Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi today said that senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar should get to play his 200th Test match on his home ground here.
     "The 200th Test match he will play is a great achievement. I hope that the 200th Test match is played in Mumbai. This is his home ground. In all fairness, I think he should get that opportunity to play that 200th Test match on his home ground," Bedi told reporters on the sidelines of a book launch -- 'India's Glorious Cricketing Heritage'.
     There have been suggestions that the 40-year-old Tendulkar, who is two shy of completing 200 Test appearances, would call it a day after reaching the landmark during the hastily arranged two-Test series against the West Indies at home.
     The spin legend said he would not like to speculate about Tendulkar's retirement plans.
     "If anyone can talk about Sachin Tendulkar's retirement or his final phase, it will only be Sachin himself," he said.
     Former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad ...

Hope Sachin plays his 200th Test on his home ground: Bedi

PTI Automatic

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) vice president K Mathivanan today resigned after he was forced to withdraw his nomination to the top job in the election of his cricket club.
     Mathivanan, until today, was the President of the Colombo Colts Cricket Club.
     "I have decide to resign from the Vice Presidency," Mathivanan said.
     "There is no point in continuing at SLC when I am not allowed to be re-elected to head my club."
     Sources said Mathivanan was forced to give up his nomination for the re-election to the presidency of Colts at the AGM of the South Colombo club, scheduled for tonight.
     Mathivanan withdrawl would now allow SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga to take up the post unopposed.
     Former SLC secretary Mathivanan was instrumental in improving the facilities at Colts.
     Colts is a leading club in Sri Lanka's club-based domestic first class competition and has produced international stars such as Chaminda Vaas and the present national captain Angelo Mathews.

SLC VP K Mathivanan "forced" to resigned

Be it success or failure, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has seen it all, and the Bengal's favourite son shared his experience while giving a pep-talk to the state's U-19 team here today.
     Asking them to follow the footsteps Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly told the youngsters that they should remain focus and committed to the sport.
     Comparing a cricketer's life to that of a boxer, Ganguly said: "Cricketers' life is like that of a boxer in the ring. You have to take blows but yet remain steady and focus".
     Critics might have been harsh on Tendulkar in the recent past, but Ganguly said: "They must remember that out of 327 innings, Tendulkar has scored 51 hundreds and 67 half centuries."
     "Most of the times, he comes to bat when the team is in a crisis with three wickets down, and yet he remains focus and builds his innings. Three things -- self-confidence, practice and patience -- are the most important things," he said asking the youngsters to develop a never-say-die ...

Follow Sachin's footsteps: Ganguly tells Bengal colts

BCCI interim chief Jagmohan Dalmiya today reiterated that there was no deadlock with Cricket South Africa over India's year end tour to the rainbow nation.
     "The tour was never off and there was no issue or deadlock (with the CSA). We have a couple of home series (vs Australia and West Indies) ahead of the South Africa series," Dalmiya said.
     "We will just need to work out the modalities and I'm confident it would be done in due course," Dalmiya told reporters here as the CSA today announced that its CEO Haroon Lorgat will meet BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel to discuss the itinerary.
     Dalmiya said they have more important things like the Board's annual general meeting lined up.
     "The AGM is the most important thing on mind at the moment. So, we are likely to announce the fixture after the AGM (on September 29)," Dalmiya added.
     Asked about reports that CAB is keen to host Sachin Tendulkar's 200th Test at Eden Gardens in the upcoming West Indies series, Dalmiya said: ..

No deadlock with CSA: Dalmiya

Younis Khan hit a double century as Pakistan wrested control on the fourth day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club today.
     Younis hit 200 not out to enable Pakistan to declare on 419 for nine, setting Zimbabwe an unlikely 342 to win.
     Zimbabwe were 13 for one at the close, losing opening batsman Tina Mawoyo in the last over of the day, leg before wicket to Saeed Ajmal.
     Off-spinner Ajmal, who took seven for 95 in the first innings, will be the main threat to the Zimbabwe batsmen on the last day on a deteriorating pitch.
     It was a monumental performance by Younis, who batted for 10 hours 12 minutes and faced 404 balls, knowing for much of his innings that his side would be in danger of defeat if he was dismissed.
     Pakistan were in deep trouble at 23 for three early in his innings. He shared a century partnership with captain Misbah-ul-Haq on Thursday but the tourists were still vulnerable when Asad Shafiq was bowled in the first over on ...

