Srinivasan denies IPL auction fixing charges
A fresh controversy that has hit the Indian Premier League shows that BCCI secretary N Srinivasan and former IPL chief Lalit Modi worked in cohoots to rig the auction in the second season.
According to letters in possession of NDTV, Chennai Super Kings' owner and BCCI secretary N Srinivasan and suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi could have been involved in ensuring specific players for the Chennai franchise.
The two, who are now sworn enemies it seems colluded to rig the bidding process for the 2nd IPL auction. Lalit Modi, on a request from Srinivasan, got the Rajasthan Royals to opt out of bidding for Andrew Flintoff even though captain Shane Warne was very keen on having him.
BCCI secretary and Chennai Super Kings franchise owner N Srinivasan on Thursday rubbished reports that he tried to 'fix' the IPL 2009 player auction and insisted that he won the bid "fair and square".
"I have not manipulated the auction purse. We bought out Kapugedera hence had money left to buy Flintoff. Regarding Pollard, we followed the rules. Nothing was done outside the IPL rule book", he said.
Srinivasan further said he didn't do anything wrong and his franchise outbid Rajasthan Royals as only they had the full purse of USD 2 million.
"I didn't need anybody's favour. Rajasthan Royals bid for USD 1.5m for Flintoff, I beat them at USD 1.55m. So where is the deal? How can I have any deal? How can Modi have control of Shane Warne unless he is the owner of the Rajasthan Royals," he said.
"Hundred per cent I'm telling you, we did nothing wrong. We won fair and square. We were the only one who could have bought only player because I had the full purse. I didn't need anybody's favour," he added.
"The Chennai Super Kings is the only team which had the 2 million in the purse. Everybody else had less, so we didn't need anybody's favour to buy Flintoff," he added.
A TV report on Wednesday quoted an email purportedly written by Modi to Srinivasan, which read "what a nightmare to convince them not to terminate (Sohail) Tanvir and also not to take Flintoff. Warne went off the handle. But have managed it by using stick and carrot strategy. Thus they have USD 1.875mn. Much love Lalit".
This is not the first time that Srinivasan has found himself in a controversy. A few days back, the BCCI secretary was accused of 'fixing' umpires for Chennai Super Kings matches during the IPL.
According to letters in possession of NDTV, Chennai Super Kings' owner and BCCI secretary N Srinivasan and suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi could have been involved in ensuring specific players for the Chennai franchise.
The two, who are now sworn enemies it seems colluded to rig the bidding process for the 2nd IPL auction. Lalit Modi, on a request from Srinivasan, got the Rajasthan Royals to opt out of bidding for Andrew Flintoff even though captain Shane Warne was very keen on having him.
BCCI secretary and Chennai Super Kings franchise owner N Srinivasan on Thursday rubbished reports that he tried to 'fix' the IPL 2009 player auction and insisted that he won the bid "fair and square".
"I have not manipulated the auction purse. We bought out Kapugedera hence had money left to buy Flintoff. Regarding Pollard, we followed the rules. Nothing was done outside the IPL rule book", he said.
Srinivasan further said he didn't do anything wrong and his franchise outbid Rajasthan Royals as only they had the full purse of USD 2 million.
"I didn't need anybody's favour. Rajasthan Royals bid for USD 1.5m for Flintoff, I beat them at USD 1.55m. So where is the deal? How can I have any deal? How can Modi have control of Shane Warne unless he is the owner of the Rajasthan Royals," he said.
"Hundred per cent I'm telling you, we did nothing wrong. We won fair and square. We were the only one who could have bought only player because I had the full purse. I didn't need anybody's favour," he added.
"The Chennai Super Kings is the only team which had the 2 million in the purse. Everybody else had less, so we didn't need anybody's favour to buy Flintoff," he added.
A TV report on Wednesday quoted an email purportedly written by Modi to Srinivasan, which read "what a nightmare to convince them not to terminate (Sohail) Tanvir and also not to take Flintoff. Warne went off the handle. But have managed it by using stick and carrot strategy. Thus they have USD 1.875mn. Much love Lalit".
