Yarana Indian Baroo lifts Kargil War
Memorial Cricket tourney

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

KARGIL, July 17: Yarana Indian Baroo lifted the Kargil War Memorial Cricket Cup after beating Friends Baltistan in the final at Khree Sultan Choo Stadium, Biamathan, Kargil here today.

The tourney was organised by Himalayan Development Organisation to commemorate the Kargil War martyrs.

In the final, Yarana Indian Baroo trounced Friends Baltistan by 45 runs and emerged as victorious.

Earlier, batting first, Yarana Indian Baroo piled up 167 runs in allotted 20 overs.

In reply, chasing the huge target set by Yarana Indian Baroo team, Friends Baltistan batsmen failed to reach the target and collapsed at 122 runs in stipulated 20 overs.

Altaf of Yarana Indian Baroo was adjudged as man of the match while Ansar of Friends Drass team was declared as man of the series.

During the valedictory function, Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Haji Ghulam Amir was the chief guest, who distributed the prizes among winning teams.

Lauding the efforts of organizers and participating teams, Mr Amir said that youths of the State have lot of talent and their energy would be channelized in proper way.

The Councilor Baroo, Ghulam Murtaza, also announced a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for Yarana Indian Baroo and Councilor Hardass, Syed Razvi, announced a cash prize of Rs 5,000 to Friends Baltistan team on the occasion.

Other Councilors, district officials, prominent citizens of Kargil along with locals witnessed the final match.

Indian bowlers sent for leather hunt, Strauss hits century

TAUNTON, July 17: The struggling Indian bowlers were sent for a leather hunt as England captain Andrew Strauss struck a century to take Somerset to 260 for two at tea on the final day of the three-day warm-up game here today.

Strauss followed up his 78 of the first innings with an unconquered 109 in the second essay as Somerset rained fours and sixes in compiling 249 runs at the cost of two wickets from 36 overs in the post-lunch session.

Peter Trego was giving Strauss company at 85 from a mere 57 balls, having hit seven fours and sixes apiece.

Somerset, who were 11 for no loss from five overs at lunch, have now taken an overall lead of 461 runs after they dismissed India for 224 in the morning session though the game will not produce a result.

The sheen off Strauss innings' was off though since Zaheer Khan did not come out on the field in the second innings of the hosts.

But the rest of the Indian bowling was as ineffective as it was in the first innings as they allowed Somerset to score at the rate of 6.34 per over in their second innings.

Strauss reached his century off 122 balls with a boundary -- his 18th on the innings.

Somerset, who led India by 201 runs on the first innings, were rapidly into their stride as Strauss and his opening partner Arul Suppiah had their second century stand of the match.

Amit Mishra then managed two wickets off successive balls when Suppiah (45) and Hildreth (0) fell to catches in the close-in cordon but he was made to pay for irking the hosts.

Peter Trego, the new man in, launched into Mishra with such ferocity that the leg-spinner conceded 61 runs from a mere three overs at one stage. (PTI)

National Billiards & Snooker C’ship from today

CHENNAI, July 17: Country's leading cueists will be seen in action during the nearly month-long National Billiards and Snooker Championship which gets underway here tomorrow.

After a five-year gap, the championship has returned to the city with the main rounds of billiards event taking place from July 26 to 30, followed by Snooker from August 4-9.

The 78th Senior National Billiards and Snooker Championship has attracted top Indian players including seven-time world title holder and reigning national snooker champion Pankaj Advani, reigning national billiards champion Alok Kumar, Aditya Mehta, Yasin Merchant, Ashok Shandliya along with former world champion Geet Sethi.

The Nationals, considered the qualifying event for Asian and World championships, opens with the sub-junior, junior and ladies competitions in both billiards and snooker.

The ladies events will have sisters Meenal Thakur and Anuja Chandra, local challenger and 2010 Australian Open champion Vidya Pillai, 2007 World billiards champion Chitra Magimairaj and Uma Devi being dominant figures.(PTI)

Srinagar Shahjahans, Anantnag Arsenals emerge victorious in KPL

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 17: Srinagar Shahjahans and Anantnag Arsenals emerged victorious against their respective opponents in the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) Cricket tournament matches held at Srinagar and Anantnag today.

Srinagar Sherdils won the toss against Srinagar Shahjahans and decided to bat first. The match turned out to be a high scoring with both scoring over 190 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Srinagar Shahjahans emerged victorious by three wickets in this match that went down the wire.

