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I’m not worried about new bowling scandal: Akhtar KARACHI, Apr 29: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has shrugged off concerns of a new controversy over his action ahead of the team’s........more Wasim
not certain KARACHI, Apr 29: Wasim Akram has no guarantee of a place in Pakistan’s team for next month’s opening test against England, his captain......more China
take men’s team OSAKA, Apr 29: China defeated Belgium to win the men’s team title at the World Table Tennis Championships today, but the beaten side admitted .....more Akram
makes ISLAMABAD, Apr 29: Over-riding serious differences among senior players and officials over inclusion of Wasim Akram in the team for the upcoming .......more |
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Sainik School Nagrota Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: A Volleyball Tournament organised by Sainik School Nagrota for juniors and seniors concluded.........more Near
150 participants Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: Near 150 participants, in different age groups, took part in the one-day Yoga competitions organised by the All J&K ....more Pawan
Gupta declared man of the match Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: Friendly match played between the Seniors and Veterans of the Luxmi Cricket Club marked the end of the 2nd Gurdeep Memorial .....more Mahant
Bachiter Singh Memorial Cricket Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: Singh Cricket Club defeated Nagrota Cricket Club by 18 runs to enter the quarter-finals of the ongoing 5th ...more |
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I’m not worried about new bowling scandal: Akhtar KARACHI, Apr 29: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has shrugged off concerns of a new controversy over his action ahead of the team’s forthcoming tour of England. Akhtar responded after it was announced that Australian Darrell hair and englishman Peter Willey, the umpires who first reported him for throwing, would stand in Pakistan’s first test against England at lord’s next month. "I have no problems with the umpires," he said yesterday. "I respect them and their judgements but, at the same time, I am convinced that my bowling action is correct." Akhtar has just been cleared of throwing for the second time. He was first reported by Hair and Willey during the third test against Australia on November 1999 and ordered to improve his action before returning to test cricket. He was reported again after a one-day international against New Zealand at Dunedin in February. He has since been given the all-clear after further work with experts from Perth’s University of Western Australia. Akhtar was named in Pakistan’s 17-strong England tour squad on Saturday despite not playing since february following injury. "I am keenly looking forward to the tour to England and hoping that I will enjoy it as much as I did in the 1999 World Cup," Akhtar added. One of the sport’s most exciting players, Akhtar has featured in 15 tests, taking 45 wickets. He also has 73 wickets in 44 one-day internationals. Pakistan Cricket Board director Munawwar Rana told Reuters from Lahore: "We have proof that his bowling action is legal". "Our panel of experts have cleared him and the reports will soon be dispatched to the International Cricket Council (ICC)." (REUTERS) |
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Wasim not certain choice: Captain KARACHI, Apr 29: Wasim Akram has no guarantee of a place in Pakistan’s team for next month’s opening test against England, his captain and former new ball partner Waqar Younis said. "Wasim is a great bowler whose achievements are outstanding. But at the moment, I cannot assure him a place in the first test line-up," Younis told Reuters yesterday. Paceman Akram, who has 409 test and 440 one-day wickets, had been named in a 17-strong Pakistan squad. Pakistan media reported that Younis had opposed Akram’s selection all week, delaying the announcement of the squad, initially scheduled to be named five days ago. Cricket observers said that the relationship between the two became strained in the 1999 World Cup. They added that on the subsequent tour to Australia Akram did not bowl Younis in the second test in Hobart, when Pakistan were defending more than 350 runs. Pakistan lost by four wickets. "He (Akram) has to prove his fitness and form in the county matches before he is considered for selection. That is the criterion for everyone," the Pakistan captain said. If all goes well prior to the first test, I would like to play with Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Abdur Razzaq and Saqlain Mushtaq. But that will largely depend on the weather and pitch condition,’’ Younis said. Delighted Akram, in his initial reaction, said he was delighted to be included in the squad. "My 35th birthday will now be special," he said. Akram will turn 35 during the penultimate day of the second test at Old Trafford, his adopted Lancashire County home ground, on June 3. Younis, who has taken 319 wickets in 71 tests, admitted that there were question marks over the fitness of controversial fast bowler Akhtar. "He will be played in selected matches and will be allowed proper time to get into his stride." Akhtar has not played competitive cricket since limping off with a hamstring injury in the last one-day international against New Zealand at Dunedin on February 28. Pakistan have three county games before the first test begins at Lord’s on May 17. "As regards his bowling action, we have Daryl Foster who is the bowling coach and under whose supervision he remodelled his action." Akhtar has just been cleared by the Pakistan Cricket Board following concerns over the legality of his action on the basis of a "final report" from the University of Western Australia. Younis warned Nasser Hussain’s men to be wary of his team. "We will be coming to England with the aim to avenge last year’s series loss. It has been a hard pill to swallow for everyone (in Pakistan) but we are determined to settle the score next month." England defeated Pakistan by six wickets in near darkness at Karachi to win their first series in Pakistan since 1961-62. "This will be my last tour to England as a professional cricketer and a series win will be a perfect icing on the cake of my career," Younis said. Pakistan last lost a series in England in 1982 but won in 1986, 1992 and 1996. (REUTERS) |
