Haroon Lorgat, the International Cricket Council's (ICC) chief executive, says that cricket's governing body will not sacrifice bilateral cricket for Twenty20 leagues and try to regulate the latest format to ensure that.
"All these tournaments are springing up and what we are trying to do is regulate them in a more effective way," Lorgat told the Guardian. "A private businessman might have different ambitions but we have to protect the game of cricket.
"Twenty20 is an opportunity that people have spotted they can take advantage of, but that doesn't detract from what has been agreed by all members that we will not sacrifice nation-v-nation cricket. Everyone recognises its importance. People are not disregarding it."
There has been plenty of criticism of the growing importance put on Twenty20 cricket, a lucrative proposition across the globe. Most of it has centred around the Indian Premier League's (IPL) second edition, provisionally scheduled for April-May 2009, which clashes with Sri Lanka's tour of England and its third season, which will clash with Bangladesh's tour of England.
"Out of a difficult situation can come a lot of good," Lorgat said. "If there wasn't an interest in the sport there wouldn't be so many challenges. I would rather come into a scenario where things are moving at great speed, with new forms of cricket and a new audience."
The first edition of the IPL, devised by Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president Lalit Modi, was a huge success and the inaugural Champions League -- backed by the Indian board -- will be held in India from December 3-10, where two teams each from India, Australia and South Africa, and Middlesex and Pakistan's Twenty20 champion will compete.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tahir renews Hants deal
Pakistani leg-spinner Imran Tahir has signed a new contract with Hampshire which will keep him with the southern English county for another two years, it was announced Wednesday.
Tahir has had a dramatic effect on Hampshire's fortunes this season since making his club debut in July, helping transform the Rose Bowl-based side from seeming certainties for relegation to having an outside shot at becoming county champions for the first time in 35 years.
Before the final round of matches, which started on Wednesday, Tahir had taken 36 wickets in six Championship fixtures at a meagre average of just over 17 apiece.
It looked as if he would miss the last match of the season, away to Nottinghamshire, the First Division leaders, when he was recalled for pre-season training by the Titans before the South African franchise relented and allowed him to play at Trent Bridge.
"This is fantastic news for Hampshire cricket and all our members and supporters," Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said.
"'Immy' has made a massive contribution to Hampshire cricket since his arrival in July and he has become a real favourite both in the dressing room and with our members and spectators.
"I am extremely pleased that he has chosen to commit himself to Hampshire for the next two seasons - and I am sure that he will continue to be one of the most potent and successful spinners on the county circuit."
Tahir, 29, added: "I am very grateful to Hampshire for giving me the opportunity to continue to play for this amazing club."
News that Tahir would be staying with Hampshire came on the same day the county revealed that England Under-19 all-rounder Liam Dawson would be staying at the Rose Bowl for a further three years.
Dawson has enjoyed a fine first full county season, with the 18-year-old left-arm spinner and middle-order batsman nominated for the Cricket Writers' Young Cricketer of the Year award, won this month by England's Ravi Bopara.
"I'm delighted to have signed a new three-year contract with Hampshire," said Dawson, who effectively counts as a homegrown product after being born and brought-up in the neighbouring county of Wiltshire, which does not have a first-class cricket team.
"The club have shown a lot of faith in me and I hope to repay with good performances."
Acting team manager Giles White added: "The long-term deal Liam has been offered reflects how highly he is regarded.
"We see him playing a big part in Hampshire cricket's future. I can't think of a more exciting young prospect in the country."
Hampshire's Tahir-inspired push for the title has come in their first season since former captain and Australia leg-spin great Shane Warne left the county after retiring from first-class cricket.
Tahir has had a dramatic effect on Hampshire's fortunes this season since making his club debut in July, helping transform the Rose Bowl-based side from seeming certainties for relegation to having an outside shot at becoming county champions for the first time in 35 years.
Before the final round of matches, which started on Wednesday, Tahir had taken 36 wickets in six Championship fixtures at a meagre average of just over 17 apiece.
It looked as if he would miss the last match of the season, away to Nottinghamshire, the First Division leaders, when he was recalled for pre-season training by the Titans before the South African franchise relented and allowed him to play at Trent Bridge.
"This is fantastic news for Hampshire cricket and all our members and supporters," Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said.
"'Immy' has made a massive contribution to Hampshire cricket since his arrival in July and he has become a real favourite both in the dressing room and with our members and spectators.
"I am extremely pleased that he has chosen to commit himself to Hampshire for the next two seasons - and I am sure that he will continue to be one of the most potent and successful spinners on the county circuit."
Tahir, 29, added: "I am very grateful to Hampshire for giving me the opportunity to continue to play for this amazing club."
