The International Cricket Council (ICC) has ruled that from July 2011 onwards, all men players are to wear sleeveless Tees and shorts while representing their sides on the cricket field.
The rules apply across the board and are applicable for international as well as domestic games.
It is the ICC’s desire to make the sport ‘more attractive and presentable’ to the Rest of The World.
What he said:
“Now we are in such a situation where another loss would mean that we are out of the competition. Not a great feeling.”
Yuvraj Singh fancying Pune Warriors India’s chances on the eve of their big game against Mumbai Indians.
What he meant:
“It’s make-or-break for Pune Warriors. God help us.”
What he definitely didn’t:
“It’ll be a wonderful opportunity for me to take a break from some cricket after the trials and tribulations of the World Cup. Dada’s here and he can come up with some Dadagiri.”
The ‘Dabangg’ star was asked by Sahara Group’s director of communications, Mr. Abhijit Sarkar, to play for the struggling IPL side.
The overture was made prior to the subsequent signing of Saurav Ganguly.
“Salman was quite enthused about the idea of turning out for an IPL side and was set to don grey flannels. We gave him an additional sweetener by allowing Zarine Khan to be one of the Cheer Queens.”
Sourav Ganguly, in an exclusive interview to MakeTimeForSports, revealed the reason why he decided to accept an offer from Pune Warriors for this year’s IPL.
“I had completely given up hope of playing for Kolkatta Knight Riders or any other franchise in this IPL. That mealy-mouthed SRK is not my favourite actor anymore.” said the former India captain.
“I was looking for the right franchise to turn to. Kochi Tuskers was on my radar. But the final decision was made by my wife,Dona.” disclosed the ODI legend.
WICB chief Ernest Hilaire’s comments about the West Indian team hit a raw nerve—Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s.
When he termed the West Indian cricketers of the past 15 years as lacking application and discipline, he overlooked the chip on Chanderpaul’s shoulder.
The Guyanese bat of Indian origin who uncomplainingly carried Windies hopes, oft receiving less than his share of glory—overshadowed first by Brian Lara and later Chris Gayle—, came out strongly in a letter addressed to Hilaire .
Questioning the use of ‘we’ in his interview, the Guyanese asked him, “Are you speaking for yourself, albeit as CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board or are you speaking for and on behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board itself?”
Chanderpaul threatened to take whatever action necessary to safeguard his reputation.
The boot is truly on the other foot.
Muttiah Muralidharan admitted that there exists more than a modicum of ‘truth’ in Hashan Tillekaratne’s allegations of match-fixing in Sri Lanka.
The legendary off-spinner stated that he ,too ,indulged in match-fixing.
“My wife and I were fixed up. It was an arranged match and I don’t see anything wrong with it. It is a Indo-Sri Lanka collaboration that has worked to our mutual benefit.” said the Tamil , with a toothy grin.
In a fresh twist to the IPL saga, Vijay Mallya, Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta and Shah Rukh Khan have all decided to stand for BCCI elections.
The four owners of IPL franchises feel that it is in their best interests to serve as board members while at the same time retaining a fiscal interest in the IPL.
“If Srinivasan can hold office and have a team, why can’t we own a team and be office-bearers? It’s only fair.” said Vijay Mallya.
What he said:
“Someone like Amarnath would have been a better choice for the simple reason that the core of the Indian team today is from the Hindi-speaking belt.”
Sunny Gavaskar comments on the choice of Duncan Fletcher as coach of Team India.
What he meant:
“We all speak Hindi, don’t we? And Mohinder definitely does. Besides, Amarnath’s not a joker.”
What he definitely didn’t:
“We need Hindi speaking coaches to teach our boys the choicest abuses while sledging the opposition that are not easily expressed in any other language.Actually, that’s Punjabi but I could never tell the difference.And neither can they.”
I can’t fathom what’s more comic or tragic— depending on your perspective.
Saurav Ganguly fans, who keep hoping for some miracle that will enable their hero to participate in the IPL this year.
Or the split verdict announced by the Supreme Court on a petition filed by former BCCI President A C Muthiah challenging amendment of clause 6.2.4 allegedly promulgated to allow BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan to continues as an office-bearer while owning a stake in the Chennai Super Kings franchise.
At least, Dada fans’ hearts are in the right place—in Ganguly’s opinion.
But what can you say about a clear conflict of interest? Should N Srinivasan govern as an interested party?