We’re in touch with Tait to support him: Hussey.........

Mauresmo opens with a Jolly Ditty...........

Saqlain on ICL radar

KARACHI, Feb 6: The rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) has zeroed in on seven Pakistani players, including former spinners Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq, for its next edition.

Sources said apart from these two, the ICL has also sounded off Naved Latif, Hasan Reza, Mohammad Hafeez, Humayun Farhat and Imran Nazir.

Nazir and Hafeez have played recently for Pakistan, while Hasan and Latif have been consistent performers on the domestic circuit without getting a proper chance to represent Pakistan.

Both Mushtaq and Saqlain have not played for Pakistan since 2003/2004 and are currently busy with the county championship in England.

Saqlain will also qualify as a British National to play for England in April.

Sources said the players were contacted by former Pakistan Captain Moin Khan who is the ICL representative here and also coaches one of the ICL teams.

When contacted, ICL official Kiran More declined to comment on the latest signings or reports that he would be visiting Pakistan soon to complete new signings.

"I have no immediate plans to visit Pakistan and when we sign any new players we will announce them officially. That is all I can say at the moment," more, a former Indian wicketkeeper and selector, said.

The ICL already has six players including former Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Imran Farhat, Taufiq Umar, Shabbir Ahmed and Azhar Mahmood on its payroll.

Moin had earlier said the ICL is planning to field a separate team from Pakistan to play in the next edition later this year as the breakaway league bankrolled by one of India’s biggest listed media firms tries to survive the competition from the BCCI-backed Indian Premier League (IPL).

A Pakistan Cricket Board official said its policy on the ICL remained unchanged and any player signing up for the league would face the same penalties and bans that the six who have already signed for them have faced since returning home from India.(PTI)

PCB finalises Karachi as venue for Australia series

KARACHI, Feb 6: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalised the venues for the March-April home series against Australia, which also include the troubled port city of Karachi.

Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad are the other venues for the much-anticipated tour of the World champions.

The PCB has told Cricket Australia (CA) that the three tests, five one-day internationals and a twenty20 international in the series would be held in these four venues.

The board has also reaffirmed to that under no circumstances would Pakistan shift the series to any other venue.

PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told his Australian counterpart Creagh O’connor that Pakistan was ready to scrap the tour altogether rather than shift it to some other country.

"Our stance is very clear. We want the Australians to come and play in Pakistan as planned. Our people want to see them play as they have not toured Pakistan since 1998," Ashraf told from Dubai where he met O’connor.

Ashraf said he had a fruitful discussion with O’connor and assured him Pakistan was a safe country to play cricket.

"I think it was very worthwhile to meet with them. I informed him about the proposed tour itinerary and venues where the matches will be held," Ashraf said.

"I also briefed him about the security arrangements being made for the Australians which are similar to those made for visiting head of states," he added.

"We thought that should answer any questions in their mind."

Ashraf said he had told O’connor that terrorism was a worldwide phenomenon and not confined to Pakistan.

"I told him that sporting authorities can’t allow terrorism to stop sporting events as terrorism can happen anywhere. We feel it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure this.

"At the same time we are ourselves aware of our responsibilities as a host nation to provide the Australians a safe and secure environment and they need to trust our arrangements," he said.

The PCB has got the planned series insured by Lloyds of England for USD 7.4 million and the insurance covers all eventualities and security risks.

Pakistan can also claim a minimum compensation of USD 2 million if Australia pulls out of the tour for security reasons.

The Australians have expressed concerns about touring Pakistan at a time when there is political unrest in the country and also security hazards with a string of suicide bombings by Islamic militants against security forces and political leaders.

The general elections were moved to February 18 from January 8 after former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated after an election rally in December.

Ashraf said he has told the Australians to send their security consultants to Pakistan to assess the security situation.

"They say they will take a decision on the tour after the elections on February 18," he said.(PTI)

Kaneria fumes on contract demotion

KARACHI, Feb 6: Frustrated at being demoted in the new central contracts list, Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria said his achievement of being among the country’s top five bowlers with over 200 test wickets deserved a bit more respect.

Kaneria was recently demoted to category ‘c’ in the central contracts and despite his 51 test appearances bracketed along with junior players like Fawad Alam who has played just four one-day internationals.

Danish was also told to attend a two-week spinners’ specialised camp in Lahore under the supervision of former test spinners, Intikhab Alam and Tauseef Ahmed.

"I went into the camp with a great deal of frustration having been demoted in the Pakistan Cricket Board contracts ratings system. It is still hurting me," Kaneria wrote in a column for Bigstarcricket.Com website.

"I have been Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker for the last four years and I am now one of the top three or four in terms of seniority having made my test debut in 2001," he said.

Kaneria said his exploits were second only to greats like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and he did not deserve to be demoted in the contracts list.

