Kumble Lifts Irani Cup for Rest of India!

Rest of India won the Irani cup by 187 runs. Resuming the day 4 with 113 for 3 on the board, Delhi needed another 265 runs to win. Gambhir was playing on 51.

Skipper Kumble and Harbhajan Singh rattled through the batting order of Delhi and completed the formalities in just under 30 overs. The match was over before lunch and Kumble lifted the Irani Cup for his team.

Chopra was the first man to go on Day 4 in the 2nd over of the day for a duck. Harbhajan dismissed Manhas for 12 and Bisht for 9. Harbhajan picked 4 of the Delhi wickets in the 2nd innings to end with a match figure of 6 for 63.

Final Score (Day 4):

Rest of India 1st Innings 252 all out in 81.3 overs (W Jaffer 50, R Dravid 46, S Badrinath 16, VVS Laxman 17, M Kaif 29, MS Dhoni 5, A Kumble 9, Harbhajan Singh 26 not out, Z Khan 0, RP Singh 18, MM Patel 19, Extras--17 (b 3, lb 1, nb 13), A Nehra 0 for 59, I Sharma 3 for 22, P Sangwan 3 for 57, R Bhatia 0 for 28, C Nanda 3 for 60, V Sehwag 1 for 22)

Delhi 177 1st Innings all out in 57 overs (A Chopra 42, G Gambhir 5, V Sehwag 43, V Kohli 4, R Bhatia 17, M Manhas 4, P Bisht 28, C Nanda 0, P Sangwan 23 not out, A Nehra 0, I Sharma 3, Extras--8 (b 1, lb 3, nb 4), Z Khan 2 for 45, RP Singh 0 for 31, A Kumble 2 for 34, MM Patel 4 for 31, Harbhajan Singh 2 for 32)

Rest of India 2nd Innings (lead by 75 runs) 302 all out in 92.overs (W Jaffer 21, R Dravid 69, S Badrinath 36, M Kaif 0, VVS Laxman 18, MS Dhoni 84, A Kumble 9, Harbhajan Singh 0, Z Khan 4, RP Singh 24, MM Patel 1 not out, Extras--36 (b 12, lb 13, nb 11), A Nehra 1 for 84, I Sharma 3 for 52, C Nanda 5 for 48, P Sangwan 1 for 35, V Sehwag 0 for 55, R Bhatia 0 for 3)

Delhi 2nd Innings (target: 378 runs) 190 all out in 60.5 overs (G Gambhir 51 batting, V Sehwag 3, V Kohli 16, R Bhatia 31, A Chopra 0, M Manhas 12, P Bisht 9, C Nanda 1, P Sangwan 1, A Nehra 5 not out, I Sharma 0, Extras--21 (b 1, lb 15, nb 5), Z Khan 3 for 47, RP Singh 0 for 49, MM Patel 0 for 28, A Kumble 3 for 19, Harbhajan Singh 4 for 31)

Tendulkar Declared Fit! Good News for Sachin Fans!

The master batsman Sachin Tendulkar has been declared fit for the test series against the touring Australians. India will play in 4 test matches against the Australians starting from October.

Sachin was injured during the Sri Lankan tour. While trying for a catch, he injured his elbow and was advised rest. He had to return to India and miss the ODI series in Sri Lanaka.

He was added in the Rest of India team for the Irani Cup but pulled out of it in the last minute. He was replaced by Tamil Nadu batsman Badrinath.

In the recent study on Tendulkar, the National Cricket Academy Physio submitted a clean chit report on Tendulkar. He said, Sachin will join the camp in Bangalore from September 30.

Good News for all Sachin Fans!

Irani Cup: Rest of India Wins Irani Cup by a Big Margin!

Rest of India beat Delhi by 187 runs to win the 2008 Irani Cup. Chasing 378 to win, Delhi were bundled out for 190. More to follow!

ICC Agreed to meet ICL!

Finally, the curtain has raised a little bit. Yes, the ICC has decided to meet with the officials of ICL and listen to them on what they have to say.

ICL has welcome the move, but said that they are awaiting official communication on the meeting. The ICL had previously written to the ICC asking for its approval and now ICC has asked for this meeting.

