Rajasthan slash ticket rates It was difficult for the authorities in Jaipur to fill up the 30,000 seats at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and resorted to slashing the ticket rates, reported. That wasn’t all. The Rajasthan Police demanded Rs 80,00,000 (approx US$ 200,000) for providing security for the first match against Kings XI Punjab. Terming IPL to be an event organised for monetary benefits, the Rajasthan Police refused to provide security free of cost.No full house at Chennai either Despite the presence of the most expensive player in the IPL, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings are struggling to get a full house for their first home match against the Mumbai Indians. A day before the match, reports that only 15,000 of the 38,000 available tickets have been sold. Besides the now-mandatory cheerleaders, Chennai have also lined up singer Hariharan and popular drummer Sivamani to entertain the crowd.Hayden settles in Matthew Hayden was all praise for Dhoni’s leaderships skills and even said he had an aura about him. “I have no issues with that. Dhoni is a fine thinker and a confident individual,” said Hayden. “There is an aura about him. For me, it is a great experience sharing the dressing room with Indians and learning how they go about their cricket.”West Indies players to return on May 18 Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Dwayne Bravo are expected to return to the West Indies on May 18, in time for West Indies’ series against Australia. West Indies Cricket Board CEO Donald Peters said that the players will return four days before the first Test in Jamaica, starting on May 22 .Another floodlight failure at Eden While the Kolkata Knight Riders have got off to the perfect start, winning two out of two, they are yet to get things in order at their home ground, Eden Gardens. After being criticised for preparing a difficult track for their first home game, which was also blighted by a power failure, there was further embarrassment as two of the floodlights went off during a practice session.
ScorecardFile photo – Shardul Thakur’s unbeaten 38 and his 68-run stand with Iqbal Abdulla helped Mumbai clinch a thriller•PTI
Mumbai scaled down 280, their highest successful chase away from home in Ranji Trophy history, against Madhya Pradesh in Indore to seal a quarterfinal berth. 19-year old Jay Bista, playing in only his second first-class game, set the tone for the chase with an aggressive 74. While they wiped out 173 in the morning session, the loss of five wickets including that of Bista and Shreyas Iyer, the highest run-getter this season, tilted the balance of the match.When Nikhil Patil was dismissed, Mumbai were in danger of losing the match as they were reduced to 215 for 7. But Iqbal Abdulla (39) and Shardul Thakur (38) rallied together by sharing an unbroken 68-run stand to see the team through to their fourth win this season. The efforts of the duo reduced Jalaj Saxena’s four-wicket burst in the second innings and match haul of 9 for 155 to second best as the game finished in the final session.With 17 points in seven matches, MP need to beat Andhra outright at home while hoping for a host of other results to go their way if they are to secure a berth in the knockouts. ScorecardAnureet Singh was the star with the ball as Railways ended a disappointing season with a 148-run over Andhra at the Karnail Singh Stadium in Delhi. Chasing 273, Andhra were bundled out for 123 in the second session, with Srikar Bharat top-scoring with 32. While Anureet ended with 4 for 32 to go with his three wickets in the first innings, Ashish Yadav, the left-arm spinner, had three scalps.Railways added 10 runs to their overnight score of 194 for 8 before being bowled out as B Sudhakar, the left-arm spinner, finished with five wickets to throw open the possibility of another thriller. But that was nipped in the bud by the Anureet-Yadav duo as Andhra slumped to 66 for 5. As it turned out, they didn’t recover from there. With 10 points in seven outings, Andhra need at least a first-innings lead in their final game to avoid being relegated to Group C. ScorecardNo play was possible for the third straight day in Tirunelveli due to torrential rain and wet outfield, thereby denying both sides an opportunity to press ahead. While one point from the clash is unlikely to affect Gujarat too much, Tamil Nadu will need not just an outright win, but also a host of other results to go their way if they are to secure a knockouts berth. Uday, Mandeep consolidate Punjab’s lead
Former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi has been named Oman’s spin-bowling coach ahead of the team’s maiden World T20 appearance in India next year. Joshi will join head coach Duleep Mendis as part of Oman’s support staff.”It gives me an opportunity to work with an international team in such a big event,” Joshi told the . Joshi said he and Mendis would share their collective experience of bowling and playing spin with Oman’s players.”I believe a coach should be able to demonstrate (in practice sessions) what he teaches,” he said. “Duleep Mendis is the head coach and we can both relate a lot on how to play and bowl spin. Eventually it would help the team to be aware of the nuances of slow bowling.”Oman will begin their preparations from December 20 with a 10-day camp in Rajkot. They are grouped with Bangladesh, Ireland and Netherlands in the World T20 qualifying round, and will play their matches in Dharamsala. The winner of the group will advance to the Super 10 stage.Oman’s most recent international engagement was their tour to UAE in November, where they beat Hong Kong 2-1 in a three-match T20 series and lost both their matches against Afghanistan. They also lost a T20 match to UAE on that tour.Oman’s next high-profile assignment is the four-team Asia Cup T20 qualifier in Bangladesh, which also features Afghanistan, UAE and Hong Kong. One of the associate teams will advance to the main draw involving the region’s four Full Member teams.