News that Tahir would be staying with Hampshire came on the same day the county revealed that England Under-19 all-rounder Liam Dawson would be staying at the Rose Bowl for a further three years.
Dawson has enjoyed a fine first full county season, with the 18-year-old left-arm spinner and middle-order batsman nominated for the Cricket Writers' Young Cricketer of the Year award, won this month by England's Ravi Bopara.
"I'm delighted to have signed a new three-year contract with Hampshire," said Dawson, who effectively counts as a homegrown product after being born and brought-up in the neighbouring county of Wiltshire, which does not have a first-class cricket team.
"The club have shown a lot of faith in me and I hope to repay with good performances."
Acting team manager Giles White added: "The long-term deal Liam has been offered reflects how highly he is regarded.
"We see him playing a big part in Hampshire cricket's future. I can't think of a more exciting young prospect in the country."
Hampshire's Tahir-inspired push for the title has come in their first season since former captain and Australia leg-spin great Shane Warne left the county after retiring from first-class cricket.
Jankovic on course
World number two Jelena Jankovic continued her bid for the top women's ranking with an opening win in the China Open Wednesday as local favourite Zheng Jie restored wounded local pride.
Top seed Jankovic will play Daniela Hantuchova in the quarterfinals in Beijing after beating Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-3, 7-5 on a rain-interrupted day.
A tournament win here for Jankovic, who had a brief spell as world number one in August, would take her to within a handful of points of Serena Williams at the top of the women's game.
The Serbian was pushed hard by her powerful opponent in a hard-fought second set but eventually prevailed.
In a see-saw match earlier in the evening Hantuchova, the Slovakian seventh seed, beat Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1, 0-6, 7-5.
The world number 13 looked set for a routine victory after taking the first set easily but her Thai opponent came back strongly.
"The conditions were extremely difficult and the balls were so heavy it was difficult to put any winners past her because she was moving so well," said Hantuchova.
"I've never played in this cold. There was fog coming out of my mouth. I thought maybe I should go skiing instead of playing tennis," she added.
Play was suspended until mid-afternoon due to steady rain, but when the action got underway, China's Zheng completed a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win over Agnieszka Radwanska.
Her win came after four players from the host nation crashed out of the women's draw Tuesday, including the country's top player Li Na.
Wimbledon semi-finalist Zheng said her first round victory over the 10th-ranked Pole would be a boost.
"To beat a top-ten player I think will give me more confidence and I hope I will end the year with a higher ranking," added Zheng, who reached a career-high of number 27 in 2006.
In other first round results Wednesday, men's fifth seed Fernando Verdasco eased through against Bobby Reynolds 6-3, 6-3 and US eighth seed Sam Querrey survived a scare, battling back against compatriot Jesse Levine to win 1-6, 6-2, 7-6.
Jankovic and fellow Serb Ana Ivanovic are the top two seeds at the 600,000-dollar China Open, with both chasing the women's number one spot.
In the men's 524,000-dollar tournament, 2007 champion and Olympic silver medallist Fernando Gonzalez, who starts his defence Thursday, will face a tough battle to retain his title in Beijing, with top seeds David Ferrer and Andy Roddick in the hunt.
Top seed Jankovic will play Daniela Hantuchova in the quarterfinals in Beijing after beating Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-3, 7-5 on a rain-interrupted day.
A tournament win here for Jankovic, who had a brief spell as world number one in August, would take her to within a handful of points of Serena Williams at the top of the women's game.
The Serbian was pushed hard by her powerful opponent in a hard-fought second set but eventually prevailed.
In a see-saw match earlier in the evening Hantuchova, the Slovakian seventh seed, beat Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1, 0-6, 7-5.
The world number 13 looked set for a routine victory after taking the first set easily but her Thai opponent came back strongly.
"The conditions were extremely difficult and the balls were so heavy it was difficult to put any winners past her because she was moving so well," said Hantuchova.
"I've never played in this cold. There was fog coming out of my mouth. I thought maybe I should go skiing instead of playing tennis," she added.
Play was suspended until mid-afternoon due to steady rain, but when the action got underway, China's Zheng completed a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win over Agnieszka Radwanska.
Her win came after four players from the host nation crashed out of the women's draw Tuesday, including the country's top player Li Na.
Wimbledon semi-finalist Zheng said her first round victory over the 10th-ranked Pole would be a boost.
"To beat a top-ten player I think will give me more confidence and I hope I will end the year with a higher ranking," added Zheng, who reached a career-high of number 27 in 2006.
