Dhoni too busy for domestic cricket

New Delhi: It looks like Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to pay a price for enjoying a break away from cricket. The Indian skipper has lost his captain's cap of the East Zone team to Orissa's Shiv Sundar Das for the upcoming Duleep Trophy matches.

It is believed that the East Zone selector Raja Venkat, after having repeatedly tried and failing to get in touch with the Indian skipper, handed the duty to the Orissa opener.

Dhoni is said to be on a holiday in Coorg with billiards champion Pankaj Advani and former India team mate Robin Uthappa.

The East zone team is slated to take on the West Zone at the Brabourne Stadium from January 29.

Jharkand State Cricket Association selector Jodh Singh was clueless about Dhoni's availability.

A source close to Dhoni told PTI in Ranchi that the Indian skipper was busy with his commercial commitments and so could not be contacted.

Hero rises from horrors of Mumbai to fashion fated Test victory for India

Was this karma, the cause and effect as defined in Hinduism? Was this Test match, not just India's stunning beautiful victory but the fact that ultimately it was fashioned so perfectly by the genius of Mumbai's most celebrated figure, simply meant to be after the atrocity inflicted on that vibrant city a fortnight ago? Or was it merely a magnificent sporting contest, as good as any cricket can be when given extra meaning by the peculiar circumstances that surrounded it?

I'm a romantic and lean towards the former. I like to think that sometimes things happen for the right reason and although the England team would have been disconsolate in the immediate aftermath of the match, with the celebratory clamour around them, the softer hours of their wind-down time may persuade them that this was one such occasion.

There was no disgrace to be had in losing at Chepauk. I hope, indeed I'm sure, that Kevin Pietersen will have reminded his team of this and then of the part they played in an event of massive significance on the subcontinent, firstly by turning up to play where others may have allowed their natural reservations to take precedent, and then, as with their opponents, competing in such a feisty manner. The financial donations they made towards emergency funds were a fine gesture but the biggest gesture of all was being there.

By all the natural laws that govern the progress of Test matches, England should have won the match. Another time they would have. The batting of Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood (two players, lest it be forgotten, who have been scrabbling for their Test careers throughout the past year) and disciplined bowling from an attack properly balanced for the anticipated conditions had set up a situation as the fourth day headed into the final session for which they would have grasped greedily had it been offered before the match began. On a wearing fifth-day pitch, slow but offering help for spinners and reverse swing for seamers, they might expect to win perhaps 19 times out of 20.

Then, though, comes the genius factor. The fast bowlers broke ranks with the new ball, feeding Virender Sehwag's insatiable appetite for the cut (with Alastair Cook like a coconut in a shy in the gully), and by the start of the final day the brilliant, calculated, carefree assault had reduced the target to manageable proportions. England could no longer afford the côterie of close catchers that would have been expected when the declaration came, leaving the gate ajar.

Sehwag, however, had set the stage for the master. Sachin Tendulkar had a score to settle with this stadium, having once previously, with a stupendous century — one of his very finest, scored despite labouring with a bad back — taken his side to within a spit of a successful run chase against Pakistan, only to falter, along with the India lower order, with the finishing post in sight. This time, in the course of constructing an innings so sublimely suited to the conditions that it should be made available to coaches everywhere, he found an ally in Yuvraj Singh, a devastating one-day batsman returned to the Test side to resume an unfulfilled career, susceptible to the fast short ball from which he is given immunity by unfair one-day regulations, and worked over magnificently by Andrew Flintoff in the first innings in such a way that it reinforced how Test cricket can provide scintillating passages of play for which there is just no time in the limited-overs game.

Yuvraj played his perfect part but the day, the match and the country demanded it belong to Tendulkar. It could not have been scripted more perfectly: a boundary to win the match and complete a century. It had to have been preordained. Had to be. And Tendulkar's articulate, measured summary of what it all meant, even as the euphoria reigned all around him and the adrenalin still coursed through his veins, placed it all into a proper context.

