Top 15 priced Players for IPL4

Gautam Gambhir - 2.4 Million US$ (Kolkata)
Yusuf Pathan - 2.1 Million US$ (Kolkata)
Robin Uthappa - 2.1 Million US$ (Pune)
Rohit Sharma - 2 Million US$ (Mumbai)
Irfan Pathan - 1.9 Million US$ (Delhi)
Yuvraj Singh - 1.8 Million US$ (Pune)
Saurabh Tiwary - 1.6 Million US$ (Bangalore)
Mahela Jayawardene -1.5 Million US$ (Kochi)
David Hussey -1.4 Million US$ (Punjab)
Dale Steyn - 1.2 Million US$ Million US$ (Deccan)
Muttiah Muralitharan - 1.1 Million US$ (Kochi)
AB de Villiers - 1.1 Million US$ (Bangalore)
Cameron White - 1.1 Million US$ (Deccan)
Jacques Kallis - 1.1 Million US$ (Kolkata)
Ross Taylor - 1 Million US$ (Rajasthan)

IPL 4 Match Schedule 2011

IPL 2011 is eagerly expected as IPL 2010 was a huge hit. IPL 3 had 8 teams playing against each other but IPL 4 would have 10 teams competing .This edition is going to be much different from other editions as we are going to miss Lalit Modi .

IPL 2011 – Season 4:

Season 3 was under the leadership of Lalit Modi , however Season 4 is going to be under the leadership of Chirayu Amin. He has already promised a bigger and better IPL and has promised to run it in a transparent manner. This year there was a lot of allegation of match fixing . BCCI and its pet Indian Premier League came under Income Tax raids.

IPL 2011 Schedule:

IPL Season 4 is going to have 10 teams , 74 matches and 45 days of action. IPL 2011 schedule can be checked here as when its announced.

IPL 2011 Auctions:

Total salary cap per team-  Rs 45 crore – 9 million USD
Franchises can retain 4 players with a maximum of 3 Indian players.

IPL 2011 Teams:

Mumbai Indians
Deccan Chargers
Kolkata Knight Riders
Delhi Daredevils
Rajasthan Royals
Mumbai Indians
Kings XI Punjab
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Chennai Super Kings
Sahara Pune Warriors
Kochi ( Yet to be named )

IPL 2011 Players:

No player can play more than 14 matches . This rule is laid to prevent player burnout. No clear things as of now

IPL  TV rights and Sponsorships :

Sony / World Sport Group has won the rights for 10 years at Rs 8,700 crore (US$ 1.94 billion)
For IPL 4 , BCCI has asked MSM to pay Rs.190 crores extra. This extra amount is to compensate for the increase in number of matches. The extra money will be paid for the 14 matches in a pro rate basis.

Sont SET Max will be playing matches Live. No news about Online rights other than youtube.

Hyundai to be official car partner for World Cup 2011

NEW DELHI: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), the largest exporter and second largest car manufacturer in India, today announced that HMIL will be the official car partner for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Hyundai will also be the official car partner for the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2011 to 2015, with exclusive category rights.

Speaking on this announcement, H W Park, MD and CEO, HMIL said, "I am pleased to announce our partnership with the International Cricket Council. The ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the biggest sporting extravaganzas, and we are proud to be a part of this event.

Ground transportation is critical to the successful staging of an international event like the ICC Cricket World Cup and Hyundai will endeavour to provide the best and the most luxurious transportation option for the players, officials and VIP guests. Hyundai shares ICC's deep-rooted passion for cricket and remains committed to supporting the game in the future as well".

Under this agreement, ICC officials, players and VIP guests will use Hyundai cars for official transportation for the entire duration of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and the contract extends till 2015. In addition to the World Cup, Hyundai will also be transport partners for the Women's World Cup and the T20 championship.

The fleet includes the best-selling i10, the luxurious SUV Santa Fe, the powerful Verna Transform and the international favourite - the Sonata Transform.

As a dynamic automotive brand, HMIL has always been connected with sports enthusiasts. Hyundai is also the official transport partner for the FIFA World Cup and it was formerly the naming rights sponsor for the ICC Cricket Awards. With this tie-up, Hyundai aims to continue its association with popular sports like cricket and football.

To generate excitement among its large customer base, HMIL proposes to conduct activities like "Hyundai Fan Park" where its customers can get together and watch the matches live on large screen TV and also in the process enjoy refreshments and win tickets for the matches.

