Champions League to begin on December 3

The inaugural Champions League Twenty20 will be played between December 3 and 10, instead of October, the organisers – the boards of India, Australia and South Africa – have announced. To accommodate the change, the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Perth has been pushed back from December 12 to December 17.

The eight-team tournament was initially scheduled to begin on September 29, the reserve day of the Champions Trophy, but the ICC was unhappy with its timing, given its close proximity to the Champions Trophy. It asked the three founding members of the Champions League to rethink, and they said they would revert in seven days.

It was expected last week that the dates would be postponed to early December, between England’s two-Test and seven-ODI tour of India.

No other international fixtures have been scheduled on those dates, allowing all players to participate. The tournament has been sandwiched between the India’s seventh one-dayer against England and the first Test in Ahmedabad, which start a day before and after the tournament respectively.

“We are happy that we were able to find a window during the first week of December for the inaugural edition of the Champions League Twenty20,” Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner, said. “There was a gap in between the one-day internationals and Tests [in India] against the touring England squad, which will enable both the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings (the IPL finalists) to regroup and focus on the inaugural edition of the Champions League Twenty20.”

Gerald Majola and James Sutherland, the chief executives of the South African and Australian boards respectively, said they had consulted the players, players’ associations and the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) – the hosts of the Perth Test – before deciding the dates.

“We were pleased with the WACA reaction that the new playing dates offer local fans, including corporate groups wanting to entertain at the cricket, good dates for pre-Christmas Test match enjoyment, and we also took feedback from players that the changes could be accommodated without compromising what will be a defacto World Test Cricket Championship bout between Australian and South Africa during December and January,” Sutherland said.

Majola told Cricinfo that the organisers have “conveyed the new dates to the ICC and they are fine with it.” The venues and commercial partnership details will be finalised in the coming weeks.

The Champions Twenty 20 League comprises the Twenty20 domestic finalists from India , Australia and South Africa, Pakistan’s winner Sialkot and England’s champion Middlesex. The competition was announced on July 30, with a total prize money of US$ 6 million which will be shared between all teams.

Australia will dominate Twenty20 as well: Clarke

Sydney : Michael Clarke, who will lead Australia in a Twenty20 match against New Zealand, believes that the one-day champions would dominate the shortest form of the game as well.

“When you look at (Australian) one-day team every player could play Twenty20 cricket. They all have natural ability, they have an instinct and all enjoy the fast format of the game,” The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday quoted Clarke as saying.

“It is up to the selectors to work out who they believe is best suited but I believe everyone in the one-day team could play his role.”

Clarke, who is being groomed by Cricket Australia (CA) as the future captain, also said that he doesn’t want to look ahead, and just wants to enjoy the opportunities and challenge.

“I don’t want to look too far ahead. Ricky (Ponting) is our leader and a fantastic one. I will just enjoy the challenge and opportunity,” he said.

“That is crucial for me now. I will enjoy the challenge of this game but I have to keep learning and improving my own game so that I stay in the team.”

Clarke was delighted to lead Australia in the Twenty20 match against New Zealand but said this provided no evidence that he would eventually succeed Ponting in the permanent job.

“There are a lot of guys in the team who could captain but Ricky is only 32 and I hope he will be around for a lot longer,” Clarke said.

“When Ricky decides to hang up his boots, who knows what will happen or who will be in the team. Hopefully I will still be playing but Ricky could play until he is 50.”

We need new markets and Twenty20, says ICC boss

CRICKET supremo Ray Mali says Twenty20 could be the revolution that gives the sport a major foothold in the developing nations it craves – China and the US.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Herald Sun yesterday, the International Cricket Council chairman said the popular Twenty20 format could eventually reap millions of new supporters and sponsorship dollars for a game that is otherwise struggling to compete with other sports.

The popularity of cricket’s bite-sized format has exploded in the past year and has become a major battle ground for cashed-up television networks, particularly in India, where two domestic Twenty20 competitions will start soon. Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition has been a success, and this summer there are two Twenty20 internationals on the calendar.

