Airtel Champions League

Champions League is due to commence on 10 September 2010. The Airtel Champions League Twenty20 is an internationally organized T20 cricket contest among the club teams coming from all the corners of the world including those of India, Australia, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, West Indies and New Zealand. The chairman of the T20 Champions League is Shashank Manohar who is also the current Commissioner and Chairman of the Indian Premier League and the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Champions League T20 has been scheduled from 10 September to 26 September this year in South Africa. The participants in this league are Chennai Super Kings, Warriors, Victoria, Wayamba, Central Districts in Group A and Mumbai Indians, Guyana, Lions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, South Australia in Group B.

South Africa is all set to play the role of a gracious host for the upcoming Champions League Twenty20 2010. This is the second version of the multi-dollar league that brings great players in ten teams spread across 6 nations together on this international platform.

The opening ceremony of the second edition of this League was held in Johannesburg that boasted of players like Muttiah Muralidharan and of course, the officials and big players of the hosts.

The live coverage of the event will be telecasted on the television. The rights of its live emission have been reserved by the Star Network that will show the matches exclusively on their Star Cricket Channel. The first encounter will be held between Mumbai Indians lead by Sachin Tendulkar and Lions. The match will begin at 15:30 GMT (9 p.m. Indian Standard Time). The Star Cricket will also show the highlights of the previous matches for the benefit of the viewer.

Champions League T20 2010 Groups
Group A Group B
(A1) Chennai Super Kings     (B1) Mumbai Indians
(A2) Warriors                            (B2) Lions
(A3) Victoria                             (B3) South Australia
(A4) Wayamba                         (B4) Royal Challengers Bangalore
(A5) Central Districts            (B5) Guyana

Champions League T20 2010 Full Schedule and Fixture

Sept 10 (9 PM IST) – Mumbai Indians vs Highveld Lions – Johannesburg
Sept 11 (5 PM IST) – Warriors vs Wayamba – Port Elizabeth
Sept 11 (9 PM IST) – Central Stags vs CSK – Durban
Sept 12 (5 PM IST) – Highveld Lions vs Redbacks – Centurion
Sept 12 (9 PM IST) – RCB vs Guyana – Centurion
Sept 13 (9 PM IST) – Victoria Bushrangers vs Warriors – Port Elizabeth
Sept 14 (9 PM IST) – Mumbai Indians vs Redbacks – Durban
Sept 15 (5 PM IST) – Central Stags vs Victoria Bushrangers – Centurion
Sept 15 (9 PM IST) – CSK vs Wayamba
Sept 16 (9 PM IST) – Mumbai Indians vs Guyana – Durban
Sept 17 (9 PM IST) – Redbacks vs RCB – Durban
Sept 18 (5 PM IST) – Warriors vs Central Stags – Port Elizabeth
Sept 18 (9 PM IST) – CSK vs Victoria Bushrangers – Port Elizabeth
Sept 19 (5 PM IST) – Highveld Lions vs Guyana – Johannesburg
Sept 19 (9 PM IST) – Mumbai Indians vs RCB – Durban
Sept 20 (9 PM IST) – Victoria Bushrangers vs Wayamba – Centurion
Sept 21 (5 PM IST) – Redbacks vs Guyana – Johannesburg
Sept 21 (9 PM IST) – Highveld Lions vs RCB – Johannesburg
Sept 22 (5 PM IST) – Wayamba vs Centra Stags – Port Elizabeth
Sept 22 (9 PM IST) – CSK vs Warriors – Port Elizabeth
Sept 24 (9 PM IST) – 1st Semifinal – Durban
Sept 25 (9 PM IST) – 2nd Semifinal – Centuriona

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Corey Pavin made his four captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup on Tuesday and any player not on the team pretty much has only himself to blame.

Pavin selected Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler. About the only pick that could possibly raise any eyebrows is Fowler, and even the Ryder Cup rookie’s selection is far from controversial.

There were players ranked higher on the points list and the world rankings that Pavin bypassed to select Fowler, but none of those players had done anything to distinguish themselves with the final captain’s selection considered wide open for weeks if not months.

Pavin bypassed Anthony Kim, who was ninth in the Ryder Cup standings but is still recovering from thumb surgery earlier this season. Former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover got left out, as did Bo Van Pelt, who was ahead of Cink in the standings.