ScorecardDawid Malan’s impressive England Lions form continued with a century•Chris Whiteoak
Dawid Malan continued his productive few months for England Lions as his 114 set-up a 69-run victory against Pakistan A to put them 2-0 up in the series.Malan’s hundred led a complete batting performance, anchored by a succession of solid top-order partnerships then given a final flourish by Ross Whiteley’s 30-ball fifty as he and Joe Clarke, his Worcestershire team-mate, pummelled 66 off 31 deliveries for the sixth wicket.Pakistan A reached 172 for 4 in the 31st over after Fakhar Zaman hit 61 off 69 balls to give them a chance of making an impression on the target, but they fell away despite Mohammad Nawaz’s 51. Toby Roland-Jones and Liam Dawson picked up three wickets apiece.After being put into bat, Malan and James Vince – who added 103 in the first match – provided another solid start with a stand of 50. Malan and Sam Billings (31) then added 70 for the third wicket followed by a fourth-wicket stand of 69 alongside Dawson (33).Malan’s century came from 103 deliveries as he continued to make his case for consideration in England’s white-ball sides, most realistically the upcoming World T20 in India. He was the leading run-scorer in the T20 leg of this tour before Christmas when he made 253 runs in five matches. He fell shortly after launching his second six, but that did not prevent England from making a strong finish.Whiteley, the Worcestershire left-hander who plundered county attacks in limited-overs cricket last season, showed off his striking power as the final four overs of the innings included five sixes between him and Dawson.Roland-Jones, who was wicketless in the opening game of the series, found success early in Pakistan A’s chase when he had Sami Aslam lbw and Jake Ball struck with his first delivery when Khurram Manzoor dragged on a pull.Zaman and Umar Siddiq scored at a good tempo for the third wicket before Dawson, with his left-arm spin, made a telling contribution by removing both to leave Pakistan A 129 for 4 in the 24th over. A sharp piece of work from Billings from behind the stumps ran out Fawad Alam then it was back to the seamers as Roland-Jones and Tom Curran worked through the lower order.
Opening bat Sam Harper powered Melbourne Stars to a six-wicket win against Adelaide Strikers to extend their perfect start to the BBL season.With captain Matt Short top-scoring with 56 from 42 balls, the Strikers posted 155 for 8 as Stars’ quicks Haris Rauf (3 for 28) and Tom Curran (3 for 35) claimed three wickets each. Stars’ Harper struck 55 from 36 balls as they chased down the target at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday night with 11 balls to spare, reaching 161 for 4 to bank a second consecutive win to open their campaign.Stars’ usual opener Tom Rogers couldn’t bat after injuring a shoulder in the field. But Harper and Joe Clarke (23 from 19 deliveries) set an ominous tone, smacking 52 runs from the initial 24 balls.Stars’ openers reached 67 before the partnership was broken when legspinner Lloyd Pope (1 for 22) bowled Clarke with a wrong’un from the top shelf on the last ball of the seventh over.Harper posted his half-century from 35 balls but was dismissed next ball when skying to mid-on from the bowling of Jamie Overton (1 for 39) in the tenth over.The visitors were at a comfortable 90 for 2 at the halfway stage, but lost Glenn Maxwell (2 from four balls) cheaply. Campbell Kellaway (28 from 22 deliveries) and Marcus Stoinis (32* from 22), who hit a six to win the game, ensured there were no following hiccups.Earlier, Strikers’ innings was rocked by a double blow in the second over when Stars paceman Curran snared two wickets in three balls. Curran bowled veteran Chris Lynn (4 off four balls) with an offcutter through the gate, and then produced a superb legcutter which clipped the off stump of Jason Sangha, who failed to score.Short and Liam Scott steadied, registering a 50-run stand from 34 balls, and taking the total to 62 in the eighth over. Stars allrounder Stoinis (1 for 23) ended the union when Scott (25 from 19) was trapped lbw, and soon after, Short was given a reprieve on 40 when a hesitant Tom Whitney turfed a simple skied chance at cover from Curran’s bowling.At their midpoint, Strikers were 83 for 3, and Short soon after posted his half-century from 38 balls.But just when the skipper was set to wind up, he smacked a Curran delivery to extra cover, where Stoinis took a sharp catch with both arms outstretched above his head.Short’s departure left Strikers at 110 for 4 in the 14th over, and the home side couldn’t gain any late traction, with Rauf taking two wickets in consecutive balls in the 19th over.