Srinagar Sherdils scored 191 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs. Abid Nabi hit five sixes and three fours in his knock of 51 runs while Sajad Sheikh scored 41 runs including seven fours and two sixes.

In reply, Srinagar Shahjahans achieved the winning target by hitting 194 runs for the loss of seven wickets on the last delivery of the 20th over. Sajad Sofi was the top scorer with 71 runs that included eight fours and three sixes while Lateef Wangnoo chiped in 39 runs consisting of three fours and two sixes.

For Srinagar Sherdils, Majeed Dar took four wickets.

The man of the match was shared by Majeed Dar and Sajad Sofi.

The match played at Anantnag turned out to be one sided affair with Anantnag Arsenals handing over a drubbing of 131 runs to Kulgam Kings.

Anantnag Arsenals won the toss and decided to bat first. They scored 177 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs. Mir Imran was the top scorer with 56 runs while Arshid hit 36 runs.

In reply, Kulgam Kings were bundled out at paltry 46 runs and their innings lasted for just 11 overs. For Anantnag Arsenals Pervez and Ishtiyaq scalped four wickets apiece.

Mir Imran was adjudged man of the match.

Politicians in sports administration necessary: Abdullah
JKCA signs 3- yrs contract with legendary spinner Bedi

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 17: Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has formally entered into a three year contract with legendary spinner Bishen Singh Bedi. Bedi would coach the players and also provide tips to the cricket coaches as well trainers during his stint in the state.

The announcement in this regard was made by JKCA President Dr Farooq Abdullah during a press conference here today. Bedi would start his stint on August 1 by holding coaching camps for the cricket players.

"We have signed a three year contract with Bishen Singh Bedi who along with his team will train our players," said Dr Abdullah adding that JKCA wants the State Ranji team to perform well in the national level championship.

Dr Abdullah said that the cricket players of the State should put in extra efforts so that the team moves from Plate group to the group of Elite teams. He added that coaching would also be provided to women’s cricket team of the State.

"The immediate target before us is to evolve a mechanism so that the State Ranji team wins matches and not merely participates in such national tournaments. The contract with Bedi is a step in this direction and we in the association hope to achieve the desired results," he said.

The JKCA president said that Bedi would be assisted by a team of qualified coaches of the State and senior most cricketers. He said that coaches and trainers would be trained by Bedi so that they can deliver once the contract ends.

"Bedi is a reputed cricketer of yesteryears and he adopted a professional approach towards the game all along his career. He will carry on the same legacy with the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team so that it becomes a thorough professional side. They should pose a tough challenge to the leading teams of the country and I believe a beginning has been made."

Dr Abdullah said JKCA would construct international cricket stadiums in Kashmir and Jammu. The work on the stadium coming up at Bajalta in Jammu would be taken up from September this year. He said that JKCA has identified land at Ganderbal for the construction of other international cricket stadium.

"Initially we had planned to construct the stadium in Pampore but the plan had to be shelved on technical grounds. The land identified for the cricket stadium in Pampore was not up to the mark and following this we had to look for other options," said Dr Abdullah.

He said that he would discuss the issue of the land with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Sports Minister R S Chib. He said that once the process is completed the foundation stone of the stadium would be laid by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. He added that BCCI president Shashank Manohar and ICC President Sharad Pawar would also be present.

"We have already acquired land at Jammu. We will start develop the road leading to the ground from September so that construction material is carried to the stadium."

Dr Abdullah announced a grant of Rs 1.40 crore for the development of Amar Singh College ground and Rs 40 lakh for the SP College ground. For the Amar Singh College ground, Rs 70 lakhs have been sanctioned for this year while as the rest would be spent during the next year.

Replying to queries, the JKCA President, said presence of politicians in sports administration was necessary for promoting the games.

"If the politicians leave things (sports administration) alone, then nothing will be done. Politicians have keys to open doors which others do not have," Abdullah told.

He was responding to questions on the role of politicians in cricket administration following defeat of former India captain Dileep Vengsarkar to Maharashtra political heavyweight Vilasrao Deshmukh in Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) polls.

"They (former players) cannot do what the politicians can get done. Politicians in sports administration are necessary," Abdullah, who has been at helm of JKCA for past three decades, said.

Sharing his views, Bedi said during his stint with JKCA his focus would be to make the Jammu and Kashmir a competitive team. He said that he would want the team to develop to its optimum level wherein every player gives his 100 percent.