This is not the first time that Srinivasan has found himself in a controversy. A few days back, the BCCI secretary was accused of 'fixing' umpires for Chennai Super Kings matches during the IPL.
With IPL, India have lost World Cup home advantage
South Africa coach Corrie van Zyl feels India will not have much of a home advantage at next year's World Cup as foreign players have adapted themselves to the conditions there, courtesy the Indian Premier League.
van Zyl thinks that the experience the world's top players have gained in terms of getting used to the playing conditions and dealing with the intensity of crowds, means that India's home advantage has been negated.
"India has traditionally been a difficult place to tour but more recently teams have learnt to win in Indian and sub-continent conditions," he said.
"India in particular, where most of our preliminary matches will be played, is a wonderful place to play cricket as the people love the game and the support is phenomenal. Teams have learnt to embrace the atmosphere rather than be wary of it and we are looking forward to playing in these packed stadiums," he said.
"This is also the first major ICC event in the subcontinent since the IPL was launched. Players from around the world have now played a lot of limited overs cricket in India. This may reduce India's home ground advantage. Delhi, for example, is like a second home to AB de Villiers."
South Africa will prepare for the tournament with ODI series against Zimbabwe, Pakistan and India and van Zyl wants his side to carry the winning form from these matches into the event.
"We will prepare and use the upcoming series that we have to play on the ICC calendar as preparation but at the same time not lose the focus on taking each series as a campaign on its own," he said.
South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies and speaking six months ahead of the match on February 24, van Zyl said it was vital that his team get off to a winning start.
"Playing the West Indies in Delhi means that we have to do our home work regarding the ground and its history and how this will affect our play against the West Indies. We obviously need to see how Delhi suits them and how we need to use our strengths to have the advantage in these conditions," he said.
The 50-overs cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by India, Sri lanka and Bangladesh in February- March next year.
Randiv gets one-match ban, Dilshan fined too
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board took a stern decision on Wednesday and handed spinner Suraj Randiv, who had denied Virender Sehwag a century with a deliberate no-ball, a one-match ban, also fining him 100 per cent of his match fee.
The ban means Randiv will miss Thursday's match against New Zealand in Dambulla.
Senior Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, who apparently asked the bowler to bowl a no-ball, has also been fined 100 percent of his match fee.
"As such Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and TM Dilshan, for their actions during the 3rd ODI of the Micromax Tri-Series held on August 16, 2010, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no-ball by Suraj Randiv," the press release by the Lankan Board said.
The Board has also advised captain Kumar Sangakkara to ensure that such incidents do not occur again as they bring disrepute to cricket, affecting the spirit of the game.
The decision to take disciplinary action against the players was taken by the six-member committee which met on Wednesday afternoon to take action on the recommendations of team manager who probed the 'no-ball' controversy.
"Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely proud of its team and their achievements over the years. It is of paramount importance to maintain the discipline of the Gentlemen's game, especially with Sri Lanka Cricket being winners of the 'ICC Spirit of the Game' award for two consecutive years," the statement said.
"As such Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and TM Dilshan, for their actions during the 3rd ODI of the Micromax Tri-Series held on August 16, 2010, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no-ball by Suraj Randiv," the press release by the Lankan Board said.
In the ODI on Monday, Sehwag was batting at 99 with India needing just one run for victory in the third ODI of the tri-series against Sri Lanka. He struck Suraj Randiv for a huge six over long-off and raised his bat in celebration, only to realise a moment later that it was a big no-ball from the off-spinner and his runs would not be counted. The no-ball was the winning run.
The Indian team and cricket fans across the world were livid. Former cricketers slammed Randiv and the Sri Lankan team.
