won't interfere in IPL: ICC
New Delhi: The ICC on Monday insisted that it will not interfere in the conduct of IPL, saying the world body rather plans to use the Indian domestic league as a benchmark to draft regulations for leagues across the world. "Reports in the Indian media that the ICC is somehow seeking to interfere in or dictate to the IPL are wide off the mark. That is not the case," ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in a statement. A newspaper report had claimed that the ICC wants to have a say in IPL policy matters in an attempt to gain control over the league.
aizawl relegate Shillong
Aizawl: Shillong Lajong were on Monday relegated from the I-League after they suffered a 1-4 defeat at the hands of former champions Aizawl FC in their penultimate round match. Lajong remained stuck at the bottom of the 11-team I-League with 11 points from 19 matches. Even if they beat Mohun Bagan at home on Saturday in their final match, Lajong are certain to end at the last place as their immediate better-placed side Gokulam Kerala are currently on 17 points from 19 matches. With 21 points from 19 games, Aizawl are now in eighth position. For Aizawl, Liberian striker Ansumanah Kromah scored a brace (40th and 83rd) while Mapuia (81st) and Isak (89th) also found the target. Donboklang Lyngdoh scored the consolation injury time goal for Lajong.
Royals' camp gets underway
Mumbai: With the Indian Premier League around the corner, Rajasthan Royals on Monday began their second pre-tournament camp. A training camp is being organised at the Brabourne Stadium on March 6. The Indian players who are part of the Rajasthan Royals squad will participate in the camp under the guidance of the Royals head coach Paddy Upton along with head of cricket Zubin Bharucha. The camp figures three days of intensive training as well as fitness drills to help the players hone their batting, bowling and fielding skills. Practice matches will be held as a platform for the new players.
Career-best rank for Jeevan
New Delhi: The semifinal finish at the ATP 500 event in Dubai lifted Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan to a career-best ranking of 68 in the doubles chart even as Leander Paes suffered a steep 23-place slide to 96 on Monday. The left-handed Jeevan and his Indian partner Purav Raja reached the last-four stage after coming through the qualifying and earned 225 points for their effort. They are now India's number three and four ranked players respectively as Raja gained 17 places to rise to 79. Rohan Bopanna continues to be the country's top doubles player at number 38 and is followed by his partner Divij Sharan (40, -1). At 96, Paes is at number five in the country. In the singles, Prajnesh is at number 97(-3) and is followed by Ramkumar Ramanathan.