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Sachin Tendulkar turns down government quarter

2012-06-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sachin Tendulkar has politely turned down the Type 7 bungalow allotted to him in the New Delhi’s 5, Tuglaq Lane. By virtue of being a Rajya Sabha member, Tendulkar was allotted the bungalow that is supposedly close to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s house. Tendulkar has said he would not like to waste the tax payer’s money by accepting a building where he is unlikely to stay too long.
“I’m not keen on blocking a government bungalow because this would be a waste of tax paper’s money as I reside in Mumbai,” the Little Master, who was sworn as Rajya Sabha member on Monday, said in statement released to DNA.
Tendulkar pleaded with the authorities to allot the building to someone who might need it more than him. “It would be better if the bungalow is allotted to someone else who needs it more than me,” he said.
The 39-year-old, still active in international cricket, said he would prefer staying in a hotel whenever he is in the Capital to attend the Rajya Sabha sessions. He also made it clear that he would like to meet his own staying expenses in New Delhi when he’s on official work.
<span class="fullpost">The batsman with 100 international centuries felt the privilege of being a member of the upper house of Parliament is bigger than the perks that come with it. “For me, the honour of being nominated as Rajya Sabha MP matters the most,” said Tendulkar, who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha recently.
There has been a controversy over the allotment of a Type 7 quarter to Tendulkar. First time MPs are apparently given Type 5 or Type 6 bungalows. Rajiv Shukla, union minister of state for parliamentary affairs and chairman of the Indian Premier League, clarified on his Twitter post: “All nominated RS MPs entitled to Type 7 accommodation in Delhi. Don’t understand the unnecessary hue & cry surrounding Sachin’s house.”</span>

Gooch backs Bairstow to come good

2012-06-08T09:30:00.002-07:00

England great Graham Gooch has backed Jonathan Bairstow to become a "successful Test player" after some early struggles against aggressive fast bowling.

Yorkshire batsman Bairstow, 22, who has played just two Tests, looked uncomfortable against the short ball last time out on national as West Indies quick Kemar Roach gave him a working over before dismissing him for four in his only innings in England's nine-wicket second Test win at Trent Bridge.

But Gooch, a former captain and one of England's greatest opening batsmen, said it was too soon to say that Bairstow, the son of former Test wicket-keeper David, had a weakness against fast bowling.

"You don't judge a player on just a few good balls," Gooch, now England's batting coach, said after Thursday's first day of the third Test against the West Indies here at Edgbaston was washed out without a ball bowled.

"I don't think there's any player that's ever played Test cricket that hasn't punched one (a ball) away in front of his face at some stage.

"Having been there myself, seen the ball right there, it's not a nice experience," added Gooch, whose Test career started with a dreaded 'pair' (two noughts) against an Australia attack boasting fast bowling greats Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson at Edgbaston back in 1975.

"You have to cope with that sort of bowling," insisted Gooch, some of whose best Test innings were played against the fearsome West Indies fast bowling attacks of the 1980s and 1990s.

"I don't think you should make judgements on just a short passage of play.

"He (Bairstow) has to cope with the pressure of playing at the highest level and I think he's got a good attitude, he's an excellent player and, as far as I'm concerned, he will be a successful Test player.

"I think he had discomfort (at Trent Bridge) with a few balls against a good fast bowler. When you first come in, every batsman is vulnerable.

"If you're saying 'do I think there's a problem?', then the answer is no."

Unlike Gooch's time as a player, when the likes of top quality Test fast bowlers such as West Indies duo Malcolm Marshall (Hampshire) and Joel Garner (Somerset) were stalwarts of the county circuit, it has been suggested Bairstow is at a disadvantage because the world's leading quicks are no longer involved in the English first-class game.

But Gooch insisted: "There's going to be the odd quality bowler around in county cricket. One thing that's not there in county cricket, you don't get the sort of tension you get in Test cricket. The pressure is that much more at the highest level.

"That's something every Test player, every top sportsman, has to cope with -- performing under pressure."

England have an unbeatable 2-0 lead in this three-match series against the West Indies and Thursday's washout did little for the tourists' prospects of improving upon a record of just two wins in their last 32 Tests.

"We are disappointed there was no play because we said if we could get a win in a Test in England, it would be an achievement for the team," said West Indies captain Darren Sammy.

"We need as much play as possible over the next four days to accomplish this," added Sammy, whose side lost the series opener at Lord's by five wickets.

"We now have to go all out for the win...The weather outlook for the next few days does not look to bright, so we will keep our fingers crossed that whatever play we can get, we will look to win those sessions."

Malinga named Event Ambassador for ICC World T20 2012

2012-06-08T09:29:00.003-07:00

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has chosen Sri Lanka's star Lasith Malinga, as the official Event Ambassador for the ICC World Twenty 20 Sri Lanka 2012. The cricketing icon is renowned and admired for his unique cricketing style and vibrancy and is one of the world's best Twenty20 players.