The agent of Blackburn Rovers defender Zurab Khizanishvili has hinted that his client may still have a future at Ewood Park.
The 28-year-old Georgia international was loaned out to Newcastle United and Reading last season, but still has another year of his current Rovers contract to run.
Agent Ivan Marko Benes told the Lancashire Telegraph:"We don't really know what will happen. All we do know is at the moment he will be returning to Blackburn Rovers.
"Of course he enjoyed his time on loan at Newcastle and at Reading. He enjoyed the chance to play first-team football, but those days are over and at the moment he is going back to Blackburn.
"It is very uncertain. He is open to anything and anywhere at the moment, but he does have one year remaining on his contract and at the moment he is going back to Blackburn to fight for his place.
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"Zurab likes the club a lot and if it turns out that he is back for pre-season, then that is what it is. He will have no problems with that."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Stoke City face competition from Celtic to sign Cardiff City's highly-rated midfielder Joe Ledley while the Bhoys look set to make an offer for Liam Lawrence.
Former Mansfield Town winger Lawrence is frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities at the Britannia Stadium and would welcome the chance to move to Glasgow.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Wales international Ledley is believed to prefer a move to the Potteries rather than Celtic.
Two years ago Stoke boss Tony Pulis failed to land Ledley despite offering £6million for a player who is now out of contract.
Pulis is desperate to cut a first-team squad that rose to 28 players last term and has already made it known that he would not stand in James Beattie or Dave Kitson's way if they wanted to leave the club.
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Steve Simonsen is wanted by Sheffield United and Reading while the Royals are also hoping to sign Andy Griffin.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero believes a deal to join Chelsea could finally be agreed this summer.
The Argentina striker has been continually linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during recent transfer windows.
The 22-year-old has been one of the most prolific marksmen in Spanish football in recent seasons, but believes this summer could finally see him join the Blues.
Aguero, who was restricted to cameo appearances off the bench during Argentina's World Cup campaign, is valued around the £25million mark.
"If an offer comes in from the right club and Atletico feels it is the right price, then a deal can be done," Aguero told the Daily Star.
"Of course Chelsea is of interest to me as they are one of the most powerful teams in European football.
"They show their intent summer after summer in the transfer market and more often than not that intent will see them end the season with at least one trophy.
"What I need to consider is where I can win things and I know for sure I can win things at Chelsea.
"You look at their players and you are excited about any future you may have there.
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"To be the strike partner of Didier Drogba is a thing many players would love to be.
"But it's not just Drogba – it's Lampard, Terry, Anelka, Essien, and maybe even Fernando Torres.
"They have quality players everywhere."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
After Liverpool ended the 2008/09 season with their highest points tally since the Premier League began, finishing second to Manchester United, many fans believed the men in red had their best chance in years to finally end their title hiatus last season.
In reality, it could not have been much worse for the 18 time league champions. Reports of rising debts, in-fighting between the manager and owners and a failure to find fresh investment provided a tumultuous backdrop for a side struggling for both form and fitness.
The only thing more dire than the club’s performance off the pitch was their performances on it. Former Valencia charge Rafael Benitez knew his time was up following a season which included the club’s worst run in 22 years, a group stage exit from the Champions League, bust-ups with players and an abysmal seventh placed finish. After six years of mixed results on Merseyside, Benitez and Liverpool parted company, as the appointment of Roy Hodgson signalled the start of a new era for The Reds.
Elder statesman of the game Hodgson ticked all the right boxes for a club crying out for stability and a calm hand to steer them through increasingly choppy waters. As opposed to the often stubborn, remote and negative Benitez, South Londoner Hodgson represented a diplomatic and approachable change. The 62-year-old is a football idealist and prides his sides on playing the free-flowing attacking football Anfield season ticket holders have been crying out for following the reigns of Benitez and FrenchmanGérard Houllier. Hodgson is also unlikely to use the media to air any grievances towards the owners, which became common practice under Benitez in his final dreadful months at the club.