During the World Cup, HMIL will undertake many promotional activities to heighten the enthusiasm and excitement among the 'cricket crazy' people of the country.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 : A preview

Recently, most of us are awaited for the exciting, enthralling and sensational event the  Cricket World Cup 2011,which is just  few days  away  from spreading  its thrilling moments with all ooohhhss  and aahhhsss  for  all the  cricket fans to witness . The thing which makes it more special  this time  are the hosts, the three test playing  nations of the  sub continent for whom  cricket  is not just a mere game  but  it’s  a  religion. So, it is definitely going to be an awesome feeling to visualize the frenzied fanaticism of the millions of people, cheering for every single ball

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup will be the tenth Cricket World Cup which will include 14 teams that will have a tussle from mid Feb to early April to prove who is the best to lift the dazzling trophy . The  auspicious event of  the Opening Ceremony will be held in Bangabandhu  National Stadium in Dhaka,  Bangladesh on February 17, 2011 that is two days prior to the first match of the World Cup. In all, there are 49 matches scheduled in the tournament and the ESPN-Star network which has won rights to broadcast the tournament live will facilitate all the cricket fans, to savor the feast of   live match.

Though the cricket is said to be the game of uncertainties but lets try to check out the odds and chances of each team for winning this World Cup.

India:

India holding the tag of best Test team, and a second ranker in ODI is  certainly one of the favorites to win the cup. They are currently on top of their form with everyone making healthy contributions to the team. The team management will certainly be happy with the way things are proceeding. A series whitewash by a second string Indian team against New Zealand will certainly boosts their confidence. A tough tour of South Africa will certainly help in appraise the strength and weakness of each player and would help them sort out before the world cup starts. One major cause of worry is the No.7 batsman. Even though Yousuf Pathan have almost cemented his place for the No.7, it will be interesting to see what is in the mind of Dhoni. The strength of this team is their batting with everyone is in top form. The major weakness in this Indian team is runs they leak in the death overs and the power plays. If at all they can contain the powerplays, there is no reason why India cannot win this cup. Moreover playing in home conditions will certainly improve their chances of winning the cup. This team is certainly an improved unit than the one played in 1996 which was a one man army and that man is still playing and is in form of his life. Mostly for Sachin this would be his last world cup and everyone would be hoping for a magical farewell  for this deserving master !!

Sri Lanka:

Second of the three  host countries in the tournament. The last time the cup was played in the sub continent they were the champions. Under the astute leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, they romped home turning the phase of Srilankan cricket. 15 years later they are led by a similar astute captain, Kumar Sangakara. Bouyed by their success in Australia, their first series win down under, this team is certainly be one of the favourites to win the cup. Their main strength is their batting led by the classy   Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakara. These two will be key if at all they have any chance of repeating 1996. Their bowling is equally strong with Nuwan Kulasekara leading the attack. He is one of the most consistent bowlers around. Since they will be playing all their matches in their home, it is an added advantage for the lions.

South Africa:

If at all they have to win the world cup, they have to hold their nerves. Famously called as “Chokers”, they will certainly be keen in removing the tag. There is no reason why they cannot win the cup given the bowling attack they posses. Steyn and Morkel are supposed to be the best of the current bowling attack in the world. Hashim Amla and AB Devillers are in form of their life and you have ever reliable Jacques Kallis and all these players are led by a brilliant and astute Graeme Smith who plays a major role with the start he gives.  Even though they have the best new ball bowlers, there is no one to back up. They have Tsotobe, Parnell in the line up but not as lethal as Steyn and Morkel. Another big drawback is the absence of spinners in the team. Johan Botha is only spinner they have but he will be ineffective when he plays in sub continent.

Australia:

The performance at ashes, defeat in the hands on Sri Lankans and defending champions all add to the pressure. They are certainly not formidable as they were 4 years ago, but one cannot write away the Aussies for their ability to fight till the end. Their bowling looks strong with Bollinger, Harris, McKay, and Johnson. Their batting is equally strong with the likes of Watson, Ponting, Clarke and crisis man Hussey. The thing about the Aussies is the ability to rise to the occasion and nothing becomes demanding than a world cup. They would certainly want to play at home in 2015 as defending champions but recent form suggests they have difficult task ahead.

England:

Certainly on cloud nine after their performance in the first two test of the Ashes. They are at present playing brilliant cricket. They won their first ICC trophy when they lifted the ICC Twenty20 world cup in West Indies. Buoyed by their success they would like to repeat their feat in the 50 over format too. If at all they need to go through the quarter finals, the big man Kevin Pietersen should be continue his good form all through the tournament. Their bowling looks good with James Anderson and Graeme Swaan leading the attack. The crisis man Paul Collingwood should find purple patch before the world cup starts as he is one of the key member of the English team. Off all the players, Andrew Strauss should fire from all cylinders and lead from the front if at all they have any chance of making it to the semi finals. If they transform their test form into one  dayers, no doubt they are a key contender to lift the trophy.

