Vishying you all the best</h1> <article> <h1>Vishying you all the best</h1> <p>namya — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:50:00 GMT</p> As it usually happens in Indian sport, many outstanding success stories get lost in the juggernaut called cricket. Mind you, that one is a staunch sceptic about all the so called - anti cricket lobby who cry foul at a drop of a patka. But one BIG match up which may be bigger than the current test series in India is the World chmapionship finale between Vishy Anand and Vladimir Kramnik. There are a lot of similarities between the contest. Vishy might be more affable and liekable than the Indian cricketers...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/10/13/vishying-you-all-the-best.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Bordering on the ridiculous</h1> <p>namya — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:22:00 GMT</p> Well, if any trophy was aptly named, it has to be the Border-Gavaskar trophy between India and Australia. In Australia 2007-08 it was only the Border trophy since Sunny G wasn't called to give the trophy to the winning captain, inspite of his presence in Australia. Thats the way the Ozs have been known to play their cricket - 'Hard but Fair'. One was thinking of writing the summary of the first test match but after listening to Border and Gavaskar, both commentating on TV, one changed...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/10/13/bordering-on-the-ridiculous.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Hussey run-machine</h1> <p>dcsiva — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:06:00 GMT</p> <p>Now averaging 70, Hussey has got to be a candidate for the best batsman in the world. Here's his take <a href="http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/oct/10hussey.htm">on batting in India</a>:</p><blockquote><p><font class="sb13"><font size="2" face="Arial">The 33-year-old was the first to admit that conditions in India suit his patient style of batting.</font></font></p><p><font class="sb13"><font size="2" face="Arial">"India is a great place to bat and it probably suits my style to be patient. I guess we played my style of play, the patient game of Test cricket. You get great rewards for your shots here because the outfields are so fast here. You just have to place the ball and you get great rewards," he said in Bangalore on Friday.</font></font></p><p><font class="sb13"><font size="2" face="Arial">"It is always good to rank them; they are all pretty special, no matter where it is. It is particularly special to get a Test match hundred in India which is arguably the toughest place for an Australian. So getting a hundred and helping to put your team in a good position is very rewarding," the left-hander added.</font></font></p></blockquote><p><a href="http://nestaquin.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/border-gavaskar-trophy-day-two-stumps/">Nestaquin puts it this way</a>:</p><blockquote><p>While every other Australian batsman struggled, in varying degrees, with the slow nature of the pitch on the second day, the West Australian seemed to have all the time in the world to place his shots to perfection. While he did score circumspectly, facing 276 deliveries, his judgement of a run and swiftness between the wickets meant that no Indian bowler could tie him down for any length of time.</p> <p>Without Hussey’s contribution Australia would be struggling in this Test but instead find themselves in a position that will be difficult to lose from even though the Indian openers ended the day in fine fettle.</p></blockquote><p>Of course, one shouldn't forget Zaheer's <a href="http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/oct/10zaheer.htm">great work with the ball</a>. Unfortunately, the contrast between him and Ishant and the spinners was all the greater on day 2. </p><p>Ottayan says that the <a href="http://www.cricketnewsonlinelive.com/2008/10/sound-start-to-icls-season-2.html">ICL is in good shape</a> as they start their second season. And, finally, the series isn't being shown on Doordharshan, because <a href="http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101060291600.htm">the Tests are not of high public interest</a>.<br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Dadaist escapes</h1> <p>dcsiva — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:03:00 GMT</p> <p>Ganguly's out. First, a collection of links and a <a href="http://tcwj.blogspot.com/2008/10/dada-calls-it-day.html">tribute to Ganguly</a> from Soulberry:</p><blockquote><p>Against the very team which defined and underlined your captaincy and strong character, may you score all the runs you wish to and for us to cherish. May you, against the very team you taught the world to look upon as nothing more than equals, eye to eye, end your career in brilliant glory.</p></blockquote><p>Some additional links: Samir Chopra on what <a href="http://eye-on-cricket.blogspot.com/2008/10/in-appreciation-of-dadaism.html">Ganguly meant as captain of India</a>; and Straight Point on his <a href="http://straightpoints.blogspot.com/2008/10/ode-to-dadafrom-not-so-satisfied-fan.html">significance to Bengali cricket</a>.<br /></p><p>Ricky Ponting has helpfully (correctly, in my opinion) pointed out that a prolonged farewell will be <a href="http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Gangulys_retirement_will_distract_Indians_Ponting/articleshow/3573903.cms">distracting to his teammates</a>:</p><blockquote><p>"It (Ganguly's retirement) will certainly create distractions. And we have experienced it when Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist retired," Ponting said ahead of the first Test in Bangalore on Thursday. <br /> <br /> "The decision takes pressure off Sourav but puts pressure on some other and the Indian players will certainly be facing that for the next four weeks. I'm sure the crowd in India will be eager to come out and see Sourav play his last Tests. And that will add to the overall spectacle of the series," said Ponting.