David Morgan, President of ICC has agreed to meet the owner of Zee Entertainment which owns the ICL. He said, he will me with ICL and report back to board of directors of ICC during the October 14-15 meeting in Dubai. He also said that all the members of the ICC are aware of this meeting.

ICL has already received surprise support from Sri Lanka which removed the ban on players and allowed them to play domestic cricket. Also, Bangladesh players joined ICL and they started the 9th team--Dhaka Warriors.

Already Stanford and Hong Kong Sixes tournaments operator under the policy of "authorized unofficial cricket." So, ICL is also expecting the same status.

Good luck ICL!

Irani Cup: Dhoni and Dravid put ROI in Strong Position on Day 3!

Resuming the day 3 from 99 for 1, Rest of India scored 302 and set 378 as the target for Delhi to win the Irani Cup.

Badrinath and Dravid added 12 runs in the morning on Day 4 before Ishanth Sharma sent Badrinath one more time. Kaif did not utilize the opportunity and was dismissed two balls later for a duck, caught behind. Laxman once again failed and fell to Nanda for 18. At this stage, ROI was struggling at 152 for 4. It was left to Dhoni and Dravid to build the innings and they did it. They added 55 runs for the 5th wicket and the score was 207 when Dravid fell for Nanda on 69.

Dhoni played a crucial innings and ensured that ROI gains considerable lead. He scored 84 off 113 balls with 12 fours and a six. This is the third six of the match with first one by Sehwag and the second one was by Sangwan.

RP Singh, though not successful with the ball, scored useful 24 and involved in the 25-run last wicket partnership with Munaf Patel.

Nanda was the successfuul bowler for Delhi with a 5-wicket haul. He picked 3 wickets in the first innings and ended with a match figure of 8 for 108.

Delhi chasing 378, lost both Sehwag (3) and Kholi (16) LBW to Zaheer Khan. Gambhir and Bhatia steadied the innings and brough the score to 113 from 37 for 2. Bhatia scored 31 and fell on the last ball of the day to Harbhajan Singh.

Delhi ended Day 3 at 113 for 3 and are in need of another 265 runs with 7 wickets in hand. Only 3 more recognized wickets are needed for ROI before picking the tail.

The uncontrolled 36 extras by Delhi is going to cost them more. They could have reduced it by 23 of those by cutting 12 byes and 11 no balls. This would have reduced the target by another 36.

It is mostly ROI's match unless Gambhir, Chopra, Manhas and Bisht play some big innings to give a chance to Delhi.

Score at the end of Day 3:

Rest of India 1st Innings 252 all out in 81.3 overs (W Jaffer 50, R Dravid 46, S Badrinath 16, VVS Laxman 17, M Kaif 29, MS Dhoni 5, A Kumble 9, Harbhajan Singh 26 not out, Z Khan 0, RP Singh 18, MM Patel 19, Extras--17 (b 3, lb 1, nb 13), A Nehra 0 for 59, I Sharma 3 for 22, P Sangwan 3 for 57, R Bhatia 0 for 28, C Nanda 3 for 60, V Sehwag 1 for 22)

Delhi 177 1st Innings all out in 57 overs (A Chopra 42, G Gambhir 5, V Sehwag 43, V Kohli 4, R Bhatia 17, M Manhas 4, P Bisht 28, C Nanda 0, P Sangwan 23 not out, A Nehra 0, I Sharma 3, Extras--8 (b 1, lb 3, nb 4), Z Khan 2 for 45, RP Singh 0 for 31, A Kumble 2 for 34, MM Patel 4 for 31, Harbhajan Singh 2 for 32)

Rest of India 2nd Innings (lead by 75 runs) 302 all out in 92.overs (W Jaffer 21, R Dravid 69, S Badrinath 36, M Kaif 0, VVS Laxman 18, MS Dhoni 84, A Kumble 9, Harbhajan Singh 0, Z Khan 4, RP Singh 24, MM Patel 1 not out, Extras--36 (b 12, lb 13, nb 11), A Nehra 1 for 84, I Sharma 3 for 52, C Nanda 5 for 48, P Sangwan 1 for 35, V Sehwag 0 for 55, R Bhatia 0 for 3)

Delhi 2nd Innings (target: 378 runs) 113 for 3 in 31 overs (G Gambhir 51 batting, V Sehwag 3, V Kohli 16, R Bhatia 31, Extras--12 (b 1, lb 9, nb 2), Z Khan 2 for 18, RP Singh 0 for 37, MM Patel 0 for 23, A Kumble 0 for 14, Harbhajan Singh 1 for 11)

Click here for Day 1 Scores!