Younis double century puts Pakistan on top

A group of woman powerlifters from the state has accused the Chhattisgarh Powerlifting Association General Secretary Krishna Sahu of sexually harassing them, a charge denied by him.
	They also alleged that he had demanded money for issuing national certificates to them and recommending their names for state level sports awards.
	"General Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Powerlifting Association Krishna Sahu asks for sexual favours from players and passes lewd comments at them. It has been going since the last several years," a female powerlifter said.
	Asked to respond to these allegations, Krishna Sahu vehemently denied everything.
	"I don't know who is behind this. I have requested the police to find out who is slandering my name. These are all fake. Most of the girls who have levelled fake charges against me face a ban after getting caught during the doping test and it seems they took this step due to frustration," Sahu said.
	"The girls, all coming from poor and humble backgrounds ...

Chhattisgarh sports administrator accused of sexual harassment

Flamboyant allrounder Shahid Afridi has said that losing the recent One-day International match to Zimbabwe did not befit the status and reputation of the Pakistan team.
     Afridi, who returned home after featuring in the T20 and ODI series in Zimbabwe said he and the other players were extremely disappointed after losing the first game of the three-match series.
     "It came as a shocker to all of us because given our reputation, status and ranking we certainly shouldn't have lost to Zimbabwe," Afridi said.
     The player came under the glare on returning home when he snubbed the waiting media at the Karachi airport and walked off to a waiting car.
     But Afridi explained that he returned home with high fever.
     "I have recovered now but we need to learn from the defeat to Zimbabwe. The good thing is the players hit back hard to win the remaining two matches of the ODI series and played according to their potential," he said.
     He joked that at one stage it appeared as if 

We shouldn't have lost an ODI to Zimbabwe: Afridi

Star shuttler Saina Nehwal, who has decided to skip the Japan Open Super Series tournament this month, will play in the Denmark Open in October, Chief National Coach Pullela Gopichand said here today.
     "She will be playing in Denmark and France," he told reporters here on the sidelines of inauguration of Corporate Badminton League (CBL).
     Saina, currently ranked world number four, is tired after a hectic schedule including the recently-concluded Indian Badminton League (IBL), he said.
     "As far as Saina is concerned, I think she has had a hectic tour. At this stage where she is in her career, she can afford to miss a few tournaments and also the fact that she has no points to defend in Japan makes it easier for her to take this decision," he said.
     He hoped that other players too would put up impressive performances in the upcoming big tournaments.
     "We have just finished off with the IBL. So, many of the players have been very tired. I think it is important that ...

Saina will play in Denmark Open, says Gopichand

Former India allrounder and one of BCCI's contracted commentators, Ravi Shastri, today came out in defence of an under-fire BCCI President N Srinivasan, stating that had he been in the Tamil Nadu strongman position he also wouldn't have resigned just like the former.
     "A lot of people have asked me that what I would have done had I been in his (Srinivasan) position? I also would not have resigned," Shastri said during Dilip Sardesai Memorial Lecture here today.
     Elaborating further, Shastri added "What Srinivasan has done (by stepping aside) is that he has taken the responsibility to get the house in order."
     Shastri, who is also in the IPL governing council, termed Srinivasan as a "terrific administrator".
     "Srinivasan is a genuine cricket and sports lover who has contributed a lot for the BCCI."
     Shastri also complimented former BCCI president Shashank Manohar as a no nonsense man who used to see things in black and white and never saw any grey areas. He was a ...

Had I been in Srini's place, I won't have resigned: Shastri

Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal today heaved a sigh of relief as he has been cleared of any serious medical problem by the country's one of the topmost neurologists, Dr Nadir Ali Syed.
     The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced Dr Nadir has given Akmal a clean bill of health with "no restriction on physical activity or exertion" and "no need for medication or any further medical tests at this time".
     The PCB had referred Akmal to Dr Nadir for specialist advice after the player fell unconscious on a flight while playing in the Caribbean Premier League in August.
     "We referred him because we wanted to be absolutely sure about his medical condition and it is indeed great news he is now available to play for Pakistan," a PCB official said.
     The official also said that Dr Nadir has diagnosed Akmal "for seizure due to sleep deprivation".
     "According to him (Dr Nadir) it was a one-off incident, a relatively common occurrence and does not necessitate any ...