</p></blockquote><p>Here's Kartikeya's take on <a href="http://cricketingview.blogspot.com/2008/10/dada-distraction.html">Ganguly and distraction</a>:</p><blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The announcement of his departure has been characteristically ham handed. There was no reason to announce this right now. It seems to have come about as an afterthought, what with the "One last thing lads" preamble. It was an important announcement. Ganguly has had an fine career and the announcement should have been made properly and formally, not as a "oh and by the way" appendage. From the point of view of the India - Australia series, it could not have come at the worse time, two days before the series begins, virtually tying the selectors hands for the rest of the series.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The proper way for Ganguly to have announced his retirement, one worthy of a player of his stature, would have been to announce it on the eve of the Nagpur Test match, with the Chairman of Selectors by his side in a full fledged press conference. That would have been the serious, well thought out way of doing it. Ganguly leaves himself open to criticism that he made this adhoc announcement to avoid being dropped in case he doesn't perform in the first two Tests.</span> <br /></div></blockquote><p>Meanwhile, here's Q's preview of the <a href="http://www.wellpitched.com/2008/10/afridi-takes-on-malik-in-tonights-rbs.html">20-20 final between the Karachi Dolphins and the Sialkot Stallions</a>. And Ottayan on the on-again off-again <a href="http://www.cricketnewsonlinelive.com/2008/10/has-englands-stanford-dream-come-to.html">Stanford millionaires game</a>.<br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Farewell, my lovely</h1> <p>namya — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:37:00 GMT</p> Do unto others as they have done to you But what the hell is this world coming to? Blow the universe into nothingness Nuclear warfare shall lay us to rest Fight fire with fire Ending is near Fight fire with fire Bursting with fear............ Metallica Dedicated to the man who made one proud just for the fact that the Australians hated him. He, who showed his 3 packs much before SRK, his team owner did. He, who was born a prince, became a king and ended a commoner. He, who always had something prickly...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/10/07/dada.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Predilictions and predictions</h1> <p>dcsiva — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:37:00 GMT</p> <p>With the India Australia series upon us, predictions and prognostications are coming in thick and fast. Jrod is forced to conclude that <a href="http://www.cricketwithballs.net/2008/10/why-they-wont-win.html">neither side will win</a>. I don't think Jrod is suggesting a draw... Homer, on the other hand, thinks <a href="http://dopaisekatamasha.blogspot.com/2008/10/not-even-close.html">it won't even be a close series</a>:</p><blockquote><p>In the last week or so, in the build up to the Border-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gavaskar</span> Trophy, I have read enough opinion pieces ( on websites, newspapers and blogs) that seem to hedge their bets on who will win the Border-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gavaskar</span> Trophy.<br /><br />The overwhelming consensus seems to be that it will be a close contest and that we should not be reading too much into Australia's performance in the two practice games.<br /><br />I beg to differ.</p></blockquote><p>Ottayan asks a different kind of question: <a href="http://www.cricketnewsonlinelive.com/2008/10/test-cricket-in-india-is-it-alive-and.html">Is test cricket alive and well in India?</a> Here's <a href="http://timesonline.typepad.com/line_and_length/2008/10/the-line-leng-1.html">Patrick Kidd's India-Aussie quiz</a> (no searching online please!). And Manu Goswami has <a href="http://www.cricketnext.com/news/goswami-to-lead-indian-womens-cricket-team/34573-13.html">finally been made captain</a>.</p><p>Here's Q's round-up of the <a href="http://www.wellpitched.com/2008/10/rbs-20-20-heats-up.html">RBS 20-20 in Pakistan</a> and Ben's <a href="http://mikeoncricket.blogspot.com/2008/10/ben-onbangladesh-preview.html">preview of the Bangla-Kiwi series</a>.<br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>The Far East!</h1> <p>rbopanna — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:03:00 GMT</p> <p>In my last post, I tried to give you sense of Flushing Meadows and New York, and how much I loved the off-court experience. However, the tournament itself was a bit of a dampener for myself and Aisam Qureshi, as we lost out to the experienced French pair of Sébastien Grosjean and Marc Gicquel in the first round. The fact that we lost so early was disappointing, especially given that we were both in such great form coming into the tournament. But as I've said before, I love the US Open and I'll be back for sure next year, and hopefully do better.</p> <p>After the last Grand Slam of the year, I decided to take a few days off at home in Bangalore. In between my training I found time to meet up with a few friends and also get a couple of rounds of golf. I really enjoy playing golf because it helps relax your mind. Next stop on my calendar: The Far East, with the ATP tour events in Bangkok and Tokyo.</p> <p>The Bangkok experience started off on the right note, with me winning my first round in singles qualifying.Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the main draw as I lost a really close match in the last qualifying round, with the third set going to 4-6. In doubles me and Aisam were drawn against the experienced top-seeds Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy. We realised that this match was going to be especially tough, because this team had been enjoying a good run of form together, reaching the finals of the US Open. However, I am very proud of the performance we put in. We were quick off the starting blocks in the first set and were looking good to win it. Unfortunately, we ended up losing the set. We kept our cool and our effort rewarded us with the second set. The third set could have gone either way in the super tie-break, but they held on to win 10-7. </p> <p>Next up was Tokyo. I had to fly in to Tokyo on Friday as my qualies were due to start on Saturday. The conditions in Tokyo were a bit different compared to Bangkok. The tournament was held outdoors and the courts were much quicker. Hence, it took a couple of days to get used to the conditions, and therefore, I think my first round singles qualies came a bit too early for me. Still, I played a good match and lost 6-7 in the third set. Partnering American Eric Butorac, we were up against the 2nd seeded pair of Simon Aspelin and Julian Knowle. The match was scheduled to happen on Monday. Heavy rains, however, forced it to be postponed to Thursday. When it finally happened, though, it seemed worth the wait. It was an extremely tight match where, after winning the first set, we had three match points to win it in the second. We were so close to victory again, but we lost a tight super tiebreak in the third in the end.