

"I have been often asked this question. We would have liked Dada to play in the scheme of things we wanted," the Bollywood superstar said during a promotional event, making it clear that Ganguly didn't like what was there in the offing.

Incidentally, KKR's CEO Venky Mysore had earlier said before the start of the tournament that they would like Ganguly to play the role of a 'mentor' which he had refused.

Although Shah Rukh didn't directly point fingers at Ganguly's leadership skills but he did admit that there was "not one but many reasons for the team not doing well in the previous seasons."

"This time we wanted to start off with a clean slate. We wanted to give the reins to the coaching staff. And they have done wonderfully. The team has been doing well," Shah Rukh commented.

The superstar, however, admitted that some of the old KKR players like Chris Gayle "came back to haunt" his team.

Shah Rukh, in a diplomatic style, concluded, "Dada is my favourite player. But we need to move on. I wish him all the best with Pune Warriors and hope that he does really well."

Ishant leads Deccan to big win

Ishant Sharma picked up five wickets as Deccan Chargers pulled off an emphatic 55-run victory over Kochi Tuskers Kerala in their IPL encounter in Kochi on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest total of 129 for seven, Kochi were derailed by an impressive spell from Sharma (five for 12) as the hosts were skittled out for a paltry 74.

Kumar Sangakkara (65) held the innings together for Deccan after the loss of three early wickets.

RP Singh dismissed openers Sunny Sohal and Shikhar Dhawan and Vinay Kumar then sent back Bharat Chipli to reduce Deccan to 20 for three.

Sangakkara and Cameron White set about rebuilding the innings before Kumar removed Sangakkara (65 off 47 balls) and White (31 off 34) with successive deliveries.

The final three overs yielded only 19 runs, but the 90-run stand between Sangakkara and White meant Deccan had a total to defend.

Sharma then claimed three wickets in four balls after Dale Steyn had sent back opener Brendon McCullum in the first over.

With four wickets down for just two runs, Kochi looked to Mahela Jayawardene and Kedar Jadhav to stage a rescue act.

But Sharma dismissed the pair in the next over to leave Deccan reeling on 11 for six, five of which were claimed by the paceman for just six runs.

Ravindra Jadeja and Perera then got the scoreboard ticking and Kochi reached 45 for six at the halfway mark.

But Manpreet Goni broke the 36-run stand by having Perera (22) caught at mid-off and with Jadeja falling in Amit Mishra's next over, the chances of an unlikely victory faded.

Steyn then wrapped up the tail by cleaning up Kumar (18 off 19) and last man RP Singh to help himself to impressive figures of three for 16.

Chris Gayle to play for RCB

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has been selected as a replacement for injured Dirk Nannes by the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Gayle received the No Objection Certificate from West Indies Cricket Board to play in the Twenty20 league, according to RCB owner Vijay Mallya.

Gayle, who went unsold in the IPL IV auctions in January this year after attracting a base price of USD 4,00,000, was on Tuesday roped in by the RCB to replace Nannes for the remainder of the season.

"It's official now. The explosive Chris Gayle is now a part of the RCB squad after receiving clearance from the WICB," Mallya wrote on his Twitter page.

Gayle was not considered for the first two ODIs of the five-match series against Pakistan which begins at St Lucia on Saturday.

He played for Kolkata Knight Riders for the first three editions of IPL.

"Valthaty can make it to Indian team"

Kings XI Punjab captain Adam Gilchrist feels Paul Valthaty can make it to the Indian cricket team in the near future.

"A lot has been said about him and a lot has been written about him and rightly so. It is quite extra-ordinary the way he has played. His performance has been of the highest class," Gilchrist said.

From being a relatively unknown cricketer, two back-to-back match-winning performances against Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers in the IPL have catapulted 27-year-old Valthaty from Mumbai into the spotlight.

"What has impressed me the most and I probably won't talk anymore about his batting, is the manner he has handled the focus on him," the former Australian cricketer said.

