Sania Mirza: First or Second - - Haunted Past of Shoaib Malik Threatening the Scheduled April Affairs

LAHORE: The past has come to haunt former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik soon after news about his engagement with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. MA Siddiqui, father of Ayesha Siddiqui who was married to Shoiab via a telephonic nikah (marriage) in June 2002, has slammed the cricketer saying that Shoiab is still married to his daughter and that Sania would be his second wife not the first. MA Siddiqui has said he will take legal recourse and take Shoaib o court as he has wronged the Siddiqui family. “As per law, Ayesha will be the first wife and Sania will be second. I want divorce for my daughter. I will seek legal recourse. I will sue Shoiab because he has wronged us,” Siddiqui was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Sania is surely on cloud nine, but the latest developments have come as a shocker for Shoaib’s ‘ex-wife’ Ayesha. The family is said to be in a state of shock and disbelief over the reports of Shoaib-Sania wedlock. Siddiqui, who has worked for the Saudi Airlines, claimed in February 2008 that Shoaib had married his daughter on June 3, 2002, through a telephone after a prolonged love affair on the Internet. But, the cricketer said he was only engaged to her and the marriage was called off because of problems between the families. But there is more to this affair.

Sources said Ayesha met Shoaib in a Dubai restaurant in 2001 along with her friend Maha. While Ayesha is a little plump, Maha was pretty and Shoaib fell for her. “On returning to Hyderabad, Ayesha posing as Maha started chatting with Shoaib,” sources said. Ayesha apparently fell in love with the cricketer and convinced her parents to contact his parents and arrange for a telephonic nikah. In 2005, when the Pakistan cricket team was in Hyderabad, the Siddiquis hosted a grand reception for them. “Shoaib became suspicious when he expressed his desire to meet Ayesha and her parents said she was out of town,” sources said.

Ayesha who was working as a school teacher in Dubai then reportedly sent her actual photograph to Shoaib. This apparently made the player snap all ties with her. He said the Siddiquis had cheated him. At a press conference in Lahore in January 2008, Shoaib’s brother-in-law Imran Malik said: “He wanted to marry Ayesha. But the photos Siddiqui showed him were not of his real daughter. They tried to commit fraud.” Siddiqui threatened to move the court and said Shoaib could not marry another girl without divorcing Ayesha. “But, with Shoaib threatening to press cheating charges against them, Ayesha’s family dropped the idea,” sources added.

Pakistani All-rounder And T20 Captain Shahid Afridi - The Winner of The espnstar.com’s Cricketer of the Decade

Afridi bagged more than 50 per cent of the votes as against the other three finalists -- Ricky Ponting, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shane Warne.

While Afridi got 50.51 % votes, Ponting ended at the second position with 37.16 % with Dhoni (11.68%) and Shane Warne (0.65% ) falling behind.

www.espnstar.com ran a contest - ‘Cricketer of the Decade' for 40 days where the surfers voted for their favourite cricketers.

Twenty cricketers were shortlisted for four categories (Wicketkeeper, Batsman, Bowler, All-rounder) by a group of ESPN STAR Sports representatives.

Five cricketers were up against one another in each category and the player with the most number of votes advanced to the final round. Each category was open to voting for one week.

And at the end of the knockout stages, four players with the highest number of votes from each category were chosen.

They were up against one another yet again for the title of 'Cricketer of the Decade'.

And finally it was Shahid Afridi who claimed the title with the highest numbers of votes.

Shahid Afridi's Bio:

Name : Shahid Afridi

Position: All-Rounder

Team: Pakistan

Detail: Height - 1.80m

Playing Style: Right Handed

Test Batting Average: 37.40

Test Bowling Average: 34.89

ODI Batting Average: 23.13

ODI Bowling Average: 34.53

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney Got An Ankle Injury as Bayern Munich Wins 2-1 in First Leg of Quarterfinals

Bayern Munich wins 2-1 in first leg of quarterfinals: Manchester United's Wayne Rooney scored an early goal, then limped off with an ankle injury in a 2-1 loss to host Bayern Munich of Germany on Tuesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Rooney hurt his right ankle when Bayern's Mario Gomez challenged him for the ball near the final whistle. His injury will be evaluated Wednesday. Manchester United, which leads the English Premier League by a point, plays second-place Chelsea on Saturday.

A combination of three pictures shows Wayne Rooney of Manchester United twisting his ankle during their Champions League quarter-final soccer match against Bayern Munich in Munich, March 30, 2010.

Rooney scored in the second minute, but Franck Ribery tied the score in the 77th minute. Ivica Olic scored the winner in injury time after stealing the ball from Patrice Evra.

The second leg of the home-and-home, total-goals series is April 7 in Manchester.

"We caused our own defeat, really," Man U manager Alex Ferguson said. "We should have played better. We kept giving it away, and it causes your own downfall."

In the day's other Champions League match, Lisandro Lopez scored twice and Michel Bastos had a goal to lead Lyon over visiting Bordeaux 3-1 in a meeting of teams from France.

On Wednesday, Arsenal of England hosts Barcelona of Spain and CSKA Moscow of Russia is at Inter Milan of Italy.

A combination of three pictures shows Wayne Rooney of Manchester United twisting his ankle during their Champions League quarter-final soccer match against Bayern Munich in Munich, March 30, 2010. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson says injury to English international striker not "terribly serious" in aftermath of first leg loss.

Shoaib Malik And Sania Mirza Wedding News Made Sialkoti's to Dance and Fun

LAHORE: Friends, family and fans of the Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Malik gathered outside his house in Sialkot and started dancing in the traditional 'Bhangra' style as the news broke of Malik’s wedding with Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza on Tuesday, a private TV channel reported.



Malik and Mirza will tie the knot on April 11 in Hyderabad in India, while their wedding reception will be held on April 15 in Dubai and the valima in Lahore on April 17. “We have got visas, and we are happy. Now we will be traveling to Pakistan,” said Nasima Mirza, her mother.

Appearing before the media along with her father outside her house, Sania said the couple would settle in Dubai after marriage. To another question, the tennis ace said she would support both India and her soon-to-be husband in a cricket match between the two rival countries. daily times monitor

Wrestlemania: It’s Really Weird - - Good for Economy, But Not a Sport

It’s that time of year again when half-naked men pretend to attack each other. Isn’t it heartwarming?

Wrestlemania XXVI came to the Valley Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. With it came fans from around the world.

Last year, 72,744 fans from 50 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces and 24 countries attended Wrestlemania in Houston, generating $6.9 million in ticket sales, according to World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) corporate Web site.

It is the Super Bowl of wrestling, a lucrative economic stimulator for the Phoenix area.

It’s also really weird.

Men in tights? Glorified violence? Bad acting? Is this really what we want?