India and Australia - cricket as a relational metaphor

Cricket, it wouldn’t be wrong to suggest, was and is, the true national game in both India and Australia. This is precisely because it could be played against the English as part of the great imperial project. Hockey in India or Aussie Rules in Australia could not, and hence their legacies, like their origins, remain very curious in the sporting hierarchies of the two countries. It is important to answer, Why cricket and not hockey in India? Answers lie in the George Orwell axiom, “Serious sport is war minus the shooting.” If sport is in fact a metaphor (and in some cases a metonym) for war, then cricket simply was the necessity in India. Prowess in sport wasn’t enough.

Accomplishments had to be demonstrated in empire sport, which would mark a symbolic victory against the ruling colonial state. To substantiate the point: even when India won gold medals in field hockey in the Olympic Games in the years 1928-1956, hockey could never rival cricket in colonial India. This is because Britain refused to participate in Olympic hockey contests in the years 1928-1936, knowing that the Indians were favourites to win the gold. This is especially interesting because Britain had won the Olympic gold in field hockey in 1904 and 1920, the only years when hockey was played before 1928 and years when India did not participate. Absence of competitions against the coloniser, it can be argued, relegated hockey in the Indian sporting hierarchy.

Speaking to the press at New Delhi on 8 June 2005, the former Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer stated: “I think Australia and India, which have a long historic relationship, can build on some of the history of our relationship. Now…our two countries love cricket and the Foreign Minister, Pranab Mukherjee and I both love cricket. So, we spent a good deal of time over the lunch talking about our respective cricket teams and their prospects. We think that what we should do between us, between Australia and India, is to have a touring exhibition of Sir Donald Bradman’s memorabilia here in India. And we think that this exhibition, which should be jointly supported by Australia and India, would be very popular and this exhibition of Bradman memorabilia would go to major centres in India — New Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Chennai and so on.”

Tendulkar says Australia rivalry bigger than Pakistan

Star Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar says India's cricketing rivalry with Australia is now bigger than that with arch-enemy Pakistan, the latter a rivalry so intense that fans have reportedly taken their own lives over it.

Speaking in Mumbai ahead of the Australian team's visit to India next month, Tendulkar reflected on the last volatile match-up of the two sides - in Australia last summer - when allegations of racism and bad sportsmanship rocked the series.

Because of recent history, India now held its rivalry with Australia higher than its battles with Pakistan, Tendulkar said.

"I think it [India v Australia] has become bigger largely because of the competitiveness. All the series, from 2001 onwards, have been keenly fought and have been very close ones," he said.

"We have gone to Australia and beaten them. We have been able to surprise them and that's what the Australian public likes: competition and high standards of play.

"They love to see challenges and competitiveness."

However, Tendulkar was confident the racism row that marred India's last tour would not cast a shadow over next month's series.

"I don't think there is any friction between us," he said.

Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have been shadowed by the history of the neighbouring nations, who have been to war four times in the last 50 years.

In 2005, the Asia Times wrote: "After India lost the Kolkata match against Pakistan on November 13, a cricket fan, Rabindranath Adhikari, committed suicide, setting himself on fire at his house in Batikar village of Birbhum district in West Bengal. Such fits of insanity are not rare."

Cricket Australia to review security situation in India

Australia were due to depart Sep 21 for a four-Test series in India. The first Test is in Bangalore Oct 9 while Delhi will host the third Test starting Oct 29.

The Australian team's security expert Reg Dickason has been asked to compile the report in conjunction with CA and the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA).

New spinners will be Australia’s weak link: Bhajji Casson upset at being left out of Oz squad

Dickason will work with ACA and CA General Manager of Cricket Michael Brown, who will speak to the Indian cricket board, the Australian high commission in New Delhi and security agencies to gain information.

"The fundamental principle that always comes first is the safety of the team and the team officials," CA spokesman Peter Young said. "We will seek advice from the Australian government.

"Based on this report and other inputs, we will take a decision on the tour next week or so," he said.

Symonds' absence will help us: Sehwag Stats: Oz team

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains hopeful that the tour will continue.

"The blasts are a concern, but I don't think it will have an impact on the Australian tour," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said.

Young said that so far there was no danger for the tour to be called off.

"Well, so far the tour is on unless we get any reports, we are progressing with our plans to go ahead. There's a standard process for every tour. Such is the way of the world these days that this process is completed before we go anywhere."

Australia expressed safety fears ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy tournament due to be held in Pakistan this month.

