No-trust vote against Imran Khan will follow Constitution rules: Speaker

 Over the no-trust motion against Pakistan PM Imran Khan, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said that he would run the assembly’s proceedings in accordance with the Constitution.

After opposition parties levelled allegations against Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser for siding with Prime Minister Imran Khan over the no-trust motion, Qaiser in his defence said that he would run the assembly’s proceedings in accordance with the Constitution. /Taking to Twitter, Qaiser wrote: “I, as the custodian of the National Assembly of Pakistan, will fulfil my constitutional obligations and will proceed in accordance with Article 95 of the Constitution and rule 37 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007,” reported Geo TV.

In conversation with media in Islamabad, the speaker had said, “I will follow the law; I am still in consultation with the NA secretariat about summoning the session and it will be called in line with the constitution.” Pakistan Opposition leaders on Monday slammed the National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser for “violating” the Constitution for delaying in conducting voting on no-confidence against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pak PM Imran Khan blames US for deteriorating situation in Afghanistan

 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has blamed the United States for creating a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan that is affecting millions of people and allowing it to worsen.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has blamed the United States for creating a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan that is affecting millions of people and allowing it to worsen. “A man-made crisis is being created despite knowing that it can be averted if (Afghanistan’s) accounts (in the US) are unfrozen and liquidity is put into their banking system,” the Prime Minister said, Dawn newspaper reported.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at a ceremony held at Foreign Office to celebrate the successful holding of the extraordinary session of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on Tuesday. On the other hand, amid the deteriorating economic situation in Afghanistan, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (local time) said that Washington is looking intensely at ways to put more liquidity into the Afghan economy so as to provide money to the people of the cash-strapped nation….

Pak PM Imran Khan to visit Qatar 2 days before US-Taliban deal signing

This will be Pak PM’s second visit to Qatar after assuming office in 2018

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a day-long visit to Qatar on Thursday, just two days before the US and Afghan Taliban would sign a landmark peace deal in Doha.

“As part of regular exchange of high-level visits, Prime Minister Imran Khan will be visiting Qatar on February 27, 2020 to meet His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar,” The Express Tribune quoted a Foreign Office statement as saying on Wednesday night.

This will be the premier’s second visit to Qatar after assuming office in 2018. Khan, however, would not attend the signing ceremony which is scheduled for Saturday. Instead Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will represent Pakistan at the ceremony to be attended by delegates from over two dozen countries. The 18-month gruelling talks have now resulted in an imminent agreement between the militant group and the US under which foreign troops would be withdrawn from the war-torn country. In return, the Taliban have agreed not to allow the Afghan soil to be used against any other country.

Case against Mohammed Azharuddin, 2 others for ‘cheating’ travel agent

Azharuddin dismissed the allegation as ‘baseless’, and said he will take legal action against the complainant, Mohammed Shahab

A case has been registered against former Indian cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin and two others in Aurangabad in Maharashtra after a travel agent lodged a police complaint alleging that they cheated him to the tune of Rs 20.96 lakh, an official said on Thursday. Azharuddin, however, dismissed the allegation as “baseless”, and said he will take legal action against the complainant, Mohammed Shahab.

Shahab, owner of Danish Tours and Travels agency in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad city, alleged in his complaint that he booked various international flight tickets worth Rs 20.96 lakh for Mohammed Azharuddin and some others in November last year on the request of the former India captain’s personal assistant Mujib Khan, the police official said. Shahab alleged he was repeatedly promised payment online, but he did not receive any money.

In his complaint, Shahab said when he asked for the payment, Khan’s associate Sudesh Awakkal sent an e-mail saying he has transferred Rs 10.6 lakh to him, but it was not received, the official said. OnNovember 24, Awakkal sent Shahab a picture on WhatsApp of a cheque issued by him and Khan also did the same on November 29, but the complainant alleged that he did not receive any of the cheques, he said.

IND vs SL: Confusion over India’s arrival in Guwahati for T20 against Lanka

Dutta said that the police has been given the duty of dealing with the security and everything is leveled out

Sports News: Having delighted in a well-earned break coming into the new year, Virat Kohli’s young men are set to get back onto the field when they take on Sri Lanka at the Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday in the first of three T20Is. Furthermore, considering the security issues there were in the wake of fights against the Citizenship Amendment Bill – presently a demonstration – the BCCI just as the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) was watching out for the circumstance. Be that as it may, all is leveled out now according to ACA President Romen Dutta.

