Tendulkar looking ahead to IPL, multiple suggestions
By Qaiser Mohammad Ali
Noida (Uttar Pradesh): Criss-crossing cities for promotional activities does not seem to have dimmed Sachin Tendulkar’s enthusiasm ahead of the more energy-sapping Indian Premier League (IPL) starting in South Africa later this week.
The maestro will have some more criss-crossing to do in the Rainbow Nation over the next five weeks.Mumbai Indians’ captain Tendulkar, looking rather haggard with an unusually long stubble, said he was looking forward to the slam-bang 20-over-per-innings variety.
“Mumbai Indians is a well balanced side with Sanath Jayasuriya, JP Duminy, Lasith Malinga, Shaun Pollock in mentor’s role, Jonty Rhodes, Shikhar Dhawan and so many others make it a nice mix of seniors and juniors,” Tendulkar said at an event in which he was announced as as a brand ambassador.
“It (the combination) will be beneficial for the team. I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said, watched by about 3,000 people, mostly enthusiastic students of a technological institue and his wife Anjali. Tendulkar’s team plays the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings, in Cape Town.
IPL ANOMALY
Asked about the IPL concept, Tendulkar pointed out one anomaly. “I would like to point out one missing point: certain IPL teams didn’t have icon players and that gave them an unfair advantage,” he said.Multiple captains?Tendulkar, who was presented a golden bat and the key to a penthouse here, confirmed that multiple captains were out of question for Mumbai Indians. “Not captain, but multiple suggestions would come (to the captain). There are other players who will walk up to him to give suggestions. The captain takes the decisions, but others will offer suggestions,” he said.
The multiple captain issue is currently being hotly debated after Knightriders coach John Buchanan propounded the theory, inviting mostly criticism from experts.Tendulkar declined to comment on the relocation of the IPL, but said that it would not impact its popularity.
“It’s disappointing that the IPL has coincided with general election. I don’t think there would be less interest in South Africa. Although it’s difficult to replicate the atmosphere in South Africa, this season will be no different.”
WHY SACHIN OPTED OUT
Interestingly, Tendulkar plays the IPL but had opted out of the 2007 T20 World Cup. He explained why. “We were in England and immediately after that the team had to go to South Africa for the World Cup. I said my body was not fully fit and I was not in a position to give my best, my 100 percent for India,” he said.
“I thought I should not be part of the team and instead allow someone else to go who can give 100 per cent. Although I would have loved to be there, I don’t want to disturb the combination.”
SACHIN'S 3 GURUS
In the hour-long function, Tendulkar answered a variety of questions. The former India captain said he has three gurus — his late father, elder brother Ajit and veteran coach Ramakant Achrekar.
“My father gave me direction. His most important advice was that everything in life was temporary; (a man’s) nature is permanent. He said if you are a good human being, people will remember you even when you don’t have a bat in your hand.”On Ajit, who encouraged Tendulkar to play cricket and steered his career, the maestro said: “He guided me. Because of him I started playing cricket. Had it not been for him, I would perhaps have been doing masti,” he said turning to an attentive students who packed the huge amphitheatre and applauded now and then.
Tendulkar said it was Achrekar’s persistence that he never missed a practice session.“If these people would not have been there, I would have been a different person,” he averred.
(This piecce first appeared in Mumbai Mirror)
Showing posts with label IPL 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IPL 2009. Show all posts
Friday, 17 April 2009
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
What recession? Tendulkar gifted penthouse and golden bat
By Qaiser Mohammad Ali
Noida (Uttar Pradesh): In these times of global downturn, Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday rushed to this fledgling Uttar Pradesh city on the outskirts of Delhi and returned with the key of an expensive penthouse overlooking one of the finest golf courses in the National Capital Region and a golden bat. Not to mention of the accolades that were poured on him at a function where awestruck students excitedly chanted “Saaaaachin, Saaaachin…” thoughout.
Jaypee Group, one of fastest growing cement producers of India, had organised the function to announce Tendulkar as their brand ambassador. They celebrated their “long-term” tie-up with confetti and continuous chants of “Sasaachin, Saaachin…” by students of Jaypee Institute of Technology University, the venue of the function.
It turned out to be one of the lengthiest press conferences I have attended, with Tendulkar happily answering wide ranging questions in front of about 3,000 people, comprising mostly awestruck students. Jaiprakash Gaur, founder-chairman of Jaypee Group and a Tendulkar fan, asked the 35-year-old bating maestro not to stop until he completes 100 international centuries. Tendulkar, having hit 43 one-day tons and 42 in Tests, is currently 15 short of the ‘target’ set by the diminutive Gaur. The founder-chairman is 79 mention cricket, rather Tendulkar, and turns a 12-year-old cricket buff. This quality was evident in ample measure here.
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN BAT
To further egg him on, the golden bat that Gaur presented to Tendulkar had ‘M 100’ written in bold and it was explained that it signified “mission 100”. In other words, Gaur wanted the Mumbaikar not to stop before a century of centuries. He said that he was “not retiring” and also asked Tendulkar to carry till the mission was accomplished, something that amused the cricketer’s wife Anjali who was sitting on the stage. “I am not retiring and Sachin should also not retire for 11 years,” said Gaur, drawing yet another round of applause from the packed house.
No one spelt out the duration of the Tendulkar-Jaypee Group arrangement, but Gaur said that the former India captain would be involved in building a stadium/cricket academy, in education and hospitality.
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
Tendulkar, who will soon leave for South Africa for the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting this weekend, later answered a variety of questions. He said the Mumbai Indians, which he captains, will perform well in the 37-day tournament. Sporting unusually long stubble, Tendulkar said his team was a balanced outfit.
“Mumbai Indians is a well balanced side with Sanath Jayasuriya, JP Duminy, Lasith Malinga, Shaun Pollock in mentor’s role, Jonty Rhodes (the fielding coach), Shikhar Dhawan and so many others make it a nice blend of seniors and juniors. It (the combination) will be beneficial for the team. I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said. Mumbai Indians plays the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings in Cape Town on Saturday.
Tendulkar, however, pointed out a shortcoming in IPL format – “Certain IPL teams didn’t have icon players that gave them an unfair advantage.” He was perhaps referring to Chennai Super Kings, which bought Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the auction, giving it strength while majority of the eight teams had one icon player each who was not up for grabs at the player auction.
