Bangladesh not touring Pakistan

 PCB has termed the reason of security situation as the reason for Bangladesh not touring Pakistan in January, as “inappropriate”.PCB

Commenting on the statement made by BCB Chief Nazmul Hassan that has appeared in media, the spokesman of PCB commented, “Although no official intimation has so far been received by PCB from BCB regarding this, and the decision to tour Pakistan is the sole prerogative of BCB, however, it is inappropriate to call security situation in Pakistan as the main reason behind this decision. A lot of cricket related activity in which many international players has participated in the matches held at Karachi and Rawalpindi has recently taken place in Pakistan successfully and without any security issue whatsoever, which in itself reflects that the atmosphere in Pakistan is congenial for any international team visit to the country.”

Moreover, a team of BCB and Bangladesh government jointly visited Pakistan to ascertain the security situation and they left fully satisfied on the subject. Now it would only be proper for the new president of BCB to read the report submitted by that team or visit Pakistan before making any such comments on the Pakistan’s current situation.

Regarding the comments on PCB releasing the players for Bangladesh leagues, the spokesman said, “Even earlier BCB has agreed to tour Pakistan but was stopped by the Dhaka High Court, which in itself is first ever incident in the history of the sport where a court intervened in the decision taken by two boards. Still PCB not only released its players for the BPL but also supported the nomination of then BCB president Mr. Mustafa Kamal for the position of vice president of ICC. It was because PCB made a commitment and wherever a commitment is made we honour it.”

“Now for the 2013 edition of BPL, we have to see the commitments and engagements of our players before releasing them for the tournament. To associate the release the Pakistani players with Bangladesh tour to Pakistan does not hold any merit.”

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Glenn McGrath to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

The International Cricket Council today announced that former Australia bowler Glenn McGrath will be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame on 4 January 2013 during the lunch interval of the third Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka in Sydney.ICC

McGrath becomes the 68th male member of the Hall of Fame and joins fellow 2012-13 inductees West Indian Brian Lara and England's Enid Bakewell in being recognized by the ICC and the living members of the Hall of Fame.

While Lara and Bakewell were inducted in September at the LG ICC Awards, McGrath will be inducted at his home ground of the SCG. A fourth and final inductee of 2012-13 will be announced next summer.

McGrath, who represented Australia in 124 Test matches between 1993 and 2007 claiming 563 Test wickets at an average of 21.64, and he is still taken more Test wickets than any other seam bowler currently in the game or retired.

He also represented Australia in 250 ODIs, claiming 381 wickets at an average of 22.02 and was part of the Australian side that won three successive ICC Cricket World Cups – 1999, 2003 and 2007 and he still holds the record with the most wickets in ICC Cricket World Cup competitions, with 71 scalps and his figures of 7-15 against Namibia are the best in the competition's history.

McGrath said of the induction: "I am honoured that the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame voting academy, which includes all the current living Hall of Famers, have nominated and voted me to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"I am very much looking forward to celebrating the occasion on 4 January with not only my friends and family, but all those at the SCG which is of course is like a second home to me."

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Remembering Tony Greig

Remembering Tony Greig...Arjuna Ranatunga NDTV  

Murali's controversy

who passed away after losing his battle with lung cancer, Sri Lanka's World Cup winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga said that former England captain and celebrated commentator stood by Sri Lanka when most others did not.

Referring to the controversy over Muttiah Muralitharan's no ball in Australia in 1995 and 1999, Ranatunga said, "He was very forthright in his support over Murali incident."

Ranatunga said Greig, who breathed his last at a hospital in Sydney after being brought in a critical condition, was a great admirer of the island nation.

"Not only was he a great admirer of Sri Lanka cricket, he also loved our country," Ranatunga said, adding cricket world would be poorer without Greig,

Greig's affinity with Sri Lanka dates back to 1973 when he toured the island as a member of the Tony Lewis' England team. He next visited Sri Lanka as England captain in 1977 after beating India 3-1 in the Test series of 1976-77.

The former England captain was made a brand ambassador of Sri Lanka tourism at the end of the conflict with the LTTE.

Ranatunga said that Greig was the first to predict that Sri Lanka would win the World Cup under his leadership in 1996.

The former Lanka skipper, currently an opposition legislator, said that Greig was very frank in his views on the Indian Premier League.

"He (Greig) highlighted the negative aspects of the IPL on international cricket," Ranatunga said.

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Michael Hussey announces retirement...

Mr. Cricket has decided to call time on his international career following the conclusion of Australia’s ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.CRICNEWS

The left-hander’s decision comes as a surprise to many, after the national team lost the services of former skipper Ricky Ponting at the end of the South African series earlier in the month.

The upcoming Sydney Test, which begins from January 3, will be his 79th but unfortunately will also be his last for the Down Under giants. He is expected to carry on playing for his domestic sides, notably Warriors and Perth Scorcher, before making a call at the end of the current season.