Valley Metro light rail commuters are sure to have seen the Wrestlemania “wrap” advertisement, encasing a portion of one of the area’s light rail cars. The first thought that comes to mind when seeing shirtless, angry WWE star John Cena plastered onto the side of the light rail is, “Uh, I could just wait for the next train.”

Despite the financial advantages of such an event along with the attention it brings to the area, it’s hard to deny that Wrestlemania is creepy.

The annual event inevitably brings up the question of whether or not WWE wrestling is a real sport, which inevitably brings up the answer, “No.”

Wrestling requires athleticism and skill, but it’s still not a true competition. A wrestler like Triple H, The Undertaker or anyone else with a meaningless nickname is no more of an athlete than Jackie Chan; they’re all just pretending to fight.

So why was Wrestlemania held in the Arizona Cardinals’ new, space age, $455 million stadium? What’s the big deal?

Wrestlemania may not be a sport, but it’s still awesome — not awesome in the sense that we all enjoy or even respect it, but awesome enough to fill stadiums and bring millions of dollars to the area.

Beggars can’t be choosers, and while Phoenix police officers are straggling to keep their jobs, the Valley needs all the help it can get. The tourism and attention of Wrestlemania is just what the local economy needs; it won’t fix our problems, but it couldn’t hurt — other than the headlocks and body slams.

Not everyone can embrace Wrestlemania, but we can all agree on one thing: We need the money. On some level, it’s an honor to host the event.

Fantasia Barrino even sang the opening National Anthem. (I guess they didn’t think Clay Aiken would fit in.)

So if you’re disgusted by the fact that you live near the site of wrestling’s biggest competition, remember that your city government may have gained millions from it. If that doesn’t help, take solace in the fact that it’s not coming back any time soon. Note that Wrestlemania XXVII will be in the Georgia Dome and steer clear of Atlanta next year.

Pakistan's Star Batsman, Muhammad Yousuf, Retires From International Cricket

KARACHI – Pakistan’s star Test player Muhammad Yousuf announced the expected formal retirement from international cricket saying he would continue to play first class and league cricket to remain fit and in touch with the sport.

In a brief announcement which initially did not include the world retirement made here Monday on the front terrace of Karachi Press Club during a Meet the Press Programme of the club, the bearded player, who had the test average of 53 plus, better than Javed Miandad and Inzamamul Haq, said he had decided to leave international cricket because the Pakistan Cricket Board had stated in an official letter that his presence in Pakistan cricket would damage Pakistan cricket.
He said he had taken the decision to quit international cricket so that he can save Pakistan cricket from damage as alleged by the PCB in its official letter. He had consulted his elders and friends before taking the decision, he said.

He said during his cricket career spanning 12 years, he had played for the glory of the country and whatever name and fame he had achieved was due to Pakistan and the public of Pakistan.

Damaging Pakistan’s name or national cricket would be last thing on his mind that was why he had selected the road to retirement because in that way he would help Pakistan cricket.

He said he would never do any thing that would damage country’s name and after the PCB wrote that his presence in the team would damage Pakistan cricket and honor, he decided to quit cricket only to save national cricket and honor of the country.

When repeatedly asked was his decision final and irrevocable and would he reverse his decision if the public of other stake holders in cricket pursued him to take it back, he gave no categorical answer but for a number of times during the programme used the phrase “for the time being quitting cricket was his decision” giving rise to doubts that he may take back the decision if right quarters approach him.

Pakistan Women Hockey Team to Take Part in Qualifying Round of the Asian Games to be Held in Bangkok - - Announced by PHF Women Wing

LAHORE – The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Women wing has decided to start the women hockey academy in Lahore while the Pakistan hockey team will take part in the qualifying round of the Asian Games to be held in Bangkok.

PHF women wing secretary Tanzeela Aamer Cheema told at a news conference here at the National Hockey Stadium that trials for the academy would be completed by April 3 and 50 players from different age groups would be selected.

She told that the Pakistan women hockey team would participate in the Asian Games qualifying round which would be held in Bangkok from May 22 to 29.

The camp of the women team will begin from April 15 after the trials will be completed by April 10.

Shoaib Malik and Indian Tennis Star Sania Mirza To Get Hooked in Wedding Knot in April 2010

HYDERABAD: India's tennis player, Sania Mirza is to be married to Shoaib Malik, the former cricket captain of Pakistan. A formal wedding reception has been scheduled within a month. There will be no engagement function.

This news was confirmed by Imran Mirza, father of Sania, late on Monday night.

“The couple will be based in Dubai, where Shoaib is a resident, and Sania will continue to play tennis once she recovers fully from the wrist injury that has marred her career in the recent past,” Imran said.

“My wedding is going to be the biggest day of my life.

“I have been under constant glare of the public for too long and would appreciate more privacy at this very personal moment in my life,” Sania said.

“I hope to be fully fit to represent India in the Commonwealth and Asian Games that are scheduled for later this year,” she added.

The news of Sania’s proposed marriage with Malik came two months after she called off her engagement to childhood friend Sohrab Mirza, citing ‘incompatibility’.

Six months after the engagement took place here amid much fanfare, Sania decided to part ways with Sohrab.

Interestingly, Shoaib Malik was also engaged to a girl from this southern Indian city a few years ago but he later called it off. The family of the girl had even claimed that he had married her but thePakistani star denied this.

Malik had said in January 2008 that his marriage plans with Ayesha Siddiqui ended because both families could not reach an understanding on certain issues.

However, the girl’s family claimed that the they entered the wedlock through ‘nikah’ over telephone in 2002. Ayesha’s father M.A. Siddiqui had even threatened to sue Malik for cheating and demanded him to give a formal divorce.

Malik was also quoted by Pakistani media as saying that Ayesha was not the girl he met in Dubai and that her family cheated him by sending a photograph of another girl.

Malik had reportedly met Ayesha in Dubai and they decided to marry. The Pakistani cricket team was given a grand reception by Ayesha’s parents at their residence here when the team toured India in 2005.

Interestingly, Ayesha had not come out at the reception and did not even meet Shoaib, saying she was down with some allergic problem.

22-Member Squad Announced by PCB Women’s Wing For ICC World Twenty20 Championship

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Women’s Wing on Sunday announced a 22-member squad for the ICC World Twenty20 championship to be held in the West Indies in May.



The selection committee comprised former Test cricketers Ashraf Ali, Manzoor Elahi and Farrukh Zaman.

Sana Mir has been named captain and Nain Abidi vice-captain of the national women’s cricket team. The squad also includes four reserve players and four officials.

Pakistan are placed in Group ‘B’ with Sri Lanka, India and New Zealand. They begin their campaign on May 6 against Sri Lanka in St Kitts.

Squad: Sana Mir (captain), Nain Abidi (vice-captain), Batool Fatima (wicket-keeper), Sajjida Shah, Bismah Maroof, Armaan Khan, Urooj Mumtaz Khan, Nida Rashid, Asmavia Iqbal, Qanita Jalil, Sania Iqbal Khan, Sadia Yousuf, Javeria Wadood, Rabia Shah.Reserves: Zeba Manzoor Hussain, Masooma Junaid Farooqi, Rabia Batool, Kainat Imtiaz.