Sachin Tendulkar fit to play again

In what would be good news for Indian cricket fans, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who missed the ODI series against Sri Lanka due to an elbow injury, has declared himself fit and will take part in Irani Cup, just ahead of the all important Indo-Australia sereis.

Sachin had injured his elbow in the 3rd Test match against Sri Lanka in August 2008 and was forced to miss the following ODI series that India won 3-2. The Little Master had a poor run of form in the Test series and failed to topple Brian Lara as the top run scorer in this form of the game.

But now fit-again Sachin can finally achieve that milestone at home in the 4 Test series against World Champions Aussies. He will also feature for the rest-of-India squad which takes on Ranji Champions Delhi in the Irani trophy that takes place from September 24 to 28th at Vadodara.

"I will be participating in the Irani Trophy. Just now I'm fine," declared the master batsman at a promotional event for Aviva Insurance of which he is a brand ambassador.

BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah has already informed that the squad, to be selected by the senior national selection panel led by Dilip Vengsarkar, would be a virtual Test side barring those who would be representing Delhi like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma.

SRI LANKA RECOVER IN COLOMBO

Jehan Mubarak helped Sri Lanka set India a target of 228 to win the final one-day international at the Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Zaheer Khan gave India a flying start, removing flamboyant opener Sanath Jayasuriya (one) in the second over, but Malinda Warnapura (30) and Mahela Udawatte (43) put Sri Lanka back on track with a 77-run stand for the second wicket.

Irfan Pathan, however, removed both batsmen in the space of four deliveries and Kumar Sangakkara (one) and captain Mahela Jayawardene (12) both fell cheaply as Sri Lanka slipped to 104 for five. Jayawardene finally won a toss in the series, but India's new-ball bowlers again turned in tight opening spells to put the Sri Lankans under pressure.

Warnapura, dropped on six by Rohit Sharma, and Udawatte were unconvincing but effective as they built the innings.

But Pathan, brought into the team for Praveen Kumar, struck twice in his second over to send back both batsmen. Warnapura skied a delivery to Gautam Gambhir at cover, while Udawatte was trapped plum in front three deliveries later. Sangakkara recorded another failure, attempting a lazy cut shot off RP Singh and nicking to Gambhir in the slips.

Ojha had troubled Chamara Kapugedera (26) at the start and thought he had the middle-order batsman when he dived forward to take a return catch.

Kapugedera was on six, but he survived that close call after third umpire Gamini Silva deemed the ball had touched the ground.

Ojha, however, struck in successive overs to send back Jayawardene and Kapugedera as the hosts' middle-order caved in yet again.

First Champions League to be held in India

The first Champions League will be played in India this year, said Lalit Modi, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) official and the Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner on Monday.

The matches will be played in three venues - Jaipur, New Delhi and Mohali from September 29 to October 8.

Eight teams are expected to participate in the event that will include the teams securing the first and the second positions in the domestic Twenty20 events of South Africa and Australia, besides the winner and runners-up of the IPL.

Apart from this, one team from Pakistan will also take part in the tournament and the PCB has ensured its complete cooperation in this regard.

However, because of the differences that occurred between the India and the England boards on some administrative matters of the Champions League, no team from England is likely to take part in the competition.

But Modi is not too worried about the issue and confirmed if no team comes from England then any team from Sri Lanka or New Zealand would fill the gap.

The details of the event is scheduled to be finalised in Mumbai on Wednesday at a meeting that is suppose to be attended by officials from the BCCI, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Cricket Australia (CA).

The idea of the Champions League was first proposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India when they launched the Indian Premier League. The Champions League is supposed to be an annual event which will have two domestic teams from each Test-playing nation competing in the competition.

Sri Lanka add Prasad to Galle test squad v India

Sri Lanka have called up uncapped paceman Dammika Prasad as an additional bowling option for the second test against India in Galle starting on Thursday.

The 25-year-old played three one-day internationals in 2006 before suffering a series of injuries but has since impressed with the A team and recently against the Indians, claiming 4-58 in a warm-up game.

Prasad, however, is unlikely to play with Sri Lanka expected to retain the same side that won the first test by an innings and 239 runs.

Sri Lanka squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekera, Chamara Silva, Thilan Thushara, Chamara Kapugedera, Dammika Prasad.

