Dravid's Dismissal in Galle Test triggers controversy

After scoring an aggressive century against Sri Lanka, Virender Sehwag took on Sri Lankan players and questioned their sportsmanship over Rahul Dravid's dismissal. According to TV replay, before landing in the hands of Warnapura, the ball touched his helmet. So, technically, Dravid was not out. But Warnapura appealed and Dravid left the field without a second thought.

Although Sehwag questioned Sri Lankan players' sportsmanship, Dravid himself to blame, as he did not use Referral System and went away. Even Sehwag did not bother to brief on this. Experts will definitely give a clean chit to Sri Lankan players and will blame both Dravid and Sehwag for the mess.

Sehwag scores Century, India lose early advantage

Rain played a spoilsport to India's plans of getting a big total in the first innings of Galle Test. Openers and Virender Sehwag added 167 runs for the first wicket with Sehwag completing his 15th test century. When they were going great, rain stopped play for more than 4 hours. When play resumed, the wicket and weather conditions changed completely. Gambhir was the first man to go on 56. Mendis claimed his wicket. Dravid did not last long and was out for 2. He yet again fell to Ajantha Mendis.

Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly too disappointed. Sachin was out for 5, while Ganguly was for a duck. Both batsmen fell to Vaas. India lost 4 crucial wickets in the span of just 11 runs. When bad light stopped play, India were 214/4. Sehwag was batting on 128 and Laxman remained unbeaten on 13. Sehwag and Laxman are the last recognising batting pair and India is hoping them to hang on and help the team to get a respectable total.

Sehwag, Gambhir fire, India off to a strong start in Galle Test

Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir took the shine out of the new ball bowled by Sri Lankan pace bowlers and effectively negotiated the lethal spinners Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis. Sehwag, in particular, was aggressive. He showed no mercy to Ajantha Mendis and Muralitharan. At lunch, India reached 151/0 with both openers completed their half centuries. Sehwag was batting on 91 off 82 balls, while Gambhir remained unbeaten on 50. This is the highest ever total in the first session on Day 1 in Galle.

Indian players look more determined and stubborn after the humiliating defeat in the first test match at Colombo. They are looking forward to avenge the defeat and salvage their lost pride. If India manages to score in excess of 500 runs in the first innings, they would be able to put pressure on Lankan batsmen.

Galle Test: India wins Toss, elects to bat first

Breaking News! The battle of Galle begins. While Sri Lanka is looking forward to win the series here, India is seeking to avenge the humiliating defeat at Colombo and salvage its lost pride. In a highly turning wicket, India won the toss and elected to bat first. India did not make any changes to the squad that played in the first test. India were 12/0 when reports last came in.

BCCI defies ICC, to hold Champions Twenty20 League in September

Defying the ICC and its directives, the BCCI formally announced that Champions Twenty20 League will be held in India on September 29 and will run till October 8. According to BCCI sources, four foreign teams and two Indian teams have confirmed participation in the tournament. The two Indian teams that will take part in the tournament are Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. Other teams that have confirmed their participation are Victoria and Western Australia (Australia) and Dolphins and Titans (South Africa).

Pakistan's Sialkot and England's Middlesex have been invited to take part in the Twenty20 Champions League. However, Middlesex may not participate, as ECB is planning to hold its own T20 Champions League. In that case, another team from Pakistan could be invited. The prize money has been increased from US$ 5 million to US$ 6 million. The BCCI has shortlisted three venues - Mohali, Jaipur and Delhi for the tournament.

Shame and Humiliation in Colombo, Muralitharan and Mendis maul India

Millions of cricket fans in India can chant only "shame" "shame", as Indian cricket team suffered a humiliating innings defeat against Sri Lanka in the first cricket test match. Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajanta Mendis destroyed Indian batting line-up with their spin and shared 19 out of 20 wickets.

Murali took 11 wickets, while debutant Mendis proved his worth by bagging 8 wickets in the match. He claimed the wickets of great batsmen Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in both innings. Muralitharan, who took 11 wickets in the match won the 19th 'Man of the Match' of his career.

Chasing Sri Lanka's first innings score of 600/6, India could manage only 223 in the first innings and had to follow-on. VVS Laxman was the top scorer with 56. Murali took 5 wickets, while Mendis took 4 wickets. Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jaywardene enforced follow-on and India had to bat again.

India's experienced batsmen, who boasted of taking on Murali and Mendis, were seen dancing like kids on the pitch, as they failed to read these spinners. In the second innings, India bowled out for a meagre 138 and lost the match by an innings and 239 runs. Gambhir was the top scorer with 43, while Laxman made 21. For Sri Lanka, Murali took 6 wickets, while Mendis bagged 4 wickets. Indian batsmen and bowlers failed miserably and proved that they were too old to take up the challenge.