</p> <p>These past two weeks have definitely been challenging in many ways. After having been so close to beating top-class teams, we missed out. The draw hasn't been particularly kind either. But I think the positives that I'll be taking from this period is that I am performing well. That is the key in the end, and with the same level of performance, I'm sure the results will improve soon.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Googl(e)y search</h1> <p>namya — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:05:00 GMT</p> The BP XI v/s Australia warm up match! Piyush Chawla bowling to Ponting! Ponting goes on the front foot completely misreading the length of the ball. Being beaten all ends up to the googly, his middle stump lies uprooted like so many of the Indian origin English authors (one is relating to the uprooting from the authors’ home soil). One was reminded of a program on the Star Cricket channel the other day where the point of discussion seemed to be batsmen of the current era who have been equally dominant...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/10/03/googly-search.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Testing selections</h1> <p>dcsiva — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:49:00 GMT</p> <p>Kartikeya argues, reasonably enough in my opinion, that the Indian squad for the first two Tests is a very <a href="http://cricketingview.blogspot.com/2008/10/conservative-selection.html">conservative selection</a>:</p><blockquote><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">India have announced their squad for the first two Tests against Australia. There are no real surprises, something which has become a feature of Indian selections in recent. The only mild surprises are that Sourav Ganguly has not been dropped from the Test team, and possibly also that RP Singh also remains in the squad. Munaf Patel's inclusion may indicate that RP is now the fourth choice fast man for India.</span></p></blockquote><p>Dileep Premachandran says that Ganguly has become the <a href="http://timesonline.typepad.com/the_doosra/2008/10/ganguly-the-bea.html">selectors' beach ball</a>. Soulberry welcomes <a href="http://tcwj.blogspot.com/2008/10/welcome-amit-mishra.html">Amit Mishra into the squad</a>:</p><blockquote><p>That man can turn a game on its head wih his ripping leg-spinners. It does look like the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shani"><em>shani</em></a> hovering on his head has evaporated with the change in selection commitee. It is now up to Misra<em>ji</em> to make the most of the opportunity as and when it comes. He may not play immediately but who knows. For the record, TCWJ has been calling for Misra<em>ji's</em> inclusion in a sustained, apolitical, merit-promoting manner. Naturally, we're happy here :)</p></blockquote><p>And then looks back at <a href="http://tcwj.blogspot.com/2008/10/ishant-sharma-kya-aur-ek-baar-karega.html">Ishant Sharma's role in the last tour to Australia</a> (there's a video clip, too):</p><blockquote><p>Can Ishant Sharma repeat the influence he had over the Australian batsmen a year ago? The teenaged Indian beanpole, who had the tough-as-nails Australian captain and all-time great batsman, Ricky Ponting, hopping unexpectedly - like Mendis did unto the Indian Fab-ric recently?</p></blockquote><p>Finally, Will says provides, as evidence for <a href="http://www.cricket.mailliw.com/archives/2008/10/01/india-v-australia-let-the-fanaticism-begin/">Indian fanaticism</a>, journalists' coverage of an Indian training session.<br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Dandling Ganguly</h1> <p>dcsiva — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:02:00 GMT</p> <p>Looks like the new broom will be sweeping out the Fab Four some time soon. Straight Point doesn't think much of Srikkanth's apparent plan to make the <a href="http://straightpoints.blogspot.com/2008/09/get-you-swan-song-ready-boys.html">retirement process public</a>:</p><blockquote><p>i don't have problem with...that knowing their future plans they will groom certain set of players which they deem fit as their reasonable replacements...<br /><br />i don't even have any problem with management planning their farewell...befitting their stature and the services they rendered...and i sincerely believe...without an iota of doubt that......if we are treated as some force in world stage...most of that credit should go to them...<br /><br />but what you get in return...this media trial?</p></blockquote><p>Who is the most under pressure. The Press Trust of India reporter thinks <a href="http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/sep/30gang.htm">Ganguly might be the first to go</a>: </p><blockquote><p><font class="sb13">Will Srikkanth and co-selectors Yashpal Sharma, Narendra Hirwani, Surendra Bhave and Raja Venkat pull the rug on the career of Ganguly is the big question ahead of one of the most interesting selection panel meetings.</font></p><p><font class="sb13">The 36-year-old Bengal stalwart, who staged a spectacular entry into Tests with a debut ton at Lord's in 1996, made a storming return to the five-day game in South Africa <font style="font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;">[</font><a href="http://search.rediff.com/imgsrch/default.php?MT=south%20africa" style="text-decoration:none;" target="_new"><font style="font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;">Images</font></a><font style="font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;">]</font> in late 2006 after losing his place earlier that year.