BCCI, Vivo suspend IPL partnership for one year, may resume next year

                                                        

New Delhi: The BCCI on Thursday suspended the IPL title sponsorship deal with Chinese mobile phone company Vivo for the event”s upcoming edition amid soaring Sino-India diplomatic tensions.

The BCCI sent out a one-line statement, without giving any details, to say that Vivo will not be associated with the IPL this year.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd have decided to suspend their partnership for Indian Premier League in 2020,” the press release stated.

Read More ... BCCI, Vivo suspend IPL partnership for one year, may resume next year

Allowing English players in 2019 IPL was part of WC plans: Morgan

Southampton: England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan has revealed that his teammates” participation in the 2019 IPL, which was part of a well thought out plan, played a key role in helping the side claim its maiden World Cup title.

Read More ... Allowing English players in 2019 IPL was part of WC plans: Morgan

Anti-doping measures at IPL: NADA might outsource sample collection

New Delhi: In charge of dope control at the IPL for the very first time, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) might have to outsource the task of sample collection given the high cost of handling the exercise when the event is held in the UAE.

The next best option for NADA will be using the services of UAE’s National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) or contact Sweden’s International Dope Test and Management (IDTM) which has done sample collection and testing for the last 12 seasons of the IPL.

Read More ... Anti-doping measures at IPL: NADA might outsource sample collection

IPL similar to a World Cup but on smaller scale: Maxwell

Melbourne: Big-hitting Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell considers the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be a small-scale World Cup where overseas players get one “hell of a kick” competing against each other.

The recent postponement of the T20 World Cup has cleared the decks for the BCCI to organize the Indian Premier League in the September-November window.

Read More ... IPL similar to a World Cup but on smaller scale: Maxwell

‘It will be a full-fledged IPL most likely in the UAE’

With the T20 World Cup’s postponement clearing the decks for a full-fledged IPL, the glitzy event’s Governing Council will meet in a week or 10 days’ time to plan its next course of action, eyeing UAE as the host this year.

An IPL between September and early November has been made possible by the ICC’s decision on Monday to postpone the T20 World Cup in Australia, scheduled for October-November, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Read More... ‘It will be a full-fledged IPL most likely in the UAE’

New Zealand offers to host IPL after UAE and Sri Lanka: BCCI Official

New Zealand offers to host IPL after UAE and Sri Lanka: BCCI Official

New Delhi: New Zealand is the latest country after UAE and Sri Lanka which has offered to host the IPL in case the billion-dollar league can’t be held in India due to rising cases of coronavirus.

The postponement announcement of the T20 World Cup, to be held in October-November in Australia, is imminent, creating a window for the IPL.

The BCCI has already zeroed in on the end September-early November window for the IPL.

The board’s first choice is staging the tournament at home but that is looking increasingly unlikely with India have the third largest caseload of coronavirus cases behind Brazil and USA.

“Staging the event in India has to be the first choice but in case it is not safe to have it, then we will look at the overseas options. UAE, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand have also offered to host the IPL,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“We will sit down with all stakeholders (broadcaster, teams, etc) and take a call. The safety of the players is paramount. There will be no compromise on that,” the official said.

The IPL has been held overseas in the past. The entire 2009 edition was staged in South Africa due to the general election back home and partially in the UAE in 2014 due to the same reason.

However in 2019, despite elections, BCCI managed to schedule the IPL in India avoiding clashing with poll dates in various states.

The UAE again is the front-runner to host the tournament if it happens overseas. Sri Lanka is a cost-effective option while New Zealand, which has been largely free from COVID-19, but practical feasibility is an issue.

With New Zealand, India has a seven and half hour time difference and even if it starts at 12:30 pm in the afternoon, maximum office-goers (even those who work from home) will miss the action.

Apart from Hamilton to Auckland, which can be covered by road, places like Wellington, Christchurch, Napier or Dunedin will require air travel.
The official added the date of the IPL Governing Council meeting will be announced soon and issues pertaining to the league, including the Chinese sponsorship deals in the IPL, will be discussed.

The BCCI had called for an IPL GC meet more than two weeks ago following the India-China clash at the Galwan

Valley but the date is yet to be announced. Anti-China sentiment has been on the rise in India ever since the “violent” face-off between the two Asian giants.

The board has a lucrative five-deal deal in place for IPL title rights with Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo, fetching it Rs 440 crore annually till 2022. Indian companies with Chinese investments like Paytm are also involved in the IPL.

Feeling yet to sink in but my life hasn’t changed at all: Cummins on IPL big bucks

Feeling yet to sink in but my life hasn’t changed at all: Cummins on IPL big bucks

New Delhi: It’s been six months since he struck IPL gold with a record-breaking bid but Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins says his life hasn’t changed one bit because he has never been the sort to be too affected by either success or failure.

