New Zealand Cricket creates IPL window for players

The creation of a participation window for New Zealand cricketers in the IPL and the establishment of a players' retirement fund are among the salient features of an eight-year agreement between the national board, the players association and the six major domestic associations.

Justin Vaughan, the NZC chief, hailed the "ground-breaking" eight-year term of the deal that he said would provide stability to the country's cricketing structure. "Through the eight years $65 million is guaranteed to fund grassroots cricket and a further $25 million is ring-fenced for NZC reserves. These elements underwrite the future of cricket in this country.

"The long-term approach has allowed all parties to plan with certainty for the future and ensure that investment levels can be maintained into grassroots cricket. This is particularly important considering the significant changes we have seen to the shape of cricket in recent times," Vaughan said.

Heath Mills, executive manager of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association welcomed the partnership and said the new arrangement would help retain players for national duty. "The negotiating parties have worked hard to create an outcome which is good for cricket, good for players and secures the future of the game - and we believe we have achieved that," he said.

The agreement is arranged around a new financial model, with professional cricket assuming the risk to guarantee the funding to grassroots cricket and support functions, but also being incentivised to grow NZC's financial return.

Do or Die Match For Team India

India vs. New Zealand Live Cricket Score: Team India is going to play its much crucial match against the New Zealand in the ongoing Tri-Series tournament here.

After losing its last game against host Sri Lanka, the Indian players are quite restless, but if they want to be in the tournament, they need to win the match against Kiwis.

It was the thumping win for Lanka – no need to mention that they won by a bonus point as well and are through to the finals in a convincing fashion.

Team India: Dinesh Karthik , Virender Sehwag , Rohit Sharma , Yuvraj Singh , Suresh Raina , MS Dhoni (c) (w) , Ravindra Jadeja , Praveen Kumar , Pragyan Ojha , Ashish Nehra , Ishant Sharma.

New Zealand: BJ Watling, Peter Ingram, Ross Taylor(c), Kane Williamson, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Grant Elliott, Gareth Hopkins(k), Nathan McCullum, Daryl Tuffey, Kyle Mills.

India series integral before Ashes: Ponting

With all the usual hype of the forthcoming Ashes series with England, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting and vice captain Michael Clarke are careful not to diminish the importance of a two-Test series in India.

"We have to make sure we don't get too Ashes-focussed," Ponting said on Monday at a team camp north of Brisbane.

Australia plays on the subcontinent in Mohali beginning Octtober 1 and Bangalore from Oct. 9, along with three limited-overs matches later in the month at Kochi, Vishakapatnam and Goa.

"It's important to beat them, a rivalry is a rivalry, and they are the No. 1 team in the world," Ponting added. "You have to judge yourself by them."

Clarke also said it was important that his side stay focussed on the India series.

"I know it's the old cliche, but my experience from Test cricket is as soon as you take your eye off the ball, that rusty gate comes back and hits you in the face," Clarke said.

"I think it's really crucial ... playing India anywhere in the world is very tough, let alone playing them in their own conditions."

Ponting admitted there has been animosity between the sides in the past.

"They've got a few prickly characters that have sort of got under our skin a little bit, but we have to get over all that stuff," he said. "When things like that happen, it makes everyone else just want to beat them, there is more motivation. But really, it's all buried, done and dusted."

Ponting said any security concerns over playing in India will be handled by Cricket Australia and its staff.

"We will rely on what the experts have to say and trust their judgment," Ponting said, adding that a pre-tour visit will be conducted by security staff to check out hotels and venues.

The Commonwealth Games will be held in New Delhi from Oct. 3-14. There have been heightened security concerns in India since terror attacks in 2008 left 166 people dead in Mumbai.

Clarke has mostly pleasant recollections of India, particularly Bangalore, where he played his first Test for Australia on Oct. 6, 2004.

"Good memories ... scored 151," Clarke said. "Not bad, I'll take it."

