Pak team gone for T20 World Cup without dopes trial
The Pakistan cricket team has proceeded to England for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup without any of the players having undergone dope tests as has been the practice in recent times.
A senior official of the board confirmed on Sunday that no out-of-competition tests were carried out by the board this time prior to the World Cup.
"The reason is that we have already been educating and informing the players about the anti-doping policy and regulations of the ICC," the official said.
He pointed out that the Pakistan Cricket Board had conducted out-of-competition tests few months back and all the players tested negative.
The official, however, confirmed that the ICC would pick nine players from each man’s team and two from women's teams in the Twenty20 World Cup for the tests.
"We are confident there will be no problems with doping issues," he added.
Two of the Pakistani players, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, who have faced doping issues in recent times, are not in the Pakistan squad for next month's tournament.
A senior official of the board confirmed on Sunday that no out-of-competition tests were carried out by the board this time prior to the World Cup.
"The reason is that we have already been educating and informing the players about the anti-doping policy and regulations of the ICC," the official said.
He pointed out that the Pakistan Cricket Board had conducted out-of-competition tests few months back and all the players tested negative.
The official, however, confirmed that the ICC would pick nine players from each man’s team and two from women's teams in the Twenty20 World Cup for the tests.
"We are confident there will be no problems with doping issues," he added.
Two of the Pakistani players, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, who have faced doping issues in recent times, are not in the Pakistan squad for next month's tournament.
Andrew Flintoff ruled out of twenty20 World Cup
England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been ruled out of 2020 world cup 2009. Adil Rashid the Yorkshire legspinner has been included in the squad in place of allrounder Andrew Flintoff. Flintoff was included by England selectors in 15 member squad for world twenty20 but he is not recovered fully from his injury.
England twenty20 captain Paul Collingwood showed concerned over Andrew Flintoff unavailability from world twenty20. He consider it as a big blows for England in world twenty20 however he also said that he has players to fill up for his absence.
Flintoff, 31, sustained a tear to the meniscus in his right knee while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the recent Indian Premier League. Andrew Flintoff who missed almost all of the test series as well as ODI against West Indies this season will now eye Ashes series against Australia to make come back into the team.
England twenty20 captain Paul Collingwood showed concerned over Andrew Flintoff unavailability from world twenty20. He consider it as a big blows for England in world twenty20 however he also said that he has players to fill up for his absence.
Flintoff, 31, sustained a tear to the meniscus in his right knee while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the recent Indian Premier League. Andrew Flintoff who missed almost all of the test series as well as ODI against West Indies this season will now eye Ashes series against Australia to make come back into the team.
Wright reverses Hamilton to be successful
Former Scotland captain Craig Wright has backed new skipper Gavin Hamilton to be a success in his role ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
Scotland has yet to win a match in the Friends Provident Trophy this season, England’s domestic one-day competition, with the latest defeat coming against Warwickshire on Saturday.
This follows on from a disappointing campaign at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, where it missed out on a place in 2011 and only narrowly clung onto ODI status after finishing sixth, which led to the resignation of Ryan Watson.
Scotland is in Group D at the ICC World Twenty20 2009 with New Zealand and South Africa.
Scotland has yet to win a match in the Friends Provident Trophy this season, England’s domestic one-day competition, with the latest defeat coming against Warwickshire on Saturday.
This follows on from a disappointing campaign at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, where it missed out on a place in 2011 and only narrowly clung onto ODI status after finishing sixth, which led to the resignation of Ryan Watson.
Scotland is in Group D at the ICC World Twenty20 2009 with New Zealand and South Africa.
New Zealand all put for England escapade
New Zealand coach Andy Moles and some of his squad head to England tomorrow as preparations are stepped up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2009.
The side will be based at Wormsley, an hour outside of London, for the two weeks ahead of the tournament, where they will be joined by players who have been competing in the IPL, as well as English county and league cricket.
"A lot of thought has gone into the preparation for this tournament and we hope that it will be rewarded," said Moles, in an interview on stuff.co.nz.
"We have plenty of match-winners with bat and ball; it's a matter of them performing as consistently as possible. This is our strongest squad possible so there are no excuses."
The side will be based at Wormsley, an hour outside of London, for the two weeks ahead of the tournament, where they will be joined by players who have been competing in the IPL, as well as English county and league cricket.
"A lot of thought has gone into the preparation for this tournament and we hope that it will be rewarded," said Moles, in an interview on stuff.co.nz.
"We have plenty of match-winners with bat and ball; it's a matter of them performing as consistently as possible. This is our strongest squad possible so there are no excuses."
Australia confident of Watson revival
Cricket Australia has revealed it is still hopeful that Shane Watson will be fit for the ICC T20 World Cup 2009.
Watson returned home from the recent trip to the UAE with a groin strain and was forced to miss the opportunity to play in the IPL, but Cricket Australia officials believe that he is recovering well.