"I was quite excited to tell them [his family] this morning that I'm not going to go away and play for Australia anymore. They were happy but not as excited as I thought they were going to be, so it was a bit of a shock," Hussey told Channel Nine. "One thing about playing for Australia is, it's always a lot of stress and a lot of pressure to perform and I feel like I'll come into this Test match [Sydney] with no pressure whatsoever, just go out there and enjoy it."

Commonly known as Mr Cricket, his absence will greatly dent Australia’s aspiration to claim the no.1 Test ranking and regain the Ashes trophy.  The Kangaroos will travel to India in February before touring arch-rivals England in middle of next year.

That further leaves the management with a task to reconstruct the middle-order, which is now expected to have at least one more new name. Phillip Hughes was recently named as Ponting’s permanent replacement in the Test side, and he is likely to be joined by his former New South Wales teammate, Usman Khawaja, who had been included in the squad as a cover for skipper Michael Clarke.

"Michael has had a fine career - he has been a great player, a great team player and has always been a great person, on and off the field," CA chairman Wally Edwards said.

Since making his debut in 2004, the 37-year-old featured in 185 ODIs for his side, scoring 5442 runs at an impressive average of 48.15. In the longer version, his current tally stands at 6138 at 51.52.

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Tony Greig dies......

Cricketing legend Tony Greig has died of lung cancer, the Nine Network has announced.CRICNEWS

The former England Test cricketer turned Channel Nine commentator was 66 and had been diagnosed with the illness just two months ago.
Greig first became aware he had a problem during Australia's one-day series against Pakistan in Dubai in August and September.
Initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, the condition lingered and, by the time of the ICC World Twenty20 that finished in Sri Lanka in October, Greig had tests that revealed a small lesion at the base of his right lung.
On his return to Australia he had fluid removed from the right lung and testing revealed he had lung cancer.
Last month, he spoke to the Channel Nine commentary team, of which he is usually a member, during their coverage of the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane.

Tony Greig.
Greig was candid about the disease.
"It's not good. The truth is I've got lung cancer. Now it's a case of what they can do," Greig said.
He had on operation later that month.
The South Africa-born all-rounder made his Test debut against Australia in 1972 and had a five-year international career including a stint as captain of England.
Greig then enjoyed a long career as a commentator on Channel Nine after being offered the job by Kerry Packer.

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Sachin Tendulkar retires from ODI

Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday announced his retirement from One Day International cricket, finishing his 23-year-long ODI career. 

The Master Blaster retired from the 50-overs cricket after scoring a record-breaking 49 centuries from 463 appearances.

"I have decided to retire from the one-day format of the game," Tendulkar said in a statement  released by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

"I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup winning Indian team [in 2011]," the Mumbai batsman added further.

Since making his ODI debut against Pakistan in December 1989, Tendulkar went on to play 463 matches for his country, amassing a tally of 18426 runs, studded with 96 half centuries and 49 centuries, each of them a world record. His last one-day appearance for India was also against the archrivals Pakistan in Dhaka during the Asia Cup in March, where he scored a half century to help his side register a six-wicket win.

The 39-year-old Indian batting legend, who is the world’s top run getter in one-day cricket, said that he was quitting to allow the Indian selectors to build a team for the next 50-over World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand in early 2015.

"The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early... I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future," he said.

"Winning the World Cup [in 2011] is the proudest moment of my life. ... I couldn't control my tears of joy," added Tendulkar, who was part of the Indian squad that lifted the coveted trophy at his home ground Wankhede Stadium on April 2 last year.

Tendulkar also thanked his fans for their support and love over the years, saying, "I am eternally grateful to all my well-wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years."

Whilst the Indian batting legend has announced his retirement from the ODI format, it remains unclear if he would continue to play Test cricket, where he is also the leading run scorer with a tally of 15,645 runs from 194 matches at an average exceeding 54.

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BPL AUCTION 2013

 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction 

About 150 foreigners went under the hammer for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction Thursday despite a pay row which saw many cricketers not paid their full dues for the first season.

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan hit the jackpot as he went for $365,000, but the amount was nearly half of what Pakistan's Shahid Afridi was sold for when the country launched the Twenty20 tournament in February.

The BPL is the Bangladeshi answer to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which revolutionised cricket when it burst on to the scene in 2008 with a high-octane blend of international stars, Twenty20 matches and celebrity glamour.

Pakistani opener Imran Nazir was sold for the second-highest $280,000 and Afridi for $275,000, while more than a dozen foreigners went for over $100,000, according to Channel 9 which telecast the auction live.

Bangladeshi batsman Nasir Hossain was auctioned off for $208,000 but he cast doubt whether he would be paid the amount.

He was sold last season for $200,000, the highest among local players, but he was still not paid his dues.

The Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) in July threatened to sue the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over unpaid wages by the BPL, calling the situation "a joke".

