ICC ACSU official in Pakistan, to meet Veena Malik: Reports

KARACHI: A senior official of International Cricket Council's anti-corruption and security unit has reached Pakistan in connection with the ongoing investigations into allegations of 'spot-fixing' against three members of Pakistan team in England, reports said.Television channels reported that Reza Hasan, who is on the ICC ACSU, was in Pakistan to meet Federal Investigation Agency officials and also gather information from Veena Malik, the former girlfriend of Mohammad Asif, one of the tainted players. " Reza Hasan will also interview film actress and model, Veena Malik a former girlfriend of pace bowler Mohammad Asif," one channel said. Veena Malik in a television interview had claimed that she had evidence of links between Asif and an Indian bookmaker and that the Sydney Test between Pakistan and Australia was fixed.She has alleged that Asif had personally told her about this and she had also met the Indian bookmaker. Sources said that Reza Hasan was also in town to inquire into the location and activities of some bookmakers whose names had cropped up during the questioning of Mazhar Majeed who received 150,000 pounds from the undercover reporters of British tabloid 'News of the World' to do 'spot-fixing' during the fourth Test at Lord's against England. "The interesting thing is that since this new scandal came up Pakistani bookies and punters have gone underground and suspended their business and their work dens anticipating a crackdown on them," one well-informed source said. "These bookmaker mostly do their business through Lahore and some Indian cities and are under the supervision of an Indian bookie, Lal Chand who visited Lahore few months back when Shoaib Malik got married to Sania Mirza," he said. Bookmakers and punters take small and big bets on cricket matches involving all countries but those involving Pakistan draw big bucks, the source said. The source said that Lal Chand visited Karachi or Lahore after few months to meet the big bookmakers and guide them on 'business' rules and regulations and to clear up old debts.

Tainted trio to be quizzed but won't be arrested: PCB official

KARACHI: Pakistan's tainted trio of Test captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir will be quizzed by Scotland Yard for the second time on Wednesday but they are not in danger of being arrested, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said. Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed had on Tuesday said that the trio would only face a PCB internal inquiry at the High Commission in London on Wednesday but it has now emerged that they will be questioned by Scotland Yard for the second time in the 'spot-fixing' scandal.He said no player has been charged as yet nor any case registered against them and they are available for the forthcoming Twenty20 and one-day series. "As it stands now, the players have only been questioned by Scotland Yard. No one has been charged neither has Scotland Yard found any incriminating evidence against any player," the official said. "We have hired a barrister to assist the players and will be present when they meet with Scotland Yard detectives today. The questioning is part of routine investigation but all the players who are being questioned are available for selection and play in the coming series," he added. A spokesman for the High Commission's office in London also said that no player had been charged and was in danger of being arrested. "These players are very much part of the touring team and can play in the series. There is no suspension on them. Neither has anyone formally charged them," the spokesman said. "The tour is on and the PCB has no intention of either sending back any player or calling off the tour. The PCB and the High Commission are extending all support and cooperation to the investigation," the spokesman said. He said the High Commission had also asked Scotland Yard to provide it with a preliminary report on the investigations. The tainted trio were on Tuesday barred from team practice at Taunton and asked to proceed to London amidst reports that they would be questioned by Scotland Yard though team manager Yawar Saeed said that they would only face a PCB internal inquiry at the High Commission. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat on Tuesday said that Scotland Yard and the ICC anti-corruption and security unit were busy gathering forensic evidence and piecing them together.

