Top News Top News Section English 35 <![CDATA[Australian coach Arthur faces fans' wrath, deletes Twitter account]]> Sydney: Beleaguered Australian cricket coach Mickey Arthur on Tuesday deleted his Twitter account after being continuously ridiculed by fans in the wake of the team's woeful Test run in India.
 

"Thanks twitter,has been fun but deleting my account now!Thanks to all the genuine supporters out there," said Arthur on Twitter, a day after Australia lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

 

The Aussies are trailing 0-3 in the four-match series, beaten by six wickets in the just-concluded third Test. They would be desperate to avoid a whitewash when they take the field for the fourth Test in Delhi starting Friday.

 

Arthur's Twitter page has several messages from users, lampooning him, and one of them reads, "Hey Mickey Mouse @MickeyArthur do you have enough quicks for 3rd Test? Now it's going to be a seamer so I suggest you play 4 spinners...,".

 

"@MickeyArthur How's the team spirit this morn? Did they all wear the correct uniform? Did Hughes and Warner scrub skippers whites for him?"

 

The South African's decision to close his account was also greeted with ridiculing comments.

 

@adam_pearce13 said "It's about time you focus on the cricket anyway."

 

Another, @willderen tweeted to Arthur "You're an idiot.", @MarkCooper said "you suck", while @KevinWilde described Arthur's move to delete his account as "weak".

 

Arthur, who guided South Africa to the top of the ICC rankings, has endured a rather tough tenure with the Aussies, who have gone from being invincible to a vulnerable team in transition.
]]> 6965548 2013-03-19 12:22:00 PTI http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-australian-coach-arthur-faces-fans-wrath-deletes-twitter-account-4212104-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[In Pics: At IPL, it\'s raining fours, sixes, hugs and kisses!]]> New Delhi: A game of glorious uncertainties, cricket is often about heart-stopping moments, unbelievable upsets and nail-biting finishes for spectators everywhere.


 


Imagine, then, the adrenaline rush that franchise owners, with stakes far bigger then the average fan's, must experience at every twist and turn in the high-voltage on-field action.


 


With the sixth edition of IPL now underway, the drama is back, and so are dramatic reactions to each victory and each disappointment.


 


Take a look at IPL owners and their family-- from Shahrukh Khan to Preity Zinta to Raj Kundra and Sidharth Mallya-- caught in candid moments.


 


(Source: Dainik Bhaskar)

]]> 7333179 2013-04-05 14:28:00 Dainikbhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-in-pics-at-ipl-its-raining-fours-sixes-hugs-and-kisses-4227066-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[IPL6: Shilpa, sister Shamita and son Vian cheer as RR drowns KKR!]]> New Delhi: The IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders might have turned out to be a bit of a damp squib for cricket lovers who had been expecting a closer contest on Sunday night.


But for many, the presence of one of Bollywood's most loved stars along with her loved ones more than made up for the lacklustre, one-sided affair that the match was was all about.


 


Take a look at Rajasthan Royals co-owner and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, her son Vian and sister Shamita Shetty as they cheered for her team.


(Images: Dainikbhaskar.com)

]]> 7431675 2013-04-09 13:55:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl6-shilpa-sister-shamita-and-son-vian-cheer-as-rr-drowns-kkr-4230496-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[IPL 6: How an SMS changed 17-year-old Kumar Boresa\'s life]]> New Delhi: An SMS that changed a teenager’s life.  Meet 17-year-Old Kumar Boresa from Pali, Rajasthan. A Xth standard student who couldn’t even afford to visit Jaipur due to financial constraints, is now not only a part of the multi-million-dollar Indian Premier League but has also been awarded a contract that could transform his life forever.  A classic tale of rags to riches.



Rajasthan Royal awarded an IPL contract to Kumar Boresa, winner of the ‘Cricket Star Rajasthan 2012’ – a talent hunt jointly hosted by Rajasthan Royals and Dainik Bhaskar to unearth the hidden cricketing talent in Rajasthan.



The 17-year-old Kumar who won the contest in 2012 signed a contract with the Rajasthan Royals worth Rs 10 lakh and is in fact donning the Royal Blue jersey in the ongoing season six of the million-dollar Indian Premier League.



The cricket star programme was organized in Rajasthan from September to November last year and included an SMS-based application system following which the applicants were tested on various skills in the various centres across the state by Royals’ Coach Monty Desai and other appointed talent scouts.



Kumar Boresa was chosen as ‘Cricket Star Rajasthan’ winner for his fine spin bowling, all-round skills, discipline, enthusiasm and fair play.



While the initial grand prize was just an internship with the Royals, the team management unanimously decided to upgrade the internship, impressed with the lad, to a full IPL contract with Rajasthan Royals.



Even though Kumar lost his father, during his training period, the youngster never lost his focus, remained undeterred and eventually reaped benefits of his hard work. “There were times when I didn’t even have enough money to attend training sessions or play matches. My mother often used to borrow money to ensure I fulfilled my father’s dream of playing cricket at the highest level”



Left-arm spinner - Boresa, who plays for Pali District Cricket Association, has represented the Rajasthan U-16 team in the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2009 and 2010.



Even though Boresa is yet to make his dream debut, the young lad reflects on the hardships faced by him and his family “Due to the financial crunch, there were times when I practiced continuously for hours on almost empty stomach.”



Daniel Vettori and Murali Kartik being his inspirations – Kumar is eagerly awaiting his chance to go up against two of the game’s biggest Names. “ I wish to bowl against Viru & Sachin & would love to get their wicket.”

]]> 7652235 2013-04-18 23:17:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl-6-how-an-sms-changed-17-year-old-kumar-boresas-life-4239296-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[A Phenomenon Called \'SIR RAVINDRA JADEJA\']]>

 



Sir Don Bradman...

Sir Richard Hadlee...

Sir Vivian Richards...

 

A few cricketers who were knighted for their service to the gentleman’s game.

 

Cut to 2013, and you’ve got an addition to this list. And it has taken him 65 ODIs and just 5 Tests to top the popularity charts. Don’t believe us? Type ‘SIR’ in google and you’ll see who we are referring to.

 

Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Jadeja had been a name long forgotten by the cricketing fraternity.

 

Until the poor Aussies came calling earlier this year. 4 tests, 24 wickets at an economy rate of under 3 runs an over.

 

Yes the Aussies were whitewashed 4-nil, but more importantly, Border Gavaskar Trophy 2013 will always be remembered for the emergence of a phenomenon called ‘SIR RAVINDRA JADEJA’  which sent the social media into tizzy.