Clarke went on to play a major part in his team's 2-1 series victory, Australia's first in India in over 30 years.

He remembers Bangalore as "one of the loudest places" he has toured.

"We had a one-day match there and Ricky (Ponting) was five meters away, screaming at the top of his lungs," Clarke said. "I couldn't hear a word he was saying."

Kumble hails test cricket

Test Cricket is the pinnacle of the game, and the advent of twenty over cricket, has boosted the five day game, making it more attractive to fans.

That’s according to former Indian legspinner, Anil Kumble, who was guest speaker at a special dinner during the CSA Annual Conference on Thursday night, attended by administrators, coaches, and players, including Proteas captain Graeme Smith, and fellow Proteas, Johan Botha, JP Duminy, Alviro Petersen, Paul Harris and Morne Morkel.

Kumble said: “I have had the privilege of playing for India for a number of years, and there is no doubt that the best form of the game remains the Test Cricket format. At the same time, T20 cricket has helped significantly boost the image of the longer version of the game.

“Just a couple of years ago, 250 was a good score to post at the end of a day’s play in a test match. Now, Virender Sehwag can score those runs in a single day’s play. It has certainly made the test cricket offering more attractive.”

Kumble, who also touched on various issues facing international players in the changing landscape of cricket, saying youngsters need as much support as possible to assist them in reaching their full potential.

“There needs to be a lot of hand holding and mentoring. The pressure facing international cricketers is immense. Aside from the actual cricket commitments, there are media requirements, sponsor activities, and various other social engagements on any given tour, and it is not easy to maintain composure, if a cricketer does not have the right support.”

Kumble, who earlier in the day, spent a few hours with the country’s up and coming spinners at a CSA High Performance Spinning Clinic, sponsored by Sedgars Sport, said he was impressed by the spinning talent in South Africa.

“There are some good young spinners coming through the system in South Africa, and I was impressed by the enthusiasm shown, and the talent on display at the clinic today.

“Perhaps, now that Graeme Smith has resigned as T20 captain, and will step down as ODI captain after next year’s World Cup, he will get more opportunities to turn his arm over.”

Kumble also revealed that he is planning a spinning academy with Sri Lankan spin king, Muttiah Muralidaran, which he hopes will have an impact on the state of slow bowling internationally.

The 2010 CSA Annual Conference is set to conclude tomorrow with the Annual General Meeting, where CSA’s financial results for the 2009/2010 season is announced.

Sri Lanka Cricket hailed for quick action on Randiv, Dilshan

Appreciation and praise came from all quarters after the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) took quick and strong action against Suraj Randiv and Tilakratne Dilshan for the no-ball fiasco during the game against India.

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat hailed the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, saying "The Spirit of Cricket is a fundamental part of our great sport and it is pleasing to see our Members upholding it in such a decisive manner".

The ICC has termed the incident as a closed chapter. The BCCI had already refused to raise the issue after the SLC and Randiv apologised to Sehwag for denying him a well-deserving hundred.

Former Indian cricketers, including legendary Sunil Gavaskar have welcomed Sri Lankan Cricket Board’s swift action. They believe that it will set a right precedent for others in the coming days.

Suraj Randiv was suspended for one ODI and lost his match fee. Dilshan, who coaxed him to bowl a deliberate no-ball, was also fined his full match fee. Skipper Kumara Sangakkara was reprimanded by the SLC.

No cricket in Pakistan before ICC World Cup

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani does not see international cricket returning to Pakistan before next year's ICC World Cup.

Mani welcomed the move by the Pakistan Cricket Board to finally send the report of the inquiry into the attack on the Sri Lankan team last year in Lahore to the ICC but said it's impact would not be immediate for Pakistan cricket.

"Nothing will happen before the World Cup next year that is for sure," Mani said.