New Zealand:

Certainly not the kind of preparation they would have liked to have. A 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh and another  whitewash against the Indians. They have lost their last 9 ODI’s they have played. If at all they are to win the world cup, a miracle should happen and only 2 players can cause the miracle in their team, Daniel Vettori and Ros Taylor. Much will be depended on these two players if at all they have any chance of making it to the semi finals. Brendon McCullum will be a key player but his inconsistency should be a worrying factor for the Kiwis. Their bowling is good with the likes of Tuffey and Mills but I think it will be difficult for them to carry the burden on their shoulders.

Pakistan:

The most unpredictable team in cricketing history. If they play to their true potential, they are certainly world beaters but the infighting, spot fixing scandal, absence of Amir and Asif are going to be a serious blow in their preparation to the world cup. In the absence of the Amir and Asif, Umar Gul and Shoiab Akthar should lead the attack. But apart from these two, I don’t see any bowler giving good support to. Batting on paper looks strong with the likes of Younis Khan, Yousuf, Afridi, Umar Akmal but it all depends on the mood of the dressing room given the controversies surrounding the team. It is sad that the country which produced one of the greatest fast bowlers and all rounder is struggling with so many problems.

West Indies:

Any cricket follower and lover will certainly feel sad with the demise of once the greatest team to play cricket. The country which produced the greats like Richards, Marshal, Hall, Garner, Ambrose, Walsh, Lara is now struggling to even find a decent player. Apart from Gayle and Chanderpaul, I don’t see any one performing consistently. Not many would have thought Sammy to be the captain when he was not even a permanent player in the side.  If at all they are make in to the semi finals or even quarter finals, Gayle, Chanderpaul and Roach should play to their full potential else it will be another disappointing world cup the West Indies.

Bangladesh:

They are a good one day unit and on their day they can create an upset which was evident from 2007 world cup. They are currently on a roll after defeating NZL 4-0 at home. Shakib al Hasan, Abdur Razzak, Tamim Iqbal are some of the key players whom the team look for if at all they need to reach the quarterfinal stage.

World cup 2011: Companies to face ICC action for unofficial ads

NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council, the game's governing body, will haul into court companies and suspend players associated with unofficial endorsements during the upcoming World Cup as part of a range of measures launched to protect the interests of the event's sponsors.

"Taking action against perpetrators is not fun for us. We will have no option but go to court to protect our rights and those of our commercial partners," says ICC legal head David Becker.

The ICC has formed a 100 strong anti-infringement team to track those using directly or deceptively the name, logo and mascot of the event, due to start on February 19.

This includes legal teams stationed in three host countries: India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, apart from personnel dedicated to checking counterfeiting as well as online and mobile piracy. The ICC has also engaged Bangalore-based intellectual property rights firm Copyright Integrity International to monitor such instances.

In the case of cricketers, the ICC has published a guidance note listing the 'dos' and 'don'ts' on endorsements. For example, players are permitted to appear in endorsements in their personal capacity wearing casual clothes or cricket whites. Participants can also promote Indian Premier League franchises. In both cases, they cannot appear in advertisements using the World Cup logo and trademark or refer to the event.

These measures demonstrate the lengths to which the ICC has gone to shield sponsors of the World Cup from so-called ambush marketing. Pepsico , LG Electronics, Hero Honda Motors and Reliance Communications - the four main sponsors - along with Castrol, Reebok India, Emirates, Yahoo and Moneygram have collectively spent around 1,200 crore on sponsorship rights and advertising.

Sponsors have been allowed to use every facet of the tournament, be it the logo, mascot or a part of stadiums and field, to promote their merchandise. The spot near a bowler's run-up mark, for instance, will be split among the four principal sponsors.

Becker says action against ambush marketing is necessary to protect the exclusivity of official partners that have paid millions of dollars. "Without the revenues from our partners, there would be no World Cup. It is as simple as that," he says.

The ICC says it has taken care to inform the public and corporates on ambush marketing. The body has published notices in the media, issued guidelines and sent cautionary notices. It will resort to legal measures only after warning the culprits.

Despite these efforts, ICC says it has encountered hundreds of cases of ambush marketing in the past two months. Offences range from using the ICC and event logo and trademark on billboards, on the internet, in mobile phone applications, in computer games, on merchandise and in the print media.

