India World Cup 2011 Squad Announced by BCCI

BCCI all India seniors selection committee has released the 15 member squad for ICC World Cup 2011 beginning from 19th Feb 2011.

Sachin Tendulkar has pulled out from the remain matches in the ODI series against South Africa but placed in the world cup 2011.  But going by indications, the injury is not serious and Tendulkar will be making his sixth World Cup appearance.

The India’s squad is

M.S.  Dhoni Captain, Virendra Sehwag vice Captain. Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Jahir Khan, Munaf Patel, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, R. Ashwin, Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla.

Injury may sideline Hussey for World Cup

Australia batsman Mike Hussey faces a battle to be fit for the start of next month's World Cup after suffering a "significant" hamstring injury during Sunday's ODI against England, Cricket Australia said on Monday. Hussey sustained the injury during his 21 run knock in Australia's successful runchase against endland"Scans have confirmed that Mike Hussey sustained a significant left hamstring injury during the first ODI against England at the MCG," Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement. "The course of management for this injury will be determined in the next 24 hours."

World champions Australia are scheduled to name their final 15 member squad for the Feb 19-April 2 World Cup on Tuesday.

ICC proposal for day-night Test matches gathers strength

Day-night Test matches moved a step closer to acceptance after cricket's governing body endorsed a trial first class match in Pakistan held under lights with a coloured ball. "I don't see any problems with the behaviour of the ball or playing under lights. This match would help us in our proposal.Richardson watched some of the five-day Quaid-e-Azam trophy final at the National stadium between the country's two top teams.

The match was played under floodlights in a bid to attract crowds and raise the profile of Pakistan's domestic cricket.

A pink ball has been used in trials in England, Australia and West Indies which would enable players to wear white clothing under floodlit conditions with white sightscreens.

The traditional red ball is difficult to see properly under lights. White balls are used successfully in day-night one-day matches but the players wear coloured clothing and black sightscreens are employed.

"The good thing is that this final has shown that it is possible to play first class and test matches in a day-night format with orange color balls," former captain and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director-general of cricket Javed Miandad told reporters at the national stadium.

"But as far as the International Cricket Council is concerned it is up to them how they approach this new concept which can be done.

Miandad said that the PCB would send its report to the ICC after going through the reports of the captains and match officials.

"The good thing is that on all five days we got no complaints from anyone about playing in this format being difficult," he said.

Pepsico launches six new Lay's flavours for the ICC World Cup

In a bid to cash in on the Cricket World Cup, global soft drink and snacks major PepsiCo today unveiled six new flavours of its Lay's potato chips, inspired by the top teams participating in the tournament.

"We are the global snacks partner with the ICC World Cup in 2011. That's why we are building on this relationship. As a global snacks partner, we are leveraging the association to give consumer experiences and build our brand image," Pepsico Foods India Marketing Director Vidur Vyas told reporters. 

The six new flavours are named after India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia, England and South Africa. 

These snacks will also be available in the other two host countries -- Sri Lanka and Bangladesh -- as well. 

India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the co-hosts of the tournament, which is being held from February 19 to April 2. 

Vyas said the flavours might remain in the market after the tournament, depending on consumers' response. 

The company has also kicked off its World Cup advertising campaign, featuring Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni . 

However, Vyas, declined to comment on the kind of investment or the marketing spend Pepsico has earmarked for the campaign.

Bang for buck: IPL vs World Cup

Every Indian marketer worth his dollar is gearing up to be a part of what is being touted as the biggest cricketing season of all time. In a month from now, an estimated Rs 1,500 crore of combined advertising funds will be pumped into the ICC World Cup starting February 19 and then into the Indian Premier League-4 (IPL) beginning April 8. Industry experts say this 90-day chock-a-block cricket calendar will, arguably, be the largest media extravaganza ever in terms of both viewership and revenue. What is interesting is that despite the overdose of cricket and the high cost associated with it, most advertisers are not deterred from shelling out the big bucks. In fact, they admit that cricket remains the best impact property in a fragmented media environment. However, they do not hesitate to spell out that cricket's escalating costs mean a more efficient marketing plan is the need of the hour to get the required bang for their buck. 