 

Tweets, Videos, Status updates, SMS Jokes, you name it and ‘Sir’ was already on it.

 

But it weren’t just the dotcoms that were blinded by his awesomeness, Mr. Mallya’s high-flying Challengers too were grounded by some breathtaking display of Sir Jadeja’s willow.

 

And in a true way Sir Jadeja has emerged as the single biggest threat to another legend of social media Sir  Rajinikanth. In fact rumour mills are working overtime and sources tell Sir Rajini has decided to pass on the baton to Saurashtra’s superman!

 

And skipper MSD too decided to join the fun during the ongoing IPL and has been quite consistent in praising his teammate. Here are some of MSD's Jadejaisms...

 

:God realised RAJNI sir is getting old so he created sir ravindra jadeja"

 

"Sir jadeja once wanted to make a silt mountain to play as a kid now v all call it mt. Everest"

 

"Leaving for practice at 3pm but the stadium is coming so tht sir jadeja can practice"

 

"Whenever sir jadeja makes an error its an invention and on a daily basis v get plenty of those, all patent pending"

 

"Sir jadeja doesn't run to take the catch but the ball finds him and lands on his hand"

 

"Wen sir jadeja drives his jeep, his jeep remains still and road moves and wen he goes in to bat the pavilion moves to the wkt"

 

 



 

]]> 7677292 2013-04-20 08:41:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-a-phenom-called-sir-ravindra-jadeja-4240318-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[The man who accused Sachin Tendulkar of ball-tampering dies]]> London: Former England captain Mike Denness died aged 72 on Friday after a long battle with cancer.
 

Denness was the only Scotsman ever to captain England, leading the team in 19 of his 28 Tests between 1969 and 1975.

 

He also played 12 one-day internationals and went onto become an ICC match referee.

 

Denness was awarded an OBE in this year's New Years Honours for services to sport.

 

His reign as England captain was marred by a strained relationship with Geoff Boycott, then one of the team's star performers.

 

During the 1974-75 tour of Australia, Denness dropped himself for the fourth Test after making just 65 runs in his first six innings

 

But he returned to hit 188 in the Melbourne Test which, at the time, was the highest score by an England captain in Australia.

 

Denness played county cricket for Kent and Essex, scoring more than 25,000 runs in his first-class career and captaining Kent to six domestic trophies between 1972 and 1976.

 

During his time as an ICC match referee his controversial decision to sanction six Indian players in Port Elizabeth during the 2001/2002 tour prompted the Indian and South African boards to ban Denness from officiating in the next match.

 

The ICC responded by withdrawing Test status from the game.

 

Kent chairman George Kennedy said: "This is an extremely sad day for the club. We have lost one of our great players, a very successful captain and a good friend.

 

"It is particularly sad that this has happened during his year as president. Our thoughts are with Mike's family and friends at this time."

 

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier saluted the long-serving Denness for his contributions to the game from player to administrator.

 

"Mike was a man who gave so much to our game in so many different ways as a player, captain, match referee and administrator," he said.

 

"I had the honour of working with Mike in my first role in cricket administration at Essex and Mike was a wonderful source of advice and knowledge. He will be sorely missed by all, especially by everyone at Kent.

 

"All at ECB were delighted to see him receive national recognition for his service to cricket in the recent New Year's Honours list and we send our condolences today to his partner Doreen, immediate family and all his many friends within the First Class game."

 

(Click to the next slide for Mike Denness and Indian cricket team incident)
]]> 7690034 2013-04-20 10:30:00 AFP http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/WOR-TOP-the-man-who-had-accused-sachin-tendulkar-of-ball-tampering-dies-4240972-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Is cheerleading the toughest sport in the world?]]> New Delhi: Cheerleading, a recent concept in India, has changed the face of sports in the nation. The acrobatics and nimbleness of these glamorous and sensuous girls, mostly sourced from erstwhile Soviet republics, are a pleasant distraction from the high-octane T20 clashes both for the players and the spectators. Cheerleaders have become so integral to IPL that it is difficult imagining of IP, without cheerleaders.


 

But cheerleading is not as easy as it appears, a fact concealed by façade of smile which these girls have been trained to put on irrespective of pain they encounter. In fact, several years of grueling training goes behind making each cheerleader and every moment in the profession is life-threatening, literally.  

 

 
]]> 7762638 2013-04-23 11:10:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-is-cheerleading-the-toughest-sport-in-the-world-4243754-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[British scribe calls Dhoni 21st century\'s top sportsman!]]> London: Recognising his amazing ability to win matches from nowhere, a British newspaper has named Indian cricket captain as the best sportsman in the 21st century award.
 

Telegraph writer Simon Hughes, in his article, claimed that Dhoni has an amazing ability to bat during preassure. Dhoni, he said, has wielded his willow tremendously under pressure to win matches for not just India but also for his side in the Indian Premier League. Hughes said that he has not seen this form of ability after Basketball legend Michael Jordan. The sports writer first remembered how Jordan won matches in dying seconds for Chicago Bulls in NBA and his rivals watched helplessly and then narrates how Dhoni does it for India and Chennai Super Kings.

 

The sports writer says that if Michael Jordan was the greatest sportsman of the 20th century, Dhoni was an early candidate for 21st century.

 

"I thought of Jordan when watching MS Dhoni win yet another match for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL on Thursday night. He left it late. He usually does. His team needed 46 from the last four overs, two of which were to be bowled by Dale Steyn, the no.1 bowler in the world.

 

We wondered this time if he had left it too late. But no. Steyn's first ball was manhandled over deep mid wicket for a big six, and his second, a fast bouncer was deposited over long on for another with an extraordinary forehand smash.

 

.....He had scored 41 of those 46 to win from just 12 balls faced," Hughes wrote in the Telegraph.

 

Hughes writes that the way Jordan's rival teams watched him crush them helplessly, Dhoni is doing the same to his opponents consistently.

 

"As a one off it was remarkable enough. But the fact is that Dhoni keeps doing this - in one-day internationals, in IPL matches, even in world cup finals, and the stage doesn't get any bigger than that. You watch him and marvel at his skill and bravado and unrelenting consistency.

 

"There is this total certainty in his body language, intensely reassuring to his team-mates and utterly demoralising to his opponents.

 

"Like Jordan, there is an inevitability in what he is going to do. All who oppose him know exactly what his intentions are. And yet they seem inert, and he is unstoppable, almost invincible, fuelled as he is by the power of positive thought. And remember he keeps wicket and captains too, in all formats of the game.

