The world's top cricket players are up for grabs yet again. The unfolding of the fourth season of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) through the much-awaited auctions scheduled to be held on January 8 and 9 in Bangalore are set for the high drama IPL has always promised its viewers. With 350 leading sportsmen vying to be caught and bowled, the "drama" is expected to reach a new high this year.
While eight teams have around $9 million each at their disposal for the auction. Chennai Superkings and Mumbai Indians, who have retained four players each, are to go into the auction with $4.5 million. Though there were some 421 cricketers who had expressed interest to participate in the auction, only 350 players have been shortlisted.
A senior official with the Kolkata Knight Riders team who did not want to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media said, "Only two teams have retained some players. This IPL will have brand new teams with all 10 teams sporting brand new players."
He added that in the earlier list, 21 players including former West Indies batsman Brian Lara were bracketed for a prize money of $400,000. "There was some talk that VVS Laxman, who had a good season last year, has also had his base price placed near the $300,000 mark. Around 80 players named in the top three price bands of the preliminary list have retained their place in the final list," he said.
Sources indicated that the defending champions Chennai Superkings have retained MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, while the Mumbai Indians has decided to hold on to Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh among its Indian players. Rajasthan Royals has also held on to Shane Warne and Shane Watson, but this could not be ascertained.
The new list of participants has been given to all the 10 IPL franchise. An official from the Royal Challengers Bangalore added that the board had not yet taken a call on the participation of Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab after being in a long legal battle regarding their franchises "but would adhere to the court order on the same."
Sources indicate that it was most likely that the fate of the two teams would be known by January 12, when the governing council of the IPL meets in Mumbai.
Despite the controversy regarding Anil Kumble's resignation, several established Indian IPL performers including Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh are set to go under the hammer.
Source: www.tehelka.com
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New England Sports Ventures (NESV) completed its protracted takeover of Liverpool Football Club Friday, its owner confirmed.
The $480 million-deal was agreed after previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett withdrew their temporary restraining order blocking the sale on the grounds that it undervalued the club.
"I can't tell you how happy I am that we finally got to this stage," said John W. Henry, the head of NESV, which also owns the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
"We're going to do a lot of listening. We have a lot to learn, but our actions will hopefully speak louder than words."
The deal eliminates the English Premier League Club's debt obligation -- believed to be around $377 million -- to the club's main creditor, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Crucially, this will prevent the club's holding company, Kop Football Holdings, from going into administration, the British equivalent of bankruptcy. This carries a nine-point penalty for Premier League clubs.
Liverpool Chairman Martin Broughton, whom Hicks and Gillett hired to find a buyer, said in a statement: "I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive.
"The Board decided to accept NESV's offer on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a new owner. NESV is buying Liverpool in order to put it on an excellent financial footing and continue to develop it internationally.
"This is a good deal which comprehensively resolves the pressing issue of the Club's debt and should give staff, players and fans great confidence regarding the future of Liverpool F.C."
Meanwhile, Hicks and Gillett are now planning a $1.6 billion damages action, claiming the sale is "illegal."
A statement on behalf of the pair read: "It's an extraordinary swindle and it will result in exactly the wrong thing for the club and the fans."
Liverpool takeover saga explained
Earlier Friday, Hicks was believed to be trying to offload his shares in the club to a U.S. hedge fund which already controls George Gillett's 50 percent ownership, Britain's Press Association said.
However the Premier League, which oversees the game in England, rejected Mill's requests to undergo a fit and proper person test, saying it could only negotiate with the Liverpool board, the BBC reported.
The board, headed by Broughton, approved the deal with NESV last week without the consent of Hicks and Gillett as a way to rescue the club from its financial problems. But the pair said through their lawyers that superior offers had been "on the table and were not chosen."
A subsequent bid to veto the sale was rejected by a London court, before Hicks and Gillett obtained the restraining order in a Texas court on Wednesday in an effort to delay the deal.
