IPl: DRI probes duty evasion
New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has begun a probe into alleged customs duty evasion of hundreds of crores by a Singapore-based firm in bringing broadcasting equipment for the upcoming IPl T-20 cricket tournament.
The firm, a leading global supplier of High Definition (HD) outside broadcast equipment and crews, had allegedly violated customs norms by mis-declaring the end-use of the goods in order to avoid duty, official sources said. The broadcasting firm has brought in several equipment, meant for coverage of Indian Premier league (IPl) matches, through Free Trade & Warehousing Zones of Arshiya International based in Panvel, Maharashtra with the help of an Indian logistics company, they said.
‘Sachin should go on his terms’
New Delhi: Senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla feels that Sachin Tendulkar should be allowed to retire on his own terms considering the huge contribution the veteran batsman has made to Indian cricket. “He (Tendulkar) has made a huge contribution to Indian cricket and is a guiding spirit of the team. Nobody has to tell him to go. When Sachin feels, it’s time; he will go on his own,” Shukla said.
‘relationships more important’
New Delhi: From flummoxing an all-conquering Australian side to being dropped from the Indian team, Harbhajan Singh’s journey in international cricket has been a roller coaster one, but he says its rigours have taught him to “value relationships” above everything else. “When I played 100 Tests, it felt great but I have started realising that more important are the relationships that you have developed over the years. It’s those you have played cricket with and have known along the way. I would rather be known as a cricketer who was a good human being than being dubbed as a top player and an equally worse human being,” Harbhajan said.
‘Monkeygate will have no effect’
Mumbai: Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Sunday assured that the infamous “Monekygate” episode won’t have an effect on the Mumbai Indians dressing room as he gears up to lead Mumbai Indians in the sixth edition of IPl. “No, no. We are all friends for the next few months. That’s one thing I have made very clear to the guys already. Sachin and Harbhajan have not been around the team yet. We will meet up with those guys. We are one, the Mumbai Indians are one,” said Ponting at his first media conference as captain of MI. “I want to play well and captain the side well. I will not leave any stone unturned as far as preparation of team is concerned and ensure that everything we do is for one another.”
Digvijay finishes tied 10th
Chiangmai (Thailand): Digvijay Singh, who was in contention through the first half of the week, was unable to weather the amazing final round from Australia’s Scott Hend, as the Indian finished tied 10th at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic, here. Hend charged from six-shots back to win the title by three strokes. He shot a stunning eight-under-par 64 in the final round, just as newcomer Bryan Easton of South Africa (64) did, but Hend’s earlier good work in the week carried the day for him. Digvijay (71) slipped to 10th after being in top-5 for the first three rounds. Digvijay totaled 13-under 275, while Gaganjeet Bhullar, who had a stunning 65 on third day just could not get going and faltered with a one-over 73 with two double bogeys to drop to tied 26th. Shiv Kapur (70) stayed at his overnight tied 26th. Anirban lahiri (68) was the only Indian to move up from tied 26th to 14th at 12-under, while Himmat Rai (75) also slipped down to tied 45.
‘Tennis needs amicable solution’
Bangalore: leading the Indian Davis Cup side for one last time, non-playing captain S P Misra today said the players-AITA tussle should end sooner for the betterment of Indian tennis. Somdev Devvarman had led a players revolt, demanding better players conditions, and made themselves unavailable for the Korea tie which India lost 1-4 in New Delhi. After AITA acceded to some of players demands, the agitation ended for the time being as players agreed to play against Indonesia. However, there are still issues which needed to be addressed and Misra said an amicable solution was the way to move forward. “It (revolt) was quite unfortunate and most of their demands have been conceded by the AITA and whatever that remains, can be resolved amicably and sooner we do it, it is better for the Indian tennis,” Misra said.
Chandhok qualifies on GT debut
Nogaro (France): Making his debut in the FIA GT series, Karun Chandhok helped his side Seyffarth Motorsport earn sixth position on the grid after starting the qualifying race in 11th position with teammate Jan Seyffarth, here. The opening round of the FIA GT Series was greeted by heavy rain with limited dry running for all the drivers. PNS/Agencies