The first is an expected sell-out between Australia and New Zealand at the WACA Ground on December 11, while there are likely to be few seats left at the MCG on February 1 when India is in town.

The sudden influx of Twenty20 cricket means crowded international fixtures have become even more congested and may lead to Cricket Australia eventually axing the traditional one-day tri-series once its contract expires in the 2011-12 summer.

As revealed in the Herald Sun in July, next summer may be a portent of things to come when New Zealand and South Africa play separate one-day series against Australia, with a tri-series unlikely.

While fixturing remains a major problem, South African Mali, speaking from Delhi, could not hide his excitement when asked about Twenty20 and its place in the game.

“My firm belief through Twenty20 cricket is that we can get more attendees to cricket, people that have never played the game,” Mali said.

“It is short, over in three hours. People like that.

“I am looking at new areas like China. This type of game seems to interest them.

“New areas like America. They are so keen on this type of game. In America, they are already playing.

“It can bring new people, both old and the younger generation.”

The ICC’s interest in forging a strong link with China, a country of more than 1.3 billion people, is understandable. Several of the world’s major sports have made a concerted effort to tap into the ever-burgeoning market.

Even the AFL, through the Melbourne Football Club, has made an effort to get a foothold in China, with the Demons holding a promotional camp in there last month.

“I will be going to China very soon, perhaps in May,” Mali said. “The Asian Cricket Council has done a lot to create that interest in the game at school level, which is good for cricket.”

Cricket in China is mainly played by expatriates, who have organised international sixes tournaments in Shanghai for the past four years.

Surprisingly, China has a long cricket history. The first recorded match was held in 1858 in Shanghai, between a team of officers from HMS Highflyer and a Shanghai XI.

Photographs also exist showing 19th century cricket matches in other areas, such as in the southern city of Chongqing, but interest seems to have waned since. The ICC hopes similarities between Twenty20 and baseball can eventually help the game have a minor – but strong – presence in the US.

The US competed in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy in England, but local associations have been hindered by internal bickering and politics, which have stymied growth. Mali said the ICC was looking forward to the next Twenty20 World Cup, in England in 2009, after the success of the inaugural tournament in South Africa this year.

While Mali said he was excited about Twenty20, he stressed the new format would not kill traditional Test and one-day internationals, which have looked tired in recent times.

“Each one of them has its own space on the cricket calendar,” Mali said.

“I have been watching Test cricket since I was 11 years old. I am 71 and still enjoying Test cricket.”

Top commentators for ICL 20-20 Cricket

CHANDIGARH:The Indian Cricket League, an Essel Group venture, announced an impressive line up of commentators and experts for the ICL Twenty-20 Tournament starting at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula from November 30. The commentators names announced include Tony Greig, Dean Jones, Pat Symcox, Jeffery Thomson, Mike Whitney and Ayaz Memon. Additionally Kapil Dev will be seen dawning a new role and be the co-commentator to provide expert insights and opinions on the matches.

 

Commenting on the line-up ICL Chairman-Executive Board Kapil Dev Nikhanj League said “to deliver the live experience to the audience, commentator’s role is of absolute importance and can’t be ignored. We have signed on some of the world’s best commentators and their vast cricketing experience will add a lot of value in providing a perspective to our cricket fans.”

Commenting on his association with ICL, Tony Greig, said, “I am excited to team up with Zee Sports for the upcoming ICL 20-20 Tournament and look forward to joining Kapil Dev with whom I have had lot of exciting, on-field rivalry. I am personally very happy to be a part of this initiative and I hope to add value through my understanding of the game. “

Renowned opening batsmen of Australia and cricket commentator Dean Jones said, “I am delighted to join ICL panel and team up with my old pals to share exciting, live update with the fan following across the world.”