MULTIPLE SUGGESTIONS, NOT CAPTAINS
Tendulkar said that Mumbai Indians would not have multiple captains. “Not captain, but multiple suggestions would come (to the captain). There are other players who will walk up to him to give suggestions. The captain takes the decisions, but others will offer suggestions,” he said.
The multiple captain issue is currently being debated after Kolkata Knightriders coach John Buchanan propounded the theory, inviting mostly criticism from experts. The former Australia coach had said he was planning to have four captains, instead of just Sourav Ganguly, who led the side last year.
Tendulkar declined to comment on the relocation of the IPL to South Africa, but said that it would not impact its popularity.
Answering another question, the former India captain said he has three gurus – his late father, elder brother Ajit and veteran coach Ramakant Achrekar. “If these people would not have been there, I would have been a different person,” he averred.
By Qaiser Mohammad Ali
Noida (Uttar Pradesh): In these times of global downturn, Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday rushed to this fledgling Uttar Pradesh city on the outskirts of Delhi and returned with the key of an expensive penthouse overlooking one of the finest golf courses in the National Capital Region and a golden bat. Not to mention of the accolades that were poured on him at a function where awestruck students excitedly chanted “Saaaaachin, Saaaachin…” thoughout.
Jaypee Group, one of fastest growing cement producers of India, had organised the function to announce Tendulkar as their brand ambassador. They celebrated their “long-term” tie-up with confetti and continuous chants of “Sasaachin, Saaachin…” by students of Jaypee Institute of Technology University, the venue of the function.
It turned out to be one of the lengthiest press conferences I have attended, with Tendulkar happily answering wide ranging questions in front of about 3,000 people, comprising mostly awestruck students. Jaiprakash Gaur, founder-chairman of Jaypee Group and a Tendulkar fan, asked the 35-year-old bating maestro not to stop until he completes 100 international centuries. Tendulkar, having hit 43 one-day tons and 42 in Tests, is currently 15 short of the ‘target’ set by the diminutive Gaur. The founder-chairman is 79 mention cricket, rather Tendulkar, and turns a 12-year-old cricket buff. This quality was evident in ample measure here.
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN BAT
To further egg him on, the golden bat that Gaur presented to Tendulkar had ‘M 100’ written in bold and it was explained that it signified “mission 100”. In other words, Gaur wanted the Mumbaikar not to stop before a century of centuries. He said that he was “not retiring” and also asked Tendulkar to carry till the mission was accomplished, something that amused the cricketer’s wife Anjali who was sitting on the stage. “I am not retiring and Sachin should also not retire for 11 years,” said Gaur, drawing yet another round of applause from the packed house.
No one spelt out the duration of the Tendulkar-Jaypee Group arrangement, but Gaur said that the former India captain would be involved in building a stadium/cricket academy, in education and hospitality.
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
Tendulkar, who will soon leave for South Africa for the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting this weekend, later answered a variety of questions. He said the Mumbai Indians, which he captains, will perform well in the 37-day tournament. Sporting unusually long stubble, Tendulkar said his team was a balanced outfit.
“Mumbai Indians is a well balanced side with Sanath Jayasuriya, JP Duminy, Lasith Malinga, Shaun Pollock in mentor’s role, Jonty Rhodes (the fielding coach), Shikhar Dhawan and so many others make it a nice blend of seniors and juniors. It (the combination) will be beneficial for the team. I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said. Mumbai Indians plays the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings in Cape Town on Saturday.
Tendulkar, however, pointed out a shortcoming in IPL format – “Certain IPL teams didn’t have icon players that gave them an unfair advantage.” He was perhaps referring to Chennai Super Kings, which bought Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the auction, giving it strength while majority of the eight teams had one icon player each who was not up for grabs at the player auction.
MULTIPLE SUGGESTIONS, NOT CAPTAINS
Tendulkar said that Mumbai Indians would not have multiple captains. “Not captain, but multiple suggestions would come (to the captain). There are other players who will walk up to him to give suggestions. The captain takes the decisions, but others will offer suggestions,” he said.
The multiple captain issue is currently being debated after Kolkata Knightriders coach John Buchanan propounded the theory, inviting mostly criticism from experts. The former Australia coach had said he was planning to have four captains, instead of just Sourav Ganguly, who led the side last year.
Tendulkar declined to comment on the relocation of the IPL to South Africa, but said that it would not impact its popularity.
Answering another question, the former India captain said he has three gurus – his late father, elder brother Ajit and veteran coach Ramakant Achrekar. “If these people would not have been there, I would have been a different person,” he averred.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
BCCI will not suffer losses due IPL's relocation: BCCI treasurer
By Qaiser Mohammad Ali
New Delhi: Contrary to popular belief, the Indian cricket board may not suffer any loss due to the relocation of the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to South Africa. Most of the expenses of the eightteam tournament will be borne by the franchise owners as per the existing terms and conditions, while the board will offset its extra expenditure with enhanced revenue from the new media rights deal.
Although its too early to say what would exactly be the final expenditure , I dont think the board will suffer losses due to the shifting of the tournament. The teams expenses will be borne by their owners. Lalit (Modi) is in South Africa to thrash other details out, BCCI treasurer MP Pandove told Mumbai Mirror on Wednesday.
OWNERS AGREE CLARIFYING FURTHER
Pandove said that when the BCCI officials met the franchise owners in Mumbai on Sunday, IPL commissioner Modi gave them two choices after the government declined to provide security as the IPL clashed with general election. When Lalit told them either the IPL can be shifted abroad or we dont have the tournament this year. He also told them the revised terms and conditions of holding the tournament abroad and that they all agreed to bear the costs of renting the grounds, hotels, air fare, travel etc., something that they did in India last year, he disclosed.
Last year, the franchise owners were given two options for using grounds of the BCCI-affiliated associations . They were told that if they simply rented the ground, they would have to pay the hosts Rs.10 lakhs per match and if the hosts took care of other arrangements, like security , technical conduct of the game and the media etc. they would have to pay Rs.50 lakh per match, said Pandove. Almost all franchise owners settled for the second option.
Pandove stressed that the franchisees would be doing the same in South Africa. BCCI would bear the expenses of the other aspects of the tournament pertaining to production , umpires/referee, match officials , ICCs Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, doping, subvention to its affiliated associations in India, advertisements and promotions, look and feel, replay screens, 3D signs, International Management Group, prize money, payment to players, accreditation , insurance, and administrative expenses etc.