BPL secretary I.H. Mallick said the authorities would "at any cost" make the second edition successful, adding about 150 foreign players were taking part in the auction.

"We are expecting more big names. They will be sold in a close bid," he said, without mentioning the players.

BCB has set a $1.5 million spending cap for each of the seven teams and forced them to write cheques on Thursday for the players who were sold at a price higher than their tagged rate.

"We're now second only to IPL, but we want to be as good as IPL," Mallick said.

The inaugural edition was also marred by spot-fixing allegations, leading to life ban on a former Bangladeshi cricketer and arrest of a Pakistani national.

The second edition starts next month.

BPL player auction

Dhaka Gladiators

Shakib Al Hassan $365000

Shahid Afridi $275000

Luke Wright $75000

T Dilshan $75000

Owais Shah$75000

L Malinga $175000

Chittagong Kings

Imran Nazir$280000

Mahmudullah$125000

Dwayne Bravo $175000

Sylhet Royals

Mushfiqur Rahim$205000

Andre Russel$115000

Tino Best$75000

Duronto Rajshahi

Tamim Iqbal $165000

Samuels$115000

Barisal

Burners

Saeed Ajmal $115000

Azhar Mahmood $260000

Sunil Narine $75000

Brad Hodge $125000

Khulna Royal Bengals

Shoaib Malik $85000

Rangpur Riders

Fidel Edwards $75000
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Blind Cricket World Cup 2012

First ever World T20 Cricket for the Blind –  1^st to 13^th December Bangalore, India.CriCNews

Teams : Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

The opening ceremony will take place on 1st December while the preliminary phase of the tournament will see India play Australia and England in the two opening matches of the tournament.

The semi-finals will be played on 12th December, with the final on 13th December.

  

What is Blind Cricket ?

Basic Rules

• Players - vision impaired & Totally Blind players.
• Bowled under arm & must bounce at least twice before reaching the batsmen.
• Batsmen may be restricted in the time they can spend at the crease.
• A totally blind bowler uses a caller behind the stumps whilst bowling.

The Ball

The game did not begin with the average red six-stitcher, the first balls were woven out of cane in a basket-weave fashion around a wire frame (the result of the first players being workshop employees). Inside the ball is a piece of lead for weight and four or five bottle tops which make an audible sound when bowled, hit or thrown.

The current balls are woven with nylon tubing and are coloured black to contrast with the white concrete pitch for the benefit of the vision impaired players.

The ball is not completely round and this tends to make the ball kick, bounce, turn sharply and hurt sometimes when hit. This combined with the ability of some bowlers to bowl the ball at a speed in excess of 80 k.p.h. makes the game fast moving and exciting to watch.

Players

The minimum number of players required in each category is,

    B1 players 2. (A totally blind player with no more than light perception)

    B2 players 2. (A poor partially player with less than 2/60 vision)

    B3 players 2. (A partially sighted player with less than 6/60 vision)

A minimum of  7 players per team is required for match to commence.

Note:- A player with for example 2/60 vision sees at 2 metres what a fully sighted person sees at 60 metres.

Batting

During a batting innings there are batsmen at either end.

When a batsman has scored 40 runs (40 over match) they are required to retire. If a batsman exceeds 40 runs by scoring a 4 or 6, this will count towards the batsman score. If there are overs remaining at the end of the innings the retired batsman are allowed to return to the crease in the order they batted.

When a B1 batsman is on strike for the first run off the bat the fielders can only run out the runner attempting a run to the non-striker´s end. If then the batsmen are attempting a second or more runs, the fielders may then attempt to run out either batsman at either end.

When a B2 or B3 batsman is on strike, the fielders may run out the batsman at either end.

When a batsman is on strike either runner is permitted to call.

When a B1 batsman is batting, another B1 player only may stump them. A B1 Batsman must remain in the crease until the bowler calls play.

The batting line up must be rotated between the three categories before the next player in that category may bat. The rotation order will depend on the number of players available in each category.

Bowling

A bowler is permitted to bowl a maximum of 20% of the overs available in an innings.

    Example: A forty over match, a bowler may bowl a maximum of eight overs.

Catching

Category catching

    A B1 fielder may catch the ball after one bounce to dismiss a batsman.

Fielding

During an innings byes, leg byes and over throws will be counted.

The nominated wicket keeper is permitted to bowl and a nominated alternative wicket keeper can replace that person.

At the end of each over the fielding team must bowl from the alternate end.

Wicket keepers must remain in a standing or crouching position until the bowler has called play. This means a wicket keeper cannot be on their knees until the bowler calls play.

Overs

Each innings shall consist of a maximum forty overs. The number of overs may be reduced depending on time allowed.

B1 bowlers must bowl forty percent of the overs to be bowled.

    Example: In a forty over match, B1 bowlers must bowl sixteen overs.

If a fielding team fails to bowl their required number of B1 overs, the fielding team will be penalised by the addition of runs to the batting teams score. The penalty is calculated by multiplying the batting teams run rate by the number of remaining B1 overs.