</font></p><p><font class="sb13">The classy left-hander amassed over 1100 runs with 239, his career-best score, against Pakistan in Bangalore in late 2007, at a fantastic average of 61.44 last year which compares very favourably with his career average of 41.74 in 109 Tests. </font></p><p><font class="sb13">He has been unable to maintain that high in the current year though he has come up with important knocks like the 87 he made against the visiting South Africans at Kanpur that helped India level the three-Test rubber in April.</font></p><p><font class="sb13">This, however, was followed by the left hander's poor run in Sri Lanka where his best score was 35 in six innings.</font></p></blockquote><p>And Dileep Premachandran puts in a <a href="http://timesonline.typepad.com/the_doosra/2008/09/vrs-for-vvs-non.html">strong defense of Laxman</a>:</p><blockquote><p>Ganguly's time already appears to have run out, and it will be interesting to see if either Rahul Dravid or Sachin Tendulkar stay on past the tour of New Zealand next April. Laxman isn't even 34 yet, and calls for his head are utter nonsense. Against his favourite opponents, he may just prove why.</p></blockquote><p>Here's an old post of mine <a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/cover_points/archive/2008/08/15/fab-four-not-over-yet.aspx">defending the Fab Four as a whole</a>. Finally, in some good news for Ganguly, a new type of <a href="http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/sep/30swing.htm">reverse swing specifically for medium pace bowlers</a>!<br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>The 'Dressing' room</h1> <p>namya — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:56:00 GMT</p> One came across the following report on a newswire which was read with incredulity. It ran something like the following - Gone are the days when Kurta Pajamas, loose fitting tops and trousers, were the only acceptable cricketwear for Indians. ODI cricket was aptly named 'Kurta Pajama Cricket' to celebrate India's success at the Prudential World Cup in 1983. It was pruned to 'Pajama Cricket' after an Indian captain took off his Kurta at Lords 20 years later. But even that term...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/09/29/gq.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Durham are Kings and Srikkanth's the Chief</h1> <p>dcsiva — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:51:00 GMT</p> <p>Durham are county champions! Not just that, but <a href="http://timesonline.typepad.com/line_and_length/2008/09/durham-county-c.html">the manner in which they won is compelling</a>:</p><blockquote><p>Durham's route to the title has been due to their excellent team spirit, with various people stepping forward to take responsibility and few stand-out performers. Only Michael di Venuto, and he only just, passed 1,000 runs in the Championship and only three batsmen who played more than half the fixtures finished with an average above 22. In bowling, they relied on Mark Davies, Callum Thorp and especially Stephen Harmison for most of their wickets but their rotation system brought forth other wicket-takers. They claimed fewer batting points than four of the eight teams below them and fewer bowling points than five others. But most importantly they won more games than anyone else.</p></blockquote><p>Tooting Trumpet has the <a href="http://nestaquin.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/the-best-of-the-rest/">individuals' review</a> run down for the division one county season as a whole.</p><p>And, of course, Kris Srikkanth is now the chief selector. Sandeep Patil reckons <a href="http://www.cricketnext.com/columns/sandeeppatil/734/34412/srikkanth-knows-what-indian-cricket-needs.html">changes are afoot</a>. Straight Point kicks off the <a href="http://straightpoints.blogspot.com/2008/09/srikkanth-chief-selector-decoded.html">analysis of his chiefness' intentions</a>. Finally, Mohan gives us the <a href="http://i3j3cricket.wordpress.com/2008/09/28/new-look-bcci/">new look BCCI</a>, complete with a review of the <a href="http://www.bcci.tv/">official BCCI website</a>.</p><p><b>Edit</b>: More on the <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/live-current-media-inc-global/story.aspx?guid=%7B6937141C-3BC0-4C4D-8ED2-7144AEA80BC9%7D&dist=hppr">BCCI's website</a>. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Every dark cloud has a silver lining</h1> <p>namya — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:58:00 GMT</p> After HIS elevation to the chief selctor post; the first thought that came to my mind was that since listening to his brilliant insights over the last few years on NEO sports; I would finally get rid of him. If KS decides the way like he talks, only the god almighty can save the Indian cricket team. But the fact that he might not be haunting us for another 3 years as a commentator/ expert is more than a silver lining. Make no mistake. I really hope he proves me wrong as the chairman. But if history...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/09/27/every-dark-cloud-has-a-silver-lining.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Banking on culture</h1> <p>dcsiva — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:50:00 GMT</p> <p>Brett Lee says that playing in the IPL has resulted in the Aussies gaining a greater <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/cricket/ipl-has-mellowed-us-says-peacemaker-lee/2008/09/23/1221935641317.html">understanding of Indian culture</a>:</p><blockquote><p>HARBHAJAN SINGH is not the only one to have said he will turn over a new leaf. The leader of the Australian attack, Brett Lee, last night pledged the Australian team will be on its best behaviour for the sequel to last summer's explosive Bollyline series.</p> <p>In a concerted attempt to consign the acrimony between the Australian and Indian teams to history before the series begins, Lee said many of his teammates had benefited from experiencing their opponents' culture in the Indian Premier League.