Hodgson certainly has his work cut out if he is to turn Liverpool into regular title contenders, something which Benitez failed to do and which ultimately cost him his job. The Premier League is now more competitive than it has ever been, with up to seven teams fighting for the top four Champions League places. The landscape of English football has changed and there is no longer a level playing field at the top. Manchester City and Chelsea have inflated the transfer market and can afford to lavish millions each season on the best players available on the market. Liverpool are £350 million in debt and desperately trying to find a buyer and can simply not compete in
the current transfer market. Hodgson has to attempt to build a competitive side on a minimal budget.
Hodgson may be an excellent manager with an impressive CV, but until the club is sold and new investment found then Hodgson will have to continue working with one hand tied behind his back. Liverpool need to start work on a new stadium and increase the club’s revenue to compete at the top. Manchester United create huge income from their 76,000 seater Old Trafford stadium, while Arsenal have 60,000 capacity at the Emirates, compared to Anfield’s 45,000. The club’s ownership problems and the issues surrounding a new stadium, which was initially due for opening in 2011, are likely to rumble on in the background well into the new season and will continue to serve as an unwelcome distraction.
The new manager faces a baptism of fire in the Anfield hot seat, facing Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United in the club’s opening five games of the new league season. Failure to grab some valuable points out of the three fixtures would increase the pressure on Hodgson from the start and give those supporters who have doubted his appointment some welcome ammunition. Although picking up some points from these tough fixtures would fortify the squad in the important early stages of the season.
Liverpool and Hodgson still have a great deal of work to do in the transfer market ahead of the opening game of the season against Arsenal in less than two weeks time. After adding to the squad with the intelligent signings and attacking talents of winger Joe Cole and Serbian forward Milan Jovanovic on free transfers, Hodgson has confirmed he aims to make several more signings before the start of the season.
Argentine skipper Javier Mascherano is expected to depart in the coming weeks and wheeler dealer Hodgson needs to find his replacement. A move for Standard Liege’s highly-rated Belgium star Steven Defour is expected. It also appears Liverpool are in the market for cover at right-back following the collapse of Luke Young’s transfer from Aston Villa. While the re-signing of Fabio Aurelio has added depth at left-back, Hodgson is expected to sign a first-choice defender, with a reported £6m deal for Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa 90% done. Hodgson faces a race against time to add the finishing touches to his squad and will want to conclude his business before the season kicks off.
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The season ahead looks set to be a tough one for Liverpool and its supporters. Success in cup competitions could see Liverpool play up to 60 competitive games, after entering the Europa League at such an early stage, and a marathon season would provide a huge test for the newly assembled squad. Hodgson experienced a similar situation during Fulham’s marathon 63 games last season and coped admirably, prioritising his side’s cup run and league priorities in impressive fashion.
With the club still searching for a new owner and a limited budget in the transfer market, Hodgson finds himself in a similar position to his predecessor Benitez. One win in four games in pre-season, does not give supporters great confidence heading into the new season, however Hodgson has yet to welcome back his World Cup stars after an extended break. The fact club captain Steven Gerrard has committed his future to the club and Fernando Torres expected to do the same this week, shows Hodgson has convinced his star players he can to take the club forward.
Success this season for Liverpool would be to break back into the top four, while a cup triumph would be an added bonus. A new owner and stadium should be the club’s main priority however, giving Hodgson a fighting chance of turning Liverpool back into a force in English football once more.
Barcelona have expressed their disappointment at Cesc Fabregas' decision to stay at Arsenal for at least one more season.
The Spain international finally ended speculation about his future by releasing an official statement on Friday that confirmed he had no intention of leaving the Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona then issued a press release of their own, which read:"In the light of the statement released regarding the contractual future of Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona regrets the decision of Arsenal to declare the player not for sale and their decision not to take into consideration the offers proposed.
"None of those offers, in any way, exceeded Euros 40million."
The 23-year-old has been the subject of a persistent campaign from Barca players and officials to try and tempt him back to the Camp Nou, despite Gunners boss Arsene Wenger insisting that no deal would be done.
Fabregas told the club's official website:"Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future, but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment.
"I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.
"This was the club where I learned my football, it is my home town where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing.
"There are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona.
"I have had many conversations with Arsene Wenger both in person and over the phone over the last few months and although the content of those conversations will remain private, the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal.
"I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal's prerogative not to sell me.
"I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.
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"I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100 per cent focused on playing for Arsenal.
"I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about.
"I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting this speculation behind me."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email