BOXING : MAYWEATHER AND DE LA HOYA SQUARE OFF

Mayweather threatens De la Hoya !

 

Floyd Mayweather stoked the fires ahead of his May super-fight with Oscar de la Hoya by poking and jostling his opponent at a New York press briefing.

The two ring superstars clash at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on 5 May.

De la Hoya will defend his WBC light middleweight crown against WBC welterweight champion Mayweather.

But as they met to publicise the fight, Mayweather taunted the 'Golden Boy' by insisting: "I'll do what I've done to 37 others and bust his ass."

In a show of typical bravado, both fighters revealed their chiseled torsos to prove their fitness before Mayweather delivered a withering attack on six-weight champion De la Hoya.

 

Mayweather, who is moving up to 154lbs for the first time, stood nose-to-nose with his opponent, bumping him with his chest and calling him a "pussy".

De la Hoya, 34, remained calm, insisting he would make Mayweather pay once they got into the ring, with the world's best pound-for-pound fighter tag at stake.

"When he's talking, it's just more fuel, baby," De la Hoya said through gritted teeth.

"I respect Floyd as a fighter but come 5 May, he's going to be hurting for weeks."

The hotly-anticipated clash has already sold out for a Nevada-record gate of $19m.

 

A record 1,200 closed circuit showings are expected for the fight, to be broadcast to 176 countries.

De la Hoya has been trained for the last six years by the challenger's father, Floyd Mayweather Sr, but will have veteran Freddie Roach in his corner for the big fight.

But Mayweather mocked De la Hoya and said he would back up his bravado with hard cash.

He added: "I'll bet you $1m, $2m, $3m I'll beat you. Every dime in my bank account, right now."

 

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

 

 

 

CFU News - Warner praises veteran FIFA official

Warner praises veteran FIFA official

 

Issued on February 21, 2007

 

FIFA Vice President Jack Warner has praised Costa Rican football official  Isaac Sasso for his tremendous contribution to sport, in particular football, as the individual stepped down his position in the FIFA Executive Committee after 17 years.

 

Sasso,who has been to Trinidad previously, resigned because of ill health earlier this month, a couple days before his 81^st birthday. He will be replaced by Rafael Sandoval of Guatemala, CONCACAF announced.

 

"Through his many years of tireless service to the game, Sasso has made an enormous contribution to the sport he loves at every level from his won club in Costa Rica all the way up to his years of service on the FIFA executive committee,"  Warner said.

 

Sandoval will complete the remainder of Sasso Sasso's term, which expires in May. CONCACAF has two other votes on the 24-man FIFA executive committee. Warner, who is a FIFA vice president, and CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer.

 

Meantime, Blazer said he favoured Oceania holding direct entry to the Confederations Cup and Fifa's Club World Cup.

 

Blazer, in New Zealand to continue planning and preparation for next year's world under-17 women's championship, said he did not agree with suggestions the world club championship should be the domain of professional clubs only.

 

 As chairman of the 2009 Confederation Cup committee, Blazer is happy that the six confederation champions will be joined in South Africa by the hosts and defending champions.

 

"As long as we [FIFA] consider Oceania as a confederation we should treat them as such," said Blazer.

CFU Release - CFU appoints new events coordinator

Issued on February 21, 2007

 

The Caribbean Football Union has brought on board a new events coordinator to work in its organization.

 

Trinidadian Angenie Kanhai began her duties on Monday following her appointment last week. Kanhai will be based at the CONCACAF/CFU offices in Port of Spain and will work along with recently appointed General Secretary Afzal Khan and his staff following full approval from CFU President Jack Warner

 

Khan got his first taste of activity at the CFU level during the Digicel Caribbean Cup last month and now Kanhai will assist with organizing and staging of the CFU Congress, scheduled for Curacao from March 26-28 followed by the CFU Under 15 Championship in mid-2007.

 

Kanhai was last attached to the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs as a Physical Education and Sport Officer and also worked at the Hasely Crawford Stadium where she served too as a translator for Latin American officials, teams and media during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers and also performed a similar role at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium during the 2001 FIFA Under 17 World Championship. Kanhai is a graduate of Holy Faith Convent, Couva and the International School of Physical Education and Sport in Havana,Cuba.