On Thursday the case was taken to a London court for a second time, but English judge Mr. Justice Floyd said the move by Hicks and Gillett amounted to "unconscionable conduct," and granted anti-suit injunctions to nullify decisions taken in Texas.
The American duo, who assumed control of the club in 2007, were given until 1500 GMT (1100 EST) on Friday to comply with the ruling, a spokesman for Broughton told CNN.
"The Independent Directors of Liverpool Football Club are delighted with the verdict of Mr. Justice Floyd in the High Court this afternoon which now requires Mr. Hicks and Mr. Gillett to withdraw their Texas Restraining Order by 4 p.m. tomorrow," the club said in a statement.
"We are glad to have taken another important step towards completing the sale process."
Henry, meanwhile, had pledged to fight Hicks' "last desperate attempt" to hang on to Liverpool.
"We have a binding contract," he wrote on his Twitter account late Thursday. "Will fight Mill Hicks Gillett attempt to keep club today. Their last desperate attempt to entrench their regime."
NESV promised that if its offer was successful, it would keep all acquisition debts away from Liverpool's football operations and stabilize the club in order to return it to its glory days.
One win in seven games has left them 18th in the 20-team Premier League table and at risk of relegation if their fortunes fail to improve. The club faces one of its biggest matches of the season this Sunday against city rivals Everton.
The club has earned a joint record of 18 English titles -- but none since 1990. It is also England's most successful club in European football, winning five European Cups, most recently in 2005.
More at: edition.cnn.com
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Marred by series of controversies in the build-up, the Delhi Commonwealth Games today got the ultimate pat on the back from the CGF Chief Michael Fennell, who declared the mega-event as "truly exceptional". Delivering his address during a spectacular and colourful closing ceremony, Fennell said,"Today, we bring down curtains on 19th CWG Delhi. Delhi, you have delivered a truly exceptional Games.
"Security, transport and other services have been of highest quality. The venues were world class and it was a truly outstanding show by the athletes."
"The Organising Committee overcame all obstacles and presented a successful Games. Delhi has now a rich legacy, the world class venues and improved city structure. It has presented itself as a world class city. The world will have a better understanding of this wonderful country and its potential now," said the Jamaican.
"Now we set our eyes on 2014 Glasgow Games and look forward to athletes participating in all events in large numbers," said Fennell."I thank the Organising Committee, led by Mr (Suresh) Kalmadi and (Delhi Chief Minister) Sheila Dikshit for the hardwork they have put in. I also thank the Delhi and the national governments for the resources they have provided," he said.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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Commonwealth Games: Chaos Reigns as Closing Ceremony Programme Undecided
0 comments Posted by Prem at 10:22 AMPreparations for the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony were in chaos on Wednesday night as Indian organisers made a series of last-minute changes and Scottish performers were left without security passes they required to take part.
About 350 volunteers from throughout Scotland are in New Delhi to perform an eight-minute show to promote the next Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.
Frustrated insiders said it was another example of the chaos which had characterised the Games in New Delhi and that the last-minute confusion was "par for the course".
India's preparations for hosting the Games had been beset by construction delays, corruption allegations, terrorism fears and tropical diseases, as heavy monsoon rains caused an outbreak of dengue fever.
In the fortnight before the Games began, a footbridge leading to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed injuring 27 workers, one of whom remains in a coma. Officials drafted in hundreds of housekeeping staff from the city's five star hotels to clean up athletes' accommodation after photographs revealed flooded rooms, human excrement in the showers and animal paw prints on the beds.
But British officials, and members of a delegation led by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, have been frustrated in their attempts to finalise arrangements for Glasgow's showcase in the closing ceremony, because of the failure of their Indian counterparts to decide their own programme.
As late as Wednesday night Indian officials were working on new plans to include a performance by disabled dancers.
