Hameed mulling legal action, says kin

Just days after Pakistan’s match-fixing scandal broke out, TIMES NOW travelled to the Yasir Hameed’s home, where his family defended the 32-year-old opener. Hameed’s family is confident that he had not done anything wrong and said that they will firmly stand by him.

Not only that but, Yasir’s brother Sajid spoke exclusively to TIMES NOW saying that his brother was tricked by the undercover reporter of News Of the World into admitting all that he said and stricter action should be taken against those who tried to black mail him.

He said, “Yasir has not given any interview, nor was he approached by a NOTW reporter. Infact steps should be taken against those who are blackmailing him.”

“He spoke to Yasir posing as an agent of a private airline by the name of Abid, saying that he wanted to sign a contract with the players. Yasir suggested the names of Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul & Fawad Alam. And while in conversation he spoke about, politics, floods and the film industry, leading to the topic of match fixing, to which Yasir was misquoted as the reporter edited the relevant part,” added Sajid.

Former opener Yasir Hameed had earlier claimed he was tricked into giving the statements which accused his teammates of fixing “almost every match”. Hameed backtracked on the allegations against his teammates and claimed he was blackmailed to stand by them by the British tabloid ‘News of the World’ but a livid Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s Twenty20 and ODI captain, lashed out at him for being mentally a teenager.

Pakistan government investigating assets of cricketers

/Islamabad, Sep 6 (IANS) The Pakistan government announced Monday that it will investigate the assets of past and present cricketers in the wake of three players Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamer found allegedly involved in spot-fixing.

In Islamabad, Urdu language newspaper Jang reported that the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) has instructed all its regional officers to collect details of bank accounts, assets and even the number of cars in the possession of players, who have represented Pakistan over the past five years.

This comes after the ICC suspended the trio, who were accused of conspiring with bookmakers to deliberately bowl no-balls during the fourth Test against England at Lord’s. The three have also been questioned by British police.

‘We have also asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to submit its expenses for the players, selectors, coaches and managers,’ FBR official, Israr Rauf, was quoted as saying that the Urdu daily.

London daily The Daily Telegraph also reported that Pakistani batsman Yasir Hameed will be interviewed by Britain’s Anti-Corruption Unit as part of its match-fixing investigation. Hameed claimed that the team was ‘fixing almost every match’.

However, Hameed’s reliability as a witness was questioned Sunday by his own team-mates.

Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi said that Hameed is 30-31 but mentally he is 15-16.

‘I don’t know who he was sitting with or in what situation he gave this message but we have know him for a long time. We know we can expect anything from him and he does this kind of thing. People know what type of character he is,’ Afridi was quoted as saying by the daily.

ICC’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the world body wants to be prompt and decisive on this matter.

‘It is not something we want to drag our heels on and as soon as we are in a position to make charges and disclosures we will do so,’ he said.

If Hameed is contacted by the ACU he may have to face an independent commissioner who the ICC plans to appoint to head what will be the biggest ever probe into corruption in cricket.

England legend Geoffrey Boycott said the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) should offer Aamer a plea bargain.

‘Tell us the truth about what took place and he can get off with a lighter sentence. If he won’t play ball, then make an example of him. I feel for Aamer, because any 18-year-old is likely to get dragged along by his seniors. But I still believe that he deserves a lengthy ban – seven years, perhaps – if he is shown to have bowled no-balls to order. As for the others, they should be treated even more harshly, because they have no excuse,’ Boycott wrote in his column in The Daily Telegraph.

‘It is no coincidence that Pakistan are repeatedly implicated in these scandals, because they never deal with them properly. People might get suspended or banished from the team, but within a few months the regime changes, and they are back again, as if nothing had happened.

‘We saw a typical example with Mohammad Yousuf on this very tour. I am not saying that he was kicked out for match-fixing — we don’t really know — but the to-ing and fro-ing was typical of Pakistan cricket. One minute he’s in disgrace, the next he’s on the field,’ he said.

Imran: Get country in order first

Calcutta: Perhaps, only an Imran Khan could be so forthright.

In the midst of relief work in the southern parts of the Punjab province, he voiced the sentiments of countless Pakistanis — “if the country is in order, then our cricket, too, will be in order.”

While cricketer-turned-politician Imran didn’t name President Asif Ali Zardari, who also happens to be the Pakistan Cricket Board’s patron, it’s obvious he had him in mind.

