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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
We're up on Facebook
We've got a new look, new fans and a whole lot of loving banter going around. Just click on the title of this post, log into your Facebook account and go straight to the Mumbai Indian Fan Club group on the social networking site.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Amre for Assistant Coach
Mumbai: South Africa holds fond memories for Pravin Amre. Apart from slamming a memorable 103 on Test debut in Durban, the former Indian batsman also represented the Boland state team in their domestic season.
And the rainbow nation beckons Amre once again after the two-time Ranji Trophy winning coach was approached by the Mumbai Indians franchise to join them as part of their coaching staff for the IPL. It has been learnt that the Mumbai Indians are likely to appoint Amre as assistant coach and have asked him to prepare a presentation.
“Yes, we have approached him but nothing has been finalised on paper,” confirms a Mumbai Indians official. “He has past experience of playing in South Africa and is also a very good planner. We wanted someone who can help the Mumbai Indians abroad. And Amre was the best choice,” the official added.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
IPL shifted to a so far unknown country?
This year's lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament will be held outside India after the country's cricket board failed to secure government approval for its matches due to a clash of schedule with the upcoming general elections.
Shashank Manohar, Board of Control for Cricket in India president, today said organizers were looking for a venue outside India after the government refused to approve the tournament's match schedule because security forces would be preoccupied with the elections.
The second edition of the annual IPL tournament is scheduled to be held from April 10 to May 24, while the elections for the Indian Parliament's lower house will take place across the country in five different phases between April 16 and May 13.
Cricket South Africa chief Gerald Majola said his cricket board had received an official approach Sunday to be "one of several options" to host the tournament.
"We do not know what the other options are and it is not for us to comment on that," Majola said.
"At this stage we are looking forward to holding discussions with IPL officials to discuss the proposal in detail."
India's federal Home Ministry rejected two proposed itineraries from IPL organizers before advising them to speak with security agencies in the states where matches were to be played.
"We made the best of our endeavors to stage the event in India, but have to move it out of India because of existing conditions," Manohar said.
Some states gave clearance for the matches, a few refused to sanction matches until the elections were over, and at least two states changed their decision to permit matches, which Manohar said forced the BCCI to look for a foreign venue for this year.
Manohar said the organizers' options of scheduling matches shrank Saturday when the governments of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh states reversed their earlier decision to approve matches during the April-May period.
"We're in discussion with some foreign cricket boards who have shown interest. The venue for this year's IPL will be decided soon," he said.
As well as South Africa, international media have already speculated that England is being considered as possible venues by IPL organizers.
Lalit Modi, IPL chairman and match commissioner, said he was hopeful of announcing the venue and final schedule Monday.
He maintained the tournament would be run in full with the same format and the same dates. "Even the match telecast will be at the same time for the Indian audience."
"Logistically, it's a huge challenge, we'll have a home for each of the eight teams," said Modi, who met owners and representatives of the eight city-based franchises after the BCCI's working committee decided to shift the tournament to another country."
Modi said the IPL remained "a domestic tournament being staged at an international venue.
"We need continuity in the league, we can't have a situation where the IPL was not played this year," Modi said.
"We have the availability of lots of venues in multiple countries, now we need to work out the schedule. Each team will have a home city and stadium, and preliminary league matches will be played as usual on a home and away basis."
The IPL comprises 59 matches, including two semifinals and the title contest.
Modi said there was a suggestion that the semifinals and the final be played in India, as the elections would be over by then, but it would put too much strain on cricketers who would join their respective national teams for the Twenty20 World Cup in June in England.
Indian's interior ministry had suggested that the event be deferred to start after elections, but IPL officials did not want to change the dates for the tournament as it would be difficult to find another slot on a crowded international calendar.
Some players and officials have expressed concerns about playing on the subcontinent after this month's terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan.
Seven Sri Lankan test players, an assistant coach and a match official were among those injured in a deadly ambush by gunmen as the team traveled to Gaddafi Stadium during the second test. Six policemen and a driver were killed.
India was also the victim of a terror attack at Mumbai in November, which left 164 people dead.