Officials: Ayesha Ashhar (manager), Mansoor Rana (coach), Yasir Malik (trainer), Huma Fatima (physiotherapist).

Britain's Jenson Button Wins Australian Grand Prix, While Australian Hope Mark Webber Crashes

Britain's Jenson Button claims his second Australian Grand Prix, while local hopeful Mark Webber has a day to forget.

McLaren’s Jenson Button survived a first-corner collision and successfully gambled on a bold tire strategy to win a thrilling Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.



Button was the first driver prepared to change from intermediate tires to slicks on a drying track, and drove the final 52 laps on a wearing set of soft tires to claim back-to-back race victories in Melbourne.

Button, the 2009 Formula One world champion, tangled with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso at the first corner, and he inherited the lead just before the halfway point when the pole sitter and race leader Sebastian Vettel ended up in a gravel trap after the brakes on his Red Bull car failed.

Renault’s Robert Kubica was 12 seconds behind in second place, driving doggedly to hold off faster rivals and finish ahead of Felipe Massa and Alonso.

Button changed to slicks when the track was still damp, carefully navigated while he got heat into his tires and was rewarded with a victory in his second race with McLaren.

“I thought it was a terrible call initially,” Button said. “I thought it was a catastrophic mistake. Once I got it going and up to speed, the pace was pretty good. It was the right call, and I am very happy.”

If fortune favored Button, it deserted Vettel, who for the second straight race was let down by a mechanical failure while comfortably leading. RAIN PUSHES BACK I.R.L. RACE With several inches of water pooling on many sections of the low-lying track, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Fla.) was postponed a day after a band of thunderstorms pounded the course for much of the afternoon.

Rain began falling at the 1.8-mile street circuit just before 1 p.m. Eastern, and a band of strong storms arrived about 90 minutes later. The race was rescheduled for 10 a.m. Monday.

SPRINT CUP RACE POSTPONED Nascar’s bad weather luck at Martinsville Speedway reared its head again as rain forced the postponement of the Sprint Cup race until noon Monday.

It is the second year in a row that rain pushed an event into the work week at the track in southwest Virginia. Last spring, the truck series event had to be run on a Monday.

Rain also has washed out Sprint Cup qualifying for the past three spring races, putting the points leader Kevin Harvick on the pole for the race.

Match-Fixing Culprits Could Be Fined From 0.5 Million to 2.0 Million Rupees - - New Clauses Added in The Players' Central Contract by PCB

Lahore, Mar. 28: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced clauses in its central contract, which were offered to the players recently, that has mention of a ban and or a fine on cricketers found involved in match-fixing and ball tampering.

"Under the new clauses, if a player is found involved in match-fixing, betting or ball-tampering, he could be fined 0.5 million to 2 million rupees and face a ban of a maximum five matches," sources said.

Upset over the recent controversies, the PCB's list of do's and don'ts for players also mentions a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 rupees for using mobile phones in the dressing room or ground, and a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 rupees for not attending an official function.

Keeping in mind the Indian Cricket League (ICL) incident, where many former and current cricketers joined the rebel league without the PCB's permission, the board has also introduced a fine of half a million to five million rupees and a ban ranging from one to five years for entering into any contract with any foreign league or club without its permission.

"There is a fine of 500,000 to five million rupees and ban of a maximum of six matches for giving threatening statements against the PCB, talking about retirement in the media, giving comments on sensitive issues, criticising board or match officials or fellow players or absenting oneself from cricket without reason," The Nation quoted sources, as saying.

The PCB has offered the year-long central contract to all rounder Shahid Afridi, the Akmal brothers (Umar and Kamran) and 37 other cricketers.

The contracts will be valid from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

While players like Afridi, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal have been placed in the 'A' category, batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, opener Imran Farhat and middle order batsman Umar Akmal are bracketed in 'B' category.

Surprisingly, young pacer Mohammad Aamer is also in the 'B' category despite performing well throughout last year.

In addition to the three categories, the board has introduced a special 'stipend' category, which has been offered to top domestic and under-19 cricketers.

Senior players like Mohammed Yousuf and Younis Khan, who have been banned for an indefinite period, and controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar have been denied any central contract by the PCB.

Sachin Tendulkar's Absence From T20 World Cup is a Relief for Rival Teams - - Pakistan Skipper Shahid Afridi Said

KARACHI, March 28 - Sachin Tendulkar's refusal to return to Twenty20 cricket for next month's World Cup is a relief to India's rivals, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi said.

India's master batsman quit the format in 2007 but has been in superb form in the Indian Premier League.

Several leading figures have asked him to return for the tournament in the West Indies but the 36-year-old recently ruled out the possibility.

"The way he has blossomed in the last few years he is only getting better and better as a batsman," Afridi told Sunday's Times of India.

"If Tendulkar had played in this World Cup I am sure he would have made a big impact. If he is not playing... it is certainly a big advantage for other teams.

"I think even in T20 cricket you need to bat properly and at times even playing out 20 overs is a big challenge for a team. You need to play orthodox cricket."

Big Changes in Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Demanded by Former Hockey Olympians to Lift the Standard of National Sport

ISLAMABAD – Former hockey Olympians on Saturday said that the standard of the national game could not be lifted until making big changes in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

Speaking in the ‘RISJA Meet The Press’ programme, they announced that they were not willing to get the office of federation and would not accept any offer.

“We want to save the game in the country and responsible of Delhi debacle should send back to their homes,” they said jointly.

Besides Islahuddin, Shahnaz Sheikh, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Tahir Zaman, Naeem Akhtar, Qamar Zia, Ayaz Mehmood, Qamar Ibrahim, Khalid Hameed and Moeenuddin Khan were present on this occasion.

Islauddin said that Mohammad Asif Bajwa was only man responsible for poor performance and Pakistan got last position in the 12-nation mega hockey and he should go back home. “The PHF has hurt the game so badly that a team having the potential to come fifth or sixth in the Word Cup ended up at the bottom instead. The federation did not take a single step for the betterment of the game and put the national game of right track,” he said.

“We have and are receiving so many invitations from all over the country to make our voices heard there. The response to our call is overwhelming. We know now that the nation is with us as the people do get our point of view. The stalwarts of hockey only want what is good for the game and we will do all we can to make sure the game gets back its glory,” he said.

Shahbaz Ahmed Senior said that hockey had been ruined in the country and the federation was not doing well for the revival of the national game. “I was foreseeing eighth or ninth place in the world cup but Pakistani team brought shameful results in the World Cup 2010 and stayed at last rung,” he said.

