Source: Rediff.com
March 30, 2010
Buying the Kochi Indian Premier League(IPL) team was more about passion for the game than actual business, say the owners.
Rendezvous Sports World Limited won the bid for the Kochi franchise for a whooping US $333 million (Rs 1533 crores), sending the state of Kerala [ Images ] on cloud nine.
The Kochi IPL team consortium includes Rendezvous Sports, Anchor Earth, Film Waves, Parinee Developers and the Elite and Choliyal group.
It just happened over a casual meeting between friends; they decided why not buy an IPL team. The rest, as they say, will now be history.
But the purchase was just the start. The franchise is now running against time to get everything arranged. Work on an under-construction stadium in Kerala has speeded up since the takeover, while the owners are also burning the midnight oil to identify players they hope to sign up during the auction later this year.
Co-owner Vivek Venugopal, who is a part of the Elite and Choliyal group of companies, spoke to Chief Correspondent Harish Kotian on the franchise's plans for the Kochi team.
There are around five partners involved in buying the Kochi IPL franchise. How did all of you get together and decide to buy this team?
Everybody is passionate about cricket and they all wanted to be a part of the IPL. We all decided one day over a casual get together that we should also look to buy a team; that is where the idea started. Over the last six months we have put in a lot of effort and time to put everything in place, get all the partners on board, and, I think, the hard work has paid off.
It is a great feeling that we finally managed to win the bid for the Kochi franchise; we all are very thrilled. It is a big achievement for Kerala as a state and its cricketers too.
How was the response in Kerala and overseas, like the Middle East where there is a huge Malayalee community?
The response from people in Kerala was very positive; people from all over the state are very excited. We are very happy to have delivered them this IPL franchise.
Even the response from Indians working in the Gulf was very good. It was extremely positive. People from all over the world have been calling me and congratulating me. After this, for another few years, no other team will be added to the IPL, so it is a very big development for Kerala.
Will the stadium in Kerala be ready in time? How much support has the Kerala Cricket Association given Rendezvous Sports World Limited in getting the stadium ready?
The Kerala Cricket Association has been very supportive and they really want to help. They have been very progressive, but we don't know if the stadium will be ready or not. The important thing is that everybody is trying for that and we are working as a team and trying to get it done.
We will have to wait and see if the stadium will be ready in the time. Of course, we would like to play in Kerala, but there is also the question of infrastructure around it, like the roads connecting to the stadium. When you have 50,000 people coming to watch a match you have to make sure they have a good experience. All things are being considered because we want to build a world class stadium in Kerala.
We have taken over the stadium only four days ago, so we are just getting started, getting the machinery in place. It won't happen overnight, but soon we will get the process started.
So, if the stadium is not ready, which other alternate venue would you want to play at?
We are talking to the IPL. It is not just that we decide; there are so many processes involved. Also, everybody has to agree with the alternative available.
The IPL will help us get a stadium, which we will use as our home base if the stadium in Kerala is not ready in time. So we will have to work jointly with them.
How important will it be getting S Sreesanth in your team for IPL 4, since he is one of the most successful Kerala cricketers at the international level?
Sreesanth is a great player. He is a national level player and he has been very successful at the top. There are so many external factors and you just can't say he is in or he is out. You have to look at things like his contract; whether his current owners let him go or whether he wants to join us. So we can't just speculate.
One thing is that we need to get the right team of players and look to get the best combination possible.
Even if you don't manage to sign Sreesanth, wouldn't the team compromise mostly cricketers from the state, because you'll have said that you'll are looking to develop cricket in Kerala?
Of course, we would like to have as many players as possible from Kerala. We think it is a great opportunity for players from Kerala to showcase their talent. There are a couple of good players in the Kerala Ranji Trophy, so it is about giving them a platform to show the world their talent.
Earlier, the players used to be disheartened because there was nobody watching them, and the pipeline to get them in the Indian team was limited. Now they might give it a little bit more and it could prove as a stepping stone for them.
With 10 franchises in the fray in the auction for IPL 4, don't you think the player prices will hit the roof? In that case, for a new franchise like you, the US $7 million dollar won't be enough if you want to rope in top players?
The US $7million purse is for all the franchises in the next auction, so I don't think it is a disadvantage for the two new teams. I don't think the talent pool is finite. It is fluid and I am sure there will be new talent coming along everyday.
Today, if you look at it, the senior players are doing well and also leading their teams with great success. I am sure new players will come and every year we see so many talented players being unearthed.
Showing posts with label IPL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IPL. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Master Blaster remains the best
Source: rediff.com
March 30, 2010
It is a young man's sport, they said.
The older players will struggle to make an impact, they predicted.
The naysaysers had warned that the Twenty20 version in general, and the Indian Premier League in particular, will mark an end to the careers of veterans in the sport.
Three years on, they have been made to eat their words.
The success of the veteran players in the third edition of the IPL is proving the critics wrong.
In continuing its analysis of the ongoing edition of the IPL, rediff.com takes a look at the veterans who have, with a string of good performances, proved that age is just a number.
