Kacang Ajaib

'MCA ban on Shah Rukh Khan stays'

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 31 Maret 2013 | 22.58

MUMBAI: Mumbai Cricket Association's five-year ban imposed on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan last year stands and he will not be able to attend his team's IPL match against hosts Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on May 7.

"There is a clause in the agreement we are to sign with Mumbai Indians tomorrow that any person who has been debarred by the association cannot enter our premises. It's not specific to any single person," MCA joint secretary Nitin Dalal said on Sunday.

"We had informed everyone concerned, including IPL authorities and team owners, about the ban after the decision had been taken," Dalal added.

The other joint secretary, P V Shetty refused to discuss the matter any further and merely said that "the ban stands."

The Bollywood superstar was banned for five years from entering MCA premises, including the Wankhede Stadium, by the Association's Managing Committee, headed by the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, on May 18 last year after he was involved in a skirmish with security staff and officials of the cricket body following KKR's victory over MI two nights earlier.

Khan, however, denied he had misbehaved and maintained he reacted only after children, including his kids, were "manhandled" by the security staff at the stadium.

However, IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, had said soon after the MCA decision was announced that a final call on Khan's ban will be taken by the BCCI.

"State bodies can only recommend but a final decision has to be taken by the BCCI. When the matter comes to BCCI, the board will decide (on the ban)," Shukla had told reporters last year.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that security personnel at MCA have been told by the authorities not to allow Khan into the premises during this season's IPL, commencing on April 3.

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Sachin should retire on his own: Shukla

NEW DELHI: Senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla feels that Sachin Tendulkar should be allowed to retire on his own terms considering the huge contribution the veteran batsman has made to Indian cricket.

"He (Tendulkar) has made a huge contribution to Indian cricket and is a guiding spirit of the team. Nobody has to tell him to go. When Sachin feels, it's time; he will go on his own," Shukla said.

Tendulkar could score just a half century in India's recent 4-0 whitewash of Australia in the Test series with an average of 32, but Shukla was not concerned about it.

"Nobody has a higher record than Tendulkar in the world. You can't take him lightly and dismiss him unceremoniously," he said.

Shukla's views are in agreement with that of the BCCI president N Srinivasan, who has also suggested that Tendulkar should be treated differently and people should not sit in judgement of the senior batsman.

Asked about the controversy regarding the participation of the Sri Lankan players in the IPL beginning on Wednesday, Shukla said that the Board had taken a middle path by taking into the consideration the sentiments of the State (Tamil Nadu) government as well as the security of the players.

"Our decision was not taken under pressure from (TN chief minister) Jayalalithaa. We cannot jeopardise the lives of Lankan players. The most important concern is the safety of Lankan cricketers. We had to take a middle path by protecting the players and also respecting Tamil sentiment. Chief ministers are responsible for the law and order of their states," said Shukla, who is the IPL chairman.

"And we can't change venues in short notice. We would have needed two months to shift venue, two months to prepare pitches. So we cannot shift matches outside Chennai. It's not that people don't want IPL matches to be held there. They only want Lankan players out of Chennai matches. When the Sri Lankan Board has accepted the condition, nobody should have a problem. We cannot ignore Tamil sentiment," he said.

The BCCI had decided not to allow franchises to field Sri Lankan players in the IPL matches to be held in Chennai after TN Chief Minister Jayalalithaa refused to host them in view of the anti-Lankan feelings in the state.

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Watson to decide to bowl or not: Hodge

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Royals batsman Brad Hodge on Sunday said he was not sure whether allrounder Shane Watson would be bowling in the upcoming Indian Premier League and added it was up to the Aussie allrounder to take a call.

Watson was restricted solely to batting duties during Australia's recent 0-4 whitewash against India in the Test series as a part of an injury-prevention plan so that he could be available as an all-rounder in full capacity for the Ashes series in July.

"I'm not sure. He might start bowling from third or fourth match. But it is up to him to decide if he wants to bowl or not. The Rajasthan team management is considering strategies in both cases. He would be available for entire IPL and it would be good to see him bowl," Australia batsman said.

Watson had decided to put bowling on the backburner after injuring his calf during the Sri Lanka series, but while watching Indian skipper MS Dhoni bludgeon the Aussie attack in the first Test he was convinced to eventually bowl again.

Hodge said that Watson is a dominating player and his presence would certainly lift Rajasthan Royals.

"He is a dominating player. He might not have done so well recently but can change the face of the game," he said.

Stating that Watson would put the 'homework gate' episode behind him when he takes the field for the Royals, Hodge said: "He would be happy to be with the Royals after what happened to him a few days back. He has a place for the Royals in his heart. Nice things (also) happened to him in the last week. He was blessed with a baby. He would be looking to get back into good form."

Hodge, meanwhile, felt that the pulling out of the Sri Lankan players from Chennai matches would not give the Chennai Super Kings any undue advantage.

"I don't think they would be getting any major undue advantage out of this. We have only one Sri Lankan player in Kusal Perera. We still have 10 players to select from. Every team has to play only one match in Chennai so I don't think that it is such a big advantage for them."

Talking about Ricky Ponting and other Australians playing for the other IPL teams, Hodge said they have mutual respect for each other.

"We will have to play against fellow Australians but would like them to do well till our Rajasthan Royals win the match," he said.

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'Monkeygate' won't affect MI: Ponting

MUMBAI: Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Sunday assured that the infamous "Monkeygate" episode won't have an effect on the Mumbai Indians dressing room as he gears up to lead Mumbai Indians in the sixth edition of IPL.

"No, no. We are all friends for the next few months. That's one thing I have made very clear to the guys already. Sachin and Harbhajan have not been around the team yet. We will meet up with those guys. We are one, the Mumbai Indians are one," said Ponting at his first media conference ahead of the IPL franchise team's campaign in season 6 of the cash-rich T20 League commencing on April 3.

"I want to play well and captain the side well. I will not leave any stone unturned as far as preparation of team is concerned and ensure that everything we do is for one another," Ponting, who has retired from international cricket, said.

Ponting and MI team's chief mentor Anil Kumble were the rival captains in the controversy-marred Sydney Test of January 2008 when Australian team member Andrew Symonds accused India's Harbhajan Singh, who is an MI player now, of racial abuse.

The Australians complained that Harbhajan allegedly called Symonds a "monkey" during day three of the second Test of the 2007-08 controversy-marred series.

ICC match referee for the series, Mike Procter, slapped a three-Test ban on Harbhajan following a hearing but the decision was overturned when the Indian off spinner appealed against the decision.

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Liverpool comeback leaves Villa in peril

BIRMINGHAM (United Kingdom): Liverpool came from behind to win 2-1 at Aston Villa on Sunday in an entertaining game that kept Paul Lambert's side entrenched in the Premier League relegation zone.