"He is very calm, very controlled and that is a great thing for our franchise. Hopefully for Paul and for the Indian cricket he is the guy who can handle this (focus, pressure, attention) very well. Hopefully that should help him progress and achieve higher honours," he added.

Gilchrist said that outside IPL, Valthaty can show his abilities in the domestic cricket and in the international arena when opportunity comes his way.

"He is taking small steps and he is in control of emotions as well as I have seen anyone," he said.

In an interview to PTI last week, Valthaty had said that he was taking each game as it comes and that he viewed his success as "small step in the right direction".

Valthaty, who is a man of few words, had also said that he is determined not to let the sudden success go to his head.

"I take each game as it comes. My dream has not been fulfilled yet, there is still a long way to go," he had said. 

IPL: Week One Report Card

After the euphoria of India's ICC Cricket World Cup win, the excitement amongst fans seems to have dipped for IPL-2011.

here was a school of thought which believed that the frenzy of the World Cup win would only spiral the interest amongst fans for IPL-4. Unfortunately, that has been far from the reality.

Many also felt that the Indian cricketers should have had more time to soak in the feeling of a World Cup triumph. Instead, they were in long room discussions with team owners, taking part in commercial activities as a part of their contractual obligations and, of course, getting to know their new team-mates.

If the glitz and glamour of the first three editions was anything to go by, it was only fair to have expected a similar start this season. But to the dismay of fans, the opening ceremony received a lukewarm response, an event which many felt lacked the 'Lalit Modi' touch.

Here is a brief into how each team has fared after playing two games apiece:

Kolkata Knight Riders:

New team composition, new captain but their fortunes remained unchanged after their first game against the defending champions – Chennai Super Kings. But the side bounced back pretty quickly to get their campaign back on track at Eden Gardens against Deccan Chargers. The telling blow, however, was a desperate attempt by the KKR management to woo fans, who obviously felt that their larger-than-life hero – Sourav Ganguly deserved to be treated better in their own city.

Chennai Super Kings:

They lived up to their reputation by clinching a victory from the jaws of defeat against KKR. On the lighter side, Anirudh Srikanth's candid confession about him batting with more sense than his dad, was the highlight of the game. However, against Gilly's KXIP, they ran into some rough weather. Dhoni's helicopter shot and Murali Vijay's flamboyance, amidst the serenity of Subramaniam Badrinath, wasn't enough to get past the line.

Rajasthan Royals:

The team management's move to leave the tactical decisions to spin wizard Shane Warne has certainly paid rich dividends. With an inspirational leader, backed by 'The Wall' – Rahul Dravid and Ross Taylor, the team seems to have found a new direction. With two sparkling wins, and the dangerous Shane Watson yet to arrive, things can only keep getting better and better.

Deccan Chargers:

Kumar Sangakkara's men have a lot of catching up to do. The home ground jinx continues as the side is yet to win in Hyderabad since the inception of the IPL in 2008. It would be interesting to see how the side picks up after twin defeats of massive proportion.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

The side which has imported their star power from Delhi registered a facile win against the debutants Kochi Tuskers, but were given a wake-up call against the Mumbai Indians at home. Billed as a marquee clash, the game itself turned out to be as one sided as it could ever get. The bowling, sans Vettori, has lacked potency, and will need a quick turn-around to improve their fortunes.

Mumbai Indians:

Fans who were hoping for a Symo-Bhajji peace treaty will have to wait just a little longer, as the Queenslander picked up a shoulder niggle before the start of their season. With their campaign off to a spectacular start, the side wears a determined look, in order to make up for their disappointment of 2010. Tendulkar's generosity in handing over the Man-of-the-match award to young turk Ambati Rayudu after their win against RCB will be etched in our memories for a long time.