Shahnaz Shaikh, the former Olympian the speedy left-winger, said that Asif Bajwa got the berth in the PHF from the behind door. “He is junior and had no experience to run an office. “Senior should be give chance to run the affairs of the PHF as in past only experienced officials produce remarkable results in the international hockey events,” he added.

Mark Webber, Australian Formula One Hope, Takes Swipe at Australian Nanny State

Australia's great Formula One hope Mark Webber has launched a stinging attack on the "nanny state" that exists Down Under.

Just hours before Webber takes to the grid at Albert Park with his best chance to post his maiden Australian Grand Prix triumph, the two-time Grand Prix winner says the country has changed significantly since he left for Europe.

In an apparent swipe at former F1 champion Lewis Hamilton being caught by police doing a burnout in his car in Melbourne on Friday night, Webber said, half-jokingly, that he'd spent the past few days "... dodging the ridiculous speeding and parking (rules) and all the nanny-state country that we have down here in Australia".

Hamilton, who is driving for McLaren, had his Mercedes impounded by police under Victorian anti-hoon laws for an incident as he was leaving the circuit.

"I think we've got to read an instruction book when we get out of bed - what we can do and what we can't do .... put a yellow vest on and all that sort of stuff," Webber said.

"It's certainly changed since I left here. It pisses me off coming back here to be honest.

"It's a great country but we've got to be responsible for our actions and it's certainly a bloody nanny state when it comes to what we can do.

"And Lewis has found out very quickly," Webber said, referring to Hamilton's run-in with police.

Webber left Australia for England in the late 1990s, chasing his dream of becoming a Formula One driver.

The Australian has qualified second behind his teammate Sebastian Vettel for today's race.

Ushna Suhail to Leave for Nigeria To take Part in Her Career's First ITF Grade ii Under-18 Tournament

LAHORE: Pakistan’s prominent tennis player Ushna Suhail, who is leaving for Nigeria on Saturday to take part in her career’s first ITF grade II under-18 tournament, is fully confident to make her debut on a confident note.



“I am optimistic to put up a good performance in my first-ever grade II ITF tournament after participating in as many as 23 grade four and five tournaments in past two years,” she told a news conference along with her coach former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik.

She said the ITF grade II tournament being played at Abuja, Nigeria, from March 28 to April 2, will be challenging as players from twenty countries will be taking part in it.

“It is a very important assignment for me because points earned in it will count to determine my ranking,” said Ushna.

She said she would be playing back-to-back tournaments and after taking part in Nigerian event, she would be flying to Turkey for ITF grade five event being played from April 5.

Ushna said her ultimate dream is to join WTA women circuit next year after producing encouraging results in ITF tournament and to improve her ranking.

“I am doing five hours daily training under the guidance of Rashid Malik to keep myself fit because tennis is a very fast game which demands prime fitness which is only possible by engaging in strenuous court and gym training,” Ushna added.

She said she could play on any court but she found hard courts easier.

The national champion urged the Pakistan Tennis Federation to give exposure and experience to young players by ensuring their participation abroad.

“Tennis players have lesser opportunities to sharpen their skills as playing tournaments abroad is always an expensive venture and the PTF should sponsor such trips.”

Ushna was of the view that less girls are taking up tennis as a sport because they did not get ample chance to explore their talent.

“Individual efforts on part of parents to send their children aborad is the only way to get high-profile experience,” she asserted.

“I have set my goals in tennis and I am confident to be in top 100 in near future and then to make my mark in a positive manner in WTA events worldwide,” she said.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Increased T20 Match Fee and Offered Bonus, as Well, to Boost The Player's Morale Before T20 World Cup

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board, in an apparent bid to boost the players` morale before they defend the Twenty20 World Cup title in the West Indies, has increased their match fees and offered them bonus as well.

In the new central contracts awarded to the players, the Board has increased the match fees of all the three categories for the 20-over format.

"The Board has not increased the match fees for Test or one-day internationals that remain the same as last year," one source in the PCB said.

The match fees for T20 matches has been increased for `A` category players from Rs 150,000 to 250,000, for `B` category players from Rs 100,000 to 200,000 and for `C` category from Rs 75,000 to 150,000.

The match fees for Tests and ODIs remain the same, which are for `A` category Rs 350,000 and 300,000, for `B` category Rs 300,000 and 250,000 and for `C` category Rs 250,000 and 200,000 respectively.

The Twenty20 World Cup will commence from April 30.

The Board has also offered other financial incentives to players including a bonus of 300 per cent of their total match fees for winning an ICC event, 200 per cent bonus for winning a one-day or Test series against India or any top-four team.

The Board has also introduced individual incentives like a prize of Rs 100,000 for a run out, or a bonus of Rs 300,000 for scoring a Test century and 500,000 for making a double hundred.

Game Should Be Priority Over Money for The Players - - Chief Selector of Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Hasan Khan

The newly-designated chief selector of Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Hasan Khan urged cricketers to give priority to their game over money.

He said that the appointment of the skipper for T20 World Cup was in line with his recommendations.

Moshin was addressing in a gathering of Cricket Association in Karachi, where he said that all the cricket stars should try their level best to outperform in the game and win the hearts of the Pakistani fans. He added that the young Pakistani cricketers are fully capable they just need to review their priorities.

Moshin hinted that the performance of the team is linked with the fitness and discipline of the players.

The Provincial Sports Minister Dr Muhammad Ali Shah and officials of Karachi Cricket Associations were also present during the gathering.

ICC World Twenty20, West Indies 2010 - - World Cup Schedule and Fixtures

ICC T20 World Cup 2010 will be held in the West Indies from 30 April to 16 May 2010. People are searching for T20 World Cup Schedule & Twenty20 World Cup Fixtures and Selection. So here is a details the Schedule of 2010 Twenty20 World Cup.

Fixtures and Schedule: The three countries in West Indies will be hosting the competition on 2010. Guyana, St. Lucia and Barbados will be hosting all the total of 27 matches. The series will be played in same format as in 2009 T20 World Cup.