Indian Batsmen collapse in Sri Lanka, Follow-on likely

If the weather god does not help, India is all set for an embarrassing defeat in the first cricket test match against Sri Lanka. Sri Lankja piled up 600/6 and declared their innings. Dilshan also scored a century. He was the fourth Sri Lankan batsman to score a century in the first innings. Dilshan remained unbeaten on 125.

In reply, Indian batsmen batted disastrously and surrendered to Muralidharan's spin bowling. Most batsmen started well, but perished when they looked set. Gambhir made 39, while Sehwag scored 25. Tendulkar and Ganguly scored 27 and 23 respectively. India were 159/6 when bad light stopped play. Laxman was batting on 19.

For Sri Lanka, Muralidharan took 4 wickets, while Mendis and Kulasekara took 1 wicket each. India is all set to suffer a follow-on in the first innings and then lose the match by an innings margin. Only a miracle can save India.

Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan, ICC Task Force to evaluate Security

Putting all speculations and rumours into rest, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided that ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as per the schedule. The decision was taken after the PCB assured the ICC about safety and security of the players.

The ICC has formed a Task Force, which will evaluate security in Pakistan before the tournament and a decision will be taken as per their findings. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) thanked India for its unequivocal support on hosting the Champions Trophy, even as many countries turned against it due to security concerns.

Sri Lanka in Command in First Test,Three Batsmen score Centuries

Riding on three centuries, Sri Lanka reached a commanding position at the end of the second day's play during the first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka. Malinda Warnapura scored his maiden test century (115), while skipper Mahela Jayawardene made 136. Thilan Samaraweera remained unbeaten on 111. Sri Lanka finished the day at 422/4. Only two wickets fell during the day, which were shared by Ishant Sharma and Harbhajan Singh. None of the Indian bowlers could make any impact, as Sri Lankan batsmen made merry.

Indian Skipper Anil Kumble created history by becoming the first cricketer to use the Umpires' Referral System. Kumble appealed against the decision of umpire Mark Benson, who turned down a leg-before appeal against Malinda Warnapura off Harbhajan Singh. However, Kumble's appeal was unsuccessful, as the TV umpire Rudi Koertzen upheld Benson's decision.

India later appealed against another decision, but it was too turned down by the TV umpire. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan appealed against a caught-behind decision and won the decision in his favour. That decision was controversial and it raised questions on the efficiency of the Umpires' Referral System.

Ajantha Mendis makes Test Debut, Sri Lanka 85/2 at Stumps

Rain and bad weather played a spoilsport in the much-awaited first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka. Play was possible for only 22 overs. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Ajantha Mendis made his test debut.

Sri Lanka lost its first wicket with only 7 runs on board. Ishant Sharma bagged MG Vandort's wicket. Zaheer claimed the prize wicket of Kumara Sangakkara. At that stage, Sri Lanka were 57/2. Sri Lanka finally finished the day at 85/2. BSM Warnapura remained unbeaten on 50. Jayawardene was batting on 16.

Rain delays Test Match between India and Sri Lanka

Heavy rain and overcast conditions delayed the first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, Colombo. It is expected that match would start at 3.30 PM, but no official words have been received in this regard.

The test series has become significant, as it would be played under the new law, which will allow the players to refer umpires' decisions if they are not satisfied. The fielding and batting sides will be allowed three unsuccessful appeals to the umpire per innings. These appeals can be made only by the batsman or the captain of the fielding side.

The players would make a "T" sign with both forearms at shoulder height to indicate that they want to appeal against the decision. The on-field umpire then consult with the TV umpire before taking a final decision. The new Umpires' Referral System will apply only to the Test series.

Breaking News! Mohammad Asif failed dope test during IPL

Breaking News! Pakistani pace bowler Mohammad Asif found himself in fresh controversy, after it was confirmed that he failed the dope test conducted by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) during the recently concluded IPL. The news was confirmed by IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi.

Asif was earlier banned for using banned substance Nanderlone in 2006, but later he was let off by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Last month, Asif was caught at Dubai Airport for keeping opium. He was later released after PCB used its diplomatic channels to ensure his release. Asif had to spend 19 days in Dubai Police custody. The Pakistan Cricket Board is accused of shielding Asif time and again although he was found guilty on more than one occasion. It now needs to take a tough stand on the controversial pace bowler.

Meanwhile, Asif has denied that he had taken any banned substance and raised questions on the timing of the report. He said he is yet to receive any formal communication from the PCB in this regard. If found guilty, Asif may face a two-year ban, as he has been continuously violating the code of conduct of the ICC and brought shame to cricket.