Bangladesh canceled this month's cricket tour by Pakistan after authorities said they were unable to provide adequate security to a visiting team in the wake of a mutiny by border guards last month cost the lives of more than 70 people in Dhaka.
Staging the event in another country would increase the cost to organizers and the franchises, Modi said.
"It's going to be exorbitantly prohibitive to move the tournament out of the country," he said. "We may not make any profit. We're not looking at the profits, but wanted the IPL played this year, and we'll ensure that the franchises suffer no losses."
Shashank Manohar, Board of Control for Cricket in India president, today said organizers were looking for a venue outside India after the government refused to approve the tournament's match schedule because security forces would be preoccupied with the elections.
The second edition of the annual IPL tournament is scheduled to be held from April 10 to May 24, while the elections for the Indian Parliament's lower house will take place across the country in five different phases between April 16 and May 13.
Cricket South Africa chief Gerald Majola said his cricket board had received an official approach Sunday to be "one of several options" to host the tournament.
"We do not know what the other options are and it is not for us to comment on that," Majola said.
"At this stage we are looking forward to holding discussions with IPL officials to discuss the proposal in detail."
India's federal Home Ministry rejected two proposed itineraries from IPL organizers before advising them to speak with security agencies in the states where matches were to be played.
"We made the best of our endeavors to stage the event in India, but have to move it out of India because of existing conditions," Manohar said.
Some states gave clearance for the matches, a few refused to sanction matches until the elections were over, and at least two states changed their decision to permit matches, which Manohar said forced the BCCI to look for a foreign venue for this year.
Manohar said the organizers' options of scheduling matches shrank Saturday when the governments of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh states reversed their earlier decision to approve matches during the April-May period.
"We're in discussion with some foreign cricket boards who have shown interest. The venue for this year's IPL will be decided soon," he said.
As well as South Africa, international media have already speculated that England is being considered as possible venues by IPL organizers.
Lalit Modi, IPL chairman and match commissioner, said he was hopeful of announcing the venue and final schedule Monday.
He maintained the tournament would be run in full with the same format and the same dates. "Even the match telecast will be at the same time for the Indian audience."
"Logistically, it's a huge challenge, we'll have a home for each of the eight teams," said Modi, who met owners and representatives of the eight city-based franchises after the BCCI's working committee decided to shift the tournament to another country."
Modi said the IPL remained "a domestic tournament being staged at an international venue.
"We need continuity in the league, we can't have a situation where the IPL was not played this year," Modi said.
"We have the availability of lots of venues in multiple countries, now we need to work out the schedule. Each team will have a home city and stadium, and preliminary league matches will be played as usual on a home and away basis."
The IPL comprises 59 matches, including two semifinals and the title contest.
Modi said there was a suggestion that the semifinals and the final be played in India, as the elections would be over by then, but it would put too much strain on cricketers who would join their respective national teams for the Twenty20 World Cup in June in England.
Indian's interior ministry had suggested that the event be deferred to start after elections, but IPL officials did not want to change the dates for the tournament as it would be difficult to find another slot on a crowded international calendar.
Some players and officials have expressed concerns about playing on the subcontinent after this month's terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan.
Seven Sri Lankan test players, an assistant coach and a match official were among those injured in a deadly ambush by gunmen as the team traveled to Gaddafi Stadium during the second test. Six policemen and a driver were killed.
India was also the victim of a terror attack at Mumbai in November, which left 164 people dead.
Bangladesh canceled this month's cricket tour by Pakistan after authorities said they were unable to provide adequate security to a visiting team in the wake of a mutiny by border guards last month cost the lives of more than 70 people in Dhaka.
Staging the event in another country would increase the cost to organizers and the franchises, Modi said.
"It's going to be exorbitantly prohibitive to move the tournament out of the country," he said. "We may not make any profit. We're not looking at the profits, but wanted the IPL played this year, and we'll ensure that the franchises suffer no losses."
Friday, March 20, 2009
Maharashtra Police disagree to provide security for IPL
What came as another setback for the second season on the Indian Premier League, Maharashtra Police has refused to provide security for the League during the polls in the state and has asked the event to be post-poned.
The Director General of Maharashtra Police, Suprakash Chakravarty, said that it was not possible for the state to spare security for the league as it was more important to secure the elections during that time.