Click here for Day 2 Scores!

Kapil Dev Serves Country in Whatever Way Possible!

Kapil Dev, the skipper of Indian World Cup Winning Team wanted to serve the country in one form or the other. He was the team member, skipper, coach, part of selection committee panel and then quit it to be the chairman of the ICL.

He is still part of the ICL fighting against the BCCI and ICC to accept them as official sports body.

The Haryana Hurricane couldn't hide his emotions when he was officially given the Olive Green Uniform. He joined the Territorial Army as an honorary Lt. Col.

In his interview to CT, he said "I'm finally getting to wear the uniform." The following is an excerpt from the interview (credit: CT):

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to join the Army. It was there at the back of my mind, but now that I am finally getting to wear the uniform. I feel so proud that I don't know how to express it in words.

He said, "My wife Romi and daughter Amiya are very proud and happy. I can see that glow on my wife's face has increased!"

Congratulations and All the Best, dear Kapil Dev!

Irani Cup: Rest of India back in the Game! Munaf Patel Strikes 4 Wickets!

Rest of India came back strong on Day 2. Having bundled out for 252, a moderate score, ROI packed the Delhi team lead by Sehwag for 177. Munaf Patel picked 4 wickets while skipper Kumble, Bhajji and Zaheer picked 2 each.

Resuming from 21 for no loss, Delhi lost the first wicket in the form of Gambhir in the 2nd over of the day. He was caught by Dravid of Zaheer Khan for 5. Sehwag and Chopra added played well and took the partnership beyond 50. Chopra was caught by Kaif to give Munaf Patel his first wicket. Kohli was caught behind of Munaf for 4.

Skipper Sehwag's wicket was taken by ROI skipper Kumble caught by Dravid for 43, the highest scorer for Delhi. Manhas was caught behind off Munaf and Delhi were struggling at 102 for 5.

After that, nothing went right for Delhi and they lost the remaining 5 wickets for 75 runs. Bhatia (17) and Bisht (28) were playing singles and looked comfortable. They added 36 runs for the 6th wicket, but Zaheer trapped Bhatia in front and provided the break through.

Bhajji picked the next two wickets, Patel picked the 9th wicket and Ishanth Sharma was the last to go with Kumble getting him LBW.

Gaining lead of 75 runs, ROI started the 2nd innings well. Jaffer played positively scoring 21 off 36 balls with 3 boundaries. Dravid played slowly and consumed 111 balls for his 34. Badrinath, playing crucial innings in his career is batting with 33. Sangwan picked the wicket of Jaffer, caught by Chopra.

Score at the end of Day 2:

Rest of India 1st Innings 252 all out in 81.3 overs (W Jaffer 50, R Dravid 46, S Badrinath 16, VVS Laxman 17, M Kaif 29, MS Dhoni 5, A Kumble 9, Harbhajan Singh 26 not out, Z Khan 0, RP Singh 18, MM Patel 19, Extras--17 (b 3, lb 1, nb 13), A Nehra 0 for 59, I Sharma 3 for 22, P Sangwan 3 for 57, R Bhatia 0 for 28, C Nanda 3 for 60, V Sehwag 1 for 22)

Delhi 177 1st Innings all out in 57 overs (A Chopra 42, G Gambhir 5, V Sehwag 43, V Kohli 4, R Bhatia 17, M Manhas 4, P Bisht 28, C Nanda 0, P Sangwan 23 not out, A Nehra 0, I Sharma 3, Extras--8 (b 1, lb 3, nb 4), Z Khan 2 for 45, RP Singh 0 for 31, A Kumble 2 for 34, MM Patel 4 for 31, Harbhajan Singh 2 for 32)

Rest of India 2nd Innings (lead by 75 runs) (W Jaffer 21, R Dravid 34 batting, S Badrinath 33 batting, Extras--11 (b 4, lb 5, nb 2), A Nehra 0 for 28, I Sharma 29, C Nanda 0 for 15, P Sangwan 1 for 11, V Sehwag 0 for 4, R Bhatia 0 for 3)

Click here for Day 1 Scores!