Kim was impressive in his Ryder Cup debut two years ago at Valhalla, helping the U.S. win back the cup as underdogs. However he has not made a cut since his return from surgery and none of the other candidates distinguished themselves.

Fowler has yet to win on tour, but has come close and is extremely talented. The former Oklahoma State star is the first PGA Tour rookie to make the U.S. team and is the first American captain’s pick to have never won.

“I have to thank Corey for giving me the opportunity to go over there, being a young player, it’s a pretty special opportunity,” Fowler said. “The last time I played overseas on a team event was for the Walker Cup, so hopefully I can take a little bit of knowledge that I learned there and help the team.”

It can easily be argued that there is not one player left off the U.S. team that can argue that he was snubbed like some of their European counterparts, namely Paul Casey and Justin Rose.

Kim (9th in points) and Glover (10th in points) would have made the team under the old system where the captain made two picks instead of four. Sean O’Hair and J.B. Holmes are more experienced than Fowler, but not necessarily better for the team.

Regardless, Pavin is not about to concern himself with any second-guessing or controversy.

“I’m not very concerned about it personally. My job is to put together the team that I feel is the best team and to represent the United States in The Ryder Cup,” Pavin said. “What other people’s opinions are, I cannot control, and I’m not concerned about it. I am just trying to get the best guys together to go over there and win.”

The United States won the Ryder Cup two years ago at Valhalla, and will try to win for the first time overseas since 1993 at The Belfry.

South Bend, IN, United States (AHN) – There is always an extra level of excitement for the first game of the football season.

But, there was probably no player more eager to get on the field than Purdue quarterback Robert Marve.

Marve sat out last season after transferring from the University of Miami.

Saturday, he was back under center in one of the most storied stadiums in college football, Notre Dame.

“It’s what college football is all about. It’s fun,” he said. “It reminded me of the days when I used to play at (Miami).”

Marve went 31-42 for 220 yards in Purdue’s 23-12 loss. He also provided one the few Boilermaker highlights, a 23-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to eight.

“I just felt like I needed to keep the ball in my hands,” he said. “I felt like if I put myself in a situation of keeping it and getting outside with the linebackers one-on-one, I could make something happen.”

But, as has been the story of his college career, where there is good, there is bad.

Following the touchdown, Marve was penalized for excessive celebration.

“He has to calm down a little bit,” said head coach Danny Hope. “He’s got a fast motor. We’ve got to get him a cup of decaf in the morning, rather than the regular coffee.”

Although Marve’s enthusiasm and passion can sometimes lead to problems, they are also what make him stand out.

“He came in last year and took the reigns right away, he was a leader right away,” said defensive end Ryan Kerrigan.

“I am really impressed with him from that standpoint because he came in and knew, as a quarterback, he had to be the leader of this team and he has done a good job of that.”

Wide receiver Keith Smith is praising his new quarterback, too.

“He did a great job. You saw him on national TV grow up,” he said.

Marve was highly touted out of high school, but his career at Miami soured after a pair of incidents that resulted in him being suspended.

He was arrested for vandalism and was forced to miss the Hurricanes’ Emerald Bowl appearance because of skipping classes.

But Marve has changed, and his coach is taking notice.

“He did some great things,” said Hope.

“He has hasn’t played football in a real game in a long time. It’s been a long time. He always gives you great effort, He always competes. He’s our quarterback and he’ll get better and we can win with him.”

He wasn’t perfect Saturday and, understandably, not pleased with the loss. But, Marve is thankful he is back doing what he loves.

“Individually, I felt like I hadn’t played in a year-and-a-half, in the first half,” he said. “The second half I felt like I was rolling. The second half I saw the field a lot better and was comfortable.”

Marve is improving as a football player, but more importantly as a person.

“I think a quarterback needs to be a leader in any offense,” he said. “I think I proved to the guys I am a hard worker and am going to go after it.”

And so begins the transformation of Robert Marve.

Ashburn, VA, United States (AHN) – The Washington Redskins are reportedly looking into trading defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth to his former team, the Tennessee Titans, according to published reports.

Team sources indicated to ESPN that Haynesworth’s performance in the preseason finale showed little effort and was “awful,” as he did not follow the 3-4 defensive scheme, the Washington Post also reported Tuesday.

Haynesworth, 29, reportedly upset coaches after not attending a halftime meeting to observe the Arizona Cardinals’ blocking schemes.