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China take men’s team title in World TT Champ OSAKA, Apr 29: China defeated Belgium to win the men’s team title at the World Table Tennis Championships today, but the beaten side admitted they were overjoyed to have got to the final at all. In an unequal contest, China’s Ma Lin, Liu Guozheng and Kong Linghui, all top five players, won 3-0 against the Belgians, who had not previously even reached a semi-final and never really threatened. The title follows the women’s team gold China took the previous day and keeps them on course for a probable clean sweep of all the golds at the event in Osaka. However this prize was a particularly sweet one for the Chinese, who had narrowly lost the swaythling cup, the men’s trophy, to arch-foes Sweden at the previous world championships. Chinese coach Cai Zhenhua said afterwards he was "really happy to get the cup back". "The reason we could get the swaythling cup back was not just technique, we had fighting spirit, very good fighting spirit," he said as star-struck Chinese journalists pressed his players for autographs. However Sydney Olympic champion Kong expressed one note of regret; that the triumph had not come as revenge against the Swedes, whom Belgium defeated in their semi-final. "I wish we could have played Sweden, of course I am sorry they lost against Belgium," he said. Although Belgium fought hard in every match, trading smashes and hurling themselves about the court, as player Philippe Saive admitted it was their "stupid little mistakes" which proved the vital difference between the teams. But after the final the Belgian side, grinning widely, said they were very happy to have made it as far as they did. "I think most of all for Belgium just this is really a fantastic result, second in the world," said Philippe’s team-mate and brother Jean-Michel Saive, adding "no one expected for our team to play as well in the tournament". Philippe Saive added: "I had really a great feeling today, I was really enjoying the moment." Jean-Michel, a flamboyant player with an odd fondness for tucking the bottom of his shorts inside themselves to the top of his thigh, making it look as if he is leaping about the court in a large black nappy, took Belgium’s only game, the very first. By far the team’s best player, when he lost the next two games and thus the rubber to Ma Lin, there was no way back for the Belgians. China even had the luxury of dropping a world number one, 22-year-old Wang Liqin, whose confidence had appeared to suffer after a quarter-final loss and was also left out of the semi-final. The difference in status was emphasised in the final rubber when Kong, ranked second in the world, took on Martin Bratanov, position 105. Bratanov later summed up their predicament concisely. "It was really not so easy because China are much better than us," he said with a smile. (AFP) |
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Akram makes controversial entry into squad ISLAMABAD, Apr 29: Over-riding serious differences among senior players and officials over inclusion of Wasim Akram in the team for the upcoming tour of England, Pakistan Cricket Board late last night retained the all-rounder in a 17-member squad, thanks to a last-minute veto by board chief Lt Gen Tauqir Zia. After day-long politicking which saw Waqar Younis, already named skipper, and other officials objecting to the inclusion of Akram in the team, the veteran fast bowler was finally selected as 17th member of the team at 2300 hrs (ist) after Zia exercised his veto power. Earlier differences came to the fore with new captain, Waqar, a bitter critic of Akram, refusing to relent to requests from Zia to include the 34-year-old former skipper Akram in the team, board sources said. Despite persistent efforts, Waqar, supported by former coach Javed Miandad, refused to agree for the inclusion of Akram in the team saying the veteran fast-bowler’s fitness and form were doubtful. However, Akram, no stranger to board’s politics, is believed to have applied heavy pressure on Zia through former Pakistan cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan and some influential journalists. Team: Waqar Younis (capt), Inzmam-ul Haq, Saeed Anwar, Imaran Farahat, Mohammad Wasim, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Faisal Iqbal, Salim Ilahi, Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Azhar Mahmod, Abdur Razaq, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmad. (PTI) |
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Sainik School Nagrota organises Volleyball Tourney Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: A Volleyball Tournament organised by Sainik School Nagrota for juniors and seniors concluded. It is for the first time in the history of Sainik School Nagrota that Col K L Yadav (Principal) introduced the Volleyball Tournament for the juniors group also which was the main attraction of the event. In juniors group, Sindh House lifted the trophy and in seniors group Jhelum House lifted the trophy. Col Yadav gave away the prizes to the winners with a message that "healthy body has a sound mind and it is the sportsmanship spirit which matters. |