Mobile service provider, Reliance Communications (RCOM), which is an  ICC global partner, is firming up its on-air strategy for the World Cup and the IPL. It has earmarked upwards of Rs 50 crore as ad spends during the upcoming cricket season. "We have become smarter as marketers as compared to a few years back. Cricket's costs have gone up and, therefore, we have to make sure that we micro-manage our investments to get best returns," says Sanjay Behl, group head-brand & marketing, RCOM. Advertisers had suffered a setback with India's early exit in the World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean and had even asked for compensation for their losses from broadcaster Multi Screen Media (MSM), the official broadcaster of the tournament then. , which of course was not forthcoming. World Cup versus the IPL

In fact, such is the lesson learnt from the last edition of the World Cup that Korean consumer durable major LG Electronics has chosen not to be present on ESPN Star Sports (ESS), the official broadcaster of the 2011 edition of the World Cup despite being an ICC ground partner. "The commercial deal did not work out for us, therefore, we have opted out of being on air but our consumer engagement plans and product launches will be big around the event and we expect a spike of 50% in sales over the last quarter," says L K Gupta, marketing head, LG India. Gupta, however, expects an assured viewership on IPL , on the other hand and, therefore, will be seen advertising on SET Max, the official IPL broadcaster, during the tournament. "There are large outlays involved in such big cricketing properties and what IPL offers is a risk-free option unlike the World Cup," says Rohit Gupta, president, MSM. The IPL-4 will for the first time have 10 teams and as many as 74 matches. 

The change in strategy by Although marketers these days prefer over the years favours a the snappier Twenty20 format of the IPL, there remains a desire but has not completely taken away the sheen to be associated with the World Cup. Big spenders like cola major, PepsiCo has plans to create a buzz around the tournament despite the 2007 debacle. Having launched its campaign "Change the game" PepsiCo is looking to capture and celebrate the changes in cricket over the years with a 360 degree marketing activity. "We feel the World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for us to leverage in terms of our image as also our sales. The IPL, too, is a great platform but that does not take away anything from the efficiency of the World Cup," says Sandeep Singh Arora, executive VP- marketing, cola, PepsiCo India. 

The country's largest media agency, Group M, expects both the World Cup and the IPL to equally share the Rs 1,500 crore ad booty but the average viewership ratings are expected to be better for the IPL. While the World Cup is expected to clock an average of 3.5 rating, the IPL will register an average of 5, according to Group M. "Brands like PepsiCo and Hero Honda, which have traditionally been cricket-centric in their communication and positioning, will prefer being on the World Cup as it has involved viewership unlike an IPL which is like a hindi general entertainment channel," says R Gowthaman, head, Mindshare-South Asia. While ESS has signed on sponsors like PepsiCo, Hero Honda, Sony India, Nokia, SET Max has got on board Hyundai, Vodafone, Cadbury India besides seven other sponsors. 

This involvement and less clutter is what an advertiser like Philips is looking to cash in on. "We have been present in cricket for the last three years and got good returns. The World Cup is an ideal platform for us to reach our target audience. It is like a national event filled with passion and we expect to get undivided attention from viewers unlike the IPL which is excessively commercialised," says Vivek Sharma, CMO, Philips India. 

But a big dampener for the ICC property, say media experts, is the number of matches that does not involve India, which constitute about 80% of the tournament and of course, the fate of the Indian team. The broadcaster of the World Cup, ESS says the ICC has changed the format from the 2007 edition so as to secure at least a month-long presence of the India team. India plays its last group match only on March 20, a month from the start of the tournament. "Yes, there has been some devaluation of the 50-over game but the World Cup has a special impact and that is the response we have got from advertisers," says an official spokesman of ESS. 

The marketing game is not just limited to advertisements. So everything that touches a consumer's life directly like flat screen TVs, apparel and FMCG products would be hard sold on ground as well. It's only natural, therefore, that to capture this national fervour, marketers beyond just the ones associated with the event on air are making plans. Retail chain Big Bazaar, which is the official merchandiser for the World Cup, has launched a range of personal care products like toothpastes and soaps through its Sach brand-inspired by Sachin Tendulkar-to coincide with the tournament. Even multiplex chains are preparing to hop on to the cricket bandwagon. "We are trying to extend the buzz around cricket on to the cinema goers by introducing cricket fever combo wherein consumer can win world cup merchandise," says Archana Jhangiani, head brand & marketing, Big Cinema. 

It's just a matter of time before the consumer market explodes on the country's biggest religion backed by the marketers attempt to maximise their quest for the consumer's purse. 

ICC to disclose spot-fixing probe details after verdict: Lorgat

According to an ICC press release, after a six-day hearing earlier this month, the Anti-Corruption Tribunal constituted to determine charges against Salman Butt , Muhammad Amir and Mohammad Asif "has determined to continue its deliberations and will hold a further hearing in Doha on 5 February 2011 at which its decisions will be handed down to the parties, and any consequential matters will be dealt with."

During the hearing, Amir and Asif were cleared regarding the Oval match, but Butt remains under investigation. Despite that news becoming public, Lorgat wouldn't elaborate on the details that led the ICC to extend their investigation.