Christian Benteke put Villa ahead with a crisp strike in the first half but Jordan Henderson equalised early in the second period before Steven Gerrard claimed Liverpool's winner from the penalty spot.

Defeat left Villa third from bottom in the English top flight, but although they only trail fourth-bottom Wigan Athletic on goal difference, Roberto Martinez's side have a game in hand.

Villa had been bidding for a third successive win, but instead their momentum deserted them ahead of a run of games that includes daunting trips to Stoke City and leaders Manchester United.

Liverpool, meanwhile, closed to within five points of the European places, although the three teams immediately above them - Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton - all have a game in hand.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers made four changes to the team beaten 3-1 by Southampton in their previous outing, with Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Lucas Leiva and Henderson coming into the side.

Joe Bennett was the only new face in the Villa line-up, but the left-back nearly crafted the opening goal in the fourth minute at Villa Park with an inviting centre that narrowly eluded Benteke.

Another cross from a Villa full-back, this time Matthew Lowton, almost yielded a goal in the 16th minute, but Reina produced a point-blank save to thwart Gabriel Agbonlahor.

It was Liverpool, though, who made most of the early running.

Glen Johnson saw a deflected shot gathered by Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, while Luis Suarez poked a shot over, dragged an effort wide, and had two attempts at goal repelled by Guzan.

Points Table | Schedule & Results

Villa's opener, in the 31st minute, came against the run of play.

After Ashley Westwood's searching ball towards the Liverpool box was knocked down by Agbonlahor, Benteke dispatched a meaty strike that brushed Reina's right glove en route to the bottom-left corner.

Liverpool were quickly back on the attack and Guzan twice came to the hosts' rescue in the minutes leading up to half-time.

The American blocked a meek shot from Suarez after Barry Bannan had inadvertently given the Uruguayan a clear run on goal, before pushing away a swerving strike from Gerrard.

Villa have been dogged by an inability to protect leads in the league this season and their fragility cost them once again as Liverpool turned the game around within 15 minutes of kick-off in the second half.

The visitors needed just two minutes to draw level, as Philippe Coutinho released Henderson with a beautifully judged pass and the former Sunderland player deftly chipped the advancing Guzan.

Coutinho rolled a shot inches wide from Suarez's pass and Johnson struck the post before Gerrard levelled on the hour with an inch-perfect penalty after Nathan Baker slid in on Suarez.

Back came Villa, and after Andreas Weimann ballooned Yacouba Sylla's cut-back over the bar, Gerrard produced a captain's clearance to head Benteke's goal-bound header off his own goal-line.

Benteke thought he had snatched an equaliser in injury time, but his close-range half-volley was correctly ruled out for offside.

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I got my rhythm back against Oz: Ishant

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 30 Maret 2013 | 22.58

NEW DELHI: India pacer Ishant Sharma feels that he has got his "rhythm back" in the recently-concluded home Test series against Australia after spending the better part of last year on the sidelines due to ankle surgery.

"I think I am slowly getting back into my rhythm. I am pretty happy with my performance against Australia. Although, I couldn't do much in the first couple of Tests, I did well in the last two matches. Overall, I am satisfied with my performance," said the lanky fast bowler, who finished with only seven wickets from the four-Test series.

He has received a lot of flak having got only 144 wickets from 51 Tests but the 24-year-old is reasonably happy about how his international career has panned out so far.

"I think I have done reasonably well in my career so far. I hope to continue to do well. In India, the wickets are not too conducive for pace bowling," Ishant stated after a session with young trainees at a cricket clinic 'You vs Ishant' at the Vasant Kunj Sports Complex.

Ishant said he and his pace bowling partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar complemented each other in the team.

"I concentrated in getting the reverse swing with the old ball (against Australia). Bhuvneshwar swings the new ball and he has done well. For me, it was more about containment with the new ball and wait for old ball," he said.

Ishant's tips for young fast bowling aspirants is simple: try to bowl as fast as you can at the beginning and not worry unduly about the line and length.

"According to me, when you are young, you should think of raw pace only. Line and length can be learnt later on in a match situation. If you think of bowling line and length from a young age, you won't have pace."

Ishant feels that talented pacers should be nurtured with a lot of care and qualified support staff (physios and trainers) should take good care of them.

"It is important to have physios and trainers. They play an important part in the career of fast bowlers," he said.

The Delhi lad didn't play too many ODIs in the last three years but his hopeful of breaking into the India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in June and a limited overs away series in Zimbabwe.

"I am hoping that I can be in the squad for the Champions Trophy and then the Zimbabwe ODI tour. Then there is the Test series in South Africa which would be one but that is some time away and I am not thinking about that," he said.

Ishant will be playing for Hyderabad Sunrisers in the upcoming sixth edition of IPL and is hopeful that the franchise will do well.

"We have a good mix of experienced players and youngsters. Most of the players have been in the team (Deccan Chargers) before it was taken over by another owner and named Hyderabad Sunrisers," he said.

Asked about the prospect of bowling again against former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who is captaining Mumbai Indians and with whom he had a fascinating contest in his debut season in 2007-08, Ishant said.

"In IPL, I am going to bowl just four overs and it's difficult to say who would win a contest between a batsman and a bowler. It can go either way."

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Toilet break inspired US Open win: Andy

LONDON: Britain's Andy Murray has revealed that a self-administered pep-talk in a courtside toilet helped him to end his long wait for Grand Slam success at last year's US Open.

Murray had lost his first four Grand Slam finals and appeared set for more heartache after squandering a two-set lead against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows in September last year.

However, he says a timely toilet break between the fourth and fifth sets enabled him to get his challenge for the trophy back on track.

"It had got to me," Murray said. "I had played four Grand Slam finals before playing Novak in New York and had only won one set.

"Wherever I walked, I walked with hunched shoulders and with my head down. I think in my own mind I had bought the idea that I was not a real winner until I had won a Grand Glam.

"I was very negative in my own mind at the end of the fourth set at the US Open. My self-belief was pretty low."

It was at that point that Murray took a time-out and found himself in a restroom close to the players' entrance at Arthur Ashe stadium.

"When you walk out of the stadium there is a cubicle on the right-hand side," Murray told The Times Magazine.

"It is small, not much more than a toilet, a sink and a mirror. I was thinking: 'Why do I keep losing these finals? Do I lack something? How on earth did I squander a two-set lead?'

"I could not go back onto the court feeling like that. I would have lost the deciding set before the first ball was hit.

"I never talk to myself, not out loud. Isn't that supposed to be the first sign of madness?