"I have played 51 tests now and once I pass Abdul Qadir’s 236 test wickets, hopefully this year, I will then only have the fast bowlers ahead of me — Waqar Younis, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram. I just feel that achievement deserves a bit more respect. I am respected more when I play at Essex," he stated.

Kaneria is bracketed with players who have just come into the Pakistan system and behind players like Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif, who despite being good, have not played as much cricket as him.

"I am not complaining and frustrated for financial reasons, it is just an embarrassment for me and it pains me very much. I have spoken to the PCB but there does not seem to be any sign that my situation is going to change," Kaneria stated.

"Officials have said that part of the reason for my demotion is that I only play test cricket, but this is not my fault. I have always been desperate to be given a chance to prove myself as a wicket-taker in one-day internationals but never have had that opportunity on an extended basis. My behaviour has always been good on tours, I am rarely injured, what more do I have to do?" he asked.(PTI)

Daniyal declared champion of championship
J&K skaters shine at National Skating meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 6: The Jammu and Kashmir skaters clinched as many as nine medals, including three golds by ace skater Mir Daniyal Masoom, who was also declared individual speed champion of championship, in the 45th National Roller Skating Championship held recently at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Daniyal made a clean sweep in rink race of 300 mts, 500 mts and 1000 mts to clinch the individual champion trophy.

In team event, junior girls won bronze medal in roller hockey. The medal winner team was comprised of Shriya Sharma, Muskan Talwar, Ragni Gupta, Veerta Singh, Tarandeep Kour, Kavneet Kour, Prakriti Sharma, Ashima Gabgotra and Paras Thakur.

Among individual medal winners were Divij Bagotra, who won gold medal in point to point (10,000 mts) race and also a silver medal in 1000 mts race. Chahat Masoom won two silver medals in 300 mts and 1000 mts while Paras Thakur won one bronze medal in 1500 mts.

Other team members, who performed well reaching the finals of respective events include Rahul Verma, Rohan Kapoor, Arpit Verma, Ananya Khajuria, Shivang Gupta, Abhiek Gupta, Ankush Gupta, Abhishek Sharma, Payal Sharma, Neeraj Verma and Milapan Singh.

Junior hockey team leaves for Hyderabad

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 6: A 20-member junior boys hockey team selected by Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association (JKHA) today left for Hyderabad to participate in the 4th Junior National Hockey Championship beginning from February 8.

The team included Sukhwinder Singh (captain), Gagandeep Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Bharat Sharma, Amandeep Singh, Rakesh Choudhary, Gurjit Singh, Vikram Singh, Sikanderpal Singh, Kamaldeep Singh, Amrinder Singh, Gurveer Singh, Gourav Singh, Sukhmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Narinder Kumar, Manpreet Singh and Nitin Dutta.

Joginder Singh and Gurdeep Singh are accompanying the team as coach and manager respectively.

Inter-Collegiate Badminton Tournament
MAM secures final with PG Deptt in men section

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 6: The MAM College have secured final clash with PG Department in the ongoing Inter-Collegiate Badminton being played at University of Jammu (JU). The final shall be played tomorrow.

In the semi-finals, played today, PG Departments uprooted Degree College Kathua by 3-0. In other semi-final, MAM College outclassed SPMR College of Commerce by the same margin of 3-0.

However, in the quarterfinals, Commerce College bt J.I.A.R College in a contest that lasted for five games. In another quarterfinal, PG Departments outplayed MAM College

Meanwhile, in women section, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade today made it into the final of inter-college women's badminton tournament beating Government SPMR College of Commerce 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Still not 100 percent of getting CA nod for IPL: Gilchrist

SYDNEY, Feb 6: Australia’s retiring wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist today said he was still not "100 per cent sure" of getting Cricket Australia’s nod to play in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL).

"As far as I know at the moment, Cricket Australia haven’t given me any indication they wouldn’t want me to be part of that, but I’m not 100 per cent sure," Gilchrist told reporters ahead of his side’s second tri-series match against Sri Lanka.

According to an agreement between IPL organisers and National boards, there will be a two-year waiting period for retiring players.

However, Gilchrist, who will retire after the ongoing tri-series against India and Sri Lanka, may get a waiver to play in the multi-million dollar league to be held in April.

"We’re just trying to confirm that. It is moving quickly and we’re just trying to get a gauge of where it’s at so we’ll know more in the next few days," the stumper said.

The affable batsman said he has been overwhelmed by the emotional reaction of the fans ever since he announced his retirement and wants to play a big knock to please them.

"I’d love to produce a big score for the fans, for the team more importantly. It has been a wonderful, overwhelming reception everywhere I have gone since announcing my retirement," he said.

On the dropping catching standards of his World champion team, Gilchrist said the Aussie mistakes had been magnified because of the high standards they have set on the field.