</p></blockquote><p>Is that really true? Or even possible? Perhaps cricket is now only about money, or are these entirely false opposites? Meanwhile the money at stake certainly keeps on increasing. The Royal Bank of Scotland have <a href="http://www.brandrepublic.asia/Media/Advertisingarticle/2008_09/Sachin-Tendulkar-to-be-the-face-of-Royal-Bank-of-Scotland/32669">signed up Sachin Tendulkar as a brand ambassador</a> and sponsored the <a href="http://www.wellpitched.com/2008/09/rbs-takes-over-cricket-in-pakistan.html">Twenty20 cricket in Pakistan</a> (no security scares for them, I guess):</p><blockquote><p>The PCB recently launched the Royal Bank of Scotland 20-20 Cup that will kick off on 4th October in Lahore.<br /><br />Finally some cricket!<br /><br />Who would have thought that the global financial crisis would affect cricket in Pakistan.<br /><br />ABN Amro has sponsored domestic cricket in Pakisan for the last 3 years, however with its take over by RBS, all cricket in Pakistan will now be sponsored by them.<br /><br />Royal Bank of Scotland sponsoring cricket in Pakistan. That sounds strange doesn't it?</p></blockquote><p>And, finally, Neo Sports expect to make <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/Neo_Sports_eyes_Rs_285_cr_this_cricket_season/articleshow/3519573.cms">Rs 285 crores this year</a>, with RBS a leading purchaser:</p><blockquote><p>The sports broadcaster has managed to lock in 70% of its advertising inventory for the season. A deal has been finalised with telecom company Airtel which would be the co-presenting sponsor for both the India-Australia and India-England series. <br /><br /> Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Toyota have also come on board as associate sponsors. Fosters is the third associate/beverage partner, but will not get the same benefits as the other two associate sponsors. <br /><br /> They will utilise the partnership to popularise the brand on ground. The deal was closed by the World Sports Group (WSG), the ground right holders for an estimated Rs 3.3 crore per match. India and Australia will clash in a four-match series beginning October 9 in Bangalore. <br /><br /> This is RBS’ first investment in cricket and the bank is using cricket as its launch vehicle in India. Toyota on the other hand is using cricket as a platform to market and advertise its latest launch, the Corolla Altis. <br /></p></blockquote> </article> <article> <h1>Digicel's business nose in Stanford's millions</h1> <p>dcsiva — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:40:00 GMT</p> <p>Will the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/28/twenty20.cricket">Stanford 20/20 even be played</a>? Mike Selvey put it as pithily as ever a while ago:</p> <blockquote> <p>I don't know whether the cricketers of England or West Indies are in the habit of perusing the website of the London high court for its daily list of causes, but they might do so for September 18, when an injunction is due to be brought by Digicel against the West Indies Cricket Board. If it goes unresolved, all bets could be off, at least in the short term.</p> <p>The issue seems quite straight forward. Digicel, the Irish telecoms provider and main sponsor of the West Indies until 2012, has taken umbrage that its business rival in the Caribbean, Cable & Wireless, a former sponsor of the WICB, is believed to be climbing on board the good ship Stanford to sponsor the Super Series for its five years. "We have an exclusive deal with WICB," says Digicel. "Not with us though," is the Stanford rejoiner. And so Digicel and WICB will repair to the high court.</p> </blockquote> <p>First, Digicel put in a compromise offer (i.e. everything they wanted), then Stanford made a counter-offer—basically everything Digicel wanted except putting their <a href="http://www.nationnews.com/story/349795202283164.php">logo on the Stanford players' shirts</a>, which <a href="http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,86679.html">Digicel promptly declined</a>. And now the <a href="http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-10868--8-8--.html">media battle is heating up</a>.The <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/sponsors-legal-dispute-threatens-stanford-twenty20-match-938709.html">High Court injunction kicks in on October 3rd</a>.</p><p>Lovely. But it won't matter to these <a href="http://www.nationnews.com/story/297932234865540.php">two cricket players at least</a>.<br /></p><p>Meanwhile, back on planet <i>cricket</i>, Darren Gough is retiring: <a href="http://www.kingcricket.co.uk/darren-gough-retires/2008/09/23/">King Cricket's Darren Gough tribute</a>. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>For whom the rings toll</h1> <p>namya — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:54:00 GMT</p> Twenty minutes into the most high profile match of the current EPL season, the irritating ring tone on my phone, which has created a mini storm in marital bliss, informs me of an incoming message of supreme importance. The next 90 odd minutes are going to one of the toughest tests of my married life over the continuous ringing of the SMS alert. The SMS waxes eloquent on the end of the 84 match unbeaten streak at home for Chelsea. Man United have scored a goal and the message sender is going gung...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/09/22/for-whom-the-rings-to.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>ICL = International Cricket League?</h1> <p>dcsiva — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:49:00 GMT</p> <p>Arjuna Ranatunga the administrator is carrying on the mysterious ways he developed as captain. I can't begin to imagine what has possessed the man, especially given that SL's current players are still agitating for <a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/cover_points/archive/2008/09/07/sri-lanka-cricket-and-its-ipl-players.aspx">playing in the IPL next year, not touring England</a>. Good luck to him anyway! <br /></p><p>Having predicted the creation of a Sri Lanka team in the ICL, which looks one giant step closer to happening now, Soulberry is now thinking <a href="http://tcwj.blogspot.com/2008/09/many-birds-with-single-stone.html">ICL tie-ups with Stanford</a>:</p><blockquote><p>ICL <a href="http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/srilanka/content/current/story/370242.html">comes that much closer to recognition/acceptance</a> and a possible<a href="http://tcwj.blogspot.com/2008/09/dhaka-warriors-towards-regularization.html"> tie-up with Stanford at some point in the future</a> may not be a pipe-dream anymore.