BANKING ON TV DEAL
The BCCI treasurer said that the extra expenditure would be off set by the extra income from the media rights deal. This year, the revenue from television would be much more with the fresh deal, he said. The board has sealed a Rs 8200 crore deal for the next nine years with Multi Screen Media and World Sport Group. The BCCI will also save some expenses as the rescheduled IPL has been shortened by a week. The tournament will now start on April 18 and the final will be played on May 24.
Pandoves claim are just the opposite of what some of the IPL team owners had to say on Sunday, minutes after the decision to take the league to a foreign destination was taken. Nita Ambani, co-owner of Mumbai Indians told the media, IPL has assured us that there won't be any losses. Banglore Royal Challengers owner Vijay Mallya had said that Modi had given an assurance to the team owners that their financial interests would be fully protected. It will be interesting how both the BCCI and franchisees will end up not incurring any losses.
(This piece first appeared in Mumbai Mirror)
By Qaiser Mohammad Ali
New Delhi: Contrary to popular belief, the Indian cricket board may not suffer any loss due to the relocation of the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to South Africa. Most of the expenses of the eightteam tournament will be borne by the franchise owners as per the existing terms and conditions, while the board will offset its extra expenditure with enhanced revenue from the new media rights deal.
Although its too early to say what would exactly be the final expenditure , I dont think the board will suffer losses due to the shifting of the tournament. The teams expenses will be borne by their owners. Lalit (Modi) is in South Africa to thrash other details out, BCCI treasurer MP Pandove told Mumbai Mirror on Wednesday.
OWNERS AGREE CLARIFYING FURTHER
Pandove said that when the BCCI officials met the franchise owners in Mumbai on Sunday, IPL commissioner Modi gave them two choices after the government declined to provide security as the IPL clashed with general election. When Lalit told them either the IPL can be shifted abroad or we dont have the tournament this year. He also told them the revised terms and conditions of holding the tournament abroad and that they all agreed to bear the costs of renting the grounds, hotels, air fare, travel etc., something that they did in India last year, he disclosed.
Last year, the franchise owners were given two options for using grounds of the BCCI-affiliated associations . They were told that if they simply rented the ground, they would have to pay the hosts Rs.10 lakhs per match and if the hosts took care of other arrangements, like security , technical conduct of the game and the media etc. they would have to pay Rs.50 lakh per match, said Pandove. Almost all franchise owners settled for the second option.
Pandove stressed that the franchisees would be doing the same in South Africa. BCCI would bear the expenses of the other aspects of the tournament pertaining to production , umpires/referee, match officials , ICCs Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, doping, subvention to its affiliated associations in India, advertisements and promotions, look and feel, replay screens, 3D signs, International Management Group, prize money, payment to players, accreditation , insurance, and administrative expenses etc.
BANKING ON TV DEAL
The BCCI treasurer said that the extra expenditure would be off set by the extra income from the media rights deal. This year, the revenue from television would be much more with the fresh deal, he said. The board has sealed a Rs 8200 crore deal for the next nine years with Multi Screen Media and World Sport Group. The BCCI will also save some expenses as the rescheduled IPL has been shortened by a week. The tournament will now start on April 18 and the final will be played on May 24.
Pandoves claim are just the opposite of what some of the IPL team owners had to say on Sunday, minutes after the decision to take the league to a foreign destination was taken. Nita Ambani, co-owner of Mumbai Indians told the media, IPL has assured us that there won't be any losses. Banglore Royal Challengers owner Vijay Mallya had said that Modi had given an assurance to the team owners that their financial interests would be fully protected. It will be interesting how both the BCCI and franchisees will end up not incurring any losses.
(This piece first appeared in Mumbai Mirror)
Monday, 30 March 2009
Lalit Modi 'not going to sleep' during IPL in South Africa
Johannesburg: The Indian Premier League (IPL) gets underway in just two weeks and the thriller at the Wanderers on Friday night between South Africa and Australia was just the appetizer the tournament needed to get the public craving more explosive action.
"I'm very, very excited about the tournament coming here (South Africa), and after seeing the crowds today I’m even more excited. The people in this country just love cricket and they will appreciate what we have to offer, it's going to be a non-stop carnival from the day we begin to the day we end, we're not going to sleep," enthused IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi.
Modi was part of the capacity crowd at Liberty Life Wanderers on Friday night as South Africa beat Australia by four wickets in the first Standard Bank International Pro20 match.
With 56 games played in 34 days, across eight cities, the IPL will offer the public non-stop action from the first ball until the final ball on the 24th of May. Rajasthan Royals will begin the defence of their title in the tournament opener at Sahara Park Newlands Stadium on April 18 against Bangalore Royal Challengers.
Saturday, 28 March 2009
IPL-II schedule is finally out: See you in South Africa
Mumbai: The DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced the schedule for its second edition, to be held in South Africa from April 18. The league is set to start in Cape Town with an exciting double-header weekend that will see all eight teams pitted against each other.
The double header on April 18 will see the winner of the first season the Rajasthan Royals play against the Royal Challengers while the Mumbai Indians will do battle against the Chennai Super Kings. On April 19, the Deccan Chargers will face the Kolkata Knight Riders and the second game will see the Delhi Dare Devils clash with the Kings XI Punjab.
IPL will see the eight franchises play a total of 56 league matches to be staged in 34 days at eight venues. The venues are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, East Lodon, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Kimberley. The schedule also features 22 days of action packed double-headers. The two semi-finals have been scheduled for May 22 and 23 at Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively, with the grand final schedule for May 24 at Johannesburg.
At www.IPLT20.com, the official online destination for the IPL, fans from around the world will now have access to the 36-day long season. The site will offer access to official league content including live video & audio, photographs, live scoreboards and summaries, match results, fantasy cricket, player interviews, profiles, schedules, statistics, ticketing and a fan community with interaction through polls, contests, newsletters and more.
Not to mention video blog updates from the chairman and commissioner of the IPL, Lalit Modi. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and former India captain Ravi Shastri will further add to the flavour of the league with video blogs of their own over the duration of the league and will also interact directly with the fans.
But for all the IPL fans across India and the globe this would perhaps be the best chance to experience a new web broadcast format never ever experienced before – taking the IPL fans closer to the LIVE entertainment and excitement of the on-field game.