Fiercely anti-Establishment, the 57-year-old Imran didn’t contest the last general elections, in protest, but remains a huge crowd-puller and continues to be idolised by the youth.

“He speaks in the voice of the masses, raising issues which need to be addressed… Today, as a politician, he’s much more mature,” a confidant told The Telegraph from Lahore.

Imran took to politics in the summer of 1996 (four years after lifting the World Cup), when he launched the Tehreek-e-Insaaf party, and was a member of the National Assembly from 2002-2007.

The spot-fixing scandal involving Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamer has, by the way, made Imran again highlight his favourite issues: An end to corruption and far greater accountability.

Upset win for Splendid Act

Splendid Act, from trainer S.S. Hassan’s yard, scored an upset victory in the 1,200m Major Mir Mujtaba Hussain Memorial Cup at the Hyderabad races held on Monday. R. Rupesh partnered the winner.RESULTS

(With inter-state dividends)

1. Deccan Prince Plate 1,400m: (2-4-5) Sterling Cruise (John) 1, Craven Cottage 2, Rocking Rocket 3. Won by: 6, Hd; (1-28.81). Win Rs 25; Place: 13, 24; Quinella: 143; Shp: 59; Tanala: 206. Fav: Rocking Rocket (5).

2. Major Mir Mujtaba Hussain Memorial Cup 1,200m: (1-4-3) Splendid Act (Rupesh) 1, Walnut Creek 2, Red Fairy 3. Won by: 2, 3/4; (1-15.24). Win Rs 157; Place: 26, 15; Quinella: 35; Shp: 71; Tanala: 800. Fav: Walnut Creek (4).

3. Cuddapah Plate 1,200m: (3-1-2) Commanding Heights (Suraj) 1, Flash Of Emerald 2, Guiding Light 3. Won by: 3, 1-3/4; (1-15.28). Win Rs 30; Place: 13, 12, 17; Quinella: 23; Shp: 40; Tanala: 118. Fav: Flash Of Emerald (1).

4. Nine Carat Plate 2,000m: (4-3-7) Vijay Monarch (Chauhan) 1, Manduro 2, Southern Rose 3. Won by: Dist, 7; (2-8.73). Win Rs 15; Place: 12, 24, 25; Quinella: 76; Shp: 75; Tanala: 582. Fav: Vijay Monarch (4).

5. Hyderabad Veterinary College Diamond Jubilee Cup, Div-I 1,400m: (4-1-5) Democracy (John) 1, Accordion 2, Spectacular Falcon 3. Won by: 6, Nk; (1-30.73). Win Rs 35; Place: 15, 72, 19; Quinella: 1,189; Shp: 406; Tanala: 6,767. Fav: Democracy (4).

6. Astana Plate, Div-I 1,200m: (5-6-4) Imaan (Harinder) Cicilia 2, Chemeli 3. Won by: 1-1/2, 1/2; (1-16.83). Win Rs 44; Place: 18, 19, 66; Quinella: 58; Shp: 41; Tanala: 1,510. Fav: Cicilia (6).

7. Hyderabad Veterinary College Diamond Jubilee Cup, Div-II 1,400m: (3-2-5) Celtic Shot (Chauhan) 1, Smarty Prince 2, Golden Tricks 3. Won by: 1/2, 1/2; (1-31.58). Win Rs 42; Place: 15, 13, 20; Quinella: 47; Shp: 42; Tanala: 437. Fav: Smarty Prince (2).

8. Astana Plate, Div-II 1,200m: (2-5-3) Krithiman (Ajit) 1, Victory Signal 2, Hundred Flowers 3. Won by: 1, 3/4; (1-17.53). Win Rs 36; Place: 16, 44, 15; Quinella: 437; Shp: 131; Tanala: 1,925. Fav: Krithiman (2).

Atkinson comes calling at Kotla

New Delhi: The lush green outfield at the Ferozeshah Kotla presented the International Cricket Council’s chief pitch consultant Andy Atkinson with a pleasant sight but whether or not the World Cup venue is match- fit will be known only when the stadium hosts Ranji Trophy games.

On Monday, Atkinson spent an hour inspecting the main square and the practice wickets.

“Today is the first stop on a routine inspection of the venues to be utilised for ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. At the conclusion of our visit, reports will be submitted to the ICC,” Atkinson read out from his dairy. ICC venue consultant Eugene Van Vuuren was also present at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

“At this stage it would be incorrect for either of us to make any further comment regarding our findings until our reports have been submitted and they (ICC) have had the opportunity to examine the content of those reports,” Atkinson added.