I-T finds Lalit Modi link to 80cr private jet deal

NEW DELHI: With investigators closing in on former Indian Premier League boss Lalit Modi's links with an alleged payoff in terms of a facilitation fee paid to the Mauritius-based World Sports Group (WSG), the fallen T20 czar seems to be avoiding repeated income tax summons. Modi has left for London and is staying out of reach of a probe that could be getting too hot for him. His non-compliance may have been triggered by the questioning of his close associates, including secretary Deepa Palekar in Mumbai last week. Palekar was asked about a payment of nearly Rs 80 crore made in the purchase of a private jet. Sources said an I-T probe has been able to link the aircraft purchase - extensively used by Modi as his private transport - to the Rs 425 crore "facilitation fee" paid to WSG by Multi Screen Media (MSM), formerly Sony Entertainment TV, for media rights of IPL matches. It is understood that Sony has given evidence of a payment it believes should have been made to BCCI. The "payoff" was part of renegotiation of IPL's TV rights contract with MSM. WSG was given the rights for 10 years with a bid of $918 million. Following a dispute, WSG's contract with MSM was scrapped. The question arose as to why after renegotiation, MSM paid $80 million or Rs 425 crore to WSG. The I-T probe found WSG had only $1 as share capital. It had entered into a back-to-back deal with MSM where Modi allegedly played a vital role in negotiation.This is a major breakthrough in IPLgate probe with first links of an alleged payoff of Rs 100 crore being sourced to the beneficiaries.

Fixing scandal will not affect Pakistan-South Africa series, hopes Majola

JOHANNESBURG: The recent spot-fixing scandal involving some of the Pakistan players will not affect their forthcoming series against South Africa in October-November, hopes CSA chief executive Gerald Majola. "As far as the Cricket South Africa is concerned this is an ICC arrangement and the ICC has not cancelled the tour," said Majola. CSA has even agreed with the Pakistan Cricket Board to play an extra game, scheduled to take place before the first Twenty20 in Abu Dhabi, to raise funds for the victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan.Pakistan will also play two Tests and five ODIs. The series, commencing on October 25, will be held in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns in Pakistan.Tony Irish, Chief Executive of South African Cricketers Association (SACA), hoped that the authorities will deal with any wrongdoing swiftly. "We do not want to be in a position where there is a cloud hanging over any player in the South Africa-Pakistan series," Irish told The Star newspaper. Irish said the latest incident further highlighted the need for firm administrative regulation of cricket. "If you look at countries like England, New Zealand and Australia where there is strong regulation, there are proper contracts and payments to players are handled properly. When you have a deregulated situation that is when dangers arise," Irish said.Irish also said that the union ran programmes to educate players on issues such as anti-doping, commercial contracts and how to deal with situations if they be approached by the bookmakers. "Sometimes things can seem so innocuous, like a guy wanting to give you a pair of sunglasses or asking you about pitch conditions, but that's how it starts and then they've got you after that," he said. Referring to a memorandum of understanding that was signed last week between CSA and SACA, Irish said this would ensure that the players would be earning more than in the previous season, reducing the temptation to get involved in irregularities. A spot-fixing scandal recently rocked international cricket following a sting operation by a British tabloid which claimed that deliberate no-balls were bowled by Pakistani bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir during the fourth Test against England at Lord's. Scotland Yard detectives had also visited the Pakistan dressing room after the third day's play to question some players, including captain Salman Butt.

1,200 cricket teams to vie for premier league in Himachal

SHIMLA: The cricketing season is back in the hills of Himachal Pradesh with a staggering 1,200 teams, mainly from rural areas, all set to compete in the mega premier league starting in November. This is the second time that the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) will hold the Twenty20 Cricket Mahasangram, a local version of Twenty20 league."There would be more than 1,200 teams, mostly from the rural areas. The tournament involves 18,000 budding players, 100 umpires and 75 grounds in the state," HPCA press secretary Mohit Sood said. He said last year 14,300 players from 1,017 teams participated in the tournament and matches were played at 60 places. Cash prizes of about Rs. 30 lakh were distributed among the teams and the players. Anurag Thakur, the HPCA chief and son of Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, said: "The tournament is an opportunity to spot talent in the rural areas and, of course, promoting the game too. It will give exposure to the players. From now on it will be an annual feature." "The top players selected during the tournament would be given professional training by the HPCA," he added.The semifinals and the final would be played under lights in the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala. The picturesque stadium, situated nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, has already hosted two Indian Premier League ( IPL) matches this year. Sood said any private club could play in the tournament by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 100. "No player above the age of 25 can play in the tournament," he added. While the top team would be given Rs. 300,000 as cash award, the runner-up will get Rs. 200,000. The semifinalists will get Rs. 50,000 each."Every day around 100 matches will be played and the losing team will be eliminated. The tournament would be over within a month," he said. The HPCA is expecting a huge rush to witness the final in Dharamsala. "We are expecting more than 15,000 spectators to watch the final. Even last year, there were around 10,000 spectators," said Thakur, who is a BJP MP from Hamirpur. The HPCA stadium, one of the most beautiful grounds in the world, hosted a match between Kings XI Punjab and Deccan Chargers and the Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab April 16 and 18 respectively. The stadium, some 250 km from state capital Shimla, has a seating capacity of 20,000, besides separate practice areas, a club lounge, restaurant, bar and banquet hall.