Addressing IANS, Dutta said that the police has been given the obligation of dealing with the security and everything is leveled out. “Truly, there was some agitation previously, however all is leveled out at this point. We have given over the arena and all other duty with respect to the two groups to the police and they are keeping an eye to guarantee that everything is leveled out,” he said.

Shockingly however, he said that the Indian players will show up just on Friday morning though individuals in the Indian group the board affirmed that they are gathering on Thursday night itself. “The Sri Lankan group is coming today at 4 p.m. what’s more, the Indian group will come tomorrow first thing,” Dutta said…

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Indian Premier League: Andrew McDonald named Rajasthan Royals head coach

McDonald has been a part of the IPL in the past having played for the Delhi Daredevils in the 2009 edition before being signed up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2012-2013

Sports News: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals have appointed Australia cricketer Andrew Barry McDonald as their new head coach for a period of three years. McDonald has been a part of the IPL in the past having played for the Delhi Daredevils in the 2009 edition before being signed up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2012-2013. He was also the bowling coach of RCB. Reacting to his appointment, McDonald said: “I’m delighted to join the Royals family. It’s a great honour to take on this responsibility.

“The Rajasthan Royals is a new, exciting challenge for me, and I can’t wait to get started working with our world class players and coaches in one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world.” The former Australian all-rounder has coached Leicestershire, Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades.

The 38-year-old, who played four Tests for Australia, had guided Victoria to the title win in Sheffield Shield in his first year as senior coach. He then moved the Renegades from seventh position to winning the Big Bash this year. Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman, Rajasthan Royals said: “We are delighted to appoint Andrew as our head coach. He shares our belief of discovering potential and championing dreams and is aligned with our vision to continue to drive innovation in…

Legends say sending Dhoni at number seven was ‘tactical blunder’

Previous skipper Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman said India submitted a “strategic goof” by downgrading Mahendra Singh Dhoni to number seven in the World Cup elimination round against New Zealand, a move that left them perplexed.

Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik were sent in front of Dhoni after India were decreased to five for three and after that 24 for four. In the long run, it turned into an assignment too intense to even think about completing, as India missed the mark by 18 runs.

“Dhoni ought to have come in front of Pandya. It was a strategic screw up. Dhoni ought to have strolled in front of Dinesh Karthik. Stage was set for Dhoni. In 2011 last likewise, he elevated himself fixing to make something happen at number four in front of Yuvraj Singh and won the World Cup,” mourned Laxman.

Ganguly said it’s about Mahindra Singh Dhoni‘s batting as well as his quieting impact on the youthful batsmen at the opposite end. Gasp was set yet lost his wicket when he assaulted spinner Mitchell Santener, the expulsion inciting captain Virat Kohli to have an energized visit with mentor Ravi Shatsri.

“India required involvement with that organize. On the off chance that Dhoni was there when Pant was batting, he would not have enabled Pant to play that shot against the breeze. In England, it’s a major factor. He would have instructed him to follow pacer, when mid-off and mid-on is up, in light of the fact that he is great at that.

“Dhoni ought to have batted up. You need that self-restraint and not simply his batting. He would not have enabled wickets to fall in bunch. Dhoni was there when Jadeja batted. Correspondence is quality. You can’t have Dhoni at number seven,” Ganguly told authority telecaster Star Sports.”

IPL 2019 CSK vs RR: When ‘captain cool’ Dhoni lost his cool on the umpire

Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was seen angrily gesturing at umpire Ulhas Gandhe for backtracking after initially signalling a no ball

Chennai Super Kings chief Mahendra Singh Dhoni got away from a boycott and was let off with a 50 percent fine on his match expense for an uncommon showdown with the on-field umpire amid the IPL experience against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. In an uncommon example, Dhoni, who was not intended to be on the field of play, lost his cool and surged out of the uncovered to challenge umpire Ulhas Gandhe after he flip-tumbled on a no ball on Thursday night.

“MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings commander, was fined 50 percent of his match charges for rupturing the VIVO Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct amid his group’s match against Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur,” the BCCI expressed. Gandhe had attempted to govern a midsection high full hurl as no ball by RR all-rounder Ben Stokes. Yet, he turned around his choice after square leg umpire Bruce Oxenford did not motion for it. “Dhoni admitted to the Level 2 offense 2.20 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct and acknowledged the authorization,” it further expressed.

Likewise READ: Week 2 of IPL sees 21% expansion in TV viewership, indicates BARC information As it is the situation with IPL groups, the establishment will pay the fine for the player’s sake. Dhoni was seen indignantly motioning at Gandhe for backtracking after at first flagging a no ball. It took some persuading from Oxenford for Dhoni to make a beeline for the burrow despite the fact that he appeared to be a long way from persuaded.

 Be that as it may, the disarray and the resulting encounter did not have a course on CSK’s fortunes. Feeds bombed in the last finished and Mitchell Santner completed the match with a six to take his group to a four-wicket win in a pursuit of 152. As per the ICC Code of Conduct, which administers the IPL, demonstrating genuine contradiction at an umpire’s choice by words or activity can prompt a most extreme discipline of one-Test or two-ODI boycott.

Read More story: IPL 2019 

Leander Paes won Grand Slams at 42, I can at least play cricket: Sreesanth

Sreesanth, along with Mumbai spinner Ankit Chavan and Haryana’s Ajit Chandila, were suspended for life by a BCCI disciplinary committee in 2013, a decision that the player had challenged in court

Sports News: “If Leander Paes can win Grand Slams at 42, I can at least play some cricket at 36,” India cricketer S Sreesanth said after the Supreme Court set aside the life ban imposed on him by the BCCI for his alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. Sreesanth, along with Mumbai spinner Ankit Chavan and Haryana’s Ajit Chandila, were suspended for life by a BCCI disciplinary committee in 2013, a decision that the player had challenged in court.

Speaking to PTI after a favourable verdict by the apex court on Friday, a relieved Sreesanth said: “I don’t know what life has in store for me after all these years. It’s six years and I haven’t played cricket, which was my life.”

“I hope that the BCCI respects the verdict of the country’s highest court and allows me to at least get back to the cricket field. I hope that at least now I can walk to a school cricket ground and train there without being told that I am not allowed. I just want to play whatever cricket I can,” said Sreesanth, who has been a part of the 2007 World T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup winning squads. But age is not something that he feels will be a factor in trying to make a comeback to competitive cricket.

“Your age is as much as you feel. I would again like to play club cricket in Scotland. I wanted to play last year but didn’t get permission. I can’t play club cricket in England at the moment as I have not played first-class cricket for six years now,” said Sreesanth, who has represented the country in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20 Internationals, respectively.

SC overturns BCCI’s life ban on Sreesanth in IPL spot-fixing case

The apex court also said that its verdict shall have no effect on the criminal proceedings pending against the former cricketer in the Delhi High Court

Sports News: The Supreme Court Friday set aside the BCCI disciplinary committee’s order imposing a life ban on former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth for his alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. A bench comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and K M Joseph said the disciplinary committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may reconsider within three months the quantum of punishment to be given to Sreesanth.

The bench made it clear that the former cricketer will get the opportunity of being heard by the committee on the quantum of the punishment. The apex court also said that its verdict shall have no effect on the criminal proceedings pending against the former cricketer in the Delhi High Court, where the Delhi Police has challenged a trial court’s order discharging all accused, including Sreesanth, in the IPL spot-fixing case.

The bench passed this order on Sreesanth‘s plea challenging the decision of a division bench of the Kerala High Court which had restored the life ban imposed on him by the BCCI.

A single-judge bench of the Kerala High Court had lifted the life ban imposed on the 35-year-old cricketer by the BCCI and had set aside all proceedings against him initiated by the board. Later, the division bench of the high court had restored the ban on a petition filed by the BCCI against the single-judge bench’s order…

West Indian bowler Gabriel charged by ICC over alleged homophobic sledge

The ICC, cricket’s governing body, on Tuesday said Gabriel had been charged with a breach of its code of conduct in relation to the ‘personal abuse’ of a player, umpire or match referee

Sports News: West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was charged with a breach of conduct by the ICC after allegedly making a homophobic remark in an exchange with England captain Joe Root during the third Test.