DG Chakravarty said even if the Home Ministry decides to give a thumbs-up to the new date sheet of the IPL, the Election Commission should give a written permission to the Maharashtra Police stating that it allowed them to provide security to the IPL.
“Just for the pleasure of some people who love watching cricket in the evening, we would not like to over-strain our policemen who would be busy securing the election venues,” the DGP said.
He said it is a ‘constitutional obligation’ for the police to secure the elections and that it cannot be avoided. Whereas the IPL can be avoided and can be held after April 30 after the polls in the state are over. Thus, there is no need to ‘unnecessarily’ strain the police force in the state.
The League chairman Lalit Modi, however, still remained hopeful and said that he would first look into the DGP’s statements and then comment anything on the issue.
The DGP also said the government has notified all the states that no para-military forces would be released for the IPL.
Out of the 18 IPL matches, 14 matches would be played in Mumbai, including the opening and the closing ceremonies.
Zeenews Bureau
Latest: Mumbai Police Comissioner clears security and says that Mumbai will be able to host IPL if cleared by the state. As of March 20th 6:36p.m
The Director General of Maharashtra Police, Suprakash Chakravarty, said that it was not possible for the state to spare security for the league as it was more important to secure the elections during that time.
DG Chakravarty said even if the Home Ministry decides to give a thumbs-up to the new date sheet of the IPL, the Election Commission should give a written permission to the Maharashtra Police stating that it allowed them to provide security to the IPL.
“Just for the pleasure of some people who love watching cricket in the evening, we would not like to over-strain our policemen who would be busy securing the election venues,” the DGP said.
He said it is a ‘constitutional obligation’ for the police to secure the elections and that it cannot be avoided. Whereas the IPL can be avoided and can be held after April 30 after the polls in the state are over. Thus, there is no need to ‘unnecessarily’ strain the police force in the state.
The League chairman Lalit Modi, however, still remained hopeful and said that he would first look into the DGP’s statements and then comment anything on the issue.
The DGP also said the government has notified all the states that no para-military forces would be released for the IPL.
Out of the 18 IPL matches, 14 matches would be played in Mumbai, including the opening and the closing ceremonies.
Zeenews Bureau
Latest: Mumbai Police Comissioner clears security and says that Mumbai will be able to host IPL if cleared by the state. As of March 20th 6:36p.m
Eight Mumbai Indians players set to undergo training in SA
Eight players of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisee Mumbai Indians are set to undergo intense training in Durban, South Africa, ahead of the second edition of the IPL which is awaiting government clearance.
Among the players who have left for South Africa tonight are members of the Ranji Trophy winning Mumbai team - one-down batsman Ajinkya Rahane and all-rounder Abhishek Nayar - and Jharkhand batsman Saurabh Tiwary, a media release said today.
Rohan Raje, Rahil Sheikh (both Mumbai), Yogesh Takawale (Maharashtra), Pinal Shah (Baroda) and Jaydev Shah (Saurashtra) are the other players. They will be accompanied by trainer Ramji Shriram and player co-ordinator Rahul Sanghvi.
"We are keen that our young players get the exposure of playing in different conditions, and on fast conditions and on fast pitches. We have identified fielding and fitness as key areas," Mumbai Indians' owner Nita Ambani said.
They will be trained by former SA captain Pollock, who will be donning a new role as their chief mentor after representing the team as a player last year, and his one time national teammate Jonty Rhodes, who is the fielding coach of the team. PTI
Among the players who have left for South Africa tonight are members of the Ranji Trophy winning Mumbai team - one-down batsman Ajinkya Rahane and all-rounder Abhishek Nayar - and Jharkhand batsman Saurabh Tiwary, a media release said today.
Rohan Raje, Rahil Sheikh (both Mumbai), Yogesh Takawale (Maharashtra), Pinal Shah (Baroda) and Jaydev Shah (Saurashtra) are the other players. They will be accompanied by trainer Ramji Shriram and player co-ordinator Rahul Sanghvi.
"We are keen that our young players get the exposure of playing in different conditions, and on fast conditions and on fast pitches. We have identified fielding and fitness as key areas," Mumbai Indians' owner Nita Ambani said.
