PCB sends team 2012 contracts
Karachi: In a major blunder, the PCB has ended up sending copies of the 2012 central contracts to the members of Pakistan team in England. “After it was realized what had happened the board than sent the new central contracts announced recently for 2013,” the report in the Jang newspaper said. Interestingly, the players have only been sent the last page of the central contracts for their signatures meaning they are not aware as yet about the details and clauses on the other pages of the contracts. “Players have been told to sign the last page of the contracts by the manager of the team, Naved Akram Cheema who is handling things on behalf of the board causing some discern among the players who want to know details about the other clauses in their contracts,” the report said. Senior players led by captain, Misbah-ul-Haq had demanded a 50 per cent pay raise but the board settled for much less increasing the monthly retainers by 15 per cent plus a 10 per cent increase in the Test fees.
‘Pak bowlers vs Ind batsmen’
Karachi: Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar feels the high-voltage ICC Champions Trophy clash between Pakistan and India would be a battle between the former’s bowling prowess and the latter’s much-heralded batting line-up. “For me, this high pressure match is a duel between their batsmen and our bowlers. We have an advantage over them not only in the pace department but also spin bowling,” Akhtar said. Pakistan and India will square off at Edgbaston on June 15. “Dhoni is a big plus for them despite all the recent controversies. And like always their batting has lot of depth and quality,” he said.
SlPl to go ahead as planned
Colombo: The second edition of the Sri lanka Premier league, the local version of the IPl, is to go ahead as scheduled, sports ministry announced here on Tuesday. The ministry spokesman Harsha B Abeykoon refuted local reports which suggested that sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage entertained doubts about the SlPl’s second edition taking place. “Sri lanka Cricket will conduct the SlPl on the scheduled dates, from August 10 to September 7,” Abeykoon said. The ministry said the Franchises have asked for an extension of their period of lease from 7 years to 15 years, stating that the 7-year period is insufficient to recover their investment on the Franchise.
Clarke’s back injury flares up
Cardiff: Michael Clarke will see a specialist in london on Wednesday about the back trouble which forced him to miss Australia’s Champions Trophy warm-up game against India in Cardiff. Clarke, 32, felt the problem recur in his lower back after flying with the rest of his squad. Clarke faces a race to be fit for Australia’s first match in the Champions Trophy, at Edgbaston on Saturday against England. Agencies