A teammate came to his defense the report said, stating that Haynesworth never attended halftime meetings because he wants to remain focused on his tasks.

Another reason Haynesworth looked sluggish on film could be that the two-time All-Pro is a nine-year veteran, and already contributed to 49 of 55 plays in the preseason game.

The Post indicated the Redskins have been in trade talks after Haynesworth participated in a few plays during practice Sunday and Monday, as the team was preparing to host the Dallas Cowboys Sunday.

Haynesworth reportedly had a meeting with coach Mike Shanahan after Monday practice.

Haynesworth has been paid $32 million for one season, including a $21-million bonus April 1. There has been no official comment from Washington.

Sunnyvale, CA, United States (AHN) – Former Southern California star Reggie Bush, who became the seventh Trojan to capture the coveted Heisman Trophy in 2005, could be stripped of that distinction by the Heisman Trophy Trust, according to reports.

According to Yahoo! Sports Tuesday, citing sources, the Heisman Trophy Trust will strip Bush of his Heisman Trophy by the end of September.

The report stated it is close to completing its own investigation following the NCAA’s findings that the former Trojans standout tailback was ineligible during the 2005 season.

In June, the NCAA ruled that Bush was retroactively ineligible and handed the Trojans numerous penalties, including a two-year bowl ban, scholarship reductions and a forfeiture of wins. The NCAA also ruled that Bush and his family were given illegal benefits during his college career.

However, multiple reports later Tuesday indicated that the Heisman Trust’s move in stripping Bush of the illustrious award were “inaccurate.”

Heisman Trust spokesman, Tim Henning, told USA TODAY that the Trust “has not made any decision yet.”

Heisman Trust president William J. Dockery said in a statement: “The status of the USC, Bush matter remains unchanged. Any reports to the contrary are inaccurate.”

Dockery then referred to the Trust’s announcement made in July, which stated that the Trust will not issue “no further comment” until the issue “has been fully considered and a decision is reached.”

Should Bush lose the Heisman Trophy he won in a landslide in 2005, he would become the first player in the 75-year history of the Heisman Trophy to have the award taken away.

In 2005, Bush bested Texas quarterback Vince Young and USC teammate Matt Leinart for the honor.

Yahoo! Sports also reported that the Heisman Trust will not award a second trophy. It will instead leave the honor for 2005 vacant.

Bush is currently playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Florham Park, NJ, United States (AHN) – New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis finally returned to practice with the team Tuesday, just one day removed from a 36-day contract holdout that started after the organization wanted to rework his contract last season.

“It was hurting me so bad,” Revis told ESPN. “I didn’t know how my teammates would accept me when I came back because I wasn’t there in training camp. I was in the news every other day, and I’m sure they were tired of hearing my name.”

Revis’s deal includes $32 million in guarantees, including $7.5 million in total 2010 compensation, and the contract reportedly is written in a way that will sway him from holding out again.

The report said the contract is a seven-year deal, and if Revis doesn’t hold out through 2013 season, the final three years of the deal will be voided, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Conversely, if Revis does hold out, it would remain a seven-year pact, putting $9 million in his wallet over the final three years of the deal.

Revis felt like himself again during practice since his minicamp appearance in June.

“It felt good to get my hands on the ball,” Revis told USA Today.

“It was a breakthrough getting back onto the field and getting used to the guys again. I’m fine right now. Nobody beat me deep today. I just need to get my legs in front of me little bit and we’re focusing on that. It’s like hurry up and wait.”

Jets coach Rex Ryan is expecting to utilize Revis in the home season opener Monday vs. the Baltimore Ravens, it was reported on NFL.com.

“He’s an amazing guy,” Ryan bantered after seeing Revis’s performance at practice. “He’s getting in playing shape, the constant sprints. He is in great shape.”

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Boise State, coming off a thrilling victory over Virginia Tech on Labor Day, climbed to the No. 3 spot in the USA Today coaches poll, while Alabama is still No. 1.

It is the highest ranking ever in the coaches poll for the Broncos (1-0), who rallied for a 33-30 victory over then-No. 6 Virginia Tech Monday.

Boise State, ranked fifth in the preseason poll, passed over Texas, which remained at No. 4.

The Crimson Tide (1-0), who opened the season with a 48-3 demolition of San Jose State Saturday, maintained the top spot in the poll.