Malinga, was selected as the Event Ambassador in recognition of his skills as a role model both on and off the field of play. His ?explosive bowling action' propelled Lasith to global fame and his distinct, stylish and colourful personality is synonymous with the intensity of T20 cricket.

Haroon Lorgat, the ICC Chief Executive commenting on the event's new ambassador said, "It is wonderful to have Lasith Malinga as the tournament ambassador for the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in Sri Lanka. Lasith is a special player and one of the most recognisable cricketers in the world. Whenever he runs in to bowl with his distinctive action there is a thrill in the game. I am sure he will add to the buzz that has already surfaced and crowds will flock to see players like Lasith represent their country in the ICC World Twenty20."

Malinga will be the ?face' of the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 advertising campaign in the host nation and will promote the event globally.

Malinga commenting on his new role said, "I am honoured to play a part in the first ICC World Twenty20 tournament to be hosted in Asia. As an ambassador, I hope to take the T20 message to all communities and passionate fans across the world. I sincerely thank the ICC for giving Sri Lanka the opportunity to host an event of this magnitude and I invite all cricket fans to show their support and unite in the spirit of the game."

Zimbabwe tri-series

2012-06-08T09:28:00.002-07:00

The unofficial Twenty20 tri-series between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Bangladesh in Harare this month will be broadcast on television, even though it was initially thought the series would not be televised.

South African broadcaster SuperSport confirmed they would screen the seven-match event live, as part of their commitment to both Cricket south Africa (CSA) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). The rights have also been sold to Bangladesh television.

"We are proud partners and want to showcase the talents of youngsters like Chris Morris, Colin Ingram and Richard Levi," Brandon Foot, head of acquisitions and legal for SuperSport, said. "With South Africa's tour of England also due, I've little doubt that interest will be at a premium, notwithstanding the unofficial status."

Organisation for the series finally appears to have come a full circle as it graduated from a five-match bilateral event between South Africa and Zimbabwe to a tournament that also includes Bangladesh.

Although the Zimbabwe board had said the costs of television production would be too much for it to bear, the inclusion of Bangladesh eased some of the monetary concerns and paved the way for the series to be broadcast. The matches will be without official status because the competition is outside the Future Tour Programme.

South Africa initially requested the tour as part of their planning for the World Twenty20 and named a young squad without regular captain AB de Villiers. Bangladesh asked to be part of the series after their request to play ODIs in South Africa was turned down by CSA, who said they could not accommodate any additional matches. ZC then restructured the event so South Africa would still only need to spend a week in the country to play four matches.

While South Africa will use the series as part of the build up to the full tour of England starting in July, for Zimbabwe it is a rare opportunity to play competitive cricket before the World Twenty20. Zimbabwe have not played since their January tour of New Zealand and only have this series and a triangular A series against South Africa A and Sri Lanka A in July.

Zimbabwe's scheduled hosting of Bangladesh in August was postponed because of maintenance work on the pitches in Harare and Bulawayo. Bangladesh were also in danger of not playing enough matches before the World Twenty20. After their Zimbabwe tour was pushed back, Bangladesh tried to engage South Africa for a series, but were rejected. They have since secured matches against Ireland and Netherlands.

IPL 5: Kolkata gears up for Knight Riders vs Sourav Ganguly tie

2012-05-02T08:26:00.001-07:00

With all tickets for Saturday's game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India sold out, plans are afoot to install 12 giant screens across the city so that enthusiasts can watch the action live even when on the move.

The giant screens would be put up by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) around the venue Eden Gardens and other parts of Kolkata and even in neighbouring districts for fans who have missed out on tickets for what is turning out to be one of most keenly awaited game in the Indian Premier League's history.

With Kolkata's favourite local boy Sourav Ganguly leading the Warriors, match fever has reached a peak.

"At home you have your television. But what about those who will be out on the roads for various reasons? As the local cricketing body we want them to savour the flavour of the match while on the move," CAB joint secretary Biswarup Dey told IANS.

Dey said six of the screens would be installed around the Eden Gardens, after discussions with police and the IPL and Kolkata Knight Riders authorities. KKR are the local organisers of the game, with the CAB acting as the facilitator.

The other screens are likely to come up at important intersections like Gariahat, Sealdah, College Street, Kankurgachi, Salt Lake and even in the neighbouring Howrah district.

"We have already discussed the matter verbally with the police. We will now send them a formal letter for permission. I don't think they will have any objections to installation of giant screens in other parts of the city.

"Regarding those we are planning to install in the vicinity of the stadium, we have to ascertain how far from the venue they want those to be put up," he said.

If the giant screens come through, it will be a first for IPL.

"But then no other game in the tournament's history has aroused such raw passion," Dey said.

With passions running high, security has been beefed up for the match.

"There will be more policemen, tighter security for the players and spectators in and around the stadium to ensure there is no untoward incidents," he said.