 

"If you were looking for an early candidate as sportsman of the 21st century, look no further," the writer claims in the article.

 

While Hughes' open praise for Dhoni has come as a jolt to Sachin Tendulkar's fans, Dhoni fans have welcomed the report. Tendulkar fan club claim that Hughes have overlooked the master blaster, who has many records to his name - including the most centuries by any batsmen - during his prolific 24 year career.

 

Hughes open praise for Dhoni was also stemmed up from the fact that the latter, often referred as 'Captain cool', has won 123 of the 219 matches he has captained for the side. Not only this, of the 123 matches he has won for India, Dhoni has remained not out in 46 games. Dhoni has 6 ODI centuries and 30 half centuries to his name.

 

(image courtesy icc.cricket.com)
]]> 7864973 2013-04-27 18:38:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl-6-british-telegraph-newspaper-sports-writer-simon-hughes-overlooks-sachin-ca-4247975-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Why did absence of Virender Sehwag\'s wife make hotel staff happy?]]> Raipur: As Raipur is all set to host its first IPL match against Delhi Daredevils and Pune Warriors, the city is buzzing with cricket fever, with people travelling the great distance to the team hotel on Saturday just to catch a glimpse of the cricketers. Amidst all this the hotel staff has another reason to be happy about and that is the absence of Virender Sehwag's wife, Aarti. 
 

Wonder why?

 

Aarti, who usually accompanies Viru during his tours, is very conscious and choosy about food. 

 

Earlier, during a match in Nagpur, the manager of the hotel had a tough time catering to Mrs Sehwag's demands.   

 

Meanwhile, Delhi Daredevil’s opener Sehwag is not at all choosy about food. His cool attitude was appreciated by the staff. 

 

When Sehwag came down to have food, the head chef asked him what he would like to have. He said is his typical ‘Desi’ style, “kuch bhi khilade yaar (give me anything buddy).”

 

Later Sehwag ordered makki di roti and sarson ka saag. As the hotel staff served him his order, only thing Viru demanded was jaggery.  
]]> 7879603 2013-04-28 09:57:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-why-did-absence-of-virender-sehwags-wife-make-hotel-staff-happy-4248685-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Raipur joins IPL bandwagon; greets IPL fans with freebies & special offers]]> Raipur: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium registered its presence in the cricketing map, hosting Indian Premier League match between Delhi Daredevils and Pune Warriors India on Sunday.
 

In spite of its distance from the old city of Raipur, the match venue saw a packed house of 65,000-strong cricket lovers at the stadium. The facility, built by the state government in 2008, is about 20 kilometres outside the old city of Raipur and very close to the new, planned capital city, Naya Raipur. 

 

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, the newly-built stadium has already impressed the BCCI. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said that the kind of infrastructure is the most suitable venue to be allotted for the international matches, adding that he will discuss the possibility to consider the demand of state board to bring Champions league and other big matches here. Appreciating the arrangements, he said that hosting IPL matches with such great facilities has opened up the door for international cricket here.

 

Such was the level of excitement, that locals residing near the stadium offered freebies to fans, who travelled here for hosts Delhi Daredevils two matches. A Hindustan Times report claimed that one Ram Shanker Sinha offered to accommodate fans at his six-room house. 

 

While Sinha doled out free accommodation, a few dhaba owners announced special offers. Tourists coming for the match were promised a two-day stay at Rs. 2000, including breakfast and lunch per head. Other Dhaba owners have announced catering to those who come for the matches from outside Raipur.

 

The district administration has made travel arrangements from different locations of the city to the stadium, which is 21km away from here. Spectators were charged Rs. 25 for a bus ride from the railway station to the stadium.
]]> 7909492 2013-04-29 12:07:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl-6-raipurs-shaheed-veer-narayan-singh-international-cricket-stadium-joins-ipl-4249638-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[When Dirk Nannes challenged \'Captain Cool\' MS Dhoni]]> Chennai: Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has often been known for his calm, composed self on the field. Often called 'Captain cool' by team mates, Dhoni has steered wins for the Indian team when  most of the team have buckled under preassure. 
 

Well, even Dhoni could not handle the preassure of leading the IPL team on Sunday - courtesy Dirk Nannes. All it required was a first over spell by the Australian, to see the other side of Dhoni. 

 

This happened during Chennai Super Kings' clash with Kolkata Knight Tiders. Nannes' wayward opening over on return to the side knocked off 18. The fact that the over saw 12 in extras made it even force for him. He began with a wide down the leg side that MS Dhoni failed to collect. This was followed by a front-foot no-ball, that meant the bowler had to ball an extra ball. The free hit ball hit the bails and went for four byes.  

 

End result: The score board read one ball and 10 runs. 

 

Click on the next slide for a detailed stroy.
]]> 7905948 2013-04-30 08:32:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-when-dirk-nannes-challenged-captain-cool-indian-captain-and-chennai-super-kings--4249600-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Even Spiderman, Iron Man watch IPL: We\'ve got Proof!]]> Mumbai: They might have not starred together, but IPL provided a platform for Spider-Man and Iron Man to meet their fans in Mumbai. Crowd at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium were taken in for surprise as the superheroes made special appearance during a match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday (April 27).
 

What was more interesting was to see the superheroes shake legs with Mumbai Indians' cheer leaders. Spider-Man and Iron Man put together a stellar performance, even making Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma show his moves as his side prepared to take to the field.

 

The performance was part of a promotion tool of Iron Man 3, which hit screens in India Friday, a week before the movie's release in the US. Mumbai Indians has associated themselves with the movie to cash in on its popularity. The IPL team has also launched a special range of Iron Man cricket merchandise.

 

Produced by Marvel and distributed by UTV Motion Pictures in India, the movie opened in India in IMAX 3D, 3D and 2D formats. The film has been dubbed in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

 

(photo courtesy BCCI)
]]> 7901742 2013-04-30 08:35:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-spiderman-iron-man-dropped-by-at-wankhede-stadium-during-the-mumbai-indians-and--4249545-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Why so serious? Sehwag refuses to celebrate Delhi's win over Pune]]> Raipur: Virender Sehwag withdrew into his room shortly after Delhi Daredevils' victory over Pune Warriors India while his team mates were seen celebrating the victory.
 

According to reports, the Delhi powerhouse even avoided spending leisure time with the team. Sources claimed that the 34-year-old batsman withdrew himself to his room, and even took lunch inside his room.