 

On the CFU’s latest appointment, Khan added: “We look forward to having Miss Kanhai in our organization now and we intend to utilize her in the best way possible as we seek to ensure that all our activities are of a high standard. President Warner has approved the appointment and he is anticipating a continuation of professionalism with regards to all events under the CFU.

 

“We have a hectic year ahead of us because football is year round. The Congress is right around the corner and that of course is a vital coming together of all the member associations. Then we have the youth tournaments and before you know it the 2010 World Cup qualifiers will be kicking off,” Khan stated. The events coordinator post was once held by Kerri-Ann Alleyne who has since began duties at the CONCACAF’s Head Office in New York.

 

The CFU was founded on the 28th of January 1978.   Its head office is situated in T&T under the distinguished leadership of Warner as Founding Member and President of the CFU.

 

 The union has a membership of 30 Caribbean countries.  Its mandate is to develop football across the Caribbean involving various age groups from youth to senior players.  Its partnership since 2004 with the exciting brand, Digicel, has significantly raised the profile and status of the Caribbean Cup and is positively developing the interest of players and fans, and expanding the growth of football in the region. 

 

The Caribbean Football Union will continue to seek and present opportunities to its membership in order to be the catalysts of growth for Caribbean football.

MALE SPECTATORS BANNED

Males banned from women WC qualifiers in Pakistan

AFP

February 21, 2007

Male spectators, except those attending with family, will be banned when Pakistan hosts the eight-team Women's World Cup qualifiers in November, officials said.

But officials hailed the decision to stage the matches in this conservative Islamic republic as a sign that the country is becoming more moderate and making efforts to allow women to play sport.

The qualifiers will be played in Lahore between November 18 and 24, the ICC said in a statement from its headquarters in Dubai. Besides the hosts, teams from Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, Bermuda, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and the Netherlands will all vie for the two available slots in the 2009 ICC Women's World Cup.

Defending champions and hosts Australia, India, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the West Indies have all earned automatic qualification following their top-six finish in 2005 when the World Cup was held in South Africa.

"The decision proves that women's cricket is progressing in our country and through this event we would promote a softer and moderate image of Pakistan," said Shamsa Hashmi, secretary of the Pakistan Cricket Board women's wing.

Players will wear the standard international dress code, unlike earlier matches in Pakistan that have been played in the traditional uniform of baggy trousers and long shirts, she said.

But she added: "Males can come to watch only as part of families of those that are playing." Male officials may also be allowed. Pakistan held its first national women's championship two years ago and the national team toured South Africa last month, losing the five-match series 4-0. The fifth match was rained off.

Hashmi said the Pakistani team would put on its best show against some experienced opponents. Zimbabwe, making their debut, qualified from Africa, Papua New Guinea from East Asia-Pacific, Bermuda from the Americas, Scotland and the Netherlands from Europe.

The top teams have launched their preparations for the 2009 World Cup, Australia, India, England and New Zealand competing in a quadrangular series currently underway in Chennai.

Betty Timmer, chairwoman of the ICC Women's Committee, said she was delighted with the interest shown by Pakistan in hosting the qualifiers. "We are very pleased with Pakistan's involvement in the organization of the event. We are looking forward to this tournament in Lahore," said Timmer.

The 2009 World Cup will be the first to be played under the auspices of the ICC since its merger with the International Women's Cricket Council in 2005.

© AFP

 

MEDIA RELEASE - New State-of-the-Art Covers Pass the Test at Hasely Crawford Stadium

Partygoers at Machel Montano's Alternative Concept 5 on Saturday 10 February 2007 were the first to experience the newly installed surface covering at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

 

Installed in just 2 days under the supervision of The National Insurance Property Development Company Limited (NIPDEC), the system comprises two distinct elements: one for the field (87,000 square feet) and the other (33,000 square feet) for the Mondo track. Both are interlocking, roll-up modular systems. The PortaFloor EX, used for the grassed area allows air to circulate below and so maintains the health of the grass for up to five days.

 

At a cost of approximately seven million dollars, both covers are rugged, durable and easy to store. The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is therefore pleased to announce the acquisition of this equipment which will ensure that the integrity of the playing surfaces at the Hasely Crawford Stadium is maintained. Cultural and other shows or displays can be accommodated with little or no disturbance to the sporting community.