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Near 150 participants take part in Yoga meet Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: Near 150 participants, in different age groups, took part in the one-day Yoga competitions organised by the All J&K Yoga Association at Government College for Women, Parade, here today. Competitions were held in three age groups two different categories of boys and girls. Besides the students, a number of senior players including men and women also performed the different ‘Asanas’ in the college premises. President Chamber and Commerce, Mr Ram Sahai was the chief guest, who gave way prizes to the winners in different groups. He also addressed the gathering and stressed for spread of Yoga to every home for healthy society. He also assured the organisers of every possible help for holding such events in near future. Earlier, the Principal of the College declared the competitions open. The final results Below 12 yrs girls: Mukteshi Sharma, Ist; Kanchan Manhas, 2nd and Shivali Chirungoo and Neena Devi finished third. Below 12 yrs boys: Tarun Raina, Ist, Pratiyush Mangotra, 2nd and Irfan and Ishan shared third position. 12-17 yrs boys: Raman Sharma, Ist; Harinder Pal Singh, 2nd and Varun Sharma, third. 12-17 yrs girls: Vidushi Gupta, Ist; Meenakshi, 2nd and Rashi Kochchar finished third. Above 17 yrs boys: Vishal Dubey, Ist; Som Veer Arya, 2nd and Tilak Raj Sharma, third. Above 17 yrs girls/women: Anu Sharma, Ist; Aparna Kochchar, 2nd and Rekha, third. |
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Pawan Gupta declared
man of the match Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: Friendly match played between the Seniors and Veterans of the Luxmi Cricket Club marked the end of the 2nd Gurdeep Memorial Veterans Cricket Tournament at Parade ground, here this afternoon. A grand valedictory function was organised to give away winners and runners up trophies to the Veterans finalists and also to the today’s friendly match winners. Winners trophy in the Gurdeep Memorial Veterans Tournament went to Vishal Cricket Club, who defeated Eleven Star in the final. Special prizes in this tournament were given to Ashok Singh of Dogra Club for the best batsman of the tournament and to Javed, who was declared as best bowler. Ashok Singh scored 139 runs including 92 highest, while Javed claimed eight wickets by giving away 92 runs. In the today’s friendly cricket tie, between the two teams of the organisers—Luxmi Cricket Club, Seniors registered 15 runs victory over Veterans. Batting first in the 20 overs match after winning the toss, Seniors set a target of 152 runs losing all the wickets in 15 overs, which in reply, Veterans could not achieve and completed their quota of 20 overs for 136 runs with two wickets in hand. Pawan Gupta was the highest scorer from Seniors with 34 runs off just 19 balls with one six and three boundaries, while Rupinder and Denny contributed 15 and 27 runs respectively. Kapil was the most successful bowler from Veterans, who took four wickets. Batting second, Veterans played slow innings concentrating more on wickets than the run rate. For not maintaining the required run rate, Veterans could not attain the goal completing the allotted 20 overs with 16 runs short of the target. Zahoor was the top scorer with 35 runs made with the help of six fours, while Neetu and Dr Anil contributed 18 and 14 runs respectively. From Seniors, Pawan took two wickets for 30 runs, while Anil bagged two. Pawan was declared as man of the match for his all-round performance. The organisers expressed their special thanks to Zahoor Ahmed for valuable contribution in the successful completion of the tournament. Meanwhile, Luxmi Cricket Club, in the same function honoured the budding players, who recently won the Mini National Handball Championship held at Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. Team coach, Arun Sharma, who is also manager Mini-Stadium, Parade was also honoured alongwith the team. Mr Pawan Kotwal, Administrator, Jammu Municipality was the chief guest in the valedictory function. He gave away winners and runners-up trophies, besides other individual prizes to those having distinguished performance. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kotwal informed that the process for installation of water connection at the Parade ground has began and the facility will be available within a few days. He further said that the Luxmi Cricket Club had asked for plantation in the ground for which necessary actions have been taken and in the coming rainy season, plantation work will be executed. |
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Mahant Bachiter Singh
Memorial Cricket Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 29: Singh Cricket Club defeated Nagrota Cricket Club by 18 runs to enter the quarter-finals of the ongoing 5th Mahant Bachiter Singh Memorial Cricket Tournament being played at Government High School, Simbal, here today. Batting first after winning the toss, Singh Club lost all the wickets for 80 runs in 13 overs off the 20 overs match. In reply, Nagrota Club could not chase the target and bowled our for 62 runs in 12 overs. Parveen was the main scorer with 20 runs off 10 balls including one six and three boundaries. From Nagrota Club, Rajinder and Darshan shared three wickets, while Munish and Narinder claimed two each. Chasing the target of 81 runs, Nagrota Club made a bad start and lost wickets after regular intervals. Only three batsmen could able to reach the double figure mark. They were Shami, Manjeet and Chib with 15, 11 and 13 runs respectively. From Singh Club, Pawan claimed four wickets, while Parveen and Kaka bagged three and two wickets respectively. Parveen was declared as man of the match for his all-round performance. Rammy and Michal were umpires in this match, while Janak Singh was scorer. Another match between the teams of Shine Star, R S Pura and Simbal XI ended in a draw. Batting first, Shine Star bowled out for 108 runs in 15 overs. In reply, Simbal XI started the innings on positive note, but gave away easy wickets in the later stages to end their innings at 108 in 12 overs. However, the organisers, on the request of the participating teams, have decided to replay the match on Wednesday at 3 pm at the same venue. |
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