The young off-spinner, however, apologised to Sehwag after the match. The Sri Lankan board too offered their apologies, which prompted the Indian team management to declare the episode a "closed chapter" while the BCCI also made it clear that it would not pursue the case any further. (Read: Randiv has apologised to me: Sehwag)
SANGAKKARA TAKES RESPONSIBILITY
Earlier in the day, Lankan skipper Sangakkara also said that his team took full responsibility of the incident. He added that it was the duty of all teams to keep the spirit of the game alive. (Watch: Sangakkara takes the blame)
"That (playing in the spirit of the game) is a grey area and it is not in black and white. It is for all the teams in the world. All the teams have experienced something or the other. Presenting yourself well on and off the field and making efforts to play fair are, I think, part of our job," he said.
Sangakkara, who is the representative of current players in the ICC Cricket Committee, also said, "It's not just Sri Lanka, it's the responsibility of all cricketers of the world. This incident was unfortunate, it's not Sri Lanka Cricket that has to take the sole proprietorship of whole unsavoury incident. All sides have gone through such incidents including India," he said.
Sangakkara was also not happy with Sehwag speaking in two voices on the controversy and "sensationalising" the issue. (Read: Fear of defeat led to no-ball: Sehwag)
"We can't expect just one side to keep making advances and holding out the hand while it has been sensationalised by other players. I think everyone has got the responsibility to move on from this incident," he said when asked if the Sri Lankan team has anything to say to Sehwag.
"He said one thing at match presentation and there was a marked contrast in the press conference with regard to that no-ball. I have spoken to Mahi (M S Dhoni) and Gary Kirsten. Sehwag has tweeted that there have been other approaches made to him. I think if you all talk of the spirit of the game, once you set right things in motion, it's the responsibility of all players to be within that spirit," he added.
There was much speculation yesterday on whether Sangakkara himself had a role to play in the no-ball being bowled and the captain emphatically said he at first thought Sehwag would get the runs after the Randiv no-ball was hit for a six only to realise later that it was not so under MCC Laws of Cricket.
"We were under the impression that in normal situations of the game even in a no ball, you get the runs. I was under the impression that Sehwag was on 105. There was no instance we thought he was denied a 100. Tony Greig asked me at the post-match presentation, Sehwag was denied a hundred. That was a surprise to me, I don't think anyone understood intricacies of the law in first place," he said.
"We had no inclination to deny Sehwag a hundred. If you need three runs to win and four runs to get a hundred, if you score a boundary, you do get a hundred. I would have thought that if he was stumped off a wide, we would have denied him. Maybe it's something to remember that if someone bowls a wide with one run to win you can charge down the wicket and miss it if it is wide," said Sangakkara.
The hosts play New Zealand on Thursday, while India's next game is on Sunday, again against Sri Lanka.
Oram a doubtful starter against Lanka: Taylor
South Africa coach Corrie van Zyl feels India will not have much of a home advantage at next year's World Cup as foreign players have adapted themselves to the conditions there, courtesy the Indian Premier League.
van Zyl thinks that the experience the world's top players have gained in terms of getting used to the playing conditions and dealing with the intensity of crowds, means that India's home advantage has been negated.
"India has traditionally been a difficult place to tour but more recently teams have learnt to win in Indian and sub-continent conditions," he said.
"India in particular, where most of our preliminary matches will be played, is a wonderful place to play cricket as the people love the game and the support is phenomenal. Teams have learnt to embrace the atmosphere rather than be wary of it and we are looking forward to playing in these packed stadiums," he said.
"This is also the first major ICC event in the subcontinent since the IPL was launched. Players from around the world have now played a lot of limited overs cricket in India. This may reduce India's home ground advantage. Delhi, for example, is like a second home to AB de Villiers."
South Africa will prepare for the tournament with ODI series against Zimbabwe, Pakistan and India and van Zyl wants his side to carry the winning form from these matches into the event.
"We will prepare and use the upcoming series that we have to play on the ICC calendar as preparation but at the same time not lose the focus on taking each series as a campaign on its own," he said.
South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies and speaking six months ahead of the match on February 24, van Zyl said it was vital that his team get off to a winning start.