 

Reports claim that the Delhi batsman used the time to devise a strategy for the team's Sunday match against Pune Warriors India. The 34-year-old batsman used to go through the video recording of his batting performance and devise a strategy to work on his lapses.
]]> 7935320 2013-04-30 12:27:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-delhi-daredevils-batsman-virender-sehwag-withdrew-himself-before-match-with-pune-4250577-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Watch your line! Brutal linesman kicks player after final whistle]]> Russia: Musa Kadyrov has been handed over a lifetime ban from football after the former assaulted a player during last Friday’s game between Amkar and Terek. The Chechen linesman Musa Kadyrov shocked many when he assaulted Krichmara, this without provocation. 
 

Kadyrov lost the plot seconds after the clash ended and began punching and kicking Amkar’s Ilya Krichmara in one of the most shocking incidents of football violence seen this season. What proved worse was the reaction from the Terek players who took the chaos as an opportunity to rough up their opponents. 

 

The Russian FA moved quickly to punish Musa Kadyrov, handing him a lifetime ban for  unprovoked onsalught of kicks and punches. Chechan soccer chief, Lom-Ali Ibragimov, said that Kadyrov only worked on regional level. He said that a decision to ban him for life will make him unable to officiate matches at any level.

 

However the Russian players' union has asked for further punishments to be handed out to Terek.

 

Click here to watch the shocking video.
]]> 7932779 2013-04-30 13:14:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-watch-your-line-brutal-linesman-kicks-player-after-final-whistle-4250545-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[This is how birthday boy Rohit Sharma has fun!]]> Mumbai: A thrilling victory over Kings XI Punjab  to bolster their chances in the competition, that’s probably the best gift Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma would have got on the eve of his 26th birthday.
 

Leading from the front, Rohit on Monday pounded a clueless Punjab attack in a dazzling display of savage six-hitting, returning unbeaten on a 39-ball 79.

 

His innings, that came at a stunning strike rate of 202.56, was studded with six towering sixes besides an equal number of boundaries, and propelled Mumbai Indians to 170, a score that eventually proved enough, albeit by only 4 runs.

 

In an international career spanning six years, Sharma has drawn praises for his aggressive batting, and courted criticism for his patchy form in equal measure. 

 

His off- field antics, most notably his alleged link-up with British model Sofia Hyatt, too made him controversy’s favourite child for a couple of years.  While Sharma had denied any romantic liaison and claimed Sofia was just a fan, the latter had maintained they were indeed together.

 

Sharma spends most of his time at nets and in domestic competitions to cement his place in the national side, and unwinds by partying with friends.

 

We take a look at some candid moments in the talented batsman’s life. 

 

]]> 7936574 2013-04-30 18:17:00 dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-rohit-sharma-lights-up-mumbai-night-sky-on-birthday-eve-4250681-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[What are Pakistani nationals Mushtaq Ahmed, Waqar Younis doing in IPL?]]> Mumbai: The Indian Premier League is nearing its play off stages . A few selected teams, which have made it to the top 4, are rolling up their sleeves to retain their slots.
 

As it has turned out, the sixth edition of the IPL has provided its share of controversies. The participation of Sri Lankan players in matches played in Chennai, made things even worse. This is not the first time that politics have reigned over the tournament. Pakistani players have often bore the brunt of the never-dying political showdowns between Islamabad and New Delhi.

 

While we have not seen the Afridi's and the Razzaq's, a few across the border have silently let their presence known. 

 

For example, you must have ignored Asad Rauf (who is from Pakistan) umpiring on the field, or for instance, the coaching staffs of the IPL teams having Pakistani passports.

 

We bring you some of the controversial Pakistani figures who continue to participate in the tournament, while the players from the country remain outsiders in the same.  
]]> 7810090 2013-05-02 09:16:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl-6-no-pakistanis-in-ipl-but-check-this-out-4245868-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Untold tales of Cheerleaders: Behind the glamour lie tears and hard work]]> Raipur: You have seen them dancing, enjoying, having fun and still getting paid for that. Everything looks so nice and easy. The whole world is gazing at them, appreciating every body movement, and looking at the beauties with awe. Looks like a perfect world.


 


Well, hold on for a second. Behind all the cheers lies hours of daily practice, tiring exercises, diet regimes. Not to mention the exploitation that many girl go through, although they refuse to confess in open. In fact, it is so tiring that these girls are left with no energy at the end of the day.


 


Sadly, the glamour and excitement that you all see on TV is actually missing in their real life.


 


You will be surprised to know that their daily exercises and fitness schedule sometimes lasts for 12 long hours. This is not good for their health in the long run, but in order to look sexy and attractive, they are forced to remain in shape.


 


They do nearly all kinds of exercise that help them develop stamina, strength and flexibility. Girls with gymnastics and sports background make good cheerleader.

]]> 7958497 2013-05-02 14:04:00 Pooja Jain/Pankaj Sharma, Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-untold-tale-of-cheerleaders-behind-the-glamour-lie-tears-sweat-and-hard-work-4251795-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Revealed: Cricketer Kapil Dev was in \'love\' with this Bollywood actor]]> New Delhi: Think of Kapil Dev and the first image that comes to mind is the iconic image of a strapping Jat holding the World Cup in Lords’ balcony.


 


Dev, other than guiding India to World Cup glory, had many other high points in his career. With  over 400 Test wickets and more than 5000 Test runs, he remains India’s first, and perhaps the only genuine all-rounder.


 


Dev’s life has been an open book. Intense media glare all throughout his glittering cricketing career has ensured that there are not many secrets left unexplored in ‘Haryana Hurricane’s’ life.


 


However, we bring you a lesser known facet of Kapil Dev’s life. It’s his love story. Read on.

]]> 8071816 2013-05-06 15:37:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-revealed-kapil-devs-love-story-4256252-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Kumble to preside over ICC Cricket Committee, L Sivaramakrishnan elected players' representative]]> Dubai: In an appointment that was backed by the BCCI, former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan on Monday replaced Tim May as a players' representative on the ICC Cricket Committee.



"... Sivaramakrishnan is one of the two Current Player representatives (replacing Tim May). The other Current Player representative is former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has been on the committee since 2007," the ICC said in a statement on Monday.



"Sangakkara and Sivaramakrishnan were recently elected by a vote of the 10 Test captains, and will serve on the Cricket Committee for a three-year term from 2013-15," it added.



The appointment was preceded by the head of South Africa's players union's recent allegation that Indian interests have forced a re-vote for the position of players' representative.












 

 





Tony Irish, who is also on the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations, had said initial voting for the post by the 10 Test captains had chosen May, who has been a long-term senior players' advocate.