 

END

 

KG/14Feb07

 

For further information please contact Natasha Nunez, Communications Specialist, Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs at 740-5688.

 

BEGIN INVESTIGATIONS INTO SAMUELS

NEW DELHI, Feb 8: The Cricket Board on Thursday said that it has received the report of the Nagpur Police on West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels' links with a bookie and has forwarded it to the International Cricket Council.

 

"We have received the report today and have forwarded it to the ICC for necessary action," BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla said.

 

He said the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit representative in India was already in touch with the Nagpur Police to get all the necessary information regarding Samuels' links with Mukesh Kochchar, a bookie who has alleged connection with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

 

"I have also spoken to the ACU representative here on this issue. The BCCI will cooperate in the investigations. Since it is involving a foreign player, it is a very sensitive issue and needs to be handled carefully," he said.

 

BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, when contacted, said that it is for the ICC to take action in this matter.

 

"At the moment no Indian player is involved and we can take action only if an Indian player is involved," he said.

 

Meanwhile, the ICC also confirmed having received the report from the Nagpur Police and said it has started investigation into the matter.

 

"We have received the report and the ACU representative in India has been directed to carry out the investigations," a top ICC source said.

 

He said, if required, Samuels could be summoned for a cross examination as part of the probe.

 

"The ICC can investigate and prepare a report, but it is upto the West Indies Cricket Board to take necessary action against the player," the source added.

 

In a sensational disclosure, Nagpur Deputy Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar last night said that Samuels gave out information to bookie Mukesh Kochchar on the batting and bowling line-ups of his team prior to the January 21 One-dayer between India and West Indies.

 

However, he added that "we have no evidence about financial commitment made."

 

He said Nagpur Police had concrete evidence that Samuels was in touch with Mukesh Kochchar and "prima facie it is a violation of ICC Code of Conduct for player."

 

Kumar said the police had informed the BCCI that there had been certain incidents which showed that Samuels was conversing on a number of occasions with Mukesh Kochchar who was an international cricket better.

 

"And we have said in brief what was the conversation, including the bowling order and other details which were being provided to Mukesh Kochchar," Kumar said.

 

Asked if it was another case of match-fixing, Kumar said, "it is not actually a match-fixing incident. It is basically certain confidential team details that were passed on to a cricket better. We have no information about fixing the match. We have team information being passed. There were certain promises made but we cannot reveal them now," he said.

 

:: WWW.INDIANTIMES.COM

BRIAN LARA SUPPORTS MARLON SAMUELS

Samuels has played 23 Tests and 83 one-day internationals

The West Indies Cricket Board has promised an investigation into claims that all-rounder Marlon Samuels passed team information to a bookmaker.

Spokesman Tony Deyal told BBC World Service Sport: "Whatever we do will be fair, honest and transparent.

And he continued: "Whatever action we have to take consistent with the law, we will take it."

Indian police claim to have tapes of a conversation involving Samuels before a recent one-dayer in Nagpur.

And the Board of Control for Cricket in India has passed the police report on to the International Cricket Council.

Samuels has denied any wrongdoing but the West Indies Board has yet to speak to him or decide precisely what form any investigation on their part will take.

Deyal, the WICB's corporate service manager, said: "We're not going to act on rumour or gossip because we are dealing with the career of a young cricketer of talent and promise and we have to look after him.

"We will have an investigation and take whatever action is appropriate and consistent with the ICC [International Cricket Council] regulations and our own reputation for probity.

"We had world champion sides for many years and we have always done whatever had to be done in terms of protecting the game and protecting the players."

He added: "Anything that we are going to do will have three major parts to it - one, what is the complaint and what proof is there; two, there must be an investigation internally, most likely headed by the cricket committee; and thirdly, we will involve the [West Indies] Players Association because Mr Samuels is a member and we are duty bound to involve all parties."

The matter is an unwelcome distraction for the Board just one month before the Caribbean hosts the World Cup for the first time.

But team captain Brian Lara has offered his backing for Samuels, who is certain to be a member of the West Indies squad after impressive recent performances.

"Ultimately, I would like to speak to Marlon Samuels to let him know that he has the full support of myself and the other players.

"He needs to stay focused on the things he can control. We have a World Cup to win," Lara told reporters at the launch of his new cricket computer game.