Schedule: All times IST (GMT + 0530)
April 18: Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Mumbai Indians (MI) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK) (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 19: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Deccan Chargers (DC) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 20: RCB V CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 21: RR v MI (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v KXIP (8 pm) at Durban
April 22: DD v CSK (4 pm) at Durban; RCB v DC (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 23: KKR v RR (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 24: KXIP v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
April 25: KKR v CSK (4 pm) at Cape Town; DC v MI (8 pm) at Durban
April 26: RR v KXIP (4 pm) at Cape Town; RCB v DD (8 pm) Port Elizabeth
April 27: KKR v MI (4 pm) at Cape Town; CSK v DC (8 pm) at Durban
April 28: DD v RR (4 pm) at Pretoria
April 29: MI v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
April 30: DD v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria; RR v CSK (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 1: RCB v KXIP (4 pm) at East London; MI v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 2: RR v DC (4 pm) at Johannesburg; CSK v DD (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 3: MI v RCB (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v KKR (8 pm) at East London
May 4: DC v CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 5: DD v KKR (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v RR (8 pm) at Durban
May 6: MI v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 7: KXIP v CSK (4 pm) at Pretoria; RCB v RR (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 8: DD v MI (4 pm) at East London
May 9: DC v KXIP (4 pm) at Bloemfontein; CSK v RR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 10: KKR v DD (4 pm) at East London; RCB v MI (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 11: DC v RR (4 pm) at Bloemfontein
May 12: RCB v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria; KXIP v MI (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 13: DC v DD (4 pm) at Durban
May 14: MI v RR (4 pm) at Durban; CSK v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
May 15: KXIP v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley
May 16: CSK v MI (4 pm) at Johannesburg; DC v KKR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 17: RR v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley; KXIP v DC (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 18: CSK v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 19: DD v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
May 20: CSK v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; RR v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 21: DC v RCB (4 pm) at Pretoria; MI v DD (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 22: Semi Final 1 at Pretoria
May 23: Semi Final 2 at Johannesburg
May 24: Final at Johannesburg
Mumbai: The DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced the schedule for its second edition, to be held in South Africa from April 18. The league is set to start in Cape Town with an exciting double-header weekend that will see all eight teams pitted against each other.
The double header on April 18 will see the winner of the first season the Rajasthan Royals play against the Royal Challengers while the Mumbai Indians will do battle against the Chennai Super Kings. On April 19, the Deccan Chargers will face the Kolkata Knight Riders and the second game will see the Delhi Dare Devils clash with the Kings XI Punjab.
IPL will see the eight franchises play a total of 56 league matches to be staged in 34 days at eight venues. The venues are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, East Lodon, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Kimberley. The schedule also features 22 days of action packed double-headers. The two semi-finals have been scheduled for May 22 and 23 at Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively, with the grand final schedule for May 24 at Johannesburg.
At www.IPLT20.com, the official online destination for the IPL, fans from around the world will now have access to the 36-day long season. The site will offer access to official league content including live video & audio, photographs, live scoreboards and summaries, match results, fantasy cricket, player interviews, profiles, schedules, statistics, ticketing and a fan community with interaction through polls, contests, newsletters and more.
Not to mention video blog updates from the chairman and commissioner of the IPL, Lalit Modi. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and former India captain Ravi Shastri will further add to the flavour of the league with video blogs of their own over the duration of the league and will also interact directly with the fans.
But for all the IPL fans across India and the globe this would perhaps be the best chance to experience a new web broadcast format never ever experienced before – taking the IPL fans closer to the LIVE entertainment and excitement of the on-field game.
Schedule: All times IST (GMT + 0530)
April 18: Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Mumbai Indians (MI) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK) (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 19: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Deccan Chargers (DC) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 20: RCB V CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 21: RR v MI (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v KXIP (8 pm) at Durban
April 22: DD v CSK (4 pm) at Durban; RCB v DC (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 23: KKR v RR (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 24: KXIP v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
April 25: KKR v CSK (4 pm) at Cape Town; DC v MI (8 pm) at Durban
April 26: RR v KXIP (4 pm) at Cape Town; RCB v DD (8 pm) Port Elizabeth
April 27: KKR v MI (4 pm) at Cape Town; CSK v DC (8 pm) at Durban
April 28: DD v RR (4 pm) at Pretoria
April 29: MI v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
April 30: DD v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria; RR v CSK (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 1: RCB v KXIP (4 pm) at East London; MI v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 2: RR v DC (4 pm) at Johannesburg; CSK v DD (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 3: MI v RCB (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v KKR (8 pm) at East London
May 4: DC v CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 5: DD v KKR (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v RR (8 pm) at Durban
May 6: MI v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 7: KXIP v CSK (4 pm) at Pretoria; RCB v RR (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 8: DD v MI (4 pm) at East London
May 9: DC v KXIP (4 pm) at Bloemfontein; CSK v RR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 10: KKR v DD (4 pm) at East London; RCB v MI (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 11: DC v RR (4 pm) at Bloemfontein
May 12: RCB v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria; KXIP v MI (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 13: DC v DD (4 pm) at Durban
May 14: MI v RR (4 pm) at Durban; CSK v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
May 15: KXIP v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley
May 16: CSK v MI (4 pm) at Johannesburg; DC v KKR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 17: RR v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley; KXIP v DC (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 18: CSK v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 19: DD v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
May 20: CSK v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; RR v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 21: DC v RCB (4 pm) at Pretoria; MI v DD (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 22: Semi Final 1 at Pretoria
May 23: Semi Final 2 at Johannesburg
May 24: Final at Johannesburg
Friday, 20 February 2009
The IPL story – all about hidden figures
(EXCLUSIVE)
By Qaiser Mohammad Ali
New Delhi: Even as the books are being completed for the 2008 Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL), its organisers say the maiden edition is set to show an income of Rs.100 crore. This amount has exceeded their expectations and should serve as a morale booster in times of global recession and terror strikes in India that has impacted cricket too.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials have projected a Rs.51.48 crore surplus from the 2008 IPL, after deducting the expenditure from the income. But when the books close on March 31, this figure will go up considerably.
As per the BCCI records, the total income -- from sources like the sale of media rights, sale of the eight franchisee teams and other sponsorship deals -- was Rs.6,449,400,000 and projected total expenses were Rs.5,934,598,591. On deducting the expenses from income, the board projected a surplus of Rs.514,801,409.
BCCI treasurer M.P. Pandove, however, said that the surplus would be much higher than projected in the 2007-08 annual report. “The IPL books are still being finalised. But the income is going to be over Rs.100 crore,” Pandove told me. He also said that the budget for the 2009 tournament, which is scheduled to begin on April 10, is yet to be finalised. With IPL’s teething problems hopefully over with the first tournament, the second edition is expected to be organised smoothly – and, who knows, the books might show still healthier figures than the 2008 event would rake up.