In other first round results Wednesday, men's fifth seed Fernando Verdasco eased through against Bobby Reynolds 6-3, 6-3 and US eighth seed Sam Querrey survived a scare, battling back against compatriot Jesse Levine to win 1-6, 6-2, 7-6.
Jankovic and fellow Serb Ana Ivanovic are the top two seeds at the 600,000-dollar China Open, with both chasing the women's number one spot.
In the men's 524,000-dollar tournament, 2007 champion and Olympic silver medallist Fernando Gonzalez, who starts his defence Thursday, will face a tough battle to retain his title in Beijing, with top seeds David Ferrer and Andy Roddick in the hunt.
Georgia can play WC qualifiers at home
Georgia can play their next two World Cup qualifying home matches in the capital Tbilisi, FIFA said Tuesday, after the calming of hostilities in the former Soviet republic.
Georgia, who sit bottom of Group 8 after two defeats, are to play Cyprus on October 11 and Bulgaria four days later as they bid for a place at the finals in South Africa in 2010.
The global footballing authority said it would continue to monitor the situation in the war-torn country, but that "it did not see anything to suggest that the organisation and security for these matches will not be assured."
Georgia were forced to play their 'home' tie against the Republic of Ireland on September 6 in Germany after fighting broke out with Russia in August.
Georgia, who sit bottom of Group 8 after two defeats, are to play Cyprus on October 11 and Bulgaria four days later as they bid for a place at the finals in South Africa in 2010.
The global footballing authority said it would continue to monitor the situation in the war-torn country, but that "it did not see anything to suggest that the organisation and security for these matches will not be assured."
Georgia were forced to play their 'home' tie against the Republic of Ireland on September 6 in Germany after fighting broke out with Russia in August.
Platini slates Wenger
England's League Managers' Association (LMA) said Wednesday it was "astonished and dismayed" by the recent verbal attacks on Arsene Wenger by UEFA president Michel Platini.
In an interview with the French daily newspaper the Dauphine Libere, former France captain Platini criticised his compatriot for having a business rather than a football mentality.
The head of European football's governing body also attacked the Arsenal manager for calling for the introduction of video replays to rule on questionable refereeing decisions.
Later in the interview, Platini again targeted Wenger when asked about his thoughts on Romanian side CFR Cluj's unexpected victory over Roma in the Champions League last week.
"That is what makes football so great," Platini said. "It is what people like Wenger do not want, little clubs beating the big clubs, because they want their business."
Wenger said he was "stunned" by Platini's words and Howard Wilkinson, the LMA chairman added: "Platini has made serious and personal comments about one of football's greatest ever managers, who is also counted among our most respected members.
"If Platini wishes to address certain issues with Arsene Wenger this would better be done privately and not in the public domain," said the former Leeds manager, who had a brief caretaker spell in charge of England.
"I believe Arsene has always acted in the best interests of the game."
In an interview with the French daily newspaper the Dauphine Libere, former France captain Platini criticised his compatriot for having a business rather than a football mentality.
The head of European football's governing body also attacked the Arsenal manager for calling for the introduction of video replays to rule on questionable refereeing decisions.
Later in the interview, Platini again targeted Wenger when asked about his thoughts on Romanian side CFR Cluj's unexpected victory over Roma in the Champions League last week.
"That is what makes football so great," Platini said. "It is what people like Wenger do not want, little clubs beating the big clubs, because they want their business."
Wenger said he was "stunned" by Platini's words and Howard Wilkinson, the LMA chairman added: "Platini has made serious and personal comments about one of football's greatest ever managers, who is also counted among our most respected members.
"If Platini wishes to address certain issues with Arsene Wenger this would better be done privately and not in the public domain," said the former Leeds manager, who had a brief caretaker spell in charge of England.
"I believe Arsene has always acted in the best interests of the game."
Gomez back in form
After the nightmare of his Euro 2008 flop, Germany striker Mario Gomez is enjoying his return to form with seven goals in seven games for VfB Stuttgart ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers.
The 23-year-old scored 28 goals in 32 games for his club last season only to end up being dropped from the Germany team during die Mannschaft's journey to the Euro 2008 final, but has rediscovered his form this season.
Having created a goal and scored one himself in last Sunday's 3-1 Bundesliga win over Karlsruhe, Gomez is hoping to force his way back into the Germany team for October's World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Wales.
"That goal (against Karlsruhe) was for everyone who has tried to talk me into believing I was suffering a crisis," said Gomez, who has also scored six goals for Germany in 17 appearances.
With Germany playing Russia in Dortmund on October 11 and Wales four days later in Moenchengladbach, Gomez is hoping to feature in coach Joachim Loew's plans ahead of Bayern Munich strikers Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski.