No. 2 is Ohio State, which also opened with an easy victory over Marshall last Thursday. They trail the defending BCS national champions, Alabama.

TCU, on the other hand, moved up two spots to fifth behind Boise State and Texas.

The Horned Frogs, who are favored to win the Mountain West, are coming off a 30-21 conquest of Oregon State (were No. 22), which dropped out of the poll.

Meanwhile, Florida fell three spots to No. 6 following a lackluster 34-12 win over Miami-Ohio.

Nebraska is in seventh place followed by Oregon (No. 8), Iowa at No. 9 and Oklahoma, which dropped two spots to No. 10.

Fort Collins, CO, United States (AHN) – Wyoming Cowboys linebacker Ruben Narcisse was killed in a car accident early Monday on U.S. Highway 287 south of the Colorado border.

Teammates Trey Fox, Christian Morgan and Joseph Quinlan were also injured when Fox fell asleep behind the wheel at around 5:00 a.m. local time.

There were no signs that drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident, which happened when a 2005 Toyota Tundra pickup went off the left side of the road and rolled down an embankment, striking a tree and ejecting Narcisse from the car.

Narcisse,19, of Miami, was pronounced dead at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, where Morgan,18, had surgery on his elbow and will be released Wednesday. Quinlan, 18, and Fox, 19, were treated at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie and released.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ruben’s family,” said Athletics Director Tom Burman in a statement. “Our thoughts are also with the students who were involved in the accident and their families as well. Sadly, this athletics department has experienced this kind of loss before, and we know how difficult it is for all involved.”

The university is offering any who wish, including every member of the football team, counseling at no charge.

None of the four played in Wyoming’s 28-20 season-opening win over Southern Utah Saturday.

The Cowboys take on No. 5 Texas Saturday.

Boston, MA, United States (AHN) – The Patriots are addressing a major concern prior to the start of the 2010 campaign, reportedly offerring quarterback Tom Brady a $58 million contract Tuesday that will keep him in New England through the 2014 season.

The disputed amount and length of the contract was first reported by the Boston Herald, however sources denied its accuracy and prior reports indicated Brady was looking for a four-year pact.

Brady, 33, has played in every game and thrown for at least 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns every year, except for an injury-shortened 2008, since 2002.

The three-time Super Bowl champion also broke the record for most touchdown passes in a single season (50) during an incredible MVP campaign in 2007.

Brady, who is scheduled to make $6.5 million this year in the final season of his current deal, is expected to command around $20 million a year, putting him with the ranks of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league.

Currently, the Lions Matt Stafford ($26.9M), the Chargers Philip Rivers ($25.6) and the Vikings Brett Favre ($24M) lead the way.

The California native threw for 4,398 yards, 28 touchdowns and managed a 96.2 passer rating with just 13 interceptions last season.

New England opens the season Sunday against the defending AFC North champions, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Moscow, Russian Federation (AHN) – In an effort to bolster its bid to host the 2018 World Cup, Russia hit back at reported negative stories by the Western media regarding the bid.

On Tuesday, Russia’s sports minister Vitaly Mutko came out fighting and defended his country’s World Cup bid amid criticism against allegation of corruption and of racism among fans.

Speaking at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, Mutko repeatedly expressed his warm feelings and admiration of the game but also indicated these sentiments were not always reciprocated.

“Maybe we respect the English more than they respect us,” Mutko told Goal.com. “Of course, no-one should assess another country. As far as comparing bids I would like to emphasize that we greatly respect English football and the potential of this country.”

Mutko’s remarks came after reported claims that the country has a problem with racism involving Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingle when he played for Lokomotiv Moscow.

In the reports, Alexei Sorokin, chief executive of Russia’s bid to the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, denied that the banner by Lokomotiv fans was not racist.

Mutko claimed that the incident involving the Lokomotiv banner directed at Odemwingle was no worse than the unpleasant sentiments he witnessed when he attended a Newcastle United match in 2007.

Mutko, who pointed out the “excessive attention” on Russia’s Cup bid, also stressed that corruption and racism among fans exist in numerous countries.

“Sometimes in the non-Russian media we read that there is also corruption in England and sometimes people also cross the street at the wrong place,” Mutko said as reported by Goal.com.

FIFA’s executive committee will decide on the venue for the 2019 tournament in a secret ballot voting in Zurich two months from now.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is reportedly set to travel to Zurich to personally lobby for Russia’s bid.