Stump microphones picked up an interaction on the third day in St Lucia between Shannon Gabriel and Root, in which the latter responded: “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”

The ICC, cricket’s governing body, on Tuesday said Gabriel had been charged with a breach of its code of conduct in relation to the “personal abuse” of a player, umpire or match referee. “The charge, which was laid by match umpires, will now be dealt with by Match Referee Jeff Crowe. Until the proceedings have concluded, the ICC will not comment further,” it said in a tweet. Root refused to reveal what Gabriel said to him when asked by reporters.

Bailable warrant issued against Gautam Gambhir in real estate fraud case

He has to appear before the court on January 24, 2019

A Delhi court has issued a bailable warrant against retired Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir for non-appearance in connection with a case of cheating, misappropriation and conspiracy against real estate group Rudra Buildwell’s project of which Gambhir was the brand ambassador.

He has to appear before the court on January 24, 2019.

In a complaint, the buyers have alleged that they have invested crores for booking a flat in an upcoming project at Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram area in 2011 but the housing project did not start, adding Gautam Gambhir‘s name was projected as the brand ambassador by Rudra group.

As per reports, Gambhir was a director and brand ambassador in the joint project of Rudra Buildwell Reality and HR Infracity against which a case was registered in 2016 for allegedly duping people on the pretext of booking flats in the housing project.

Shane Warne slams Australia cricket’s new buzzwords as ‘verbal diarrhoea’

Australia has endured a tough time on and off the field since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for their role in attempting to alter the ball with sandpaper in a Test match

Sports | Test great Shane Warne says Australian cricket’s new buzzwords, including “elite honesty”, make him “vomit” and actions not words should be the focus as the team works to turn itself around.

Coach Justin Langer, appointed after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa exposed a win-at-all-costs mentality, has cited the phrase as the way forward for Australian cricket. It followed a review last week into the culture at Cricket Australia and a “players pact” calling on cricketers to respect the game’s tradition and “make Australians proud”.

“Elite honesty” was reportedly one phrase plastered on the walls of the team’s changing room ahead of their one-day clash with South Africa in Perth on Sunday, with fans poking fun at it on social media. And Warne, never one to mince his words, let rip during television commentary.| Shane Warne

“Forget all the words, forget the verbal diarrhoea and all that sort of stuff,” he said on Fox Sports. “That’s just rubbish, that sort of stuff. Seriously, it makes you want to vomit. “At the end of the day, cricket is a simple game and it’s a performance-based game. You’ve got to perform on the field.

“All these words and everything — it’s all about actions. And I think it’s got to be the basics.” He added that the captain and vice-captain lead the way and “the rest come after you”.

Business Standard OR BS   

Arjun Tendulkar included in India U-19 squad for Lanka tour; Sachin elated

The 18-year-old Arjun has previously been a part of the Mumbai Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 teams

 

The Indian team list will once again have the famous Tendulkar surname back as legendary Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun was included in U-19 side for the two four-day games against Sri Lanka.

Sachin Tendulkar expressed his happiness over the selection of his son Arjun Tendulkar in the Indian under 19 team.

He said, "We are happy on Arjun being selected in Indian under 19 team. It is an important milestone in his cricketing life. Anjali and I will always support Arjun in his choices and pray for his success."

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) senior official Rajiv Shukla also congratulated Arjun Tendulkar. The 18-year-old Arjun has previously been a part of the Mumbai Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 teams.

Standing at 6ft 1inch, the 18-year-old Arjun is a left-arm fast bowler and a handy lower middle order batsman. Two India U-19 squads were announced today in Bengaluru with Anuj Rawat and Aryan Juyal leading the side.

However, an innocuous selection meeting became interesting as the three-member selection committee comprising Ashish Kapoor, Gyanendra Pandey and Rakesh Parikh selected Tendulkar junior for the longer version.

Arjun with his tally of 18 wickets from five Cooch Behar Trophy (National U-19) games is 43rd in the list of wicket-takers for the season. He had one five-wicket haul (5/95) against MP.

Incidentally, Himachal Pradesh's Ayush Jamwal (50 wickets) is not in any of the teams as he is now over age.