Meanwhile, the ICC further announced that the annual Cricket Committee meeting will take place in London on May 28 and 29.



The committee will be chaired for the first time by former India captain Anil Kumble, who has succeeded ex-West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd.



It will be the first ICC Cricket Committee meeting for Sivaramakrishnan and former England captain Andrew Strauss.



Strauss is one of the two Past Player representatives (replacing Ian Bishop).















 

 

 





The Cricket Committee's remit is to discuss cricket-playing matters and to make recommendations to the ICC Chief Executives' Committee and the ICC Board that will meet at Lord's during the annual conference week, from 25-29 June. 





The ICC Cricket Committee:



Chairman: Anil Kumble (former India captain)



Ex-Officio: Alan Isaac (ICC President) and David Richardson (ICC Chief Executive)



Past Player representatives: Mark Taylor (former Australia captain) and Andrew Strauss (former England captain)



Current Player representatives: Kumar Sangakkara (ex-Sri Lanka captain and current player) and Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (ex-India leg-spinner)



Full Member team coach representative: Gary Kirsten (South Africa coach)



Women's Cricket representative: Clare Connor (former England women's team captain)



Member Board representative: David White (NZC Chief Executive)



Associate representative: Trent Johnston (Former Ireland captain and current player)



Media representative: Ravi Shastri (former India captain and a commentator)



Umpires' representative: Steve Davis (member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires)



Referees' representative: Ranjan Madugalle (ICC chief match referee and former Sri Lanka captain)



MCC representative: John Stephenson (MCC's Head of Cricket)



Statistician representative: David Kendix (statistician/scorer).  

]]> 8071889 2013-05-06 16:20:00 PTI http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-kumble-to-preside-over-icc-cricket-committee-l-sivaramakrishnan-elected-players--4256305-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Dhoni\'s \'Lord Vishnu avataar\' new ad lands him in legal trouble!]]> Bangalore: A case has been registered in a local court against Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for allegedly “denigrating” a Hindu God and “hurting” the religious sentiments of the Hindus.
 

The 6th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Choori Khan registered a case under section 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) along with 34 of the Indian Penal Code against Dhoni on a complaint filed by social activist Jayakumar Hiremath.

 

In his complaint, Mr. Hiremath alleged that by posing for an advertisement in a business magazine as Lord Vishnu holding several things including a shoe in his hands, Dhoni had denigrated the Hindu god and hurt religious feelings of the Hindus.

 

Taking cognisance of the offence and registering the case, the court posted it to May 12 for recording of the statement of the complainant.

 
]]> 8072036 2013-05-06 21:12:00 PTI http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-dhonis-lord-vishnu-avataar-in-new-ad-lands-him-in-legal-trouble-4256405-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Here\'s why Kings XI Punjab\'s win failed to move Preity Zinta]]> Mohali: Kings XI Punjab snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the PCA stadium on Monday.
 

David Miller slammed 38-ball-101 to help Punjab chase down a huge 191 with two overs to spare as Bangalore lost the high scorer by six wickets in Mohali. Miller hit seven sixes and eight boundaries during his onslaught that left the visitors stunned even after posting a big total.

 

While Punjab erupted following the team's dramatic victory over Bangalore, team owner seemed visibly disturbed on the ground. Reason - the Bollywood actor saved herself from an embarrassment after she was helped from cable wires that got caught on her leg.
]]> 8072574 2013-05-07 09:13:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl-6-heres-why-kings-xi-punjabs-impressive-win-failed-to-move-preity-zinta-4256926-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[\'Shah Rukh Khan will not enter Wankhede\', MCA seeks police help]]>  
Mumbai: The squabble between Bollywood star and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) seems to have reached the police station, with the latter, in a letter, urging the Mumbai police  to stop the KKR boss from entering the Wankhede stadium, where the home franchisee and a strong contender for the IPL-6 title, Mumbai Indians host the Kolkata team on May 7.

 

"We wrote a letter to Marine Lines police station on Monday asking them not to allow Shah Rukh Khan inside the stadium on Tuesday (when Kolkata Knight Riders play Mumbai Indians). This was after the police had asked us to send a letter to that effect," MCA president Ravi Savant told reporters here.

 

The MCA managing committee, headed by the late Vilasrao Deshmukh, on May 18 last year, banned Shah Rukh from the stadium for 5 years after he was involved in a skirmish with security staff and officials of the cricket body following KKR's victory over Mumbai Indians two nights earlier.

 

Shah Rukh, however, denied having misbehaved and maintained that he reacted only after children, including his kids, were "manhandled" by the security staff at the stadium. Though the star had apologised for misbehaving with  security guards at the stadium during the last edition of the domestic T20 extravaganza, the MCA has refused to budge, saying that Shah Rukh has not tendered a written apology.

 

Shah Rukh in fact, has again shown his disdain towards rules on Sunday, when he slipped into the KKR dressing room during training break and threw a tantrum when asked to exit. No action has been taken against him on this.

 

The KKR boss has on occasions expressed his repentance over actions at Wankhede but has also said that it was not an  incident, which he keeps harping back on. When asked about his plans when his team faces off against Mumbai, at the latter's home turf this year, he said that he does not plan to do anything which will not go down well with the public. However, he also retorted, ' if I do enter the Wankhede, what will MCA do, shoot me?'

 

An MCA official said that security has been beefed up for the May 7 match between Kolkata and Mumbai and an extra posse of guards will be in place to prevent Shah Rukh from entering the stadium forcefully. Responding to Shah Rukh's slight on the MCA shooting him, the official said that though they are not planning to shoot him, they are surely going to stop him at all costs.

 

Fine captaincy by Rohit Sharma

 

With regular captain Ricky Ponting opting to sit out, stand-in skipper of the Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma has given a good account of himself. The way his side annihilated two-time champion and last year's runners-up Chennai Super Kings was really praise-worthy. Significantly, CSK had won seven matches at a stretch, in this year's IPL, before their big loss to Mumbai.

 

Mumbai Indians players to look out for:

 

Dwayne Smith, Dinesh Kaarthick, Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Mitchell Johnson

 

Marquee players for KKR:

 

Gautam Gambhir, Manvinder Bisla, Jacques Kallis, Eoin Morgan, Sunil Narine, Sachitra Senanayeke 

 
]]> 8092334 2013-05-08 08:19:00 BhaskarNews http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-mca-seeks-police-help-to-stop-shah-rukh-khan-from-entering-wankhede-4257149-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[IPL 6: Gambhir, Virat, Watson and more; meet IPL\'s bad boys]]> New Delhi: When T20 cricket began spreading its tentacles a few years back, spawning a slew of clubs and leagues, purists scoffed at the thought of slam-bang approach taking the classical sheen off gentleman’s game. What they failed to envisage was the emergence of a brand of cricketers with completely skewed sense of aggression; one that believes that a stare here, a glare there and a mouthful interspersed in between is not just cool, but absolutely life-saving if one has to sustain oneself in competitive cricket.