They will be trained by former SA captain Pollock, who will be donning a new role as their chief mentor after representing the team as a player last year, and his one time national teammate Jonty Rhodes, who is the fielding coach of the team. PTI
Interview with Nita Ambani
The Mumbai Indians are back and raring to go, Co-owner Nita Ambani speaks exclusively to Tamanna Inamdar of TIMES NOW, on the team's plans for the season ahead.
Mentioned below are the detailed excerpts of Nita Ambani's exclusive chat with TIMES NOW's Tamanna Inamdar, as Nita elucidates about her passionate involvement with her team's sojourn into the second season of the IPL:
Tamanna: They had all of Mumbai cheering for them last year, and this year before the onset of the second season of the IPL, the Mumbai Indians are geared up to make their journey to the top. We have exclusively with us Nita Ambani, the team Co-owner of the Mumbai Indians. Mrs Ambani, thank you so much for speaking to TIMES NOW. I'm sure, there are great plans ahead but how has your experience been, in nurturing this team before the second season?
Nita: My knowledge of cricket before I took over the management of the IPL Mumbai Indians, was just very basic. I knew of Kapil Dev, Sachin of course and Sunil Gavaskar - the elementary knowledge of what's a four and what is a sixer. My involvement with the Mumbai franchise was in designing the jersey, making our anthem with Hrithik Roshan, and that was it. We've lost our four matches back to back and somehow I felt, that now is the time that I have to show this ownership because sports is all about winning and losing, as long as you put in your best efforts.
Nita Ambani further added that after the initial debacle of the Mumbai Indians in the first season of the IPL, she then decided to accompany the team everywhere they went for their scheduled matches.
Nita: So I said, I'm going to start travelling with my team. I went for the first match to Kolkata, after we lost our four matches, knowing that I'm going to be called the loser team. Everybody had given up on the Mumbai franchise, saying it's a loser team and everythng is wrong with it, and Sachin had not recovered from his injury. So everything that had to go wrong had gone wrong. The first time, that the Mumbai Indians tasted victory was against Shahrukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata.
Tamanna: I remember that.
Nita: That was our first victory, and after that, I was travelling with my team for every away match. I was always there for the home matches but I made sure, to travel with our team from then on, to the other destinations as well - that was away from the home turf. And that is how, I got passionately involved with the Mumbai Indians.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Proposed IPL Schedule
The exact fixtures with the teams are not listed on our sources yet but news is that the IPL management will be sending a new schedule to the Home Ministry today.
But in the revised schedule, the IPL head honchos have dropped Delhi, Jaipur and Vizag as its venues with the government not willing to provide security. We will keep you posted over the next couple of days on what happens with the schedule.
Mumbai
CCI - Apr 12,15,23, May 3,5,8
DY Patil - Apr10,14,17,25, May 12,18
Kolkata - Apr 11,15,16,18,22,24,26
Mohali - Apr 12,19,21,28
Hyderabad - Apr 27,29,30 May 6,8,11,12
B'lore - May 4,7,10,14,19,20
Ahmd'bd - April 11,13,17, May 6,9,10,13
But in the revised schedule, the IPL head honchos have dropped Delhi, Jaipur and Vizag as its venues with the government not willing to provide security. We will keep you posted over the next couple of days on what happens with the schedule.
Mumbai
CCI - Apr 12,15,23, May 3,5,8
DY Patil - Apr10,14,17,25, May 12,18
Kolkata - Apr 11,15,16,18,22,24,26
Mohali - Apr 12,19,21,28
Hyderabad - Apr 27,29,30 May 6,8,11,12
B'lore - May 4,7,10,14,19,20
Ahmd'bd - April 11,13,17, May 6,9,10,13
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Meet MI's New Mentor
Skippy Shaun will be back this season in a new avtaar! He will be the Mumbai Indians' new mentor-cum-advisor. He'll be working along with Lalchand Rajput, Jonty Rhodes and the other support staff.The Mukesh Ambani owned franchisee has offered him a flexible contract. Last year, after Pollock said that he would no longer be playing competitive cricket, his return to the Mumbai outfit was in doubt. "My role has evolved into that of an advisor and a mentor after the management approached me with a flexible offer", said the South African. The new contract is believed to be of a similar amount ($550,000) for which he was originally signed.