"It is good the PCB has finally sent the report but it would be wrong to think this will help in bringing about a rapid change in the perspective the cricketing fraternity has about the security situation in Pakistan," Mani told Geo Super channel last night.

Mani, who had offered to assist and help the PCB in any capacity to help in the restoration of international cricket in the country, said that the ICC and its security experts would first go through the entire report before making any decision.

"Obviously there were loopholes in the security provided to the Sri Lankan team and that will be looked into and take some time but definitely the report will help the ICC security experts in recommending a security strategy for the future of cricket in Pakistan including tours by foreign teams," Mani said.

Asked about the statement by Giles Clarke, the Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, on plans to send an ICC World XI to play in Pakistan, Mani said that would also happen next year.

He said former Pakistan captain, Majid Khan, who was on the ICC special task force for Pakistan cricket, had played a major role in convincing the task force members to revive international cricket in the trouble-torn country.

"Majid made some concrete proposals in the special task force and was doing his best to see international cricket returns to Pakistan."

SL Cricket, Randiv apologize to Sehwag

Sri Lanka Cricket on Tuesday apologised to India's Virender Sehwag for a "no ball" bowled by off spinner Suraj Randiv denying the not out opener a 100 in their tri-series play in Dambulla.

Meanwhile, Sehwag also tweeted on Tuesday that Randiv has apologized to him for the action.

"Hi guys Randiv came to my room n apologize," he posted on his Twitter account.

The right handed batsman cracked an unbeaten 99 in 10-ball to muster India post a six-wicket victory over the island nation on Monday. He said an action would be followed after getting a probe report into the "No Ball" incident.

Sehwag was just one short of his 13th ODI hundred when Randiv, who had not bowled a no ball in the Test or ODI series this season, bowled one which was hit by the opener for a six.
However, it did not count because the no ball amounted to India's winning run leaving Sehwag on an unbeaten 99.

"In the morning, Ranatunga called me up personally and apologised on behalf of the Board for the Sehwag incident," India manager Biswal said.

"He said this was not in the spirit of the game. Nishantha said 'We have a good relationship with India and we apologise for the incident'," Biswal said.

India vs. Sri Lanka Preview and Live Score

Dambulla: Live Cricket Score: India vs. Sri Lanka Preview and Live Score: Team India is going to play its second match against Sri Lanka today here at Dambulla Cricket Ground.

This match is quite crucial for the Team India, as they have lost their opening match against New Zealand.

In the mean time, the Indian team has suffered another blow in the form of Yuvraj Singh, who is ruled out of the match after being diagnosed with dengue fever.

With the batting looking wobbly, the onus would once again be on Sehwag to give the team a blazing start.

Earlier, Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was quite unhappy with the practice wicket of Dambulla and his agony oozed out while talking to the media here.

Teams Update:
Team India: Dinesh Karthik, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Praveen Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ashish Nehra, Pragyan Ojha.

Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara(w/c), Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga.

Cricket-Sri Lanka v New Zealand - Tri-series scoreboard

Scoreboard from Sri Lanka v New Zealand, the second one-day international of the Tri-series on Friday.

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by three wickets

New Zealand innings BJ Watling c Sangakkara b Mathews 55 M. Guptill c Kapugedera b Malinga 0 R. Taylor lbw b Mathews 16 K. Williamson c Samaraweera b Mathews 0 S. Styris c Jayawardene b Herath 24 G. Hopkins c Kapugedera b Malinga 11 N. McCullum c Herath b Mendis 36 D. Tuffey b Malinga 0 K. Mills c Mathews b Herath 11 T. Southee c Dilshan b Kulasekara 13 A. McKay not out 4 Extras: (b-5, lb-4, nb-3, w-10) 22 Total: (all out, 48.1 overs) 192

Fall of wickets: 1-2 2-47 3-47 4-99 5-101 6-123 7-123 8-143 9-178 10-192

Bowling: Malinga 10-1-35-3, Kulasekara 8.1-1-35-1, Mathews 10-1-36-3, Mendis 10-0-42-1, Herath 10-0-35-2.