If in either innings the bowling team fails to complete the required number of overs to be bowled in the allotted time. The team bowling is deducted a quarter of a point after 10 minutes has lapsed after the due completion time and then deducted a quarter of a point for every 10 minutes or part thereof required to complete the remaining overs. The additional time taken to complete the first innings will be deducted from the change of innings break. This does not count if the team batting first is dismissed in less than the allotted time or overs.

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Sachin Tendulkar’s FUTURE .???

Gavaskar feels selectors should discuss Sachin’s future with him INDNews

Sachin Tendulkar’s unimpressive show in the ongoing Test series against England reignited the debate over his retirement, with the former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar saying that the BCCI selectors should speak to the Little Maestro about his future plans.

"This little period of lack of runs or lack of half centuries will give the critics chance to ask questions," Gavaskar said while speaking to media reporters after Monty Panesar dismissed Tendulkar for 8 twice in the Mumbai Test. "At the end of the day, it is the selectors who will take the call. I think the selectors will probably have a word with Tendulkar about what his future plans are and then take a call," he added further.

The veteran Indian batsman, who is just eight matches short of setting a new record of double century of Tests, has had a struggling year so far. After starting 2012 with 41 and 80 in a heavy crushing in Sydney, the Maharashtra star has had a year to forget. Post-Sydney, the 39-year-old right-handed batsman has played ten innings scoring just 153 runs at an average of 15.3, the lowest by an Indian top-order batsman in the corresponding period.

His last three digit score in Tests came in January 2011 against South Africa. In the ongoing four-match Test series against England, the Indian batting prodigy has scored just 29 runs in three innings.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla has played down questions over Sachin’s retirement saying the veteran has got a colossal record behind him and one should not judge his performance based on a couple of poor performances.

While speaking to media reporters in New Delhi, the senior BCCI official said that a player of Tendulkar’s stature does not need anybody’s advice on when to quit international cricket.

"He will hang up his boots when he thinks it's time for him to go. He does not need any advise on this. Before making a comment on his performance you have to see his colossal record and his past performance," said Shukla, adding that the master blaster would score runs in the remainder of the series against England.

India lost the second Test by eight wickets. The third Test gets underway in Kolkata from December 5.

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Marvelous Marvin Hagler warns Andrew Flintoff

Ex-England captain Flintoff makes his ring debut against American Richard Dawson in Manchester on 30 November.BBCNews

"You should do boxing first, and then cricket," said former middleweight world champion Hagler. "At least you're not getting punched around anymore.

"I just say good luck to him, and keep your head down and your hands up."

Hagler, who switched to acting after his retirement from the ring in 1988, added: "Changing from being a fighter to being an actor is a lot different from changing to being a fighter from a being a cricket player.

"But a lot of people have other dreams - they want to give being a fighter a shot. I've seen this happen with actors before, and fighters wanting to be actors.

"That's the way the world is, and everybody has to do what they want in life."

The 58-year-old's words of encouragement are in contrast to what many in British boxing circles have had to say about the star of England's celebrated 2005 Ashes victory.

Much of the criticism has centred on the fact that Flintoff's late career change is the subject of a three-part television documentary. 

Promoter Frank Warren dismissed it as "car crash television", while the British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion David Price said Flintoff, 34, "could get hurt".

Frank Maloney, the manager who led Lennox Lewis to the top, went even further, describing the decision to award the 34-year-old with a boxing licence as "a scandal". 

Flintoff, however, rejects these claims and insists his motives are honourable.

Speaking at a preview screening of the first episode of the documentary, which will be broadcast a week before the fight, he said: "You couldn't go through this for a TV stunt.

"If I was looking for publicity I would have picked something easier.

"I appreciate that people want to protect their sport, I'd be the same with cricket. But I'm hoping this is something where boxing is celebrated.

"It's not my intention to cheapen the sport or show it up."

Marvelous Marvin Hagler

Born 23 May 1954 in Newark, New Jersey, USA.Southpaw

WBA & WBC middleweight champion (1980-87), IBF middleweight champion (1983-87)

Won 62 of 67 professional fights (52 by KO), lost only three (all on points), two draws

Named the third greatest middleweight of all time in 1999 by The Associated Press.

Having struggled with his weight during his cricket career, Flintoff claims to have lost 45lbs over the last three months thanks to trainer Shane McGuigan's fitness regime.

McGuigan's father Barry, the former WBA featherweight champion, has overseen Flintoff's boxing tuition and he is adamant the project is worthwhile.

"To say it cheapens boxing is complete nonsense. That's a case of the green-eyed monster, I'm afraid," said McGuigan.

"We're promoting the sport in a very positive way."

That may well prove to be true, but it is all a far cry from the days when the likes of Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard helped boxing dominate the sporting headlines.