The finals on May 16 2010 will be hosted by Barbados. Here is the complete fixtures and schedule of T20 World Cup 2010:

Group Division:

Group A: Pakistan (A1), Bangladesh (A2), Australia

Group B: Sri Lanka (B1), New Zealand (B2), Zimbabwe

Group C: South Africa (C1), India (C2), Qualifier One

Group D: West Indies (D1), England (D2), Qualifier Two

According to worldoftimepass‘ ICC 2010 Worldcup Twenty20 Schedule:

Fri 30: 1st Match, Group D – West Indies v TBC
Providence Stadium, Guyana

Fri 30 : 2nd Match, Group B – Sri Lanka v New Zealand
Providence Stadium, Guyana

May-2010

Sat 01 : 3rd Match, Group C – India v TBC
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Sat 01 : 4th Match, Group A – Pakistan v Bangladesh
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Sat 01 : 5th Match, Group D – England v TBC
Providence Stadium, Guyana

Sun 02 : 8th Match, Group B – New Zealand v Zimbabwe
Providence Stadium, Guyana

Sun 02 : 7th Match, Group A – Pakistan v Australia
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Sun 02 : 6th Match, Group C – India v South Africa
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Mon 03 : 9th Match, Group D – West Indies v England
Providence Stadium, Guyana

Mon 03 : 10th Match, Group B – Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka
Providence Stadium, Guyana

Tue 04 : 11th Match, Group C – South Africa v TBC
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Tue 04 : 12th Match, Group A – Australia v Bangladesh
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Thu 06 : 14th Match – C1 v B2
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Thu 06 : 13th Match – A1 v D2
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Fri 07 : 15th Match – A2 v C2
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Fri 07 : 16th Match – B1 v D1
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Sat 08 : 17th Match – C1 v D2
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Sat 08 : 18th Match – A1 v B2
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Sun 09 : 19th Match – C2 v D1
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Sun 09 : 20th Match – B1 v A2
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Mon 10 : 22nd Match – A1 v C1
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Mon 10 : 21st Match – B2 v D2
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Tue 11 : 23rd Match – B1 v C2
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Tue 11 : 24th Match – D1 v A2
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Thu 13 : 1st Semi-Final – TBC v TBC
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Fri 14 : 2nd Semi-Final – TBC v TBC
Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

Sun 16 : The Final – TBC v TBC
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

"Great Game" of Pakistan Cricket to Earn 'Captaincy' - - Role of Politics in Cricket

One evening I was watching the highlights of the last 20/20 world cup where Pakistan miraculously snatched the victory against all odds.

It was a triumph for the whole nation and an iron hand reply to all those who wanted to prove us as a nation of corrupt politicos, extremists who only knew the art of gun shooting and terrorists who are expert in blowing themselves up. After the ubiquitous ban by all the nations to come to Pakistan to play cricket and lobbying by IPL to keep Pakistani players out of cricket; our heroes were still able to hold water.

Still mesmerised by these magical nostalgic feelings, I changed the channel. There I found the pundits of cricket scrutinising the current report by PCB highlighting “The new great game” being played in the dressing room among the players.

Traditionally such a game is not new to our cricket. We have witnessed it in many forms in the 90’s as well, amongst the great Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Amir Sohail and others.

This time it has mutated into its most deadly form and the number of players in this “Great Game” have exploded.

The prize is the prestigious crown of “Captaincy”. The only good thing about this crown is that it is not hereditary.

In a debate among the youth activists of Pakistan Youth Alliance, Husham Ahmed said, “We don’t have a democratic culture. The politics is meant for politicians and not military dictators.” I found it quite ironic that leaving the military aside; our cricket players have perfected this art.

Although there is nothing strange about it considering the fact that we find well trained politicians everywhere in Pakistan including government offices, religious institutions, educational institutions and even health care facilities.

The guru of cricket conspiracy theories, Mr.Sarfaraz Nawaz, was ready as always to pounce at the opportunity. He took the role of fortune teller by saying that he had already predicted such catastrophic events. While others were considering the recent series loss in Australia and the accusations of match fixing and player politics as the lowest ebb of Pakistan cricket, I considered it as a blessing in disguise. There is no denying that the harsh steps taken by PCB at the brink of the 20/20 World Cup greatly upset the whole nation.

Pakistan T20 Captain Shahid Afridi Demanded The Inclusion of Mohammad Sami and Shahzaib Hasan in Final Squad for West Indies

LAHORE: Shahid Afridi was not happy with the composition of the Pakistan squad for the World T20 Championships in the West Indies, as the skipper said had the selectors asked his opinion he would have insisted for the inclusion of Mohammad Sami and Shahzaib Hasan.

''I would have suggested fast bowler Mohamamd Sami and opening batsman Shahzaib Hasan,'' said Afridi, adding that there are four to five players who can play a vital roles for the team.

He, however, played down Imran Nazir's inclusion in the squad and said he failed to impress during the domestic Twenty20 Cup.

''I had closely observed his last match (against Faisalabad Wolves in the Final of RBS T20 Cup) but he again botched to find runs,'' Afridi said.

Nazir could only score 54 with an average of 13.50 in the recently concluded national Twenty20 cup.

''I wished Sami and Shahzaib, who were outstanding (in the RBS T20), should have been in the squad. However, the selectors automatically picked up my third likely player (Mohammad) Hafeez,'' he added.

Afridi was also upset as the squad was named without an input from the captain, which even forced the captain to meet the selector and coach ''who revealed that PCB chairman Ijaz Butt assured them to have captain's say next time''.

''I talked to Mohsin Khan (Chief Selector) and Waqar Younis (Coach) and discussed about the team (15-man squad), they said next time captain's input will be considered prior to the team's announcement,'' Afridi said.

Ron Hamence: The Oldest Test Cap - - Dies in Adelaide at The Age of 94

Hamence, who toured England with Sir Donald Bradman's legendary 1948 team without playing a Test, died at a nursing home in Adelaide on Wednesday night. He was 94.

"He was a lovely man with a great sense of humour," Denis Brien, cricket historian and president of Hamence's West Torrens club, said

Brien said Hamence suffered badly from arthritis in later life, but nursed his wife Nora until she died four years ago.

Hamence is survived by a daughter, Lynette Hallett.

Hamence, born in November 1915, while Australian soldiers were still at Gallipoli, never drove a car in his life.

He was an attacking batsman with brilliant footwork against slow bowlers.

"He once said he used to imagine there was no wicketkeeper, and that he and the bowler were the only two in the game," Brien said.

Hamence made his debut against England in 1947 and played three Tests, with a top score of 30 not out. He had the distinction of making a century in his first and last first-class matches for South Australia.

His death leaves Sam Loxton, 88, Arthur Morris, 88, and Neil Harvey, 81, as the only survivors of the team that toured England undefeated to mark the end of Bradman's career.

New Zealand Golfers Cecilia Cho and Ben Campbell Through to Quarterfinals at the Australian Amateur Championships in Perth

New Zealand golfers Cecilia Cho and Ben Campbell have advanced to the quarterfinals at the Australian amateur championships in Perth.

Aucklander Cho, who won the strokeplay honours last weekend, had a tough fight to dispose of Perth's Angie Yang 2 and 1 after the players returned to the course today after weather forced a suspension to play yesterday at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

Cho went ahead early and held her narrow advantage to edge her way through to the quarterfinals where she will meet Tasmania's Ashlee Dewhurst.

Campbell, of Masterton, had this morning off after he won his second round match 5 and 4 over Brody Ninyette, of Western Australia, yesterday.

He will meet Victorian Kieran Pratt in the quarterfinals.

Tauranga's Andrew Stewart bowed out when he was beaten by Taiwan's Chen Yao Hung 5 and 4.

New Zealand to Take on Chile in the Course of Preparations for 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

WELLINGTON — New Zealand will play Chile in a training match in the lead up to their opening match in the World Cup in South Africa in June.