Irani Cup: ROI Struggle on Day 1!

Rest of India after deciding to bat first are struggling at the end of Day 1. The Delhi skipper Virendra Sehwag was looking cool throughout the day and did not bother about the wicketless first hour.

The breakthrough was given by Nanda, the 3rd change bowler. He sent Jaffer to pavilion caught by Kohli for 50, the only half-century maker.

Dravid and Badrniath were dismissed Ishanth Sharma in quick succession. Dravid was trapped leg before after lunch for 46 and Badrinath dragged the ball to his stump when he was looking good at 16. He survivied a difficult chance, but did not utilize the oppotunity given to him.

Laxman, who played causually with the part-time spinner Sehwag, was caught by Manhas for 17. Kaif showed some resistence and played sensibly and he was the 3rd highest scorer in the team with 29. Dhoni was expected to score along with Kaif, but was soon dismissed for 5 by Sangwan, who also dismissed the Indian skipper Kumble for 9.

Harbhajan played some shots and added vital runs to the team along with RP Singh (18) and Munaf Patel (19). Zaheer Khan did not open his account and was dismissed by Sangwan. Bhajji was the 4th top scorer for ROI with 26 not out.

Ishant Sharma, Sangwan and Nanda picked 3 wickets each and restricted ROI to 252.

Delhi played 5 remaining overs of the day and scored 21 without losing a wicket. Chopra is on 16 and Gambhir is playing with 4.

Can ROI with experienced bowlers Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, RP Singh and two spin giants Harbhajan Singh and Kumble, restrict Delhi to less than 250? Wait and see this place!

Score at the end of Day 1:

Rest of India 252 all out in 81.3 overs (W Jaffer 50, R Dravid 46, S Badrinath 16, VVS Laxman 17, M Kaif 29, MS Dhoni 5, A Kumble 9, Harbhajan Singh 26 not out, Z Khan 0, RP Singh 18, MM Patel 19, Extras--17 (b 3, lb 1, nb 13), A Nehra 0 for 59, I Sharma 3 for 22, P Sangwan 3 for 57, R Bhatia 0 for 28, C Nanda 3 for 60, V Sehwag 1 for 22)

Delhi 21 for no loss in 5 overs (A Chopra 16 not out, G Gambhir 4 not out, Extras--1 (lb 1), Z Khan 0 for 8, RP Singh 0 for 7, A Kumble 0 for 5)

Irani Cup: Badrinath Replaced Tendulkar!

The upcoming batsman and skipper of India A, Badrinath S was given another chance to prove himself. He proved in the crucial match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup tie when he replaced Tendulkar due to latter's injury.

Badrinath is playing well and is in good form. He recently played a crucial role in the India A match against New Zealand. He played captains knock and lead by example in the victory, which took India A to final. India A will be playing the final against Australia A on Sunday, September 28, 2008.

He deserves this opportunity and this youngster should be given more opportunities so that his confidence grows up. He burst out against his omission in the team during Asia Cup, but finally got a call when Tendulkar pulled out due to injury.

Let us wish him all success and hope that he brings glory to Indian cricket!

ICC ODI Team Ranking!

The ICC ODI Rankings is modified with the recent completion of India-Sri Lanka series for both Test and ODI. The team ranking for ODI is given below:

Rank	Team	Points
1	Australia	130
2	South Africa	118
3	England	116
4	New Zealand	116
5	India	113
6	Pakistan	110
7	Sri Lanka	105
8	West Indies	95
9	Bangladesh	46
10	Ireland	22

Click here to view ICC Test Team Ranking!

ICC Test Team Ranking!

The ICC Test Rankings is modified with the recent completion of India-Sri Lanka series for both Test and ODI. The team ranking for test is given below:

Rank	Team	Points
1	Australia	138
2	South Africa	116
3	India	109
4	Sri Lanka	108
5	England	104
6	Pakistan	100
7	New Zealand	83
8	West Indies	81
9	Bangladesh	0

Click here to view ICC ODI Team Ranking!

Sachin Out of Irani Trophy!

Sachin Tendulkar, announced himself fit to play in the Irani Trophy, pulled out of the tournament today siting the fitness reasons. He was advised by the team physio to take more rest for his injured elbow.