Having started all three group games for Germany at Euro 2008, Gomez was dropped for the quarter and semifinals, before coming off the bench with 11 minutes left of the final in Vienna as Spain went on to claim a 1-0 win.
Gomez admits he started to doubt himself as the tournament progressed, but says it was all "good life experience".
"What happened to me actually did me some good, since then things have picked up and it helps to have something negative to compare it to.
The 23-year-old scored 28 goals in 32 games for his club last season only to end up being dropped from the Germany team during die Mannschaft's journey to the Euro 2008 final, but has rediscovered his form this season.
Having created a goal and scored one himself in last Sunday's 3-1 Bundesliga win over Karlsruhe, Gomez is hoping to force his way back into the Germany team for October's World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Wales.
"That goal (against Karlsruhe) was for everyone who has tried to talk me into believing I was suffering a crisis," said Gomez, who has also scored six goals for Germany in 17 appearances.
With Germany playing Russia in Dortmund on October 11 and Wales four days later in Moenchengladbach, Gomez is hoping to feature in coach Joachim Loew's plans ahead of Bayern Munich strikers Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski.
Having started all three group games for Germany at Euro 2008, Gomez was dropped for the quarter and semifinals, before coming off the bench with 11 minutes left of the final in Vienna as Spain went on to claim a 1-0 win.
Gomez admits he started to doubt himself as the tournament progressed, but says it was all "good life experience".
"What happened to me actually did me some good, since then things have picked up and it helps to have something negative to compare it to.
Owen sad at Keegan exit
Newcastle captain Michael Owen has said he and his team-mates were "saddened" to see manager Kevin Keegan quit but warned the Magpies they had to "snap out of the doom".
The Premier League side, put up for sale by owner Mike Ashley, have lost their last three matches and on Wednesday take on basement side Tottenham, the only team below them in the top flight, in the League Cup.
England striker Owen, whose goal couldn't prevent Newcastle being beaten by West Ham last weekend, said: "We all liked Kevin Keegan and we were sad to see him go.
"We are all feeling it at the moment - but we have got to snap out of the doom and gloom and try and get some confidence and results, and at the minute, not picking up the results is hurting the players.
"We are as much in the dark as the fans as to the next move and it does not make it any easier as Kevin Keegan was very popular with the players and the fans."
Owen has played under four managers since arriving at St James' Park from Real Madrid in 2005 - Graeme Souness, who signed him, Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce and Keegan.
"You almost become immune to these happenings in football nowadays and I have seen plenty in my time," said Owen, who made his name at Liverpool.
"I had three managers in the space of a few months at Real Madrid.
"It's unfortunate but that's the way it goes. But players are paid to play and we have got to go out there and perform."
Newcastle have been put up for sale after owner Mike Ashley bowed to fan pressure and agreed to cut his links with the club.
Amidst all the speculation surrounding the future of the north-east side, there have been reports of several players wanting to leave the club but long-serving goalkeeper Steve Harper, who was at Newcastle during Keegan's first spell as manager, insisted those comments were wide of the mark.
"People talk about 11 or 12 players wanting to leave - I have been in that dressing room for a long time, but recently, I have not heard one person say they want to leave this club," Harper said.
"We are in a difficult position at the minute which a result tomorrow (Wednesday) night would lift us out of. We are a small, tight-knit squad."
The Premier League side, put up for sale by owner Mike Ashley, have lost their last three matches and on Wednesday take on basement side Tottenham, the only team below them in the top flight, in the League Cup.
England striker Owen, whose goal couldn't prevent Newcastle being beaten by West Ham last weekend, said: "We all liked Kevin Keegan and we were sad to see him go.
"We are all feeling it at the moment - but we have got to snap out of the doom and gloom and try and get some confidence and results, and at the minute, not picking up the results is hurting the players.
"We are as much in the dark as the fans as to the next move and it does not make it any easier as Kevin Keegan was very popular with the players and the fans."
Owen has played under four managers since arriving at St James' Park from Real Madrid in 2005 - Graeme Souness, who signed him, Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce and Keegan.
"You almost become immune to these happenings in football nowadays and I have seen plenty in my time," said Owen, who made his name at Liverpool.
"I had three managers in the space of a few months at Real Madrid.
"It's unfortunate but that's the way it goes. But players are paid to play and we have got to go out there and perform."
Newcastle have been put up for sale after owner Mike Ashley bowed to fan pressure and agreed to cut his links with the club.
Amidst all the speculation surrounding the future of the north-east side, there have been reports of several players wanting to leave the club but long-serving goalkeeper Steve Harper, who was at Newcastle during Keegan's first spell as manager, insisted those comments were wide of the mark.