Sri Lanka innings U. Tharanga c Watling b Mills 70 T. Dilshan c and b Mills 5 K. Sangakkara c Guptill b Styris 48 M. Jayawardene c Taylor b McCullum 5 T. Samaraweera not out 36 A. Mathews c Taylor b Mills 0 N. Kulasekara c Hopkins b Southee 7 R. Herath c Taylor b Mills 2 C. Kapugedera not out 9 Extras: (b-4, lb-1, w-8) 13 Total: (seven wickets, 40.5 overs) 195

Fall of wickets: 1-11 2-96 3-119 4-162 5-164 6-177 7-180

Did not bat: A. Mendis, L. Malinga

Bowling: Mills 9.5-1-41-4 (2-w), Tuffey 5-0-31-0 (1-w), Southee 6-0-41-1 (3-w), McKay 4-0-26-0, McCullum 7-0-23-1, Williamson 1-0-6-0 (2-w), Styris 8-0-22-1.

New Zealand opts to bat against Sri Lanka

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat against Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-nation cricket series here on Friday.

Teams:

Sri Lanka:

Kumar Sangakkara (captain and wicketkeeper), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga

New Zealand:

Ross Taylor (captain), B.J. Watling, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins (wicketkeeper), Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, A.J. McKay, Tim Southee.

SL v NZ: Match Preview

After crushing India by 200 runs, the Kiwis will look to maintain their consistency while Sri Lanka will want to start their campaign without any major hiccups.

"Don't live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable"- This quote from former American play writer, Wendy Wasserstein, sums up New Zealand's tour de force performance against India. Coming to Sri Lanka in the absence of key players like Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and the retirement of Shane Bond, no one expected the Kiwis to do well at all. However, by the end of the night in Dambulla, the Kiwis achieved something remarkable as they thrashed India by 200 runs. This NZ team of all-rounders have announced themselves in this competition and How!

The key to New Zealand's success has been a two and a half month break from cricket. The match against India was their first international outing since May. This period of rest has helped the Kiwis tremendously. India, on the other hand, have been playing non-stop cricket since March and they looked completely jaded. The performance by NZ holds ominous signs for the Lankans as well, as they are also recovering from a grueling three test series against the Indians.

On paper, both teams look equal in all departments. New Zealand's batting looks strong, with Ross Taylor and Scott Styris forming the pillars in the middle order. These two will be the key if NZ are to maintain stability during the middle overs. Once Taylor and Styris consolidate, it gives players like Oram, Hopkins and Tuffey lower down the order the license to go all out. The only worry for the Black caps will be the openers. Both Guptill and Ingram struggled against the new ball and they will have to come good if the Kiwis are to put SL under pressure at the start. The bowling looked in great touch, with Mills and Tuffey forming a formidable opening pair. Andy McKay was impressive with his pace and zip and he will want to continue with his good show. If SL get off to a flier, then the Kiwis will turn to the gentle medium pace of Styris and Oram to curtail the flow of runs.

Sri Lanka, however, have the home ground advantage. Tharanga and Dilshan will be the key at the top of the order, with Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene forming the bedrock of the middle order. With hitters like Angelo Mathews, Chamara Silva, Samaraweera and Kapugedera in the lower middle order, the Sri Lankans bat deep. The bowling is Sri Lanka's main strength, with the new ball being shared by Kulasekera and Malinga. Malinga has shown that he can be unplayable with the white ball if it swings. His toe-crushers will be in full flow and when accurate, it can be deadly. Under lights, his potency increases as he showed in the first match of the Asia Cup against Pakistan in June at this venue where he picked up 5/34. The spinners will be equally difficult to play on this wicket under lights. Randiv's performance in the 3rd test against India gives the Lankans plenty to cheer about. He and Ajantha Mendis will be a difficult proposition on a wicket that offers a bit more zip.