He got injured during the last test match against Sri Lanka last month. He pulled out of the ODI series and was set to return and play in Irani Trophy.

But he is available for the first test match in October. We have to wait till October to watch him play again!

Playing Against Australia is bigger than Pakistan - Sachin!

The master batsman Sachin Tendulkar has said that over the last few years, the match against Australia has become bigger and competitive than matches against Pakistan.

"I think it (India v Australia) has become bigger largely because of the competitiveness. All the series between us from 2001 onwards have been very keenly fought and have been very close ones," said Tendulkar.

The little master is just 77 runs away for over taking Brian Lara and become the highest run getter in Test Cricket History. He missed it against Sri Lanka in the 3 test series. He needed 176 runs, but he scored 95 in 5 innings that he played.

"We have gone to Australia and beaten them. We have been able to surprise the Australian team and that's what the Australian public likes: competition and high standards of play. They love to see challenges and competitiveness.

"The fan following for the India-Australia series has definitely increased as compared to say 15 years ago. The coming series would also be very closely fought. Talking on behalf of the Indian team I can say we will play hard but fair and I feel the Australians also will do so," said Tendulkar.

"They (Australian squad) have a lot of experienced players and some of them have been playing for a long time now. They are the number one team in the world and we are prepared to face all challenges. It's going to be an extremely well-fought series which would be played in the right spirit and the cricket would be played very hard," said the master blaster.

Let us hope he scores the required runs in the first test and help India to win the test series, though he is not playing for records.

New Team in ICL - Dhaka Warriors

The rebel ICL has started a new team with the recently joined Bangladesh players and named it as "Dhaka Warriors."

With these players joining the ICL, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has banned these players for 10 years.

The following players will be playing for Dhaka Warriors:

Habibul Bashar, former Bangladesh Captain, Aftab Ahmed, Alok Kapali, Shahirar Nafees, Farhar Reza, Dhiman Ghosh, Mosharraf Hossain, Mohammed Raffique, Tapash Baisya, Manjurlal Islam, Mohammad Sharif

The team will be coached by Balwinder Sandhu. The season 2 must be exiciting and should interest ICC to give them the status.

CA Welcomes Apologies from Symonds!

Cricket Australia said that they welcome the apology from the all-rounder Symonds. It is good that he realized what had happened is not correct and not good for him and the country.

“I’m going through the process of trying to improve and become not only a better cricketer but a better person. I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking up cricket again for my club, state and country, hopefully,” theage.com.au quoted Symonds as saying.

Good that he wants to come back and play international cricket. The CA said, they will consider him for the national side.

Symonds Feels Sorry, Finally!

The recent bad boy of the game, Andrew Symonds, who was sent home from Darwin, Bangladesh for missing the important team meeting and preferred fishing.

The captain Michael Clarke and the management discussed the event and sent Symonds home He was asked to take psychological help, but he preferred to be left alone.

He was omitted from the squad that will tour India during the next month.

He has come out open today and apologized for his behavior during the last few days. He is hopeful of comeing back to international cricket and wanted to save his career. He is looking forward to be part of the national team soon.

Well done Symonds, All the Best!

ICC Awards for 2008 Announced!

The ICC Awards for the year 2008 was announced recently.

Dhoni and Yuvaraj from India won an award each though there were two other nominations--Sachin and Ishanth Sharma.

Dhoni was chosen as ODI Player of the Year; Yuvaraj Singh was choses as T20 Player of the Year Sri Lankan Ajantha Mendis won the Most Promising Cricketer of the Year.

Sri Lanka won the Most Spirited Team of the Year award and the skipper Jayawardane was extremely happy that his team won this award for the second consecutive time.

