J&K,ITBP enter ice hockey final ...........

IPL auction changes Ishant’s life for ever ...........

Joshi, Shandilya tame Indian Lions to enter final ...........

Symonds stunned by IPL offer

MELBOURNE, Feb 21: Andrew Symonds’ popularity in India since the racism row is anybody’s guess and the Australian himself admitted he did not expect to land a staggering USD 1.35 million deal in the Indian Premier League.

Symonds shares a stormy relation with the Indian crowd and was subjected to monkey chants when Australia toured India for a one day series last year.

Things subsequently turned worse in the Sydney Test where Symonds accused Harbhajan Singh of racially abusing him, an allegation that threatened to rip apart the cricket world with the Indian cricket board threatening to pull out of the tour.

The all-rounder, however, was taken aback after learning that the Hyderabad franchisee of the IPL has bought him for a huge USD 1.35 million, higher than any of his teammates and second only to Mahendra Singh Dhoni (USD 1.5 million).

Quite amused by the deal, Symonds said, "if I could tell you why that would probably be quite a good news story, but there is no sort of logical sense to what each player’s worth ... I can’t see a pattern."

Incidentally, his captain Ricky Ponting went for much less, USD 400,000, to Kolkata, while Brett Lee, arguably the most popular Australian cricketer in India, managed USD 900,000 from the Mohali team.

Symonds admitted he had no clue as to what drove the bidders and could offer no explanation for the huge difference between his deal and that of Ponting.

"That’s quiet amazing how that’s unfolded. Unfortunately it’s got nothing to do with me but that just the way things turned out," Symonds was quoted as saying by ‘Herald Sun’.

He also refused to call himself a cricket mercenary.

"That’s what they offered to pay for me, I didn’t ask for it," he said. (PTI)

IPL can bring in significant changes, says Hayden

MELBOURNE, Feb 21: Veteran Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden says the Indian Premier League has the potential to effect "significant changes" in world cricket.

Hayden, bought by the Chennai franchise of the IPL, said since the Indian venture was based on Twenty20 concept it would provide ample entertainment to the fans.

"It’s a game which gives all the players the chance to be part of a competition to ignite cricket," Hayden was quoted as saying in ‘The Australian.’

"I get the feeling that the IPL and other Twenty20 competitions will lead to significant changes in cricket, not dissimilar to the way super 14s has moved Rugby forward," he added.

The leading run-scorer in last year’s Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, Hayden said the exciting nature of the game would woo more crowds in future.

"This is going to have significant implications in the way cricket will be viewed and played.

"If I was a consumer of the game I would want to go and see it because it’s bloody exciting.

"It’s still got all the skills. When players start to really get amongst this game and start specifically training for it, it can only get better."

Hayden said he loved his role of pinch-hitting in Twenty20 cricket.

"I am employed to pinch-hit, so the elements I have been working on in my batting over the years have been boundary hitting, power hitting," he said.

"I have adapted my game to become a power athlete over time. And that’s why I reckon Australia has been the dominant side in 50-overs cricket. Our batting line-up is full of power hitters, with the odd touch player like a Michael Clarke or a Michael Hussey.

"I’ve got a pretty good idea how I want to play it (Twenty20) after the Twenty20 World Cup," Hayden said.

While backing shorter versions of cricket, Hayden, however, was critical of the ongoing tri-series in Australia.

"This current structure with the tri-nations is a really tired system.

"I am really looking forward to the new structure in one-day cricket where you will feel more like you have got something on the line each game, rather than having two or three dead rubbers going into the finals if a side dominates," he said. (PTI)

Lanka faces daunting task against Australia

MELBOURNE, Feb 21: Faced with the stiff task of winning at least two more matches to secure a place in the cricket tri-series final, Sri Lanka will need a spark of inspiration when they take on Australia in a crucial game here tomorrow.

Languishing at the bottom of the point table, Sri Lanka just cannot afford yet another defeat tomorrow and as outlined by their captain Mahela Jayawardene, every match is a semifinal for the islanders, who have been lacklustre in the tournament so far.

Despite their fierce on-field rivalry with the world champions, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his teammates would love to see Australia win tomorrow, an outcome that would ease India’s passage to the final of the tournament.

As of now, the hosts lead the table with 17 points from five matches, while India is a distant second with 12 from six games.