"You'll recall when we held a press conference when the spot-fixing news first broke in London  Sir Ronnie Flanagan (the head of the ACSU) and myself indicated that wherever the evidence leads us, we will proceed to investigate in absolute detail," the Daily Times quoted Lorgat.

"As we proceeded with the initial Lord's Test that was the subject of the original investigation, there were certain leads which led us to The Oval Test match. We weren't prepared to leave any stone unturned, so, we presented certain charges for that match as well. We don't comment on investigations, we don't report on ACSU matters and once all of this is said and done and the verdict is out a more full report will be provided," he added.

Despite the delay in the final outcome of the hearings, which means the decision will be announced just days before the World Cup begins, Lorgat was satisfied with how the investigation had moved.

"I am pleased with the progress we have made," he said, adding, "It is a short space of time, it is a complex matter and it is running alongside a criminal investigation. I believe we have done very well to get to this position with a six-day tribunal that has sat and now we await a judgement."

EHSAN MANI PREDICTS TOUGH VERDICT AGAINST THE SUSPENDED TRIO

Ehsan Mani, the former president of the International Cricket Council believes that Pakistan’s spot-fixing tainted players would be awarded tough and harsh punishments by the ICC tribunal.

Three Pakistani players- namely, Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif- pleaded their innocence in front of the ICC tribunal in a hearing that took place in Doha, Qatar, from the 6^th to 11^th of this month. After the hearing, the tribunal, headed by Michael Beloff QC, chose to delay the verdict till the 5^th of February.

Mani, who hails from Pakistan, was satisfied by the overall performance of the anti-corruption tribunal and anticipated that a delay in the verdict was a right decision by the ICC. According to him, a delay showed that the ICC had enough evidence against the players and a harsh verdict was in the coming.

Talking to the media he said, "It’s good that the tribunal is taking its time in reaching a verdict and wants to study all the available material,". The former ICC president went on to say, "My gut feeling is that all three will be harshly punished. However, I will be very disappointed for Mohammad Amir, who is the best young talent around."

Mani termed the spot-fixing hearing as a milestone in cricket’s history. He said, "This case’s outcome will have a big impact on the future of international cricket and I don’t think there should be any hurry in giving a decision."

Last year in August, Pakistan was faced with quite a dilemma when three of the cricket team's main players, Butt, Amir and Asif, were accused by a British tabloid, "News of the World" of being involved in spot-fixing. The two bowlers, Asif and Amir, were alleged to have bowled deliberate no-balls after taking bribes from a bookmaker with the name of Mazhar Majeed. It was also revealed that the said bookie had a close relationship with the team captain, Salman Butt, which was later confirmed by Butt. However, Butt denied committing any wrong doing, and asserted that Majeed’s job was only to get lucrative advertisement contracts for the player.

After the accusations were made public, the ICC suspended the players from taking part in all formats of cricket, and formulated a three member anti-corruption tribunal to adjudge a hearing of the whole debacle. Justice Albie Sachs from South Africa and Sharad Rao from Kenya were two of the members of the tribunal.

Afridi, others leave for NZ today

 Pakistan ODI captain Shahid Afridi along with four other players will leave here on Monday mid night for Bangkok on his way to New Zealand where they will appear in the ODI series against the host that commence from January 22 after the completion of two Test series now in progress there. 

Other players, who will accompany the captain are, Abdul Razzaq, Ahmed Shahzad, Shoaib Akhtar and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal. 

Saeed Ajmal, who rushed home from New Zealand after his father passed away suddenly a few days ago, may also leave with the group. 

In the meantime, it has been learnt that the PCB Chairman visited Ghari Khuda Bukhsh in the interior of Sindh where the construction of a new international standard cricket ground has just under progress. In a brief talk with the media there, the PCB head is reported to have said that the tainted trio Salman Butt, M Asif and M Aamir would be included in Pakistan World Cup squad if they were exonerated from the charges. 

An ICC committee looking into allegations would deliver its verdict on the case of spot-fixing on February 5. January 19 is the last date for submitting the final 15-member squad for the quadrennial competition which will be played in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In the meantime, M Yousuf has wished to play the coming World Cup and was hopeful that his name would be in the squad of 15. 

He told media here on Sunday at NBP cricket ground where the national one-day division-II matches were being played that after his performance in the one-dayer, he was confident of his inclusion. Moreover, he added that he was training regularly and his fitness and form were good to get him in the team.

‘Board unconcerned about return of Int’l cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas feels that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not striving to pave the way for the return of international cricket to Pakistan and the lack of security measures taken during the final of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy even in the presence of International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager Dave Richardson is its evidence.