 


The current edition of ongoing Indian Premier League is a case in point. Ever since its inauguration in 2008, it has been marred with instances of players losing their heads, which in most cases is downright needless.


 


If it was Harbhajan Singh’s infamous Slapgate in 2008, it’s Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli now; not to forget the easily pricked Aussie Shane Watson.


 


Gambhir, captaining Kolkata Knight Riders, lost his cool over his Royal Challengers Bangalore counterpart Virat Kohli last month.


 


The incident occurred when Kohli, after being caught in deep off Lakshmipathy Balaji, instead of walking back to the pavilion, sauntered towards short extra cover and allegedly made some remark. This led to Gambhir charging towards Kohli, and the two exchanged verbal volleys before Rajat Bhatia intervened to cool things down.


 


Few days later, Gambhir was seen confronting the game’s gentleman, Rahul Dravid, in KKR’s match against Dravid’s Rajasthan Royals.


 


The incident also involved Aussie Shane Watson, who apparently had a few things to say to KKR’s Manvinder Bisla after the latter defended one straight back to bowler (Watson himself). Next, we had Gambhir charging towards Dravid for an animated discussion, presumably to reign in the Aussie.


 


Whatever be the details, such incidents not only put cricketers in bad light, but also serve as poor endorsements of the game.


 


Last year too, the spat between Munaf Patel and Amit Mishra raised questions about frequently eroding mutual respect among players.


 


Patel, turning up for Mumbai Indians, and Mishra, playing for the now defunct Deccan Chargers, exchanged words, earning them fine from the match referee.


 


As the IPL enters its business end, the matches are bound to get intense, and with the game demanding sustained aggression, don’t be surprised to witness more incidents of verbal diarrhoea. What that means for the sport is a separated debate though.


 


Image courtesy: BCCI

]]> 8093894 2013-05-08 08:24:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl-6-gambhir-virat-watson-and-more-here-come-ipls-bad-boys-4257256-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Mom’s the best! A look at your favourite cricketers’ moms]]> New Delhi: The fountainhead of all lives, needless to say, is mother. Creator, mentor, confidante, guide, disciplinarian, she’s all that and more.


 


 


When it comes to our cricketers, the contribution of their mothers can’t be forgotten. Be it Yuvraj Singh’s famous triumph over germ cell cancer, or Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary humility, mothers have played a vital role in lending that distinctive character to men we look up to.


 


As the world gets ready to celebrate and salute moms on May 12, we bring you a lowdown on some of the best known moms of Indian cricket.

]]> 8135393 2013-05-09 18:57:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-mom---s-the-best-a-look-at-your-favourite-cricketers----moms-4259356-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Five factors that changed the way the cricket is played]]> West Indies bating legend Sir Vivian Richards said that he had once feared Test cricket will die down a slow death due to low turnout of fans, adding that Twenty20 format has instilled a fresh lease of life into the game. 
 

And rightly so, this newest form of cricket has changed the way people think about the game. The shorter version of the game has successfully managed to pull in the crowd.

 

With the advent of T20, we no longer need to reserve the entire day for the match. With just 20 overs per side, this shortest form of cricket takes just three hours to decide the match winners - its more like watching a Bollywood movie. 

 

But long before the idea of T20 came into being, five important factors contributed into the transgress of the Gentleman's game. 

 

Click on the next slide to read some of the interesting factors that laid the foundation for T20.
]]> 8135762 2013-05-10 08:04:00 Bhaskar News http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OTF-ipl-6-from-test-cricket-to-t20-how-shane-warne-jonty-rhodes-wasim-akram-waqar-yo-4259720-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Never before seen pictures of Mahendra Singh Dhoni]]> New Delhi: You have seen him with long hair, you have seen him bald, and then you have seen him in short hair. He is perhaps the most popular sportsperson on the planet. He is Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
 

Dhoni is a man of many moods and styles. He is the style icon for youngsters and has changed his styles several times over the years. 

 

There are millions of pictures of Dhoni floating around the internet.  

 

We bring you a few selected pictures of the man with the Midas touch. These pictures have never been seen before and bring out the funny, wild and crazy side of the Indian captain.

 

Here take a look.

 
]]> 8225919 2013-05-13 12:31:00 BhaskarNews http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-never-before-seen-pictures-of-mahendra-singh-dhoni-4262445-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Meet Mayanti Langer, a woman who knows more about cricket than you]]> New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals have been in top notch form in this edition of the Indian Premier League. After beating Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan have more or less sealed their place in the play-offs.
 

One player who has played a pivotal role in Rajasthan’s success is Stuart Binny. He has played crucial innings for his team and won matches for the team.

 

Stuart Binny is the son of the great Roger Binny, who was a part of the World Cup winning squad of 1983.

 

Stuart is married to a famous sports anchor, Mayanti Langer.

 

Click on next slide to know how this beautiful face stunned the sporting world with her amazing sports knowledge.

 
]]> 8226012 2013-05-13 18:12:00 BhaskarNews http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-meet-mayanti-langer---the-lady-who-knows-cricket-like-none-other-4262504-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[IPL 6 in pics: Where cricket meets Bollywood]]> Jaipur: Gone are the days when gentleman’s game petered out in front of silent spectators who would appreciate a cracking cover drive by as much as an appreciatory nod and few half-claps. The staid, sober, and stoic image of game has changed drastically, and like it or not, slam-bang cricket has a lot to do with that.


 


 


Talk of quick cricket, and you can’t afford to miss IPL. With a galaxy of stars- cricketing and otherwise-  lining up to display their wares for T20’s showpiece event, the Indian Premier League is synonymous to glitz, gloss, and glamour.


 


 


Captured above are Rajasthan Royals’ owners Shilpa and Raj Kundra with their son Viaan, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s wife Sakshi.


 


 


The match was won by Royals, but here’s no love lost between Dhoni’s wife and Kundras.