India clinch Asia Cup hockey title after dramatic fight back

Chak de India all over again at the Gacchibowli Stadium here on Friday evening as Diwakar Ram scored a ‘golden goal’ to see the hosts retain the junior Asia Cup hockey title, beating South Korea 3-2.After missing two penalty-corners in the scheduled time, which ended in a 2-2 draw, all eyes were on ace drag-flicker Diwakar Ram, when the hosts were awarded a penalty-corner in the fourth minute of extra-time. And the cool as cucumber Diwakar did not lose his focus and shot the ball home in style. Diwakar completed a ‘Perfect 10’ as he has scored two goals each in the five matches he’s played.Nam Hyun Woo scored both the goals for Korea, while S.V. Sunil and Diwakar Ram restored parity for India in the scheduled time. Down two goals to nil at the 59th minute mark, the Indians staged a remarkable comeback with captain Gurbaj Singh setting the tone with an accurate hit inside the circle. Following a goalmouth melee, S.V. Sunil sounded the boards with ease in the 60th minute.

This allowed the Indians to press hard, and in the 63rd minute, ace drag-flicker Diwakar Ram levelled the score with a zooming hit into the right corner of the goal.
Earlier, as expected, the Koreans maintained their rhythm from the word go and didn’t allow the Indians much leeway in the midfield.
Two minutes later, Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh denied Korea’s Bae Jong Suk a chance with a brilliant save.

India refuse to change England tour itinerary

India will not alter the schedule of England's cricket tour later this year despite protests from the visitors about being made to play in smaller venues, an official said on Tuesday. On Monday it was upset that India's regular Test venues like Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Mohali were not given matches during the six-week tour.

India want the two Tests in December to be played in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, while the seven preceding one-dayers were spread across various centres like Rajkot, Guwahati, Cuttack and Jamshedpur.The itinerary for the England tour has been finalised on the basis of this rotation policy.

The website, which belongs to the official broadcaster of the series, Nimbus Communications, reported that Shah was unhappy that the ECB had made its protest public. ECB has chosen to air its grievances over this policy in the media, whenever the Indian team has toured England, some of the venues have not been up to the mark in terms of facilities for Indian players and supporters

Sri Lanka win Asia cup .

Asia cup final held today. Two finalists are India and Sri Lanka. Some time I have predict different item. About Asia Cup it’s my first and last prediction. Those who read my blog they know before I’ve some predict about EURO 2008 and all of my calculate became turn true. I‘ve huge experience about cricket because since 1987 world cup that’s was held India-Pakistan I was related with cricket as an audience.
As a Bangladeshi I’ve huge Interested about Cricket and my experience Sri Lanka should absolutely win Asia Cup by beating India because last ten years India not beat Sri Lanka any final and last six final they meat Sri lanka won four and two match not be finished because of bad weather .
The excessive fan of India knows why India not win Asia cup. They are fantastic team and its true they have able to achieve the trophy but every one knows about them in Final. If you called any match final maximum time India lost. If you calculated how much they played final in various tournaments and how they win. I’m unhappily said 1983 world cup and T20 final rest of the maximum time they lost final its world cup or other tournament.
So the opponent should happy when they get India final any kind of tournament. India is stronger than Sri Lanka now but I told you Sri Lanka beat India and win Asia Cup InshaAllah.

Asia Cup: India wins toss, elects to bowl against Sri Lanka

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss Sunday and opted to bowl first against defending champion Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup at National Stadium.

India made one change from the team that won its last Super Four game against Sri Lanka on Thursday with middle-order batsman Robin Uthappa replacing fast bowler Praveen Kumar.

Sri Lanka brought in main bowlers — left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas and spinner Ajantha Mendis — who replaced fast bowlers Kaushal Weeraratne and Dilhara Fernando.

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Dhoni leads India to 308-7 against Pakistan

Mahendra Singh Dhoni led from the front with a fighting 76 to steer India to 308-7 in their Asia Cup Super League match against archrivals Pakistan at National Stadium here on Wednesday.

Dhoni hit four boundaries during his 96-ball knock and added an invaluable 112 runs for the fifth wicket with Rohit Sharma (58) and another 41 for the seventh with Irfan Pathan (38 not out) after India won the toss and batted.