Awards:

Cricketer of the Year: Shivnarine Chanderpaul of West Indies

Test Cricketer of the Year: Dale Steyn of South Africa

ODI Player of the Year: MS Dhoni of India

T20 International Performance of the Year: Yuvaraj Singh of India

Emerging Player of the Year: Ajanth Mendis of Sri Lanka

Umpire of the Year: Simon Taufel of Australia

Women's Cricketer of the Year: Charlotte Edwards of England

Spirit of Cricket: Sri Lanka

World Test Team:

Graeme Smith (SA, captain); Virender Sehwag (Ind); Mahela Jayawardena (SL); Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI); Kevin Pietersen (Eng); Jacques Kallis (SA); Kumar Sangakkara (SL, wk); Brett Lee (Aus); Ryan Sidebottom (Eng); Dale Steyn (SA); Muttiah Muralitharan (SL); 12th man: Stuart Clark (Aus)

World ODI Team:

Herschelle Gibbs (SA); Sachin Tendulkar (Ind); Ricky Ponting (Aus, captain); Yunus Khan (Pak); Andrew Symonds (Aus); Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind, wk); Farveez Maharoof (SL); Daniel Vettori (NZ); Brett Lee (Aus); Mitchell Johnson (Aus); Nathan Bracken (Aus); 12th man: Salman Butt (Pak)

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No Threat for Australian tour to India!

"Our position is that the tour is going ahead unless we are otherwise persuaded," Peter Young, Cricket Australia's general manager of public affairs, told Cricinfo, a website for Cricket Related Information.

As of now, Australian squad will leave for India as per the plan. No changes have been made to the schedule after the bomb blasts in Delhi.

Though Australians fear that they will be branded as using double standards, they have decided to carry on with the Indian tour. They said, they will not play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan citing security concerns.

Let us hope that they play the series without any trouble!

Was Clarke Behind Symonds Ousting?

Did Michael Clarke really play a role in sending Symonds home in the middle of the Bangladesh tour? Was he behind in dropping Symonds from the team for the Indian tour? You can judge yourself after reading the below extracts from the Times of India:

Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke and Symonds had a blwup in a hotel bar in the Caribbean when Clarke chipped Symonds one night when he found him drinking in the bar with former West Indies great Brain Lara.

Clarke is said to have suggested that Symonds had better be in good shape to take the field the next day, a suggestion not taken in good humour by Symonds. They both had heated argument.

Though the differnces were patched up, it is said that Clarke leading the charge to have the great all-rounder sent home from Darwin.

Clarke could have been in the scene because he already lied in the test series against India, just for winning a test match. He claimed a catch that he didn't take which proved vital for India in the 2nd Test in Sydney. Clarke is a play who will do anything for just winning, so he could have blown the issue against Symonds.

Clarke Knows! Symonds Knows! God Konws! You Decide for Yourself!

Symonds Story!

What happened with Symonds? What's the actual story?

During the Indian tour to Australia, Symonds and Bajji entered into a conversation with Symonds complaining on Bajji with the accusation that Bajji called him Monkey. Bajji was booked and interrogated on racism charges.

He missed the bus sleeping and couldn't attend the net practice. He was warned.

He preferred fishing than the important team meeting during the Bangladesh Tour. Team Management discussed and sent him back to Australia.

When the Cricket Australia suggested that Symonds seek the help of a psychiastrist, he did not listen to it. His committment was questioned. For which, he said:

"I have had some time to reflect on the events that took place in Darwin. I would like to say thanks for many messages of support that I have received over the past day or so. I appreciate your best wishes. I've been asked to think about what is important to me and I will take this time to do that." He in fact went one step forward and asked him to to leave alone.

Having dropped from the Test side for the Indian tour, he now has to focus on bringing his discpline back, ensuring that Cricket Austrialia believes in his commitement, and perform with bat and ball--score runs. Then he will be back to natinal team! Good luck Symonds!

Australia Announced Squad for Indian Tour! Symonds Dropped!

Cricket Australia have announced the 15-member squad for the Indian tour. With the recent controversies involving in-form all-arounder Andrew Symonds, they have not included him as part of the team.

The squad:

Ricky Ponting (Captain)
Michael Clarke (Vice-Captain)
Matthew Hayden
Phil Jaques
Kichael Hussey
Simon Katich
Brad Haddin
Shane Watson
Brett Lee
Stuart Clarke
Bryce McGain
Mitchell Johnson
Jason Krejza
Doug Bollinger
Peter Siddle

Tendulkar to feature in Lord Ganesh Documentary!

Tendular ended the speculation by coming out open and saying that he will be sharing his views like anyone else on Lord Ganesha. He is not acting in a Bollywood movie as rumoured by others.

"I would not feature in a Bollywood film but like others will share my views on Lord Ganesha in a documentary. There were misunderstandings about my role in the film, but now they are cleared," Tendulkar said.