Still, ad experts say they foresee few instances of ambush marketing in the stadiums or during the event because of the number of cricket tournaments in recent years, more so with the IPL to follow the World Cup. Santosh Desai, CEO of Future Brands, says it is not worth the trouble. But he presages marketing controversies in the case of cricketers. "Leakages happen in the case of players with multiple endorsements," he says.

For ICC, it will be tricky to ensure players stick by the rulebook on endorsements because it could be up against some of the game's biggest names, including icons.

ICC says players are bound by restrictions on commercial activity in the so-called Squad Terms to participate in the tournament. All cricket boards and Fica, the international player association, agreed to these terms in 2007, it said in the guidance note that clarifies endorsement permits. Violators will face sanctions ranging from fines to a tournament ban.

Becker says the note was issued after players and agents approached him. He did not name the players. "If you had to guess who they are, you would probably not be wrong," he says.

Indian cricketers have signed a raft of deals in the run-up to the event. Sachin Tendulkar entered into a three-year deal with beverages major Coca-Cola India in end-January. Days later, he signed endorsement contracts with Pune developer Amit Enterprises and apparel maker S Kumars Nationwide .

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India's captain, is spearheading rival PepsiCo's advertising campaign. On Tuesday, Dhoni entered into a deal with Sony Corp. Likewise, Virat Kohli has signed 7 deals in the past four months.  Read More >> ICC Cricket World Cup

ICC World Cup 2011: Virender Sehwag says he is fit and ready

ICC World Cup 2011: Virender Sehwag says he is fit and ready

India’s destructive opening batsman Virender Sehwag has claimed that he has recovered from his shoulder injury and is ready for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2011 that gets underway on 19 February.

Sehwag missed the entire One-day series in South Africa due to a shoulder pain. Team India’s management wanted to rest Sehwag so that he could recover from his injury and get ready for Cricket’s flagship event.

Sehwag said, “I was feeling some pain in my shoulder. So I thought it was better to quit the South Africa one-dayers. I didn't want to get injured in South Africa tour and miss the World Cup. So I came back and went to Germany to see a couple of doctors. I got a couple of injections and now I'm fine.”

He is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world as he can take the opposition attack to the cleaners with utmost ease. The most important thing about his batting is the strike-rate at which he racks up his runs. His 7,380 One-day runs have come at a strike-rate of 103, averaging 34.

Furthermore, he has done reasonably well in the World Cups, amassing 463 runs at an average of 33. As the tournament is going to be played in the Subcontinent, Sehwag will have an extra advantage of the home conditions.

He said, “I am going to the National Cricket Academy and will spend a couple of days there, to check everything - if I can bowl and throw also but if I can't, then I'll let them know. But yes, at the moment I'm fully fit.”

India’s opening game against Bangladesh will be the curtain raiser of the ICC World Cup 2011. Sehwag has warned his team against complacency and is well aware of the fact that Bangladesh defeated them in the last World Cup. He said that it will be a revenge game for India and they will not take it lightly. 

India’s vice-captain feels that they are one of the favourites to win Cricket’s most coveted trophy. He stated that his team has an upper hand against the stronger teams such as South Africa and England.

Pakistan can be uncertain surprise in World Cup

In the 2008 edition of the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, there was one Pakistan cricketer who was being talked to by the team coach. He stood there listening attentively to what his senior had to say. A few yards away, a couple of journalists who were on tour covering the World Cup were listening as attentively to a support staff member of Pakistan's squad.

"Aap dekh rahe hain, kitni khamoshi se sun raha hai woh?" (Do you see how quietly he is listening to the coach?) The manager pointed out to journalists " Lekin jaise hi woh wicket par pahunchega, yeh apni marzi se sab kuch karega. (But he will do exactly what he wants once he reaches the wicket.)

The young lad who was being talked about was the talented Umar Akmal. Younger sibling of Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran, Umar is fast gaining a reputation of being one the most explosive batsmen of the modern day, slam-bang kind of a game. At the same time though, he has become infamous for throwing away his wicket when the team requires his presence on the field. But as the member of Pakistan support staff at the Under-19 World Cup rightly pointed out, Umar will do exactly what he feels is right when on the crease. But he is not the only Pakistan cricketer who go by their instincts. Pakistan is a land full of such cricketers.

And that's Pakistan cricket. Unpredictable! miles away from what wise men call rational! even erratic at times. Controversies and cricket in Pakistan are like inseparable sisters. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had not even named a skipper till about Friday afternoon. But there is something about the Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan squad. At no point, the team can be written off. For, they are the eternal comeback boys of World Cricket.