However, the toss plays a huge part in Dambulla. Teams chasing under the lights have struggled as the ball swings more. The pitch in the previous match had lot more grass and the new ball troubled the batsmen considerably. Once the ball gets soft, run making became easier. This is in complete contrast to the pitches encountered in SL. Looking at the conditions the team composition will be tricky. All this makes this upcoming battle between the hometown giants and the dark horses an absolute cracker.

Champions League T20 launched

The second edition of the multi-million dollar Champions League Twenty20 was launched here in a glittering function attended by top officials of Cricket South Africa and star players including retired spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan.

CSA president Dr. Nyoka, secretary Gerald Majola and CLT20 CEO Sundar Raman unveiled the glittering trophy at a city hotel on Tuesday night.

South African players Jean-Paul Duminy, Alviro Petersen, Albie Morkel, Wayne Parnell and Makhya Ntini were also present. Mr. Raman said India will continue to be represented in future by three teams while two teams from Australia and South Africa, the two other founder members, will take part.

“We have a 10-year contract with ESPN Star Sports. The number of matches will remain 23 but regarding the increase in number of teams that is the decision of CLT20 council. Three teams from India, two each from South SAfrica and Australia will take part in future tournaments also. The other teams were on invitational basis,” he said.

India vs. New Zealand (IND vs. NZ) Live Cricket Score

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium: India vs. New Zealand match is going to begin by 14:30 Indian Standard Time here at Dambulla International Stadium.

This is going to be the first match of the Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, 2010. This one is quite crucial as Team India couldn’t do much better against Sri Lanka in the last series.

New Zealand will be very different from the one that won the Test match, with none among Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman present.

New Zealand too, like India, have brought a fairly youngish, new-look side for the series. Stalwarts like Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum are missing from the squad.

Teams Update

Team India: Dinesh Karthik, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Praveen Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ashish Nehra.

New Zealand: Peter Ingram, BJ Watling(w), Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor(c), Grant Elliott, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee.

Cricket Live Score: England vs Pakistan 2nd Test and Highlights

Watch 2nd Test Pakistan vs England Live Cricket Streaming online free and Pak vs Eng Live Score of 2nd npower Test, Edgbaston. The match between will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, Aug 6-10, 2010. The match will be played on the following dates 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 August 2010.

Pakistan lost their way in the series as they already lost the first match in nPower Test Series in large margin defeat against England. England skipper Strauss gives is player a warm welcome to play a best match in the second match of the series.

“Bowlers did a good job where we have to concentrate more in batting” skipper said.

On the other hand Pakistan dropped Kamran Akmal for the price for his poor performance in the first Test against England at Trent Bridge, and has been dropped from Pakistan’s team for the second game at Edgbaston, which gets underway on Friday.

Pakistan in England Test Series 2nd test England vs Pakistan is the 1969 International test match till 2010 season ans this match will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from 6 to 10th August 2010.

England squad: AJ Strauss*, JM Anderson, TT Bresnan, SCJ Broad, PD Collingwood, AN Cook, ST Finn, EJG Morgan, KP Pietersen, MJ Prior†, GP Swann, IJL Trott

Pakistan squad: Salman Butt*, Kamran Akmal†, Azhar Ali, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Yousuf, Raza Hasan, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Malik, Tanvir Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Hameed, Zulqarnain Haider†

You can watch the live streaming of all the Pakistan tour on England 2010 matches Online free on ESPN3.com, no need to sign-up for any survey it’s all free of cost to watch. Streaming of the match is very excellent with High quality. For USA Users u can watch the live by ESPN 3 Channel.

Ind vs SL Cricket Live Score: Sri Lanka started losing wickets

The 3rd and final test match between India and Sri Lanka has already started and you can watch the live coverage and latest scores on your tv sets. Also the live streaming and cricket live score is also available on a number of sites.