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

 

 

 

 

BEGIN INVESTIGATIONS INTO SAMUELS

NEW DELHI, Feb 8: The Cricket Board on Thursday said that it has received the report of the Nagpur Police on West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels' links with a bookie and has forwarded it to the International Cricket Council.

 

"We have received the report today and have forwarded it to the ICC for necessary action," BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla said.

 

He said the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit representative in India was already in touch with the Nagpur Police to get all the necessary information regarding Samuels' links with Mukesh Kochchar, a bookie who has alleged connection with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

 

"I have also spoken to the ACU representative here on this issue. The BCCI will cooperate in the investigations. Since it is involving a foreign player, it is a very sensitive issue and needs to be handled carefully," he said.

 

BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, when contacted, said that it is for the ICC to take action in this matter.

 

"At the moment no Indian player is involved and we can take action only if an Indian player is involved," he said.

 

Meanwhile, the ICC also confirmed having received the report from the Nagpur Police and said it has started investigation into the matter.

 

"We have received the report and the ACU representative in India has been directed to carry out the investigations," a top ICC source said.

 

He said, if required, Samuels could be summoned for a cross examination as part of the probe.

 

"The ICC can investigate and prepare a report, but it is upto the West Indies Cricket Board to take necessary action against the player," the source added.

 

In a sensational disclosure, Nagpur Deputy Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar last night said that Samuels gave out information to bookie Mukesh Kochchar on the batting and bowling line-ups of his team prior to the January 21 One-dayer between India and West Indies.

 

However, he added that "we have no evidence about financial commitment made."

 

He said Nagpur Police had concrete evidence that Samuels was in touch with Mukesh Kochchar and "prima facie it is a violation of ICC Code of Conduct for player."

 

Kumar said the police had informed the BCCI that there had been certain incidents which showed that Samuels was conversing on a number of occasions with Mukesh Kochchar who was an international cricket better.

 

"And we have said in brief what was the conversation, including the bowling order and other details which were being provided to Mukesh Kochchar," Kumar said.

 

Asked if it was another case of match-fixing, Kumar said, "it is not actually a match-fixing incident. It is basically certain confidential team details that were passed on to a cricket better. We have no information about fixing the match. We have team information being passed. There were certain promises made but we cannot reveal them now," he said.

 

:: WWW.INDIANTIMES.COM

 

I AM NO BOOKMAKER BUT A FRIEND TO SAMUELS SAYS MUKESH KOCHAR

Kochar denies charges, says he is willing to cooperate

 

DUBAI, Feb 9: Mukesh Kochar, who finds himself at the centre of a potential match-fixing scandal for extracting information on team composition from West Indian cricketer Marlon Samuels, on Friday strongly denied that he was a bookie and said he was willing to cooperate in the investigations.

Describing himself as a "plain cricket lover", Kochar said he was a businessman by profession and had known Samuels as a friend for a long time.

"I am not a bookie but a plain lover of the game. The allegations of match-fixing are baseless. I have known Samuels only as a friend. He is like a son," Kochar said.

Kochar, who has a foodstuff business here, explained that he had first met Samuels in Sharjah several years ago and has remained in touch since then.

Kochar said he was willing to extend full cooperation if the Indian authorities needed help in carrying out the match-fixing investigations. "I will extend all help in this regard", he said.

He said he did not know anyone in the West Indies team other than Samuels. "I've called him at times. But we did not discuss anything on the match. I spoke to him at a personal level, to encourage him. I'm not a bookie but a businessman", he said.

On charges of his links with the Dawood Ibrahim gang, Kochar's lawyer clarified that his client did not have any commercial dealing or had never acted on behalf of the underworld in any case.

The Nagpur Police created a flutter in cricket circles with a sensational disclosure of a tapped telephonic conversation between Samuels and Kochar in which the cricketer gave out information on team composition ahead of India-West Indies

:: www.indiantimes.com

TTFF News - T&T U17 footballers off to Honduras for warm ups

T&T U17 footballers off to Honduras for warm ups

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, February 8, 2007

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s Under 17 footballers are set to go into an extensive preparation program inclusive of international warm up matches as it gets ready to go into final round CONCACAF qualifying action towards the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Championship in Korea.