He may have kept himself away from the newest version of the game, but Sachin Tendulkar is showing everyone that age is just another number.
Leading the Mumbai Indians side, Tendulkar is amongst top four run-scorers of the tournament thus far. With 303 runs from six innings, at an average of 60.60, the skipper has been responsible in giving the team good starts.
His knock against the Kolkata Knight Riders was perhaps his best innings so far; it helped the side post a convincing win. Chasing a modest 156 for victory, Tendulkar led from the front with 71 from 48 balls, as Mumbai Indians registered a convincing seven-wicket win.
In the process, he registered his seventh IPL fifty overall and fourth in this edition; it was inclusive of 10 hits to the fence.
March 30, 2010
It is a young man's sport, they said.
The older players will struggle to make an impact, they predicted.
The naysaysers had warned that the Twenty20 version in general, and the Indian Premier League in particular, will mark an end to the careers of veterans in the sport.
Three years on, they have been made to eat their words.
The success of the veteran players in the third edition of the IPL is proving the critics wrong.
In continuing its analysis of the ongoing edition of the IPL, rediff.com takes a look at the veterans who have, with a string of good performances, proved that age is just a number.
He may have kept himself away from the newest version of the game, but Sachin Tendulkar is showing everyone that age is just another number.
Leading the Mumbai Indians side, Tendulkar is amongst top four run-scorers of the tournament thus far. With 303 runs from six innings, at an average of 60.60, the skipper has been responsible in giving the team good starts.
His knock against the Kolkata Knight Riders was perhaps his best innings so far; it helped the side post a convincing win. Chasing a modest 156 for victory, Tendulkar led from the front with 71 from 48 balls, as Mumbai Indians registered a convincing seven-wicket win.
In the process, he registered his seventh IPL fifty overall and fourth in this edition; it was inclusive of 10 hits to the fence.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Former greats want Tendulkar to play in Twenty20 World Cup
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar's sparkling form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has intensified calls of his inclusion in the Indian team for the Twenty20 World Cup next month.
Tendulkar, who is a month away from his 37th birthday, had decided to stay away from Twenty20 internationals and concentrate on Test and one-day cricket. But former cricketers feel Tendulkar should reconsider his decision and play in the upcoming World Twenty20.
His presence will bolster India's chances in the West Indies, more so when most of the youngsters are going through a lean patch, they say.
"I think the kind of form and the fitness he is in, if he decides to comeback it will be wonderful," former Test cricketer Abbas Ali Baig said.
"He has adapted himself marvellously in the shorter format of the game. When he decided not to play in the Twenty20, he must have been in a different state of mind. But today look at the the way he is playing. If he decides to play, he should be welcomed to the side."
Legendary Sunil Gavaskar also said Tendulkar "should make himself available for World Twenty20."
Navjot Singh Siddhu said Tendulkar still has the hunger for the runs irrespective of the format.
"I think the selectors will have to consider his current form. He has made a strong case the way he is batting in IPL.
"Sachin is a cricketer who can adapt to any situation and score at any level. He is like a little boy whose enthusiasm for cricket refuses to die."
Former Test captain Bishen Singh Bedi felt the decision should be best left to Tendulkar.
"He has not played in the previous two Twenty20 World Cup and we should respect his decision. Why force him to comeback at this stage of life and career," Bedi said.
Former India player Surinder Khanna concurs. "Tendulkar is a champion player and he knows best whether his body can bear the demands of Twenty20 cricket. It was his decision not to play and we should respect whatever decision he takes now."
Tendulkar was not part of India's Twenty20 World Cup winning squad in 2007 and also last year when India made an early exit.
The master batsman has been in blistering form in the ongoing IPL. He scored a match winning knock of unbeaten 71 off 48 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Brabourne Stadium Monday. It was his highest T20 score and second fifty in IPL.
NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar's sparkling form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has intensified calls of his inclusion in the Indian team for the Twenty20 World Cup next month.
Tendulkar, who is a month away from his 37th birthday, had decided to stay away from Twenty20 internationals and concentrate on Test and one-day cricket. But former cricketers feel Tendulkar should reconsider his decision and play in the upcoming World Twenty20.
His presence will bolster India's chances in the West Indies, more so when most of the youngsters are going through a lean patch, they say.
"I think the kind of form and the fitness he is in, if he decides to comeback it will be wonderful," former Test cricketer Abbas Ali Baig said.
"He has adapted himself marvellously in the shorter format of the game. When he decided not to play in the Twenty20, he must have been in a different state of mind. But today look at the the way he is playing. If he decides to play, he should be welcomed to the side."
Legendary Sunil Gavaskar also said Tendulkar "should make himself available for World Twenty20."
Navjot Singh Siddhu said Tendulkar still has the hunger for the runs irrespective of the format.
"I think the selectors will have to consider his current form. He has made a strong case the way he is batting in IPL.
"Sachin is a cricketer who can adapt to any situation and score at any level. He is like a little boy whose enthusiasm for cricket refuses to die."