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Scans have confirmed a minor right groin injury to Shane and we expect him to be fit to play in the ICC World Twenty20.
“He’ll be monitored over the coming weeks and is expected to be available for consideration for Ashes selection.”
Australia will face Sri Lanka and West Indies in Group C of the ICC World Twenty20 2009.
Watson returned home from the recent trip to the UAE with a groin strain and was forced to miss the opportunity to play in the IPL, but Cricket Australia officials believe that he is recovering well.
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Scans have confirmed a minor right groin injury to Shane and we expect him to be fit to play in the ICC World Twenty20.
“He’ll be monitored over the coming weeks and is expected to be available for consideration for Ashes selection.”
Australia will face Sri Lanka and West Indies in Group C of the ICC World Twenty20 2009.
Modify in warm-up agenda broadcast
England’s ICC T20 World Cup warm-up fixture against Scotland at Trent Bridge will now feature as the second game of an exciting double-header after Bangladesh and Sri Lanka agreed to reschedule their match for Tuesday 2 June.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will begin play at 13:30, followed by England’s game against Scotland at 17:30.
One ticket will now secure entrance to both games and supporters who have already bought tickets for the changed match day on Thursday 4 June will be offered a refund or free upgrade.
Commenting on the warm-up matches, Tournament Director Steve Elworthy said: “The ICC World Twenty20 warm-up matches promise to be just as exciting as the tournament schedule. The new double-header at Trent Bridge on 2 June will now be an action-packed day with Bangladesh meeting Sri Lanka and sporting rivals England taking on Scotland.”
Starting next month, the ICC World Twenty20 pitches nation against nation and brings together the world’s top cricketers. The eagerly anticipated competition starts on 5 June at Lord’s when home nation England takes on The Netherlands.
Last week organisers announced the availability of newly released tickets for every stage of the tournament including the opening game and semi-finals. Tickets are also available for the women’s group stage taking place in Taunton, Somerset.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will begin play at 13:30, followed by England’s game against Scotland at 17:30.
One ticket will now secure entrance to both games and supporters who have already bought tickets for the changed match day on Thursday 4 June will be offered a refund or free upgrade.
Commenting on the warm-up matches, Tournament Director Steve Elworthy said: “The ICC World Twenty20 warm-up matches promise to be just as exciting as the tournament schedule. The new double-header at Trent Bridge on 2 June will now be an action-packed day with Bangladesh meeting Sri Lanka and sporting rivals England taking on Scotland.”
Starting next month, the ICC World Twenty20 pitches nation against nation and brings together the world’s top cricketers. The eagerly anticipated competition starts on 5 June at Lord’s when home nation England takes on The Netherlands.
Last week organisers announced the availability of newly released tickets for every stage of the tournament including the opening game and semi-finals. Tickets are also available for the women’s group stage taking place in Taunton, Somerset.
T20 World Cup: India get easy draw
Defending champions India have been placed in an easy group A -- alongside Bangladesh and Zimbabwe -- for the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup in England.
Since not enough matches have been played in the shortest format of the game to allow viable official rankings, the Board decided to group teams on the basis of their finishing positions in the inaugural edition of the championship this year.
ODI world champions Australia have been placed in group C along with Sri Lanka and West Indies.
Groups:
Group A: India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe
Group B: Pakistan, England, Associate 1
Group C: Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Associate 2.
Since not enough matches have been played in the shortest format of the game to allow viable official rankings, the Board decided to group teams on the basis of their finishing positions in the inaugural edition of the championship this year.
ODI world champions Australia have been placed in group C along with Sri Lanka and West Indies.
Groups:
Group A: India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe
Group B: Pakistan, England, Associate 1
Group C: Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Associate 2.
ICC World Cup Twenty20 is in England
The ICC T20 world cup England 2009 will be held in June 2009 and provides the opportunity to see the very best players in the world, representing their countries, showcasing Twenty20 cricket on a global stage.
It will be the second ICC World Twenty20 with the inaugural event taking place in South Africa in 2007, when India defeated Pakistan in the final.
The 2009 event sees both the men’s and women’s tournament integrated for the first time. The men’s tournament format consists of 12 teams, played across three venues – Lord’s, Trent Bridge and The Oval. The women’s tournament consists of eight teams with the group stage games hosted at Taunton.
The semi-final days hosted at Trent Bridge and The Oval and the finals day hosted at Lord’s will bring the two tournaments together with the men’s matches following the women’s match on each match-day.A key feature of the 2009 event is that the majority of match-days will include two games showcasing four different teams. This double-header format allows spectators to view two games for the price of one match-day ticket.
It will be the second ICC World Twenty20 with the inaugural event taking place in South Africa in 2007, when India defeated Pakistan in the final.