Today, the 4th day was very impotant for both the teams. India wanted to gran as many wickets as it could, that too as qucikly as possible. On the other hand, Sri Lanka after having the 1st test and 2nd ending in the draw, just needed to play safe and score runs without losing too many wickets. However, Team India delivered, when it mattered the most.

Sri Lanka started losing its wickets at regular intervals and till lunch on the 4th day, 8 of its team members were already back into the pavillion(2 wickkets fell yesterday). The latest cricket live score – Sri Lanka have scored 143 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

In its first innings Sl had scored 425 runs and India scored 11 runs more than SL, ending its innings on 436 runs. India now just needs two wickets to wrap up the Sl innings and then can quickly get on to bat. With Sehwag in such a form, the match may even end today and there could be no play on the 5th and final day.

Cricket-India 282-4 v Sri Lanka 425 - lunch

India were 282 for four wickets at lunch on the third day of the third and final test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday.

Scores: Sri Lanka 425 (K. Sangakkara 75, M. Jayawardene 56, T. Samaraweera 137 not out; P. Ojha 4-115) v India 282-4 (V. Sehwag 109)

Cricket-India 28-0 v Sri Lanka 425

India were 28 for no wicket in reply to Sri Lanka's 425 all out at tea on the second day of the third and final test in Colombo on Wednesday.

Scores: Sri Lanka 425 (K. Sangakkara 75, M. Jayawardene 56, T. Samaraweera 137 not out; P. Ojha 4-115) v India 28-0

Tendulkar's feat will be unmatchable

Milestone man Sachin Tendulkar today became the most-capped Test cricketer in the world and former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds said the champion Indian batsman's feat will remain untouchable for years to come.

Tendulkar, who holds almost every batting record, today overtook former Australian captain Steve Waugh's feat of 168 matches after taking the field in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Symonds, who is one of the commentators for this year's Champions League Twenty20, was of the view that the game will lose its charm without greats like Tendulkar, who is in the twilight of his career, and retired Muttiah Muralitharan.

"I doubt it very much that somebody can match Sachin's feat. Currently, there is probably Ponting, Boucher and Kallis who made played a lot of Test cricket. They are probably the only three who can get nearer but I can't see anyone starting cricket now and playing 160-170 Test matches," the 35-year-old Australian told PTI in an interview.

"The game obviously loses the players people love to pay and watch but the same thing happened with Australia. (Shane) Warne, (Glenn) McGrath and (Matthew) Hayden retired as well but someone comes in and takes their place in the team but, I mean, they can't become what these guys have been to the team," he said.

Symonds' chequered 11-year-old career with the Australian team was marred by off-field controversies, which eventually forced him to turn into a freelance cricketer last year. But the England-born Australian said he has no regrets about his decision as it gave him time to enjoy life.

"Definitely, it gave me a lot more free time to enjoy life and spend time with my family but still play cricket all over the world. So, I am very happy with my decision.

"I don't regret my decision. The rules of the game were changing and I was not involved that much with the team. I was also not happy with environment of the team. At the end of it, I thought it was time. I don't miss the Australian team," he said.

ICC CONFIRM ISAAC NOMINATION

The International Cricket Council this morning confirmed they have received New Zealand and Australia's nomination of Alan Isaac as vice-president from 2010-2012.

Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket chose Isaac after their previous nominee John Howard failed to receive support at ICC board level for a position which means the incumbent will subsequently become president of the international governing body.

NZC chairman Isaac is a successful businessman, and former captain of Wellington's 2nd XI.

His nomination will go to the ICC's executive board for approval.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "It has been a lengthy process, and I am grateful to both Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket for their joint nomination of Mr Isaac as the ICC vice-president.

"The process now requires Mr Isaac's nomination to be formally approved by the ICC board and council, which will be done as quickly as possible through a circular resolution so that he immediately assumes responsibility as ICC vice-president for two years before taking over as the ICC president in 2012."