 

This Sunday, the team of 20 players comprising mostly of members of the outfit which finished third in last year’s CFU Under 16 Championship, heads out to Honduras where it will play three matches including one against that country’s national Under 17 team. This however is not the final squad expected to go into the tournament. Some of the names with past experience making this trip include Daniel Joseph, Leston Paul and prolific goalscorer Stephan Knox, Brenton Balbosa and Robert Primus.

 

Head coach Anton Corneal will accompany the team which has been in training at home since early December. It was also revealed that the T&T team will play two training matches against Mexico in the first week of March before a proposed training camp in the United States. This is all being planned by the TTFF as it continues its preparation phases for national teams,

 

“I think we have the right games in place before the tournament and the fact that it is being played in Jamaica could also be helpful to us in terms of the conditions. With that said, we are now trying to ensure that we prepare against the right type of opposition to ensure that our chances are just as good as any for qualifying for the World Championship,” Corneal told TTFF Media.

 

“The Federation is working in different areas because we are talking about our next generation of footballers here. And the coaching personnel has tried to work along with the resources available to ensure that we are not left behind,” Corneal added.

 

The team will train on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium before a full day of protocol and etiquette training at the DR Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya on Saturday prior to its departure to Honduras.

 

T&T goes into Group B action in the qualifying series from April 28-May 6 in Jamaica, taking on Costa Rica in its first match at the National Stadium on April 28. They then face Jamaica on April 30, United States on May 4 and Canada on  May 6.  From this group, three top three of the five nations will advance to the World Championship while two teams will advance from the other group being contested in Honduras including the hosts, Mexico, Haiti and El Salvador.

 

 

Shaun Fuentes  

kochar calls Gayle name now

For the first time after the controversy over the taped conversation between West Indies cricketer, Marlon Samuels and bookie Mukesh Kochar came to fore, Times Now had an exclusive chat with the man at the center of this scandal. Mukesh Kochar spoke for the first time on the channel on February 8.

 

Q: What is your reaction to the whole controversy and all the revelations?

 

I am not a bookie; I am a businessman. I have been living in Gulf for last 25-years & I am in Dubai since last 22-years. Whatever news & information you have highlighted is not correct. Marlon Samuels is like a son to me and I advised him to perform well. I wanted him to come up like Chris Gayle. He is a good batsman & a wicket-taker. I wished him good luck hoping that he performs well and comes up to the mark for World Cup 2007.

 

Q: This is very detailed information in the transcript; Why were you asking which overs will he bowl. Who all would be bowling?

 

In any game first five-overs are always bowled by fast bowlers even if the change overs is there it is always the other one. So I told him that whether you come in on the 16th over or 18th over try and give as little runs as possible. Try to perform well. You are a good all-rounder consolidate your position in the team and remain there.

 

Q: Why were you keen to know who else will bat at what order?

 

You said that there are few new players in the team who are making their debut but I am not aware of them. Sometimes he comes at number five or number one position. I just said that where ever you come even if you have to waste a couple of balls it doesn't make a difference. Don't throw away your wicket try to score as much as possible.

 

Q: There is also reference to Robinson or Robin Singh?

 

I really don't know what you are talking about Robinson or Robin Singh. I don't know anybody of this name. And no one of this name is involved.

 

Q: You have been under suspicion, why is it so?

 

If I am talking to you, I won't know if my phone is being tapped. The call came from my friend Samuels and I returned the call in a five-star hotel. If they don't pick the call or disconnect the phone, it is understood that something is going to be nasty. But I am not concerned, my heart is clear I'm not involved in it.

 

Q: In your conversation who were you referring to as 'CHRIS''?

 

Yes, he is Chris Gayle. I have told him you should play like Chris who is a successful batsman. I told him only one thing, whenever you play just consolidate your position. Play well for yourself so that you are selected for the World Cup.

 

Q: Did you meet Samuels or Chris Gayle after the Nagpur ODI?

 

No

 

WWW.INDIANTIMES.COM

MORE ON SAMUELS CONTROVERSY

NAGPUR/MUMBAI, Feb 9: Day 2 of the Marlon Samuels match-fixing saga threw up two more names and typical reactions from various cricket boards and a strong denial from Mukesh Kochhar, the alleged bookie whose conversation with Samuels was taped by the Nagpur police.

