Sports News – Newsletter for February 23, 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

World Cup: Pakistan make slow start against Kenya

HAMBANTOTA – Pakistan made a slow start after opting to bat against Kenya in their opening World Cup Group A match at the Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium here Wednesday.

Pakistan were 12 for one after six overs with Ahmed Shehzad batting on one and Kamran Akmal yet to open his account. Opening batsman …. Original source : World Cup: Pakistan make slow start against Kenya.

Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium gets World cup hosting clearance

MUMBAI – Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the venue for 2011 World Cup final on April 2, has got clearance to host all scheduled games after meeting the safety standards.

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) given to the stadium on Tuesday has welcomed by fans.

Last week safety inspectors expressed unhappiness about the non-availability of the mandatory fire …. Source article : Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium gets World cup hosting clearance.

Kenya will prove to be tough opponent for Pak’ in WC opener: Steve Tikolo

HAMBANTOTA – Kenyan all-rounder Steve Tikolo has warned Pakistan against taking his team lightly, saying that the Shahid Afridi-led team would have to be at full strength for its opening World Cup game today.

“We lost the game against New Zealand and it wasn’t a good day for us. But the good thing that came out … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kenya will prove to be tough opponent for Pak’ in WC opener: Steve Tikolo.

Afridi wants to win World Cup for ‘cricket-starved’ Pak fans

HAMBANTOTA – Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has vowed to win the World Cup for millions of weary fans back home, who lost out on the showpiece event after their country became a no-go zone.

“Not playing in our country is on our minds. We feel for our nation, our people who are missing the World Cup,” [..] Read the original article: here.

Chlesea has best strike force in Europe: Ancelotti

LONDON – Hailing his strike force, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has said that he thought he now had control of the best forwards in Europe after their comfortable victory against Danish champions FC Copenhagen.

Chelsea advanced to the quarterfinals of Champions League after Nicolas Anelka’s dual strike against the Danes.

“Yes I think so,” Ancelotti acknowledged about … Read : Chlesea has best strike force in Europe: Ancelotti.

Spot-fixing scandal won’t distract Pak team’s World Cup campaign, says Waqar

HAMBANTOTA – Pakistan coach Waqar Younis believes that the recent spot-fixing scandal will not have a detrimental effect on their World Cup campaign, which gets underway against Kenya today.

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were banned for at least five years earlier this month after they were found guilty of ’spot-fixing’ … Original article on : Spot-fixing scandal won’t distract Pak team’s World Cup campaign, says Waqar.

Shocked Black Caps send messages of support via Twitter to Christchurch victims

MELBOURNE – New Zealand cricketers, who are in India for the 2011 World Cup, have reacted in horror to the bad news that at least 65 people had died in the Christchurch earthquake.

The 6.3 magnitude quake hit New Zealand’s second largest city and the death toll was likely to rise in a region still recovering …. Source article : Shocked Black Caps send messages of support via Twitter to Christchurch victims.

‘Banned’ Mohammad Asif determined to clear his name, play for Pak again

KARACHI – Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who has been banned by the ICC over spot-fixing charges, has said that he is determined to clear his name and to recommence his career as soon as possible.

An ICC anti-corruption tribunal, chaired by Michael Beloff, had found Asif, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif guilty of charges relating …. Original article : ‘Banned’ Mohammad Asif determined to clear his name, play for Pak again.

Daniel Vettori deemed sexiest by group of Bollywood actresses

WELLINGTON – New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori has been judged as one of the sexiest players by a group of Bollywood actresses.

Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia, 30, who played Eva Braun in ‘Dear Friend Hitler’, shared her views of the bespectacled left-arm spinner.

“Vettori is handsome and a great player! He gives a lovely intellectual feel … Read more »».

Ponting likely to face disciplinary hearing

NAGPUR – Australian captain Ricky Ponting is likely to face a disciplinary hearing by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for smashing an LCD TV in the dressing room of the Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad.

A furious Ponting after being run out during Monday’s game against Zimbabwe, smashed the expensive TV set …. Source : Ponting likely to face disciplinary hearing.

Katich keen to regain Oz Test spot

SYDNEY – New South Wales opener and captain Simon Katich’s hunger to wear the baggy green remains as strong as ever, as he starts his campaign today to convince national selectors he should not be a casualty in the rebuilding of Australia’s Test side.

The 35-year-old will make his comeback to state cricket ahead of schedule …. Source article : Katich keen to regain Oz Test spot.

Decision not to include Hussey wouldn’t hurt Australia: Ponting

SYDNEY – Skipper Ricky Ponting has accepted it was possible the medical-based decision to omit Mike Hussey could ultimately hinder the team’s World Cup campaign, but said he hoped it would not “come back and hurt us”.

The controversy surrounding the decision to not include the veteran in the squad on the eve of his scheduled … Read : Decision not to include Hussey wouldn’t hurt Australia: Ponting.

Fergie confident about Man U delivering against Olympique Marseille

LONDON – Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed confidence about his team delivering the goods against Olympique Marseille today.

Manchester United still carry the aura of treble winners, as they did when they met Marseille 12 years ago. Then, a United side, with a midfield quartet of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane … Read more »»».

I am determined to clear my name, says Asif

KARACHI – Banned Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif says he is determined to clear his name from the spot-fixing scandal that shook world cricket last year.

Asif along with former Test captain Salman Butt and young pacer Mohammad Aamer was handed out bans by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their involvement in a spot-fixing scandal … Read : I am determined to clear my name, says Asif.

Border warns Aussies: Christchurch earthquake may give Kiwis added motivation

MELBOURNE – Former skipper Allan Border has warned Australia that they may face a New Zealand side this Friday motivated by the tragic earthquake that has hit their country.

Border said the Black Caps, already a dangerous prospect given their one-day international record against Australia, might draw on the hardship of their compatriots as extra motivation.

Ponting likely to face ICC disciplinary hearing for misbehavior

SYDNEY – No one can match the Australians in throwing tantrums and skipper Ricky Ponting proved it further, giving the 2011 World Cup its first major controversy.

Ponting is likely to face an ICC disciplinary hearing following an incident in which a TV was damaged in the Australian team dressing room during a World Cup match …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Ponting likely to face ICC disciplinary hearing for misbehavior.