Du Plessis's appeal rejected
Dubai: The chair of the ICC's Code of Conduct Commission, The Hon Michael Beloff QC has dismissed Faf du Plessis's appeal after the South African captain was found guilty of changing the condition of the ball in breach of law 42.3 during second Test against Australia in Hobart. Accordingly, the original decision of ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft, finding Du Plessis guilty of a breach of Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct will stand. Pycroft had handed a 100 percent match fee fine, and consequently three demerit points, to Du Plessis on November 22 following his hearing of the charge, which was laid by the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson.
Patel elected unopposed as AIFF preZ
New Delhi: Praful Patel was on Wednesday re-elected unopposed as the president of All India Football Federation for a four-year term — his third successive — and he promised to run AIFF in a "transparent" manner. The Annual General Meeting was held here after the Delhi High Court on Tuesday vacated a stay on the elections. The electoral process was completed in the presence of the appointed returning officer Justice Bipin Chandra Kandpal (Retd.) who declared Patel elected along with the Executive Committee for the term 2017-2020. Patel, a former Union Minister, served as acting president for one year after long-time head Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi suffered a cardiac arrest in 2008. He took over as full time president in October 2009 before being re-elected for the top job in December 2012.
Mary Kom, Vikas win awards
New Delhi: The legendary M C Mary Kom and former Asian Games gold-medallist Vikas Krishan shone bright at the International Boxing Association's 70th anniversary gala in Montreux, Switzerland, picking up different awards for their performances. While five-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist Mary Kom was presented the AIBA legends award for her trailblazing boxing career, Vikas was handed the APB (AIBA Pro Boxing) Best Boxer trophy. Mary Kom was picked for the honour for her decorated career during which she also won multiple Asian Championships gold medals besides the spectacular feat of five world titles.
T20 WC for Blind team announced
Mumbai: A 17-member Indian team was on Wednesday announced for the upcoming second World T20 for the visually challenged to be held in the country from January 28, next year. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) president Mahantesh GK said selecting the team was a tough task and there are 9 players named as reserves apart from the 17 in the team from 10 states of the nation. The World Cup will be held till February 12 and the final will be played in Bengaluru. The announcement was made on Wednesday after IndusInd Bank launched the 'World Champions Programme — Cricket for the Blind' here.