ICC's new playing conditions start, Details about new playing condition

Dubai, Oct 9 (IANS) The new playing conditions put in place by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for all the three formats of the game begin with the series between Bangladesh and New Zealand that started in Chittagong with the first Test Wednesday.
Bangladesh are hosting New Zealand for two Tests, three ODIs and one Twenty20 International.
The ICC said that the playing conditions are applicable to international cricket and must be read together with the ‘Laws of Cricket’. Whilst a playing condition may affect the ‘Laws of Cricket’ as they may apply to international cricket, these changes are not amendments to the Laws of Cricket themselves.
According to the new rules, if a team has changed the condition of the ball and no player has been witnessed changing the condition of the ball, then the ball will be changed, and the captain issued a first and final warning.
Such a warning will apply for the remainder of a Test match, or for the remainder of an ODI or T20I series.
If there is a further incident of the condition of the ball being changed, a five-run penalty will be awarded, the ball changed again and the captain will be held responsible and reported.
If the condition of the ball has been changed and the player responsible can be identified, then the ball will be changed, a five-run penalty will be awarded, and the player responsible will be reported.
The Decision Review System has been included in Tests as a part of the six-month trial that will end April 30.
Each team will have a maximum of two unsuccessful player review requests in the first 80 overs of the innings, and a maximum of two unsuccessful player review requests after 80 overs for the remainder of the innings.
At the end of the 80th over, a team with two remaining reviews receives no additional reviews, a team with one remaining review receives one additional review, and a team with zero remaining reviews receives two additional reviews.

In a match reduced to 25 overs or less per side before the first innings commences, each team shall have only one new ball for its innings.

Inspiring the inspirational: 5 things MS Dhoni is yet to achieve in his cricketing career

MS Dhoni: What more can this man achieve?

Having won every single multi-national trophy on offer, there’s hardly any CV in cricket better than MS Dhoni‘s in the world.
India’s most successful captain, and the most successful leader in world cricket currently, is just 32 years of age. At a time when his seniors have played on till the end of thirties, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Dhoni has a good 6-7 years of cricket left in him.
Dhoni is not a man known for planning for far ahead. His plans are in place only till the next over, the next match, and the next series. After that, it’s hard to say where Dhoni may end a couple of years down the line.
In 2011, he created a furore by hinting at his retirement from Test cricket two years down the line.  On being asked about defending the World Cup 2015, he said,

“It is series by series. If you see 2015, you know, still three, three and a half years to go. I don’t really know where I will stand. Everything needs to go off well, and then by close to 2013, I will have to take a call whether I can really 100% be available for the 2015 World Cup, because you don’t want a wicketkeeper in the side who has not played at least 100-odd games, at least close to 80-100 games, going into the World Cup.”

2013 is more than half-way done and Dhoni is looking unstoppable in his current form. With series against South Africa (possibly), New Zealand, England and Australia lined up away from home, it’s extremely unlikely that there’s any question over Dhoni’s future in Test cricket.
In Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara has started finding his place in the team and will need a couple of more seasons to really step up to the mantle which seems to have been marked for him. In limited overs, Virat Kohli has created his own legacy of sorts, but at the helm, he’s only just begun.
Dhoni definitely has the 2015 World Cup in his mind. It’s a line which would be crossed under Dhoni’s leadership, but on the other end, a new face is bound to emerge, possibly two or three if India is open to the concept of multiple captains in the future.
So, in this period of 5-6 years, what does Dhoni have in mind for the Indian team of the future? What more can he give to Indian cricket before his departure and what can inspire him enough to carry on playing post the 2015 World Cup?
A list of speculations does have its drawbacks. After all, it’s full of speculations. But these are 5 things that can keep Dhoni on his feet and provide the push to the inspirational captain:

ICC का नया नियम लागू, गेंद बदलने पर कटेंगे 5 रन!

दुबई। चटगांव में बांग्लादेश और न्यूजीलैंड क्रिकेट टीमों के बीच बुधवार को शुरू हुए श्रृंखला के पहले टेस्ट मैच के साथ ही अंतर्राष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट परिषद (आईसीसी) द्वारा क्रिकेट की तीनों श्रेणियों के लिए बनाए गए नए नियम लागू हो गए। बांग्लादेश दो टेस्ट मैच और तीन अंतर्राष्ट्रीय एकदिवसीय मैच और एक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय ट्वेंटी-20 मैच की श्रृंखला में न्यूजीलैंड की मेजबानी कर रहा है।

आईसीसी ने कहा है कि अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर खेल के नए नियम लागू हो गए हैं और इन्हें पहले से निर्धारित नियमों का ही हिस्सा समझा जाए। नए नियमों के कारण पहले से लागू 'क्रिकेट के कानून' में कोई परिवर्तन नहीं हुआ है।