]]> 8226262 2013-05-13 20:25:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-ipl-6-in-pics-where-cricket-meets-bollywood-4262674-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Irfan Pathan facilitates Topps India Cricket Attax Championships' second daredevil in the Capital]]> New Delhi: Topps India Sports & Entertainment Company Pvt Ltd, pioneers of Sports and Entertainment trading card games and collectables for kids and the owner of the brand Cricket Attax – the official trading card game of PEPSI IPL, completed the second city final of Topps Cricket Attax Championships 2013 here today.


 


Sanjeev Katyal, Head of India operations of Topps along with Hemant Dua, Head Marketing & Commercials, GMR Sports Pvt Ltd. and cricketer Irfan Pathan felicitated the Championship’s second city finalist Nikolov.


 


For Nikolov, it was a moment of pride and happiness. Having been an ardent fan of PEPSI IPL and Cricket Attax game, he participated in the Cricket Attax championship and was absolutely thrilled when his name was called out as the finalist from New Delhi. His parents were in the audience and cheering him on as he went on to be crowned the New Delhi Cricket Attax Champion at the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium. Making the moment even more special was the fact that he received his trophy from Irfan Pathan.


 


The Cricket Attax Championships 2013 kicked off on  April 13, targeting over 10,000 kids across 9 PEPSI IPL playing cities. This year, as always, the PEPSI IPL tournament is being followed ardently by cricket lovers across the country. It came as no surprise that the Cricket Attax Championships were not only received well, but were played in the true spirit of sport and the IPL.


 


The league rounds of the championships were played across stores where the game is also retailed. The key retail partner for the Cricket Attax Championships in New Delhi is Lifestyle.


 


In every city, one semi-finalist will be selected amongst the thousands of kids who will play the league rounds. For Delhi the semi-finals happened at Lifetsyle, where the two finalists came through. The two finalists and their families were taken to the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium where they played the New Delhi city finals of the Cricket Attax Game Championships just before the start of the much anticipated match between the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore .


 


Cricket Attax Championships are played with the Cricket Attax Trading Card Game, the official PEPSI IPL trading card game. The Championships allow kids the opportunity to vie for the city champion’s crown at the stadium, at the last home ground match for each of the 9 PEPSI IPL teams. It is a three-tier competition, the biggest in the nation for kids, with a four- week league round, the city finals round and the national finals. The Championships are played parallel to the PEPSI IPL tournament and mirror the tournaments format, with four city champions out of the nine being selected for the play-offs to vie for the national crown, exactly as the top 4 teams in the tournament.


 


Nikolov is one of the 9 city champions amongst whom the 4 top ‘City Champions’ that will be flown by Topps to Kolkata  play-off match on May 24, 2013  to compete for the coveted title of the ‘National Champion of Cricket Attax 2013’.    


 


On the occasion of the success of the championship, Sanjeev Katyal, Head of India operations of Topps said, “This is our second city champion and we are delighted to see that the fervor of the game remains the same from Kolkata to Delhi. I am very happy to announce Nikolov as the Delhi City Final. The innovative design and development of Topps’ Cricket Attax trading card game enables kids to relive the PEPSI IPL phenomenon and connect with their icons and the passion that Indian kids have for the PEPSI IPL. I would like to make use of the occasion to convey my best regards to the participants.”


 


Speaking on the occasion, Hemant Dua Head Marketing & Commercials, GMR Sports Pvt Ltd said, “We are delighted and thankful to the kids for their active participation. Delhi Daredevils has always been a favourite with both adults and kids. We congratulate the Delhi city Cricket Attax Champion and wish him the best of luck and hope he can bring home the title of the National Champion of Cricket Attax 2013.”


 


In 2011, Topps had introduced India to the collectible culture with the launch of Topps Cricket Attax trading cards, a game that was acclaimed as one of the most successful features associated with IPL during that year especially for kids. 


 


Taking this forward, Topps has launched Cricket Attax 2013.  Cricket Attax is based on the popular Indian T20 cricket property – PEPSI Indian Premier League and its official trading card game.


 


This exciting game of strategy and skill really tests one’s knowledge of cricket and creates a connect with the players, bringing fans closer to the league and its superstars. The inviting pricing of just Rs.20 per packet has enabled kids across all socio economic classes and geographies in India to afford and enjoy the fun of collecting and playing the authentic game. 


 


 

]]> 8226273 2013-05-13 21:17:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-irfan-pathan-facilitates-topps-india-cricket-attax-championships-second-daredevi-4262682-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[In pics: The fabulous life of David Beckham]]> New Delhi: Who says age matters on sporting field? Those who think certainly haven’t met David Beckham. Beckham recently turned 38and many critics have been saying that the footballer lacks the magic of the past. 
 

Beckham’s  prowess as a footballer has made four team champions. Recently Paris Saint Germain took the Ligue 1 title after 19 years. The club now wants Beckham to stay with the team even if he wants to quit playing and try to be a mentor to the team.

 

Beckham became famous thanks to his innovative ‘Banana Kick’; the kick is a masterstroke by the footballer and has won him accolades world over.

 

Beckham has had numerous achievements and controversies in his illustrious ten year long career. One of his scandalous advertisements shot with his wife Victoria Beckham shocked his fans world over.

 

We take you through never before shown aspects of the star footballer’s life. Click on next slide to know controversies surrounding Beckham and the achievements that make him the star he is.

 
]]> 8247689 2013-05-14 16:10:00 BhaskarNews http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-in-pics-the-fabulous-life-of-david-beckham-4263551-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[When Nawaz Sharif pushed aside Imran Khan to become Pak captain]]> New Delhi:  Yes you read it right. Who would believe that 25 years ago Nawaz Sharif, then chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, bowled a googly on the eve of a crucial 1987 ODI World Cup cricket warm-up game against West Indies? 
 

Shortly before the starting of the game, Sharif declared himself as the captain of Punjab Chief Minister's XI. And in an act of bravado bordering on foolhardiness, the politician didn't even bother to wear proper protection gear while batting against the most terrifying pace battery in the history of the game.

 
]]> 8249988 2013-05-15 16:39:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-when-nawaz-sharif-pushed-aside-imran-khan-to-become-pakistan-cricket-teams-capta-4264477-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Move over Watson, Kallis, Dhoni, meet the hottest WAGs of IPL 6]]> New Delhi: When glitz and glamour meets the cricketing world, the product which is formed is the Indian Premier League which is commonly known as the IPL.
 

Apart from cricket, there are a few other things which guys look forward to in this IPL fever; one of them being a glimpse of the sportspersons’ better-halves.

 

Here are the wives and girlfriends (WAG’s) of some of the players in IPL. The hotness factor is a matter of opinion, and it’s your choice that you believe to be the hottest.

