IPL Awards event designer sues Modi and Cineyug agency

Mumbai, April 20: IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi’s problems were compounded after Propaganda Media and Marketing, the event management company handling the IPL Awards night, served a legal notice to him and Cineyug for breach of proprietary rights, credits and financial compensation.

In a media statement, the company said the April 23 IPL Awards, approximately Rs 800 crore revenue resource for BCCI, was conceptualised and presented to the IPL committee by Gaurav Garg and his team who were functioning jointly with Cineyug Group under the proposed joint venture — “Cineyug Signature”.

Spirit of cricket hit hard by IPL controversy: Wright

Ludhiana, April 20: Saying that the ongoing IPL controversy has hit hard the ‘spirit of cricket’, former India coach John Wright wants the Indian Cricket Board to take action against the wrong-doers.

Wright said he was in favour of transparency in the game and said that the BCCI must intervene and take stern action if anybody found guilty of exploiting the game.

He was in the city today in connection with the promotional event of a company.

Former captains : key to Modi’s future

New Delhi, April 20: Lalit Modi’s continuance as Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman and commissioner is in the hands of the three former India captains and their voice and vote will decide his fate.

Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri are expected to have their say at the IPL Governing Council meeting on Monday, April 26, and may even have their way too.

Sehwag out of T20 World Cup, Vijay named replacement

New Delhi, April 20: India’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign suffered a body blow today with hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag being ruled out of the tournament because of a shoulder injury.

The selectors named in-form Tamil Nadu batsman Murali Vijay as his replacement, while naming Gautam Gambhir the new vice captain.

“Virender Sehwag has sustained a shoulder injury and has been advised rest for three-four weeks. He has therefore been ruled out of the ICC World T20,” BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

Modi mum on resignation, says will present his case

Mumbai, April 20: Under-fire Lalit Modi today parried questions about his resignation as the IPL Commissioner, saying that the matter would be discussed and a unanimous decision will be taken at the upcoming Governing Council meeting on April 26.

“I think all of you have the same question. On April 26, we have the Governing Council. We will meet there and discuss all these allegations that are coming out,” Modi told reporters on his arrival from Dubai where he had gone to attend the ICC’s Executive Board meeting.

PCB appoints Irfan Qadir to hear players’ appeals

Karachi, April 20: A retired justice will, within the next 10 days, begin hearing appeals from leading Pakistani cricketers against bans and fines imposed on them by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Tafazzul Rizvi, PCB’s legal adviser, said Tuesday that former justice Irfan Qadir will be hearing the players’ appeals.

“The PCB Governing Board has nominated the name of Justice (retd) Irfan Qadir to hear the players’ appeal,” said Rizvi. “The hearing will start within ten days,” he added.

IPL governing council meeting to take decision on Modi

New Delhi, April 20: A final decision on Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi’s future with the Twenty20 league will be taken at the governing council meeting April 26, a day after the IPL final in Mumbai.

Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sharad Pawar said after a meeting with his successor Shashank Manohar that any decision on Modi will be taken collectively and unanimously by the IPL governing council as well as the board.

Pranab, Pawar, Chidambaram meet over IPL row

New Delhi, April 20: In the backdrop of the Indian Premier League (IPL) row and the probe ordered by the government into its funding, three senior ministers – Pranab Mukherjee, P. Chidambaram and Sharad Pawar – met Tuesday in parliament house.

The 15 minute-meeting between the three ministers was held amid reports that IPL commissioner Lalit Modi may quit or may be asked to step down.

What transpired during the meeting was not immediately known, but sources said they discussed the IPL controversy.

‘Tharoor’s decision to step down sensible but sad’

New Delhi, April 20: The decision by Shashi Tharoor to step down as union minister in the wake of the IPL Kochi controversy was “sensible” but “sad”, Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said, dismissing suggestions that his ministry was probing the IPL affairs.

Khurshid also showered praise on Tharoor, describing him as “very talented” and “outstanding”.

Commonwealth game is my priority

Hyderabad, April 20: Newly-wed tennis star Sania Mirza said she will try to remain injury-free and her target will be to win medals in the Commonwealth and Asian Games later this year.

Having turned a new chapter in her life after marrying Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Sania said tennis remained on top her agenda and she is focussing to do well in the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, followed by the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

No hidden stake in Rajasthan Royals, says Chairman

New Delhi, April 20: Rajasthan Royals chairman Manoj Badale today said that there was no hidden stake in the Jaipur-based franchise in which IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi’s brother-in-law has significant share of the ownership.

Amid allegation that Modi apparently has some stakes in RR made through his brother-in-law Suresh Chellaram, Royals chairman and co-owner Manoj Badale said, “There are no hidden stakes in the Rajasthan Royals — our ownership structure is a matter of public record through out FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) application process.”

Rehman’s inclusion, benefit to Pak’s World T20 campaign: Mohsin

Lahore, April 20: Chief selector Mohsin Khan was hopeful that the inclusion of left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman, in place of injured all-rounder Yasir Arafat, would be beneficial for Pakistan in their title defence at the World Twenty20, later this month.

”We expect the wickets there to be slow which is why a bowler like Rehman could be really helpful,” Khan said.

My conscience is clear: Tharoor

New Delhi, April 20: Shashi Tharoor, who has resigned from his ministerial post amid an uproar over his alleged link to IPL’s Kochi bid, said his conscience was clear and he had done nothing “improper, unethical or illegal”.