"Playing the West Indies in Delhi means that we have to do our home work regarding the ground and its history and how this will affect our play against the West Indies. We obviously need to see how Delhi suits them and how we need to use our strengths to have the advantage in these conditions," he said.
The 50-overs cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by India, Sri lanka and Bangladesh in February- March next year.
Randiv gets one-match ban, Dilshan fined too
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board took a stern decision on Wednesday and handed spinner Suraj Randiv, who had denied Virender Sehwag a century with a deliberate no-ball, a one-match ban, also fining him 100 per cent of his match fee.
The ban means Randiv will miss Thursday's match against New Zealand in Dambulla.
Senior Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, who apparently asked the bowler to bowl a no-ball, has also been fined 100 percent of his match fee.
"As such Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and TM Dilshan, for their actions during the 3rd ODI of the Micromax Tri-Series held on August 16, 2010, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no-ball by Suraj Randiv," the press release by the Lankan Board said.
The Board has also advised captain Kumar Sangakkara to ensure that such incidents do not occur again as they bring disrepute to cricket, affecting the spirit of the game.
The decision to take disciplinary action against the players was taken by the six-member committee which met on Wednesday afternoon to take action on the recommendations of team manager who probed the 'no-ball' controversy.
"Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely proud of its team and their achievements over the years. It is of paramount importance to maintain the discipline of the Gentlemen's game, especially with Sri Lanka Cricket being winners of the 'ICC Spirit of the Game' award for two consecutive years," the statement said.
"As such Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and TM Dilshan, for their actions during the 3rd ODI of the Micromax Tri-Series held on August 16, 2010, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no-ball by Suraj Randiv," the press release by the Lankan Board said.
In the ODI on Monday, Sehwag was batting at 99 with India needing just one run for victory in the third ODI of the tri-series against Sri Lanka. He struck Suraj Randiv for a huge six over long-off and raised his bat in celebration, only to realise a moment later that it was a big no-ball from the off-spinner and his runs would not be counted. The no-ball was the winning run.
The Indian team and cricket fans across the world were livid. Former cricketers slammed Randiv and the Sri Lankan team.
The young off-spinner, however, apologised to Sehwag after the match. The Sri Lankan board too offered their apologies, which prompted the Indian team management to declare the episode a "closed chapter" while the BCCI also made it clear that it would not pursue the case any further. (Read: Randiv has apologised to me: Sehwag)
SANGAKKARA TAKES RESPONSIBILITY
Earlier in the day, Lankan skipper Sangakkara also said that his team took full responsibility of the incident. He added that it was the duty of all teams to keep the spirit of the game alive. (Watch: Sangakkara takes the blame)
"That (playing in the spirit of the game) is a grey area and it is not in black and white. It is for all the teams in the world. All the teams have experienced something or the other. Presenting yourself well on and off the field and making efforts to play fair are, I think, part of our job," he said.
Sangakkara, who is the representative of current players in the ICC Cricket Committee, also said, "It's not just Sri Lanka, it's the responsibility of all cricketers of the world. This incident was unfortunate, it's not Sri Lanka Cricket that has to take the sole proprietorship of whole unsavoury incident. All sides have gone through such incidents including India," he said.
Sangakkara was also not happy with Sehwag speaking in two voices on the controversy and "sensationalising" the issue. (Read: Fear of defeat led to no-ball: Sehwag)
"We can't expect just one side to keep making advances and holding out the hand while it has been sensationalised by other players. I think everyone has got the responsibility to move on from this incident," he said when asked if the Sri Lankan team has anything to say to Sehwag.
"He said one thing at match presentation and there was a marked contrast in the press conference with regard to that no-ball. I have spoken to Mahi (M S Dhoni) and Gary Kirsten. Sehwag has tweeted that there have been other approaches made to him. I think if you all talk of the spirit of the game, once you set right things in motion, it's the responsibility of all players to be within that spirit," he added.
There was much speculation yesterday on whether Sangakkara himself had a role to play in the no-ball being bowled and the captain emphatically said he at first thought Sehwag would get the runs after the Randiv no-ball was hit for a six only to realise later that it was not so under MCC Laws of Cricket.