India nearly spoiled a robust start after being restricted to 129-4 but Dhoni and Sharma ensured all was not lost, initially pushing for singles and then opening up later.

Virender Sehwag (49) and Gautum Gambhir (35) shared a rapid first-wicket partnership of 88 in 63 balls as India threatened a big total before the home team hit back by taking three wickets in the space of just three runs and nine balls.

Paceman Rao Ifktihar, who finished with 3-51, had Gambhir caught at cover-point before pace partner Abdur Rauf struck twice in his sixth over.

Rauf, playing only his second one-day match, forced an edge off Sehwag to wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed before dismissing the in-form Suresh Raina (one), caught hooking in the deep.

Yuvraj Singh too threatened to take the attack apart during his 32-ball 37 (four boundaries and a six) before he edged Iftikhar for Sarfraz to take a diving left-handed catch.

Sharma and Dhoni steadied the innings through their 139-ball partnership. Iftikhar returned for his second spell to have Sharma caught at long-off. Sharma hit four boundaries during his 71-ball knock.

Dhoni miscued a heave off Sohail Tanveer in the penultimate over and was caught by Sarfraz.

Pakistan, in a must-win situation after losing to Sri Lanka in their opening Super League match on Sunday, suffered a big blow when captain Shoaib Malik failed to pass a fitness test after suffering dehydration.

Misbah-ul Haq led the team in Malik's absence as Pakistan brought in Nasir Jamshed for Malik. Pakistan also included paceman Rauf and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal in place of Wahab Riaz and Mansoor Amjad.

Ajmal, 30, made his one-day debut.

India, who will qualify for the final if they win this match, made four changes. Opener Sehwag, paceman Praveen Kumar and leg-spinner Piyush Chawla -- all rested in the last match -- returned with the fit-again Irfan Pathan.

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India to strong when bat Bangladesh

Suresh Raina continued his fine Asia Cup form, scoring a second tournament century to ease India to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first super league stage match at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.

Together with opener Gautam Gambhir (90), the pair put on a third wicket stand of 139 to help India to 284 for three after 43.2 overs in reply to Bangladesh's 284 for six.

The partnership overshadowed a maiden century from Bangladeshi allrounder Alok Kapali who stunned the Indians with a powerful 115 to steer Bangladesh to a fighting total.

Mohammad Ashraful, the Bangladesh skipper described Kapali's innings as one of the best he had seen for Bangladesh but rued his side's missed chances.

"We had a good total thanks to Kapali but our fielders didn't support the bowlers. Maybe if we had got Gambhir and Raina early it could have made a difference," he said.

Raina, who notched 101 against Hong Kong and 84 against Pakistan earlier in the tournament, hit 11 fours and three sixes on his way to an undefeated 116 following scores of 101 and 84 against Hong Kong and Pakistan to spoil Kapali's day.

SHAKY START

India started shakily as makeshift opener Robin Uthappa was beaten for two by an in-swinger from Shahadat Hossain and Rohit Sharma flicked Hossain straight to Farhad Reza after a quickfire 22 from 23 balls.

Gambhir and Raina, who were both lucky to survive dropped catches earlier in the innings, then set to their task with India reaching 100 in just 16 overs.

Gambhir eventually fell for 90 when he was caught at mid-wicket by Mashrafe Mortaza off Reza. Yuvraj Singh (36) joined man of the match Raina at the crease to see the game out.

Earlier Kapali, only in the squad because of an injury to batsman Aftab Ahmed, celebrated his lucky inclusion in the team with a superb innings.

He hit 115 from 96 balls and his record sixth wicket stand of 112 with Mahmudullah (26 not out) took Bangladesh past their previous highest total against India of 257-9, made in 2004.

India next face Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday while Bangladesh play Sri Lanka at the same venue on Monday.

However having player three matches in four days, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhon was unhappy with the tournament's tight schedule.

Sehwag runs rampage as India beat Pakistan

Virendar Sehwag punished Pakistan's bowling with an aggressive hundred to lead India to a comfortable six-wicket win in the final Group B Asia Cup match here on Thursday.

Sehwag smashed a 95-ball 119 and Suresh Raina hit a 68-ball 84 during their 198-run second wicket stand to help India overhaul Pakistan's 299-4 with 7.5 overs to spare.