Hagler, who was the undisputed middleweight champion of the world from 1980 to 1987, retired in 1988 - a year after his famous, and infamous, split-decision defeat by Leonard.

But it is probably the fight against Hearns, two years before, that he is best remembered for now.

Billed as "The Fight", it has since become known as "The War": a three-round classic that saw Hagler survive a torrid first round, and a badly-cut head, to stop Hearns with a devastating combination.

Speaking from the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation global summit in Barcelona, Hagler said: "I can't remember the first round, I just know we threw a lot of punches.

Play media

 Andrew Flintoff on Kevin Pietersen, boxing and SPOTY

"The fight was just a battle and I still get chills when I see it.

"They wanted to stop the fight in the third round, but when the doctor wiped the blood out of my eyes, I said 'no, I ain't missing him, am I?'"

In Hearns' corner that night was Emanuel Steward, the legendary American fighter and trainer who died last month.

"Even though he trained Tommy Hearns, he was still a great man for me," said Hagler.

"I remember him from my amateur days and I was with him shortly before he passed away.

"He was always a supportive friend of mine. He was a well-liked man and I know he is going to be missed."

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cricketers wives and girlfriends photos

Australian Cricketers..............CRICNews Page 01 

01. Michael John Clarke  (born 2 April 1981) is a professional Australian cricketer and captain of the Australian cricket team for both Test and ODI cricket. Nicknamed 'Pup', he is a right-handed middle-order batsman, and an occasional left-arm orthodox spin bowler. He represents New South Wales at a domestic level. In January 2011, Clarke stood down as captain of the Australian Twenty20 cricket team to concentrate on his Test and ODI performance.He married to Kyly Clarke (born 9 Augest 1981) is an Australian model and presenter. Currently the brand ambassador and face of Sheer Cover Makeup. She is a former presenter for The Weather Channel in Australia in 2009.

Michael Clarke and Kyly Clarke

02. Brett Lee (born 8 November 1976) is a former Australian cricketer. After breaking into the Australian Test team, Lee was recognized as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket. Lee married Elizabeth Kemp (same age) in June 2006. They have a son named Preston Charles, born 16 November 2006. However, after two years of marriage, on 21 August 2008, Lee confirmed his separation from Kemp. They divorced in 2009. At the time of the split, media speculation cited Kemp was having an affair with a rugby player in Brisbane; however, this was later disputed, with extended periods of loneliness due to Lee's off-season commitments keeping him away from Kemp and his young son Preston given as the reason for the marriage breakdown.

Lee with his wife earlier 

 Preston Charles Lee's son

03. Shane Robert Watson (born 17 June 1981) is an Australian cricketer. He is a right-handed batsman and a right-handed fast medium bowler. He mainly bats as an opener in international cricket. Watson's wife Lee (age 26), whom he married on 3 June 2010, is a Fox Sports Australia presenter. 

Watson & Lee

04. David Andrew Warner (born 27 October 1986) is an Australian cricketer. A quick-scoring left-handed opening batsman, Warner is the first Australian cricketer in 132 years to be selected for a national team in any format without experience in first-class cricket.

David Warner with girlfriend Sarah Armitage, She is a club water polo player and a hospitality worker.

Warner & Sarah

05. David John Hussey (born 15 July 1977) is an Australian cricketer. Hussey is a right-handed batsman and can also bowl right-arm off breaks. He is the younger brother of Australian Test cricketer Michael Hussey.

Spouse: Kirsty Hussey

D. Hussy & Kirsty

06. Michael Edward Killeen Hussey (born 27 May 1975) is an Australian cricketer, a left-handed specialist batsman. Hussey is also widely known by his nickname Mr Cricket.

Hussey is married to Amy and has four children. His father is a former athletics coach and his younger brother, David, is also a professional cricketer.

Mr. Cricketer's Family

07. Mitchell Guy Johnson (born 2 November 1981) is an Australian cricketer. He is a left-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman. He was awarded the International Cricket Council's 2009 "Cricketer of the Year" award, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. Jessica Bratich is Mitchell Johnson’s wife; She is a former Karate champion (Bronze medal in 2006, Finland). She is also interested in her fashion designing career.

Johnson & his wife Jessica

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Inzamam's comments

“.Playing against India...is always special.... "..Inzamam-ul-haq PAKNews

Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq on Tuesday welcomed Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to send the national team to India to resume the cricketing ties between the arch-rivals, and called on the latter to reciprocate soon.

“I’m really happy that this positive development has taken place because it is important that Pakistan and India play bilateral series against each other on a regular basis,” said the legendary Pakistan batsman in an interview.

Giving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) credit for the resumption of the long-awaited bilateral series, Inzamam said that playing against their Indian counterparts has always been of great significance for the Pakistan cricketers.

“...Playing against India...is always special and a treat for people in both countries,” the veteran batsman, who played 120 Tests and 378 One Day Internationals for his country, between 1991 and 2007.

