|
IPL monitor: Round-up of the day's news
Support for Dravid
Cricinfo staff
May 16, 2008
Kumble backs under-fire Dravid
Anil Kumble, India's Test captain, has firmly backed Rahul Dravid, the captain of the Bangalore Royal Challengers, and said it was time "people who matter" understand what sport is all about. Kumble's statement comes in wake of the comments made by franchise owner Vijay Mallya, who defended his decision to sack Charu Sharma, the chief executive, and also said his biggest mistake was to trust Dravid on matters of team selection.
Ganguly eyes ODI recall
Sourav Ganguly, the Kolkata Knight Riders captain, has been able to inspire his team to three straight wins following a streak of defeats, and he revealed his hopes of a comeback to India's ODI team after Kolkata's win against the Delhi Daredevils at Eden Gardens. "I hope the selectors are watching," he said. "I'm sure my turn will [again] come in ODIs. What I feel bad about is that after 13 years, I still [need to] surprise people."
Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, didn't rule out the possibility of Ganguly's return. "He has done extremely well," he said in an interview to Hindustan Times. "Yes, we have been watching him, especially his brilliant fielding, with great interest."
Tight security promised for Jaipur match
Following Tuesday's serial bomb blasts in Jaipur, Nicholls Steyn and Associates, security advisors to the league, have been appointed to oversee the arrangements for Saturday's match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium between the Rajasthan Royals and the Bangalore Royal Challengers. Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman and commissioner, said he had personally spoken to Shane Warne and some of the Rajasthan players, "assuring them of the necessary security arrangements being put in place for the safe conduct of the game".
Funds for a cause
Lalit Modi has announced that a total of Rs 6 crore (approx US$1.4 million) will be donated by the eight teams and the five sponsors of the IPL to the Rajasthan chief minister's fund for the victims of the blasts.
Bravo delays departure
Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies allrounder playing for the Mumbai Indians, was scheduled to fly out to join the national side for the Test series against Australia, which starts on May 22, following Friday's game against the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, Bravo will now leave for the West Indies only after the match against the Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Kolkata hope for Hodge boost
Brad Hodge will rejoin the Kolkata Knight Riders if he is not picked in Australia's squad for the first Test against West Indies. Hodge was selected as a shadow player after Michael Clarke was granted compassionate leave but with Clarke expected to join the Australian team in Jamaica next week, Hodge could be free to participate in the IPL.
The taxman comes calling
The income-tax department has sent a notice to the BCCI, seeking copies of agreements signed between the IPL franchises and the overseas players. The department is investigating whether TDS (tax deducted at source) was deducted at the prescribed 11.3% when the payments were made.
© Cricinfo
|