"I have observed that the killer instinct is missing in the team of Jammu and Kashmir. I would like to inculcate the winning spirit in this team and once this done then my job is also done," said Bedi. He said mere participation should not be motive of the players and they should compete to win.

Bedi said that the players would be taken to the other cities so that they can get familiarized with the conditions there. This would help them in acclimatizing with the conditions once the Ranji or other competitive matches are held there.

"It is heartening to note that JKCA is working in right direction while providing the right kind of infrastructure to the players of the State. I would rather focus on what they need. If they need a gym, then they should get it and if they need a video analyst, he should be made available," said Bedi.

In-form Raina could be preferred over Yuvraj for Lor's Test

TAUNTON (Somerset), July 17: More experienced he might be, but Yuvraj Singh could still be forced to make way for an in-form Suresh Raina when India decide their playing XI for the opening cricket Test against England starting July 21 at the Lord's.

Suresh Raina, also a left-hander but five years younger to Yuvraj, is all set to be rewarded for his consistency and will play on the hallowed turf of Lord' -- an honour that has eluded Yuvraj in his nine-year-old Test career.

Lord's was the venue of India's greatest triumph outside World Cup when it chased down a target of 326 set by England in the 2002 Natwest Trophy and in which Yuvraj had played a critical knock of 69 runs.

This innings came within a fortnight of India sinking England at Lord's by six wickets but even then, Yuvraj had shone brightly with an unbeaten 64.

Yuvraj was India's hero in India's triumphant run in recent World Cup with 362 runs at an average of 90.50, to go with his 15 wickets at 25.13 average.

Raina, meanwhile, has worked hard to usurp the middle-order batting slot including the revised impression that he was a sitting duck against short-pitched deliveries.

The lifting deliveries had threatened to put a pause to Raina's nascent Test career when he was dropped for the remaining two Tests against South Africa after making 5 and 1 from the two innings of the Centurion Test in the 2010-2011 series.

His career so far has been in contrast to the one of Yuvraj. While he has made the most of his opportunity, Yuvraj has squandered most of his even though the latter is widely regarded as more talented of the two left-handers.

To be fair, Yuvraj never really got a decent Test run, except for nine Tests in 2006 when he made meager returns of 391 runs with just one century and no half century.

Misfortune hasn't helped Yuvraj for it was his flu which provided Raina with a Test debut in Sri Lanka last year. Recently, it was a respiratory problem which stopped him from going to the Caribbean, preceding the present series.

Yuvraj's fine record of 276 runs from four Tests at an average of 46.00 against England hasn't added to argument in his favour because all these matches were played at home.

His left-arm spin is considered a potent threat against England's impact player Kevin Pietersen but it's deemed as an additional virtue and not the primary one of weighing in with runs. (PTI)

Quiz competition organised

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADERWAH, July 17: The children of Government Primary School, Dhalanu (Kukras) of village Sarunda, participated in a quiz competition organised by Army in Bhaderwah tehsil.

There were six teams which participated in the competition and the participants were quizzed on variety of subjects ranging from Geography, General Knowledge to movies. The results produced by the participants were of high standard and indicated towards the socio-cultural development of the area.

The event concluded when Mr Kakaram, Headmaster of the school distributed prizes to the winners who included Mohd Ibreff, Samrina Banu, Aasia Banu, Mohd Sharif, Sahij Hussain, Zabina Banu, Tanvir Ahmed and Aasif Hussain.

Dhoni's World-Cup winning bat to go under hammer

TAUNTON (Somerset), July 17: Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will put up his prized willow, which won India the World Cup, for auction in a five-star hotel in London tomorrow.

The aim is to raise funds for his wife's charitable organisation, Sakshi Foundation, for the under-privileged children of the society.

Dhoni's bat is likely to ensure massive interest among cricket enthusiasts for the winning runs of the title triumph came via a crunching six off it.

Till he made that match-winning 91, Dhoni wasn't in the best of nick in the World Cup, but promoted himself in the title clash and got his runs off just 79 balls.

India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final in Mumbai, chasing down a target of 275 for the loss of four wickets with 10 balls to spare.

Besides the bat, most of Dhoni's cricketing gear used in the final will be put up for auction. (PTI)

Sports-cum-Cultural Mela concludes at Poonch

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, July 17: Mendhar Club in Kabaddi, Pintoo Club in Volleyball and Kama Khan Club in Tug-of-War lifted the title trophies in the ongoing "Sports-cum-Cultural Mela", being organised by District Police Poonch in collaboration with District Coaching Centre, which concluded here at Sports Stadium, Poonch today.