A clash of greats and raw talent in CLT20

Calcutta: The differences between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Champions League T20 are many. However, the CLT20 promises to serve as much thrill as the IPL when the tournament begins at the Wanderers Stadium, on Friday.

One of the most fascinating contests of the day could be between Sachin Tendulkar, who will open the batting for the Mumbai Indians, against a Highveld Lions attack that will be spearheaded by the unheralded 23-year-old, Craig Alexander.

One of the hallmarks of Tendulkar is to make time almost stand still and over the last 12 months he has graced international cricket grounds with the verve, vitality and enthusiasm that he first displayed as a 16-year-old more than 20 years ago.

Watching Tendulkar bat is like listening to a Mozart symphony and that’s one of the bonuses that the CLT20 is set to enthral fans with.

Tendulkar and the many other international players currently in South Africa tip the CLT20 scale in one direction. The counter balance is provided by the likes of Alexander who is one of South Africa’s foremost young bowling talents and could well be part of the next generation of international players to emerge from this tournament.

Meanwhile, Cape Cobras captain Justin Kemp will replace Sri Lankan seamer Thilan Thushara in the Chennai Super Kngs squad after the latter sustained a groin injury while playing for Sri Lanka A against Pakistan A, late last week.

New Zealand champions Central Stags’ captain Jamie How said that every team that’s playing in the CL T20 are here on merit. “We see this tournament as a reward for winning our domestic Twenty20 (T20) tournament, and the other teams are here for the same reason.”

Victory at last for India eves

Rosario: The Indian women’s hockey team ended a three-match losing streak by upstaging Japan 2-0 in their penultimate pool match of the World Cup. Rani Rampal and Jasjeet Kaur Handa were the scorers.

Bolt wish

New Delhi: A back injury and an unfavourable timing forced Usain Bolt to skip the Commonwealth Games, but the Olympic gold medallist said he would love to visit India some day. “I would like to come to India as I have never been there before,” he added.

Amrita feat

Calcutta: Amrita Das crossed the English Channel, completing the 34-km challenge in 13 hours and 42 minutes. The 22-year old began at 6.19 am (GMT) from the Shakespeare beach in Dover and reached France at 8.01 pm (GMT), on September 4.

Formula 2

Chennai: India driver Armaan Ebrahim managed to score valuable points after finishing 10th in the round 8 race of the FIA Fomula 2 Championship (Feeder Series to F1) in Oschersleben Monday.

Asian meet

Calcutta: Defending champions India will vie for honours against Asian No.1 Iran among others in the third Asian Men’s Volleyball, to be held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, from September 16-20. Pakistan will also take part.

Patrick quits

London: Lord’s cricket ground has been granted planning permission to host archery at the 2012 Olympic Games, according to the organisers.

Kotla pitch

New Delhi: Andy Atkinson, ICC’s chief pitch consultant, Monday inspected the Kotla, a venue for the 2011 World Cup. “We will be visiting five other venues in India and three in Sri Lanka from today until the September 15,” Atkinson said.

Grappling to get a rich haul

Wrestling has always remained India’s strongpoint in the Commonwealth Games. And like in the earlier editions of the Games, this time too the country is expecting a good haul of medals from the sport.
target=_BLANK>Guide to wrestling

Men’s freestyle wrestling, which was dropped for the previous edition of the Games in Melbourne, has been included this time around along with the men’s Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling. The three events give India a fair chance of making a solid claim on the 21 medals at stake. Know the team members

“We are going to be the biggest medal contributors to the country’s overall tally. We are equally strong in all three sections.

“If everything goes well, we will win 18 to 20 medals,” said former wrestling great, Kartar Singh, who is also the secretary-general of Wrestling Federation of India.

The doping disgrace that saw three CWG squad members testing positive, could have an impact on the medals haul, but Kartar feels the second ranked players are equally good. “For sure, it (doping) has brought a bad name to the sport. But as far as medals are concerned, the replacements for the three wrestlers are equally good. It is not going to have much affect on the medals haul,” added Kartar.

Men’s freestyle wrestling
India have always been a dominant force in men’s freestyle wrestling among Commonwealth countries. In the 2009 Commonwealth Championships, India won gold in the all seven categories.