Kings XI Punjab:

Preity Zinta's enthusiasm was the best thing about their opening game against Pune Warriors, which they lost by a massive margin. But one man decided to change the direction of their ship with a whirlwind century in their second outing against the defending champs. If the only 'Paul' you knew until now was 'Paul – The octopus', you could add Paul Valthaty to that list now. He became just the fouth Indian player after Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan and Murali Vijay to score a century in the glitzy league.

Delhi Daredevils:

Touted to be one of the weakest sides, Delhi have started in a disastrous fashion. The team's fortunes seems to be hinged on only skipper Virender Sehwag's shoulder at the moment. However, their effort to defend a modest 96 against Mumbai must be appreciated. The batting looks brittle, but things can change if their skipper can fire at the top. With twin losses, it would take a lot of motivation to fight back from the doldrums.

Pune Warriors:

Yuvraj's life has taken a giant leap post the World Cup, and whatever he touches seems to turn into gold at the moment. With the right mix of explosive power, timing and deft touches, their batting appears to be the most polished. In Alfonso Thomas, they have discovered a gem with the new ball. With youngsters like Shrikanth Wagh stepping up and performing at the big stage, Mr Subroto Roy has plenty of reasons to cheer about!

Kochi Tuskers Kerala:

Everything about the side has invoked a debate since inception. Be it their naming of the franchisee, the buys at the auction or some tactical decisions by skipper Mahela Jayawardene. A lackluster response at their base in Kochi is also seen as a potentially worrying sign. The side needs to lift their game by several notches, if they are to win back the hearts of the crowd. The team definitely oozes class but it needs to show on the scoreboard.

Shah Rukh: Want to win IPL for Ganguly

Sensing the bitterness amongst fans, Kolkata Knight Riders' owner Shah Rukh Khan said he wants to win the title for Sourav Ganguly.

Kolkata Knight Riders, who played their first match of the Indian Premier League season 4 at their home ground without city's favourite son Sourav Ganguly, witnessed their lowest-ever turnout, prompting team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan to get into the damage control mode.

Playing their first match at home without the 'Prince of Kolkata', Ganguly, who was shunned in the Indian Premier League auctions, the Eden Gardens witnessed empty seats with a turnout of just about 25,000 in the 63,500-capacity stadium.

Gauging the situation, the Bollywood superstar was quick to dedicate their maiden victory over Deccan Chargers on Monday to their former iconic player Ganguly.

"I really want to win this because I am not playing here. Ideally, I want to do this for Kolkata, I want to do this for Sourav Ganguly, I want to do this for IPL," Shah Rukh said after their nine-run win over the Hyderabad outfit.

Shah Rukh also said Ganguly might not be playing for the Knight Riders but the former Indian captain is still a part of the team in soul and spirit.

"In the three years of depression, what has kept us going is that Kolkatans have stuck with us. Dada is part of our team always in soul and spirit.

"Whenever I've come to the Eden I've only felt love. I never thought whether it's because of one player or any other reason. I'm just happy being here."

Shah Rukh hoped that Ganguly would come and cheer Knight Riders in the upcoming six home matches.

"We had, in fact, asked him to join us in watching the match (against Deccan Chargers) together, he could not make it due to some engagements. Hopefully, he will be with us for the rest of the matches."

At a briefing well past midnight at the team hotel, Shah Rukh also said they would slash the ticket prices, making his intention clear that he would like to see a packed Eden Gardens.

"Ticket prices are going to be lowered soon. There was a time in the first season too when crowd turnout was low. But I am sure if we play well, people will come to watch the matches.

"The team is playing well. I'm sure people will come to watch if they have to," he said.

Shah Rukh said he has full faith in the young turks of the team.

"Twenty20 is very very unpredictable. My faith, however, is in the youngsters in the side. The support staff has worked very hard on them. I'm sure it's the young boys who are going to take KKR forward," said the Bollywood icon.

In news for all the wrong reasons, Knight Riders have been associated with a lot of controversies in the past and Shah Rukh hoped they would manage to keep their focus only on winning matches.

