Photos and Video: Gayle and party having fun after semi-final win over Australia

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - The brutal left-hander Chris Gayle smashed a blistering unbeaten 75 off just 41 balls and played a key role in a crushing 74-run victory over a listless Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. Gayle hit five fours and half a dozen of towering sixes as West Indies made a mockery of Aussie attack.

Chris Gayle and party having fun after semi-final win over Australia

Gayle not only performed with the bat, but also amused his team mates and cricket fans with his unique "Gangnam Style" dance after his team reaches in maiden final of ICC World Twenty20 the other night, beating mighty Australian by a huge margin.

Chris Gayle and party having fun after semi-final win over Australia

Throughout the ongoing tournament Gayle has been doing his own version of a wacky dance from worldwide sensation for South Korean musician Park Jae-Sang.

Last night Gayle used it to celebrate in his own unique style.

“It just happens, to be honest, it wasn't really planned,” Gayle said after last night’s victory.

“That's me, it depends what type of mood I'm in. I'll just do something crazy and it's a good dance, everyone enjoys it.” 

See more photos below, before jumping to the video of the Caribbean party:

Chris Gayle and party having fun after semi-final win over Australia

Chris Gayle and party having fun after semi-final win over Australia

Chris Gayle and party having fun after semi-final win over Australia

 

Watch Gayle and party having fun after the match:

 

West Indies will now meet unbeaten hosts Sri Lanka tomorrow (SUNDAY).

Watch full match highlights below:

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Pakistan reaches the semi-finals of ICC World Twenty20

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Tuesday, Oct. ) - The last Super Eight Round match between India and South Africa was still under process; when Pakistan sails through to the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20, as soon as South Africa gone past 121. 

Pakistan reaches the semi-finals of ICC World Twenty20

Faf du Plessis played an impressive knock of 65 off 38 balls. Although South Africa loses by 1 run but their brave effort gives lifeline to Pakistan, who were put on the edge by India thrashing them comprehensively this Sunday. 

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2012 ICC World Twenty20 to be kicked off tomorrow (Schedule and Details)

The 2012 ICC World Twenty20 will be the fourth ICC World Twenty20 competition, an international Twenty20 cricket tournament that will be held in Sri Lanka between September 18 and October 7, 2012. The schedule The schedule has been posted by ICC. This will be the first World Twenty20 tournament held in an Asian country, the last three being held in South Africa, England and the West Indies respectively.

 

2012 ICC World Twenty20 to be kicked off tomorrow (Schedule and Details)

Twelve (12) teams are going to fight out their hearts in the latest edition of the ICC World T20. The teams include Sri Lanka (the host), Zimbabwe, Australia, Ireland, Afghanistan, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, West Indies, Pakistan and England.

Teams are divided into four groups for the initial round as follows:

Group A – England, India, Afghanistan
Group B – Australia, West Indies, Ireland
Group C – Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Group D – Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh

After the intial round two tema from each group will qualify for the second round - Super Eight (Super 8, S8 round) and two groups will be formed having 4 teams in each group.

 

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Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis led KKR through to the title of IPL 2012

CHENNAI, India (Mon, May 28) – Gambhir-led spirited Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerges as the champions in the fifth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) after thrashing the two0time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 5 wicket on their home ground on Sunday night.

Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis led KKR through to the title of IPL 2012

A once-in-a-lifetime innings of 89 off just 48 balls by Himachal Pradesh Ranji player Manvinder Bisla and an equally stirring 49-ball 69 by Jacques Kallis guided the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise to the title with a five-wicket win in the final.

Chasing a daunting task of 191 KKR lost their skipper and inform batsman in very first over of their innings’ but no body knows that it will be all-Bisla show later on, who was gracefully supported by veteran Jacques Kallis to lead their team to first ever IPL title.  

Manvinder Bisla took the charge after Gambhit fell to an in-cutter of Ben Hilfenhaus on the last ball of the first over. Bisla played an extraordinary innings to keep the required run rate under control at any point of time during their batting. He was very well supported by experienced Kallis. 

Continue reading and watch the photos of winning moments for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

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Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Narine Hold the Key if Kolkata (KKR) Want to be IPL Champ in 2012

CHENNAI, India (Sun, May 27) – The grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2012) is just hours away now and speculations, match previews and experts’ analysis are pouring on. 

Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Narine Hold the Key if Kolkata (KKR) Want to be IPL Champ in 2012

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) qualified in third consecutive IPL final beating Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Daredevils (DD) in ‘eliminator’ and second qualifier respectively. They produced extraordinary performances in both of these matches which hugely contrast their lethargic approach on the league stages, which led them on the brink of early elimination but Bangalore’s upset defeat in the hands of Deccan Chargers (DC) proved a lifeline for Chennai.

Chennai didn’t look back since then and bashed Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils to make their way into the grand finale and proved that they have the “X-Factor” for the big occasion.

History and the recent momentum of the Chennai Super Kings definitely points toward CSK’s victory that would not only seal a hat-trick of triumphs, but would also end a fairytale script – one that saw them in a precarious position, banking on other results for qualification into the play-offs. On the field of play, they will face the inspired Kolkata Knight Riders, who would do everything to stand between the home side and history.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will definitely rely upon their lethal spin attack led by the second top wicket-taker in this season, Sunil Narine, is tailor-made for this track. The skipper Gautam Gambhir will also have to play his role with the bat and will certainly need a support from veteran Brendon McCullum and Jacques Kallis in both batting and bowling field. Shakib Al Hassan will also be a key if KKR wants to be champion in this season.

Yusuf Pathan has struggled throughout the season and the performance in the first qualifier would do his confidence a world of good.

 Laxmi Ratan Shukla played a crucial knock and supported Pathan brilliantly. The duo would have to perform similar roles in the final and go for the kill when they get a bat.

 In case Gambhir gets out early, they may have to take on more responsibility as Kallis and McCullum aren’t in their best nick. Debabrata Das would also be a vital cog in their machinery.

 If one compares the two sides, Chennai are on balance, but Kolkata’s Narine and Gambhir can turn the game in their favor overcoming the ‘X-Factor’ of defending champs.

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Will Wankhede Stadium be no-go area for KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan..??

MUMBAI, India (Fri, May 18) – The owner of Kolkata Knight Riders/Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan may be banned to enter cricket stadium in Mumbai after a brawl with stadium security staff and officials during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Wednesday night.

Shahrukh Khan having spat with security officials at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is scheduled to hold a meeting today (Friday, May 18) to discuss a move to ban Shahrukh Khan from entering Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Vilasrao Deshmukh, the president of MCA, had said earlier that there was a suggestion before the association to ban Mr Khan from entering the stadium. Deshmukh will preside the MCA meeting today to decide on the issue.

 The MCA has indicted Shahrukh Khan of misbehaving during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match against the hosts Mumbai Indians on May 16. MCA officials have also lodged a police complaint against the Shahrukh Khan. 

Shahrukh has defended his actions saying he became angry after the security "manhandled" youngsters, including his own kids, accompanying him. 

Shahrukh Khan clarified his position saying that the stadium officials had been "very rude" to him. 

"They were extremely aggressive. Some of the things they said I don't even want to repeat. And yes I got angry," he told reporters on Thursday. 

Khan further told that he had not watched the match but gone to the stadium to pick up a group of 30 youngsters and his own children who had watched the match. 

Report Tags: Shahrukh Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, IPL, India, Cricket, Mumbai Cricket Association, MCA, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Wankhede Stadium, Kolkata Knight Riders, KKR,

VIDEO: Yuvraj Singh welcomed passionately by his fans at IGI Airport, New Delhi

New Delhi, India (Mon, April 09) – India’s ace cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who underwent three cycles of chemotherapy in USA for a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs, returned to homeland today to a inspiring reception from loving fans.

Yuvi coming out of IGI Airport with his mother Shabnam

Yuvi flew back via British Airways today morning after spending few days in London to recover from the after-effects of the chemotherapy and was received by his mother Shabnam at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Yuvraj back in India after completion of cancer treatment and this is what he tweeted:

"Finally the day has come ! i am going home tomorrow ! cant wait , excited to see my friends and family ..see you India!! mera bharat mahan!"

His head, which went bald during the treatment, was covered by a red sports cap. Wearing a red T-shirt teamed with Khaki pants, Yuvraj made his way through hordes of fans and waiting media personnel after coming out from back gate of the airport.

Flashing a victory sign and a smile, the 30-year-old walked through patiently towards a white Audi SUV, which drove him to his home in North Indian city of Gurgaon from the airport.

"It (the cancer) is completely out of his system and he is better now," a friend who was with him London during the treatment said.