 

While the Indian cricket Board deftly deflected the issue, with chief honcho Pawar saying it's for the International Cricket Council to take action, the ICC has announced an inquiry and is holding an emergency meeting in Dubai on Friday on how to tackle the issue.

 

The names that have cropped up on Thursday are of West Indies opener Chris Gayle and a certain Robin Singh. Gayle's name cropped up because he spent two-three days in Mumbai along with Samuels after the rest of the West Indies team had returned on February 1. But nothing has been found by the police to suggest Gayle's complicity.

 

The name of Robin Singh is mentioned a couple of times during the six-minute taped conversation between Samuels and Kochhar. However, nowhere does the conversation indicate that it is the former Indian allrounder being referred to.

 

It's also not clear if the name being mentioned is ‘Robin Singh' or ‘Robinson'. Robin Singh himself denied any involvement.

 

"I'm a friend and father figure to Samuels," said Kochhar to Times Now from Dubai. "I have done nothing wrong. I was only trying to encourage him to play better. I'm a born sportsman and yes who doesn't bet on cricket. And who doesn't know the name of Dawood Ibrahim. But I don't know him at all."

 

Certain channels quoted Maharashtra DGP, P S Pasricha, as saying that Robin Singh figured in the conversation. But the letter from Nagpur Police Commissioner to BCCI brass, which incidentally is dated January 31 (the day the fourth and final One-Day International was played) is silent on this aspect.

 

www.indiantimes.com

SHAHID AFRIDI FACING BAN AHEAD OF WORLD CUP 2007

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi's World Cup plans may be severely disrupted if he is found guilty of an International Cricket Council charge for brandishing his bat at a spectator.

The mercurial Afridi could face a ban of between four and eight one-day internationals or two and four Tests under the ICC's code of conduct for his behaviour in Sunday's limited-overs match against South Africa at Centurion.

The ICC confirmed the level three charge, relating to "conduct unbecoming ... which could bring (players or officials) or the game of cricket into disrepute".

As Afridi walked up a set of stairs towards the dressing room following his dismissal against the Proteas, a spectator is thought to have passed comment.

Afridi reacted by appearing to push his bat at the person in an aggressive manner, causing the spectator to take evasive action.

The hearing, to be conducted by ICC match referee Chris Broad, will take place as soon as possible - and Afridi remains available to play for his country until judgment and sentence are passed.

He will have the right to an appeal against the charge, laid by ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed after he had studied video footage of the incident.

 

www.sportinglife.com

 

MARLON SAMUELS IN THE NEWS

The first one-dayer between India and the West Indies in Nagpur on January 21 is being investigated after Nagpur police claimed that they were in possession of taped phone conversations between Marlon Samuels, the West Indies allrounder, and Mukesh Kochchar, an alleged bookie.

Both the Indian board and the ICC confirmed receiving the police report and the ICC has started investigations into the matter. On his part Samuels has rubbished any involvement, saying, "I have not done anything wrong".

At a press conference on Thursday evening, Nagpur's police commissioner SPS Yadav revealed that Kochar and Samuels had spoken four times over the phone. He added that Samuels had specifically told Kochar over the phone at 11.30 pm on January 20 that he would bowl first change the next day - which is what actually happened.

What also apparently strengthened the police's suspicion was that Samuels chose to stay on in Mumbai - ostensibly to take part in a cricket reality show - when his team left for the West Indies after the series ended. "After the West Indies team's departure, he stayed back for a few days in Mumbai. Maybe they (Samuels and Kochar) were in contact during that time," Yadav said.

The police clarified that they had "no evidence about financial commitment made", or of match fixing, but that there were "enough indications of betting" and that prima facie it is a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct for players. They also confirmed that no other West Indian player was involved.

In New Delhi, Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, said the matter was now the responsibility of the ICC. "We have received a communication from the police commissioner of Nagpur and we have sent this immediately to the ICC headquarters in Dubai," Pawar told PTI. "It is now for the ICC to take appropriate action."

Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI vice-president, said the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit representative in India was already in touch with the Nagpur Police to get all the necessary information regarding Samuels's links with Kochar. "I have also spoken to the ACU representative here on this issue. The BCCI will cooperate in the investigations. Since it is involving a foreign player, it is a very sensitive issue and needs to be handled carefully."