"Hopefully, this is the start of a better season. Hope all youngsters in the side will get an opportunity and learn from seniors. We have had lots of controversies in the last three seasons, hopefully this season will be controversy-free," he said.

He continued: "What has hurt me and disturbed me most is the fact that we have had a lot of controversies, unnecessary controversies from every corner. Again we start this year and the only thing that has kept me through this is the fans in Kolkata, actually, the fans all over the country."

'Kuchh jeetne ke liye kuchh haarna padta hai... aur haar ke jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain' - may be a superhit dialogue from his film 'Baazigar', but Shah Rukh said it does not please his ears anymore.

"The line from 'Baazigar' does not sound funny anymore. We have lost too many times. I've no qualms in admitting that we have not done too well in earlier seasons."

Shah Rukh further said his movie 'Chak de! India' was based on hockey so it was not the right movie for his team.

"I would not like the players to watch the wrong movie (Chak de! India). It was on hockey, not cricket. Moreover, since it was such a popular movie, I'm sure most of the players must have watched it."

The principal owner said he never goes inside the dressing room for pep talk.

"I only give them love. They are all professional people and we have an amazing support staff for guidance and assistance. When they win I give them a hug and say 'well done'. When they lose, I still give a hug and say: 'Don't worry, do better next time'"

On KKR's new music video, featuring Shakira, Shah Rukh joked: "Yes, she's going to be our opening batsman next time."

Emotional Words of Dhoni

Sleepless Nights ,grey hairs with the same fade of bea...rd... It was a bunch of youngsters given to me along wit a god...Everyone mastered their skill but i was alone failing everytime...

But when sachin walked back into the pavilion with his face down i was upset...I quickly padded up.The whole team was looking at me and gary alone backed my decision to move up.

I was not even able to run but the only thing that flashed my mind was sachin's childish face looking at the entire crowd ''oh sorry it was my mistake to leav the ground soon'' will anyone like god to put his face down in front of his own crowd? Yes i cant allow tat happen...

I controlled my pain and decided to go...Finally we had the last laugh wit a cry..

'Sachin doesn't qualify for Bharat Ratna'

The calls for bestowing Sachin Tendulkar with the 'Bharat Ratna' may have got louder after India's World Cup triumph but giving the country's highest civillian honour to the batting icon would require tweaking of the criteria that have been laid down for the coveted award.

The 'Bharat Ratna' was started in 1954 and has so far been given to 41 eminent personalities, none of whom are sports-persons, the reason being the criteria for the coveted honour.

Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap says given the current rules "Tendulkar does not qualify for the honour and giving the award to him would require a change in the rules."

According to the criteria at present, the award is given for exceptional contribution in the fields of art, literature, science and social service. The criteria do not have any mention of sports.

Kashyap says the government has to decide whether it wants to include sports in the criteria for the award. The sports ministry will have to present such a proposal for cabinet approval.

"Once the cabinet gives its approval, the home ministry can bestow this honour on not just Sachin Tendulkar but any other athlete," he said.

Indian cricket team's prominent players such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag have all asked for the honour to be bestowed on Tendulkar after the side's World Cup win

Kapil lauds "unbelievable" Sachin

Sachin Tendulkar has been "unbelievable" in the last two years and keeps getting better with age, feels 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev.

"Sachin in the last two years has been unbelievable. This genius is other way around, more he gets older more he plays like a champion," Kapil Dev told members of the Indian Journalists Association.

The former all-rounder was all praise for the current Indian team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni which won the ICC Cricket World Cup last week in Mumbai.

"India has a team who can beat anybody. They still are not playing to their potential. The Indian team is far better than any other team, without doubt,” he said.

Asked about the secret of the Indian team's success, Kapil said, "India's growth is seen in every championship - Commonwealth, Asian games and World Cup. We are definitely flying and flying very well and shining. Now India is the World Champions, besides being No 1 Team in the world in Test cricket.