TONY GREIG: England’s cricket captain from 1975 until 1977, Tony Greig led his country 14 times. He retired young, and immigrated to Australia, where he has had a successful career as an executive in the Packer organization and as a television commentator. Today one of the most recognizable and respected voices on Cricket broadcasts, Tony has the brilliant knack of bringing alive the furious excitement of live cricketing action.

JEFF THOMPSON: Initially a soccer player, ‘Thommo’ took a liking to cricket and went on to become a legend with his furiously fast bowling. He collided with team mate Alan Turner on the field when both went for the same catch and he was seriously injured, and plates and bolts were fitted into his shoulder, but despite the injury he fought his way back into the Australian team and along with Lillie hunted as one of the most lethal pair of fast bowlers of all time!

DEAN JONES: Jones one of Australia’s most successful batsmen of winning team, and was noted for his electric running between the wickets, outstanding out-fielding and aggressive batting especially against. With his positive, aggressive and flamboyant style of play he became a crowd favourite. He played a significant part in the ’87 World Cup and ’89 Ashes wins for the team. Turbulent stints as captain of Victoria and Derbyshire followed and he remained devoted to the game and since retirement has been a Commentator.

PAT SYMCOX: Symcox played first class cricket for South Africa for 21 years, having played in a staggering 20 Tests and 80 one-day internationals. He retired from cricket in 1999. Former South African cricketing great is a well-known critic of the ‘quota system’ that was introduced into South African cricket to benefit previously disadvantaged players.

MIKE WHITNEY: He is former Australian  from 1981 to 1993.He was a commentator for The Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, and the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

KAPIL DEV: Arguably India’s greatest all-rounder and recently recognised as India’s greatest Cricketer with the Wisden Indian Cricketer of The Century award, Kapil Dev has charted the course of many famous Indian victories. Captaining India to win the Prudential Cup in 1983 was the highlight of his career. He also led India to a 2-0 series win to beat England in 1986. And, of course, at the top of his most spectacular unbeaten innings ranks his knock of 175 against Zimbabwe when India was on the route to the World Cup win in 1983.

Schedule Nov 30: Chandigarh Lions v Delhi Jets Dec 1: Chennai Superstars v Kolkata Tigers; Mumbai Champs v Hyderabad Heroes Dec 2: Delhi Jets v Hyderabad Heroes; Chandigarh Lions v Kolkata Tigers Dec 3: Mumbai Champs v Chennai Superstars Dec 5: Hyderbad Heroes v Chandigarh Lions Dec 7: Mumbai Champs v Delhi Jets Dec 8: Chennai Superstars v Chandigarh Lions; Delhi Jets v Kolkata Tigers Dec 9: Hyderabad Heroes v Chennai Superstars; Mumbai Champs v Chandigarh Lions Dec 10: Mumbai Champs v Kolkata Tigers Dec 12: Chennai Superstars v Delhi Jets; Hyderbad Heroes v Kolkata Tigers Dec 14: Semi-final I Dec 15: 5/6 classification; Semi-final II Dec 16: 3/4 classification; Final.

Lara’s participation in ICL Twenty20 tournament doubtful

Even as the rebel Indian Cricket League (IC) Twenty20 tournament is all set to begin at Chandigarh from November 30 next, doubts prevail over former West Indies captain Brian Lara joining the game.It is learnt that Lara who had signed up with the ICL some time back and is scheduled to lead the Mumbai Champs – one of the teams in the much-publicized tournament, has left his country, but is yet to communicate with the organizers regarding his arrival in India to participate in the matches.

In fact, rumors are doing the rounds in cricket circles that Lara might not play for ICL and might join BCCI-promoted Indian Premier League (IPL).

All that ICL executive board Chairman Kapil Dev was prepared to say is that Lara has left West Indies and only once he reaches here, they all will know. Regarding the participation of the other international players who have signed up for the ICL, Kapil said confirmed that all most all of them would be here for the matches and if one or two falls ill or cannot attend the matches for some unforeseen reasons, they could do little to help.