“It’s good we’ll soon resume bilateral ties and for this I think the Pakistan Cricket Board deserves a lot of credit for making this happen,” Inzamam added further.

Pakistan cricket team is due to tour India between December 22 and January 7, to play two T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals against the hosts. The itinerary kick starts on December 25, with a T20 International in Bangalore and will run till January 7.

This will be the first bilateral series between the arch-rivals since December 2007. The 2008 India tour of Pakistan was called off by the BCCI in the aftermath of the deadly Mumbai attacks. Inzamam, 42, hoped the resumption of cricketing ties would help foster better relations between the nemeses. He also urged the BCCI to send its national team to Pakistan to ensure long-term resumption of the bilateral ties.

“Sadly there have been frequent breaks in bilateral series between the two countries but I hope that this time this will last, and I would urge India to also tour Pakistan and play a full Test series,” Inzamam said.

The former skipper also welcomed Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) move to organise its own Twenty20 league, the Pakistan Premier League (PPL), and hoped for the international players to come and play in the competition.

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Pietersen and Smith - a formidable duo for Surrey

Surrey have signed South Africa Test skipper Graeme Smith on a three-year deal as club captain.BBCNews

The 31-year-old, who is currently with the Proteas in Australia, set a record for 94 Tests as captain in the final match against England in August.

He said: "I am excited to be joining such a professional and talented team, during what will hopefully prove to be a rewarding and successful period.

"I will balance my new role alongside my commitments to the Proteas."

Graeme Smith's Test record

•           Tests: 102

•           Runs: 8,314

•           Average: 49.78

•           Highest score: 277

•           Centuries: 25

•           Tests as captain: 94

Smith became his country's youngest Test captain when he led South Africa against Bangladesh at the age of 22 years and 82 days.

He guided them to the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings with the 2-0 victory in England this summer.

The opening batsman has scored 8,314 runs at an average of 49.78 in 102 Tests, including 25 centuries.

Smith, whose wife is from the Republic of Ireland, will join Surrey after South Africa's home series against Pakistan, which will finish in late March.

"When you consider the ambition shown it was an easy decision for my self and my family," he said.

"I am excited about what we can achieve at Surrey going forward and I look forward to continuing to represent my country for many years to come."

Smith will be available for the majority of Surrey's matches next season, with the club hopeful he will play in 10 County Championship matches as well as leading the side in Twenty20 and 40-over competitions.

The left-hander will be unavailable to play for Surrey while he is representing South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy, which is being held in England in June next year.

Surrey team director Chris Adams described the signing as a "massive coup".

"By signing a three-year deal, Graeme has demonstrated his commitment to Surrey on a long-term basis," the former Sussex captain told BBC London 94.9.

South Africa's schedule

Nov-Dec 2012: Tour to Australia

Dec 2012-Jan 2013: Home to N Zealand

Feb-Mar 2013: Home to Pakistan

June 2013: Champions Trophy

Oct-Nov 2013: Tour to Pakistan

Nov 2013-Jan 2014: Home to India

Feb-Mar 2014: Home to Australia

Smith, who spent a season at Somerset in 2005, replaces Gareth Batty as captain at The Oval.

Batty took over as skipper on a short-term basis after Rory Hamilton-Brown, who joined Sussex in September, stood down from the role in August. after

Hamilton-Brown found it difficult to concentrate on cricket following the death of friend and team-mate Tom Maynard in June.

"We've had a very, very difficult summer," Adams admitted on BBC Radio 5 live. "One of our players got killed in tragic circumstances, he happened to be the best mate of the captain of the club and Rory, understandably, found it difficult to see a future at Surrey.

"We were faced with replacing Rory, we drew a list up and right at the top was Graeme Smith, some would argue one of the great captains of all time. Add to that his ability with the bat as an opening batsman and he was the number one target.

"Graeme has reached a point in his career where he has done just about everything that he could wish to have done for South Africa, he will continue in that, the schedules are very favorable, it looks very clear he will be able to play the first half of the Championship season.

By joining Surrey, Smith will play alongside England batsman Kevin Pietersen, with whom he is thought to have had a fractious relationship since Pietersen left South Africa in 2000.

"I understand there is great mutual respect," Adams insisted. "I think they've had their moments through their careers but I think it's more than healthy at the moment.

"I've spoken to both about each other and they're both looking forward to the prospect of lining up with each other”

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10 Classic Bowling Performances in the ICC Champions TrophyICCNews

Shaun Pollock, South Africa v England, Quarter-Final, 10 October 2000, Nairobi

South Africa never relinquished its firm grip on England in this ICC Champions Trophy quarter-final from the moment Shaun Pollock removed key batsman Marcus Trescothick for 26. The left-hander had scored the bulk of a 33-run opening partnership with Alec Stewart but England struggled for inspiration thereafter. Graeme Hick (65) and Andrew Flintoff (25) then gave England hope before Pollock again dealt a crucial blow to break the fifth-wicket stand with the score on 154. Fittingly, Pollock collected the final wicket to end with three for 27 from 9.1 overs. South Africa chased the 183-run target for the loss of just two wickets.