The 2009 event sees both the men’s and women’s tournament integrated for the first time. The men’s tournament format consists of 12 teams, played across three venues – Lord’s, Trent Bridge and The Oval. The women’s tournament consists of eight teams with the group stage games hosted at Taunton.
The semi-final days hosted at Trent Bridge and The Oval and the finals day hosted at Lord’s will bring the two tournaments together with the men’s matches following the women’s match on each match-day.A key feature of the 2009 event is that the majority of match-days will include two games showcasing four different teams. This double-header format allows spectators to view two games for the price of one match-day ticket.
Watson certain in concert in ICC WT20
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson is confident that his latest groin injury will not keep him out of the T20 world cup next month in England.
Watson injured himself during the seven-wicket loss to Pakistan in the Twenty20 match in Dubai last Thursday, which was the final fixture of the short tour. He was forced to return to Australia and had to skip the ongoing Indian Premier League in South Africa.
The 29-year-old Queensland cricketer is just raring to return to action with his improvised bowling action which he feels would help him perform better.
Team doctor Trefor James described the injury as a mild strain, but said the injury-prone big-hitter would need scans upon return to Australia.
If Watson misses the June event, it will severely damage Australia's chances, given his strong recent form with the bat and his Twenty20 expertise.
He topped the scoring in the recent five-match one-day series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and impressed in a brief but explosive Twenty20 innings on Thursday night.
The setback is the latest in a long line of injuries for Watson, who has suffered a draining run of structural and soft-tissue injuries, which have severely limited his international cricket.
Watson injured himself during the seven-wicket loss to Pakistan in the Twenty20 match in Dubai last Thursday, which was the final fixture of the short tour. He was forced to return to Australia and had to skip the ongoing Indian Premier League in South Africa.
The 29-year-old Queensland cricketer is just raring to return to action with his improvised bowling action which he feels would help him perform better.
Team doctor Trefor James described the injury as a mild strain, but said the injury-prone big-hitter would need scans upon return to Australia.
If Watson misses the June event, it will severely damage Australia's chances, given his strong recent form with the bat and his Twenty20 expertise.
He topped the scoring in the recent five-match one-day series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and impressed in a brief but explosive Twenty20 innings on Thursday night.
The setback is the latest in a long line of injuries for Watson, who has suffered a draining run of structural and soft-tissue injuries, which have severely limited his international cricket.
ICC World Twenty20 extra for Lord's Saturday ticket owner
The ICC, ECB and MCC have agreed that all ticket holders for Saturday of the first Test match at Lord’s will not only receive a full refund but also the opportunity to get a 50 per cent discount for one of the two Lord’s warm-up days for the ICC T20 world cup in June.
After discussions, following England’s victory against the West Indies, it was agreed that the spectators who were scheduled to come to Lord’s for the fourth day of the Test match should receive a chance to be part of the ICC World Twenty20.
There will be a 50 per cent discount for one of the warm-up days - either June 1 or June 3 - when you present a valid ticket for the Saturday of the first Test match at the North Gate ticket office on the day of the game. The Lord's tournament ticket office opens on June 1, 2009.
The warm-up matches are Ireland v Netherlands and New Zealand v India on June 1 or Sri Lanka v South Africa and England v West Indies on June 3.
After discussions, following England’s victory against the West Indies, it was agreed that the spectators who were scheduled to come to Lord’s for the fourth day of the Test match should receive a chance to be part of the ICC World Twenty20.
There will be a 50 per cent discount for one of the warm-up days - either June 1 or June 3 - when you present a valid ticket for the Saturday of the first Test match at the North Gate ticket office on the day of the game. The Lord's tournament ticket office opens on June 1, 2009.
The warm-up matches are Ireland v Netherlands and New Zealand v India on June 1 or Sri Lanka v South Africa and England v West Indies on June 3.
T20 World Cup mark up for clutch in IPL
As soon as the IPL festival wraps up in a month from now, the best players in the world will head to England for another big ticket event: the Twenty20 World Cup. While most spots are taken in India's squad, there are a few that are yet to be firmed up.
"I think it gives a very good opportunity for a lot of youngsters to showcase their talent, which is very important," says chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who is present at the IPL. "Yes, all of us selectors are also able to look at them and have a broader picture of what's happening in Indian cricket."
Srikkanth is making the most of his time in South Africa. But soon the chairman of selectors will have to pick the 15 men who will try and defend India's Twenty20 World Cup title in England. Most of the players pick themselves, but there are a few spots ready to be taken.
"I think it gives a very good opportunity for a lot of youngsters to showcase their talent, which is very important," says chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who is present at the IPL. "Yes, all of us selectors are also able to look at them and have a broader picture of what's happening in Indian cricket."
Srikkanth is making the most of his time in South Africa. But soon the chairman of selectors will have to pick the 15 men who will try and defend India's Twenty20 World Cup title in England. Most of the players pick themselves, but there are a few spots ready to be taken.