A spokesman for the Commonwealth Games Federation confirmed there had been problems in issuing accreditation passes to some Scottish performers, but said its security advisors had been assured by New Delhi's Commissioner of Police that the matter would be resolved.
"The Indian creative-ideas people have been through changes in the last week, but we have an eight-minute segment and that's not affected," a Glasgow Games spokesman said.
Organisers believe their problems will be resolved in time but are concerned the growing Indian programme could affect broadcast times and the television audience for Glasgow's showcase.
Sources: telegraph.co.uk
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India equaled its best ever performance in the Commonwealth Games bagging a gold in athletics. With this the Gold medal tally has gone upto 30. India had achieved this feat in the 2002 Manchester games for the first time.
In Athletics, there was surprise in store as Krishna Poonia of India won the gold in women’s discuss even as the hosts won all the three medals.
In boxing, Olympic bronze medalist Vijendra Singh suffered a shock defeat in 75 kg category.
Suronjoy Singh, Manoj Kumar and Paramjeet Somata have entered the finals in their respective weight categories.
Jai Bhagwan, Amandeep Singh and Dilbagh Singh lost their bouts and had to settle for bronze.
The first medal of the day for the hosts came in shooting as Tejaswini sawant and Meena Kumari won bronze in women’s 50 meter Rifle Prone pairs.
Tejaswini Sawant said she had hoped to win more than a bronze in the competition.
In Skeet pairs shooting, Mairaj Ahmad Khan and P Allan Danials finished fifth. The Gold in this event was won by Cyprus.
In Badminton, India’s Saina Nehwal and Aditi Mutatkar have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Singles event. Saina defeated Caroline Black of Nigeria, 21-0,21-2 while Aditi defeated Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland 21-11, 21-17.
In Rugby, India lost its Rugby sevens match against Wales by 7-53.
In Weightlifting, one gold will be decided today, in men’s 105 plus Kilogram weight category. Sarabjit carries the Indian medal hopes in this event.
In Women’s Hockey, India defeated Canada 3-nil in a final classification match.
In Table-Tennis, Indian duo, Sharad Kamal and Shubhjeet Saha have entered the Men’s Doubles quarter-finals by defeating Australia’s Justin Henn and Shimon Gerreda.
With five more bronze today India continues in second position with 30 Gold, 23 Silver and 28 Bronze. Australia continues to head the table with a total haul of 62 gold, 40 silver and 39 Bronze. England has 26 gold, 47 Silver and 34 bronze.
Meanwhile, the New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games has been hit by a doping controversy in the same 100 meter Women’s event that earlier saw the disqualification of Australia’s Sally Pearson who was stripped off her medal for a false start.
A Nigerian gold medalist of women’s 100 meters Oludamola Osayomi was tested positive in dope Examination. In the dope test methyle hexalimine stimulate was found. Addressing the customary press conference at Main Press Center, the President of the Games Federation Mr Michael Fennel said the athlete tested positive has requested for ‘B’ sample test and the hearing will be held later today.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, President Solomon Ogba told a website that, the Nigerian athlete took medication for her toothache and they strongly suspect that it was the reason that led to her failed drug test.
The Organizing Committee Chairman, Suresh Kalmadi today said Big video Screens will be put up during road events including Marathon and Cycling events along with the route. He said cycling events will be held at Noida- Greater Noida Expressway and all arrangements have been completed.
Indian players will also be seen in action in Table-tennis and Squash tonight.
Source: Mizoramexpress.com
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The Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 could be left millions of pounds in the red by over-optimistic estimates of ticket sales and a lack of interest from broadcasters, according to an official inquiry.
Holyrood’s public audit committee warned it was “sceptical” the Glasgow organisers’ predictions of ticket sales would be realised. Some stadiums are nearly empty at the current Delhi event.
The committee’s report also said the BBC’s interest in showing the event was lukewarm and it expected little interest from other bidders for broadcast rights.