"That is why that toilet break was so unusual. I stood in front of the mirror with sweat dripping down my face and I knew I had to change what was going on inside.

"So I started talking. Out loud. 'You are not losing this match,' I said to myself. 'You are not losing this match.' I started out a little tentative but my voice got louder. 'You are not going to let this one slip. This is your time.'

"At first, I felt a bit weird, but I felt something change inside me. I was surprised by my response. I knew I could win."

After breaking Djokovic's serve in the opening game of the deciding set, Murray went on to take the set 6-2 to claim his maiden Grand Slam title.

The Scot will face Spain's David Ferrer in the Miami Masters final on Sunday, when victory would lift him above Roger Federer to second place in the ATP world ranking.

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MSD talks about pressure with his riders

GREATER NOIDA: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni shared his mantra of handling pressure with his Supersport team riders Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret, asking them not to worry about results.

Sofuoglu and Foret met Dhoni, the owner of the Mahi Racing Team India, on Friday and had a first look at the Buddh International Circuit on Saturday, where they will compete in the season-finale in November.

They were driven around the BIC track as competition rules do not permit them to ride on the track they would race in the season.

Dhoni, who had formed Mahi Racing Team India in 2012, spent over three hours with his two riders, talking about bikes, strategy to win races and cricket.

The two riders were surprised by Indian cricket skipper's knowledge about bikes.

"I follow the progress of the team very keenly and want to see more and more Indian youths take to Superbikes in the future," said Dhoni.

Sofuoglu was extremely happy with the meeting. "It was a great evening. We were supposed to meet for about 15 minutes but once we got talking about bikes, strategy to win races and of course cricket, time just flew," said Sofuoglu after their meeting with Dhoni.

While the talk between Dhoni and the two riders revolved mostly around the racing team, the Indian captain also explained them the nuances of cricket and even how bats are manufactured and how the players test them.

Foret, who is a Frenchman and hasn't followed cricket before, said that more than the technical details of cricket we were keen to know how Indian cricketers, and especially Dhoni, handle the pressure of expectations.

"He explained to us how he follows his passion of playing cricket and not get baulked down by the pressure of getting results," said Foret adding that he and Sofuoglu (from Turkey) have started following a bit of cricket after their last meeting with Dhoni during the team launch.

"He also told us that the pressure would build by the time we come here in November for the race and I am sure we will be prepared for that," said Foret, who also promised Dhoni his helmet after he finishes on the podium in the next race in Spain.

While the two riders had to be satisfied with a drive around, 35 members of Group of Delhi Superbikers (G.O.D.S.) burnt rubber on the race track in front of a sizable crowd that had come to see them in action.

Both Sofuoglu and Foret praised the layout of the track and said that they are looking forward to race here.

Mahi Racing's chairman and managing director Arun Pandey said, "The idea behind bringing the drivers to India was to let them know how passionate we all are for the sport and also promote Superbike racing in India."

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United edge Sunderland to stretch lead

LONDON: Manchester United moved a step closer to a 20th English league title with a narrow 1-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday that sent Alex Ferguson's side 18 points clear of Manchester City.

Schedule & Results | Points Table

With an FA Cup quarter-final replay at Chelsea on Monday, Ferguson shuffled his pack by recalling Rafael, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Shinji Kagawa, while Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney were completely rested.

The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute when Robin van Persie's drilled cross from the left was inadvertently deflected into the net by Sunderland defender Titus Bramble.

Sunderland rallied in the second period and there was a scare for United when goalkeeper David de Gea clashed heads with captain Nemanja Vidic in the 61st minute.

De Gea needed attention from United's medical staff but he was able to continue and produced a smart save to prevent Sunderland substitute Connor Wickham from claiming an equaliser in injury time.

Victory was especially sweet for United as Sunderland's fans had celebrated exuberantly at the Stadium of Light on the final day of last season when United found out they had been pipped to the Premier League title by City.

Defeat left Sunderland four points above the relegation zone in 16th place, although they have played at least a game more than all the teams below them.

City, who travel to United in the league a week on Monday, can trim the leaders' advantage back to 15 points if they win at home to Newcastle United later on Saturday.

All of the top six are in action on Saturday, with third-place Chelsea, four points behind Roberto Mancini's side, hoping to capitalise on any slip-ups by the champions when they visit Southampton.

Fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur visit Swansea City and Arsenal, fifth, host second-bottom Reading before sixth-place Everton welcome Stoke City to Goodison Park in the late kick-off.

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United edge Sunderland to stretch lead

SUNDERLAND: Manchester United emerged from a potentially problematic trip to Sunderland with a 1-0 win on Saturday to take another step towards a Premier League triumph that now seems inevitable.

Schedule & Results | Points Table

An own goal from Titus Bramble extended United's unbeaten run in the league to 20 games and sent the 19-time English champions 18 points clear of Manchester City, who were due to tackle Newcastle United later on Saturday.

Sunderland, who have now gone seven games without a win, have not scored in more than seven hours of football and rarely threatened to find that elusive goal.

They are now serious candidates for relegation and the pressure is mounting on their manager, Martin O'Neill.

It was an excellent day for United manager Alex Ferguson, who engineered victory with a team that was far from full strength.

With the title virtually guaranteed, Ferguson had Monday's FA Cup quarter-final replay at Chelsea in his thoughts.

Wayne Rooney was rested and Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck made cameo appearances as substitutes after their mid-week action for England, although fellow internationals Chris Smalling and Michael Carrick were both involved again.

There was also no sign of Rio Ferdinand at the end of a week of controversy sparked by his withdrawal from the national squad and fuelled by abusive chants from England's fans.

There was some early encouragement for Sunderland, who had beaten United only once in 23 previous Premier League encounters.

Stephane Sessegnon twice suggested his pace might pose problems for United's defence and Craig Gardner had two shots blocked.

But there was a concern for O'Neill in the way Anderson was allowed space to advance into the area before his shot was repelled by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in the 12th minute.

That warning was ignored, however, and further slack defending led to United's opening goal in the 27th minute.

There should have been little danger when van Persie collected the ball near the corner flag, but former United defender Phil Bardsley allowed him to advance to the edge of the area.

It was a fatal mistake, as van Persie was able to unleash a shot that clipped Bardsley before it took a decisive deflection off the knee of Bramble and flew into the net.

Sunderland were unable to craft a genuine first-half threat to the goal of David De Gea and only Mignolet prevented them going further behind before the interval as he twice saved from van Persie and also coped well with a shot from Ashley Young.

The second half was a non-event as United, anxious to conserve their energy before the trip to Stamford Bridge, went into cruise control.

Their chances dried up, although Sunderland, again lacking firepower in attack, were unable to capitalise on United's restrained approach.