Ajantha Mendis promoted as Second Lieutenant in Sri Lankan Army

After decimating Indian strong batting line-up in the Asia Cup final at Karachi, Ajantha Mendis is on a new high. He was given a hero's welcome by the Sri Lankan crowd and media. Ajantha Mendis, who was working as a gunner with Sri Lankan Army, has been promoted as a Second Lieutenant. He was promoted five ranks in the army by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Mendis, who has emerged as the most difficult bowler to read, took 17 wickets in the Asia Cup including a career best 6/13 against the Indians in the final. He had also won the "Man of the Series" award.

Ganguly, Dravid left out of Champions Trophy Probables Squad

Despite the debacle at Asia Cup 2008, Indian selectors yet again ingnored Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, while announcing the 30-member probables squad for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in September 2008. Some new faces like S Badrinath, Manoj Tiwary, Virat Kohli, Pankaj Singh, Abhishek Nayar and Ravindra Jadeja has been included in the squad.

The Probables List:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, RP Singh, Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Manpreet Singh Gony, Pragyan Ojha, Parthiv Patel, Dinesh Karthik, S Badrinath, Mohammad Kaif, Manoj Tiwary, Abhishek Nayar, Pankaj Singh, Murali Kartik, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Yusuf Pathan, S Sreesanth.

Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series: Dhoni opts out, Yuvraj, Irfan dropped

Under fire from several quarters over the declining performance of Team India in recent tournaments, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted out of the forthcoming test series against Sri Lanka.

The selectors acted tough by dropping Yuvraj Singh, Wasim Jaffer and Irfan Pathan from the team. Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha are the new faces in the team. Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan, Zaheer and Parthiv Patel got a recall. Sreesanth has been declared unfit.

Here's the team:

Anil Kumble (Captain), Virender Sehwag (Vice Captain), Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv Patel, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, R P Singh, Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel.

Asia Cup Debacle: Indian ODI team needs Experience

After the victories in Twenty20 World Cup and Tri-Series in Australia, Mahendra Singh Dhoni boasted about the strength of his young players and even went to the extent of saying that senior cricketers were not needed in the team. However, the loss in the final of Tri-Series in Bangladesh and the debacle in Asia Cup, Indian selectors need to think twice before selecting the ODI squad for the forthcoming series.

Irrespective of what Dhoni says, India needs the experience of senior cricketers to taste success in the crunch games. The juniors easily surrender at the death hours due to lack of experience. But seniors understand the need of the hour and how to handle the pressure. The team won't be complete without the senior players like Sachin, Ganguly, Zaheer and Ajit Agarkar.

The presence of seniors in the team will not only boost the morale of young players, but also it will help the team management to rest their key players on a regular basis. The biggest disappointment of tournament were Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan (bowling), Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla. Be the pressure of big games or the exhaustion carried from IPL, they simply failed to perform at a level expected from them.

While Sehwag and Gambhir continue to lead from the front and in-form Raina and Dhoni giving them full support, India needs Ganguly, Sachin and Yuvraj to make it a formidable batting order. In bowling, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma have been doing well. We need Zaheer, Harbhajan and Agarkar to back them up with their experience and expertise. The above players may not be able to play in the same match. But they will encourage each other to perform if they stay as a team. This is the need of the hour if India wants to maintain its good form in ODI cricket.

Sri Lanka wins Asia Cup 2008, as India surrender before Ajantha Mendis

The victory target was only 274 for India, which played 7 batsmen in the final. Everyone predicted India to win the match easily. To justify that claim, Sehwag started in style, by scoring 60 off just 36 balls. But it was Ajantha Mendis who had the last laugh. The young, promising spinner removed Sehwag on the second ball of his first over. He then bowled Yuvraj out for duck.

The masscare continued, as none of the Indian batsmen could provide an answer to Ajantha Mendis' spin attack. Mendis turned out to be Sri Lanka's trump card in the crucial final. He was playing for the first time against India and what a match he had! It was a meek surrender by Indian batsmen. Besides Sehwag, only Dhoni offered some resistance, but he perished at 49. India finally bowled out for 173 in 39.3 overs. Sri Lanka won the final by 100 runs. Here's Sri Lanka's scorecard........

Ajantha Mendis took 6/13 in 8 overs. His victims included Sehwag, Yuvraj, Raina and Rohit Sharma. Vass took 2 wickets. Mendis was declared "Man of the Match" and "Man of the Series". He took 17 wickets in the tournament. Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup for the fourth time.