"We were under the impression that in normal situations of the game even in a no ball, you get the runs. I was under the impression that Sehwag was on 105. There was no instance we thought he was denied a 100. Tony Greig asked me at the post-match presentation, Sehwag was denied a hundred. That was a surprise to me, I don't think anyone understood intricacies of the law in first place," he said.
"We had no inclination to deny Sehwag a hundred. If you need three runs to win and four runs to get a hundred, if you score a boundary, you do get a hundred. I would have thought that if he was stumped off a wide, we would have denied him. Maybe it's something to remember that if someone bowls a wide with one run to win you can charge down the wicket and miss it if it is wide," said Sangakkara.
The hosts play New Zealand on Thursday, while India's next game is on Sunday, again against Sri Lanka.
The ban means Randiv will miss Thursday's match against New Zealand in Dambulla.
Senior Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, who apparently asked the bowler to bowl a no-ball, has also been fined 100 percent of his match fee.
"As such Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and TM Dilshan, for their actions during the 3rd ODI of the Micromax Tri-Series held on August 16, 2010, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no-ball by Suraj Randiv," the press release by the Lankan Board said.
The Board has also advised captain Kumar Sangakkara to ensure that such incidents do not occur again as they bring disrepute to cricket, affecting the spirit of the game.
The decision to take disciplinary action against the players was taken by the six-member committee which met on Wednesday afternoon to take action on the recommendations of team manager who probed the 'no-ball' controversy.
"Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely proud of its team and their achievements over the years. It is of paramount importance to maintain the discipline of the Gentlemen's game, especially with Sri Lanka Cricket being winners of the 'ICC Spirit of the Game' award for two consecutive years," the statement said.
"As such Sri Lanka Cricket has taken a stern decision against Suraj Randiv and TM Dilshan, for their actions during the 3rd ODI of the Micromax Tri-Series held on August 16, 2010, wherein Virender Sehwag was deprived of scoring his century due to the delivery of a no-ball by Suraj Randiv," the press release by the Lankan Board said.
In the ODI on Monday, Sehwag was batting at 99 with India needing just one run for victory in the third ODI of the tri-series against Sri Lanka. He struck Suraj Randiv for a huge six over long-off and raised his bat in celebration, only to realise a moment later that it was a big no-ball from the off-spinner and his runs would not be counted. The no-ball was the winning run.
The Indian team and cricket fans across the world were livid. Former cricketers slammed Randiv and the Sri Lankan team.
The young off-spinner, however, apologised to Sehwag after the match. The Sri Lankan board too offered their apologies, which prompted the Indian team management to declare the episode a "closed chapter" while the BCCI also made it clear that it would not pursue the case any further. (Read: Randiv has apologised to me: Sehwag)
SANGAKKARA TAKES RESPONSIBILITY
Earlier in the day, Lankan skipper Sangakkara also said that his team took full responsibility of the incident. He added that it was the duty of all teams to keep the spirit of the game alive. (Watch: Sangakkara takes the blame)
"That (playing in the spirit of the game) is a grey area and it is not in black and white. It is for all the teams in the world. All the teams have experienced something or the other. Presenting yourself well on and off the field and making efforts to play fair are, I think, part of our job," he said.
Sangakkara, who is the representative of current players in the ICC Cricket Committee, also said, "It's not just Sri Lanka, it's the responsibility of all cricketers of the world. This incident was unfortunate, it's not Sri Lanka Cricket that has to take the sole proprietorship of whole unsavoury incident. All sides have gone through such incidents including India," he said.
Sangakkara was also not happy with Sehwag speaking in two voices on the controversy and "sensationalising" the issue. (Read: Fear of defeat led to no-ball: Sehwag)
"We can't expect just one side to keep making advances and holding out the hand while it has been sensationalised by other players. I think everyone has got the responsibility to move on from this incident," he said when asked if the Sri Lankan team has anything to say to Sehwag.