"At the moment no Indian player is involved and we can take action only if an Indian player is involved," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said.

India had beaten the West Indies by 14 runs in the Nagpur ODI, the first game of the four-match series which India went on to win 3-1. Samuels conceded 53 runs in his allotted 10 overs of the game and followed it up with a 60-ball 40 during the run-chase.

© Cricinfo

 

'I don't do such things' - Samuels

Marlon Samuels, the West Indies allrounder, was quoted in The Times of India as admitting to knowing Mukesh Kochar, the Indian bookie, but insisting: "I don't think he's a bookie. I usually talk about cricket but don't give out any such information." The Nagpur police have claimed that Samuels passed on match-related information to Kochar ahead of the one-day match in that city on January 21.

"I don't do such things man," Samuels was quoted as saying. "I have not done anything wrong. The West Indies Cricketers' Association will take up the matter if necessary." The report said Samuels laughed when told the Nagpur police had recorded his conversations with Kochar.

Meanwhile, the West Indies Cricket Board has said it had not received any communication yet from the BCCI or ICC on the allegations and has said it was "not going to act on rumour or gossip."

Tony Deyal, the WICB spokesman, was quoted in agency reports as saying the board would take necessary action only after getting a formal report. "We have not been officially contacted by the BCCI or ICC. However, we are not going to act on rumour or gossip and will not be panicked, particularly since we are talking about the career and future of a young cricketer of talent and promise," Deyal was quoted as saying. "We have a zero-tolerance policy on gambling and we strictly adhere to the ICC codes," he added.

Samuels's mother Daphne Lunan, meanwhile, told The Jamaica Observer that she didn't believe her son was involved in any wrongdoing. The mother of eight said she has been in shock ever since another of her sons, David, told her he heard the report on radio yesterday. "I was so shocked to hear that; right now I'm feeling so nervous because I don't believe Marlon mix up into those things." She also claimed that her son and Kochar had been friends for a long time. "All when he is not playing match he [Kochar] call him because the last time with his [Samuels's] foot (injury) he called and said he is a good player, he must continue, that's it." Lunan added that she herself had spoken to Kochar on several occasions.

© Cricinfo

Ponting hits back at New Zealand

Ponting hits back at Vincent.

 

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has defended his team following New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent's description of them as behaving like "a pack of dogs".

Vincent said earlier in the week Australia resorted to intimidation tactics and over-the-top sledging instead of behaving like true champions.

"This has been running for a couple days already, this Lou Vincent stuff, so I don't want to add much more to it," Ponting said.

"But at the end of the day, it probably says a little bit about him as an individual."

Ponting accepted his players did try to intimidate their opponents but rejected the claim their sledging was beyond the limits of fair play.

"We try to create an uncomfortable environment on-field for the opposition," he said. "That's probably the best way to put it. We like to put opposition teams under pressure.

"It creates doubt. We pride ourselves in the way we go about our fielding and the intensity of our fielding."

Ponting does not think his team are guilty of overdoing the sledging.

"I think everything that was done has been played within the spirit of the game," he said. "We have just been able to impose ourselves with good, solid, hard cricket on other teams."

Styris arrives

Meanwhile, versatile New Zealand batsman Scott Styris has only just arrived in Australia, but said he sensed a growing confidence among his team-mates.

Styris is the latest player to augment the Black Caps triangular one-day series squad and hopes he can emulate the efforts of Jacob Oram and Lou Vincent, both of whom have been key contributors since joining the side.

Speaking in Melbourne, Styris was asked whether there was there was a strong belief among the New Zealanders that they could upset the unbeaten Australians, starting with their clash at the MCG on Sunday.

"Absolutely, and I think the Australians think that as well," he said.

"But we have to play well ... I think if we continue to build like we have done over the past seven days then it should be a good few games."

Styris is expected to play in Sunday's game at the expense of Craig McMillan, although the latter has been a contributor during the tri-series with both bat and ball.

If selected, Styris said he needed to play to the level established by his team-mates in their last four games, which have produced two wins and two narrow losses to Australia.

"The boys have put three good performance in a row and I'm sure they're looking for four, five and beyond," he said.

"I've got to not be a passenger, if you like, if I get that opportunity

 

WWW.ABC.NET.AU