Uncertainty over SA tour continues
New Delhi: Uncertainty over India's proposed tour of South Africa later this year continued with both the Boards yet to find an agreement on the schedule. BCCI president N Srinivasan had a meeting with his Cricket South Africa counterpart Chris Nenzani in Mumbai on Saturday on the tricky issue but it did not yield any conclusive result on the itinerary of India's tour. According to sources, the CSA chief was to get back to the Indian Board after consulting his colleagues at home and he has not done yet, raising speculation that there were still some issues that have remained unresolved. Srinivasan and Patel had a lengthy discussion with Nenzani and CSA Independent director Norman Arendse on the schedule and duration of the tour although nothing has been finalised. CSA had initially announced an itinerary that had three Tests, seven ODIs and two T20 Internationals which BCCI immediately shot down accusing the home board of taking decisions unilaterally. BCCI's reservations for CSA's chief executive Haroon lorgat is also believed to be a reason for this decision.
I will miss Sachin: Pathan
Mumbai: India seamer Irfan Pathan on Monday said he will miss Sachin Tendulkar's valuable tips at mid-on or mid-off while taking his run up after the veteran bids goodbye following his last Test against the West Indies next month. "At the start of my career, he has helped me a lot. Whenever I used to bowl, he used to tell me what length to bowl for a reverse swing," said Pathan. "I have learnt a lot from him. Not just bowling, I have learnt a lot about batting too. I have seen him closely for nine years in the dressing room and (observed) how he carries himself and how he behaves off the field. He is an ideal role model for all the cricketers. "I will miss all these. But definitely on the field, I would miss the big cricketer at mid-on, mid-off," he added.
PCB to request ICC to allow Amir play
Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to push the case of banned pacer Mohammad Amir to at least allow him to resume domestic cricket when the International Cricket Council (ICC) executive board meet in london from October 17 to 19. A source in the board said on Monday that the PCB was hopeful that it would be able to convince the ICC to allow the young left armer to resume training at the National Cricket Academy in lahore under the supervision of the national coaches. "The PCB had hired a law firm in london to look into Amir's case and prepare a report which has now been sent to the ICC for consideration and discussion at the board meeting," the source said. "Sethi on the basis of the legal report would try to convince the board to allow Amir to resume training at the national cricket academy in lahore under specialised coaches.”
Viru inaugurates school tourney
New Delhi: Virender Sehwag on Monday inaugurated the second season of Paul George Memorial Tournament, an Under-16 T20 Series for marginalised students from Government-aided schools, here. The 14-day tournament will witness participation of 256 students from 16 Government-aided schools in Delhi. The Winner and runner-up teams will be rewarded with cash prizes worth `50,000 and `25,000 respectively. Organised by Muthoot Group, the tournament will also award an educational scholarship amount of `10,000 and free coaching at St. George's Sports Academy for a year to the Best player from each team.
Ford to leave lanka, join Surrey
london: Graham Ford will leave his position as Sri lanka coach in January to take charge of English county side Surrey. The 52-year-old Englishman informed Sri lanka Cricket last month that he would be rejecting a new deal to stay with the national team for family reasons, having taken over from Geoff Marsh in January 2012. PNS/Agencies