But even Lalit Modi, the man who conceived the innovative and popular league, and his BCCI colleagues would surely not have anticipated the two events that affected their plans for 2009. They were the Mumbai terrorist attacks, which forced the Twenty20 Champions League to be postponed, and the global financial crisis. The world was already reeling under the recession when the November 26 attacks happened forcing the December 3-10 Champions League, another tournament that he had conceived, to be postponed for 10 months. It will now be held in October.
Even the general election, already slated to be held in April-May, could further derail the IPL 2009. Once the Election Commission announces the dates, IPL might have to adjust its own schedule, which is yet to be announced. Modi, however, says the starting date (April 10) and the final (May 29) are firm, only the match scheduled is to be drawn and it would be done after the Election Commission announces the election dates.
All this means Modi, also a BCCI vice-president and president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, has his hands full. While still smarting under the postponement of the 2008 Champions League, Modi will now be praying that the recession stabilises and the General Election does not force too many hurdles for the IPL.
Whenever IPL takes place, the slam-bang format seems a guaranteed formula for success, going by the tremendous success it generated last year when the stadiums were packed to the brims for most of the matches. Had it not been so, Modi and his BCCI colleagues would not been so gung-ho about the 2009 tournament.
Last year, the sale of media rights fetched IPL Rs.2,360,000,000 while the total sponsorship money was Rs.1,170,000,000. Besides, franchisee consideration brought in Rs.2,894,400,000 and ‘miscellaneous’ income was Rs.25,000,000. These figures add up to a handsome overall income of Rs. 6,449,400,000.
It’s not just the BCCI that has got rich through IPL; the BCCI-affiliated associations who contest for the national Ranji Trophy championship will be walking happily to the bank. About Rs.203 crore, which is 70 percent of the franchise fees generated by selling the eight teams, will be distributed as subvention to the 27 associations for 2008-09.
With the start of Twenty20 tournament, the BCCI as well as IPL websites were also launched, at long last. Canadaian company Live Current Media Inc. secured the rights for both at a combined cost of $50 million, with the IPL portal alone fetching $20 million.
The main sources of IPL income were MultiScreen Media (new name for Sony television), which gave Rs.2,200,000,000, and the World Sports Group (Rs.160,000,000), as per the BCCI records. While DLF won the rights of the title sponsor with a commitment of Rs.400,000,000 for the first year, the co-sponors are Hero Honda (Rs.180,000,000), Vodafone (Rs.198,000,000), Kingfisher (Rs.212,000,000), Citibank (Rs.120,000,000) and the Web (Rs.60,000,000), as per BCCI documents.
And the main expenditure heads were the production cost, which was about Rs.392,000,000, the umpires’ fees Rs.20,650,000 -- the umpires were appointed by the International Cricket Council – referees’ fees Rs.5,150,000 and match officials’ expense Rs.20,000,000. The ICC also provided the Anti Corruption and Security Unit officials and it cost IPL about Rs.2,280,000 while the expense of conducting dope tests was Rs.1,000,000.
The two main heads under ‘other expenses’ shown in the documents were the franchise payments (Rs.2,246,952,000) and subvention to BCCI-affiliated associations (Rs.2,026,080,000). The other expenditure were on advertisement and promotions (Rs.502,200,000), fees to the International Management Group (Rs.205,013,500), which managed the tournament, tickets purchase (Rs.120,000,000), prize money (Rs.120,000,000), administration (Rs.80,000,000), payment to players (Rs.49,288,571), replay screens (Rs.46,600,000), ‘look and feel’ (Rs.28,000,000) and 3D signs on the grounds (Rs.7,384,520).
The BCCI will also have to pay service tax on the income. It has registered IPL under the category ‘franchisee’ as per the legal opinion it was given, and accordingly the board has remitted Rs.29.09 crore to the service tax department after deducting Rs.6.6 crore as input credit.
The IPL will also have to return to BCCI an amount of Rs.140,604,080, which it had taken as loan, though both are part of the same family. “Initially, the IPL had to take he loan as it had to pay the players,” explained Pandove.
The inflow of huge sums of money is not just making the players rich, but is also keeping IPL governing council members and other officials happy. The officials’ TA/DA is the same as that of the BCCI officials. A BCCI official gets Rs.10,000 for a day’s meeting besides another Rs.10,000 as incidentals per trip and Rs.7,500 as halting allowance. For example, if an official goes out of his city to attend a one day meeting and stays overnight in that city, he makes a cool Rs.27,500. Moreover, the board takes care of his air travel, food and accommodation, usually at a five-star hotel. The BCCI office bearers, the five vice-presidents and all former office bearers are a class apart and that’s why they are eligible for J class airfare.
That the tournament, eventually, turned out to be roaring success would probably justify the pampering of the officials, led by Modi, IPL’s chairman and commissioner. Interestingly, he claims to have registered the name Indian Cricket League (ICL), and not IPL, several years ago. ICL, says Modi, was hijacked by Zee that organises the rebel league under that name. Modi often threatens to move the court to reclaim the original name, but when you have a tournament that is as successful as IPL who cares about the name.
The TRP ratings went sky high during Saturdays and Sundays when matches were played between April 18 and June 1. According to TAM Media Research, around 13 matches scored 6+ to 7+ rating points and the rest logged above 4 and 5. Audience Measurement and Analysis (aMAP) threw a record high viewership rating (7.7) for the final match between Rajasthan Royals and Chenni Super Kings. The peak rating was 10.2 and aMAP suggested that a total of 2.4 crore people watched Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royal win the title in Mumbai. Even the two semi-finals were well watched as they had over 4 TRPs, as per aMAP.
Modi had started working on the concept of an inter-city tournament as long back as 1994. But at the time it was probably not the Twenty20 version. But it was probably only after Twenty20 format helped bring the crowds roaring back to the grounds in county cricket and gave a big relief to the English administrators did Modi change his plans. He approached the IMG and the two designed and launched the IPL on the lines of the National Basketball Association and the National Football League and the English Premier League.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
112 cricketers for second IPL auction on Feb 6
Mumbai, January 29: The Indian Premier League on Thursday announced a final list of 112 cricketers from around the world for the second player auction to be held in Goa on February 6.
The list comprises the cream of cricketing talent from around the cricketing world. It includes 21 Englishmen, 27 Australians, 13 South Africans, 15 Sri Lankans and an assortment of players from across the West Indies, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.