The Man of the Tournament from last year's World Cup, which India won after 28 years, had gone to the United States for treatment in January.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yuvraj-singh-arrives-delhi/1/183571.html

Star Group, owned by Rupert Murdoch, won 6-year deal to broadcast Indian Cricket for whopping Rs 3851 Crore

MUMBAI, India (Mon, Apr 02) – Star TV India has won BCCI deal for domestic TV rights in India. Star Group, owned by Rupert Murdoch, have won the right for a period of about 6 years from 2012-2018 for US$750 million (approximately Rs 3851 crore). The deal also includes internet and mobile rights of 96 matches to be played during this 6-year period.

Star Group, owned by Rupert Murdoch, won 6-year deal to broadcast Indian Cricket for whopping Rs 3851 Crore

The bid will cost US$7.86 million (about 40 crore) per match to Star Group, which is US$1.48 million more than the previous broadcaster – Nimbus, paying US$6.38 per match.

The other major bidder in contention was Sony, which presently owns the rights to broadcast the India Premier League (IPL) matches. The recent bid won by Star Group include all international cricket in India, and domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy.

The BCCI has to issue a new tender after it discontinued its previous contract with Nimbus in December 2011, due to non-payment with respect to contract.

The matter has subsequently been referred for arbitration, with the Bombay High Court ruling that Nimbus must deposit Rs. 305 crores (approx US$60 million) with the court as security for the amount the BCCI claims it is owed by the company. Nimbus has also made a counter-claim of Rs. 600 crores (approx US$118 million) from the board.

The production rights, which were with Nimbus so far, have been scrapped by the BCCI. ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCCI might be thinking of owning the production rights itself instead of giving it to a private party. But a board official also made it clear that Star Group will have a far greater say in editorial matters compared to Nimbus. "They (Star) will not be taking things lying down like Nimbus. They have far greater experience in broadcasting and will want to have a bigger say in editorial matters," the board official told ESPNcricinfo.

The BCCI's marketing committee set the price for category A games at Rs. 31.25 crores per match (approx $6.1 million) plus Rs. 1 crore (approx $0.2 million) while category B games were set at Rs. 34 crores (approx $6.67 million) plus Rs. 1 crore. The contract with Nimbus had a base price of Rs. 31.25 crores (approx $6.1 million) per game for each of the three formats purely for the broadcast rights.

The board did attempt to sell the internet rights separately last year, but the tender found no takers at the initial base price of Rs. 3 crores (approx $0.6 million) or its subsequently reduced price of Rs. 2 crores (approx $0.4 million).

Pak v Ban (Final) -- Would winning momentum help Bangladesh attain Asia Cup glory?

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Thu, Mar. 22) – Spirited Bangladesh will take on Pakistan today in the final showdown of Asia Cup Cricket Tournament 2012, here at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka.

Pak v Ban (Final) -- Would winning momentum help Bangladesh attain Asia Cup glory?

Another interesting fact is that the same outfits played the opening match of the tournament on March 11 and after further 11 days they are again in front of each other for the final face-off.

Although the hosts have lost the league match but they fought bravely and forced Pakistan to run hard for the victory. Now Bangladesh have the required momentum in their favor after thrashing India and Sri Lanka consecutively to reach the final and this is really an alarming situation for Pakistan, running a bit low after crushing defeat in the hands of India.

The most of the cricket gurus think that Bangladesh wouldn’t have had the best chance to win any major cricket tournament other than today. Everything seems to be in their favor like home conditions, home crowd, winning momentum and relatively low-confident opposition.

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Asia Cup Cricket 2012: India need Lankan favor to play the tournament final against Pakistan

DHAKA, Bangladesh (Tue, Mar. 20) – In the final league match of 2012 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament hosts Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka today (Tuesday, March 20) here at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.

Sri Lanka is already out of the tournament; but they have to play for their pride. On the other hand; the thrilling victory of Bangladesh over India on Friday not only prevented the tournament to be meaningless until the final, but it also kept India on the edge even after an exciting win over Pakistan the other day. 

Asia Cup Cricket 2012: Updated Points Table (March 19)

According to latest team positions on points table; India is placed on second spot with eight points and Sri Lanka is on the third spot with four, having one match in the pocket. If Bangladesh manages to produce the same cutthroat performance, as they did against India, they can manage to win the match that will throw India out of the contest once again. 

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