Former India all-rounder Kapil Dev, one of the finest all rounders International cricket has ever seen, has assumed an new role with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) for the launch of their 20/20 competition later this year. Speaking at function, he said (as reported on Indiatimes.com):
"It is a new beginning and totally different. I am grateful to my colleagues who have joined the league. We can do something for the betterment of cricket. We are not trying to distract cricket and not trying to fight with anybody."
The ICL has already signed up Brian Lara with Australian legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath expected to join shortly. This mini-revolution in the Indian domestic game has been the subject of much debate and will be one of the cricketing stories of the year.
Kapil Dev also bemoaned a lack of unity in the Indian Test Match side, saying:
"India has produced great cricketers during the past 75 years but we always lack one thing.... as a team we have not performed well. I know that we have produced greatest players like Sunil Gavaskar, but he was an individual player. We have produced great players, but we have not produced a great team who could play as a unit. This is what disturbs me."
He must, however, be impressed with India's start to the 2nd test at Trent Bridge.
Friday, 27 July 2007
Kapil Dev backs Indian Cricket League
2nd Test: India dominate Endland
2nd Test (day 1) - Trent Bridge - Day 1
India's bowlers dominant after late start
Only 55 overs were possible on the 1st day of this second Test Match, but India made the most of their time the middle and reduced England to 169-7. Rahul Dravid won an important toss for India and quickly decided to put the home side in on a green wicket that had been under covers for 2 days. Strauss' Much Hoped for Triumphant Return to Form was absent as he disappeared in the 3rd over with Vaughan Pietersen and soon to follow. Cook and Collingwood shared a 50 partnership but both perished quickly after hitting this modest landmark. Zaheer Kahn picked up the fist two wickets and added to his tally late in the day when he trapped Bell lbw with 5 overs remaining. In the meantime, Kumble had removed an unusually watchful Prior leaving England heading in to the 2nd day still 31 runs short of 200 with Tremlett and Sidebottom at the crease.
For the home side the tail must wag and the bowling will need to be nothing short of excellent given India's intimidating batting line up. For the visitors it has been a brilliant day's work and they are now strong favourites to go 1-0 up in the series. There is, of course, up to4 days of cricket to be played yet and some random weather to contend with.
The Chucker
Warne backs India's 'rebel' 20/20 competiton
India's proposed 20/20 cup has been backed by Shane Warne who expects to be performing there. Already former West Indies captain Brian Lara has signed up. Shane Warne told the Times:
"Playing cricket in India is always an experience. That is one reason why I am keen to take part in the new Twenty20 League in October and November. The organisers are ambitious and if the whole package is right, then I’ll be out there."
The controversial competition has sparked comparisons with Kerry Packer's World series that shook the world of cricket 30 years ago. Warne believes that the tournament will serve a useful purpose:
"People the world over are turning to Twenty20 for a quick fix of cricket and they will love the spectacle in India."
link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/shane_warne/article2141139.ece