Former Test captain Bishen Singh Bedi felt the decision should be best left to Tendulkar.
"He has not played in the previous two Twenty20 World Cup and we should respect his decision. Why force him to comeback at this stage of life and career," Bedi said.
Former India player Surinder Khanna concurs. "Tendulkar is a champion player and he knows best whether his body can bear the demands of Twenty20 cricket. It was his decision not to play and we should respect whatever decision he takes now."
Tendulkar was not part of India's Twenty20 World Cup winning squad in 2007 and also last year when India made an early exit.
The master batsman has been in blistering form in the ongoing IPL. He scored a match winning knock of unbeaten 71 off 48 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Brabourne Stadium Monday. It was his highest T20 score and second fifty in IPL.
Will Sahara now drop Team India?
Source: Times of India
NEW DELHI: Is IPL's ever-growing stature adversely affect Team Indian's fortunes? It's likely. After buying the IPL Pune franchisee for a whopping Rs 1702 crore, a strong buzz is that Sahara India is having a rethink on its deal as the main sponsor of the Indian team.
"We haven't taken a call. We will decide on it once the Twenty20 World Cup is over. As of now, we are still with the Indian team and hopefully, will continue our association," Abhijit Sarkar, Sahara's head of corporate communications, told TOI on Tuesday.
Till date, Sahara has paid Rs 400 crore for the Indian team sponsorship in the last four years and so. It's four-year contract with the Indian cricket board ended in December 2009. But it was asked to continue for another six months after BCCI could not find any takers for the sponsorship, at the price it was asking for. As per the deal, Sahara is paying more than Rs 2 crore for an ODI, almost Rs 2 crore for a Test and more than Rs 1.5 crore for a Twenty20 match that India play.
Now that Sahara has joined the big league of IPL team owners after forking out a huge sum, will it have the money and the inclination to continue to be the main sponsors of the national team? If no, then what happens to brand Team India? Well, only time will tell. Sarkar, on his part, clarified, "We wish to continue the association and we'll discuss it out."
On Tuesday, Sahara chief Subroto Roy was quoted by agencies that the group was reviewing the sponsorship with the Indian team.
NEW DELHI: Is IPL's ever-growing stature adversely affect Team Indian's fortunes? It's likely. After buying the IPL Pune franchisee for a whopping Rs 1702 crore, a strong buzz is that Sahara India is having a rethink on its deal as the main sponsor of the Indian team.
"We haven't taken a call. We will decide on it once the Twenty20 World Cup is over. As of now, we are still with the Indian team and hopefully, will continue our association," Abhijit Sarkar, Sahara's head of corporate communications, told TOI on Tuesday.
Till date, Sahara has paid Rs 400 crore for the Indian team sponsorship in the last four years and so. It's four-year contract with the Indian cricket board ended in December 2009. But it was asked to continue for another six months after BCCI could not find any takers for the sponsorship, at the price it was asking for. As per the deal, Sahara is paying more than Rs 2 crore for an ODI, almost Rs 2 crore for a Test and more than Rs 1.5 crore for a Twenty20 match that India play.
Now that Sahara has joined the big league of IPL team owners after forking out a huge sum, will it have the money and the inclination to continue to be the main sponsors of the national team? If no, then what happens to brand Team India? Well, only time will tell. Sarkar, on his part, clarified, "We wish to continue the association and we'll discuss it out."
On Tuesday, Sahara chief Subroto Roy was quoted by agencies that the group was reviewing the sponsorship with the Indian team.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Pune and Kochi are new IPL franchises
March 21, 2010
Source: Rediff.com
Pune and Kochi are the two new teams for the forthcoming editions of the Indian Premier League,commissioner Lalit Modi announced in Chennai, on Sunday.
Sahara Adventure Sports Group successfully won the Pune franchise after they bid the highest amount of US $370 million (Rs 1702 crore), while the Kochi team was won by a consortium, Rendezvous Sports World Limited, for a whopping amount of $333 million (Rs 1533.33 crore), for a period of ten years.
"There were five qualified bids and the bidding was extremely tough," Modi said.
Sahara had highest bids for three cities -- Ahmedabad, Pune and Nagpur -- but eventually they chose Pune as their franchise.
"Rendezvous Group has Vivek Venugopal, Anchor Switches, Rosy Blue Diamond, Mukesh Patel, Ravi and Sanjay Gaikwad as part of the consortium," Modi wrote on his Twitter page.
He further added that: "The new ground in Kochi will go into construction soon. Till it is ready, the matches will be played at another venue."
The other cities which were in the fray were Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Kanpur, Dharamsala, Vizag, Rajkot, Cuttack, Baroda, Indore and Gwalior.
Adani Entreprises and Videocon, the only two bidders at the last auction, which was cancelled by the IPL and fresh tenders were issued on March 7, lost out this time.
The addition of two new teams takes the total number to ten, which means that the number of matches played will go up from 60 to 94 from the fourth season in 2011.
Modi pointed out that the sale of the two new franchises for such a high amount proved that IPL was recession-proof. The existing eights team had fetched a total value of at Rs 2,840 crores but the two new teams were sold for a combined worth of Rs 3,235.53 crores.
"As far as IPL is concerned there is no recession at all. We will continue to be on upward trend," the IPL chief said.
Modi said he does not foresee IPL growing to more than 10 teams in the near future.
"We have no plans to expand further immediately. The IPL will be limited to ten teams only in near future. Also there are no plans to hold IPL abroad in the future. I don't foresee any expansion in many years to come but then you never know," he said.
The IPL will also provide Rendezvous Sports with an alternative venue if the Kerala Cricket Association's cricket stadium is not ready in time for next year's tournament.
"The Kerala Cricket Association are in the process of building the infrastructure so the teams will play only there once the stadium is ready. But till it is ready, the IPL will provide them with alternate venue and that coule be anywhere in India," said Modi.
When asked whether Pakistan's players would feature in the auction to be held later this year, Modi replied: "We hope the Pakistan players are allowed but that will only be decided when the auction takes places in September-October."
Meanwhile, minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor denied he was actively involved in the successful bid for the Kochi franchise.
"I am not part of the bid but was pleased to give Rendezvous Sports World my encouragement and blessings.My interest is in transforming Kerala. My own role has been limited to blessing and encouraging this venture because I feel very strongly that Keralites in India and abroad need something like this. I think it will help in the transformation of Kerala and that is my spirit. With that spirit I have given it my blessing. Beyond that I have no involvement," Tharoor said.
Source: Rediff.com
Pune and Kochi are the two new teams for the forthcoming editions of the Indian Premier League,commissioner Lalit Modi announced in Chennai, on Sunday.
Sahara Adventure Sports Group successfully won the Pune franchise after they bid the highest amount of US $370 million (Rs 1702 crore), while the Kochi team was won by a consortium, Rendezvous Sports World Limited, for a whopping amount of $333 million (Rs 1533.33 crore), for a period of ten years.
"There were five qualified bids and the bidding was extremely tough," Modi said.
Sahara had highest bids for three cities -- Ahmedabad, Pune and Nagpur -- but eventually they chose Pune as their franchise.
"Rendezvous Group has Vivek Venugopal, Anchor Switches, Rosy Blue Diamond, Mukesh Patel, Ravi and Sanjay Gaikwad as part of the consortium," Modi wrote on his Twitter page.
He further added that: "The new ground in Kochi will go into construction soon. Till it is ready, the matches will be played at another venue."
The other cities which were in the fray were Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Kanpur, Dharamsala, Vizag, Rajkot, Cuttack, Baroda, Indore and Gwalior.
Adani Entreprises and Videocon, the only two bidders at the last auction, which was cancelled by the IPL and fresh tenders were issued on March 7, lost out this time.
The addition of two new teams takes the total number to ten, which means that the number of matches played will go up from 60 to 94 from the fourth season in 2011.
Modi pointed out that the sale of the two new franchises for such a high amount proved that IPL was recession-proof. The existing eights team had fetched a total value of at Rs 2,840 crores but the two new teams were sold for a combined worth of Rs 3,235.53 crores.
"As far as IPL is concerned there is no recession at all. We will continue to be on upward trend," the IPL chief said.
Modi said he does not foresee IPL growing to more than 10 teams in the near future.
"We have no plans to expand further immediately. The IPL will be limited to ten teams only in near future. Also there are no plans to hold IPL abroad in the future. I don't foresee any expansion in many years to come but then you never know," he said.
The IPL will also provide Rendezvous Sports with an alternative venue if the Kerala Cricket Association's cricket stadium is not ready in time for next year's tournament.
"The Kerala Cricket Association are in the process of building the infrastructure so the teams will play only there once the stadium is ready. But till it is ready, the IPL will provide them with alternate venue and that coule be anywhere in India," said Modi.
When asked whether Pakistan's players would feature in the auction to be held later this year, Modi replied: "We hope the Pakistan players are allowed but that will only be decided when the auction takes places in September-October."
Meanwhile, minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor denied he was actively involved in the successful bid for the Kochi franchise.
"I am not part of the bid but was pleased to give Rendezvous Sports World my encouragement and blessings.My interest is in transforming Kerala. My own role has been limited to blessing and encouraging this venture because I feel very strongly that Keralites in India and abroad need something like this. I think it will help in the transformation of Kerala and that is my spirit. With that spirit I have given it my blessing. Beyond that I have no involvement," Tharoor said.
Friday, March 19, 2010
IPL's shadow over T20 World Cup
Partha Bhaduri, TNN, Mar 19, 2010
Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
NEW DELHI: Could the sheer intensity of IPL games derail India's World T20 prospects? Given the spate of injuries to players who are expected to play a key role in the West Indies starting from April 30 - New Zealand play Sri Lanka at Providence just five days after the IPL final - it might finally be time for some cricketers to take a call on how best to preserve their energies.
The latest to join the bandwagon is Delhi Daredevils skipper and India opener Gautam Gambhir, who strained his hamstring while fielding against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday and might be out for some time. Gambhir played a central role in India's victory in South Africa in the inaugural edition of the World T20 and the injury has come at a critical time. The team's worries, though, might just begin there.
MS Dhoni is already out for 10 days from the IPL after being struck on the arm by a Shane Bond delivery. Will he be carrying a niggle to the Caribbean? Yusuf Pathan is being persisted with by the depleted Rajasthan Royals in spite of injuring his shoulder while fielding. How fit will the big-hitter be to free his arms for India when the time comes?
Ashish Nehra has picked up a rib injury which has ruled him out for two weeks. The left-arm pacer's track record on injuries, incidentally, is not too inspiring. Harbhajan Singh too survived an early scare. Yuvraj Singh is yet to fully recover from a wrist injury and given how injury-prone India's T20 batting mainstay has become, is it a wise idea for him to go all out in the IPL?
Another player central to India's plans, Suresh Raina, wouldn't be drawn into the debate. "You never know about injuries. My job is to play as much as I can and I will try," he said. Delhi Daredevils assistant coach Eric Simons was more forthcoming on Gambhir's condition: "Gambhir had gone this morning for a scan. I think (the injury) is reasonably serious. We don't know at this stage how bad the injury is."
Understandably, Simons was cautious when asked if the IPL was affecting national teams' fortunes, given that South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has also gone home after yet another serious finger injury. "The IPL has become a very important part of international cricket. I suppose one has to look at the overall picture of over 12-24 months. If after assessment one finds that the injuries are related to the tournament, then we will be more aware," he said.
These are all questions India's think-tank must seriously consider, though whether the franchisees are willing to make allowances for the national team in the high-stakes bustle of the IPL is another matter. Last year, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan picked up injuries in South Africa during IPL 2 and amid reports of team discord, India put up a dismal performance immediately after in the second World T20 in England. Can India avoid a repeat? Given that their recent track record in ICC tournaments is poor, can MS Dhoni afford to risk his key players, or himself?
Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
NEW DELHI: Could the sheer intensity of IPL games derail India's World T20 prospects? Given the spate of injuries to players who are expected to play a key role in the West Indies starting from April 30 - New Zealand play Sri Lanka at Providence just five days after the IPL final - it might finally be time for some cricketers to take a call on how best to preserve their energies.
The latest to join the bandwagon is Delhi Daredevils skipper and India opener Gautam Gambhir, who strained his hamstring while fielding against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday and might be out for some time. Gambhir played a central role in India's victory in South Africa in the inaugural edition of the World T20 and the injury has come at a critical time. The team's worries, though, might just begin there.
MS Dhoni is already out for 10 days from the IPL after being struck on the arm by a Shane Bond delivery. Will he be carrying a niggle to the Caribbean? Yusuf Pathan is being persisted with by the depleted Rajasthan Royals in spite of injuring his shoulder while fielding. How fit will the big-hitter be to free his arms for India when the time comes?
Ashish Nehra has picked up a rib injury which has ruled him out for two weeks. The left-arm pacer's track record on injuries, incidentally, is not too inspiring. Harbhajan Singh too survived an early scare. Yuvraj Singh is yet to fully recover from a wrist injury and given how injury-prone India's T20 batting mainstay has become, is it a wise idea for him to go all out in the IPL?
Another player central to India's plans, Suresh Raina, wouldn't be drawn into the debate. "You never know about injuries. My job is to play as much as I can and I will try," he said. Delhi Daredevils assistant coach Eric Simons was more forthcoming on Gambhir's condition: "Gambhir had gone this morning for a scan. I think (the injury) is reasonably serious. We don't know at this stage how bad the injury is."
Understandably, Simons was cautious when asked if the IPL was affecting national teams' fortunes, given that South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has also gone home after yet another serious finger injury. "The IPL has become a very important part of international cricket. I suppose one has to look at the overall picture of over 12-24 months. If after assessment one finds that the injuries are related to the tournament, then we will be more aware," he said.
These are all questions India's think-tank must seriously consider, though whether the franchisees are willing to make allowances for the national team in the high-stakes bustle of the IPL is another matter. Last year, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan picked up injuries in South Africa during IPL 2 and amid reports of team discord, India put up a dismal performance immediately after in the second World T20 in England. Can India avoid a repeat? Given that their recent track record in ICC tournaments is poor, can MS Dhoni afford to risk his key players, or himself?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
'Injured' Dhoni out of IPL for 10 days
March 17, 2010
Source: Rediff.com
The Chennai Super Kings kipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to sit out of the IPL for 10 days, due to an elbow injury, which he sustained during Tuesday's match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Dhoni was hit by a rising Shane Bond delivery on his elbow, after which he seemed to be in a bit of bother.
Suresh Raina has been appointed as the stand-in skipper.
Dhoni was at his belligerent best as Super Kings thrashed Knight Riders by a whopping margin of 55 runs at the Eden Gardens.
Dhoni changed the complexion of the match with a blazing innings of 66 from a mere 33 deliveries, which included three sixes and six boundaries.
The Chennai captain's quickfire partnership of 109 in 65 deliveries for the fourth wicket with S Badrinath (43 from 33 balls) saw the visitors hammer 83 in the last six overs that ultimately proved the turning point of the game.
Chennai Super Kings take on the Delhi Daredevils at the Ferozshah Kotla next on March 19.
Source: Rediff.com
The Chennai Super Kings kipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to sit out of the IPL for 10 days, due to an elbow injury, which he sustained during Tuesday's match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Dhoni was hit by a rising Shane Bond delivery on his elbow, after which he seemed to be in a bit of bother.
Suresh Raina has been appointed as the stand-in skipper.
Dhoni was at his belligerent best as Super Kings thrashed Knight Riders by a whopping margin of 55 runs at the Eden Gardens.
Dhoni changed the complexion of the match with a blazing innings of 66 from a mere 33 deliveries, which included three sixes and six boundaries.
The Chennai captain's quickfire partnership of 109 in 65 deliveries for the fourth wicket with S Badrinath (43 from 33 balls) saw the visitors hammer 83 in the last six overs that ultimately proved the turning point of the game.
Chennai Super Kings take on the Delhi Daredevils at the Ferozshah Kotla next on March 19.
Modi sounds Brian Lara IPL call
March 15, 2010
Source: Rediff.com
The Indian Premier League bug seems to have bitten Brian Lara as well.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi on Monday revealed that the West Indies batting legend is keen to play in the fourth season of the mega event next year.
"Spent the last 24 hours with Brian Lara in Kolkata. He is excited of the prospect to be available for IPL 4. Told him to get into training," Modi posted on Twitter.
Former West Indies captain Lara quit international cricket in 2007 and then joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL). He played in the ICL for just one season before giving up all forms of the game.
But since arriving in India a couple of weeks back, the West Indies icon is busy attending various IPL-related events. He was spotted at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday when Kolkata Knight Riders played Royal Challengers Bangalore. He apparently met Modi there and discussed his participation in the next season of the league.
Modi also pointed out that the IPL had approached Lara to join them for the inaugural season in 2008.
"Brian Lara was the first guy we approached during first IPL season and, unfortunately, he couldn't join us. We are wishing him to get ready and be a part of IPL season 4," he added.
Source: Rediff.com
The Indian Premier League bug seems to have bitten Brian Lara as well.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi on Monday revealed that the West Indies batting legend is keen to play in the fourth season of the mega event next year.
"Spent the last 24 hours with Brian Lara in Kolkata. He is excited of the prospect to be available for IPL 4. Told him to get into training," Modi posted on Twitter.
Former West Indies captain Lara quit international cricket in 2007 and then joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL). He played in the ICL for just one season before giving up all forms of the game.
But since arriving in India a couple of weeks back, the West Indies icon is busy attending various IPL-related events. He was spotted at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday when Kolkata Knight Riders played Royal Challengers Bangalore. He apparently met Modi there and discussed his participation in the next season of the league.
Modi also pointed out that the IPL had approached Lara to join them for the inaugural season in 2008.
"Brian Lara was the first guy we approached during first IPL season and, unfortunately, he couldn't join us. We are wishing him to get ready and be a part of IPL season 4," he added.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
IPL-3 all set to roll
Source: Rediff.com
It's that time of the year again when cricket fans simply go berserk. And those managing it are busy celebrating their best harvest season.
Yes, it's IPL time folks!
And, on this occasion, they say, they are back home (after a detour to South Africa last year).
When Kolkata Knight Riders take on defending champions Deccan Chargers in the opener on Friday, it will mark the start of the third season of the cricket extravaganza, 45 days of 'cricketainment' so to speak.
The opening ceremony, as usual, will be a grand affair. We Indians have a fetish to try to impress and this season won't be any different -- the performers ranging from international icons like Lionel Ritchie and UB40 to our very own Deepika Padukone.
IPL III will be aking to IPL II in most aspects, with the addition of a few new players and four more centers - Ahmedabad, Cuttack, Dharamsala and Nagpur - to the existing roster.
The other notable feature will be the introduction of the two-and-a-half minute strategic breaks, which may or may not benefit the teams, but, surely, the organisers.
There are no clear favourites going into the third season and that perhaps is the only redeeming feature of this cricket festival.
So, all's set for the first ball to be bowled at the D Y Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.
It's that time of the year again when cricket fans simply go berserk. And those managing it are busy celebrating their best harvest season.
Yes, it's IPL time folks!
And, on this occasion, they say, they are back home (after a detour to South Africa last year).
When Kolkata Knight Riders take on defending champions Deccan Chargers in the opener on Friday, it will mark the start of the third season of the cricket extravaganza, 45 days of 'cricketainment' so to speak.
The opening ceremony, as usual, will be a grand affair. We Indians have a fetish to try to impress and this season won't be any different -- the performers ranging from international icons like Lionel Ritchie and UB40 to our very own Deepika Padukone.
IPL III will be aking to IPL II in most aspects, with the addition of a few new players and four more centers - Ahmedabad, Cuttack, Dharamsala and Nagpur - to the existing roster.
The other notable feature will be the introduction of the two-and-a-half minute strategic breaks, which may or may not benefit the teams, but, surely, the organisers.
There are no clear favourites going into the third season and that perhaps is the only redeeming feature of this cricket festival.
So, all's set for the first ball to be bowled at the D Y Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Gilchrist happy with IPL security
Source: Rediff.com
Adam Gilchrist has backed comments by Damien Martyn that suggest Australian cricket bosses are applying double standards when it comes to assessing security threats on the subcontinent. He said adequate security measures are in place for the Indian Premier League.
The debate over security in the IPL saw a divide emerge between current and former Australian players intent on participating in the Twety20 tournament, including Gilchrist.
Ahead of his season-opening match for the Deccan Chargers, Gilchrist endorsed the IPL's security measures.
"I can only comment on the experience I have had here, and it's been fantastic. We have got several police force officers with us the whole time, we have close protection officers from the IPL's security group Nicholls Steyn, and we have been very well looked after," Gilchrist said.
"Obviously the bigger days and more testing times will come around match days, moving in and out of big stadiums when we travel more," FOX sports quoted Gilchrist, as saying.
Players have to report when they leave the team hotel and when they return, and have a security officer with them at all times.
It's enough to put Gilchrist's mind at ease, but the ACA's reluctance to endorse the IPL's security saw tensions rise between contracted players and others.
Martyn accused Australian bosses of double standards on security after electing to remain in London for the Ashes during the 2005 bomb attack.
"I read with interest Damien Martyn's comments on the 2005 Ashes, and what he had to say there, if put in the right context, it's probably a fair point," Gilchrist said.
Source: ANI
Adam Gilchrist has backed comments by Damien Martyn that suggest Australian cricket bosses are applying double standards when it comes to assessing security threats on the subcontinent. He said adequate security measures are in place for the Indian Premier League.
The debate over security in the IPL saw a divide emerge between current and former Australian players intent on participating in the Twety20 tournament, including Gilchrist.
Ahead of his season-opening match for the Deccan Chargers, Gilchrist endorsed the IPL's security measures.
"I can only comment on the experience I have had here, and it's been fantastic. We have got several police force officers with us the whole time, we have close protection officers from the IPL's security group Nicholls Steyn, and we have been very well looked after," Gilchrist said.
"Obviously the bigger days and more testing times will come around match days, moving in and out of big stadiums when we travel more," FOX sports quoted Gilchrist, as saying.
Players have to report when they leave the team hotel and when they return, and have a security officer with them at all times.
It's enough to put Gilchrist's mind at ease, but the ACA's reluctance to endorse the IPL's security saw tensions rise between contracted players and others.
Martyn accused Australian bosses of double standards on security after electing to remain in London for the Ashes during the 2005 bomb attack.
"I read with interest Damien Martyn's comments on the 2005 Ashes, and what he had to say there, if put in the right context, it's probably a fair point," Gilchrist said.
Source: ANI
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
IPL governing council rejects Jadeja's appeal
Taken from: Rediff.com
Ravindra Jadeja's appeal against a one-year ban for violating IPL's terms and conditions was rejected by the organiser's governing council on Sunday.
Jadeja received a ban last month for negotiating outside his contract with the Rajasthan Royals.
Jadeja, who represented Rajasthan Royals in the last IPL, claimed in his appeal that he received the BCCI's nod before looking for contracts with other teams.
Jadeja's contract with the Royals ended last December.
According to Cricinfo, IPL vice-chairman Niranjan Shah raised the issue of reducing the ban on Jadeja with BCCI President Shashank Manohar on Sunday in Mumbai, but his appeal was turned down.
"He (Manohar) did not want to set a wrong precedent, so he dismissed the request. So Jadeja now cannot play in the IPL (this year)," an IPL official said.
Taken from: Rediff.com
Ravindra Jadeja's appeal against a one-year ban for violating IPL's terms and conditions was rejected by the organiser's governing council on Sunday.
Jadeja received a ban last month for negotiating outside his contract with the Rajasthan Royals.
Jadeja, who represented Rajasthan Royals in the last IPL, claimed in his appeal that he received the BCCI's nod before looking for contracts with other teams.
Jadeja's contract with the Royals ended last December.
According to Cricinfo, IPL vice-chairman Niranjan Shah raised the issue of reducing the ban on Jadeja with BCCI President Shashank Manohar on Sunday in Mumbai, but his appeal was turned down.
"He (Manohar) did not want to set a wrong precedent, so he dismissed the request. So Jadeja now cannot play in the IPL (this year)," an IPL official said.
Monday, March 8, 2010
IPL team bidding turns out to be a damp squib
March 07, 2010 14:29 IST
Taken from : rediff.com
The high-profile bidding for the two new teams in the Indian Premier League in Mumbai on Sunday turned out to be a damp squib.