Randhir quits SAI panel after the Arjuna 'snub'

NEW DELHI: 'Hurt' that the sports ministry did not send him an invitation for the Arjuna Awards function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 29, Indian Olympic Association secretary general Randhir Singh on Tuesday tendered his resignation from the governing body of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Singh, a veteran sports official who is International Olympic Committee's member in India and also the vice-chairperson of the 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, said that he was shocked by the tone and tenor of the ministry officials who 'ignored' even a routine invitation to him for the function. "I have been receiving the invitation from time immemorial as a renowned sportsperson and an administrator," he said in a letter to sports minister MS Gill. The development came at a time when the sports ministry is ranged against the IOA and various sports federations over its attempts to clip the wings of many well-entrenched sports officials. Singh had strongly opposed ministry's moves. Singh claimed that he knew such a thing was coming. "The U-turn in the ministry's attitude began when I supported the Olympic charter and vehemently opposed the imposition of government guidelines on the IOA and the national sports federations," he wrote.Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the ministry has already sent a letter to Singh apologising for what it called an "innocent mistake." The ministry had apparently blocked two seats specifically for both the IOA president Suresh Kalmadi and Randhir Singh at the awards functions. But their names were inadvertently removed, "most probably due to some clerical error." "It's not pre-meditated and there's no personal angle attached to it," sources said.

Media should get access to CWG trials: Tarlochan

NEW DELHI: The Commonwealth Games Media and Publicity Committee chairman Tarlochan Singh on Wednesday asked the Sports Authority of India to stop shunting away journalists from the selection trials of the event at its various centres. After reports emerged of scribes being kept away from the trials, which are mostly being held at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports ( NIS) in Patiala, Singh has written to SAI Director General Sayan Chatterjee asking for the lifting of the media ban. "It has been brought to our notice that media has totally been debarred from all the camps which are now being held at your centers for the Commonwealth Games teams. You will agree that this is the time when we should go all out to publicise all our efforts in providing training to our sportsmen and women selection trials are in progress and teams are being named," Singh said in the letter. "Please give all facilities to media persons to take pictures and meet the coaches and probable medal winners. The public is interested to know about them. I hope you will give the permission immediately. Your officers can be deputed to escort them," he wrote.

NZ betting agency to accept bets on Pakistan

Wellington, Sep 1 (AP) New Zealand's state betting agency will accept wagers on cricket matches during Pakistan's December tour despite match fixingn investigations into the Pakistan team.Totalisator Agency Board chief bookmaker Mark Stafford said the New Zealand TAB would continue to offer a range of betting options on Pakistan's one-day matches in December, including on the number of runs scored in the first over and the number of sixes hit in a match.Stafford said the TAB doesn't offer the gambling options that gave rise to the match fixing investigations in Britain after Pakistan's recent test against England at Lord's.At least four Pakistan team members are being investigated by British police after News of the World newspaper allegations that players deliberately bowled no-balls in its humiliating fourth-test defeat to England at Lord's."We don't offer spot-betting, which is open to manipulation," he said.

Media should get access to CWG trials: Tarlochan

New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI) The Commonwealth Games Media and Publicity Committee Chairman Tarlochan Singh today asked the Sports Authority of India to stop shunting away journalists from the selection trials of the event at its various centres.After reports emerged of scribes being kept away from the trials, which are mostly being held at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala, Singh has written to SAI Director General Sayan Chatterjee asking for the lifting of the media ban."It has been brought to our notice that media has totally been debarred from all the camps which are now being held at your centers for the Commonwealth Games teams.