"He said one thing at match presentation and there was a marked contrast in the press conference with regard to that no-ball. I have spoken to Mahi (M S Dhoni) and Gary Kirsten. Sehwag has tweeted that there have been other approaches made to him. I think if you all talk of the spirit of the game, once you set right things in motion, it's the responsibility of all players to be within that spirit," he added.
There was much speculation yesterday on whether Sangakkara himself had a role to play in the no-ball being bowled and the captain emphatically said he at first thought Sehwag would get the runs after the Randiv no-ball was hit for a six only to realise later that it was not so under MCC Laws of Cricket.
"We were under the impression that in normal situations of the game even in a no ball, you get the runs. I was under the impression that Sehwag was on 105. There was no instance we thought he was denied a 100. Tony Greig asked me at the post-match presentation, Sehwag was denied a hundred. That was a surprise to me, I don't think anyone understood intricacies of the law in first place," he said.
"We had no inclination to deny Sehwag a hundred. If you need three runs to win and four runs to get a hundred, if you score a boundary, you do get a hundred. I would have thought that if he was stumped off a wide, we would have denied him. Maybe it's something to remember that if someone bowls a wide with one run to win you can charge down the wicket and miss it if it is wide," said Sangakkara.
The hosts play New Zealand on Thursday, while India's next game is on Sunday, again against Sri Lanka.
Oram a doubtful starter against Lanka: Taylor
New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram has developed a tight hamstring and will be a doubtful starter for Friday's ODI tri-series match against Sri Lanka, Black Caps skipper Ross Taylor said here on Thursday.
"We have a little bit of a niggle with Jacob Oram, just a tight hamstring. Hopefully he can recover well tonight, we'll see how he goes tomorrow," Taylor told reporters.
"He's an outstanding bowler for us, top 10 in the one-day rankings, if we were to lose him, it will be a huge loss but it will be an opportunity for whoever comes in," he added.
Another important player of the team, B J Watling was ruled out of New Zealand's record 200-run win over India due to a stomach bug and skipper Taylor is hopeful that the opener will be able to make his ODI debut tomorrow.
"BJ (Watling) is not quite 100 per cent. When you being struck down for a couple of days, you are going to be a bit off the weather, another night's sleep tonight, hopefully he wakes up feeling better than he did today," Taylor said.
Speaking about their spectacular win over India, Taylor said fatigue could be a reason behind India's 200-run defeat as they had little time to rest after the gruelling three-Test series against Sri Lanka.
"I'm sure a lot of their players who played in the Test series will be a little bit tired. They have played three-Test series over three and a half weeks or so is tough," he said.
"The same goes for Sri Lanka, they have had 2-3 day extra rest than the Indians, they might be a little more refreshed, it's still pretty hot and we're still getting used to it as well," he added.
Taylor also refused to get carried away by their mammoth win over India and said they will have to put in their best effort again tomorrow to beat the hosts.
"I don't want to get carried away, it was one victory and the team played well, Sri Lanka are difficult in their home conditions and we have to come out with the same attitude and the same intent in the next game," Taylor said.
Asked about Sri Lanka's strike bowlers Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis, Taylor said it would be a big challenge to face them for his young team.
"They are unique bowlers in their own right. We'll watch them hard, you have to respect them but at the same time you have to play the ball on its merits. Few of them have never faced them so it will be a big challenge," he said.
Taylor also heaped praise on Roger Mortimer, who has recently been roped in as the performance director of New Zealand Cricket.
"Roger Mortimer has come in with a big sporting background, he has worked a lot with athletes in New Zealand who have gone on to win Olympic gold medals. We have Roger who looks after some of the cricketing stuff and he's been really good. I'm sure a lot of the success we've had in recent times will have to be put down to Roger," he said.
Unsure when I will get my first title: Somdev
He has earned a slice of Indian tennis history by breaking into the top-100 of ATP rankings but rising tennis star Somdev Devvarman remains unsure about when his title-drought on the circuit would end.