The game on June 9 -- six days ahead of New Zealand's World Cup opener against Slovakia -- would likely be played behind closed doors in three 30 minute spells, New Zealand Football said Tuesday.

"I think we?ve got some really good fixtures lined up leading into our arrival in South Africa so something a bit more informal will be an ideal opportunity to finalise our build-up," New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said.

"We may tinker with positions and personnel, but we aim to be heading into the opening game against Slovakia with all those bases covered and players fully aware of what they need to do."

New Zealand Football also said New Zealand and Australian players will go into a camp from April 28 to May 10 before the final World Cup squad of 23 is named.

The All Whites, who have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1982, will play friendlies against Australia, Serbia and Slovenia in late May and early June on the way to South Africa.

Australia New Zealand Series - - Black Cap's Captain Daniel Vettori Demands Significant Improvement

Daniel Vettori has experienced a strong sense of déjà vu over the past five days. A first-innings team failure, an admirable but futile second-innings fight and a heavy reliance on the lower-order batting have been recurring features of New Zealand's Test play over the past few years. But despite being bundled out for 157 and being made to follow-on, Vettori is not convinced bolstering the batting for the second Test in Hamilton would make any difference.

"I think it needs a run-scoring extra batsman," Vettori said when asked if the team needed another specialist. "It's all well and good to pick someone. Most of our runs came from Brendon [McCullum] and myself, so if we brought another batsman in it would just push us down. Whether that is the right answer or not, I'm not sure."

He has a point. Apart from the 83 from Tim McIntosh in the second innings, there weren't many contributions of note from the top five in the ten-wicket defeat. Peter Ingram will be under pressure to hold his place after making 5 and 1, BJ Watling's second-day golden duck was followed by an unconvincing 33, and Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill made middling contributions without really having an impact.

New Zealand will choose their squad for the second Test on Wednesday and it is unclear if the balance of the side will be altered. Batting at No. 6, Vettori made 46 and 77 while McCullum scored 24 and 104, but it is first-innings runs that New Zealand need to find.

However, a strong bowling line-up is just as important for a team that took only five wickets for the match. "We obviously need to lift a lot, particularly our first-innings efforts," Vettori said. "We fought hard in that second innings but we need to show more penetration with the ball in that first innings and then stand up a bit more with the bat.

"It's been a trait of ours, particularly at the Basin, to get bowled out cheaply in the first innings and then fight pretty hard in the second. We can't afford to do that. We can't afford to be on the back foot at any stage against Australia in Hamilton."

The challenge is replicating the effort that New Zealand displayed on the weather-affected fourth day, when they lost only one wicket and pushed themselves into a strong position to save the match. The same fight could not be repeated on the fifth morning and they lost their last four wickets for 19 runs, allowing Australia a comfortable chase of 106.

"The fourth day was obviously our best day of the Test match," Vettori said. "It's something that we need to replicate over the whole five days to give ourselves a chance against Australia. Unfortunately we weren't able to build that pressure for long enough. After what we did yesterday it was a little bit disappointing to front up today and lose quick wickets. We wanted to bat for a long period of time but that's the nature of the game."

The key wicket was that of McCullum, who began the day on 94 and required only three balls to bring up his fifth Test century. In the fourth over McCullum edged to slip and was disappointed not to go on and bat New Zealand into a better position.

"I was pleased with how I was able to adjust my game from the way I played in the first innings and to try and give us an opportunity to put a partnership on with Dan and then Daryl [Tuffey] as well," McCullum said. "Against a very good team it rates as my best Test century. But when you lose a game it doesn't quite have the same feeling."

IPL-3: Mumbai Indians Vs. Delhi Daredevils - - Scahin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indian Tasted Clinical Victory; Scintillating Knock by Saurabh Tiwary

A packed theatre greeted the players and the celebrated actors did not fail to perform. But only in the first half!

It was a night of unbridled entertainment as long as Sachin Tendulkar was at the centre of the show. His innings, not to forget the smart work by Saurabh Tiwary, set the trend and Mumbai Indians ended a clear winner by 98 runs against Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

Hopelessly placed

The margin of victory was big mainly because Delhi Daredevils lacked the initial punch. Virender Sehwag and Tillakaratne Dilshan did not quite measure up to the task and the injury to Gautam Gambhir meant the home team was hopelessly placed even before the second half of the contest was ten overs old. The Delhi skipper had limped off with a suspected hamstring injury early in the game.

The pitch at the Ferozeshah Kotla was ideal and the fare exciting. It had to be with Tendulkar excelling as is his wont. He walked in and walked out to a thunderous ovation, matching his young partners when snatching the ones and twos. It was some sight to see the maestro scamper a third run at the danger end; he indeed was enjoying his stint.

The quality that Tendulkar brought to his batting marked the character of the Mumbai Indians innings after being put in. It was a challenge that was accepted in a belligerent manner and Delhi struggled to stay in the game despite the cheap dismissal of Sanath Jayasuriya.

Tiwary scintillates

Tiwary, his rock star appearance a huge hit with the spectators, won their hearts too with his flowing strokeplay. The Jharkhand left-hander backed himself to often hit through the line. His unflinching desire to live up to the nice words that Tendulkar had to say about him the other day enabled the lanky batsman to make the most of the situation and leave his mark.

Tiwary did not just swing his bat. He used it quite purposefully, learning his lessons very well from Tendulkar at the other end. There was a distinct method in Tendulkar's scoring. His shots were controlled, as seen in a steer that he produced with a deft trademark touch.

He chose not to slog and sent the right message to Tiwary, who was impressive all the way. A cameo by Ambati Rayudu was a pleasant reminder of the Hyderabad cricketer's ability to play shots even off good deliveries.

The match was a huge disappointment for the house as Delhi capitulated to suffer its first defeat in three matches. Mumbai Indians reinforced the growing belief that it will be the team to watch in this edition of the IPL.

The scores:

Mumbai Indians: S. Jayasuriya c (sub) Nagar b Maharoof 7 (10b, 1x4), S. Tendulkar c (sub) Nagar b Mishra 63 (32b, 11x4), A. Tare b Sangwan 17 (10b, 2x6), S. Tiwary (run out) 61 (37b, 4x4, 3x6), A. Rayudu c Dilshan b Maharoof 34 (21b, 1x4, 3x6); K. Pollard st. Karthik b Ladda 10 (8b, 2x4), D. Bravo c Manhas b Ladda 9 (4b, 1x6), R. Sathish (not out) 0, Extras (b-2, lb-2, nb-2, w-11) 17, Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 218.

Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-74, 3-122, 4-193, 5-205, 6-214, 7-218.

Delhi Daredevils bowling: Nannes 4-0-35-0, Maharoof 4-0-50-2, Sangwan 4-0-41-1, Ladda 4-0-44-2, Mishra 4-0-44-1.