"We have put money on the table and we have shown that we can play well too. That is what World Cup has done to India. Now only thing is when you reach the top position, your attitude changes," he added

Asked why the team had faltered in the run up to the final, Kapil said, "When you have such a strong batting line up, complacency sometimes sets in. Despite that they were winning. They are far better players than they performed. Even Dhoni fired only when it needed most, in the final."

The former pacer was also lavish in his praise for India's dashing opener Virender Sehwag: “He is a ruthless player. He changes the dynamics of the cricket altogether. He keeps the game so simple."

Kapil said India could improve further if the team gave more attention to its bowling department.

"Yes, bowling is a matter of concern," he said.

Asked to compare the current team with the one that won the World Cup in 1983, Kapil said, "This cricket team is far better than the 1983 team. We did not have any experienced players in the 1983 team. We were absolutely raw, no big match temperament. But we combined better.

"But in the present team there are stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, M S Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh. In 1983, man to man, West Indies was far better than us."

Asked whether IPL had its effect on the Indian side, he said, "Everybody benefited from IPL. There is both positive and negative side. The positive is you start learning to win. The negative is you don't get enough rest."

Kapil said the BCCI should put money on junior cricket and Ranji Trophy.

"They have to make up their mind. If we want growth in sports, then school sports have to be given due attention. If we can give facilities we can have 10 Sachins and Dhonis in the country.

"During our time, Sunil Gavaskar was like a God and If we don't get another Sachin, it will be sad."

Asked whether cricketers should be exempted from tax for the prize they win, Kapil Dev said, "The law should be uniform for all sportsmen. Other sportsmen who have got laurels in athletics, badminton and other games must be given same exemptions."

Afridi to BCCI: Let us play IPL

Shahid Afridi feels deeply hurt and has appealed to the BCCI that Pakistan players shouldn't be treated as "untouchables" when it comes to including them in IPL.

"It is high time that Pakistani cricketers should also get a place in IPL. For three seasons including the current one, we haven't been a part of the IPL. We have no problems playing in India as we have just played an ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final there. We are deeply hurt that they are treating us like 'untouchables'," Afridi told PTI Bhasha from Karachi.

He further added that Pakistani public feel hurt that their players are not playing in IPL.

"I am not saying that I want to play in the IPL but it could be a great platform for youngsters. They could make a mark for themselves."

As many as 11 Pakistan players were part of inaugural season of IPL in 2008. Afridi was the costliest Pakistani player, who was bagged by the Hyderabad team for USD 675,000.

Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Mohammad Hafeez and Salman Butt (Kolkata Knight Riders), Younis Khan, Sohail Tanveer and Kamran Akmal (Rajasthan Royals), Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Asif (Delhi Daredavils) and Misbah Ul Haq (Royal Challangers Banglore) were the other players .

Pakistani players missed out on the 2009 and 2010 editions due to security concerns in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks.

Afridi said Indian PM Manmohan Singh's invitation to the Pakistani PM for the semi-finals was a positive sign and that was the way to go forward.

"Our PM Yusuf Raza Gilani responded positively on that invitation. Now the IPL can be a platform to further ease the tension," he said.

"We should play more and more against each other. This will not only ease the pressure but will also reduce the unwanted media hype surrounded with Indo-Pak matches," he said.

For Afridi, Indo- Pak matches are not war as players of both teams share great rapport off the field.

"On field, yes there are moments of pressure and tension whenever we play but off it, we are all friends. I share a great bond with Harbhajan Singh and respect Sachin Tendulkar a lot," said Afridi.

On his criticism of Gautam Gambhir's statement about dedicating the ICC CWC win to the people who died in Mumbai terror attack, Afridi said that he did not say anything about Gambhir.

"I never heard Gautam saying anything like that, so how could I react over that. It is ridiculous," he said.