Bardsley did manage a shot in the 59th minute, heralding Sunderland's best spell of the game, but United's stranglehold was not seriously jeopardised and they went close to a stoppage-time goal when Mignolet saved from van Persie.

In fact, their major concern was a collision on the hour between De Gea and Nemanja Vidic, with the Spaniard requiring lengthy treatment before he could continue.

There is no relief in sight for Sunderland, who now face awkward games against Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle United.

United, in contrast, have taken 50 points from their last 18 games and are on course to beat Chelsea's points record of 95.

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Fergie backs Rio over Eng withdrawal

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 29 Maret 2013 | 22.58

MANCHESTER: Alex Ferguson on Friday defended Rio Ferdinand over the Manchester United defender's withdrawal from the England squad.

The centre-back has not played international football since 2011 but was called up by England coach Roy Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

Ferdinand then pulled out, citing a detailed training schedule that manages his long-standing back problem and then controversially flew to Qatar to cover England's match with San Marino as a television pundit.

The defender maintains that he still wants to play for England in the future but was the subject of abusive chanting from fans during Hodgson's side's 8-0 win over San Marino on Friday.

FIFA are investigating whether the chants directed at Ferdinand, and his brother Anton, had racist overtones.

United manager Ferguson, though, insisted that Ferdinand has handled the situation well and has no problem with the veteran taking long flights during the international break.

"I think he did the right thing in going back down and meeting Roy Hodgson and I encouraged him to do that myself," Ferguson told a news conference.

"I thought he should go down and do it face to face with Roy and explain how we handle him and how he prepares for games. And that was the right thing to do. Roy appreciated that as far as I am aware.

"I only caught up on a couple of these things over the last couple of days and (flying to Doha) doesn't bother me one bit. We shouldn't get too bothered about it.

"They had they weekend off and players are entitled to do what they want to do.

They trained all last week and were given Friday, Saturday and Sunday off with the internationals being on, so he's got his own choice in these things."

Asked about the chants directed at Ferdinand, Ferguson added: "That's modern society, I'm afraid. We see a lot of that, supporters' reaction to many things and I don't think we can change that. It's the modern society we're in."

With the international break out of the way, Ferguson is set to utilise his squad as United return to domestic action with two games in the space of three days.

After they travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, Ferguson's men head to Chelsea for an FA Cup quarter-final replay on Monday.

Ferguson acknowledges there will be further fatigue following the international break.

"I don't think we have any injuries from the internationals which is really good news but there's a fair bit of tiredness," he said.

"Hopefully we will have a good strong squad to approach the two games tomorrow and Monday.

"We'll play a strong side against Sunderland and try to keep the momentum going on the run we're in and if we do that Monday will take care of itself."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, whose side trail United by 15 points, finally conceded that Ferguson's men have won the title on Thursday.

But the United manager is adamant that will not change his team's attitude to their remaining matches.

"The approach has been right. We're just trying to win the next game. It's the only way we can approach it," Ferguson said.

"We're in an unusual position. We didn't expect to have this kind of lead but we've got to take advantage of that and win our next game and that reduces the number of games left and we just have to whittle the games away and see where it takes us."

United lost the title on goal difference last season despite a victory at Sunderland on the final day, but Ferguson insists that painful experience will help his team avoid a repeat.

"It happens, we move on and this year we've dusted ourselves down and made a real good challenge of the league," he said.

"The concentration and commitment and team spirit has been excellent. So in that respect, we've answered the only way we can."

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Kohli, Raina in top 10 in T20 rankings

DUBAI: Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina are the two Indians to figure in the list of top 10 in ICC Player Rankings for T20I batsmen, while India continue to hold onto the number three slot in the teams category, issued on Friday.

Rankings: Team | Batting | Bowling | All-rounder

Kohli with 731 points is at number eight position, followed by Raina (719) in the latest rankings table, which is headed by New Zealand's wicketkeeper captain Brendon McCullum (810).

Yuvraj Singh (14) and Gautam Gambhir (18) are the other two Indians to have found a place in the top-20 batsmen's list.

In the team rankings, India are placed third behind Sri Lanka and T20 champions the West Indies.

Offie Ravichandran Ashwin is the only Indian to have featured in the list of top-20 bowlers in the shortest format, which is headed by Sunil Narine of the West Indies.

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Pune sign Finch as Clarke's replacement

PUNE: Pune Warriors have roped in Aaron Finch as replacement for Michael Clarke for the upcoming sixth edition of the Indian Premier League.

The Australian captain was ruled out of the entire season with a back injury.

Finch, a top-order batsman from Australia, tweeted the development and is expected to leave for India on Saturday.

Pune Warriors will be Finch's third team in the IPL, having represented Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils

He was released by Delhi Daredevils in November last year and went unsold in the auction on February 3 at a base price of $200,000.

He represents Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League and averaged 66.40 in eight matches last season, scoring 332 runs with a highest score of 111 not out.

But he could not translate that performance for Australia, scoring 4, 7 and 1 in the three T20Is in January against Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Overall, he has scored 1699 runs in 58 domestic T20 matches at 36.14 with a strike-rate of 130.49.

The Warriors will be led by Angelo Mathews this season.

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Pacer Zaheer Khan skips nets again

BANGALORE: Royal Challengers Bangalore pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who yesterday missed the team's net session, today took part in some sprinting under the watchful eyes of physio Ashish Kaushik.

Zaheer arrived at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, but did not go to the National Cricket Academy for net practice.

Instead he did some running for nearly an hour, even as his teammates were busy doing catching practice at the other corner.

After sprinting for 10 minutes, Zaheer was seen resting his hands on his knees and sitting on the toes.

Zaheer had sustained a calf injury during Mumbai's Ranji Trophy game against Gujarat last December and was then dropped from the Indian Test squad against England.

Meanwhile, Australian all-rounder Daniel Christian, who was part of Deccan Chargers for last three years, batted and bowled at the nets.

The RCB team mainly focused on fielding drills on the third day of the training session. They had close-in and boundary catching practice, besides having run-out drills.

Pankaj Singh, Vijay Zol, Sheldon Jackson, Abhinav Mukund, Harshal Patel, Arun Karthik, Syed Mohammad and KP Appanna went through rigours of fielding practice in the presence of coach Ray Jennings.

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Christian rates IPL higher than Big Bash

BANGALORE: Australian all-rounder Daniel Christian on Friday rated the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of his country's domestic T20 Big Bash.

"Big Bash popularity is massive in Australia, but obviously not like IPL. The viewership for IPL is pretty high for the IPL than Big Bash," Christian told reporters after a training session at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

The Big Bash and IPL are fantastic and is a pleasure and honour to play in both the tournaments, he said.