आईसीसी के नए नियमों के अनुसार, यदि कोई टीम गेंद बदलती है और बल्लेबाजी कर रहे किसी खिलाड़ी को गेंद बदलने के बारे में नहीं पता है तो गेंद को फिर से बदल दिया जाएगा, और क्षेत्ररक्षण करने वाली टीम के कप्तान को अंतिम चेतावनी दी जाएगी। यह चेतावनी मैच की तीनों श्रेणियों में मैच के पूरा होने तक लागू रहेगी।

इसके बाद भी यदि गेंद बदलने की ऐसी घटना घटती है तो पांच रन का जुर्माना लगाया जाएगा, और गेंद को फिर से बदल दिया जाएगा। इसके लिए कप्तान को जिम्मेदार माना जाएगा और उससे इस पर स्पष्टीकरण मांगा जाएगा। अगर गेंद बदले जाने वाले खिलाड़ी की पहचान कर ली गई हो तो जिम्मेदारी उसकी होगी।

टेस्ट मैच में डीआरएस प्रणाली को छह महीने के प्रायोगिक तौर पर लागू किया गया है, जो अगले वर्ष 30 अप्रैल को समाप्त होगी। नए डीआरएस प्रणाली के अंतर्गत प्रत्येक टीम को पहले 80 ओवरों के लिए अधिकतम दो असफल समीक्षा का मौका मिलेगा, और बाकी मैच के लिए दो अतिरिक्त समीक्षा का अवसर दिया जाएगा।

क्या क्रिकेट के जरिए बदलेगी अफगानिस्तान की पहचान

अफगानिस्तान की सड़कों पर जश्न का माहौल खत्म ही नहीं हो रहा है. जश्न मनाने की तमाम तस्वीरें इंटरनेट और अखबारों में हैं. ये जश्न अफगानिस्तान की टीम के 2015 विश्व कप में क्वालीफाई करने का है.

अफगानिस्तान ने कीनिया को हराकर 2015 विश्व कप के लिए क्वालीफाई कर लिया है. वैसे तो अफगानिस्तान की टीम टी-20 विश्व कप में पहले भी दो बार खेल चुकी है, लेकिन 50 ओवर के विश्व कप में खेलने की बात ही अलग है. ये मुख्य धारा का क्रिकेट है.

अफगानिस्तान की टीम को 2015 विश्व कप के लिए ग्रुप ए में जगह मिली है. जिसमें ऑस्ट्रेलिया, इंग्लैंड, श्रीलंका, न्यूजीलैंड और बांग्लादेश जैसी टीमें हैं. अफगानिस्तान के लोगो में ये खुशी तब है जब अफगानिस्तान के ज्यादातर खिलाड़ी वहां रहते तक नहीं हैं.

अफगानिस्तान के ज्यादातर खिलाड़ी वहां प्रैक्टिस तक नहीं करते. अफगानिस्तान के लोगों में एक तबका ऐसा है जो क्रिकेट के खेल के नियम कानून तक नहीं जानता. फिर भी जश्न में हर कोई शरीक है. दरअसल ये राष्ट्रीय जश्न है. ये जश्न इस बात का है कि इन खिलाड़ियों ने देश को एक नई पहचान देने का काम किया है. ये ज्यादातर मौकों पर गलत वजहों से अखबारों की हेडलाइंस बनने वाले अफगानिस्तान की तस्वीर नहीं हैं. ये आतंकवाद, तालिबान और बम विस्फोटों का अफगानिस्तान नहीं है. ये अफगानिस्तान की ऐसी नई तस्वीर है जिस पर उन्हें गर्व है.

अफगानिस्तान की टीम का क्रिकेट से रिश्ता ज्यादा पुराना नहीं है. 2001 में अफगानिस्तान क्रिकेट फेडरेशन बनाया गया था. अफगानिस्तान की टीम ने पहला दौरा पाकिस्तान का किया था. 2004 में अफगानिस्तान की टीम ने एशियन क्रिकेट काउंसिल के एक टूर्नामेंट में बहरीन को हराया. 2007 में टी-20 का एक टूर्नामेंट जीता. यहीं से अफगानिस्तान की टीम के मुख्यधारा में आने के संघर्ष की शुरूआत हुई थी.

चुनौती और भी हैं

साल 2011 विश्व कप के लिए क्वालीफाई करने वाली टीमों की दौड़ में अफगानिस्तान की टीम छठे नंबर पर रही. उसे विश्व कप में जगह तो नहीं मिल पाई, लेकिन 4 साल के लिए वनडे का आईसीसी स्टेटस जरूर मिल गया. 2010 में अफगानिस्तान ने आयरलैंड को हराकर वेस्टइंडीज में खेले गए टी-20 विश्व कप में जगह बनाई. 2012 टी-20 विश्व कप में भी अफगानिस्तान की टीम ने शिरकत की. इसके बाद इसी साल जून में अफगानिस्तान की टीम को आईसीसी की एसोसिएट मेंमरशिप मिल गई.