Fans want ticket refund after 'spot-fixing' scandal

London, Sep 1 (PTI) Angry and disillusioned by the 'spot-fixing' allegations against Pakistani cricketers, upset fans here are demanding ticket refunds while sponsors are having second thoughts about their investment in the sport.Fans are demanding ticket refunds in the wake of allegations of 'spot-fixing' against Pakistani players and the worst affected is Yorkshire where an England-Pakistan ODI match is being scheduled at Headingley on September 12."Reaction has been particularly marked in Yorkshire where large numbers of ticket holders have demanded a refund.According to club officials the callers said they were furious about the betting allegations which has now turned into a drama involving at least four investigations, three of them criminal," a report in 'The Guardian' said."Other grounds staging games in the five-match series have also been affected by the scandal. It could also undermine ticket sales for the two Twenty20 Internationals in Cardiff.

RR deny Modi talked out Warne not to bid for Flintoff

New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI) Rajasthan Royals today dismissed reports that suspended IPL commissioner Lalit Modi talked their captain-cum-coach Shane Warne out of bidding for Andrew Flintoff in the second players' auction to 'fix' the bid in Chennai Super Kings' favour.A reported e-mail exchange between Modi and BCCI secretary and Chennai Super Kings owner N Srinivasan suggested that the bid was 'fixed' to ensure that Chenai won the bid for Flintoff after back-door negotiations with Warne and his team.But Rajasthan Royals rubbished the reports."The Rajasthan Royals participation in all of the IPL auctions has been entirely transparent at all times. Our Cricket management team is responsible for determining the auction targets and the structure of the RR team and they fulfill this role without any external influence," the team said in a statement.

Pietersen faces ECB probe over Twitter post

Taunton (England), Sep 1 (AFP) Kevin Pietersen faced the prospect of disciplinary action after announcing via social networking site Twitter he'd been dropped from England's squad for the upcoming Twenty20 and one-dayers gainst Pakistan.The news was confirmed several hours later when the squads were announced formally by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).Pietersen could be in trouble for revealing squad details before the official announcement, with an ECB spokesman telling AFP: "We are considering the circumstances surrounding it (Pietersen's Twitter post)."The 30-year-old batsman was clearly unhappy at the decision telling followers on his account kevinpp24: "Done for rest of summer!! Man of the World Cup T20 and dropped from the T20 side too. It's a fxxx up."In a post cut short, seemingly because of Twitter's 140 character limit, Pietersen added: "Surrey have signed me for l ... (blank)."But Pietersen's season was far from "done".

Vuvuzelas banned from Euro 2012, Champions League

NYON (Switzerland): UEFA has banned fans from bringing vuvuzelas into stadiums for European Championship and Champions League matches. UEFA said on Wednesday it wanted to protect the culture and tradition of fans singing at European football matches from the "negative effect" of the South African plastic trumpets made famous - and notorious - at the World Cup."UEFA feels that the instrument's widespread use would not be appropriate in Europe," the organization said in a statement.All 53 European football nations have been told to enforce the ban at UEFA's national team and club competition matches. Vuvuzelas provided the World Cup soundtrack in South Africa, where every match was accompanied by a low-pitch drone likened to a swarm of buzzing bees. FIFA refused to ban vuvuzelas despite repeated calls from players and broadcasters, defending them as part of South African football culture. However, they have since been banned by organizers of events such as basketball's world championship, baseball's Little League World Series, and the English Premier League. Europe's football authority acknowledged Wednesday that the vuvuzela had a place in world football culture. "In the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavor and folklore," UEFA said, before adding that they would change the traditional atmosphere at European matches."The magic of football consists of the two-way exchange of emotions between the pitch and the stands, where the public can transmit a full range of feelings to the players," UEFA said. "UEFA is of the view that the vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game."The ban will take effect when qualifying for Euro 2012 begins on Friday, and next month when the group stage of the Champions League and Europa League start. European broadcasters, who developed sound filters during the World Cup to try to control the vuvuzela noise, will likely be delighted by the ban. Valuable television rights deals help to ensure that the Champions League earns more than euro1 billion ($1.28 billion) in commercial revenue each season.