 
]]> 8250116 2013-05-15 16:42:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-ipl-6-move-over-watson-kallis-dhoni-meet-the-hottest-wags-of-indian-premier-leag-4264571-PHO.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Sports gallery, swimming pool, gymnasium among luxuries in Dhoni’s upcoming dream home]]> Ranchi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s dream mansion will boast of a swimming pool, various game pools, a state-of-art gymnasium and photo gallery of every sport, besides various other facilities.


 


The Indian captain has been gifted about an acre of plot in Kanthitar by Lal Gopal Sharan Nath Shahdeo, heir to Ratu Maharaj, to build his dream house, the construction of which is being personally supervised by the skipper himself.


 


The registry deed, however, mentions the transfer of land as a sale. 


 


Shahdeo Mehra, the Ranchi district sub registrar said, “The land, about one km from the NH 75, is not a costly plot. The registry deed mentions that it is a sale.”


 


Three plots were registered in the name of Dhoni, his father Pan Singh and mother Devki Devi at Ranchi District Registrar's office. 


 


The registry office files reveal that Shahdeo, conferred the power of attorney to one Kamleshwar Singh, reportedly the manager of the former, enabling him to sign on the sale deed documents as seller, while Dhoni and his parents have been mentioned as purchasers. 


 


“It is being fully developed with numerous features such as decorative boundary wall and pillars. There is space for greenery and water bore connection. A few rooms are being constructed and around 50% work is already over. We hope to complete at least a part of the farmhouse soon,” a close associalte of Dhoni informed. 


 


Presently, India’s World Cup winning captain stays in Ranchi’s posh Harmu Housing Colony.






 

]]> 8250350 2013-05-15 19:52:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-sports-gallery-swimming-pool-gymnasium-among-the-luxuries-in-dhonis-upcoming-dre-4264723-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[IPL 6: Know the 'Great Indian Catch' of the season!]]> New Delhi: This T20 season, Pepsi brought an unmatched experience to cricket fans in-stadia- it enthralled them with Pepsi Tweet 20 on Twitter. Now, it is time for the fans to be a part of a unique cricket experience on Facebook.


 


Pepsi has launched a path-breaking new game called,‘Pepsi IPL The Great Indian Catch’that uses Facebook check-ins and Google Maps API, for the very first time in a social media campaign.


 


To play this exciting and engaging strategy game, fans simply have to login through Facebook, allocate their friends as fielders across any locations on the map of India, which acts as the batting pitch. As the batsmen hit boundaries, users can strategically position fielders in order to save runs or take wickets, thereby earning points.


 


Revolving around the spirit of ‘Oh Yes Abhi!’, users can bring alive the Pepsi IPLT20 experience right on their computer screens.The top scorers on the leader board get access to the Pepsi VIP Box, which gives fans the best seat in the stadium.


 


Speaking about the latest innovation and Pepsi’s path-breaking digital activities, Homi Battiwalla, Senior Director – Marketing (Colas, Juices & Hydration), PepsiCo India, said, “Pepsi fans have enjoyed live cricket in-stadia, played it on Twitter and now we are taking forward our ‘Oh Yes Abhi’ philosophy to provide an action packed experience on Facebook. Our Pepsi IPL ‘The Great Indian Catch’ game involves strategy, building a team with friends and excitement through check-ins, allowing us to engage with cricket lovers on Facebook like never before. Our previous campaigns have achieved a great response and we look forward to engaging with Pepsi fans with newer experiences as we go along.”


 


Designed by Digivaasi, a creative led digital agency, Pepsi IPL ‘The Great Indian Catch’ uses Facebook check-ins and Google Maps API to bring the excitement of cricket through map-pointing. The map of India is a pitch where batsmen are hitting shots, where each ball can be hit in any direction. The task is to ensure that these shots are stopped.


 


A user can place fielders anywhere amongst 300+ cities, where each fielder has their own strengths and capabilities of being a catcher, a diver, a thrower, or a runner. Depending on where the ball hits each time, the user scores points for saving runs or taking wickets. The challenge is to place the fielders in strategic locations… Kyunki Catch Kahin Bhi Aa Sakta Hai!


 


The game is open till May 16, where there will be six pools of two matches each during the contest period with a total of 12-matches. The top scorer of every pool will be eligible for the grand prize of watching Pepsi IPL matches from the exclusive Pepsi VIP Box.


 


This initiative will contribute to Pepsi India’s success in the social media space, especially during the ongoing Pepsi IPL tournament. Pepsi India’s Facebook page is currentlythe fastest growing Facebook page with over 1.1 million likes added during the Pepsi IPL, taking the number to 4.69 million.


 


 During the tournament, Pepsi has received more than 500,000+ mentions amounting to 93% share of voice in the social media space and topping the Buzz Index scores* across categories. On Twitter, @PepsiIndia added more than 24,000 followers, taking the total to 46,000 followers as on May 9, 2013. On YouTube, the brand added over 1million views during the tournament. With a number of innovative and engaging initiatives, Pepsi fans are clearly winning this T20 extravaganza on-line.


 


*Source: Brand Buzz Index and Explic8


 

]]> 8250714 2013-05-15 20:41:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-ipl-6-know-the-great-indian-catch-of-the-season-4264746-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Back in Olympics, IOA to hold fresh elections within a month]]> Lausanne (Switzerland): India is on its way back to Olympic fold with the Indian Olympic Association agreeing to conduct fresh elections and hold another Annual General Meeting (AGM) within a month to select its representatives.


 


The decision was reached here on Wednesday in a crucial meeting with the International Olympic Committee.


 


The meeting was attended by Sports Minister Jitendra Singh, Sports Secretary P K Deb, Beijing Olympics gold-medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra and Olympian sailor Malav Shroff, while IOA Acting President V K Malhotra and IOC Member in India, Randhir Singh boycotted the meeting, after the IOC agreed to include Hockey India General Secretary Narinder Batra and Jharkhand Olympic Association’s R K Anand in the IOA delegation, in addition to the four-member list submitted earlier.



 















 

 

 

The joint meeting was held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon local time. It was followed by the Indian delegation calling on IOC President Jacques Rogge.

]]> 8250737 2013-05-15 22:38:00 Dailybhaskar.com http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/SPO-OFF-back-in-olympics-ioa-to-hold-fresh-elections-within-a-month-4264769-NOR.html <link/> - <url> </url> <dimension/> <format/> <description/> <sourceagency/> <gallery_url/> </image> <relatednews></relatednews></item> </news> </property> </channel>