एसोसिएट मेंबरशिप मिलने का सीधा मतलब था आईसीसी से मिलने वाली मदद में इजाफा. आईसीसी से अफगानिस्तान को मिलने वाली सालाना मदद 7 लाख डॉलर से बढ़ाकर साढ़े आठ लाख हो गई. जिसका नतीजा अब सभी के सामने है.

हालांकि अफगानिस्तान के सामने चुनौतियां अभी खत्म नहीं हुई हैं. वहां के हालात किसी से छिपे नहीं है. अफगानिस्तान के खिलाड़ियों को अब भी बड़े खिलाड़ियों के खिलाफ या साथ खेलने के इक्का दुक्का मौके ही मिलते हैं.

अफगानिस्तान के कोच कबीर खान की फिलहाल सबसे बड़ी प्राथमिकता ये है कि उनके खिलाड़ियों को किसी भी तरह पूरे साल क्रिकेट खेलने का मौका मिलता रहे. कबीर खान खुद पाकिस्तान के लिए खेल चुके हैं. उनकी बड़ी चाहतों में ये भी शुमार है कि इंडियन प्रीमियर लीग जैसे बड़े टूर्नामेंट में भी अफगानिस्तान के खिलाड़ियों को खेलने का मौका मिले.

उनका ये भी मानना है कि भारत, श्रीलंका और पाकिस्तान जैसी एशिया की बड़ी क्रिकेट टीमों को भी अफगानिस्तान की टीम को बढ़ावा देना चाहिए.

कबीर खान अपनी टीम की खासियत ये बताते हैं कि बाकी टीमें बड़े टूर्नामेंट के लिए क्वालीफाई करने पर ही खुश हो जाती है, लेकिन अफगानिस्तान की टीम क्वालीफाई करने के बाद वहां जीतना भी चाहती है. यकीनन इस चाहत में कोई तकलीफ नहीं है बशर्ते अफगानिस्तान के खिलाड़ी बड़े स्तर पर अच्छा प्रदर्शन भी करें.

अफगानिस्तान की टीम के सामने अभी पहली चुनौती अगले टी-20 विश्व कप में जगह बनाने की है और उसके बाद अच्छे प्रदर्शन की. 2015 में ऑस्ट्रेलिया और न्यूजीलैंड के मौसम और वहां की पिचों के लिए खुद को ढालने की शुरूआत भी करनी होगी. रास्ता आसान नहीं है लेकिन जिन रास्तों से गुजरकर ये टीम इस मुकाम तक पहुंची है ये कहा जा सकता है कि इनके इरादे भी कमजोर नहीं हैं.

N. Srinivasan cleared by Supreme Court to take charge as BCCI president

N. Srinivasan will not be allowed to take part in Indian Premier League related matters as Supreme Court forms three-member panel that will independently probe allegations of match-fixing and betting in the T20 league.

In a major relief to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Supreme Court has allowed N. Srinivasan to assume office as Board chief. The apex court on Tuesday said Srinivasan was elected "democratically" and there were no direct charges of corruption against him. On completion of his two-year term, Srinivasan had unanimously won a year's extension at the Board's Annual General Meeting in Chennai on September 29.

After deliberating for weeks, the Supreme Court has finally cleared Srinivasan on the understanding that he will not interfere in Indian Premier League-related matters. Meanwhile, the apex court has approved a three-member probe panel to independently investigate allegations of corruption during the T20 league this year. The panel will be headed by former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mukul Mudgal. The other members on the panel are senior advocate Niloy Dutta and Additional Solicitor General L. Nageswara Rao. The newly-appointed panel will have four months to submit its report and recommendations directly to the court.

The Supreme Court has asked the BCCI to co-operate with the probe panel and arrange for its travel and accommodation. The court has also directed the Board to pay Rs 1 lakh per working day to the panel.

"We want this committee to probe the spot-fixing and this committee will report to us," said A.K Patnaik, one of two judges hearing the case. The probe will be separate from continuing investigations by police, who have filed charges in court against a string of officials, players and bookmakers in the scandal.

Srinivasan, 68, widely regarded as the most powerful man in world cricket, had been barred from taking charge since his election as the BCCI chief for a third year on September 29 till the apex court disposed of a petition filed by the Cricket Association of Bihar. The Bihar association appealed that Srinivasan should stay away from the BCCI on moral grounds because his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan had been charged with betting during the IPL.

Meiyappan was the team principal of the Chennai Super Kings, the IPL franchise owned by Srinivasan's India Cements company and captained by national skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Srinivasan, who has not himself been accused of any wrongdoing, stepped aside temporarily as BCCI president in June when Meiyappan was named in the scandal. However, the apex court felt that the BCCI could not function without a chief and since Srinivasan has been elected "democratically" he could resume his duties.