Umar cleared of any serious medical problem

India's Anirban Lahiri kept a share of the lead midway through the second round of the Omega European Masters at the picturesque Crans-sur-Sierre, here today.
     Lahiri, who shot eight-under 63 in the first round, was one-under through nine holes with three birdies and two bogeys.
     Danny Willett (69-67), Victor Dubuisson (68-65) and Stephen Gallacher (five-under through 12 in second round) were at nine-under alongside Lahiri.
     Shiv Kapur ensured he would play the weekend rounds with cards of 70 and 69, while Gaganjeet Bhullar, who shot 68 in first round, was one-over through 13 holes in second, and was two-under for the tournament, where the cut looks likely at even par.
     Jeev Milkha Singh was three-over through 12 holes after the first round of 68. At even par for the tournament with six holes to go, he is on the bubble and cannot afford any more mistakes.
     SSP Chowrasia (73-71) looks likely to miss the cut at two-over and going out with him would be C Muniyappa ...

Lahiri shares lead midway through second round

Livid with Abhinav Bindra's sustained campaign against tainted officials in the Indian Olympic Association, the suspended body's president Abhey Singh Chautala today launched a stinging personal attack on the Olympic gold-medallist shooter, saying he should first sort his house in order before commenting on others.
      Chautala took a dig at the former world champion's industrialist father, A S Bindra, who was arrested in 2009 for alleged financial irregularities.
     "If Bindra feels that chargesheeted people should be stripped of their positions then he should throw his father out of his house or leave his house himself," Chautala, a senior leader of the principal opposition party in Haryana -- the Indian National Lok Dal -- said while addressing a press conference here today in connection with the State Assembly session.
     The comment drew sharp reaction from the National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) with its president Raninder Singh saying 'Chautala should focus on ...

Underfire Chautala lashes out at Bindra

Continuing his winning streak, overnight sole leader Ram Aravind extended his lead to a full point after defeating Prajesh R in the seventh round of the ongoing National Under-11 Open Chess Championship here today.
     Playing white side of Queen Pawn opening, Ram did not show any mercy to his state mate rival and secured the full point in just 35 moves to take his tally to seven from as many rounds.
     Neelash Saha of West Bengal and Bhavik Bharambe of Maharshtra are at joint second spot with six points after beating Iniyan P of Tamilnadu and Sankarsha Shelke of Maharashtra respectively in the seventh round encounter.
     After an eventful seventh round matches, the girl's section got wide open with five players now sharing the lead with six points. Playing safe, overnight sole leader Lakshmi of Tamilnadu signed the peace treaty with Anwesha Mishra of Odisha after 48 moves to be at the top while top seed and World Under-10 Girls champion Priyanka Nutakki joined her after beating .

Ram extends lead in U-11 chess meet

India's sprint legend P T Usha's life is set to get a big screen treatment after biopic "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" on 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh.
	"Somebody approached my husband to do a film based on my life and career. He didn't say yes or no to the person," Usha told PTI here today.
	However, the athlete from Kerala said the time is yet to come to make a film on her.
	"The film on Milkha Singh released at the right time. A film on my life can wait as my task is unfinished. I am still into athletics," she said.
	Indicating her aim to produce a medal winner in the Olympics and pinning her hope on K D Sindhu to do the wonders which she failed in 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Usha said she liked "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
	"I have watched the film. It is good and youngsters will definitely be motivated watching this," she added.
	The movie showed Milkha (essayed by Farhan Akhtar) missing a medal for glancing over his shoulders to see who was catching him up.
	Usha 

Film on PT Usha's life and career?

Swedish golfer Daniel Chopra shot a modest even par 72 in the first round of the Chiquita Classic on Web.Com Tour, here today.
     Chopra, who has already sealed his return to the PGA Tour for 2014, had three birdies and three bogeys on his card.
     Chopra, who was 21st in Money rankings when the regular season ended last fortnight, is looking to improve his position in the newly established four-even Web.Com Tour finals.
     Chopra lies 48th and is five behind the foursome that lead the field with rounds of 67 each. The four include Hudson Swafford, Nick O'Hern, Edward Loar and Ben Kohles.

Chopra opens with a modest round of 72

Former all-rounder Ravi Shastri feels India's consistent stand against the controversial Decision Review System (DRS) has been vindicated by the spate of wrong decisions during the recent Ashes series in England.
     "India's stand on DRS is vindicated. Three years ago when I opposed DRS, it was said I had a contract with the BCCI. I stand by even now what I said then," said Shastri, delivering the annual Dilip Sardesai Memorial Lecture today at the Bombay Gymkhana here.
     Shastri said he was not opposed to technology, but wanted it to be used sparingly, as it is not perfect.
     "You can use technology sparingly like in tennis where there are only three referrals. If a player is inconsistent, or an umpire is inconsistent, they are dropped. Why is this not applied to technology?" said the 51-year-old ex-cricketer.
     Instead of the host cricket board paying for use of technological instruments like the costly Hotspot and Hawk Eye, the ICC should find sponsors to underwrite ...

