Ahmed gets Australia call
Sydney: Former Pakistani asylum-seeker Fawad Ahmed moved a step closer to playing in next month’s Ashes series against England after being rushed into the Australia A squad for their tour of Britain on Thursday. The prospects of Ahmed, 31, playing for his adopted country improved dramatically when a bill to amend the Citizenship Act, which will help fast-track his application, passed through Australia’s lower house of parliament Wednesday. “Fawad is a spin bowler of interest and we look forward to seeing how he performs for Australia A,” chief selector John Inverarity said, expressing confidence his citizenship would soon be awarded.
Marsh named EC of fica
Melbourne: The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) on Thursday unveiled a new leadership structure after the resignation of its long-serving CEO Tim May by making Paul Marsh the Executive Chairman of the body. FICA President Jimmy Adams said Marsh was elected as Executive Chairman by Chief Executives of the individual player associations, with Ian Smith as Chief Operating Officer. “Mr. Marsh is the current Chief Executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), and will continue to operate in this capacity alongside his new role, which will involve him being accountable for FICA’s performance and being the organisation’s main spokesperson,” FICA said in a statement.
IPl needs big investors: Prasanna
New Delhi: Former cricketer E Prasanna on Thursday said Raj Kundra, being an owner of an IPl team, has crossed a certain line by placing bets during matches but felt that such cricket events cannot survive without the help of rich businessmen. Adding new twist to the spot-fixing drama, it was today revealed that Rajasthan Royals co-owner Kundra lost a lot of money while placing bets during IPl matches. Asked if the game should have a place for businessmen, Prasanna said they were indispensable for events such as IPl. “In an event like this, huge amount of investment is required. You do require people with lot of money and I expect money is hoarded by business people. Their presence is required in these events,” Prasanna said.
‘IPl, ClT20 should be put on hold’
New Delhi: Former IPl commissioner lalit Modi on Thursday suggested that the upcoming Champions league T20 and next year’s IPl should be put “on hold” till the time the sport is completely free of corruption. “IPl 7 and current upcoming Cl should be put on hold till full and complete cleansing of Bcci and IPl is done. One cannot continue to take fans for a ride,” Modi wrote on his twitter handle. PNS/Agencies