All eyes will now be on the panel which has been agreed by both the BCCI and the Bihar association. Justice Mudgal is a known name in the sports world. In 2011, he was entrusted by the government to inquire into the spread of doping in sports. Mudgal had suggested that the National Anti-Doping Agency should be independent of the government.

Mudgal also headed the committee which made the draft recommendations for the National Sports Development Bill. The focus of his recommendations has been to clean up sports administration. The Bill bars a tainted person from contesting any election and also wants the BCCI to come under the RTI Act. Mudgal's panelists are well versed with cricket. Dutta is a senior advocate and has been associated with BCCI activities. Additional Solicitor General Rao is also a keen cricketer.

As for Srinivasan, he will have several key issues to address. Among others, Srinivasan will have to okay the venues for the two Tests and three one-dayers against the West Indies in November. There is a tug-o-war going on between Mumbai and Bengal over Sachin Tendulkar's 200th Test. In Mumbai, authorities of both Wankhede and Brabourne Stadiums are keen on hosting the milestone game.

From an international standpoint, Srinivasan also has to decide on India's tour of South Africa in December. The high-profile tour is in limbo with BCCI playing hardball against its South African counterpart, apparently because Cricket South Africa chose Haroon Lorgat as CEO much against Srinivasan's wishes. South Africa stand to lose at least 250 million Rands (1 Rand = Rs 6 approximately) if India refused to tour.

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid: The Last Time

Apart from the domestic circuit, franchise-based cricket is the only format that pits them against each other and after Sunday (October 6), even that won't happen again. Tendulkar has already confirmed that he won't play the Indian Premier League next year and Dravid, while he hasn't said so in as many words, has often hinted that this is it.

The Champions League Twenty20 2013 final was also about Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid playing each other for the last time in recognised cricket.

Apart from the domestic circuit, franchise-based cricket is the only format that pits them against each other and after Sunday (October 6), even that won't happen again. Tendulkar has already confirmed that he won't play the Indian Premier League next year and Dravid, while he hasn't said so in as many words, has often hinted that this is it.

Interestingly, as Dravid pointed out during a pre-match interview with Ravi Shastri for the host broadcasters, he hasn't really played against Tendulkar much. "I don't think we have played against each other too much and all our contests have been in coloured clothing, surprisingly, despite playing for so many years," said Dravid.

Tendulkar added that it was a "rare moment" in many ways, despite the two having been around for so long. "The first time I saw Rahul was way back in 1993-94 or so, and since then we have been in whites and in colour, playing for the same team," he said. "We have had the opportunity to play each other in coloured clothing in the IPL. But we haven't had a chance to play against each other in whites - that would have been something special."

The two did, in fact, play against each other in the Irani Trophy as recently as September 2003, but have clearly forgotten. Dravid has enough reason to remember that match though as he ended up on the winning side - Rest of India - against Mumbai, who were led by Tendulkar. Both performed well with the bat on that occasion, Dravid scoring 41 and 121, while Tendulkar hit 94 and 50.

By the time Dravid made his first-class debut, in 1990-91, Tendulkar was already in the Indian team. And Dravid was quick to remember that when asked about being colleagues in the Indian team for so many years.

"He is slightly younger than me but he is so much my senior as a cricketer," pointed out Dravid. "In my third Test match, Sachin was captain of India. He was someone you looked up to in a sense as a cricketer because growing up, you saw this young kid do amazing things around the world.

"It was an inspiration for all of us playing first-class cricket that if this guy can do it, maybe we can do it. Growing up and to be on that England tour in 1996, sharing a dressing room with him, it was a huge thrill."

Tendulkar was equally quick in praising Dravid. "Any day in my team he would be No. 3," he said. "There are so many innings when he has batted brilliantly. When most of the guys found it difficult and he was comfortable. He loved challenges and when the situation demanded, you could bank on Rahul."

Together, they played for India for a decade and a half - the last time they were in an Indian team together was during the Adelaide Test in January 2012. That's many, many days of being mates, sharing more time than the closest of spouses manage, and doing amazing things, individually and in tandem.

Indeed, much of the build up to the final was also about the Tendulkar vs Dravid subplot. That was the case with the inaugural match of the main draw of the CLT20 as well, when back on September 21, Mumbai took on Rajasthan in Jaipur. Dravid's team beat Tendulkar's on that occasion.

That didn't, however, stop hundreds of youngsters turning out in the blue of either Mumbai or Rajasthan in neutral New Delhi, and much of the excitement was about watching Tendulkar, obviously the bigger hero, one last time in Mumbai's colours. (Mumbai vs Rajasthan, as it happened)

Shouts of 'Sachin, Sachin' had started well before people had entered the stadium and continued unabated once they were inside. The only time there was a lull was when, before Rajasthan came out to field, their players lined up to give Dravid a guard of honour. For a brief while, the chant turned to 'Rahul, Rahul', but only for a brief while, because Tendulkar stepped out to bat soon enough. Three exquisite boundaries only increased the fans' appetite till, in the fifth over, Shane Watson sent Tendulkar's off stump cartwheeling. (Dravid thanks players, supporters for warm farewell)

The crowd had gone silent and Tendulkar walked back looking more than a little emotional, slowing down midway to raise his bat and acknowledge the cheers, and then walking back to the dugout through the guard of honour prepared by his teammates. For Dravid though, the time for niceties was long over. He still had work to do and even as the giant screens at the ground had Tendulkar's face splashed on them, Dravid was in the middle, doing his high fives and chalking out the next plan of action.