Asia Cup Final: India needs 274 to win the Title

A disciplined bowling and good fielding helped India restrict Sri Lanka at 273 in the Asia Cup final at Karachi. India won the toss and elected to field first. Despite Jayasuriya's 125 off 114 balls, Sri Lanka could manage only 273 in 49.5 overs. Dilshan scored 58, while Kulasekara made 29. For India, Ishant Sharma and RP Singh took 3 wickets each. Irfan Pathan took 2 wickets. India now needs 274 to win the final and Asia Cup after 13 years.

Asia Cup Super League: Pakistan beat Bangladesh in dead rubber

'Unlucky' Pakistan finally registered a resounding win over Bangladesh in an inconsequential dead rubber. Pakistan's 10-wicket victory came amid reports of former Pakistani cricketers including Waqar Younis and Rameez Raja slamming Sri Lanka throwing the match against India. In today's match, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. They could score only 115 in 38.2 overs. Tamim Iqbal was the top scorer with 26. For Pakistan, Rauf took 3 wickets, while Ajmal and Iftikhar took 2 wickets each.

Pakistani openers Salman Butt and Nasir Jamshed made mockery of the Bangaldesh bowling attack. Both openers scored half centuries, as Pakistan reached the target in just 19.4 overs without losing any wicket. Salman Butt remained unbeaten on 56, while Nasir Jamshed remained unbeaten on 52. Abdur Rauf was declared "Man of the Match". India will take on Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final on Sunday.

Lahore HC suspends ban on Shoaib, allows him to play

In a major relief to Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar, the Lahore High Court suspended the 18-month ban imposed on Shoaib Akhtar, and ruled that Shoaib can play in any form of the game until further court orders. However, the Rs. 70 lakh fine imposed on Shoaib will stay. The PCB has refused to comment on this issue.

Asia Cup Super League: India wins against Sri Lanka, both teams reach final

It was a do-or-die match for Dhoni's men and they lived up to the expectations by beating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets. With this win, India cruised to the Asia Cup final and will take on Sri Lanka on Sunday. The final will be played in Karachi.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Indian bowlers barring Irfan Pathan, applied themselves well on a flat wicket and restricted Sri Lanka to 308/8 in 50 overs. Kapugedera was the top scorer with 75. Jayawardene and LPC Silva scored 50 runs each. Jayasuriya made 43. For India, Ishant Sharma took 2 wickets.

Gambhir and Sehwag began India's run chase on an aggressive note and added 92 runs in just 11 overs. Sehwag was out for 42, while Gambhir went on to score 68. Raina continued his good form with the bat and was unfortunate to be run out on 54. Dhoni became Muralidaran's second victim. He scored 67. Yuvraj remained unbeaten on 36. India reached the target in 46.5 overs. Dhoni was declared "Man of the Match".

Asia Cup Super League: Younus scores Century, as Pakistan beat India by 8 wickets

What a commendable performance by Pakistan after losing to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super League! They outplayed tired-looking Indian side in each department of the game. India won the toss and started aggressively by adding 88 runs for the first wicket. That was the only good thing happened for India, as Pakistan took control of the game thereafter.

At one stage, India looked like scoring in excess of 350, but finished at 308/7 in 50 overs. Dhoni was the top scorer with 76. Rohit Sharma made 58, while Sehwag scored 49. Other batsmen who contributed were Gambhir (35), Yuvraj (37) and Irfan Pathan (38*). For Pakistan, Iftikhar took 3 wickets, while Rauf bagged two wickets.

The IPL has taken a toll on Indian bowlers and fielders. It was evident from today's match. Their body language never suggested that they could win. They even failed to defend a score like 308. Younus Khan yet again turned out to be India's nemesis with his unbeaten 123. Misbah remained unbeaten on 70. Jamshed scored 53, while Salman Butt made 36. Pakistan reached the target in just 45.3 overs, losing only 2 wickets. Younus Khan was declared "Man of the Match".

Asia Cup Super League: Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by 158 runs

Kumar Sangakkara scored yet another brilliant century to guide Sri Lanka to register a 158-run victory over depleted Bangladesh. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Jayasuriya and Sangakkara added 201 runs for the first wicket. Jayasuriya set the stadium on fire with his 130 off just 88 balls. He scored 16 boundaries and 6 sixes. Sangakkara scored 121 off 128 balls. Sri Lanka finished at 332/8 in 50 overs. For Bangaldesh, Farhad Reza and Alok Kapali took 2 wickets each.

Bangaldesh never looked like chasing the target and bundled out for just 174 in 38.3 overs. Raqibul Hasan was the top scorer with 52. Nazimuddin scored 47. For Sri Lanka, Muralitharan took 5 wickets, while Mendis took 2 wickets. Jayasuriya was declared "Man of the Match".