Delhi Daredevils: T. Dilshan b Malinga 17 (12b, 3x4), V. Sehwag c Rayudu b Bravo 26 (16b, 4x4), A.B. de Villiers b Bravo 11 (11b, 2x4), F. Maharoof st. Tare b Jayasuriya 28 (18b, 2x4, 2x6), D. Karthik st. Tare b Harbhajan 16 (6b, 3x4), M. Manhas c Sathish b Jayasuriya 1 (3b), A. Mishra b Pollard 3 (5b), P. Sangwan (run out) 4 (9b), S. Ladda (not out) 0 (8b), D. Nannes b Harbhajan 3 (11b), G. Gambhir (absent hurt), Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-8) 11, Total (for nine wkts. in 16.3 overs) 120.

Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-56, 3-58, 4-79, 5-80, 6-106, 7-115, 8-116, 9-120.

Mumbai Indians bowling: Zaheer 2-0-20-0, Malinga 2-0-22-1, Bravo 2-0-11-2, Pollard 4-0-24-1, Harbhajan 2.3-0-23-2, Jayasuriya 4-0-17-2.

IPL-3: Royal Challengers Vs. Kings XI Punjab - - Jacques Kallis's Unbeaten 89 Lead RCB to An Emphatic Eight-wicket Victory

BANGALORE: Jacques Kallis's weather-beaten shoulders held aloft Royal Challengers Bangalore's hopes in a winning cause against Kings XI Punjab in their DLF Indian Premier League match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Tuesday.

The South African's unbeaten 89 (57b, 8x4, 5x6) helped RCB register an emphatic eight-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.

Replying to Kings XI's 203 for three, RCB's breathless chase finished fruitfully at 204 for two in 18.5 overs with Kallis being the corner-stone.

The young duo of Manish Pandey (38) and Robin Uthappa (51, 20b, 4x4, 4x6) played blistering support.

Racy start

The chase commenced with rapid intent as Kallis and Pandey helped the score gallop to 74 for one in 8.1 overs.

Pandey miscued a hoick against Piyush Chawla but Uthappa hurtled at break-neck speed, pummelling Sreesanth for 25 runs in the 13th over to keep the target within reach.

The final flourish rightly belonged to Kallis as he plundered 22 runs in the 18th over bowled by Bipul Sharma

In the end, the home crowd had an Ugadi festival to remember.

Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara's decision to bat evoked strong support from the contrasting blades of openers Manvinder Bisla and Ravi Bopara.

Bisla (76, 52b, 6x4, 5x6) remained belligerent, while Bopara (77, 49b, 9x4) played second fiddle initially in a 129-run partnership off 14.1 overs.

Kallis was dismissed with clouts over backward point. And with a gambler's instinct, Bisla waded into the rest.

Anil Kumble kept swapping his errant bowlers but found the breakthrough elusive.

Kumble's woes worsened as Bopara drilled two drives into his right wrist and then hoisted a six.

Bopara then slapped Steyn down the ground while a tiring Bisla holed out against Kallis.

Yuvraj did not last long but Bopara cut loose, tucking into Praveen Kumar with zest.

Mahela Jayawardene (26 not out) amplified his aggression while the visitor reached a total that, however, failed to stymie RCB's hopes which soared high along with Kallis.

The scores:

Kings XI Punjab: R. Bopara c Kumble b Praveen 77 (49b, 9x4, 2x6), M.Bisla c Morgan b Kallis 76 (52b, 6x4, 5x6), Yuvraj c Morgan b Steyn 9 (6b, 1x4), M. Jayawardene (not out) 26 (13b, 3x4, 1x6), I. Pathan (not out) 3 (1b); Extras (b-1, lb-1, nb-1, w-9): 12. Total (for three wkts. in 20 overs): 203.

Fall of wickets: 1-129, 2-141, 3-194.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling: Praveen 4-0-43-1, Steyn 4-0-36-1,Kallis 4-0-39-1, Kumble 4-0-40-0, Vinay 2-0-19-0, Kohli 2-0-24-0.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: M. Pandey c Pathan b Chawla 38 (25b, 2x4,3x6), J. Kallis (not out) 89 (57b, 8x4, 5x6), R. Uthappa c Kaif b Bipul 51 (20b, 4x4, 4x6), V. Kohli (not out) 16 (12b, 1x4, 1x6); Extras (lb-1, nb-5, w-4): 10. Total (for two wkts. in 18.5 overs): 204.

Fall of wickets: 1-74, 2-143.

Kings XI Punjab bowling: Pathan 3-0-33-0, Sreesanth 3-0-42-0, Abdulla 2.5-0-36-0, Chawla 3-0-20-1, Yuvraj 2-0-18-0, Bipul 3-0-37-1, Bopara 2-0-17-0 .

England Going to Miss The David Beckham's Presence in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

The England squad is going to miss David Beckham, out at least six months due to surgery on his torn Achilles' tendon. They'll miss his deadly crosses and bending free kicks, but only in marginal sense, as he was not pegged to be a starter. His absence will be felt more on the spiritual end.

For all of his wealth, celebrity lifestyle and flair, Beckham is one of the most dedicated athletes in the sport, a team player of great pride and humility. This would have been his fourth World Cup, and he played 115 games for England (17 goals) over a brilliant career. Coach Fabio Capello was counting on the 34-year-old veteran to soothe the tensions surrounding John Terry, whose well-publicized philandering not only cost Terry a friendship with teammate Wayne Bridge, but forced Bridge's bitter withdrawal from the team.

Character, to say the least, is not England's strong suit just now. The London press has detailed countless indiscretions tainting the team's reputation, and Beckham has always relished the leadership role. He has no logical successors on that front.

-- So who replaces Beckham on the field? The team has plenty of depth among right-wing midfielders, although top candidate Aaron Lennon (Tottenham) has been out two months with a groin injury. The other choices would appear to be Theo Walcott (Arsenal) and Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), and while none of the three has Beckham's experience or free-kick genius, all have a distinct edge on a healthy Beckham when it comes to speed and quickness.

-- Bridge was in line to start for England in place of Ashley Cole, who fractured his left ankle against Everton in early February. There are conflicting reports as to whether Cole will be fit to play a World Cup, and no decision can be made until he gets back in the Chelsea lineup.

-- Beckham's absence hardly dampens the team's star power - not if you've been following action in the Premier League. Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Peter Crouch (if he makes the team as a striker) and the spectacular Wayne Rooney are among the most watchable stars in the world.

-- Michael Owen is best remembered for his astonishing goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, and he remains one of the most captivating players abroad. Three months ago, he scored a hat trick for Manchester United in a Champions league game against Wolfsburg, putting him right in the World Cup mix. But Owen recently went down with a serious hamstring injury in a Premier League game against Aston Villa, ruling him out of the tournament.