IPL 5: Sehwag is an instinctive captain, says Mahela

2012-05-02T08:23:00.002-07:00

Mahela Jayawardene says Virender Sehwag is an instinctive leader who has done a fabulous job for Delhi Daredevils in the ongoing Indian Premier League. "Viru has done a splendid job. During the course of the tournament, I have seen him take incredible decisions on the spur of the moment and they have really paid off. He is an instinctive leader. In T20 cricket, you need to make quick decisions and for that you need to have a clear mind," Jayawardene told PTI during an exclusive interview her.

Captaincy, according to Jayawardene, is not difficult provided one has done his homework properly. "Leading a side might look complex but once you have done your homework, it's not that difficult a job. If you are not prepared well enough, then your on-field options become less and you will have trouble. At Delhi, we have had some very good team meetings

where we have analysed the strengths and weaknesses of other sides along with our support staff. KP has also big role so has Morne [Morkel] and Nadeem," he said.

By his own admission, opening the innings with Virender Sehwag has been an enriching experience. "When you have Dilshan or Sehwag opening the batting, they like to control the proceedings. They are players who can even hit the good balls for boundaries and my job at the other end is to rotate strike and enjoy their batting. When Viru is in full flow, all you do is to crack a few jokes in between the overs and maybe analyse the opposition team's bowling options," the 34-year-old Sri Lanka captain said.

Among the Indian youngsters, Jayawardene has been most impressed with Ajinkya Rahane's performance. "Ajinkya is a special talent. He has the correct technique necessary to back his brilliant strokeplay."

He also said that batting against his country-mate Lasith Malinga was not easy when he made 55 against Mumbai Indians last week. "It's never easy to pick Lasith. He will bowl one such delivery that might get you but then you need to be technically very correct. You need to be in perfect shape. If you try to hit a Malinga delivery too hard, then you are in for some trouble. It doesn't matter even if you have big backlift, but your stance should be correct."

Asked about the Gen-Next Sri Lankan players, Jayawardene named Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne as the two players to watch out for. "Angelo [Mathews] is already established. But we have Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne who are young and should serve Sri Lankan cricket for a long time. I also have high hopes from Thisara Perera. At the end of the day, talent alone doesn't take you anywhere. You need to channelise the talent and have hunger to succeed."

Tiger conservation: Centre asks states to raise, deploy STPF

2012-05-02T08:17:00.001-07:00

Advancing efforts to conserve the growing population of tigers, the Centre today asked the states to expedite steps towards raising, arming and deploying the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in and around big cat habitats.
"We persuade all the states to raise, arm and deploy the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF). I would like to request all of you to ensure that this be expedited by all the states," Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan told All India Meeting of Field Directors of Tiger Reserves.
Stating that field protection is something which continues to remain extremely high on tiger agenda of India, which holds over half the world's tiger population, the Minister said the Centre supported the states in a "very big way" to deploy the local workforce for protection of big cats.

"Despite a 100 nt central assistance to four states-- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Orissa-- the deployment of STPF has not taken place," she said. Karnataka has emerged as the first state to deploy STPF.
"I am happy to announce and also to congratulate Karnataka, which has emerged as the first state to implement the STPF," she said after distributing awards for best performance to various tiger reserves in the country.
"Tiger conservation is a collective responsibility between government of India, state governments and civil aociety. Today tigers need support from one and all," Natarajan said.
According to the latest tiger census report, the current tiger population is estimated at 1,706. The results include figures from 17 states with tiger reserves.
The Minster also released a book 'Fundamentals of the Wildlife Management' written by Rajesh Gopal, Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). PTI TGB NAM

Deccan Chargers beat Pune Warriors for first IPL win

2012-04-26T19:30:00.003-07:00

Deccan Chargers tasted their first win of the fifth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they beat Pune Warriors by 19 runs at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium here Thursday. It took an all-round effort by Deccan Chargers for their first win, having suffered five consecutive losses. Deccan Chargers, however, are still languishing at the bottom of the league with six points from three matches. Pune Warriors, who were cheered by former skipper Yuvraj Singh from the dug out, suffered their second consecutive loss in the IPL and are now sixth with eight points from nine matches. Opting to bat first, Deccan Chargers first put a challenging total of 177 for four in 20 overs after Cameron White top scored with 78 off 46 balls. White smashed five sixes and six fours and added impressive 75 runs for the fourth wicket with Jean Paul Duminy (26 not out) to take Chargers to lead the Deccan’s innings. Deccan Chargers bowlers then churned out their most disciplined performance restricting Pune Warriors to 159 for seven in 20 overs. Debutant pacer Ashish Reddy was the pick of the bowlers bagging two for 32 while South Africa Juan Theron also bagged two for 37. Pune Warriors never got their chase on track as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Robin Uthappa was the top scorer with 29 while Australian all-rounder Steven Smith made 26. Pune Warriors batsmen had to blame themselves for the loss as their batsmen got starts but could not convert them into big scores. Skipper Sourav Ganguly (23) failed to make the most of the life he got on 22 when Jean Paul Duminy dropped a sitter at the point. Ganguly survived three more balls before falling to pacer Manpreet Gony.

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2012-04-11T05:19:00.001-07:00

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