Christian said he has not played under Virat Kohli, but had words of admiration for the Indian vice-captain.

Christian also said he is excited to play alongside Chris Gayle and Muttiah Muralitharan.

"Yaa. I am looking forward to play with Chris, especially after having had to bowl at him a fair bit in the past," he said.

Replying to a query, Christian said in the next couple of days he would catch up with coach Ray Jennings and captain Kohli to know about his role in the team.

"More than likely I will be batting somewhere in the middle and offering some overs like I normally do," he said.

Christian said the team's set-up is very good and was pleased to hear that he had been bought by RCB to play in this year's IPL.

"Obviously, I admired RCB, when I was playing for the Deccan Chargers. I am very pleased when I found out in the auction that I was picked for RCB," he added.

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Doing well in overseas matters: Gambhir

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 28 Maret 2013 | 22.58

NEW DELHI: Lauding the team for their 4-0 triumph over Australia in the recently concluded Test series, out-of-favour opener Gautam Gambhir on Thursday stressed on the need to win Test series abroad in order to be recognized as a force in world cricket.

"Unless a team wins overseas, they are not recognized as a force. I have always believed that winning in overseas conditions matters a lot. I am happy that we have done well at home. There is nothing wrong in using home advantage as every country does that", Gambhir told reporters at a promotional event.

"But look at South Africa. They beat Australia in Australia and England in England. Actually, they are the No. 1 side in the world," he said.

"My personal aim has always been to be a member of the overseas Test series winning squad and score runs in team's victory," Gambhir said at the launch of a new cricket portal CricLan.com.

Gambhir, who has just started training after recovering from mild jaundice, said that "form is a state of mind" when asked about his century plus score in a first-class match versus Aussies and 60 plus score in a T20 game against Punjab.

"For me, form is always a state of mind. If you are confident and fearless and ready to express yourself, that's what matters the most."

The stylish left-hander also supported BCCI's move to have a proper India 'A' team's tour of South Africa before the senior team goes there at the end of the year.

"It's a good thing that India A team will be travelling to South Africa. This tour will give the players fair idea about what to expect when the senior team goes there. Normally, when we go to South Africa, we play a couple of practice matches and by the time we gauge the pace and bounce of the wicket, the Test series gets over. So it's a welcome move."

Gambhir, who is the captain of the defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, said that he wants his boys to forget about any "external pressures and play fearless cricket."

"I want the likes of Yusuf (Pathan), Manoj (Tiwary) and Bisla (Manvinder) to forget about any kind of pressure and play fearlessly. There was a lot of criticism that KKR wasn't performing upto its potential. We worked very hard and were champions last year. Now I want my boys to be fearless and express themselves out there in the middle," he said.

To Gambhir, captaining KKR is an "honour" rather than "pressure."

"It's always been an honour to lead KKR and it's not about me only. It's also about all the 23 players."

Terming it as a "political decision" Gambhir stressed that one or two Sri Lankan players not playing a game in Chennai would not matter a lot.

KKR has one Sri Lankan player in offie Sachitra Senanayeke.

"One or two individuals don't matter in a team. If 11 people are going in the same direction, it is a bigger threat for the opposition. In any case, we will get Senanayeke for other 15 league games. Hope that he will strike a good combination with Sunil Narine."

Gambhir also supported KKR management's decision to appoint Australian pacer Brett Lee as the Team mentor.

"I don't think there will be any additional pressure on Brett. It is better to appoint someone who is a part of the set-up rather than someone new. Also Brett has been bowling really well. He recently clocked 150 kmph during the Big Bash (for Sydney Sixers). If he can bowl at that pace in the IPL, there is nothing like it."

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Title race is over, says Roberto Mancini

LONDON: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini threw in the towel for his club's Premier League title challenge on Thursday, saying the motivation for the rest of the season was to keep the teams below them at a safe distance.

Defeat to Everton in their last Premier League outing left City trailing leaders Manchester United by 15 points with nine games remaining.

United have shown no signs of wilting under the pressure of wresting the English title back from their near neighbours and have won their last six league matches.

"It's over but this doesn't change anything because we should do our best from now to the end," Mancini told reporters.

"Every top team, when they can't win a title, should still try to play well and win all their games."

Mancini made the same assessment last season when City trailed United by eight points with six games to go before they rallied to snatch the title on the final day on goal difference.

"This is different (to last season)," Mancini added. "I don't know how we will finish this season, because we have Chelsea four points behind us and Tottenham five points behind.

"We have nine games left and for this reason it's important we keep working hard and well."

A seemingly crucial part of City's decline in recent weeks has been the absence of captain and defender Vincent Kompany who has been out with a calf injury since Jan. 26.

In that period, City have dropped 10 points, losing twice and drawing twice, to further cement United's lead at the top of the table.

Kompany made his return to action with Belgium in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, a decision that annoyed Mancini who had carefully nurtured the defender back to fitness over the last two months.

"He didn't play for us for 60 days and then he went to play for the Belgium team," Mancini said.

"I did not agree with this. I think sometimes some managers of national teams should understand the situation.

"This player plays for the club, and the club, every month, pay his salary. I don't know if he is okay or not. One week before the international break he was not fit to play for us."

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F1: Vettel apologises to Red Bull staff

LONDON: Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has apologised in person to Red Bull staff for ignoring team orders in a controversial Malaysian Grand Prix last weekend.

The team said the 25-year-old German had also spoken to aggrieved team mate Mark Webber, who had victory snatched away in the closing laps, after the race at Sepang and the pair had shaken hands.

"He's said he can't turn back the clock but he's accepted what he did was wrong," team principal Christian Horner said of Vettel, who visited the Milton Keynes factory on Tuesday to address employees.

"He's apologised to the team and to every single member of staff for his actions, because he recognises the team is vitally important and being part of the team is a crucial aspect to being able to challenge for those championships."

Vettel had also apologised to Webber in a news conference after Sunday's race, saying he had made a mistake.

The German has won the last three drivers' titles with Red Bull, who are chasing their fourth successive constructors' championship.

The German had qualified on pole position in Malaysia but found himself behind his team mate after the pitstops with the team instructing the pair to hold station to save fuel and prevent excessive tyre wear.

The new Pirelli tyres for this season are quick-wearing and, with a comfortable time cushion between them and Lewis Hamilton in third place for Mercedes, the team wanted to safeguard the one-two.

Webber turned down his engine and eased off, assured that Vettel would do likewise, but Vettel seized the opportunity to overtake with both drivers going wheel-to-wheel as they battled for position.

"It was the intent of the team that Mark should win that race," Horner told Sky television on Thursday, also ending any doubts about Webber's plans for the rest of the year.