Shayne O'Connor, New Zealand v Pakistan, Semi-Final, 11 October 2000, Nairobi

At 237 for six with 25 balls remaining, Pakistan looked on course for a winning total in their semi-final against New Zealand. Left-arm pace bowler Shayne O'Connor then swept away the last four wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 252 with four balls left unused. O'Connor had already removed opener Imran Nazir as he finished with five for 46 off 9.2 overs. That collapse ultimately proved crucial as New Zealand got home by six wickets with an over to spare.

Muttiah Muralidaran, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, Group Stage, 12 September 2002, Colombo

Sri Lanka's star man made his mark on the opening match of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy - a competition that would see the hosts share the title - with three wickets in an emphatic victory over Pakistan. The ‘home' team's pace bowlers did the early damage but Murali then turned the screw, bowling the dangerous Younus Khan (35) on his way to 3-29 from 10 overs. Sanath Jayasuriya made light-work of the run-chase by slamming 102 not out in Sri Lanka's 201 for two in 36.1 overs.

Glenn McGrath, Australia v New Zealand, Group Stage, 15 September 2002, Colombo

If Australia were already up against it at the halfway stage, having seen its opponent make 296for seven, that was nothing compared to the situation they faced by the 13th over of the reply. New Zealand found its innings lying in tatters at 51 for six with Glenn McGrath claiming five wickets for 37 runs. McGrath's work for the day was done and he did not bowl another over in the innings as New Zealand were bowled out for 132 - a humiliating loss by 152 runs ensuing.

Aravinda de Silva, Sri Lanka v Australia, 27 September 2002, Colombo

Sri Lanka spun Australia to distraction in this ICC Champions Trophy semi-final with Muttiah Muralitharan inevitably to the fore, claiming three for 26 from 9.4 overs. But it was Murali's ally, Aravinda de Silva, who won the man-of-the-match award for the remarkable figures of 1-16 from his 10 overs. Predominantly a batsman, De Silva's off-spin also proved useful on a number of occasions in limited-overs cricket. Chasing 163, Sri Lanka had little trouble reaching the target - winning by seven wickets and with 10 overs in hand.

Mervyn Dillon, West Indies v Bangladesh, Group Stage, 15 September 2004, Southampton

West Indies pace bowler Mervyn Dillon picked up four wickets in his opening five overs to help reduce Bangladesh to 26 for five as its pursuit of 270 was over before it began. Two of the right-armer's victims were bowled as his pace proved too hot for the Bangladeshi batsmen to handle. After an eight-over opening burst, Dillon returned to pick up a further wicket to end with five for 29. Chris Gayle helped to finish the job off with two for 12 in a 138-run win, having struck 99 with the bat as West Indies posted 269 for three.

Shahid Afridi, Pakistan v Kenya, Group Stage, 15 September 2004, Edgbaston

After rain washed out play the previous day, there was no escape for the Kenya on the reserve day as Shahid Afridi instigated a collapse that saw them go from 67 for one to 94 all out. Afridi had Maurice Ouma (23) caught behind following a second-wicket partnership of 65 with Kennedy Otieno (33). Afridi bowled each of his four remaining victims, including last man Peter Ongondo, to finish with figures of 6-1-11-5. Pakistan eased to the target for the loss of three wickets.

Farveez Maharoof, Sri Lanka v West Indies, Qualifying Group, 14 October 2006, Mumbai

It seemed a long road back for West Indies after it was dismissed for 80 and slumped to a nine-wicket loss in this qualifying match for the ICC Champions Trophy 2006. Yet the West Indies recovered sufficiently to finish as runners-up in the tournament. Their chastening experience at the hands of Farveez Maharoof clearly galvanised the men from the Caribbean after the right-armer's movement beguiled a succession of batsmen in Mumbai. Maharoof claimed six wickets as West Indies lost its last seven batsmen for 29 runs. Maharoof holds the best analysis in the history of the tournament - 9-2-14-6.

Glenn McGrath, Australia v New Zealand, Semi-Final, 1 November 2006, Mohali

Not for the first time, Glenn McGrath demolished New Zealand's top order to lead his side to a one-day victory. McGrath took three wickets as New Zealand slumped to 35 for six in pursuit of 241. Daniel Vettori (71) did offer the Black Caps hope, supported by Jacob Oram (43) and Kyle Mills (21), but their calamitous start proved costly as they were finally bowled out for 206. McGrath bowled right through his spell at the top of the innings, finishing with 10-2-22-3. Brett Lee (two for 31) and Nathan Bracken (two for 36) offered invaluable support.

Stuart Broad, England v New Zealand, Group Stage, 29 September 2009, Johannesburg

England's group match with New Zealand seemed likely to peter out when the Black Caps had reached 84-0 inside 13 overs in pursuit of just 147. Stuart Broad then removed Brendon McCullum, after a quickfire 48, to trigger a flurry of wickets that left New Zealand hearts fluttering. The chasing side eventually got home by four wickets - with plenty of overs to spare - but it was not for the want of trying on the part of Broad, who finished with four for 39 from 8.1 overs.

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Pakistan tour of india

India Vs Pakistan  series dates, venues announced INDNews

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Thursday, revealed itinerary for a short limited-overs series against Pakistan in late December and early January next year.

The arch-rivals are set to play three One Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals in what will be their first bilateral series over the last five years. The Men in Green will arrive in Bangalore on December 22 and the T20 series between the two sides will kick start three days later. The tour opening T20I will be hosted by Bangalore on December 25, while the second encounter will be held in Ahmedabad a day later, December 27.

The three ODIs will be played at Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi, with the first one-dayer to be hosted by Chennai on December 30. The two teams will then head to Kolkata to play a 50-overs game at the historic Eden Gardens on January 3, before playing the third and last match in Delhi on January 6, 2013.

The BCCI announced the dates and venues for the limited overs series following the Indian home ministry’s approval for the itinerary on Tuesday.

India and Pakistan have not played each other in a bilateral series since late 2007. The 2008 series between the two sides, was scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, but the BCCI called off the itinerary in the wake of deadly Mumbai attacks, in November 2008.

The decision to resume bilateral cricketing ties between the nemesis came after prolonged discussions between the BCCI and PCB officials. The BCCI president N Srinivasan and the PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf also held several meetings on the course.

The five-match limited-overs series between India and Pakistan is sandwiched between two legs of England’s tour of India. In the first leg of the tour, the Poms, who have already arrived in India, will play four Tests and two T20 Internationals, between November 15 and December 22, before heading home for Christmas and New Year. In the second leg of the itinerary, the Three Lions will play five One Day Internationals against MS Dhoni’s Men in Blue, from January 11, 2013.

Pakistan in India 2012-13 itinerary:

December 25 - 1st T20I, Bangalore

December 27 - 2nd T20I, Ahmedabad

December 30 - 1st ODI, Chennai

January 3 - 2nd ODI, Kolkata

January 6 - 3rd ODI, Delhi

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NOT Sourav Ganguly any more?? .....

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has decided not to play in next year's Indian Premier League (IPL) and to retire from the game.BBCNews

Ganguly, 40, said that to continue playing would be "very tough for the body".

Considered one of India's most successful captains, Ganguly quit international cricket in 2008 but continued playing in the IPL.

He scored more than 18,500 runs in Tests and one-day internationals.

"I had a wonderful time playing in the IPL for five seasons. It gave me a chance to keep playing top-class cricket even after quitting international cricket. But I can't go on forever," Ganguly told The Times of India.

He was contracted to play next year for the Pune Warriors.

After retiring from international cricket he continued to play in tournaments such as the IPL and Ranji Trophy for his home state West Bengal.

Ganguly's decision will bring to a close the former captain's 21-year career, during which he led India to the 2003 World Cup final, where they were beaten by Australia.

Wisden ranked him the sixth greatest one-day international batsman of all time, behind Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Dean Jones and Michael Bevan.

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Mohammad Asif's Story

"I'm fighting my own case, I have my own legal team," Asif espnNews

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan bowler who was imprisoned in England for spot-fixing, has criticised the ICC, claiming cricket's governing body prejudiced his case ahead of the criminal trial in London by the timing of the verdict of its independent inquiry. Asif was speaking in Lahore, following his return from England five months after completing half of his one-year sentence.

Asif, along with Salman Butt, was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court in November 2011, on charges of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments over deliberate no-balls bowled during the Lord's Test between Pakistan and England in August 2010. Mohammad Amir, the third player accused by the Crown Prosecution Service, had pleaded guilty to the charges.

However, the three players had already been found guilty by an ICC tribunal on February 5, 2011, and were banned for various durations. Asif's ban was for seven years and that punishment was announced a day after the CPS levied its charges against the players.

"It was quite difficult time, but thank god it is over," he said. "The way ICC has prejudiced my case, there are lots of things which are not yet clear and nobody knows it, even you people [the media] have not highlighted it, but I will do it.

"I didn't do anything wrong. There was one no-ball and, whatever the scenario was behind it, I described it in the court. There are lots of things and it will be in my book, which will be launched very soon."

Asif claimed he was going to appeal against the ICC's ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland and a hearing, he said, would take place in February 2013. "There's a hearing in February, second or third week, and it will be decided. Hopefully I will get justice there because it's just the ICC and me, and Inshallah everything will be all right.

"I'm fighting my own case, I have my own legal team," Asif said, criticising the Pakistan board as well. "They [PCB] have their own policy and they took a back step, when I think they should have taken a step forward.

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