“India is a powerhouse of the sport among Commonwealth countries and this time too, we will not disappoint anybody,” said Beijing Olympian Yogeshwar Dutt. “As the Games are going to be held in India, we will surely get a home advantage and try to win maximum number of gold,” he added.

Olympic bronze-medallist, Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt and Narsingh Yadav are also competing in the World Championship in Moscow next week.

For the last two years, India’s core group preparing for the Games is camped at the Sports Authority of India’s Northern Centre, Sonepat. “We are getting each and every facility, including AC rooms and hall for practice and now it’s our duty to give off our best,” said Sushil.

Greco-Roman Wrestling
India are expected to make a clean sweep in this category as well.

During last year’s Commonwealth Championship in Jalandhar, India won six gold out of the seven at stake. There is no specific country in the Commonwealth that can be considered a threat to the hosts in the event.

Women’s Freestyle
Women’s freestyle is making its debut in the CWG. “We are having some good girls in all the weight categories and are expecting medals from each one of them,” said national coach PR Sondhi. Canada and Nigeria will be our main opponents in this category.

“For the last couple of years, we have been preparing hard and if all goes well, we will make the podium in all seven categories,” said Alka Tomar (59kg), who along with Geeta (55kg) and Babita (51kg) will be competing in the World Championship just before the Games.

Time for ICC to start clean-up job: Dav

Calcutta: The Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Dav Whatmore is extremely hurt at the recent ‘spot-fixing’ controversy that has rocked the cricket world. The former Australian batsman who has also been the coach of the World Cup winning Sri Lanka squad believes that the current controversy gives ICC a chance to clean up the mess.

“I have always believed that in most negative situations, something positive emerges. Due to this controversy, the authorities should stress on educating the younger players. This is the time when you can tighten up the system and put things back in order. This can reduce the frequency if not eradicate the problem totally,” Whatmore, who has been appointed the head of Cricket Association of Bengal’s junior cricket development program, said on Monday.

As per the strange diktat issued by CAB, the coach was not allowed to air his opinion on Bengal cricket.

When asked, whether International Cricket Council (ICC) is doing enough to counter the fixing menace, he said: “Can someone explain what exactly does ICC mean? I have often heard people loosely opining ‘ICC not doing anything.’ ICC is made up of all the member countries. They can only do as much.”

The burly Australian also feels that one needs to have an independent arbitrator who will probe into the matter. “Obviously, if the allegations are proved to be true and someone is found guilty, he should be handed out appropriate punishment,” he said.

Whatmore feels that it is only a few who are involved in such activities. “I have always felt that only a minority is associated with these kind of alleged activities.”

Does he think that teams nowadays lack captains like Imran Khan or Arjuna Ranatunga, whom the players could look up to?

“I think leadership matters a lot in cricket. A good strong leader who is a strong individual always makes a difference. He is someone who can earn respect from his teammates,” he concluded.

Main Press Centre to become operational soon

After facing flak over poor facilities for the media during the Commonwealth Games test events, the Organising Committee (OC) on Monday informed about the arrangements made for national and international journalists who will be covering the event in October. Head of press operation for the Games,
Manish Kumar said, “Taking into account the problems that the media faced during the coverage of the test events, we have made adequate arrangements so that no problems are faced during the games.”

The Main Press Centre (MPC) is located in Pragati Maidan and will be available for use from September 23, and from October 1-15, the centre will be open 24 hours.

Kumar added, “MPC has 600 workstations for the press and photo areas, with Wi-Fi and high speed internet.”

“It also has two press conference rooms and a similar number of interview rooms,” he said.

Other facilities include high-definition live feed area, rate card offices for agencies, a media lounge, food court and a retail plaza also having a camera repair centre.

Apart from the MPC, proper facilities will also be provided at the Venue Media Centres and Games Village Media Centre.

Apart from the facilities that will be there at the MPC the Games Village will comprise of an international zone which will allow access to accredited journalists only.

Around 600 volunteers from both India and United Kingdom will be present to assist the media at the competition and non-competition venues as around 1200 national and 800 international journalists are expected to cover the Games.

However, a problem, which the OC officials have still not resolved is providing proper parking facilities at the venues.

Chairman of media publicity Commonwealth Games, Tarlochan Singh said, “Parking of private vehicles will be an issue looking at the traffic scenario in the city but sufficient number of buses are available with us for the media personnel to use during the games in October.”

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