N. Srinivasan's return as BCCI chief on hold; Supreme Court proposes panel to probe IPL betting

Hearing a petition filed by the Cricket Association of Bihar seeking an injunction on N. Srinivasan performing his duties as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the apex court has proposed a three-member panel comprising a former High Court judge to probe Indian Premier League betting issue.

The Supreme Court has put off N. Srinivasan's return as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Deliberating on a petition filed by the Cricket Association of Bihar, the apex court has now suggested a three-member panel, headed by former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mukul Mudgal to probe the Indian Premier League betting scandal. The case will come up for hearing again on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court has asked both the BCCI and the Bihar association to give their views on the proposed committee. Apart from Mudgal, the other members of the three-member panel are senior advocate Niloy Dutta and Additional Solicitor General L. Nageswara Rao. Interestingly, Rao is also a cricketer.

It may be recalled that Bihar had appealed to the Supreme Court to form an independent committee to investigate corruption in IPL after the Bombay High Court on July 30 had declared as "illegal and unconstitutional" a BCCI-appointed panel consisting of two former judges. A Bombay High Court Division Bench of Justices S.J. Vazifdar and M.S. Sonak had given its ruling after hearing a public interest litigation filed by Bihar's Aditya Verma, who challenged the constitution of the commission by the BCCI and the IPL governing council, especially as it was formed when Srinivasan was still active president of the BCCI. Needless to say, the BCCI panel gave a clean chit to Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals owners who faced charges of betting during IPL games.

On Monday, the Bihar association expressed its opposition to Arun Jaitley as a member of the probe committee. Jaitley is a former vice-president of the BCCI and reckoned as the 'brain' behind Srinivasan, who was forced to step aside as the Board president in June when the IPL scandal rocked the cricket fraternity.  Last week, the BCCI proposed the names of Jaitley and Dutta as part of a panel to probe afresh the corruption charges against team owners of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Bihar did not agree to this panel.

Supreme Court judges Justice A.K. Patnaik and Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar on Monday said it wanted an "independent" panel that will not only investigate the IPL scandal but also give "recommendations" to the BCCI. After Bihar suggested the names of former Supreme Court judges B.N. Srikrishna or S.H. Kapadia, Justice Patnaik and Justice Khehar proposed the committee to be headed by Mudgal. The apex court is now expected to ratify the panel on Tuesday.

It is still not clear when Srinivasan can assume his office as BCCI president. However, the Supreme Court has said: "(Srinivasan) having been elected, he has to function and cricket has to go on". The same mood prevailed in the hearing on September 30 when the Supreme Court criticized the way the BCCI was functioning. "There is something wrong," the judges said, even asking why the Board "had lost its credibility."

Justice Patnaik and Justive Khehar felt Srinivasan was elected "democratically" and an organization like the BCCI cannot work without a head. Bihar lawyers also said the president had to work since Srinivasan had to take major decisions on behalf of the richest cricket body in the world. At the BCCI Annual General Meeting in Chennai on September 29, Srinivasan unanimously won a year's extension but could not assume office till the Supreme Court disposed of a petition that restrained him from taking charge.

Since August, the Supreme Court has been deliberating on a Special Leave Petition filed by the Bihar association that wanted the court to restrain Srinivasan from contesting the BCCI elections because his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was charge-sheeted by the Mumbai Police for corruption during Indian Premier League matches earlier this year. Although the Bihar body said Srinivasan had "no moral right" to lead the BCCI, the court allowed Srinivasan to take part in the elections, but only just.

Like a Test match, the Srinivasan camp is surely facing the test of patience. While indications of Srinivasan's return as BCCI president is quite apparent, the judges are in no mood to rush. BCCI's lawyers have already told the Supreme Court that Srinivasan will not participate in IPL-related affairs. Once the court approves the panel, the heat and dust over Srinivasan "officially" taking charge as BCCI boss should settle.

Yuvraj Singh, Manisha Koirala bat for cancer awareness in Kolkata

The Bollywood actress and the aggressive left-handed batsman spoke about the traumatic moment when they came to know of their affliction, followed by agonising and tough treatment process, but finally - the victory over cancer.

Kolkata:  In a joint effort to raise awareness about cancer, Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala and Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh Tuesday evening pepped up millions of people affected with the ailment, asserting "If we can, you can".

Rejecting the notion "cancer has no answer", both Koirala and Yuvraj Singh valiantly fought and overcame the life-threatening cancer.