It voiced concerns that the cost of the Commonwealth games could hit £523 million, on top of a £75 million overrun that has already been confirmed.
MSPs also raised concerns about the management of the event’s budget, as the Games’s organisers failed to take account of pension costs and inflation in their forecasts until May this year.
Hugh Henry, the audit committee’s convener, said: “Early action should be taken to ensure maximum revenue is generated should sales figures indicate less than expected uptake.
“We are concerned that inflation had not been built into budget projections earlier and that the strategic partners continued to deal in 2007 prices.”
When Glasgow won the Games, the estimated cost was £373 million but this rose to £454 million last year. However, this increased to £523.6 million in May when inflation was added for the first time.
During their inquiry, MSPs asked why the income target figure was increased by £13 million to £88 million. The organisers told them there would be an “increased appetite” for the Games following the London 2012 Olympics.
However, John Scott, the chief executive of Glasgow 2014, admitted that revenue from ticket sales had been downgraded.
The original estimates were based on the Manchester games in 2002 but the number of people living within easy travelling distance of Glasgow is about a third smaller.
The 2014 games will also have 20 per cent more tickets to sell as larger venues are being used.
“The committee is sceptical about the ticket sale projections for the games which seem overly ambitious,” the report concluded.
The organisers have also been forced to “downgrade” their revenue forecast from selling the broadcasting rights after initially assuming the BBC would step in.
Mr Scott told MSPs: “This now may not necessarily be the case and they would have to work with the BBC to persuade them of the value of the product.”
The organisers also admitted “there would be little competition for the rights”.
MSPs also questioned why pension contributions were not included in the 2007 cost and recommended a £3 million cap be set on these.
A Glasgow 2014 spokesman said: “We are confident that our ticketing strategy will ensure that we meet our revenue and spectator targets.
“It is important to remember that Glasgow 2014 will come shortly after what will be a hugely successful Olympic Games in London.”
Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Tory deputy leader and a member of the audit committee, said: “The Gathering ended up as a financial disaster due to wildly optimistic revenue projections. We cannot afford the same to happen to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.”
Site: Telegraph.co.uk
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Top seeds Somdev Devvarman of India and Anastasia Rodionova of Australia both chalked up straight sets wins to reach the quarter-finals of the Commonwealth Games tennis tournament on Wednesday. Devvarman, the world number 100, defeated Amresh Jayawickrene of Sri Lanka 6-0, 6-1 to reach the last eight, while Russian-born Rodionova ousted Larikah Russell of the Bahamas 6-1, 6-3.
On a day when seeds were again well on top, the only major casualty was English third seed Katie O'Brien who fell 1-6, 7-6, 7-5 to India's Rushmi Chakravarthi.
Devverman, who has broken into the World top 100 this year after enjoying a successful college career in the United States, said that he wanted to move further up the rankings next year into the top 75.
Whilst saying he was pleased with his own game in Delhi, he voiced concern over the Australian threat to his becoming the first-ever Commonwealth Games tennis champion.
"Australia has the deepest team," he said. "They're all seeded. They're all considered favourites, but it will be exciting."
Australians winning through to the last eight included second seed Peter Luczak and third seed Matt Ebden.
Losing out was Scotland's Jamie Murray, brother of world number four Andy, who lost 7-5, 6-0 to English fourth seed James Ward.
The biggest threat to Rodionova is expected to come from Indian glamour girl Sania Mirza, and she comfortably won through 6-0, 6-2 against Brittany Teei of the Cook Islands.
Hugely popular in India as the first female player to win a WTA tournament and through her recent marriage to top Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Mirza said that playing at home was a distinct advantage.
"It's a little bit expected in a way as I haven't played for a while in India and they are very loud and vocal. But I'd rather have them for me than against me. And they really pull you through."
Quickest win of the day went to Sally Peers, the Australian fourth seed who needed just 26 minutes to see off Irufa Mahir of the Maldives 6-0, 6-0.
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