"People talk about 11 or 12 players wanting to leave - I have been in that dressing room for a long time, but recently, I have not heard one person say they want to leave this club," Harper said.
"We are in a difficult position at the minute which a result tomorrow (Wednesday) night would lift us out of. We are a small, tight-knit squad."
Benzema valued at 100m euros
Lyon have slapped a 100 million euro price tag on France international starlet Karim Benzema, according to club president Jean-Michel Aulas on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old, voted last year's player of the year, has got off to a flyer again this season, netting five times to top the French first division's goalscoring chart.
His cool and intelligent 85th minute goal against Fiorentina last week earned Lyon a vital Champions League point, and saved French blushes in the tournament after both Bordeaux and Marseille were defeated.
"We have signed a contract with him until 2013, with a get-out clause of 100 million euros," said Aulas, adding that Benzema was integral to their bid for Champions League glory, a tournament in which they have never progressed past the last 16.
Benzema has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Since 2007 he has become a permanent fixture in France coach Raymond Domenech's plans, featuring in their Euro 2008 championship campaign.
The 20-year-old, voted last year's player of the year, has got off to a flyer again this season, netting five times to top the French first division's goalscoring chart.
His cool and intelligent 85th minute goal against Fiorentina last week earned Lyon a vital Champions League point, and saved French blushes in the tournament after both Bordeaux and Marseille were defeated.
"We have signed a contract with him until 2013, with a get-out clause of 100 million euros," said Aulas, adding that Benzema was integral to their bid for Champions League glory, a tournament in which they have never progressed past the last 16.
Benzema has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Since 2007 he has become a permanent fixture in France coach Raymond Domenech's plans, featuring in their Euro 2008 championship campaign.
Possebon avoids broken leg
Rodrigo Possebon, the Manchester United youngster on the receiving end of a horror tackle by Middlesbrough's Emanuel Pogatetz, has not broken his right leg, as first feared, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder had to be given oxygen and was stretchered off after Pogatetz's x-rated challenge in the second half of United's 3-1 League Cup win at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening
A club spokesman said: "We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break to his right leg. He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee."
Pogatetz received a straight red card for the challenge, which his manager Gareth Southgate admitted he could not defend, and is now facing a ban of at least three matches.
The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder had to be given oxygen and was stretchered off after Pogatetz's x-rated challenge in the second half of United's 3-1 League Cup win at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening
A club spokesman said: "We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break to his right leg. He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee."
Pogatetz received a straight red card for the challenge, which his manager Gareth Southgate admitted he could not defend, and is now facing a ban of at least three matches.
German Cup: Schalke, Bremen thru'
Germany defender Heiko Westermann hit two second-half goals to seal Schalke 04's 2-0 win over Hanover and put the Royal Blues into the German Cup's third round alongside Werder Bremen on Tuesday.
Bundesliga leaders Schalke had few problems as Westermann struck in the 56 and 78th minutes to put his side through.
"I am pleased with the result," said Royal Blues coach Fred Rutten.
"We only had one chance in the first-half, but after the break we were superior, although we still have things to work on."
Werder, seventh in the Bundesliga thanks to their 5-2 hammering of defending champions Bayern Munich on Saturday, had to come from behind to win 2-1 at third division Erzgebirge Aue to reach next January's third round.
Aue's Fabian Muller put the home side ahead after just seven minutes, Bremen's hard-working Peru striker Claudio Pizarro equalised for the guests on 26 minutes.
And Swedish striker Markus Rosenberg scored his third goal in two games - after his Bundesliga brace in Munich last Saturday - on 54 minutes to give his side the winner.
"That was a difficult game for us, but we expected a hard game along the way," said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf.
"Aue played well and demanded a lot from us. We are glad we are in the next round."
Bundesliga strugglers Energie Cottbus made the third round by converting all three of the penalties they were rewarded to claim a 3-0 win over Borussia Moechengladbach as Italian midfielder Ervin Skela slotted home two second-half spot-kicks.
Second division Mainz had no trouble beating Cologne 3-1, while Eintracht Frankfurt were another Bundesliga side beaten by a side from the league below when they fell 2-1 to Hansa Rostock after extra-time.
Rostock striker Enrico Kern hit the winner in the 101st minute of extra-time to put the second division side through to the next round.
Bayer Leverkusen made the third round with a 2-0 win at second division Augsburg while 1860 Munich beat Duisburg 5-4 on penalties.
In Wednesday night's second round ties, German Cup holders Bayern Munich take on Bavaria neighbours Nuremberg while last season's beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund entertain Hertha Berlin.
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