<br /><br />SL has solved the problem of keeping its players well-paid and happy with one stroke. Others are sure to follow.</p></blockquote><p><a href="http://cricketwithballs.blogspot.com/2008/09/sri-lanka-grow-some-balls.html">Jrod</a> puts it in the way only he could:</p><blockquote><p>But say what you will, it takes a fair man to stick his middle digit up at a millionaire kidnapper. <br /><br />Would you?<br /><br />I cannot believe me and Arjuna agree on anything. <br /><br />If Arjuna had a blog, oh the angry comments he would get. <br /><br />That would teach him for this anti establishment behaviour. </p></blockquote><p>Finally, Kartikeya gives us a <a href="http://cricketingview.blogspot.com/2008/09/irani-trophy-preview.html">run-down on the Irani Trophy</a>, both review and preview. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>ICL internationals in the offing</h1> <p>dcsiva — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:04:00 GMT</p> <p>Those busy bodies at the ICL have taken another big step in the direction of a challenge to the ICC itself, not just the BCCI. As <a href="http://tcwj.blogspot.com/2008/09/dhaka-warriors-towards-regularization.html">Soulberry puts it</a>: </p> <blockquote> <p>So there are three international teams so far in the ICL - India, Pakistan and BD. New Zealand and Sri Lanka cannot be far away and it must be a cinch to whip up an Australian or Saffer team - there are so many players in those ranks who are "out of the loop" so to speak. Can't be long before all teams are represented, now that counties and countries (1st world only at the moment) may not have problems fielding ICL players...they may have problems fielding IPL players instead! <a href="http://sports.in.msn.com/cricket/stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1610226">Kapil tells us why - ICL plays better cricket and IPL plays better marketing.</a></p> </blockquote> <p>Ottayan talks about the <a href="http://www.cricketnewsonlinelive.com/2008/09/bangladesh-cricket-nitpicking-begins.html">BCB's attempt to rein the players back in</a>. And Samir Chopra claims it's all a <a href="http://eye-on-cricket.blogspot.com/2008/09/we-need-to-communicate-better.html">miscommunication exercise</a>. Here's <a href="http://www.cricketnext.com/columns/sandeeppatil/734/34113/icl-welcomes-six-bangladesh-players/1.html">Sandeep Patil's column on cricketnext</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>The six players who come from Bangladesh bring a whiff of fresh air to the ICL's campaign. They have strengthened our resolve to provide better facilities and opportunities to those who have been denied. And this number is only increasing and it is time the ICC and the BCCI took notice of it.</p> <p class="txt" style="font-family:arial;font-size:14px;">Support for ICL would only mean support to cricketers because we are only concentrating on creating the infrastructure and competitions for young players. We are not competing with the IPL or the BCCI. We have our targets and have set benchmarks in terms of quality entertainment. By denying us the authorities in turn are only denying the young players.</p> </blockquote> <p>Finally, on a different note, here's Judhajit Basu on <a href="http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/369972.html">TV viewership across the different forms of cricket</a>. No big surprises (excepting perhaps that the IPL beat the Twenty20 World Cup):</p> <blockquote> <p> Rohit Gupta, SET India president for network sales, licensing and telephony, says Twenty20 is a powerful format. "The audience involvement is three-and-a-half hours compared to eight hours for a one-dayer," Gupta told Cricinfo. "Though an over-exposed format, Twenty20 offers huge excitement, which means the youth and females get involved in large numbers. Understandably, viewership for Test cricket and ODIs has dipped when we talk in relative terms. Hopefully, the concerned authorities will take note of this trend and work on the one-day format in the near future." </p> <p>While ESS said "it was too premature to comment", industry insiders believe the superhuman success of Twenty20 has resulted in the others taking a beating. "It's a temporary state of affairs and that if the hypothesis persisted for two years, it would certainly a matter of concern. However, I believe one good Test series, especially with the upcoming tour by Australia, will change the picture completely," said a source. </p> </blockquote> <p>My apologies for the lack on posts recently!<br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Twelve Teams confirmed for New Jersey Twenty20</h1> <p>openingbat — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:25:00 GMT</p> <b>Area's Top Talent, International Stars, Young Guns and Experienced Veterans to take part in DreamCricket's New Jersey Twenty20</b><br /><br /> Twelve teams comprising some of the most talented cricketers in the North East have now confirmed that they will take part in the inaugural DreamCricket New Jersey Twenty20 event. Players ranging from the best youngsters to first class cricketers have now been signed up by the various teams. <br /><br />Response to the tournament has been overwhelming, and demand for team slots has far exceeded the number of team slots available. As for the players, there are enough first class and international players in the DreamCricket New Jersey Twenty20, that if we strung them together as an All-Star team, they would give an ICC team a run for its money.