"Look, as long as cricket is played, there is going to be dropped catches. It’s expected and when you don’t catch them it’s glaringly obvious, particularly if you set the standards we set," he said.(PTI)

Dronacharya awardee seeks Sunil Mittal’s number

NEW DELHI, Feb 6: At 79, Gopal Purushottam Phadke is driven by passion for sports and does not mind moving from pillar to post in search of Sunil Mittal’s contact number —just to congratulate the business tycoon for backing Indian football.

The only kho-kho coach to have won the Dronacharya award (2000) and Padma Shree (2003), Phadke gave up his government job decades ago to promote games like kho-kho and kabaddi.

He even went on his own, without any financial support, to popularise kho-kho and kabaddi in schools in Australia.

He also runs a free coaching programme for physically-handicapped children in swimming — in a small tank he has built — and other games.

The news that Bharti enterprises has signed an MOU with All India Football Federation (AIFF) to pump in Rs 100 crore towards a comprehensive national football development programme stirred Phadke and he is making efforts to get in touch with Mittal and convey his appreciation for the gesture.

"Somebody is putting so much money in football. That’s why I want to congratulate Sunil Mittal personally. But I do not know how to contact him. I am based in Pune and I could not get his number. So in Delhi I am trying and hopefully will get to him," Phadke told.

As a first step, the Telecom company aims to start a world class football academy which will be set up either in Haryana or Goa.

Mittal said he wants a "football revolution" in the country and is ready to invest "any amount of money" necessary for providing a World class academy.

"We have an aim to make this country a football nation and the next 10 years must be a target for India to be at the World Cup. This project has the capacity to transform the nation and all the investment would be made by Bharti foundation," Mittal said.

"We have become too obsessed with cricket and the time has now come for us to develop football in the country. Nothing is more pulsating than the 90-minute entertainment on a football field," he said.(PTI)

We’re in touch with Tait to support him: Hussey

MELBOURNE, Feb 6: Stunned by Shaun Tait’s temporary retirement, Australian middle-order mainstay Michael Hussey says the entire team is in touch with the pacer to talk him out of the mental turmoil that has derailed his career.

"All the guys go through tough periods and I think one of the great things about cricket in Australia is that for a long time we have all looked out for each other," Hussey was quoted as saying by `The Australian’.

"I know all the guys have been in touch, offering their support and I know as a team we are hoping he can get through this and back in the team," he added.

Hussey said the 24-year-old Tait’s retirement was a bolt from the blue for the World champions as the pacer masked his inner turmoil with a jovial exterior.

"Whenever you notice someone battling you try to pick them up or take them out for a nice meal or something. With Shaun we didn’t pick up on much. He is a genuine guy and great to have around but obviously deep down he was doing it pretty tough," Hussey said.

The left-hander said he was hoping to see Tait return to the field as a stronger player.

"I’m sure Shaun will find a way through it and come out the other end a stronger and better person," he said.

Tait had cited mental and physical exhaustion as reasons for his shock retirement and Hussey said he could understand the young pacer’s problem as he himself felt such pressure after debuting for Australia.

"I don’t know what it was like in eras past but I do think it is very tough sometimes and a lot tougher than people think," Hussey said.

"What I have learnt and experienced in my time in the Australian team is that life as an international cricketer includes so many things. The playing of the game, which is hard enough itself, is actually just one small part of playing for Australia," he added.

Hussey felt travelling, having to spend time away from family and other off-field activities also contribute to the pressure on current players.

"There’s appearances, travel, media commitments, sponsors, official functions, training and of course time away from your family and friends," he pointed out.

"This all has an impact on you and how you cope and it is really tough," he said.(PTI)

Mauresmo opens with a Jolly Ditty

PARIS, Feb 6: Out of form former French World number one Amelie Mauresmo got off to the perfect start in search of a morale boosting tournament win here with an easy 6-1, 6-2 win over American qualifier Julie Ditty.

Mauresmo’s chances of lifting the title for a third time improved also with the defeat of titleholder Nadia Petrova, the Russian seeded fifth going down 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-4 to Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine yesterday.

Mauresmo, 28 and coming off a disappointing Australian Open where she went out in the third round, took less than an hour to dispose of the 29-year-old American, who is ranked 101 in the world and whom she had not played since their junior days.

"I can take a lot of positives out of this victory," said Mauresmo, who has two grand slam titles to her name both coming in 2006 at the Aussie Open and Wimbledon.

"It’s a good start, Albeit against a girl who lacks energy in her game but as I have been having a hard time of it lately that I will take any sort of win."

The Frenchwoman, who won the title in 2001 and 2006, will face Greece’s Eleni Daniilidou in the second round.

"She (Daniilidou) is a more aggressive player than Ditty," said Mauresmo.

"I am very wary of her. It will be a hard match to play," added Mauresmo, who has given her coach Loic Courteau a week off.

Petrova put her defeat down to the in-form Bondarenko, who is ranked 43 in the world and recently won the women’s doubles title with her sister Alona at the Australian Open, due to a lack of confidence which has seen her fail to win a tournament since landing the crown here last year.(AFP)