“The PCB should have at least, only for the sake of convincing Dave Richardson, taken some superficially solid security measures at National Stadium during his presence. He is here to observe the condition of cricket here in the country,” Zaheer Abbas told PPI.

Pakistan has not hosted an international series since an attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in March 2009.

The former batsman is of the view that a great deal of work needs to be done to develop a secure environment in Pakistan to convince the foreign teams to play cricket. And Zaheer said that the PCB has never taken the matter seriously.

Zaheer said that PCB should have been organising a low-profile tournaments such as six-a-side involving foreign players.

“I have been saying that they should call few players such as from Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe or somewhere else and organise a six-a-side tournament. In this way, the clouds of insecurity may diffuse,” Zaheer, also called the Asian Bradman, said.

He explained that if several tournaments like six-a-side, are organised on regular basis, the international cricket community could be convinced to send their teams for a full-fledged cricket series.

“The top national teams would only be convinced to play cricket in Pakistan if they see other foreign players playing in Pakistan. And in the beginning, only organising low-profile tournaments are possible,” he said.

“They (PCB) had to start from scratch after the attack on the Sri Lankan team. But they have been delaying such an initiative and it would do no good for cricket in Pakistan,” he stressed.

Captaincy issue haunts Pakistan again

The ghosts of captaincy have once again come back to haunt the Pakistan cricket team with some players and officials raising questions over the behaviour and attitude of current skipper Shahid Afridi.

Well placed sources aware of developments in Pakistan cricket have told PTI that Afridi retained the captaincy for the one-day series in New Zealand just by a whisker."They were serious deliberations within the board on retaining him as captain after getting some negative reports about his behaviour and attitude after the T20 series in New Zealand," one source disclosed.

"Right now there is a 50-50 split within the board and in the team management on whether Afridi should be allowed to captain the team in the World Cup or this responsibility should pass to Misbah-ul-Haq," the source said.

He said there were different reasons for Afridi losing favour with the establishment. One of them were growing complaints from fellow players and team and board officials that he was too friendly with the media.

"The second complaint was that he was too over bearing and was making some players uncomfortable and unhappy with his attitude. Plus the crucial issue of his own performances have also come under the scanner," another source said.

He said that team manager Intikhab Alam and coach Waqar Younis had conveyed to the PCB chairman Ijaz Butt after the one-day series in the UAE against South Africa that some players were not feeling comfortable playing under Afridi.

"That is the reason why Ijaz Butt called him for a meeting in Lahore recently in which he was told in clear terms to change his attitude and pull himself up," the source added.

The PCB has announced Afridi as captain for the ODIs in New Zealand but have stopped short of announcing him as World Cup captain although the tournament begins from February 19 while the series in New Zealand ends on February 5th.

"This is because Butt is still uncertain about what to do," the source said.

He said that the selectors were keen to also name the World Cup squad this week but it was put off because of the captaincy issue.

"There is a possibility now that the board might announce the World Cup squad on January 19th but wait until the series is over in New Zealand before announcing the captain for the World Cup," the source said.

The source said that the selectors had also decided to drop former captain and senior batsman Muhammad Yousuf for the World Cup although he was in the list of 30 probables.

"Yousuf is out of the World Cup and this could spell the end of his career," the source said.

The source said one reason why Butt was still reluctant to change Afridi at this stage was because of the short time left for the World Cup.

"There is a concern that if the move backfires and if the team flops in the tournament the blame will come on the board that it made a big mistake changing the captain so late," the source said.

Former captain Wasim Akram has also advised the board now to retain Afridi as captain as their was little time left for the World Cup.

"But there is a strong lobby in the board and in the selection committee that believes if Misbah-ul-Haq is able to guide the team to its first Test series win in four years time he becomes a certain choice to lead the team in the World Cup as well because he is in form and also because of his mature approach and better communication skills with the players," the source said.

This is not the first time that Pakistan cricket is facing a tough choice of this nature as in 2009 after winning the T20 World Cup, Younis Khan faced the same situation from his own players.

‘Trio to feature in World Cup if cleared’

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt has said that the suspended trio – Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir – will be included in the World Cup squad if they are cleared from the spot-fixing allegations. The three Pakistan players are awaiting the verdict that was delayed until February 5 after a six-day hearing was held in Doha earlier this month before a three-man tribunal headed by Michael Beloff. The International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager on Cricket David Richardson had earlier said that it will be up to the tournament committee to decide on the inclusion of any player after the deadline, which is January 19, for the final team announcement.

However, the PCB chief, who visited the under construction Benazir Bhutto International Cricket Stadium in Larkana yesterday, told reporters that the board has requested the ICC to allow the late inclusion of the trio if they are cleared.

Meanwhile, Ijaz said that the 15-man squad for the global event will be announced on January 19.