A classic case is the 1992 edition of the World Cup. For a cricket enthusiast and purists alike, this edition of the World Cup will be remembered for the dramatic comeback Pakistan made. This despite the fact that two of their star performers - fast bowler Waqar Younis and opening batsman Saeed Anwar were consumed by injury. But they had an inspirational skipper in Imran Khan. And when Pakistan lost 4 of their first 5 matches and were barely a defeat away from being eliminated in the first round, an inspirational speech by Imran turned it around. The dashing Pathan, legend has it, told his teammates to fight like cornered tigers. It inspired the team to win five successive matches, including, most famously, the semifinal against hosts New Zealand and the final against England.

Pakistan went through some heart-stopping moments in the semis against hosts New Zealand. But an unknown 22-year-old named Inzamam-ul-Haq smashed a 37-ball 60 to help Pakistan win the match and set up a title clash with England. In the years to come, Inzamam went to lead Pakistan to several memorable wins.

That's the beauty of Pakistan cricket. Once a player is inducted into the national squad, he is never awed by the situation, opponent, or even an individual. And just like the 22-year-old Inzamam, there have been many cricketers who have delivered when it mattered.

Abdul Razzaq is one such player. Over a decade after making his international debut, Razzaq may not be spoken in the same breath today as a Kieron Pollard or perhaps a Yusuf Pathan. But this right hander can be equally destructive on his day. He has shown it time and again right from the time he burst onto the international scene in 1999. True, Pakistan have had many heroes. Zaheer Abbas, Majid Khan, Imran Khan, Inzamam, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, to name a few, but one thing that tilts the scale in Pakistan's favour decisively is the selection of Afridi as skipper. Afridi, also a pathan like Imran, is an inspirational leader. On his day, he sure is a match-winner. Add to it his ability to back his teammates. Just like Imran could get his boys to deliver at crunch situations and at the highest level, Afridi can extract the same commitment and dedication from his teammates.

All other captains post the 1992 World Cup triumph have failed to command the kind of respect Afridi and Imran have. Wasim Akram may have been a super bowler, but throughout his career, he was embroiled in controversies. Inzamam could win a match on his own, but his mood swings never really allowed his teammates to feel comfortable. Javed Miandad was another batsman who could get his teammates to deliver. But he too was involved in unnecessary petty issues with players and the management. Younis Khan led the team to the World T20 crown from a hopeless situation but soon fell out with the others.

Rameez Raja, Saleem Malik and others who captained the team had some problem or the other. The Pakistan Cricket Board have added to the team's woes in their own way. Imran not only got the team together, he also backed his players if they had issues with the board. Afridi too in his own way has never ceased to express his feelings if he feels the PCB is in the wrong. Obviously, people like Imran and Afridi will be looked up upon by their teammates.

Pakistan's squad sure has the balance, but it will be Afrdi, who has to ensure he brings about the best out of his players. Pakistan sure have the right man on the hot seat.

How Pakistan gained the notorious tag line unpredictable!

1975: Only 18 ODIs were played before this World Cup. The teams were divided into two groups of four teams with each one the group playing the other once. Top from the group qualified for the semis. Pakistan were not one among the four semifinalists.

1979: For the first time Pakistan made it to the semifinal in this edition of the Prudential World Cup. They were pitted against West Indies for a place in the final, but Asif Iqbal's men fell short by 43 runs, chasing a target of 293. In the league stages, Pakistan had defeated the might Australians by 89 runs.

1983: They made it to the semifinals for a second time. But it was deja vu for Pakistan. Led by the powerful Imran Khan, Pakistan went down to Clive Lloyd's West Indies by eight wickets.

1987: Three semifinal appearances in a row. Hopes in Pakistan went soaring. And there could have been celebrations galore back at home had Pakistan not fallen short by 18 runs against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium.

1992: Skipper Imran Khan had failed to shepherd his team into a World Cup final in back-to-back editions. And four defeats in five games suggested Pakistan would be eliminated in the first round itself. But Imran who had come out of retirement, delivered an inspirational speech. Pakistan won all the remaining matches to be crowned World Champions. Bingo! They were in an elite list now.

1996: They were on a high after their first World Cup triumph. But when pitted in the quarterfinal against India at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium, Aamir Sohail's men were pushed on the back foot by Bangalore boys Anil Kumble (3-48) and Venkatesh Prasad (3-45). Pakistan eventually fell short by 39 runs.

1999: In the semifinal against New Zealand, opener Saeed Anwar hammered a brilliant 113 to ensure Pakistan canter home with nine wickets to spare. They eventually lost to Australia in the final.

2003: A very bad edition for Pakistan. Elminated in the first round itself.

2007: Just like India, Pakistan also crashed out in the preliminary stages of this edition of the World Cup