Indian and indeed IPL fans all over the world will for the first time be able to witness the best-of-the-best from England led by the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Monty Panesar, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Shaun Udal, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swan and Owais Shah, who have all signed up to participate in the second edition of the DLF Indian Premier League, which is set to kick off on April 10.
The 26-strong Australian contingent up for grabs at the auction includes Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke, Bradd Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart Clark, Bradd Hogg, Shaun Tait, and Jason Krejza, amongst a host of other international stars.
South Africans Charles Langeveldt, J P Duminy, Andre Nel and Paul Harris will also be a part of the auction.
As per the guidelines set by the Governing Council for the DLF IPL 2009, each Franchisee will have a maximum purse of $ 2 million, less any amount spent on signing temporary replacements from last year to select the cricketers best suited for their team's strategies.
Speaking on the occasion Lalit Modi, Chairman & Commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League said: "The enthusiasm and interest displayed by players from all around the world to participate in the second season of the league has been truly overwhelming. Clearly the DLF Indian Premier League has set new standards in helping uncover and hone some exciting new talent, that have gone on to gain international recognition, all of which augurs well for development of world cricket. We are extremely happy with the interest the league has garnered globally and look forward to the action at the second player auction in Goa."
FULL LIST:
Mumbai, January 29: The Indian Premier League on Thursday announced a final list of 112 cricketers from around the world for the second player auction to be held in Goa on February 6.
The list comprises the cream of cricketing talent from around the cricketing world. It includes 21 Englishmen, 27 Australians, 13 South Africans, 15 Sri Lankans and an assortment of players from across the West Indies, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.
Indian and indeed IPL fans all over the world will for the first time be able to witness the best-of-the-best from England led by the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Monty Panesar, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Shaun Udal, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swan and Owais Shah, who have all signed up to participate in the second edition of the DLF Indian Premier League, which is set to kick off on April 10.
The 26-strong Australian contingent up for grabs at the auction includes Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke, Bradd Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart Clark, Bradd Hogg, Shaun Tait, and Jason Krejza, amongst a host of other international stars.
South Africans Charles Langeveldt, J P Duminy, Andre Nel and Paul Harris will also be a part of the auction.
As per the guidelines set by the Governing Council for the DLF IPL 2009, each Franchisee will have a maximum purse of $ 2 million, less any amount spent on signing temporary replacements from last year to select the cricketers best suited for their team's strategies.
Speaking on the occasion Lalit Modi, Chairman & Commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League said: "The enthusiasm and interest displayed by players from all around the world to participate in the second season of the league has been truly overwhelming. Clearly the DLF Indian Premier League has set new standards in helping uncover and hone some exciting new talent, that have gone on to gain international recognition, all of which augurs well for development of world cricket. We are extremely happy with the interest the league has garnered globally and look forward to the action at the second player auction in Goa."
FULL LIST:
Australia: Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart Clark, Brad Hogg, Beau Casson, Mark Cameron, Peter Forrest, Lee Carseldine, Doug Bowler, Michael Dighton, Jason Krejza, Nathan Reardon, Chris Hartley, Shaun Tait, Ashley Noffke, Bryce McGain, George Bailey, Travis Birt, Michael Hill, Chris Swan, Michael Klinger, Ben Edmondson, Aiden Blizzard, Mark Cosgrove, Adam Voges, Shane Harwood
England: Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, Ravi Bopara, Monty Panesar, Robert Key, James Foster, Tyron Henderson, Sajid Mahmood, Matt Prior, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Owais Shah, Shaun Udal, Darren Gough, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright, James Anderson, Ed Joyce, Dominic Cork
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Mehrab Hossain jnr, Rajin Saleh, Ziaur Rehman, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Raqibul Hasan, Nadif Chowdhury
New Zealand: Mark Gillespie, Tim Southee, Jesse Ryder, Jeetan Patel, Kyle Mills, Chris Martin, Jamie How, Peter Fulton, James Franklin
Pakistan: Asim Kamal, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Danish Kaneria, Yasir Arafat
South Africa: Gulam Bodi, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Ashwell Prince, JP Duminy, Martin van Jaarsveld, Roelof van der Merwe, Andre Nel, Neil McKenzie, Yusuf Abdullah, Paul Harris, Johan Botha, Morne van Wyk
Sri Lanka: Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Mahela Udawatte, Dammika Prasad, Thilina Kandamby, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Jehan Mubarak, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Malinga Bandara, Malinda Warnapura, Michael Vandort, Prasanna Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Jeevantha Kulatunga
West Indies: Sylvester Joseph, Darren Sammy, Andre Fletcher, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Fidel Edwards, Dwayne Smith, Kemar Roach
Zimbabwe: Vusi Sibanda
England: Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, Ravi Bopara, Monty Panesar, Robert Key, James Foster, Tyron Henderson, Sajid Mahmood, Matt Prior, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Owais Shah, Shaun Udal, Darren Gough, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright, James Anderson, Ed Joyce, Dominic Cork
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Mehrab Hossain jnr, Rajin Saleh, Ziaur Rehman, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Raqibul Hasan, Nadif Chowdhury
New Zealand: Mark Gillespie, Tim Southee, Jesse Ryder, Jeetan Patel, Kyle Mills, Chris Martin, Jamie How, Peter Fulton, James Franklin
Pakistan: Asim Kamal, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Danish Kaneria, Yasir Arafat
South Africa: Gulam Bodi, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Ashwell Prince, JP Duminy, Martin van Jaarsveld, Roelof van der Merwe, Andre Nel, Neil McKenzie, Yusuf Abdullah, Paul Harris, Johan Botha, Morne van Wyk
Sri Lanka: Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Mahela Udawatte, Dammika Prasad, Thilina Kandamby, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Jehan Mubarak, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Malinga Bandara, Malinda Warnapura, Michael Vandort, Prasanna Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Jeevantha Kulatunga
West Indies: Sylvester Joseph, Darren Sammy, Andre Fletcher, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Fidel Edwards, Dwayne Smith, Kemar Roach
Zimbabwe: Vusi Sibanda
IPL bid for Kevin Pietersen set to start at $1.3 million
London, January 29: Telegraph Sport can reveal that Pietersen has been valued at the highest ever fee by the IPL and will almost certainly smash the record of $1.5million paid last year by Chennai Super Kings for India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, writes Nick Hoult.
Andrew Flintoff has been valued at $900,000 at the auction when the IPL futures of 13 other contracted England players will be decided. The auction on Feb 6 clashes with England's first Test against the West Indies and the tour management will have to ensure the players remained focussed on the match at Sabina Park.