<br /><br /> <b>The Teams</b><br /><br /> The twelve teams are - Holmdel Hurricanes, Tri-State Argonauts, Mercer Warriors, Edison Daredevils, Jersey Indians, Philadelphia Terminators, Global Challengers, Somerset Cavaliers, North Jersey Renegades, New York Knights, NJ Royals and Southern Connecticut Patriots. Most teams are very different from the club sides that their names are associated with in the local leagues. For New Jersey Twenty20, the teams have injected new players and killer instinct. <br /><br /> <div class="fleft"><div class="newssource">Pakistan Opener Nasir Jamshed will play <br />for Philadelphia Terminators<br />at the NJ Twenty20</div></div> Although there was no draft process, teams unknowingly gravitated towards one - with the best players getting most requests to join their teams. The New Jersey Twenty20 promises to be a dueling ground for the young and the experienced, the American born and the immigrants, local heroes and international stars, classy cricketers who migrated to USA to pursue better opportunities while still playing cricket and those first class players who came to America after a productive cricket career. <br /><br /> Just as with the IPL, the best team on paper may or may not win the contest. That said, let us look at the teams (these are incomplete lists - full rosters will be published soon).<br /><br /> First the young guns to whom all credit should go for learning and playing their cricket in USA. That should show everyone that cricket is not a sport played by immigrants alone. The next generation is embracing it with vigorous enjoyment. We have two entire teams - New York Knights and the Edison Daredevils - a majority of whom are either American born students or recent graduates of USA universities. The average age of these two teams is 20. How about that for Twenty20? They may not have age on their side, but they have attacking batting, quick running, sharp fielding and superb bowling. <br /><br /> <div class="fleft"><div class="newssource">Many like<br />Akeem Dodson above<br />have played<br />their cricket<br />only in USA<br />Some are USA born<br /></div></div>The <b>New York Knights</b>, sponsored by Stuart Sport, are all under 25 years of age - most have won a national U19 championship and some have represented USA in the U19 World Cup where they reached the semi-finals of the Plate Championshop. The Knights include Andre Kirton, Akeem Dodson, Dwayne Smith, Romeno Deane, Greg Sewdial, Keon Lake and Abdulla Syed. <br /><br /> <b>Edison Daredevils</b> are either currently enrolled in or recent graduates of New Jersey colleges. In another country, this might be called a Combined Universities team. The boys are instantly recognized in the leagues of New Jersey - for their performance that is remarkable and for their enthusiasm that is unparalleled. Captained by Rushi Amin, the team includes Sidharth Sharma, Gautam Sharma, Gautam Shetty, Noman Iftikar, Fahad Ahmed and Himanshu Patel. <br /><br /> <div class="fleft"><div class="newssource">Philadelphia's strike bowler<br />Imran Awan</div></div>The <b>Philadelphia New Castle Terminators </b>have pulled out all the stops for this competition. On the batting front, they have the Pakistan ODI opener Nasir Jamshed, who scored two 50's in the two matches he played in the Asia Cup 2008. On the bowling side, they have Imran Awan - the right-arm fast bowler has played for USA since 1999 including the ICC Champions Trophy 2004. Imran took the wickets of Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Dwayne Smith in a promotional match against West Indies in 2006. His tally was 3 for 39 in that match. Imran plays for Washington Tigers in the WCL. <br /><br /> <div class="fleft"><div class="newssource">Former West Indies paceman <br />Reon King will play for Global</div></div>Who has not heard of <b>Global CC </b>in the North East? Global is the <i>home away from home</i> for some of the best West Indies cricketers in the Tri-State area. Global Challengers has roped in two former West Indies cricketers and several others who have played first class cricket. First of them is <a href="http://content-www.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/player/52294.html"> Reon King</a>, the Guyanese pace bowler who has played for West Indies in 19 tests and 50 ODIs. Reon, who has been compared to Michael Holding, was West Indies' fastest bowler at the turn of the century. <br /><br /> <div class="fleft"><div class="newssource">Neil McGarrell</div></div>He is joined by <a href="http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/52428.html">Neil McGarrell, </a>the slow left arm bowler who played four tests and 17 ODIs for West Indies. His last match for Guyana was in 2007. Global's other players include <a href="http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/player/52638.html">Vishal Nagamootoo</a>, Rudy Naraine and Rafay Siddiqui. <br /><br /> Then there are the New Jersey teams drawing their talent from the area's best clubs - these include SGCC, Global, Incredibles, Gladiators, Cavaliers, Holmdel and Gymkhana. <br /><br /> <div class="fleft"><div class="newssource">Amjad Khan will <br />play for Argonauts</div></div><b>The Tri-State Argonauts</b>, as their name suggests, are going for gold! This team comprises some of the best known names in this part of the world including three former first class cricketers. <a href="http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/usa/content/player/25664.html"> Amjad Khan</a> - the former J&K player and American captain who was responsible for USA's spectacular victory over Barbados in the Red Stripe Bowl (Jamaica, 2000). Closer to home, Amjad holds the record for the highest individual score in North America - 304 not out (19x6, 28x4) in a team total of 436 for 7 in a league game. <br /><br /> <div class="fleft"><div class="newssource">Ramkishen Hanumara<br />of Argonauts</div></div>Also playing for the Argonauts is the super-efficient Andhra medium-pacer, <a href="http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/33069.html"> Ramkishen Hanumara</a>, who has a first class bowling economy of a miserly 2.77. Hanumara plays regular season in New Jersey for the Gladiators. Also on the Argonauts team is the experienced <a href="http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/usa/content/player/25657.html"> Zamin Amin</a>, the former Guyana U19 player who played for over a decade for USA. Praveen Vijay, the captain of the Argonauts team, played U16 and U19 for Karnataka. The team includes Shantharam Serukur (2007 Best Batsman - CLNJ), Fazeh Abbasi, Hari Kilakenchrerry, Fazal Alam and Pradeep Sunny Sangwan. <br /><br /> <b>North Jersey Renegades</b> are the reigning champions of the