The Lankans languish at the bottom with six points from five games and they need to win two of their remaining three games to reach the final.

The Jayawardene-led side has not live up to the expectation with both the batsmen and bowlers failing to make much of an impact in the series so far.

The batting order looked brittle and the attack, despite having the likes of Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, lacked teeth.

Even their reputation as one of the better fielding side took a beating and Jayawardene did not hide his disappointment after Tuesday’s defeat against India.

"We were 20 runs short in our total. In the fielding, we gave at least 15 extra runs and in bowling, we bowled too short and wide at times.

"We were not very consistent with our line and length and bowled a bit short and wide. Our fielding was not up to scratch," he said.

Not that the batsmen did any better. Apart from Kumar Sangakkara, none looked game for a fight.

Veteran Sanath Jayasuriya’s trademark fireworks has been brief, while others, including the captain himself, too have failed to do justice to their reputation.

In such a situation, Jayawardene reckons he and Sangakkara would have to shoulder extra load.

"Kumar and I have decided that we would look to bat majority of overs if we get a bad start. In the last few innings, I did not support him," he said.

While it’s difficult to derive any positive out of the whole situation, Jayawardene refuses to give up.

"We cannot afford to lose. Every game is a semi-final for us from now on. We made a few mistakes at the start of the tournament but we are now getting into it.

"We will keep fighting and show the fighting spirit that we lately have been showing," he said.

Australia, on the other hand, have no such worries.

Sitting pretty on the points tally and virtually assured of a place in the final, Ricky Ponting’s men would be under less pressure tomorrow.

For the hosts, retiring hero Adam Gilchrist has been in good nick and his exploit has been able to mask the failure of his opening partner Matthew Hayden.

Michael Clarke has been rock solid in the middle, while the lower order batsmen too seemed keen to make a statement with the willow.

Even more satisfying has been the performance of the Australian bowlers, who seems capable of defending any total, however, meagre it may look.

In their previous match against India, they had just 209 runs to defend and still the bowlers chalked out a 50-run victory against a batting order runs deep and that commands worldwide respect.

It was a superlative show, considering the fact that the Australian attack was sans its spearhead Brett Lee in the match and still the hosts not only mowed down India’s much-vaunted batting order but also bagged an extra bonus point from the low-scoring outing. (PTI)

SSC drubs JU XI by 7 wickets

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Simula Sports Club (SSC) drubbed Jammu University XI by seven wickets quite convincingly in a lop sided affair in the ongoing 2nd Anandrathi Corporate Cricket tournament being played at Jammu University Ground today.

JU XI skipper Ranjeet Kalra won the toss and opted to bat first. The side suffered early jolts and as a result was bundled out for paltry 90 runs in 19 overs.

Pankaj (36) was the only batsman who played with some resistance. He struck four hits to the fence.

Raj Kumar and Amit contributed 20 runs each while skipper Ranjeet made just 4.

For SSC, Sanjay Sharma bowled a splendid spell to grab three wickets whereas Hilal Rather, Vivek Thappa, Ind-erjeet, Dhruv Mahajan and Rohit Mattu scalped one wicket each.

SSC had no difficulty whatsoever as they overhauled the target by losing just three wickets.

Openers Hilal Rather and Neeraj Dogra added 51 runs for the first wicket to laid a solid foundation for a small run chase.

Hilal made 29 (5x4) while Neeraj remained unbeaten on 24 including three boundaries.

For JU XI, Prikshit and Sonu snared two and one wicket respectively.

Hilal Rather for his fine all-round performance was adjudged LG man of the match.

The match was officiated by Rajesh Dogra and Sant Singh. The scorer was Rajeev Pakhetra.

Mashkoor Memorial Cricket Tournament
Guru fashions JCC’s title triumph

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

REASI, Feb 21: Skipper Guru Partap Singh lead from the front to struck a valuable 62 in the all important final against NMCC to help JCC scripting a thumping 63 run win to clinch Mashkoor Memorial Cricket tournament played at Sports Stadium.

JCC won the toss and elected to bat first. They piled up 228/7 in the allotted overs.

Besides Guru Partap who pierced eight hits to the fence and a six in his 50 ball 62, Vivek Singh was the other notable contributor with 47 runs.

Rohit Bhat and Sandeep Singh also played handy knocks of 25 and 24 runs respectively.

For NMCC, Rinku took three wickets while Irshad and Farooq shared a wicket each.