The world No.1 Test bowler was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record Rs 15.5 crore (AUD 3.17 million), making him the highest-paid foreign player in the history of the league.

“I would like to think my life doesn’t change much at all,” Cummins told PTI in an exclusive interaction when asked about the impact of the headline-grabbing event last December.

“I try my best in every game I play but I try to not let any successes or setbacks change my life too much,” the 27-year-old added.Asked whether the high of that day has faded away, he said, “Not really.”

“Maybe, once I get over there to play,” added the star bowlers.

A lot of cricketers have had changed priorities since the advent of private T20 leagues but Cummins is a chip off the old block who, like India skipper Virat Kohli, values the Test format.

“I grew up watching and loving Test cricket and nothing has changed. I think it is the most challenging format because it tests your skill, stamina, mental strength,” he explained.

“Each and every Test win is incredibly satisfying,” said Cummins, who has 143 wickets from 30 Tests at an impressive average of 21.82.
With Cricket Australia allowing its players to start outdoor training, the speedster is back sweating it out in the nets but said that it would take some time to reach peak match condition.

“It takes at least a couple of months to build back up to full pace and fitness but luckily we have some time. We started bowling two weeks ago. So, we will be ready for when we start,” said Cummins.

From Cummins’ point of view, it would be good to start with the T20 format, and probably by the time the Test matches (Afghanistan first followed by India) start in December, he would be ready for the rigors of five-day cricket.

“White ball is certainly a bit easier physically to prepare for. It’s good that by the time Tests start in November-December, we would have built up in T20s and ODIs so should be fine,” said the man, who has 284 international wickets.

While he didn’t comment on the much-hyped series against India at the end of the year but the first Day/Night Test between the two teams in Adelaide from December 11-15 is something he is looking forward to.

“We enjoy the Pink Ball Tests, especially at Adelaide where it is a great spectacle,” Cummins’ statement was a reiteration of Australia’s dominance in Pink ball matches at the Adelaide Oval.

The fast bowler also didn’t seem too worried about the adjustments cricketers will have to make when the sport starts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For starters, saliva can no longer be used to shine the ball.

“There may be some minor adjustments like we have all had to make in our lives and jobs but cricket is a sport where we don’t have to tackle or make contact directly with other players. So, I don’t think the game will be compromised too much,” he said.

Despite his share of injuries, Cummins has been the face of Australian pace attack which also comprises Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

So what kind of legacy would he like to create for a country that has produced Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath, and Brett Lee to name a few?

“I think a legacy is for others to judge,” he replied.

“Who knows, hopefully, a long career with some successes. We have a pretty special team full of superstars at the moment. Hopefully, we can carve out our own little bit of history,” he concluded.

Franchises want full IPL and no tinkering if it happens: KKR CEO

Franchises want full IPL and no tinkering if it happens: KKR CEO

Kolkata: Any “tinkering” in the IPL format to make space for it in the coronavirus-hit calendar will not be acceptable to Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore, who on Thursday, June 11 asserted that all the franchises want the event to be held in its complete form.

The IPL was postponed indefinitely after a lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic came into force in March. There is still no clarity on whether it will be held this year, but there seems to be a likely window in October-November due to the uncertainty surrounding the Twenty20 World Cup.

“One thing that I feel strongly about and we feel strongly about is that we should not tinker with the quality of the product that we have,” Mysore told reporters in a virtual news conference.

“The quality of the product is what has made it really, really special. I think it is safe to say that the collective view is that we have to have the tournament in its full format, the same number of games, with all the players part of it,” he said on the sidelines of the launch of KKR Sahayata Vahan to cater to COVID-19 and Cyclone Amphan relief work in West Bengal.

There are suggestions that the IPL could be conducted without overseas players, keeping in mind the restrictions on travel imposed by various countries besides reducing the number of games to fit it into a shorter window.

The issue was discussed at a meeting between the BCCI and the franchises in March, where most of the owners asserted that they would prefer to have the overseas players.

“I think the majority of the franchises, I know there are one or two who have answered it slightly differently, but when I talk to them offline, they say that they were misquoted,” Mysore said.

“I would hope that whichever window, we end up staging the IPL that we’ll be in a position to achieve that,” he added.

“I think it is without doubt that the IPL as a productm has become the biggest spectacle, the biggest product which has caught the imagination not only of India as a country but the world at large,”
Mysore said foreign players have played a crucial role in the league’s success.

“It is primarily our Indian players who are the backbone of any team,” he acknowledged.

“But I think we should recognise that when you look at even our own team, a Sunil Narine, an Andre Russell, an Eoin Morgan and now Pat Cummins come as a combination to our excellent lineup that we have on the Indian side, makes it really special,” he explained.