On the concluding day of Mela, the final matches in the disciplines of Kabaddi, Volleyball and Tug-of-War were held.

In Kabaddi, Mendhar Club beat District Police Poonch in the final and lifted the title trophy.

In Volleyball, Pintoo Club emerged as victorious by beating Surankote Club by 3-1 sets in the keenly contested match.

In Tug-of-War, Kama Khan Club registered brilliant victory against Mendhar Club by 2-1 sets and clinched the winning trophy.

During the valedictory function, MLA Haveli, Ajaz Jan, was the chief guest while Deputy Commissioner, Ajeet Kumar Sahu was the guest of honour. SSP Ashkoor Ahmed Wani presided over the function.

Among others present on the occasion included Additional SP Yougal Manhas, DySP DAR, M A Qureshi, DySP Headquarters, Vijay Khajuria, Incharge Coaching Centre, Nardosh Kumar Sharma, besides prominent citizens, officials, locals and participating players.

Later, the guests distributed winning trophies among players.

Sasikiran helps India share honours with Hungary

NINGBO (China) July 17: Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran survived some anxious moments before eventually defeating Zoltan Almasi to help India salvage a 2-2 draw with Hungary in the first round of the World Team Chess Championship that got underway here.

Meanwhile Armenia emerged as the early leader in world's premier team championship giving Israel a 3.5-0.5 drubbing.

Intl cricket becoming less fiery because of IPL: Pollock

JOHANNESBURG, July 17: Former South African skipper Graeme Pollock feels Twenty20 tournaments such as the IPL, which has cricketers of different nationalities playing for one team, are adversely affecting the competitive nature of the sport.

"How can you have a beer with someone, and a couple of weeks later you're trying to knock his block off in a Test match?" Pollock asked.

"I was in Durban when South Africa played India in the second Test last year. The stands were half full, and for the players it was just another day at work. It's not as fiery as it should be," he said.

Pollock said if he has to watch a Twenty20 game, he would rather catch it in a World Cup than the IPL.

"Everyone is climbing on to the Twenty20 bandwagon, and there's no doubt that the number of people who enjoy 20-over cricket is growing by the day. But I would rather see a 20-over World Cup than something like the IPL," Pollock told the 'Business Day' newspaper.

Pollock, who was named South Africa's Cricketer of the Century in 2000, is one of 10 players in the running for three middle-order positions in an ICC campaign to get fans to select the greatest Test team of all time.

"I watched a 20-over match the other day and then I switched over to a Test match, and I thought to myself, 'This is all a bit slowed down'," he said. (PTI)

We're lucky to have Fletcher: Laxman

TAUNTON, July 17: It has just been a few weeks since Duncan Fletcher took over as India's cricket coach but senior batsman VVS Laxman says the team is already bowled over by his knowledge of the game and feels "lucky" to have him on board.

"We are very lucky to have someone like Duncan with us because he is a very experienced and very mature person. I feel I can learn from him. There is always scope for improving and having discussions with someone like Duncan can only make you a better cricketer," Laxman said.

"I talked with him a lot in the West Indies, especially about technique, and I found him really knowledgeable in that respect," he added.

The veteran batsman said his own experience of working with the 62-year-old has been excellent and he has come to admire the former England coach's knowledge of the game.

"It has been brilliant working with Duncan. The time we spent with him in West Indies was very encouraging and you know from just talking to him that he has such a deep knowledge of the game," he said.

The four-Test series against England starting July 21 is being touted as India's first big challenge since becoming the world number one but Laxman said his side has got nothing to prove.

"The Lord's Test is going to be his 100th as a coach, which is a great achievement in itself, and he will be the first coach to achieve it," Laxman said of the coach who took over in the just-concluded tour of the West Indies from South African Gary Kirsten.

"We don't see it as being about proving ourselves the top nation. We just want to concentrate on winning each and every Test match, rather than thinking about number games and rankings."

"It is going to be a highly challenging series for us without a doubt because England have a very good side. They have a very formidable and balanced bowling attack with some real match-winners.

"But I firmly believe that if we play to our potential we can beat any side in world cricket," he added.

"We are looking forward to playing to our strengths and continuing the good work we have done in recent years. We will concentrate fully on our own performances and preparation and if we do that we can definitely do well here." (PTI)