“My conscience is clear. I have done nothing improper or unethical, least of all illegal,” Tharoor told Lok Sabha, two days after he resigned as minister of state of external affairs.
–IANS

Former Pak players hail Sami’s selection in WC squad

Karachi, April 20: Former players have welcomed fast bowler Mohammad Sami’s selection in the Pakistan squad as injured Umar Gul’s replacement for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the West Indies from April 30- May 16.

Sami and left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman were yesterday named as replacements for Gul and Yasir Arafat, who were both ruled out of the upcoming event due to injuries.

And former captain and Director-General of Cricket in PCB Javed Miandad hailed the pacer’s selection but said Pakistan would feel Gul’s absence in the tournament.

Beleaguered Modi thanks Vijay Mallya for support

New Delhi, April 20: Under-pressure Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi has thanked Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya for supporting him at this crisis hour.

Modi appreciated Mallya’s gesture, who credited the IPL Commissioner for the high-profile Twenty20 event’s mindboggling success.

“Thanks @thevijaymallya for the support….. truly appreciate your gesture,” Modi wrote on his twitter page.

BCCI chief arrives in capital, to meet Pawar on IPL issue

New Delhi, April 20: BCCI President Shashank Manohar today flew into the capital to hold discussions with former cricket board chief Sharad Pawar in the wake of the raging controversy surrounding the cash-awash Indian Premier League.

A close aide of Manohar confirmed that the BCCI chief will meet Pawar and some other board officials during his stay here.

Manohar’s visit comes amid reports that the top brass of BCCI are planning to remove controversial Modi from the post of IPL Commissioner and Chairman. The meeting also assumes significance as Pawar is said to be backing Modi.

BCCI chief in Delhi to meet Pawar on IPL

New Delhi, April 20: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar today arrived in the capital to hold discussions with former cricket board chief and Union Minister Sharad Pawar in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A close aide of Mr. Manohar confirmed that the BCCI chief will meet Mr. Pawar and some other board officials during his stay here.

The adulation and fame can get to you – Uthappa

Banglore, April 20: Robin Uthappa, the Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman, has said that while the IPL provides a great opportunity for youngsters to make a mark, it also requires the ability to deal with the high pressure, expectation and instant stardom.

“It depends on how level-headed the individual is. Sometimes the whole adulation and the atmosphere is too much to handle,” Uthappa said on Cricinfo’s audio show with Harsha Bhogle, Time Out.

Indian cricket getting mired in corruption and security crises

Mumbai, April 20: It seems that India no longer remains the powerhouse that it used to be in the world of cricket at a point in time. The last week has clearly shaken Indian crickets very firmament. The rest of the cricketing fraternity is yet to come up with answers but they are not expected to be entirely positive.

Modi ready for any investigation

New Delhi, April 20: With the government gearing up to trace the money flow into the Indian Premier League (IPL), its chief Lalit Modi said on Monday that he was ready for any investigation. On social networking site, Modi said: “Lots in media – speculations.

welcome all investigation – ready to extend all cooperation.” Following vocal demands from opposition parties, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the government had ordered parallel probes by virtually all its economic intelligence units to determine the source and use of funds by franchises of the IPL.

Murky deals in IPL

New Delhi, April 20: Complications and controversies refuse to let go the Indian Premier League as a new revelation by the I-T department divulge the T20 league’s failure to submit two vital documents – the bid papers of the Videocon and Adani Groups.

It is known that the entire clash between IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi and Shashi Tharoor arouse mainly because of these two groups, that is, the Videocon and Adani, not being able to win the bid for Pune and Ahmedabad teams.

Murky deals in IPL

New Delhi, April 20: Complications and controversies refuse to let go the Indian Premier League as a new revelation by the I-T department divulge the T20 league’s failure to submit two vital documents – the bid papers of the Videocon and Adani Groups.

It is known that the entire clash between IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi and Shashi Tharoor arouse mainly because of these two groups, that is, the Videocon and Adani, not being able to win the bid for Pune and Ahmedabad teams.

India assures Australian athletes on security of C’wealth Games

Sydney, April 20: Security plans around October’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be “foolproof” and potential threats had already been identified and thwarted, senior games officials told Australian athletes on Tuesday.

T.S.Darbari, Joint Director General of the organising committee of the Commonwealth Games, reassured Australian athletes about games security after bomb blasts injured at least 10 people outside an Indian Premier League cricket match in Bangalore on Saturday.

Bangalore disappointed by IPL semis venue shift

Bangalore, April 20: As ticket sales for Indian Premier League (IPL) semi-finals opened Monday in their new venue, Navi Mumbai, scores of disappointed fans thronged M. Chinnaswamy stadium here to seek refund on the tickets they had bought.

Further disappointment was in store for refund seekers as they were told to return Tuesday as the IPL organisers had decided that money would be refunded from April 20 as they needed time to make arrangements for it.

Kolkata sign off in style, beat Mumbai by nine wickets

Kollata, April 19: Kolkata Knight Riders ended their IPL campaign on a high note, beating table-toppers Mumbai Indians by a convincing nine-wicket margin in the dead rubber at Eden Gardens here today.

Already out of the semifinal reckoning, the hosts put up a splendid all round show and finished in the sixth position with 14 points behind Delhi Daredevils.

Delhi also ended with 14 points but due to their better run-rate (+0.02) they finished one place above Kolkata (-0.34).