Talking about the relief work being done by the franchise in the disater-struck Kolkata, Mysore said: “The city of Kolkata and West Bengal region have been fighting a dual war against COVID-19 and the Amphan cyclone aftermath.  In these times, our aim is to provide support and relief work that will help people in any little way possible.”

IPL is just a money grab, shouldn’t take precedence over T20 World cup: Border

IPL is just a money grab, shouldn’t take precedence over T20 World cup: Border

Melbourne: The IPL is just a “money grab” and cannot be allowed to take precedence over this year’s T20 World Cup, said former Australia skipper Allan Border.

There is speculation that the 13th IPL, which was suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, might be conducted in October-November if the T20 World Cup in Australia is postponed.

“(I’m) not happy with that. The world game should take precedence over local competition. So, the World T20, if that can’t go ahead, I don’t think the IPL can go ahead. I would question that decision — it’s just a money grab, isn’t it, that one?” he said in ABC’s Grandstand Cafe radio program.

“The World T20 should take precedence, for sure. The home boards should stop their players going to the IPL if that’s the case.”

Australia’s Pat Cummins with a deal of AUD 3.17 million (INR 15.50 crore) is the highest paid non-Indian player in the league. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, David warner all have lucrative contracts with their respective franchises.

Border knows that India will have a bigger say in world cricket since they are contributing the lion’s share in the ICC’s revenue but said if IPL takes precedence over T20 World Cup, it would be “going down the wrong path.”

“That would be just shut the gate, you know, India running the game. They’re pretty close to it now, but I suppose if you’re responsible for 80 per cent of global (cricket) income, you’re going to have a fair say in what goes on, I get that,” he said.
“But I think the world game can’t allow that to happen. I don’t think you can have India superseding what the international game has in place. That would be going down the wrong path.”

The ICC’s Cricket Committee has recommended a ban on the usage of saliva on the ball due to the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Border said the authorities will have to allow the use of an artificial substance to shine the ball.

“They will obviously have to relax the rules over polishing the cricket ball with some sort of substance other than sweat or saliva,” the 64-year-old said.

“Whether you’re allowed to scratch it, or put saliva to shine it on one side, or picking the seam there’s always something going on about the cricket ball, isn’t there?

“…the bowlers have got to be able to do something with the cricket ball, not just let the ball go so the batsmen can smash it everywhere. They’ve got to be able to shine the ball to try and extract some swing, that type of thing.

Fine with IPL in empty stadiums if it ensures fans’ safety: Rahane

Fine with IPL in empty stadiums if it ensures fans’ safety: Rahane

New Delhi: India and Delhi Capitals batsman Ajinkya Rahane won’t mind playing the IPL in empty stadiums if it ensures the safety of the fans.

Speaking in an Instagram Live session arranged by Delhi Capitals, Rahane said: “COVID-19 pandemic has taught everyone that unexpected things can happen, therefore we need to be happy about what we are doing, and should value what we have.

“As for IPL or any other sport, I feel it could be played without spectators. All of us have played domestic cricket in almost empty stadiums, so that’s an experience all cricketers are used to,” he said.

“Of course we are nothing without our fans, and that’s why their safety is of utmost importance. Even if they get to watch some Live action from home, I am sure that will be an enjoyable experience as well. The safety of fans is key, and if we need to play in empty stadiums for that, we are open to doing it,” Rahane said.

IPL 2020 has been indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but there is a possibility that it is played behind closed doors in September.

Speaking on how he has been spending time during the nationwide lockdown, India’s Test specialist said he is enjoying bonding with his wife and daughter.

“I’m trying to be as positive as possible during this lockdown, and staying at home with my wife and daughter. It’s given me an opportunity to bond with them, and I am also able to help my wife in cooking and cleaning. I’m also trying to revive my karate skills, something that I pursued as a child. It definitely helps me in maintaining my agility and fitness, and I am enjoying it a lot,” said the 31-year-old.

The experienced middle-order batsman was bought by Delhi Capitals last year before the IPL Auction and says he is really excited about playing for the franchise.

“It is something I’ve really been eager about, and it has stemmed in because of the things I’ve heard about the team from the likes of Ishant, Shikhar, and Shreyas. They’ve told me that it’s like a huge family where everyone is always backing each other, and enjoying each other’s successes,” he said.

Talking about his excitement on playing under head coach Ricky Ponting, Rahane said he has always admired the Australian legend.

“My idols growing up were definitely Rahul Sir and Sachin Sir, but I’ve always admired Ricky Sir also. I used to try to copy his batting and fielding styles. And therefore, I’m really looking forward to working under him. I’m sure he will help me immensely in my batting as well as overall leadership, said the former captain of Rajasthan Royals.