"He's big enough to know that there was no malice, no intent from the team to create any situation like that. He's in a car that's capable of winning grands prix and hopefully going for a championship so I've got no doubt that Mark will see out the season with us."

Horner recognised that the fans wanted to see drivers racing each other but said his responsibilities were to the 600 people employed by the team and whose bonuses are dictated by the position in the constructors' championship.

"The responsibility is to make sure that the team achieves its maximum," he said.

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I don't like to set targets, Tendulkar says

MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians' iconic player, Sachin Tendulkar does not want to set any targets for himself in the Indian Premier League season 6 as the senior Indian batsman is focused on winning the maiden IPL crown for the home team's loyal fans.

"I don't like to set targets for myself, even if I set targets, I like to keep it to myself. I am little superstitious that way," said Tendulkar.

"The (team) target is to win the tournament, that's what all of us wanted to do. It would be a fantastic gift for all the Mumbai Indians fans. I always wanted to win it. We go out there to win and give our best. Leave the rest to the almighty," Tendulkar told 'Times Now' on the sidelines of a function.

Tendulkar, who would be playing under the captaincy of former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting this season, said the team has prepared well for the tournament and will go all out to win the trophy.

"In the earlier seasons also, we always went out to win the tournament but it wasn't so. Once we got really close and on a couple of occasions, we made it to the semis. All I can promise on behalf of Mumbai Indians team, on behalf of the players, our commitment, focus and dedication will be there.

"No one can guarantee results but one thing we can guarantee is our commitment. Our commitment will be there and we expect the same kind of support that we have received in the last five years. It's terrific to have that kind of support which helps us to give our best as a team," he added.

Mumbai Indians will start their IPL 2013 campaign on April 4 in Bangalore against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

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Angelo named captain of Pune Warriors

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka Test and ODI captain Angelo Mathews has been named as skipper of the Pune Warriors India for the sixth edition of the Indian Premier league, commencing on April 3.

Allan Donald will be the head coach of the side, while Rob Walters comes on board as assistant coach and will be the fitness trainer and fielding coach of the team.

Praveen Amre, meanwhile, would continue to be the assistant coach.

However, Mathews won't be available during Pune Warriors' away match against Chennai Super Kings as Tamil Nadu government has decided against allowing any of the Lankan players take part in IPL games in Chennai.

Mathews, who has been a part of the Warriors as a player for the past two years, said it would be a great opportunity for him to gain leadership experience working with a multi-national squad.

"It's a great honour to be offered the captaincy of the Pune Warriors and I am grateful to the team management and franchise owners for the faith shown in me.

"For me personally this is a great chance to gain leadership experience working with a multi-national squad and a very exciting opportunity given the enormous talent within our young squad," said Mathews.

Welcoming the Sri Lankan as the skipper of the Pune outfit, Sushanto Roy, Managing Director of Sahara Adventure Sports Limited, said the side would be benefitted by his leadership abilities.

"We had many options of international and national cricketers to choose from within the existing squad but we chose Angelo Mathews as our captain as we are confident of his leadership abilities," said Roy.

"All the senior players in the team are happy with the choice and it is a joint decision taken by the senior players and team management. We now have a correct mix of youth and experience to launch an aggressive IPL season 6 campaign under the leadership of Mathews," he added

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Muralitharan upset with IPL GC ruling

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 27 Maret 2013 | 22.58

NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan is disappointed at the IPL governing council's move to disallow players from his country to play matches in Chennai, a decision taken in view of the prevailing anti-Sinhalese sentiments in the state.

Bowing to intense political pressure, top Sri Lankan players were yesterday withdrawn from the Chennai matches of the high-profile IPL after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa refused to host them due to the growing political tensions in the state resulting from the treatment of ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka.

"It's a sad (day) for cricket as we are not allowed to play in a certain part of India. It is a government decision, if they cannot provide security for us, we have to be cautious," Muralitharan, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, told 'NDTV'.

"I have spoken to Royal Challengers, they do not have any problems. I can play the non-Chennai games," he added.

Himself a Sri Lankan Tamil, Muralitharan said he had never faced problems in the island nation.

"I played for 20 years in the Lankan team, I did not have any problems as a Tamil. The government and the cricket board always supported me throughout my career even when I went through a lot of problems.

"Earlier, there was a time of war between the Tamils and Lankans but now people are living in peace in my country. So the concerned authorities in India must come and see how we are living in Sri Lanka and forget what happened in the past. We don't want another war-like situation now."

The 40-year-old off-spinner, who retired from international cricket in 2011, said he was ready to play in Chennai.

"If they allow us to play, we will definitely play in Chennai. Chennai is like a second home for me as my wife Madhimalar is from there. It is a sentimental situation for me. We do not want to get into politics and we just want to play our cricket and entertain our fans."

Muralitharan has played all five seasons of the IPL thus far, for Chennai Super Kings (2008-2010), Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011) and Royal Challengers Bangalore last year.

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Pujara will find answers to ODIs: Dravid

NEW DELHI: Rahul Dravid says Cheteshwar Pujara, who succeeded the former India captain at the crucial number position in the Test side, has it in him to be a successful player in ODIs as well.

Seen by many as one who could go on to be an able successor to the former great, Pujara has an average of 65 after 13 Tests, having scored four hundreds and three half-centuries, and Dravid believed the Saurashtra batsman "approaches" Test cricket the way he did.

"He's had a great start to his international career, in fact a much better start than I did. I think he has been brought up in the old school of batsmanship. He is developing more shots and he approaches Test cricket in the same way as I did," Dravid said.

The 40-year-old was speaking at 'A Day with Dravid', an ESPNcricinfo event in which nine cricket fans from across the world got the chance to interact with him.

Pujara hasn't made his ODI debut yet, but in 61 domestic one-day matches Pujara averages 56.97, with eight hundreds and 17 fifties.

"He's got some good basics in place. You can see that he is constantly improving and he is someone who will find answers to questions. He is going to have his ups and downs and face a lot of challenges adapting to different forms of the game and conditions.

"With his attitude and the way he is going about playing his cricket, I think he will find answers to a lot of these questions and one of them will be one-day cricket."

Dravid felt that for Test cricket to survive, it needed better scheduling, with more matches for all teams.

"One thing I'd like to see definitely is scheduling to be a lot better, and the ability for most countries to play a lot more Test cricket.

"I'd love to see all the teams get the opportunity to play a lot more cricket against each other. I think it will really see Test cricket come up and improve, and the only way for it to survive is to play it as often as possible."

Dravid said adapting to bounce was something he found difficult to adjust to while batting overseas early on in his career.

