T20 Mumbai league starts from March 11
mumbai: The inaugural edition of the T20 Mumbai league is set to begin from Sunday with altogether six teams in the fray. All the matches will be played at the Wankhede stadium and the tournament is seen a platform for budding youngsters across the city. While many big names from Mumbai are set to miss the tournament, India's Test batsman Ajinkya Rahane will be seen participating for North Mumbai Panthers. But his Indian teammate Rohit Sharma is set to miss most of the tournament as he is leading India in the ongoing T20 tri-series in Sri lanka. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has been named as league Ambassador. legendary opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar has been appointed as league Commissioner and former captain Dilip Vengsarkar is the Chief Mentor.
Ganguly bats for more hike
mumbai: Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly on Saturday batted for more raise in pay structure of domestic cricketers after the BCCI gave a reasonable hike recently. In the recently announced contracts, the match day fees of domestic cricketers have been hiked from `10,000 per day to `35,000. "I think that is very commendable from Rahul (Johari) and the Board. And as he said I have been harping for it for the last one-and-half years, increase the money for first class players. I would still request him (Johri) to increase a bit more, because they are first class players, a lot of them will not become Ajinkya Rahane's and Virat Kohli's," Ganguly said. The left-handed batsman was speaking after BCCI CEO Rahul Johri said that the focus of the contracts was domestic cricketers.
Ashwin to replace Jadeja in Irani trophy
new delhi: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named as replacement for the injured Ravindra Jadeja in the Rest of India squad which takes on Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha in the Irani Trophy match in Nagpur from March 14-18. "Jadeja suffered a side strain and has been advised rest," said the BCCI in a statement. Ashwin had missed the recently concluded Deodhar Trophy as he was advised a week's rest. "He has now recovered and is declared fit to play," the statement added. Both Ashwin and Jadeja remain an integral part of the Indian Test team but have lost their limited overs spot to Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Yuki enters 2nd round in Indian Wells
indian Wells: India's Yuki Bhambri fought his way to a straight sets win over experienced Frenchman Nicolas Mahut in a men's singles first round match at the BNP Paribas Open . Bhambri, ranked 110, defeated World No 101 Mahut 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 41 minutes. It was their first meeting on the ATP tour and both had qualified for the main draw. The Indian next faces another Frenchman lucas Pouille, who got a first round bye. Pouille reached a career-high rank of 12 earlier this month.
Powell steers WI into Super Six
harare: An eye-catching maiden century by Rovman Powell steered the West Indies into the Super Six of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 with a convincing 52 runs victory over Ireland in a Group A match on Saturday. Powell scored a dazzling less than run-a-ball 101 with seven fours and as many sixes to lift the Windies from 83 for five to 257 for eight. He featured in an 86-run sixth-wicket partnership with captain Jason Holder, who hit three fours and a six in a 71-ball 54. West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach then picked up two early wickets of Paul Stirling (18) and Andrew Balbirnie (9) and then returned to dismiss the dangerous looking Ed Joyce (63) and Kevin O'Brien (38) in a space of four deliveries as Ireland slipped from 166-4 to 205 all out in 46.2 overs.