It may be mentioned here that in addition to many Ranji players, a number of international cricket stars, including some who have retired from the game recently, have signed up with the rebel league. The international player who are scheduled to star in ICL Twenty20 tournament include Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Brian Lara, Russel Arnold, Abdul Razzak, Chris Harris, Nicky Boje, Dinesh Mongia, Lance Klusener, Stuart Law, Craig Macmillan, Vikram Solanki and Ian Harvey On the other hand, Tony Greig and Dean Jones are on the commentary panel of the ICL tournament..

Meanwhile, preparations for the tournament at the Tau Devi Lal cricket stadium in Chandigarh are in full swing with stands, floodlights and other facilities being installed. According to Kapil, things would soon fall in their place before the matches begin. He said that since it is a newly born baby, initially there would be some problems, but all will be well in the end. 

Heat will be on rebel leaders Jones and Greig in India

DEAN Jones and Tony Greig have engineered cricket revolution in their time, but this crusade appears to be the sport’s equivalent of selling sand in the desert.

The two men, forever famous in Australia for their respective roles as former star batsman and World Series Cricket tyro and television commentator, will next week oversee the start of the Indian Cricket League.

The ICL will pit six teams of recently retired international players and a motley bunch of journeymen in a carnival of Twenty20 matches.

In theory, it should be a resounding success. The subcontinent’s appetite for cricket is insatiable, there is a population of more than one billion to tap into, and in a booming economy such as India’s there is no shortage of powerful promotional vehicles.

But Jones and Greig, who are members of the ICL executive, have a big task on their hands to capture the country’s imagination. When it came into being, the ICL was dubbed a breakaway competition from the establishment, similar to the WSC revolution Greig helped Kerry Packer orchestrate in the late 1970s.

Like WSC, the ICL had the guaranteed support of a television network, in this case Zee TV, controlled by the Essel Group, one of India’s leading business houses. It also chased some of the game’s biggest names, including Brian Lara, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Mohammad Yousuf.

But where cricket’s establishment could not stop Packer a generation ago, this time officialdom hit back. Big time.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is reliant on television coverage for most of its revenue, refused to acknowledge the ICL and issued an edict that Indian players who signed would be banned from national selection.

The BCCI also ruled its stadiums could not be used, which left the ICL to host its 17-day series in a suburb of Chandigarh, hardly the hub of Indian cricket.

Then the BCCI torpedoed the ICL by establishing its own alternative, the Indian Premier League (IPL), a franchise-based competition scheduled to start in April. The BCCI signed its stable of mega-stars – Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly among them – to its product, which is being marketed as cricket’s equivalent of football’s lucrative Champions League in Europe.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the boards of Australia, South Africa and England also threw their weight behind the BCCI, and most of the world’s best players are now signed with the IPL, including Warne, McGrath and Yousuf.

Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee will be unable to take part in the inaugural IPL next year due to international commitments, but their signings only add further lustre.

The ICL camp now comprises six teams mainly consisting of Indian domestic players with a smattering of former internationals, such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Chris Cairns and Lance Klusener. The only Australian players involved are Stuart Law and Ian Harvey, although Michael Bevan will coach the Chennai Superstars.

To make matters worse, logistical problems meant the series was delayed and will now start while India play Pakistan in a Test series in India, a rivalry equal to the Ashes.

While India’s major newspapers and cricket websites this week devoted much coverage to the India-Pakistan showdown, the only stories relating to the ICL were the signings of match referees and umpires, and more worryingly, whether Lara would uphold his commitment to play and be the competition’s marquee face.

The X-factor is the format. Twenty20 has not taken off in India the same way it has been embraced in England, South Africa and Australia for several years, although that could change.

The ICL executive hopes to expand its league to 16 teams across the country in three years, with regular home-and-away matches. But Jones and Greig, who declined to be interviewed this week, must hope for success over the next month to be in a position for expansion to occur.