Afridi: India is lucky to have Dhoni

India is lucky to have a "stable" captain like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, according to Pakistan's ODI skipper Shahid Afridi.

"I thought Dhoni led the Indians very shrewdly and performed brilliantly in the final. India is lucky to have a stable captain like him, Afridi told PTI in an interview.

"He had a big role to play in the Indian victory and I am sure this victory means a lot for Indian cricket and their people. But I also hope the ICC Cricket World Cup coming back to Asia will also boost the sport in this region again and normalise bilateral Indo-Pak cricket relations," he said.

Afridi acknowledged that India were the better side on that day and deserved to win the ICC CWC.

"They were the better side and deserved to win the World Cup. Any side that can beat us should win the World Cup," he said.

Afridi heaped praise on Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar, saying that his hunger for runs is amazing and he still has plenty to offer to Indian cricket.

"His hunger for runs is amazing and only he can best decide what he wants to do in the future. But I can tell you this age is no bar to his success in either Tests or one-day internationals," he said.

Afridi said he did not have any words to describe the Indian maestro and disclosed that he has a framed jersey autographed by Tendulkar in his drawing room.

The Pakistan captain once again played down his negative remarks about Indian people that he made on a Pakistani television channel talk show that has caused an uproar in the neighboring country.

"I have nothing against the Indian people and I have always enjoyed going to India as the people there appreciate and support good cricket and players," Afridi said.

"The remarks I made on the show have been misunderstood and taken out of context. My main emphasis was that sports should not be mixed with politics and there were some elements who didn't want the people of the two countries to get closer," Afridi clarified.

"It is unfortunate whenever someone tries to bring politics into sport. This is unacceptable and will only lead to misunderstandings," he said.

Afridi's remarks about the Indian media being negative about Indo-Pak relations and the Pakistani media being 100 times better have also caused a furore.

"I don't want to sound condescending but I have always wanted good relations between the two countries and I have in my own way tried to play a positive role," he said.

"Even when we returned from India after playing the world cup semifinal in Mohali I said that Pakistanis should not treat cricket matches with India as war as in other things we tend to have common interests," Afridi noted.

Afridi pointed out that there were some elements in the Indian media who created misunderstandings or demeaned Pakistanis.

"Even when I said that Sachin Tendulkar would have to wait for his 100th century after the semifinal against us, my remarks were misinterpreted and played up negatively by some in the Indian media.

"I admire Sachin Tendulkar for being one of the best role models for young cricketers and no one in Pakistan even doubts his greatness as his record speak for himself.

"All I had meant was that being the captain of the opposing team, we would not allow Tendulkar to score runs or get a century against us which any opposing captain would say about an opposing batsman," Afridi explained.

The Pakistan captain said the national team had gone to India with the message of peace.

"I think our conduct in the semifinal and during our stay in India is proof enough of our intentions. Pakistan has always been keen to have normal cricket relations with India," he said.

"I still say Pakistan and India should have normal bilateral relations in cricket and there should be regular exchanges between the two countries," he added.  

Photo Shoot with Indian President Pratibha Patil

Sangakkara quits as skipper

Team selection in World Cup final led to widespread criticism, say Sri Lankan Cricket insiders.

In a shocking decision, Kumar Sangakkara has quit as Sri Lankan skipper. The decision wasn’t unexpected, if Sri Lankan Cricket insiders are to be believed.

According to a Sri Lankan Board media release on Tuesday, Sangakkara has stepped down as Lanka’s ODI and T20 captain. He wants to quit as skipper of the Test squad too, but will continue if required. Interestingly, Sangakkara was named as the skipper of IPL team Deccan Chargers on Monday.

Sangakkara’s departure wasn’t unexpected since he faced immense criticism after Sri Lanka were humbled by India in the ICC Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai on April 2. SLC sources say Sangakkara’s decision to make four changes in the playing XI caused a storm after India won by six wickets.

The Sri Lanka captain, who was worshipped by the national media for playing a stellar role in his team’s march into the World Cup final, lost sympathy overnight after India thrashed the 1996 world champions at the Wankhede Stadium.

“He had no business to make four changes in a squad that won the quarterfinal (against England) and the semifinal (against New Zealand) comprehensively,” said the Board source, who wished not to be quoted.

He added: “Playing Suraj Randiv was the biggest mistake. Someone who was not even in the squad was playing a final against the might of an Indian batting line-up. It was a crazy decision.”

In a media statement released by the Sri Lankan Board, Sangakkara said: “I would like to announce that after careful consideration I have concluded that it is in the best long-term interests of the team that I step down now as national captain so that a new leader can be properly groomed for the 2015 World Cup in Australia.

“This was a decision I made prior to the 2011 World Cup. I will be 37 by the next World Cup and I cannot therefore be sure of my place in the team. It is better that Sri Lanka is led now by a player who will be at the peak of their career during that tournament.

“It has been a true honour and a great privilege to serve my country as captain during the past two years and, although bitterly disappointed that we could not win the final, I am very proud of the performances of the team.”

Known to take pragmatic decisions, Sangakkara’s move to make four changes clearly backfired. While Thisara Perera replaced the injured Angelo Mathews, Randiv substituted left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, a bowling allrounder, who had done well in the World Cup.

“Randiv was a bad move and apparently Sanga took this decision unilaterally. All is fine if you are winning, but this one was the World Cup final. It was too costly an error,” the SLC source said.

Sangakkara has offered to lead the side against England and Australia, incase the SLC failed to find a successor. The only man capable of leading the side is Sangakkara’s best friend and former captain, Mahela Jayawardene. But will Mahela do the job? Or it is just a passing storm?

ICC Unveils Logo For 2015 Cricket World Cup

As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 draws to a close in Mumbai today, the logo for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 to be held in Australia and New Zealand is unveiled as part of a symbolic handover from the successful 2011 hosts to their counterparts four years hence.

ICC 2015 World Cup logo.

The ICC received applications for the design from across the world before awarding it to the international agency, FutureBrand, whose Australian arm was invited to produce the logo for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. It in turn commissioned graphic consultancy, the Jumbana Group/Balarinji to create both Australian and New Zealand cultural motifs so as to reflect the two indigenous countries’ cultural identities.

The result has been what ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat describes as “a dynamic logo which captures the cultural influences in the two host countries”.

He added: “The ICC, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket have all worked together with the consultancies to produce this beautiful logo. On the back of a hugely successful ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, I am sure that it will gain recognition over the next four years as we use it in promotional, marketing and partner activations.”

The consultancies were asked to convey the cultures of both countries in a positive and harmonious way and also to expresses a feeling of celebration and unity in the graphics.

Each element of the logo contributes to building the story of the ICC’s flagship event featuring the best players in the world competing for The Cup That Counts.

The selected motifs are:

• Maori Tohora symbolizing toughness, pride and tribal culture
• Aboriginal journey tracks symbolising spirit of the land
• Balarinji based the motifs on interpretations of FutureBrand’s creative brief signifying toughness, glory, resilience, connection and belonging.

Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive James Sutherland said: “This really brings it home to people in Australia and New Zealand that the countdown to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has started. We have four years of hard work ahead of us but I am certain that we can match the very high standards set by the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

“I know that cricket lovers in Australia and New Zealand will be looking forward to welcoming the teams, staff, administrators, media and supporters of all the competing nations to our shores,” said Mr Sutherland.

New Zealand Cricket’s Chief Executive Justin Vaughan added: “Hosting an ICC Cricket World Cup is a great honour as well as a great challenge but we are sure both New Zealand and Australia are up to that challenge.

“This is a very exciting time for cricket in our countries and for all of us it presents a wonderful opportunity not only to showcase our cricket but also our countries and their people whose heritage and cultures are represented in this logo.”

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