Bloopers during Ashes vindicate India's stand on DRS: Shastri

There might be intense speculation over Sachin Tendulkar's imminent retirement, but his one-time India teammate Ravi Shastri feels the champion batsman is not quitting anytime soon and is hopeful that he would play at Lord's ground next year when the national team visits England.
     "He (Tendulkar) will not quit the game so soon as you all keep saying. He would continue to play and you will see him at Lord's next year too," said the 51-year-old Shastri to a question after he delivered the Dilip Sardesai Memorial Lecture at the Bombay Gymkhana here today.
     There have been suggestions that the 40-year-old Tendulkar, who is two shy of completing 200 Test appearances, would call it a day after reaching that landmark during the hastily arranged two-Test series against West Indies at home by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
     But the words of Shastri, considered to be very close to Tendulkar, put to rest the speculation that the senior batsman, who has compiled an ...

Shastri expects Tendulkar to play Test at Lord's next year

Sports Minister Jitendra Singh today slammed the diversionary tactics of Indian Olympic Association and said an alternative mechanism needs to be put in place to enable Indian athletes to compete under the national flag in the wake of IOA's reluctance to adhere to IOC's guidelines.
     The Sports Minister asked suspended IOA president Abhey Singh Chautala to "clean his house" first before training guns at others.
     Taking a jibe at the Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra's father, A S Bindra, who was arrested in 2009 for alleged financial irregularities, Chautala said "If Bindra feels that chargesheeted people should be stripped of their positions then he should throw his father out of his house or leave his house himself".
     "Chautala is trying to divert the attention. This is not the time to divert the attention. He should clean his house and bring in good governance and ethics," Jitendra said.
     "What I forsee is that the IOC is not going to recognise the IOA. ..

Need to put in place an alternative mechanism: Sports Minister

New Zealand named two uncapped players today in a 15-man Test squad for their upcoming Bangladesh tour but will be missing injured veterans Daniel Vettori and Martin Guptill.
     The selectors turned to spinner Ish Sodhi and allrounder Corey Anderson for the two-Test series after the pair showed they could handle subcontinental conditions on New Zealand A's current tour of India.
     Coach Mike Hesson said their inclusion, along with specialist spinner Bruce Martin, gave New Zealand plenty of options for the Tests in Chittagong and Dhaka.
     "The Bangladesh tour is a good opportunity to introduce a promising spinner, and having two specialist spinners in the squad gives us the option to utilise wickets that are likely to turn," he said.
     Opening batsman Guptill was ruled out with an ankle injury, while Vettori will miss the entire season after undergoing an operation on a recurring Achilles tendon problem that threatens to end his 16-year international career.
     Paceman Tim 

Vettori, Guptill miss N. Zealand Bangladesh tour

The first one-day international between England and Australia in Leeds was washed out today, as heavy and persistent rain flooded the ground and ruined any chance of play.
     Umpires Aleem Dar and Richard Illingworth had little option but to abandon hopes of any play taking place after inspecting the waterlogged outfield for a third time at 1.30 pm (1130 GMT).
     Drenched groundstaff tried in vain to soak up and sweep away puddles which had grown larger by the hour on the grass and the large Headingley covers.
     But the relentless downpour gave them little respite and chance of beating the odds, leaving those few fans inside the ground -- and many hundreds in the surrounding bars -- frustrated and soon heading for home.
     It was a disappointing and dismal start to the series after two previous days of hot, September sunshine and following the thrilling Ashes encounters that saw England triumph and tightly contested T20 clashes.
     Supporters will receive a full refund for .

Rain washes out first England-Australia ODI

Hardening its stand against the IOA, the International Olympic Committee has asked the Indian body to sack "charge-framed" officials through constitutional amendments by October 31 and conduct fresh elections by December 15 to return to the Olympic fold.
     Giving its "conclusions and decisions" on the IOA's Executive General Meeting held here last month, the IOC said the key provision of barring individuals, against whom charges have been framed in court, was ignored by the Indian body.
     "The IOC is well aware of the difference in the Indian legal system between charge-sheeted persons and charge-framed persons and has never requested that the clause initially proposed applies for charge-sheeted persons. Therefore it is reiterated that the initial wording is aimed to apply for anyone charge-framed by a court in India," the IOC Director General Christophe de Kepper said in a letter to the IOA.
     "...The IOC does fully respect the principle that 'until proven guilty, one is ...

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