"I wanted to do well abroad in conditions that I wasn't used to. One of the things I found difficult adjusting to was bounce early on in my international career.

"When I went to Australia, South Africa or England for the first time, I would see some of the foreign top-order batsmen leave balls on length.

"Indian batsmen's instinct was to play at those balls because if you left those balls in India, they would probably hit the top of off or middle stump. That ability to adjust to that bounce and know which ball to leave instinctively on length, especially early on in your innings, was one of the most difficult adjustments to play."

Dravid expressed admiration for contemporary players who have mastered the art of playing the switch hit.

"I can't imagine the way some guys pull that off. When I see someone like a (Kevin) Pietersen or (David) Warner pull it off, you can see the value of the shot. If you were to play the switch hit, then the wide rule should change as well.

"You should allow the bowler to bowl outside the off stump. I think it's an incredibly skilful and difficult shot to play and I'm all for it as long as you give the bowler protection as well."

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SL players should pull out of IPL: Arjuna

NEW DELHI: Former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga on Wednesday slammed IPL governing council's decision to withdraw Sri Lankan cricketers from Chennai matches of the tournament and asked the players to opt out of the entire high-profile event beginning April 3.

"... as far as cricketers are concerned I think if they can't play in south India (Chennai) they should play in other part either. I personally feel if players are not welcomed in one part of India they should not be part of any IPL," Ranatunga said.

"The excuse that the south Indian politician gave was war crimes. And, I Am sure the players should take that into consideration and think of the country and pull out from the entire Indian Premier League," he told 'Times Now'.

Ranatunga termed the decision a political gimmick and said that the IPL governing council should have taken all the matches away from Chennai.

"I think what IPL should have done was pulled out all the matches from south India if they are so keen on Sri Lankan players participation. But, it's all political gimmick," he said.

On Tuesday, bowing to intense political pressure, the IPL governing council, withdrew top Sri Lankan players from the Chennai matches of the high-profile IPL after Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa refused to host them in view of the prevailing anti-Sinhalese sentiments in the state.

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RCB matches during polls rescheduled

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League on Wednesday re-jigged the fixtures of the high-profile tournament, making changes in the dates and timings of some of the matches, including the ones to be held in Bangalore on May 4 and 6, which were rescheduled owing to the Assembly elections in Karnataka.

The match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab, earlier scheduled to be held in Bangalore on May 4, will now be played on May 14, while RCB's home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which was slated for May 6, has been advanced to April 9.

Kings XI Punjab's match against Delhi Daredevils, earlier scheduled for April 23 in Mohali, has been shifted to Dharamsala on May 16, while KXIP's May 16 fixture against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Dharamsala will now be held in Mohali on May 6.

Delhi Daredevils' home match against KXIP, earlier scheduled for May 13 here, has been rescheduled for April 23.

The following changes have been made to the IPL schedule:

KXIP vs DD - shifted from April 23 (8:00 pm, Mohali) to May 16 (8:00 pm, Dharamsala)

SH vs DD - stays on May 4 but moves from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Hyderabad

RCB vs KXIP - shifted from May 4 (8:00 pm, Bengaluru) to May 14 (4:00 pm, Bengaluru)

RCB vs SH - shifted from May 6 (8:00 pm, Bengaluru) to April 9 (4:00 pm, Bengaluru)

DD vs KXIP - shifted from May 13 (4:00 pm, Delhi) to April 23 (8:00 pm, Delhi)

KKR vs PWI - shifted from May 14 (8:00 pm, Ranchi) to May 15 (4:00 pm, Ranchi)

KXIP vs RCB - shifted from May 16 (4:00 pm, Dharamsala) to May 6 (8:00 pm, Mohali)

CSK vs DD - shifted from May 16 (8:00 pm, Chennai) to May 14 (8:00 pm, Chennai)

RCB vs CSK - shifted from May 19 (4:00 pm, Bengaluru) to May 18 (8:00 pm, Bengaluru)

PWI vs DD - shifted from May 18 (8:00 pm, Pune) to May 19 (4:00 pm, Pune).

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Saina nominated for Player of the Year

KUALA LUMPUR: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal was on Wednesday nominated for the 2012 Female Player of the Year Award of the Badminton World Federation on the back of an impressive performance in the season which had seen her win a bronze medal in London Olympics.

World number two Saina is the only non-Chinese among the five contenders for the top annual award among women shuttlers instituted by the BWF.

The four Chinese are world number one Li Xuerui of China who won eight titles in 2012, including the London Olympic gold medal, Olympic silver medallist Wang Yihan Olympic Women's Doubles gold-winning pair Tian Qing/Zhao Yunlei (China). Should a pair win the award, they will share it, the BWF said in a statement.

Saina won four major titles in 2012 -- two Super Series and two Grand Prix Gold events, besides bagging London Olympics women's singles bronze. She won Indonesian Open and Denmark Open Super Series titles besides the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold and Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold events.

Among those nominated for the Male Player of the Year for 2012 are two-time Olympic gold medallist, Lin Dan of China and his perennial rival, Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei -- the current world number pone and two-time Olympic silver medallist.

Others in that category are Olympic bronze medallist and winner of BWF World Super Series Finals, Chen Long (China); Men's Doubles Olympic gold medallists Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng (China) and Lee Yong Dae and now retired Jung Jae Sung Korea), who won the Men's Doubles bronze medal at London 2012.

The key criteria for nomination include exceptional and consistent performance across a calendar year, performance at the Olympics, BWF events and Super Series events, a good role model for the sport which goes beyond on-court performance, ranked among top five in the world in the year of nomination.

The announcement of the winners -- to be chosen by the BWF Council -- and the presentation of prizes will take place at a gala dinner here on May 18, following the BWF Annual General Meeting.

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Clarke ruled out of IPL 6 due to injury

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 26 Maret 2013 | 22.58

MELBOURNE: Australian captain Michael Clarke was on Tuesday ruled out of IPL, starting next week, as he has been advised to take rest for at least seven weeks under the rehabilitation programme for his chronic back injury.

Clarke, who was bought by Pune Warriors for $4,00,000 in the IPL auctions early this year, underwent scans for his back and hamstring problems soon after he arrived home from India where his side suffered a humiliating 0-4 Test series whitewash.

Cricket Australia Chief Medical Officer Justin Paoloni said that Clarke would need at least 7-10 weeks rest as part of rehabilitation programme for the degenerative disc problem that has afflicted him since 17 years of age.

Clarke missed the fourth and final Test against India in New Delhi, which Australia lost inside three days.