Pollock said that he would never consider himself as a coach but said that he would be passing on his skills and knowledge about the game to the MI youngsters. His performance in IPL 2008 speaks for itself. In 13 matches he took 11 wickets with best figures of 3-12 at an average of 13.33 and scored 147 runs at a brisk rate of 132.43.
The South African all-rounder believes that the Mumbai Indians have the raw ingredients to be a highly successful franchise. "Obviously we're aiming to win the tournament" he said.
Pollock was believed to have been kept in the loop by the highest officials of the MI Management. Infact he is said to have been on conference call with the team officials during the Goa IPL Auction this year along with Sachin Tendulkar and Jayasuriya. Pollock is very excited about the new recruits to the team, especially young JP Duminy. He said that a good blend of youth and experience will be of great advantage to the team.
Looking forward to your new role Shaun!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Player Tracker: New Zealand vs India ODI Series Review
After an unarguable thrashing in the first T20 game and a nail biter in the second, the World Champions’ tour of New Zealand didn’t exactly start off on the right foot. Even though there were some strong performances, India still had their backs against the wall. The unsavoury taste of the 2002-03 series was coming back like a piece of garlic stuck in between the teeth.
With the One Day Internationals and Test series still to fight for, India were looking to make amends, realizing that at no point of time was this to be a walk in the park. The batsmen had still failed to come to terms with the pitches and conditions and knew they were dealing with a tenacious opponent that was keen in exploiting the home advantage.
But as soon the ODIs began, fortunes began to swing in favour of India. Kiwi skipper, Daniel Vettori, had lost his first toss of the tour and from the word go, Virender Sehwag, who walked out alongside Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar, began pouring water over the opposition’s plans.
The weather came in to play spoil sport, soon cutting the first fifty over game to 38 overs a side. But after a second rain disruption New Zealand made 162 for nine chasing a revised target of 216 in 28 overs. The bad weather continued through the second match and although it was washed out, it was far from irrelevant. Sachin found his feet and form as he scored a brisk 61 before getting out while trying to up the tempo. This was only a prelude of what he was to dish out in the 3rd game- his first century in New Zealand, a dazzling one at that. The master blaster scored 163 in 137 balls and the country of New Zealand went from raining cats and dogs to raining sixes. We were hoping to see the world’s first double hundred in the 50 over format but an old injury began to act up and a struggling Tendulkar retired hurt. With the teams amassing a total 726 runs, the tie broke the world record for most sixes in a one day international. Kyle Mill put in a fantastic all round
Cutting the remaining two matches short as well, the gloomy conditions seemed a lot like the kiwi dressing room. India walked through the 4th match with some sublime performances and a clean sweep seemed inevitable. But the black caps did manage to salvage some pride in the last and final match that took place today. India’s performance on the day seemed shoddy in comparison to New Zealand’s who had a comprehensive 8-wicket consolation victory.
All in all, India was the better side and deserving winners of the trophy, their first series win in New Zealand for almost five decades. Kudos to the Indian squad.
With the One Day Internationals and Test series still to fight for, India were looking to make amends, realizing that at no point of time was this to be a walk in the park. The batsmen had still failed to come to terms with the pitches and conditions and knew they were dealing with a tenacious opponent that was keen in exploiting the home advantage.
But as soon the ODIs began, fortunes began to swing in favour of India. Kiwi skipper, Daniel Vettori, had lost his first toss of the tour and from the word go, Virender Sehwag, who walked out alongside Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar, began pouring water over the opposition’s plans.