Millennium Cricket League. Their team in the Twenty20 competition is the North Jersey Renegades - a top-notch outfit that combined the strengths of Commonwealth League, the Millennium Cricket League and Prince Cricket Club in the CLNJ. The team includes the Bangladeshi cricketers Wahab Munir and Hunain Munir, Shahib Shehzad and Prince cricketers Irfan Nasim and Wasim Arif. <br /><br /> <b>Jersey Indians </b> sponsored by Jersey Farm, is captained by Uday Patel. It draws its players from the strong South Gujarat Cricket Club and features Chintan Patel (USA national team) and four players who have played for the Atlantic Region - Siddharth Mehta (2007 CLNJ MVP and Leading Scorer), Ketan Patel, Kiran Patel and Hiten Patel. In addition, their team features former Maharashtra U16 player Priyesh Shah, a student of Sri Ramakant Achrekar - who was also Tendulkar's coach; and Jaymin Goswami (former Atlantic Region U19 player). <br /><br /> <b>Holmdel Hurricanes</b> has Kunal Baride (Atlantic Region), Abbey Joseph (former Tamil Nadu Division A), Sohail Akram (CLNJ's leading wicket-taker who has played first class cricket in Pakistan) and some of the best talent from the Holmdel, Incredibles and Gladiators sides. <br /><br /> Telkite sponsored <b>Somerset Cavaliers </b>led by Bilal Fayyaz are the Division 3 leaders in CLNJ and need no introduction to New Jersey cricketers. By all accounts, they are well suited for Twenty20 format. Their team includes players such as Shavinda Peiris, Terry Almeida and Yamunan Kannan from NJ Sluggers, Piscataway and other NJ teams. <br /><br /> <b>Mercer Warriors </b> play as the Warriors Cricket Club and their roster includes Brijesh Patel, Parth Amin, Durale Forest and Azhar Sufi. <br /><br /> <b>NJ Royals</b> is led by former Karnataka opener <a href="http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/01/06/stories/2002010601431800.htm">Aditya Mishra.</a> Royals include such eminent cricketers as Dharmesh Tyagi, Mushtaq Ahangar, Farhan Kayani and Rajiv Nigam. <br /><br /> <b>Southern Connecticut</b> is the third out-of-state team in the competition (New York and Philadelphia being the other two) and it is an all-star team from the Southern Connecticut Cricket Association. Their roster will be published very soon. <br /><br /> <i>Please note that the full rosters will be posted on the tournament website very soon.</i> </article> <article> <h1>Stanford 2020 and its cheer squad</h1> <p>openingbat — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:12:00 GMT</p> <p> Stanford 2020 has its cheer squad too. And here, they are seen dancing with the trademark Stanford 2020 black bats.</p><p><a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/StanfordCheer.jpg"></a> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Carib Beer does its bit to liven up proceedings in Caribbean Cricket</h1> <p>openingbat — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:07:00 GMT</p> <p>All across the West Indies, cricket is interlinked with Carib Beer - the beer of the caribbean. And Carib girls have been around much before the IPL cheer squad. Here are a few pictures of the Carib girls.</p><p><a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/CaribBeerBall.jpg"></a> </p><p><a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/caribgirls.jpg"></a> </p><p><a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/caribgirls2.jpg"></a> </p><p><a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/CaribGirls3.jpg"></a> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Its not all about money, honey!!</h1> <p>namya — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:46:00 GMT</p> Being constantly bombarded by the daily headlines screaming multi million dollar deals for buying out football clubs, exorbitant transfer fees for football players funded by petro dollars, and the ever rising prize money (which seems to be giving a fight to the rate of inflation in Zimbabwe) for various professional sporting events, one had started to question the very existence of sport being played for enjoyment. It was becoming just another entertainment industry like Hollywood, pop, porn or gambling...(<a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/not_cricket/archive/2008/09/14/its-not-all-about-money-honey.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Hot girl hits one for a six</h1> <p>openingbat — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:28:00 GMT</p> <p> Well! Not exactly. But when MFP Records put out an album, they saw the connection between Hot, Hits, and Six as only an Englishman at a pub could!</p><p> <a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/HotHits6.jpg"></a> <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Girls at a cricket match take their tops off to promote product</h1> <p>openingbat — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:21:00 GMT</p> <p>These girls at an India vs England match took their t-shirts off and the security guy did not think it was cricket. So he asked them to put them back on!</p><p><a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/CricketGirls.jpg"></a> </p> </article> <article> <h1>KP likes to cook for her NAKED</h1> <p>openingbat — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:46:00 GMT</p> <h2 class="padding-bottom-7" style="font-size:1.05em;line-height:1.05em;">KEVIN PIETERSEN has not put a foot wrong since he became England cricket team captain – and his No1 fan is thrilled. </h2><p class="article">Glamorous pop star Jessica Taylor, who Pietersen married eight months ago, says: “I’m so proud of him. He has done brilliantly.” </p><p class="article"> But isn’t she worried about all the attention he gets from other women — especially after his famous boast that he likes doing the cooking for her <b>NAKED</b>. </p><p class="article">Jessica says: “I know what sort of man he is and don’t need to worry. "<a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/article1635183.ece" target="_blank">It doesn’t matter what these women do."</a> She says.</p><p class="article"> <a href="http://community.dreamcricket.com/community/blogs/page3/Jessica.jpg"></a> <br /></p><p class="article"> Jessica Taylor - KP's girl<br /></p><p class="article"> </p><p> </p> </article> </main></body></html>