That will not be easy with salaries bandied around beyond the dreams of many cricketers.
Flintoff and Pietersen's advisers will have noted last year's auction during which Dhoni cashed in on a bidding war which saw his base price of $400,000 rocket.
Both Pietersen and Flintoff have been courted by almost all of the eight IPL franchises and competition for their signature will be fierce despite their limited availability this year. "Pietersen can name his own price," said one franchise owner recently.
England's centrally contracted players will be available for only 21 days of the IPL and will be paid on a pro-rata basis. That could still represent a minimum of $86,000 per match for Pietersen who could cram six appearances into three weeks.
Pietersen and Flintoff will also benefit from the dollar's current strength against the pound and their IPL salaries will also be swelled by the hugely lucrative marketing and endorsement opportunities afforded to India's leading cricketers.
The Bangalore Royal Challengers, owned by the flamboyant billionaire Vijay Mallya, met with Pietersen last year and remain the favourites to sign him while Flintoff has been linked with joining Sachin Tendulkar at the Mumbai Indians.
The base prices for the remaining England players will be decided today (January 29) although none is likely to be valued higher than $250,000.
Dominic Cork and Sajid Mahmood were among other English cricketers to be added to the auction list sent yesterday to the franchise owners. Ed Joyce, the Sussex batsman, has also been listed as has Darren Gough, Rob Key and Essex's James Foster.
The eight franchises will be able to spend $16million between them and the auction list is expected to contain 50 players. Middlesex' South African Twenty20 specialist Tyron Henderson is also hoping to pick up a deal.
London, January 29: Telegraph Sport can reveal that Pietersen has been valued at the highest ever fee by the IPL and will almost certainly smash the record of $1.5million paid last year by Chennai Super Kings for India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, writes Nick Hoult.
Andrew Flintoff has been valued at $900,000 at the auction when the IPL futures of 13 other contracted England players will be decided. The auction on Feb 6 clashes with England's first Test against the West Indies and the tour management will have to ensure the players remained focussed on the match at Sabina Park.
That will not be easy with salaries bandied around beyond the dreams of many cricketers.
Flintoff and Pietersen's advisers will have noted last year's auction during which Dhoni cashed in on a bidding war which saw his base price of $400,000 rocket.
Both Pietersen and Flintoff have been courted by almost all of the eight IPL franchises and competition for their signature will be fierce despite their limited availability this year. "Pietersen can name his own price," said one franchise owner recently.
England's centrally contracted players will be available for only 21 days of the IPL and will be paid on a pro-rata basis. That could still represent a minimum of $86,000 per match for Pietersen who could cram six appearances into three weeks.
Pietersen and Flintoff will also benefit from the dollar's current strength against the pound and their IPL salaries will also be swelled by the hugely lucrative marketing and endorsement opportunities afforded to India's leading cricketers.
The Bangalore Royal Challengers, owned by the flamboyant billionaire Vijay Mallya, met with Pietersen last year and remain the favourites to sign him while Flintoff has been linked with joining Sachin Tendulkar at the Mumbai Indians.
The base prices for the remaining England players will be decided today (January 29) although none is likely to be valued higher than $250,000.
Dominic Cork and Sajid Mahmood were among other English cricketers to be added to the auction list sent yesterday to the franchise owners. Ed Joyce, the Sussex batsman, has also been listed as has Darren Gough, Rob Key and Essex's James Foster.
The eight franchises will be able to spend $16million between them and the auction list is expected to contain 50 players. Middlesex' South African Twenty20 specialist Tyron Henderson is also hoping to pick up a deal.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
BCCI, ECB agree on IPL, bilateral tours after acrimonious battle
New Delhi, January 27: Following meetings in India prior to Christmas and a further meeting in Singapore this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and England Cricket Board (ECB) are pleased to announce that England players will be available to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on February 6 and to play in the Twenty20 tournament for a minimum of three weeks in 2009 and 2010.
The two boards have further agreed to work together to seek materially similar dates for the IPL in 2010 as 2009 within the international fixture schedule.
BCCI and ECB have also agreed to schedule Test and ODI series over a four-year cycle commencing 2011.
ECB Chief Executive David Collier commented: “The discussions held between our respective Boards have been most productive and ECB is grateful to the president and honorary secretary of BCCI for the excellent relationship which has been developed with the BCCI on a wide ranging number of issues. Our agreement is good for the players, the respective boards, our counties and for cricket. We look forward to welcoming India, the reigning ICC T20 World Champions, to England for the T20 World Championship this summer and for the tour of England and Wales in 2011.”
BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said: “We are very pleased with the out come of the discussions. BCCI looks forward to building upon our warm relationship with the Senior Officers of ECB.”
Wow, what an end to an acrimonious battle for one-upmanship between the BCCI and ECB.
Moral of the story: Money can turn best of enemies into best of friends.
New Delhi, January 27: Following meetings in India prior to Christmas and a further meeting in Singapore this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and England Cricket Board (ECB) are pleased to announce that England players will be available to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on February 6 and to play in the Twenty20 tournament for a minimum of three weeks in 2009 and 2010.
The two boards have further agreed to work together to seek materially similar dates for the IPL in 2010 as 2009 within the international fixture schedule.
BCCI and ECB have also agreed to schedule Test and ODI series over a four-year cycle commencing 2011.
ECB Chief Executive David Collier commented: “The discussions held between our respective Boards have been most productive and ECB is grateful to the president and honorary secretary of BCCI for the excellent relationship which has been developed with the BCCI on a wide ranging number of issues. Our agreement is good for the players, the respective boards, our counties and for cricket. We look forward to welcoming India, the reigning ICC T20 World Champions, to England for the T20 World Championship this summer and for the tour of England and Wales in 2011.”
BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said: “We are very pleased with the out come of the discussions. BCCI looks forward to building upon our warm relationship with the Senior Officers of ECB.”
Wow, what an end to an acrimonious battle for one-upmanship between the BCCI and ECB.
Moral of the story: Money can turn best of enemies into best of friends.
Friday, 23 January 2009
IPL PLAYERS' TRANSFERS
Warner, McDonald and Nehra strengthen IPL Delhi Daredevils
New Delhi, January 23: Australia's latest sensation, David Warner, and another upcoming Australian star Andrew MacDonald have been signed up by Delhi Daredevils, it was officially announced at the end of the Trading Window, which closed on January 22.