Despite all the hype, only three interested parties came forward to take part in the bidding, out of which one was disqualified for submitting its bid late.
At the end of it, one was left with many questions: Has the IPL bubble has burst? Has
recession forced corporate houses to have a re-look at their investment vis-a-vis a proposition like IPL, which is slowly sliding down the ratings since its success in the inaugural season in 2008?
And, not surprisingly, seeing the low key response, IPL commissioner Lalit Modi was quick to announce that all current bids are cancelled, fresh tenders will be issued on March 9, and new teams announced on March 21 in Chennai.
The Bollywood quotient made its presence yet again, as Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, along with her mother Babita, arrived at the venue. The film stars, having formed a consortium with Videocon-owner Anirudh Dhooth and Panchshil Group from Pune, bid for the Pune franchise.
Adani Enterprises, bidding for the Ahmedabad franchise, was the other major bidder and went for an individual bid.
J P Group was the third bidder, but its bid was not considered since it was submitted late on Saturday.
Modi pointed that one of the clauses that might have put off potential bidders was that the bidding company had to have a net worth of $1 billion. He said it has been take off from the new tender forms.
"The relaxation was done because we received letters from many companies who expressed interest and wanted to bid but said that the $1 billion criteria was not there in the first tender. The current owners of the teams don't have the criteria so why are we now putting that criteria for the new teams.
"Many more teams wanted to bid so we wanted to give them an opportunity to bid for the new teams," he said.
Previously, the bidders also had to submit $100 million bank guarantee to participate in the bidding process which has now been reduced to $5 million.
Also, the clause that the governing council at its discretion can or may require the winning bidder to submit 100 percent of the bid amount has been amended. The new condition is that a $10 million advance performance deposit must be submitted 24 hours, that is by 20th March. The bidders must be ready to give 10 percent of the amount that they bid within 48 hours post being awarded the franchise.
Asked whether they were disappointed by the IPL governing council's decision to put off the bid, Atul Chordia, Chairman and CEO, Panchshil Group, replied: "It is not the question of happiness about the previous terms. Whatever terms and conditions were there we abided by it; whatever the tender form asked for we gave it, we tendered. We gave the 100 million dollar bank guarantee; we formed a very good consortium with Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, Panchshil Group from Pune and Mr Dhoot from Videocon."
But the group, though a bit disappointed, insisted it will be taking part in the next auction.
"Of course, we will bid again. We were bidding for the Pune franchise," Chordia said.
March 07, 2010 14:29 IST
Taken from : rediff.com
The high-profile bidding for the two new teams in the Indian Premier League in Mumbai on Sunday turned out to be a damp squib.
Despite all the hype, only three interested parties came forward to take part in the bidding, out of which one was disqualified for submitting its bid late.
At the end of it, one was left with many questions: Has the IPL bubble has burst? Has
recession forced corporate houses to have a re-look at their investment vis-a-vis a proposition like IPL, which is slowly sliding down the ratings since its success in the inaugural season in 2008?
And, not surprisingly, seeing the low key response, IPL commissioner Lalit Modi was quick to announce that all current bids are cancelled, fresh tenders will be issued on March 9, and new teams announced on March 21 in Chennai.
The Bollywood quotient made its presence yet again, as Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, along with her mother Babita, arrived at the venue. The film stars, having formed a consortium with Videocon-owner Anirudh Dhooth and Panchshil Group from Pune, bid for the Pune franchise.
Adani Enterprises, bidding for the Ahmedabad franchise, was the other major bidder and went for an individual bid.
J P Group was the third bidder, but its bid was not considered since it was submitted late on Saturday.
Modi pointed that one of the clauses that might have put off potential bidders was that the bidding company had to have a net worth of $1 billion. He said it has been take off from the new tender forms.
"The relaxation was done because we received letters from many companies who expressed interest and wanted to bid but said that the $1 billion criteria was not there in the first tender. The current owners of the teams don't have the criteria so why are we now putting that criteria for the new teams.
"Many more teams wanted to bid so we wanted to give them an opportunity to bid for the new teams," he said.
Previously, the bidders also had to submit $100 million bank guarantee to participate in the bidding process which has now been reduced to $5 million.
Also, the clause that the governing council at its discretion can or may require the winning bidder to submit 100 percent of the bid amount has been amended. The new condition is that a $10 million advance performance deposit must be submitted 24 hours, that is by 20th March. The bidders must be ready to give 10 percent of the amount that they bid within 48 hours post being awarded the franchise.
Asked whether they were disappointed by the IPL governing council's decision to put off the bid, Atul Chordia, Chairman and CEO, Panchshil Group, replied: "It is not the question of happiness about the previous terms. Whatever terms and conditions were there we abided by it; whatever the tender form asked for we gave it, we tendered. We gave the 100 million dollar bank guarantee; we formed a very good consortium with Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, Panchshil Group from Pune and Mr Dhoot from Videocon."
But the group, though a bit disappointed, insisted it will be taking part in the next auction.
"Of course, we will bid again. We were bidding for the Pune franchise," Chordia said.
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