The Bollywood actress and the aggressive left-handed batsman spoke about the traumatic moment when they came to know of their affliction, followed by agonising and tough treatment process, but finally - the victory over cancer.

Having gone through it all, both have decided to spread awareness about the disease.

"No matter at what stage the disease is detected, you have to pick up the pieces yourself and fight back. I tell people 'If Yuve can, you can',", said Yuvraj Singh during a lively interaction programme, "Pratigya, Cancer Myths and Reality", organised at a five-star hotel here.

Manisha, who dislikes the term "cancer survivor" as it sounds "meek", called herself a "cancer crusader".

"A crusader has the attitude which gives you strength, because that is what you need when you are fighting a disease, which may be cancer or some other thing."

"There is a stigma that cancer means death. No, it is not so. I know lot of people who got cancer, got treatment and are fine. Let us crusade against any kind of challenges," said the actress.

Cancer patients, doctors, leading Bengali film stars, singers, fashion designers, sportsmen, socialites - in short, the creme de la creme of the city attended the programme that aimed to raise awareness about cancer.

The audience listened to the duo in rapt attention, breaking out in spontaneous applause now and then.

Yuvraj acknowledged they had now become role models for cancer patients. "We both are symbols of hope and courage."

On his comeback into the Indian team, he said: "It is the passion to come back. If you have the passion, you can come back. This is the reason I am back. Hopefully, I can play a few more years for the country".

The strength to fight against the disease comes from within, your family, friends and well-wishers, said the cricketer.

Yuvraj exuded confidence that Manisha would also make a comeback, but cautioned her against hurrying.

"The media should not hound her about her comeback schedule," he added.

The star-cricketer said, early detection was the key to fight back the disease.

Manisha Koirala, who gave a motivational speech, helped by audio-visual props like slides, her pictures as a child, a young girl, an actress and as a cancer patient, said: "The disease has taught me what all that is important in my life. I want to tell people how fragile life is. We should value our life, our health."

She stressed on leading a healthy life and eating organic food.

Leading Bengali film actress Rituparna Sengupta, whose organisation "Bhavna Aaj or Kaal" tied up with corporate affairs expert Subroto Mukherjee's "Illusions" for the show, said: "We all have our professional lives, but beyond that we have some duty. We need to do our bit for the society."

Sachin Tendulkar roots for MS Dhoni and Co. to win 2015 World Cup

With exactly 500 days to go for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar hopes that the trophy remains in the sub-continent. His heart, of course, wants India to win back-to-back titles.

Tendulkar, who along with Pakistan's Javed Miandad is the only player in the history of the game to play in six World Cups, hoped that if Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side successfully defended the title, then it will once again provide tremendous joy to the nation while making it only the third country after West Indies and Australia to win successive titles.

"Along with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also good sides," said Tendulkar, adding: "I am partial towards India and want them to do well. That would be really exciting. It will give so much happiness to the entire nation.

"That is something I would want, along with a billion plus people who will also be expecting the same thing to happen."

The Indian legend retired from ODI cricket in December 2012 as the leading run-getter in the format with 18,426 runs. Tendulkar's 482 runs from nine matches in the 2011 edition in the sub-continent too went a long way in winning the World Cup.

Tendulkar, who is also the highest run-getter in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup with 2,278 runs from 45 matches (1,195 runs more than Miandad), hoped India players will quickly adjust to the conditions in Australia and New Zealand.

"Well I think most of our guys have been to Australia. They know what to expect, they have played there already," said Tendulkar, who was part of the squad during the disastrous tour of Australia in 2011-12.

In the lead up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in 2014-15, India will again be in Australia for a four-Test series. This will be followed by a tri-series featuring England, apart from the hosts.

More than Australia, Tendulkar's worry was about adjusting to New Zealand conditions.

Recalling India's ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 match against New Zealand, Tendulkar said: "I remember our match in Dunedin, where it was extremely cold and windy. Whenever a batsman hit the ball with the wind, it would travel 10 yards further, but when we had to play against the wind, the ball travelled 10 yards less!

"As there is a tour to New Zealand planned in early 2014, it should give them good exposure to the conditions there."

India, which lead ODI Team Rankings table by a distance, has been drawn in Pool B and will open its campaign against Pakistan in Adelaide on 15 February. India's other matches in the first round are against South Africa (in Melbourne on 22 February), Qualifier 4 (in Perth on 28 February), West Indies (in Perth on 6 March) and Ireland (in Hamilton on 10 March) and Zimbabwe (in Auckland on 14 March).

CLT20 Live Cricket Score: Otago Volts fight back after Rahul Shukla's triple strike

Rahul Shukla bags three wickets in his first over. Shane Watson joins him to get another breakthrough. Rajasthan Royals would look to maintain their 11-match unbeaten run in Jaipur when they take on Otago Volts in their final group match of the Champions League Twenty20. Catch all the live updates of the match.
 