-- For the first time in his career, Landon Donovan might feel slightly out of place in Major League Soccer. He flew home to rejoin the L.A. Galaxy last weekend after two months of excellence with Everton of the Premier League, a stint so successful that the team's fans expressed great regret over his departure.

Donovan has played in Europe before, without making any kind of impact, but it was different this time. He had electrifying performances in Everton's wins over Chelsea and Manchester United, prompting chants of "U.S.A.!" and "Keep Donovan at Everton!"

As Donovan told the New York Times, "I wasn't ready technically, tactically, mentally or physically" in previous tours of Europe. "I made sure I knew what I was getting into with Everton. I did a lot of preparation in the weeks leading up to it."

Donovan became so engaged in big-time soccer, he requested an extension with Everton until April 15, but Galaxy manager Bruce Arena insisted that he return in time for L.A.'s season opener March 27.

-- Last summer, Beckham and Donovan were feuding over remarks Donovan had made in a book. They patched things up, and if Beckham can recover within six months, he can rejoin the Galaxy in time for their final games of the season.

In truth, both men should have bigger things in mind. The MLS needs to build its reputation on exciting, up-and-coming stars, not the aging Beckham or the value of his jersey in sporting-goods stores. If he has any chance of playing again, he should focus on his European club, AC Milan. As for Donovan, who now knows the thrill of being loved and respected on the highest stage, it's time to find a permanent place in the Premier League.

IPL-3: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - - 55-Runs Victory For Dhoni's CSK Against KKR Will Direct Them to Winning Ways

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) snapped Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) winning streak with a comfortable 55-run victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL-3) at the Eden Gardens here on Tuesday.

The thumping victory can be attributed to CSK's better planning, ruthless execution and above all an insatiable hunger to return to winning ways.

A large part of the credit should go to Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inspiring leadership. Having batted excellently to take his team to a position of strength, Dhoni made sure his bowlers routed KKR in front of its home crowd. He was rightly chosen Man of the Match.

Early damage

KKR had nothing to offer when faced with a target of 165. It lost Brad Hodge when the innings was just two balls old. The Aussie fell pulling Albie Morkel for no score. After Manoj Tiwary had fallen in the next over to Manpreet Gony, Sourav Ganguly and Wriddhiman Saha tried to repair the damage.

But Saha's departure left KKR in tatters. It just could not recover from the situation and folded up for 109 in 19.2 overs. The best partnership (25 runs, 31 balls) was produced by the last pair of Murali Kartik and Ishant Sharma.

Earlier, CSK decided to bat on a pitch that lacked pace or bounce.

Yet Shane Bond, given his first match, worked up good pace to rattle Murali Vijay but the opener withstood the test.

The early departure of Matthew Hayden did not deter the second-wicket pair of Vijay and Suresh Raina and the two added 37 runs off 33 balls.

When Laxmi Ratan Shukla clean bowled Vijay for 33 (26b, 5x4), with the team's total at 53, and Raina fell two runs later, it seemed that KKR had the game under control.

Scintillating shots

Dhoni then joined S. Badrinath and the two produced some scintillating strokes to not only halt KKR in its tracks but also take CSK to a total which looked like a big target to chase.

Dhoni paced his innings superbly. His splendid 66 (33b, 6x4, 3x6) and Badrinath's 43 (33b, 3x4, 1x6) proved decisive in the end. The two put on an unbroken 109-run partnership off just 55 balls.

KKR's last five overs cost the team a whopping 68 runs with Ishant Sharma's last over producing 16 runs.

The scores: Chennai Super Kings: M. Vijay b Shukla 33 (26b, 5 x 4), M. Hayden b Ishant 1 (8b), S. Raina b Hodge 18 (20b, 2 x 4), S. Badrinath (not out) 43 (33b, 3 x 4, 1 x 6), M.S. Dhoni (not out) 66 (33b, 6 x 4, 3 x 6); Extras (lb-2, w-1): 3. Total (for three wkts. in 20 overs): 164.

Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-53, 3-55.

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling: Bond 4-0-33-0, Ishant 4-0-38-1, Mathews 3-0-29-0, Shukla 4-0-37-1, Kartik 4-0-21-0, Hodge 1-0-4-1.

Kolkata Knight Riders: B. Hodge c Ashwin b Morkel 0 (2b), M. Tiwary b Gony 8 (3b, 2 x 4), S. Ganguly c Morkel b Kemp 11 (20b, 1 x 4), W. Saha b Balaji 22 (13, 5 x 4), O. Shah c Dhoni b Balaji 5 (4b, 1 x 4), A. Mathews lbw b Kemp 6 (13b), L.R. Shukla c Morkel b Muralitharan 19 (16b 3 x 4), R. Gavaskar c Vijay b Kemp 2 (8b), S. Bond b Ashwin 1 (2b), M. Kartik (run out) 21 (20b, 2 x 4), Ishant (not out) 6 (15b); Extras (lb-5, w-3): 8. Total (in 19.2 overs): 109.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-8, 3-34, 4-46, 5-55, 6-69, 7-79, 8-82, 9-84.

Chennai Super Kings bowling: Morkel 2-1-6-1, Gony 3-0-33-1, Balaji 2.2-0-9-2, Muralitharan 4-0-16-1, Kemp 3-0-12-3, Ashwin 4-0-22-1, Raina 1-0-6-0.

Muhammad Abbas to Represent Pakistan in Asian Winter Games and South Asian Winter Games - - Announced by Mussarat Ali, Secretary SFP

ISLAMABAD – Secretary Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP), Mussarat Ali announced on Tuesday that Muhammad Abbass would compete in the Asian Winter Games and South Asian Winter Games this year 2010 and federation would fully support him for upcoming international ski showpieces.



While addressing a press conference at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Officers Mess along with Mohammad Abbas, he said he would be given full training facilities at home as well as at abroad. “We are trying our best to prepare him for the Winter Olympic Games 2014, “he said.
He said that Abbas participated in Giant Slalom event of the Vancouver Winter Olympic that were held from February 12 to 28 in Canada.

As many as 103 athletes from 60 nations featured in the event. However, Abbas surprised the spectators as he completed the race in good time and stood 79th in the event leaving behind many athletes hailing from European countries besides the skier from India.

Mussarat further said that president SFP Air Marshal Hifazat Ullah Khan was keen to promote this game in the country. “To prepare our skiers for Alpine, Cross Country and Biathlon teams, his directives are followed. President SFP has also constituted a committee for expansion of Naltar Ski Slope and installation of a chairlift,” he said.

Abbass said on this occasion that he was satisfied with his performance in the Winter Games competition. “It was great honour for me to represent Pakistan in the mega event of the world. However, I will toil hard to achieve good results in the forth coming international events, “he hoped.

He said that at his hometown Naltar he had low facilities to get international standard. “The PAF is supporting me well and a facilities will be created in Naltar for upcoming local skiers. Now, PAF is doing work to make an international standard slop at Malam Jaba and Naltar,” he added.