"Michael Clarke had scans that confirmed his current lower back injury is an exacerbation of previous issues he has had with his spine. Michael is having intensive rehabilitation for both his back and hamstring but is still 7-10 weeks away from returning to training and playing," Paoloni said in a CA statement.

"As always, we need to manage this carefully as there are potentially serious consequences with further aggravation. He still has pain with basic activities and is not back to full function as yet," he said.

"Michael's intensive rehabilitation program will be overseen by the CA medical team and back specialists in Australia," he added.

Clarke's injury status and the rehabilitation programme meant that he will miss the April 3-May 26 IPL. It also laid to rest speculations that he could be coaxed to captain Pune Warriors in the cash-rich Twenty20 League by offering two million dollars following reluctance shown by Yuvraj Singh.

CA, however, said that Clarke would be able to be a part of the Australian team for the Ashes series in England in July-August.

"He also has a hamstring injury that has been a concern for most of the summer and will complicate his return. We are confident that it will not affect his Ashes preparation but will know more over the coming weeks," CA said in the statement.

On his early return home following his inability to regain fitness in time for the Delhi Test, Clarke had said he would "listen to the experts" regarding his battered and fatigued body and his IPL participation.

"I'll have scans and spend plenty of time with physio, fingers crossed it turns out okay. I would be silly to make that decision (on the IPL) right now, I think I need to wait on the results, listen to the experts and then make a plan from there.

"I've had my back issues since I was 17 years of age so this is no different. In regards to my hamstring I hurt it throughout the Australian summer and it has just lingered on. I haven't had the opportunity to get that 100 per cent fit due to how much cricket we've had."

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Won't allow SL players in Chennai: Jaya

CHENNAI: With anti-Sri Lankan sentiments being whipped up in Tamil Nadu, chief minister J Jayalalithaa said on Tuesday that her government will not permit IPL matches in Chennai that involve Sri Lankan players, umpires and even support staff for the event.

"In view of the popular antipathy and anger in Tamil Nadu against the actions of the government of Sri Lanka, the state government is of the view that IPL matches involving Sri Lankan players, umpires and other officials should not be played in Tamil Nadu," she said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The chief minister said the BCCI may be advised by the Centre to prevail upon the IPL organizers not to allow Sri Lankan players, officials, umpires and support staff to take part in the tournament in Tamil Nadu.

"We will permit IPL matches to be held in Tamil Nadu, only if organizers provide an undertaking that no Sri Lankan players, umpires, officials or support staff participate in these matches," she said.

Justifying her stand, Jayalalithaa said, "In such a hostile and tense environment, we apprehend that the participation of Sri Lankan players in the IPL tournament, with many games to be played in Chennai, will aggravate an already surcharged atmosphere and further offend the sentiments of the people."

Pointing out that all political parties in Tamil Nadu have repeatedly voiced their grave concern regarding these issues, she said, "The atmosphere is, therefore, already surcharged with a groundswell of popular opinion against the Sri Lankan government."

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No Lankan players to play in Chennai

NEW DELHI: Bowing to intense political pressure, top Sri Lankan players were on Tuesday withdrawn from the Chennai matches of the high-profile IPL after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa refused to host them in view of the prevailing anti-Sinhalese sentiments in the state.

Jayalalithaa wrote a letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh making it clear that IPL matches would be permitted in the state only if there were no Sri Lankan players, umpires, officials or support staff in these matches beginning April 3.

A few hours later, the IPL Governing Council met to discuss the issue and decided that Sri Lankan players will not participate in IPL League matches in Chennai.

The Governing Council will advise the nine IPL franchises accordingly, putting an end to the intense speculation regarding the fate of the Sri Lankan players.

Altogether 13 Sri Lankan players, two of whom are captains of their respective teams, are taking part in the sixth edition of the league which will start from April 3.

Chennai, the home for Chennai Super Kings, will stage 10 matches in all, including two eliminators, and will continue to remain a venue.

"The IPL Governing Council met this afternoon to discuss the issue. The security of all involved in the IPL, whether players, spectators or those working in the stadiums, is of paramount importance to the BCCI.

"The Governing Council decided that Sri Lankan players will not participate in the Pepsi IPL 2013 League matches in Chennai and will advise the nine franchises accordingly", IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said in statement.

Shukla said that the Governing Council took the decision after the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister wrote to the Prime Minister stating that she would not permit the Sri Lankan players in Chennai.

"This is with reference to news reports last week that the government of Sri Lanka has issued a travel advisory that its citizens should exercise caution when travelling to Tamil Nadu", the statement said.

"Today, the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has written to the Prime Minister of India stating that she will not permit the participation of Sri Lankan players or umpires in matches in Chennai during Pepsi IPL 2013", the statement added.

Shukla said the Governing Council had to take the local sentiments and the safety and security of Sri Lankan players into account before taking a final decision.

"We had to take two things into account. We have to take the local sentiments into account and at same time the safety and security of the Sri Lankan players are paramount," he said.

"If the local administration has given something we have to listen to that as ultimately we need the help of the state authorities to hold the tournament like security arrangement. We can't ignore the advice from the local administration," he said.

In the letter to the Prime Minister, Jayalalithaa said BCCI may be advised by the Centre to prevail upon the IPL Organizers not to allow Sri Lankan players, officials, umpires and support staff to take part in the tournament in the state.

"In view of the popular antipathy and anger in Tamil Nadu against the actions of the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of Tamil Nadu is of the view that IPL matches involving Sri Lankan players, umpires and other officials should not be played in Tamil Nadu," she said.

"The Government of Tamil Nadu will permit IPL matches to be held in Tamil Nadu only if the organizers provide an undertaking that no Sri Lankan players, umpires, officials or support staff would participate in these matches," she said.

Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that the Lankan players will be told not to take part in Chennai matches if the BCCI or the Indian government were not able to provide security to them.

"We have written to the BCCI whether they can provide security to our players. We have also requested the foreign ministry to ask the Indian government whether they would provide security to our players. Only in case our players are provided security we will allow them to take part in the matches in Chennai," he said.

For the league stages, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils and Hyderabad Sunrisers will have to bench key players like Lasith Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, respectively for their matches in Chennai.

Barring Kings XI Punjab, all the other franchises have at least one or more Sri Lankan players in their squad.

Sri Lankans in the IPL:
CSK: Akila Dananjaya and N Kulasekara,
Delhi Daredevils: Mahela Jayawardene (captain) and Jeevan Mendis.
Knight Riders: Sachithra Senanayake.
Mumbai Indians: Lasith Malinga.
Pune Warriors India: Ajantha Mendis and Angelo Mathews.
Rajasthan Royals: Kusal Janith Perera.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Muthaiah Muralitharan and Tillakaratne Dilshan.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kumar Sangakkara and Thisara Perera.