RP Singh gifted a Mercedes Benz

The Twenty20 World Cup may have been long over but the shower of gifts for the champion Indian team hasn’t stopped yet.

Left-arm paceman Rudra Pratap Singh was, on Monday, presented a silver Mercedes Benz C 200K by Shashi Kalathil, CEO, Neo Sports in New Delhi.

The sports channel had announced the gift to RP Singh for his effective performance at the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in September.

With 12 scalps at an average of 12.66 he was one of the standout performers in the Indian team.

2008 cricket fixtures announced

TEESSIDE cricket fans can enjoy their first derby of the season when Yorkshire travel to Durham for a Friends Provident Trophy clash on April 20.

Durham are, of course, the holders of the trophy and will be determined to put up a solid defence of what is their first ever major honour.

The fixture was one of many exciting games that the new 2008 fixture list has thrown up.

Yorkshire’s County Championship season starts on April 23 with the visit of Ausssie spin king Shane Warne’s Hampshire to Headingley Carnegie.

The Tykes’ annual visit to the east coast takes the form of a four-match Scarborough Festival fortnight, starting with a NatWest Pro40 encounter with Kent on Monday, August 25.

There are several Roses battles to look forward to during the 2008 season with the home and away Friends Provident Trophy ties against Lancashire taking place in May.

The return leg takes place on Wednesday, May 28, and is followed on the Friday by the Roses championship match in what is shaping up to be the Headingley Roses week of cricket.

The Twenty20 Cup has been altered to allow each side to play home and away legs against every other county in their regional group, necessitating an extra fixture at Headingley.

There are home Twenty20 fixtures against Lancashire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Durham.

Durham’s first County Championship match of the season starts on Wednesday, April 23, when Surrey visit the Riverside.

The four day competition concludes with a visit to Canterbury to play Kent on Wednesday, September 24.

On Wednesday, June 11, Durham Dynamos take on Derbyshire Phantoms in the first of five home Twenty20 matches in just 16 days.

The Dynamos have home Friday day/night matches against Leicestershire Foxes on June 20 and Lancashire Lightning on June 27.

One of the highlights of the domestic season will be the home floodlit match against Somerset Sabres on Wednesday, July 23.

Misbah cannot forget shot that cost Pakistan the World Twenty20 title

Misbah-ul-Haq said Saturday that he will always be troubled by his shot that cost Pakistan the World Twenty20 title in September.Attempting to flick the ball to fine-leg off seam bowler Joginder Sharma, Misbah holed out to Shantakumaran Sreesanth in the last over, giving India a five-run win in the World Twenty20 championship’s title contest.

As Pakistan prepares for a limited-overs series in India starting Monday, Misbah said “I’ll regret that shot all my life”.

“It was a rare opportunity of winning the World championship, you don’t come so close often,” said Misbah, who was Pakistan’s top scorer in that final.

Misbah was criticised for twice failing to secure victory in the final over against India during the World Twenty20 championship. He also failed to hit the winning run off the last two balls with scores level against India in the preliminary round, leading to a bowl-out that India won.

“Media criticism is one thing, but one always has to live with a feeling of sadness” Misbah said.

Easy pickings for India in 2009 T20 World Cup

Defending champions India were today placed in an easy group A — alongside Bangladesh and Zimbabwe — for the 2009 ICC Twenty20 cricket World Championships in England.

The grouping for the second edition of the event was decided in a two-day ICC Board meeting, which concluded here today.

The early decision on the matter was taken on the request of hosts England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who want to proceed with the venue event bidding process which would allow match tickets to go on sale at the earliest.

Since not enough matches have been played in the shortest format of the game to allow viable official rankings, the Board decided to group teams on the basis of their finishing positions in the inaugural edition of the championship this year.

ODI world champions Australia have been placed in group C along with Sri Lanka and West Indies.

The Groups:

Group A: India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe

Group B: Pakistan, England, Associate 1

Group C: Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies