Team India's new coach : Duncan Fletcher

Former England coach and Zimbabwe captain Duncan Fletcherwas on Wednesday selected as coach of the Indian cricket team.

Fletcher's name was finalised during a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) working committee. Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower were the other contenders for the job.

Former India coach Gary Kirsten after winning the World Cup.

Fletcher replaces South African Gary Kirsten, who led India to the World Cup victory. "The contract with Fletcher is for two years. He may not join the team in the West Indies (tour) as he has some prior commitments," BCCI Secretary N. Srinivasan said.

Eric Simons will continue as the bowling coach of the Indian team.

Fletcher, 62, captained Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup and played just six one-dayers during the African nation's pre-Test days.

As coach for England, the high points of his career was England's Ashes triumph over Australia in the home series of 2005, England's first series win in West Indies in 36 years and taking England to the third spot in Test rankings. He also guided England to eight straight Test wins.

Fletcher has a tough job ahead of him as he replaces Kirsten, who set a high benchmark for the Indian team and completed his stint with the memorable World Cup triumph earlier this month.

West Indies: Gayle, Chanderpaul, Sarwan out of ODIs

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has decided to rebuild a team for future as it has axed former skipper Chris Gayle and veteran middle order batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan from the One Day International series against Pakistan.

Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan dropped

The WICB said in a statement issued here Thursday that in a bid to help develop young players, the trio has been rested from the first two of the five One Day Internationals.

The move was widely expected as the top West Indian cricketers have failed to perform in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 while serious discipline issues have also marred the general image of the West Indian cricket in the past few years.

The trio, who are in their 30s, can be axed for good as the West Indian selectors are in a state of mind to hand Darren Sammy a young pool of players to nurture and develop into a formidable side. Despite of the fact that the trio has scored the best part of runs in the past five years or so the move by the WICB is certainly focussing on a long-term solution for the Caribbean cricket.

Ernest Hilaire, chief executive of the board, said in the statement that the main purpose behind axing of the trio was to give youngsters the chance to prove their mettle in the international cricket so that West Indies cricket team perform well in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

“With a view to the stated goal of winning the 2015 Cricket World Cup, in the 2011-2012 phase the Selection Committee will expose players to international cricket who could potentially play a vital role in the 2015 Cricket World Cup campaign,” Hilaire stated.

As far as the squad is concerned, Anthony Martin, a leg-spinner from Antigua, has been given the chance to face a Pakistani side which is renowned for handling spinners well.

India takes steps to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan

After a hiatus of six years, the Indian cricket team is likely to tour Pakistan next year.

The move comes two weeks after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited his Pakistan counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani to watch the cricket world cup semi-final played between the two countries in Mohali.
“The government has decided to resume cricket ties with Pakistan,” a government official said on condition of anonymity. “It is a political decision. Indian cricket team will tour Pakistan next year. Pakistani team would visit India after that.”
The last cricket series between India and Pakistan was held in 2007-08, when the Pakistani team had visited India.
According to a tour schedule prepared by the International Cricket Council, Pakistan should visit India for a three test and five one-day international series in March 2012. No team has toured Pakistan after an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore on 3 March 2009.
India suspended diplomatic dialogue and has not played a series with Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, where 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists had gunned down at least 166 people.
India blamed Pakistan and said the conspiracy was hatched in the neighbouring country.
Home minister P. Chidambaram held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik in June last year. Singh spoke with Gilani on the sidelines of a conference in Thimpu in April last year. Home and foreign secretaries, too, have held talks this year to revive relations between the two countries.
India’s principal opposition the Bharatiya Janata Party would like to keep cricket and politics separate, spokesman Prakash Javadekar said.
The Congress party, which heads the ruling United Progressive Alliance government, could not be immediately reached for comment.
G. Parathasarthy, a former ambassador to Pakistan, said cricket is not the best way to bridge the confidence gap between the two nations.
“I am astonished by the move,” he said. “India is risking lives of its cricketers by sending them to Pakistan. This comes at a time when no other country is sending their teams to Pakistan.”
Kalim Bahadur, a former professor of South Asian studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, was more welcoming of the government initiative.
“This is a positive step, like the gesture by India to invite Gilani for the Mohali match,” he said. “The government of India wants to make a positive gesture towards Pakistan. But will India be able to go there and play is doubtful given the security situation in Pakistan is so delicate.”
“Team India’s going to Pakistan completely depends on BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) as the latter is not dictated by the government of India. Government cannot send a team on its own,” said Kadambari Murali, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated India magazine. “But this is a good initiative...”
The Indian team’s schedule to Pakistan depends on BCCI, said the government official cited earlier. “For this year, the Indian team calender is full,” he said. “They will visit Pakistan next year, depending on how BCCI plans.”
“The 26/11 Mumbai attack issue will not impede India-Pakistan cricket ties,” the official said. “But in case of a terror strike, the decision could be reversed.”
BCCI has not received any information from the government in this regard, chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said.
Foreign minister S.M. Krishna, too, on Wednesday indicated dialogue and cricket between the two nations will continue.
“Peace talks will go on, cricket matches will go on, and simultaneously, our relentless efforts will continue to bring to justice all those responsible for the heinous crime against India in Mumbai,” Krishna said.

Mahela Jaywerdene Left Vice Captaincy

Mahela Jaywerdene Has left the Vice Captaincy role and said he has left the role because he want young player to come and grab this opportunity He further said that it was very disappointing for him in 2007 and now 2011 world cup that He was the part of team and both time they come so close but so far. But He said He has full confidence on the young cricketers of Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Team Squad for West Indies Tour 2011

Pakistani selectors on Wednesday dropped faltering wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal from the one-day and Twenty20 squad for this month’s tour of the West Indies and rested senior players.

Kamran, Younis, Razzaq dropped

The 29-year-old was criticized for dropping crucial catches during the World Cup, where Pakistan lost in the semi-finals to arch rival India.

“We have given Kamran Akmal a break because his wicket-keeping was not up to the mark during the World Cup,” chief selector Mohsin Khan said.

“We think Kamran needs a rest.”

Local media said the wicket-keeper will also lose his Test place to younger brother Adnan Akmal, part of the Test team to New Zealand earlier this year.

Mohammad Salman, 29, will keep wicket in the Twenty20 and one-day matches.

Pakistan will play a Twenty20 international, five one-day games and two Tests on the month-long tour, starting from April 18.

Khan said the tour gives Pakistan an opportunity to test new players.

“We have chosen the team with a plan to try some youngsters who can serve Pakistan in the future,” said Khan. “Younis Khan and Umar Gul have been rested while Abdul Razzaq could not fit into the team.”

One-day skipper Shahid Afridi had hinted that senior players would be rested to give younger team members a chance, prompting Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq and Umar Gul — all part of the World Cup squad — to be left out.

Afridi will not be part of the Test team after retiring from the longer version of the game last year.

Misbah-ul-Haq will lead Pakistan in the Tests, for which a squad will be announced later.

Among the newcomers is Usman Salahuddin, a 20-year-old right hander who scored 927 runs in the country’s premier first class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, last season.

Aizaz Cheema is a right arm pacer, while Hammad Azam is an all-rounder who made Pakistan’s squad for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean last year, but did not play a match.

Asin the cricket fan!

We all know Asin, the actress but now we bring to you Asin, the cricket fan! Despite being busy with her shooting schedules, the actress rushed to watch the Final World Cup match as soon as she was done with the shoot. Asin confessed that she was hooked to the TV and she praised the Sri Lankan team for performing well. But she said that India totally deserved the cup for it played better and the captain Dhoni's leadership was one of the high points.

She said that the spirit among the boys was the best part of it all and lauded Team India for their hardwork, determination, courage and talent. She also went on to thank them for giving everyone a reason to unite in happiness and celebration. Looks like after Cinema, Cricket is her passion!

What Afridi said was wrong: Adnan Sami

After Pakistan Cricket captain Shahid Afridi's tactless remark, where he stated that `Indians are not large hearted', there's a furore across.' 

We spoke to Pakistan born singer Adnan Sami, who is `surprised' at such an uncalled for and wrong statement from a cultural ambassador of sports like Shahid Afridi.

"I would be really surprised if Afridi meant what he said. And if we have to take it on face value than I don't agree and support a thing of this sort. It's an extremely sensitive issue and this kind of statement is not needed. It's wrong", says the singer who feels he himself is a classic testimony of people's love and respect for a cultural ambassador in India.

"When people love you for your cultural contributions, geographical boundaries become non existent. I still find hard to believe that somebody like Afridi, especially who is a sports ambassador of a country and responsible for contributing to the ongoing Indo-Pak peace process, can make such a blatant statement. There's so much responsibility on them."

Adnan harps on the fact that negative statements are outcome of a confused mind. In case of the Pakistan's ODI cricket captain, Adnan attributes the statement to Afridi's frame of mind, "We do not know on what context he may have said, and how much of it is misinterpreted. However, cricket lovers will always love cricketers. They are loved for their art," concludes Adnan.

We too wonder what made Afridi sing an unpleasant tune in his home ground especially when Indians loved him here. You need a large heart Afridi!

Sohail slams Afridi for comments against Indians

Former Pakistan skipper Aamir Sohail on Monday slammed current captain Shahid Afridi for his comments that Indians are "not as large-hearted as Pakistanis", saying that the staement was "immaturish and untimely".

Afridi had said after reaching home following Pakistan's semifinal exit from the World Cup that it would be very difficult for Pakistanis to live with Indians or to have long-term relationship with them.

Sohail said Afridi should not have made these remarks just after the goodwill generated in the aftermatch of the India-Pakistan semifinal clash at Mohali and he should respect each individual.
"I think Afridi should not have made such comments. You got to respect every individual. His statement is kind of immaturish and at the same time untimely," Sohail said.

Afridi had also criticised Indian media for its "negative approach" but Sohail said media has a certain role to play.

"Look, media has a certain role to play. Media highlights the different aspects of an issue. For me, media is like a pain in body. You have to deal with media and find solutions in the relationship with it just like we consult doctors," he told 'Times Now'.

During a talk show in Pakistan after his side's loss to India, Afridi had said that Indians are not as large-hearted as Pakistanis while the Indian media has "negative approach".

"In my opinion, if I have to tell the truth, they (Indians) will never have hearts like Muslims and Pakistanis. I don't think they have the large and clean hearts that Allah has given us," Afridi had said.

"It is a very difficult thing for us to live with them (Indians) or to have long-term relationship with them. Nothing will come out of talks. See how many times in the past 60 years we have had friendship and then how many times things have gone bad," he said.
Asked about the Indian media's coverage of the Pakistani team during the semifinal on March 30, Afridi had said, "The Indian media has a very negative approach and very negative thoughts. The people may not be like that but I think the media had a very dirty role in spoiling relations between us and India.

"Our media, which is criticised by people, is hundred times better than theirs," he said. 

After World Cup win, huge windfall for Team India

It's raining crores for the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team whose members will also get residential plots and Railways too chipped in announcing first AC complimentary lifetime passes.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the lead announcing a Rs one crore award for each player and several state governments followed suit. Some states did not announce any cash reward but said the cricketers will be honoured with respective state awards.
Coach Gary Kirsten and other support staff will get Rs 50 lakh each as reward for their contribution, while the selectors will be given Rs 25 lakh each, BCCI President Shashank Manohar said.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit announced a award of Rs two crore for Captain M S Dhoni and Rs one crore each for four Delhi players after their historic victory.
"The Chief Minister has decided to honour the Indian captain M S Dhoni by awarding him Rs 2 crore and also decided to give one crore each to Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Ashish Nehra for winning the coveted World Cup after 28 years," a Delhi government official said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan announced award of Rs one crore each for Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan, who hail from the state.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh will be given a cash award of Rs one crore.
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa announced his government would honour the victorious cricket players with a residential plot each from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhrayal Nishank promised a residential plot or a house in Mussoorie hill station for Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, who has been a regular visitor there with his family.
He also announced that a stadium will be built in the state to be named after Dhoni.
Gujarat Government announced its highest sports honour Eklavya Award for Yousuf Pathan and Munaf Patel. The award carries Rs one lakh and a citation.

A Railway Ministry official said, "The First AC pass will be valid for each member with one companion for unlimited free travel to anywhere in the country."
Jharkhand Government said it would give a plot of land to Dhoni to set up a cricket academy in the state.
"The Jharkhand Governmnet has decided to allot the land to help Dhoni to fulfil his long-cherished dream to set up a cricket academy," Deputy Chief Minister, Sudesh Mahto said.
"The size and location of the plot will be decied in consultation with Dhoni," he said.
Haryana government said it will honour Sehwag and Nehra with the state's best sportsperson of the year award.
The Haryana Government has decided to institute "Best Sportsperson of the Year award" from this year to honour outstanding sportspersons. Sehwag and Nehra have their roots at Jhajjar and Gurgaon respectively, he added.

The Uttar Pradesh government said it will felicitate Suresh Raina and Piyush Chawla with Kanshiram International Sports award.
"By helping the Indian team in reaching the final match and making important contributions in winning the World Cup, these two players have done the state proud," Chief Minister Mayawati said....

Michael Clarke Australia's New captain

Michael Clarke has been named Australia's 43rd test cricket captain, replacing Ricky Ponting who stepped down Tuesday after a nine-year reign.

Clarke's appointment as test and one-day captain was announced at a news conference Wednesday along with the appointment of allrounder Shane Watson as vice-captain.

Cameron White will continue to captain the Australian Twenty20 team, with Watson as his deputy.

Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke said Michael Clarke had proven to be an excellent captain when standing in for Ponting, notably during Australia's recent 6-1 Commonwealth Bank Series win against England.

Clarke, 29, will first lead Australia on its tour to Bangladesh next month which comprises three one-day internationals. He will lead the test team for the first time when Australia tours Sri Lanka in August, though he stood in for the injured Ponting in the fifth Ashes test against England this summer.

"Michael has shown himself to be excellent with his on-field tactics when heading the national side," Jack Clarke said. "To captain your country is a great honor and responsibility and I congratulate Michael and wish him the best in what will be an exciting and challenging time."

Michael Clarke said he was looking forward to the opportunity to lead the Australian team.

"It is a great honor to be appointed captain of Australia, but at the same time, a great surprise as I wasn't expecting Ricky Ponting to stand down," he said.

"I have always respected those who have come before me in this role and humbled to think of my name being mentioned alongside theirs."

Ponting endorsed Clarke as his successor while announcing his retirement.

Clarke, a right-handed batsman who has played 69 tests, scoring 4742 runs at an average of 46.49, has been seen as Ponting's likely successor since cementing his place in the Australian team after it's 2006 Ashes whitewash of England.

He said he foresaw no problems with Ponting remaining in the test and one-day teams as a player and expected to take advice from his former captain.

"I think Bangladesh will be a great test for that to see how it all unfolds," Clarke told a news conference in Sydney. "I'm confident that if he can continue to play for as long as he has done, I'm sure it will work."

Watson, 29, said he was looking forward to the added responsibility and working closely with Clarke.

"Playing cricket for Australia has been a great honor for me and to now be appointed vice-captain is really exciting," Watson said. "I look forward to doing what I can to help and support Michael Clarke in the test and ODI teams, and Cameron White with the Twenty20 group.

"There are challenges ahead but also opportunity and I look forward to being part of the leadership group as we work together to grasp that opportunity."

The chairman of the Australian selection panel, Andrew Hilditch, paid tribute to Ponting while welcoming Clarke's appointment.

"Ricky has been an inspirational leader of men," Hilditch said. "He has led the side with skill, courage, passion, determination and integrity at all times.

"Michael (Clarke) has shown great leadership and tactical skills in the opportunities he has had to lead the side when Ricky has been injured or not available. The time is right now with Ricky stepping down for Michael to assume the leadership of the Australian cricket team."

Hildith also announced Australia's squad for the Bangladesh tour, which includes a warmup match on April 7 and ODIs against Bangladesh on April 9, 11 and 13. All matches will be played in the capital Dhaka.

Xavier Doherty returns as a specialist spinner after missing the World Cup because of injury while 20-year-old fast bowler James Pattinson has been named in place of Shaun Tait, who announced his retirement on Monday.