He further added, "one really feels peaceful while visiting a temple and I would share my views on Siddhivinayak."

He said that no one has to remember Lord Ganesha only during the 10-day festival. The team pray during the match. The celebration time is electrifying.

Sachin, Dhoni and Ishanth nomited for ICC Awards!

Well, is it not a good news for Indian fans when their stars are nominated for ICC Awards? Of course, yes, but it would be more happier if they win the awards, isn't it?

Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardane, West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul and South African Dale Steyn have been nominated for "Cricketer of the Year" and "Test Player of the Year" award categories in the LG ICC Awards for 2008.

The other nominee for the Cricketer of the Year prize is South Africa captain Graeme Smith while his team-mate Jacques Kallis is a further nominee in the Test category.

Dhoni has been nominated for two awards--ODI Player of the Year and T20 International Performance of the Year, with the latter for his captainship skills. More than Sachin, his fans would be praying for him to win the award, which means Dhoni has to miss it.

Indians in the Nominations:

Dhoni - ODI Player of the Year;
Dhoni - T20 International Performance of the Year;
Sachin - ODI Player of the Year;
Yuvaraj - T20 International Performance of the Year;
Ishanth - Emerging Player of the Year;

Competition for Indian Nominations:

Dhoni & Yuvaraj face competition from Chris Gayle (West Indies) and Brett Lee (Australia) for the T20 Performance of the Year award

Ishanth face competition from Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka), Stuart Broad (England) and Morne Morkel (South Africa)

Umpiring Nominations:

Simon Taufel has a chance of winning five successive Umpire of the Year awards after being nominated alongside Mark Benson, Aleem Dar, Steve Davis and Rudi Koertzen.

Good luck to all!!

Improve Infrastructure and Facilities then Expect Olympic Medals - Tendulkar

One of the greatest batsmen of cricket Sachin Tendulkar has come out open and asked the respective authorities to improve the infrastructre and facilities for all sports before expecting a medal from it.

He was all praise for the Olympic Medal Winners and mentioned that they have brought glory to India. Every Indian is proud of their achievement.

He mentioend that the country's infrastrcuture and facilities should be improved overall for all the sports. If we expect India to win more medals in the Olympic, then we should provide the best of the facilities and infrastructure to the players.

Tendulkar is Back! To Play in Irani Match!

The fan of Sachin Tendulkar have a reason to celebrate and be relieved! Yes, the God of Cricket has declared himself fit and ready to play cricket again. Since there is no international schedule now, he will participate in the Irani Cup--a domestic tournament.

"I will be participating in the Irani Trophy. Just now I'm fine," declared the master batsman at a promotional event for Aviva Insurance of which he is a brand ambassador.

He was not in his full form against Sri Lanka in the test series. He was in need of 172 runs to take over from Brain Lara as the leading run getter in test cricket history. But he couldn't succeed in getting those runs and should wait till the Australian tour to India.

The champion batsman could muster only 95 runs at a very dismal average of 15.83 per innings with 31 in the second innings of the second Test at Galle, won by India, as his highest score in the three-match Test rubber.

He injured himself when tried to catch in the second slip of Kumble. His elbow injured and he had to leave the field.

Let us hope that he shines in the Australian tour and scores the run he wanted for the country and also for himself.

Good luck dear Sachin!

Ganguly Acting in Documentary!

It is rumoured that Ganguly is ready to act in a documentary film to be made by sports journalist turned film director Mitali Ghosal. The film will cover all the aspects of Prince of Kolkota. The title of the film is "The Warrior Prince."

Former Indian skipper will act in the 80-minute documentary film to be released in December this year. It covers the cricketers high and low in his career in addition to interviews from other prominent sporting personalities such as Arjuna Ranatunga, Rahul Dravid, Azharuddin.

The film will also cover his personal life from his childhood till date. It has interviews from his wife--Dona, brother--Snehashish, father--Chandidas and also few friends.

It recalls the incident of Ganguly getting hurt by the then skipper Azharuddin jokingly asking him "Have you done your shipping in England?"

Steve Waugh and Tendulkar have agreed to give interviews. The director is trying to get some time from Brett Lee, Ricky Ponting.

The film will be released in English and Bengali and will definitely be a good treat for his fans.