Table toppers Rajasthan Royals take on Kiwi side Otago Volts in a Group A match of the Champions League Twenty20. Catch all the live updates here: (Scorecard | Commentary)

20:55 (IST): Otago fight back through Ryan ten Doeschate and Jimmy Neesham, who have added 53 runs from 46 balls. Otago Volts 74/4 (12 overs) vs Rajasthan Royals.

20:45 (IST): Rajasthan Royals bowlers are keeping things very tight. Ryan ten Doeschate and Jimmy Neesham are fighting back slowly and have added 29 runs from 33 balls. Otago Volts 50/4 (10 overs) vs Rajasthan Royals.

20:23 (IST): WICKET! Shane Watson joins the party to remove Neil Broom. Broom tries to pull but gets a top edge to backward sqaure leg and Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper, runs to complete the catch. Otago Volts 21/4 (4.3 overs) vs Rajasthan Royals.

20:18 (IST): WICKET, WICKET and WICKET! Yes that's right. Rahul Shukla removes opener Hamish Rutherford, Brendon McCullum and Derek de Boorder in his first over. On his first ball he got bowled Rutherford, then trapped skipper McCullum leg before wicket and bounced out keeper de Boorder on his fifth ball. His first over - W 4B W 0 W 0. Otago Volts 20/3 (4 overs) vs Rajasthan Royals.

20:00 (IST): Two Otago Volts openers Neil Broom and Hamish Rutherford are out in the middle. Rahul Dravid gives the new ball to Ashok Menaria.

19:46 (IST): TEAMS-

Otago Volts: Neil Broom, Hamish Rutherford, Brendon McCullum (captain), Derek de Boorder(wicketkeeper), Ryan ten Doeschate, Jimmy Neesham, Nathan McCullum, Ian Butler, Neil Wagner, Nick Beard, James McMillan

Rajasthan Royals: Rahul Dravid (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shane Watson, Stuart Binny, Brad Hodge, Ashok Menaria, James Faulkner, Kevon Cooper, Pravin Tambe, Rahul Shukla

19:35 (IST): TOSS! Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid opts to field after winning the toss against Otago Volts in Jaipur.

PREVIEW

Having sealed their place in the semifinals, Rajasthan Royals would look to grab the top spot in the table when they square off against Otago Volts in their final Group match of the Champions League Twenty20 today.

The winner will not only top the group, but also face the second-placed team from Group B in the first semifinal at the same venue. The match will also witness one streak being broken. Otago Volts have won their last 15 Twenty20 matches, while Rajasthan Royals have won 11 straight games in Jaipur from the start of IPL VI.

Stakes are much higher for the Kiwi side as a win would ensure their passage in the last-four stage. They are currently placed second in the group with 10 points from three matches and could knock out IPL champions Mumbai Indians if they win.

The match between the Otago and Mumbai was washed away putting the reigning IPL champions in quandary.

Mumbai, who have six points from three matches will play their last match against Perth Scorchers in Delhi tomorrow. If Otago lose against Rajasthan Royals and Mumabi win, the two sides' fate would depend on Net run-rate.

SQUADS

Rajasthan Royals: Rahul Dravid (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ashok Menaria, Dishant Yagnik (wicketkeeper), Vikramjeet Malik, Harmeet Singh, Rahul Shukla, Pravin Tambe, Shane Watson, Brad Hodge, James Faulkner, Kevon Cooper, Shaun Tait.

Otago Volts: Brendon McCullum (captain), Nick Beard, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Mark Craig, Derek de Boorder (wicketkeeper), Jacob Duffy, Nathan McCullum, James McMillan, James Neesham, Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Ryan ten Doeschate, Neil Wagner, Sam Wells.

India tour: Michael Clarke in pain, agony for Australia as skipper ruled out

Malburn: Australia were on Tuesday dealt a massive blow ahead of their upcoming tour of India as skipper Michael Clarke was ruled out of the limited-overs series due to a back injury. He has been replaced by middle-order batsman Callum Ferguson in the squad.

"The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel today (Tuesday) advises that South Australia's Callum Ferguson will replace the injured Michael Clarke on Australia's VB Tour of India," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Clarke's availability was in doubt for the series which starts with a T20 on October 10 followed by a seven ODIs. He has suffered from chronic back problems throughout his career and Australia will hope that he recovers in time for the home Ashes series which begins in November.

George Bailey will captain the ODI team in Clarke's absence with Brad Haddin as his vice-captain.

"Michael was very keen to captain the ODI team to India but unfortunately he hasn't progressed enough to be available for selection," National Selector John Inverarity said.

"His replacement is Callum Ferguson, whose form in 50-over cricket during the last Australian summer was impressive, scoring 271 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 70 in the RYOBI CUP, along with an additional three matches for Australia A against the England Lions in February scoring 149 runs in three innings at 49.66 with a strike rate of 91," he added.