The weather came in to play spoil sport, soon cutting the first fifty over game to 38 overs a side. But after a second rain disruption New Zealand made 162 for nine chasing a revised target of 216 in 28 overs. The bad weather continued through the second match and although it was washed out, it was far from irrelevant. Sachin found his feet and form as he scored a brisk 61 before getting out while trying to up the tempo. This was only a prelude of what he was to dish out in the 3rd game- his first century in New Zealand, a dazzling one at that. The master blaster scored 163 in 137 balls and the country of New Zealand went from raining cats and dogs to raining sixes. We were hoping to see the world’s first double hundred in the 50 over format but an old injury began to act up and a struggling Tendulkar retired hurt. With the teams amassing a total 726 runs, the tie broke the world record for most sixes in a one day international. Kyle Mill put in a fantastic all round
Cutting the remaining two matches short as well, the gloomy conditions seemed a lot like the kiwi dressing room. India walked through the 4th match with some sublime performances and a clean sweep seemed inevitable. But the black caps did manage to salvage some pride in the last and final match that took place today. India’s performance on the day seemed shoddy in comparison to New Zealand’s who had a comprehensive 8-wicket consolation victory.All in all, India was the better side and deserving winners of the trophy, their first series win in New Zealand for almost five decades. Kudos to the Indian squad.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Record sponsorships and Stadium Deals.
The Mumbai Indians is close to finalising a record sponsorship deal with Idea Cellular worth between $2 and 3 million.
"We have almost finalised the deal. It's the biggest in IPL (so far)," a spokesperson for Mumbai Indians told PTI.
The MI spokesperson said that the deal, if and when signed, would be worth $two million for preliminary matches played by the team and would rise to $three million for the semi finals and final in case the team progresses that far.
However, a spokesperson for Idea said it was too early to give details about the proposed deal with Mumbai Indians.
"We are still at the negotiation stage and it's premature to talk about figures", he said.
Meanwhile, the Reliance Industries-owned IPL team is continuing its negotiations with the Cricket Club of India to play all its home matches at the Brabourne Stadium, the MI spokesperson explained.
"We are still in talks with the CCI authorities and the response has been quite positive. We don't want to say anything more at this juncture", he said.
If the talks are successful, MI would play all their seven home matches at the Brabourne Stadium in South Mumbai.
In 2008 we were traveling to either the Wankhede Stadium or D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to catch the games.
What worries us is, if the deal with Brabourne does go through, whether the stadium with a capacity of 20,000 people is enough to support our entire match going paltan, considering it was brimming at Wankhede that can seat 45,000 people. (Tell us what you think in our poll for the week).
Whatever be the result of those discussions, the CCI owned stadium will be hosting the opening match of the Indian Premier League between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Daredevils, which was originally to be held in Jaipur.
"We have almost finalised the deal. It's the biggest in IPL (so far)," a spokesperson for Mumbai Indians told PTI.
The MI spokesperson said that the deal, if and when signed, would be worth $two million for preliminary matches played by the team and would rise to $three million for the semi finals and final in case the team progresses that far.
However, a spokesperson for Idea said it was too early to give details about the proposed deal with Mumbai Indians.
"We are still at the negotiation stage and it's premature to talk about figures", he said.
Meanwhile, the Reliance Industries-owned IPL team is continuing its negotiations with the Cricket Club of India to play all its home matches at the Brabourne Stadium, the MI spokesperson explained.
"We are still in talks with the CCI authorities and the response has been quite positive. We don't want to say anything more at this juncture", he said.
If the talks are successful, MI would play all their seven home matches at the Brabourne Stadium in South Mumbai.
In 2008 we were traveling to either the Wankhede Stadium or D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to catch the games.
What worries us is, if the deal with Brabourne does go through, whether the stadium with a capacity of 20,000 people is enough to support our entire match going paltan, considering it was brimming at Wankhede that can seat 45,000 people. (Tell us what you think in our poll for the week).
Whatever be the result of those discussions, the CCI owned stadium will be hosting the opening match of the Indian Premier League between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Daredevils, which was originally to be held in Jaipur.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Sri Lankan Cricket Team attacked in Pakistan, IPL dates will change.
Usually we would not write about something that doesn't directly concern the Mumbai Indians but today is different. We are appalled by the occurrences that took place in Lahore today. 
For those who haven’t already heard, about 12 unidentified gunmen, opened fire on the bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricketers to the Gaddafi stadium. Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakkara (Punjab Kings XI), Ajantha Mendis (Kolkata Knight Riders), Mahela Jayawardene (Punjab Kings XI), Tharanga Paranavithana and Chaminda Vaas (Deccan Chargers) were injured in the firing. It is also rumoured that a grenade was rolled under the bus but it did not go off.