Daredevils signed up McDonald and Warner as uncapped players, but soon after that both made their international debuts. McDonald featured in Australia's Test match victory at the SCG at the start of this month, whilst Warner made a sensational Twenty20 International debut against South Africa at the MCG last week.
Warner, 22, has since also made his one-day debut. In his T20 debut, he smashed 89 off 43 balls, in a stunning assault against the South African bowling attack. This included six sixes and seven fours.
Warner's debut has caused a sensation in Australia, and the experience is likely to stand him in good stead when he comes to India later in the year to play in the Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League.
Commenting on his upcoming debut for the Delhi Daredevils in the DLF IPL, David Warner said: "I am thrilled to be joining the Delhi Daredevils, and I can't wait to play in the IPL. My international debut has given me a taste of what it is like to score runs in front of a big crowd, and I am looking forward to more of the same in India. Playing alongside top players from all over the world like Virender Sehwag, Glen McGrath and Daniel Vettori is going to be an amazing experience."
A right-hand batsman and right-arm medium fast bowler, McDonald made his Test debut for Australia in the first week of January against South Africa. The 27-year-old player scored 15 in his only innings but took three wickets in the match as Australia won the Test.
Daredevils also got India international Ashish Nehra during the Trading Window. Nehra, who had a successful first season in IPL while playing for Mumbai, came in for Shikhar Dhawan, who moved to Mumbai Indians.
Amrit Mathur, Chief Operating Officer of the Delhi Daredevils, was excited about his new additions. "We are really delighted to have signed David . His debut game for Australia the other day has been sensational and we are hoping he will carry forward this brilliance into season 2 of the DLF IPL. We are also looking forward to having Andrew (McDonald) and Ashish (Nehra) and they will strengthen our side," he said.
The closure of the one-month long trading window on Thursday saw a total of seven players being traded. In addition to the trades, four temporary replacements from the inaugural season were re-signed by their respective franchises and three of cricket's top up-and-coming young players are now set to make their debut in the Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League.
The IPL revealed that in all there were 82 enquiries made for 54 players, with 36 enquiries coming in for the Indian players and 18 for the overseas cricketers who played the inaugural season. In all 17 players were subject to enquiries from more than one franchisee and seven players were traded.
Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League commented: "I know that all the Franchises are putting in a lot of work to ensure that their playing squads are even better than last season. The second player's auction at Goa on February 6 will be an opportunity to sign some experienced internationals to complete their playing squads. Following the Goa auction I believe that we will have most of the world's top cricketers registered to play in the DLF IPL."
"I am particularly pleased to see franchises investing in the Gen-Next of World Cricket with the addition of many top young players. One of the most exciting aspects of last season was seeing some of the young players really develop and enhance their reputations – players like Yusuf Pathan, Shaun Marsh and Shikhar Dhawan. I am sure that the likes of David Warner and Ryan Harris will relish the opportunity to play in the IPL, and our crowds will love watching these young guns play some exciting cricket."
The 2009 player auction will take place in Goa on February 6, where Franchises will have the opportunity to purchase current international players to fill the remaining slots for overseas players in their squad. The Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League is set to kick off on April 10, with the final to be played on May 29, 2009.
New Delhi, January 23: Australia's latest sensation, David Warner, and another upcoming Australian star Andrew MacDonald have been signed up by Delhi Daredevils, it was officially announced at the end of the Trading Window, which closed on January 22.
Daredevils signed up McDonald and Warner as uncapped players, but soon after that both made their international debuts. McDonald featured in Australia's Test match victory at the SCG at the start of this month, whilst Warner made a sensational Twenty20 International debut against South Africa at the MCG last week.
Warner, 22, has since also made his one-day debut. In his T20 debut, he smashed 89 off 43 balls, in a stunning assault against the South African bowling attack. This included six sixes and seven fours.
Warner's debut has caused a sensation in Australia, and the experience is likely to stand him in good stead when he comes to India later in the year to play in the Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League.
Commenting on his upcoming debut for the Delhi Daredevils in the DLF IPL, David Warner said: "I am thrilled to be joining the Delhi Daredevils, and I can't wait to play in the IPL. My international debut has given me a taste of what it is like to score runs in front of a big crowd, and I am looking forward to more of the same in India. Playing alongside top players from all over the world like Virender Sehwag, Glen McGrath and Daniel Vettori is going to be an amazing experience."
A right-hand batsman and right-arm medium fast bowler, McDonald made his Test debut for Australia in the first week of January against South Africa. The 27-year-old player scored 15 in his only innings but took three wickets in the match as Australia won the Test.
Daredevils also got India international Ashish Nehra during the Trading Window. Nehra, who had a successful first season in IPL while playing for Mumbai, came in for Shikhar Dhawan, who moved to Mumbai Indians.
Amrit Mathur, Chief Operating Officer of the Delhi Daredevils, was excited about his new additions. "We are really delighted to have signed David . His debut game for Australia the other day has been sensational and we are hoping he will carry forward this brilliance into season 2 of the DLF IPL. We are also looking forward to having Andrew (McDonald) and Ashish (Nehra) and they will strengthen our side," he said.
The closure of the one-month long trading window on Thursday saw a total of seven players being traded. In addition to the trades, four temporary replacements from the inaugural season were re-signed by their respective franchises and three of cricket's top up-and-coming young players are now set to make their debut in the Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League.
The IPL revealed that in all there were 82 enquiries made for 54 players, with 36 enquiries coming in for the Indian players and 18 for the overseas cricketers who played the inaugural season. In all 17 players were subject to enquiries from more than one franchisee and seven players were traded.
Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League commented: "I know that all the Franchises are putting in a lot of work to ensure that their playing squads are even better than last season. The second player's auction at Goa on February 6 will be an opportunity to sign some experienced internationals to complete their playing squads. Following the Goa auction I believe that we will have most of the world's top cricketers registered to play in the DLF IPL."
"I am particularly pleased to see franchises investing in the Gen-Next of World Cricket with the addition of many top young players. One of the most exciting aspects of last season was seeing some of the young players really develop and enhance their reputations – players like Yusuf Pathan, Shaun Marsh and Shikhar Dhawan. I am sure that the likes of David Warner and Ryan Harris will relish the opportunity to play in the IPL, and our crowds will love watching these young guns play some exciting cricket."
The 2009 player auction will take place in Goa on February 6, where Franchises will have the opportunity to purchase current international players to fill the remaining slots for overseas players in their squad. The Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League is set to kick off on April 10, with the final to be played on May 29, 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)