Earlier, Shoaib Malik hit his first century as captain to help Pakistan post a challenging target.

However it proved a cake walk for India who were indebted to some lusty batting by Sehwag and Raina as the duo tore apart the home bowling which lost its bite after frontline paceman Umar Gul broke down with a side strain.

Without Gul, who limped off in the third over, the Pakistani bowling looked a shadow of the side which beat India by 25 runs in the final of the tri-series held in Bangladesh earlier this month.

Sehwag hit five boundaries and five towering sixes in his ninth one-day century before he holed out at long-off with just 68 runs left. Yuvraj Singh with a 47-ball 48 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni with unbeaten 26 saw the home team through in the 43rd over.

Raina was as ruthless as Sehwag, hitting 10 boundaries and three sixes during his 69-ball innings before he miscued a drive off paceman Rao Iftikhar and was caught at covers. The duo took just 149 balls for their partnership.

Raina made his maiden hundred in India's 256-run win over Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Both India and Pakistan reached the Super League stages of the tournament but India carry two points into the next stage by virtue of this win.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also qualified from Group A. The Super Leage starts from Saturday with India taking on Bangladesh.

Indian captain Dhoni said his batsmen clicked on "world's flatest track."

"It was a big total but the wicket was very placid and there was nothing for the bowlers. We were quite optimistic about chasing and Pakistan lost Gul and after that had not much to do," said Dhoni.

Malik agreed the loss of Gul was a blow.

"A target of 300 was defendable and we could have defended that but it was hard to come back after losing Gul," said Malik.

Earlier, Malik added 90 for the opening wicket with Salman Butt (35) and another 129 for the second wicket with Younus Khan (59) to propel Pakistan who won the toss and decided to bat.

Butt and Pakistan were slow off the mark, managing just 58 runs off the first 15 overs. Once Butt went, caught off leg-spinner Piyush Chawla in the 22nd over, Younus and Malik upped the tempo.

Malik reached his sixth century, third against India, in one-day internationals off 104 balls. His last one-day century came against India at Lahore two years ago.

The Indians were scrappy in the field as they let off Malik twice in one over from Yusuf Pathan, first when Chawla grassed one with the batsman on 116 and then Gautam Gambhir five runs later.

Malik finally retired hurt after suffering cramp in his leg. He hit 16 boundaries and a six during his 119-ball knock.

Younus followed him in the next over when he holed out off Yusuf in the deep. He hit five boundaries during his 60-ball knock.

Pakistan drop keeper Akmal

Akmal was omitted from a list of 20 players picked to attend a short training camp, from which a 15-member squad will be named for the June 24-July 6 contest in Pakistan.

India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong are the other countries taking part.

Akmal, 26, has been axed after being ever-present since 2004 although he was rested for three one-day games last year in which the selectors tried out young keeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

"Kamran remains our number one keeper but we also wanted to give chances to others and we felt Kamran also deserved to take a well deserved rest," chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said.

Akmal who has played in 38 Tests and 88 one-dayers, has been told to get over a extended period of inconsistent form behind the stumps.

The final squad is due to be named on June 22. The selectors had no other surprises for the tournament although pacer Mohammad Asif will not take part as he remains in detention in Dubai on suspicion of carrying illegal drugs.

Pakistan squad:

Shoaib Malik (Capt), Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan, Asad Rauf, Yasir Hameed, Bazid Khan, Mansoor Amjad, Naumanullah, Saeed Ajmal.

India Win From 140 runs

India showed how the hectic pace of Twenty20 cricket could be replicated in ODIs, pounding 330 on a sluggish pitch before their bowlers rounded off a thumping win in their opening match of the tournament. Pakistan, coming off 12 successive wins against weak opposition, crashed to their worst defeat against India and their coach Geoff Lawson, who had hoped for a 150-run win, would have been embarrassed to see the shoe on the other foot.
Their mammoth total was made possible not by one but three batsmen: Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir made the most of some sloppy catching, getting within four runs of India's highest opening stand against Pakistan, before Yuvraj Singh raised visions of a 375-plus total. They settled for 330 but that didn't matter in the final analysis. Once Pakistan crumbled to 26 for 3, it was only a case of picking up the pieces.