It was not long ago that our editorial team was discussing the brevity of the Sri Lankan squad in touring Pakistan, even though the country is in such turmoil. Sri Lanka had given the Pakistani government a chance to earn a glint of redemption after the Mumbai siege on 26/11. The team and management jointly decided that they would tour Pakistan if their government would provide adequate security. Pakistan agreed and when no other team in the world wanted to play in the country, due to security concerns, Sri Lanka toured as ambassadors of goodwill, a decision that they are probably regretting in hindsight.
People would like to believe that sports and politics are not intertwined; that cricketers are not under a security threat, but turn the clock back to the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, where members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and eventually murdered by a militant group known as Black September, which had ties to Yasser Arafat’s Fatah organization. By the end of the ordeal, the terrorist group had killed eleven Israeli athletes and coaches and one German police officer. It was also believed the West Germany themselves had a hand in the attack. This is the second example that proves how untrue this belief is.
In countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where people hold cricket so close to their hearts that it is considered a religion, attacking cricketers means attacking our faith. It hurts me to say this but it was only a matter of time before something like this happened and it will inevitably happen again especially in a country like Pakistan that claims to be fighting terror while underhandedly nurturing terrorist networks, which have now turned on them. Therefore I do not believe that Pakistan is capable of jointly hosting the forthcoming Cricket World Cup.
In terms of the IPL, there were worries that if the second season does not happen during the stipulated period then it will not happen at all this year. Lalit Modi, commissioner of the IPL, stated that, “the management does not expect the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore to impact the second edition of the tournament. There are a few dates which will change due to the general elections and a few of the games will be shifted around. But we will get under way on April 10th. Modi claimed the IPL security team had visualised every conceivable mode of attack and prepared for them.
Our sympathies are with the Sri Lankan team.
For those who haven’t already heard, about 12 unidentified gunmen, opened fire on the bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricketers to the Gaddafi stadium. Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakkara (Punjab Kings XI), Ajantha Mendis (Kolkata Knight Riders), Mahela Jayawardene (Punjab Kings XI), Tharanga Paranavithana and Chaminda Vaas (Deccan Chargers) were injured in the firing. It is also rumoured that a grenade was rolled under the bus but it did not go off.It was not long ago that our editorial team was discussing the brevity of the Sri Lankan squad in touring Pakistan, even though the country is in such turmoil. Sri Lanka had given the Pakistani government a chance to earn a glint of redemption after the Mumbai siege on 26/11. The team and management jointly decided that they would tour Pakistan if their government would provide adequate security. Pakistan agreed and when no other team in the world wanted to play in the country, due to security concerns, Sri Lanka toured as ambassadors of goodwill, a decision that they are probably regretting in hindsight.
People would like to believe that sports and politics are not intertwined; that cricketers are not under a security threat, but turn the clock back to the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, where members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and eventually murdered by a militant group known as Black September, which had ties to Yasser Arafat’s Fatah organization. By the end of the ordeal, the terrorist group had killed eleven Israeli athletes and coaches and one German police officer. It was also believed the West Germany themselves had a hand in the attack. This is the second example that proves how untrue this belief is.
In countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where people hold cricket so close to their hearts that it is considered a religion, attacking cricketers means attacking our faith. It hurts me to say this but it was only a matter of time before something like this happened and it will inevitably happen again especially in a country like Pakistan that claims to be fighting terror while underhandedly nurturing terrorist networks, which have now turned on them. Therefore I do not believe that Pakistan is capable of jointly hosting the forthcoming Cricket World Cup.
In terms of the IPL, there were worries that if the second season does not happen during the stipulated period then it will not happen at all this year. Lalit Modi, commissioner of the IPL, stated that, “the management does not expect the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore to impact the second edition of the tournament. There are a few dates which will change due to the general elections and a few of the games will be shifted around. But we will get under way on April 10th. Modi claimed the IPL security team had visualised every conceivable mode of attack and prepared for them.
Our sympathies are with the Sri Lankan team.
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