"In addition, The NSP has added Nic Maddinson to the squad for the T20 fixture. Nic showed some sparkling form on Australia A tours during the winter. He will be in strong contention to open the batting with Aaron Finch in this game," Inverarity said.

Commenting on Clarke's injury, Australian Team Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Clarke has a longstanding low back injury that requires "ongoing management".

"During the recent England ODI series his injury flared up again and has been slow to heal with his regular treatment regime.

"Michael will therefore not be available to play the upcoming India ODI series and will require a more extensive rehabilitation period before returning to competitive cricket," Kountouris added.

Australian T20 squad: George Bailey (Captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.

Australian ODI squad: George Bailey (Captain), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Callum Ferguson, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Shane Watson.

Yuvraj Singh set for comeback in India squad for Australia series

CHENNAI: Star batsman Yuvraj Singh is all set to make a comeback into India's limited overs squad following some good performances when the selectors meet on Monday to decide on the team for the lone T20 International as well as the first three ODIs.

It is still not clear whether the selectors would choose a separate squad for the lone T20 International which will enable them to be flexible and include a few more players in both formats.

While there would be few surprises in the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led squad that has performed admirably winning the Champions Trophy and tri-series in the West Indies, the return of the stylish 31-year-old left-hander is all but certain.

Yuvraj last played for India on January 27 against England at Dharamsala and was dropped subsequently due to a poor run of form.

Having undergone a rigorous physical training in France, a fitter Yuvraj made his comeback into the competitive cricket with a bang scoring 123, 40 and 61 in three List A matches against the West Indies A followed by a quickfire 52 against the same opponent in a T20 game.

He carried on with his good form in the Challenger Series where he scored 84 against India Red and a 29 in the final.

According to reliable sources, the selection committee is impressed in the manner Yuvraj has scored.

There won't be much change in the batting line-up with Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Dhoni being automatic selections. While Yuvraj will be the sixth specialist batsman in the playing XI that is likely to have Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja as the spin-bowling all-rounders.

The choice for three pace bowlers slot will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav.

One among the trio of Jaydev Unadkat, Mohit Sharma and R Vinay Kumar will be the reserve pacer in the line-up.

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra is expected to be the reserve spinner having got 18 wickets in the series against Zimbabwe. His challenger Perveez Rasool, who recently had a match-haul of seven wickets in an unofficial 'Test' against the West Indies A, might find it tough to make it into the squad as Ashwin is all set to return after being rested during the Zimbabwe tour.

The 14th and the 15th slots are the ones which will be up for grabs. While Dinesh Karthik might be retained in the squad of 15, it will be interesting whether Mumbai all-rounder Abhishek Nayar is considered as a replacement for Irfan Pathan.

Dhoni has long wanted an all-rounder who bowls medium pace. While Irfan fitted his bill perfectly, injury to the Baroda all-rounder might open the door for old domestic workhorse Abhishek, who has scores of 102 no, 57, 91, 75 no and 12 in his last five innings. The first two were in first-class games while the last three innings were in List A matches.

indian team for australia odi series 2013

Squad for Australia:
 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami, Jaydev Unadkat.

Yuvraj Singh returns for Australia series, no place for Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag

Yuvraj Singh has made an expected return to the 15-member Indian squad for the only T20 and the first three ODIs of the seven-match series against Australia. However, there was no place for discarded seniors Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh.

There are very few surprises in the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led squad that has performed admirably by winning the ICC Champions Trophy and the tri-series in West Indies. The return of Yuvraj, the stylish 31-year-old left-hander is the only major change. Yuvraj has replaced wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik in the squad.

There are four changes from the Indian squad that won the Champions Trophy in June this year. Along with Karthik being replaced by Yuvraj, Murali Vijay has lost his place to Ambati Rayudu. All-rounder Irfan Pathan is not fit while pacer Umesh Yadav has been dropped after a poor showing in the Challenger Trophy. Specialist bowlers Jaydev Unadkat and Shami Ahmed have been drafted in.

Yuvraj last played an ODI for India on January 27 against England at Dharamsala and was dropped subsequently due to a poor run of form and a lack of fitness. Having undergone a rigorous physical training camp in France, a fitter Yuvraj made his comeback into the competitive cricket with a bang scoring 123, 40 and 61 in three List A matches against the West Indies A, followed by a quick-fire 52 against the same opponent in a T20 game.

He carried on with his good form in the Challenger Trophy for India Blue where he scored 84 against India Red and a 29 in the final against Delhi.

The batting line-up remains pretty much the same with Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Dhoni being automatic selections. Yuvraj's inclusion as the a specialist batsman in the playing XI means he will bolster the middle-order that was always a bit vulnerable.

Squad for Australia: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami, Jaydev Unadkat.
The schedule of the matches is as follows:

T20 International - Rajkot - 10 October
First ODI - Pune - 13 October
Second ODI - Jaipur - 16 October
Third ODI - Mohali - 19 October