In reply, NMCC perished for 165 in the final over with Amit top scored with 47 off 63 balls. Rinku contributed 25 in as many balls.

For JCC, Deepak, Manjeet and Rahil scalped two wickets each whereas Vivek and Vijay Dogra took one wicket each.

Guru Partap was declared man of the match while Raman Dutta adjudged man of the series.

Shashi Sharma was declared batsman of the series.

SSP Reasi, J L Sharma, General Manager, SPS Jitender Singh, Dy Chief Engineer, Nagatha, Chief Engineer (Mechanical) and SPS N K Bora alongwith senior players of Zorawar Cricket Club (ZCC) and other cricket clubs were present on the occasion.

The tournament was organised by ZCC.

Anshul to meet Vikrant for summit clash

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Anshul will take on Vikrant for summit clash in Snooker category in the ongoing Triangular Snooker/Billiards Tournament being played at Rehari Colony.

In the matches played today, Kuldip Khajuria prevailed over Sudhir Dutta by 2-0 frames 60-13 and 51-46 while Anshul Gupta edged out Kuldip Khajuria by identical margin 60-21 and 64-15.

In pool category, Vidit Gawri would cross swords against Tarun Tandon for title clash.

Vaneet Dutta will lock horns with Vidit Gawri in 9 ball category.

All the finals will be played on Sunday at 3 pm followed by prize distribution function.

RCC wins President Cup Cricket tourney

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Rehari Cricket Club (RCC) got the better of Kishan Chand Cricket Club (KCCC) by five wickets in the final today to clinch President Cup Knock Out Cricket Tournament played at GGM Science College Hostel Ground.

KCCC won the toss and chose to field first. They bowled out for 149 runs in 39.4 overs with Shashi Sharma top scored with 56 runs (4x4).

Surinder Gupta also contributed useful 38 off 53 ball containing three hits to the fence.

For RCC, Anoop Magotra was the most successful bowler with four scalps followed by Ram Dayal and Shafqat Baba who took two and one wicket respectively.

In reply, RCC romped home in 33 overs losing five wickets in the process.

Vikrant Taggar played a fine knock of 40 runs studded with six boundaries while Hardeep Singh and Ashwani Gupta chipped in with 30 runs each.

For KCCC, Manik Gupta and Raman Dutta shared two wickets apiece.

Two J&K women qualified as cricket coaches from NCA

SRINAGAR, Feb 21: For the first time, two women from Jammu and Kashmir have become qualified cricket coaches after completing training from National Cricket Academy (NCA) at Bangalore.

The women, identified as Abida Nazir Khan from Kashmir and Roopali Salathia from Jammu were selected by Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) to receive coaching training at NCA.

After completing the training, both the women qualified as women coach at NCA, affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). (UNI)

J&K,ITBP enter ice hockey final

GULMARG, Feb 21: Hosts Jammu and Kashmir and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) entered the final of fifth National Winter Games ice hockey here today.

Two semi-final matches were played on the third day of the on-going winter games.

In the first semi final ITBP defeated Army by 3-1 while in second semi-final between High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) and Jammu and Kashmir, which was won by the hosts 1-0. (UNI)

IPL auction changes Ishant’s life for ever

SYDNEY, Feb 21: The morning after the Indian Premier League auction, when their phones did not stop ringing, most Indian cricketers stayed put in their hotel rooms and reflected on the seismic event which has changed their lives forever.

For long, they hankered with their board about suitable gradations and now an open market has reflected their true worth.

Or has it? For young Ishant Sharma fetched a price in the auction (USD 950,000) which outstripped the likes of Anil Kumble and Muthiah Muralitharan; Chaminda Vaas and Brett Lee; Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Sharma, all of 6’4" and still growing, is not yet 20 and in five Tests and seven one-day internationals, has only 12 and eight wickets to boast. Yet his USD 950,000 is nearly twice the amount which his captain Anil Kumble has commanded.

Kumble has spent as many summers in the field as Sharma has seen in his young life. It is the brand value and saleability among youth, rather than quality and longevity, which has dictated the market.

Sharma, the success story of the present tour, is reaping beyond his wildest dreams. A destiny’s child, he cooled his heels in the Melbourne Test despite picking a five-wicket haul in the previous game for India. Injury to Zaheer Khan marked his return in Sydney.

Kumble’s words "ek aur over karega" in Perth when he clearly already had overbowled an over or two, was the cataclysmic moment of his life.

He kept getting the big wickets, Ricky Ponting all the time, and reviews only got better.

Javagal Srinath has no doubt Sharma was better than him at his age. He predicted the young Delhi fast bowler could be the best in the world in due course. Australian Damien Fleming had a similar refrain on the young beanpole of a bowler. Steve Waugh, Terry Alderman, Kapil Dev — everyone kept gushing and it seems all such praise was adding those extra thousands of dollars to his worth.

Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who would now bowl along with him for the Kolkata franchise, wants India to use him sparingly. He has injury concerns for the young bowler, for the teenager is hurling his thunderbolts without concern, be it in the nets or in the middle of a match.

Sharma has so far bowled 34 overs in the ongoing tri-series and 101 had preceded in three Tests in less than a month before it, and all the talk of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni about rotation of bowlers clearly does not involve him.

The Delhi youngster’s success story would now inspire millions of youngsters to try and convince their parents to let them try their hand at the game for a career.

Son of an air-conditioner seller, Sharma first marked his run-up on a cricket field only four years ago. In terms of staggering success, it does not get better than this.

He comes from a family without any cricketing background and took up the game to gainfully use his free time.

But he has come a long way to bowl the fastest delivery ever by an Indian — 152kmph — on a cricket field.

Asked to name his strengths, Sharma mentions his height, line and length, bounce and the inswinger which Ponting, for the life of his, cannot figure out.

Even though living out a dream, Sharma has his feet as firmly planted in life as it is on the bowling crease. He is friendly but does not believe in hanging out with friends. He is not a great movie buff either and it seems for the moment, it’s all about bowling faster and better.

He is a great fan of Glenn McGrath and like the ‘pigeon’, Sharma keeps bowling at the ‘fourth stump’ and his accuracy so far is better than any seen by an indian paceman for the length of a tour, since Kapil Dev. He just does not drift down on the legside and even the six by Mahela Jayawardene the other day in Adelaide was off a delivery pitched on the off-stump.

So far the success and pressures of international cricket sit lightly on Sharma. He might have fell to Michael Clarke in Sydney for the agonising loss of a test but the other day in adelaide, he blocked two balls from Lasith Malinga to leave Dhoni with his last over heroics.

His technique to sway out of line of a bouncing delivery has even come in for praise from Sunil Gavaskar, and the catch at mid-off off Kumara Sangakkara in Canberra last week promised a complete package from this hugely talented youngster. (PTI)

Joshi, Shandilya tame Indian Lions to enter final

MUMBAI, Feb 21: Dynamic Duo Devendra Joshi and Ashok Shandilya defeated Indian Lions to storm into the final of the inaugural Yasin Merchant Classic Invitation Snooker doubles tournament here today.

The Duo overcame favourites Yasin Merchant and Alok Kumar and earned nine points in the best-of-seven frames semi-finals. Joshi and Shandilya won the tie 42-24, 50-70, 72-21, 100-0, 41-78, 71-27, 62-18, which left the Lions reeling with just two points.

Lions fought back well and kept their hopes alive even as the Duo led the match by three frames to two. But just as things were looking good for the Lions, Merchant missed pocketing a strike and ended the break at 27.

Shandilya came up with another magnificent 63 but ended when he miscued while attempting a clearance.

"Dynamic Duo were exceptional. They were consistent and put us under constant pressure," said Yasin Merchant. "We were never allowed to settle down. They punished our mistakes. For this format they played flawless snooker" he added.

In the other encounter for the day, Young Turks Pankaj Advani and Manan Chandra beat Action Jacksons Sarang Shroff and Kamal Chawla 74-41, 99-18, 22-81, 15-68, 62-22, 27-57, 76-8 in an other thrilling semi-final that saw Turks earn six points.

Results (semi-finals): Dynamic Duo (Devendra Joshi/Ashok Shandilya) bt Indian Lions (Yasin Merchant/Alok Kumar) 42-24, 50-70, 72-72-21, 100-0, 41-78, 71-27, 62-18; Young Turks (Pankaj Advani/Manan Chandra) bt Actions Jacksons (Sarang Shroff/Kamal Chawla) 74-41, 99-18, 22-81, 15-68, 62-22, 27-57, 76-8. (PTI)