"There is a clear direction from BCCI and coach Rahul Dravid that those who will surpass 19 by this year should not be selected even if they have performed. Let them play Ranji Trophy according to Rahul. So a lot of boys ahead of Arjun are disqualified," a senior BCCI official told PTI today.

However, Harsh Tyagi (49 wickets), a left-arm spinner from Delhi is in both the squads.

When a source close to the selection committee was asked how Arjun despite being 43rd in the wicket takers list made the cut, he explained: "If you look at the List, Arjun is the only genuine quick bowler who has more than 15 wickets. Most of the bowlers above him are spinners with only Ajay Dev Goud (33 wickets) being a genuine all-rounder. He is a slow medium bowler while Arjun is quick bowler."

Click Here : Arjun Tendulkar 

IPL 2018: Dhawan's unbeaten 77 helps Sunrisers crush Royals by 9 wickets

The Sunrisers produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict the Royals to a paltry 125 for 9

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan capitalised on a reprieve when on nought as he smashed his way to an unbeaten 77 to help Sunrisers Hyderabad thrash Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets in their opening match of the IPL-11 here today.

Chasing 126 for a win after the Sunrisers' bowlers had produced a disciplined display to restrict the Royals to a paltry total, Dhawan was dropped in the first over by captain Ajinkya Rahane and that blunder cost the visiting side dear in the end.

Dhawan (77 not out off 57 balls) later grew into confidence and in the company of his captain Kane Williamson (36 not out off 35 balls), he tore apart the Royals bowling attack as the Sunrisers overhauled the target with 4.1 overs to spare.

The absence of the disgraced Australian batsman David Warner at the top of the order was not felt as Dhawan and Williamson stitched 121 runs for the unbroken second wicket from 14.2 overs.

Wriddhiman Saha, who was promoted to the top of order to take Warner's place, was out for five in the second over but from there on Dhawan and Williamson denied any success to the listless Royals bowlers as the home side began their IPL campaign on a winning note.

Dhawan was the more aggressor of the duo as he hit 13 fours and a six to carry his bat through the innings while Williamson had three fours and a six as the Sunrisers reached to 127 for 1 in 15.5 overs.

Earlier, the Sunrisers produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict the Royals to a paltry 125 for 9.

The home side bowlers justified captain Williamson's decision to put the opposition in after winning the toss as the Royals struggled to score runs on a pitch which got the turn as the match wore on.

The Royals could not build partnerships and they crumbled under the pressure of a disciplined bowling attack of the Sunrisers.

Sanju Samson top-scored with a 42-ball 49 and his 46-run stand with Rahane (13) for the second wicket was the highest partnership for the Royals. One-down Samson looked like he would anchor the innings after Rahane was out early but he also got dismissed in the 14th over when he was just one run short of a half century.

For the Sunrisers, which have one of the best bowling units in this IPL, Shakib Al Hasan and Siddhart Kaul grabbed two wickets apiece while Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, Australian pacer Billy Stanlake and Bhuvneshwar got one wicket each.

The Sunrisers got immediate success after the start of the match as the Royals' opening batsman D Arcy Short was caught short of his crease with Williamson's rocket throw from the mid-off rattled the wickets in the final ball of Bhuvneshwar Kumar's opening over.

Rahane, who was captaining the Royals after disgraced former Australia skipper Steve Smith was barred by the BCCI from taking part in the IPL, got out in a wrong time as he was caught by Rashid at deep off the bowling of Kaul.

A miserly over from Rashid was followed by Ben Stokes' (5) dismissal off Stanlake as the Royals were 71 for 3 at the halfway mark.

Samson, meanwhile, was going steady for some time but wickets fell at the other end. Rahul Tripathi (17) gave him some company but did not last long as he became Shakib's first victim.

Samson himself followed suit three balls later, giving Shakib his second wicket of the night and at that stage the Royals innings was in tatters.

Krishnappa Gowtham could not open his account from the two balls he faced and fell victim of Kaul. Englishman Jos Butler was left to add some runs to the Royals kitty but he too could score just six from nine balls.

Click here for IPL 2018

At Rs 591 million per match, BCCI rights exceed IPL media rights fee

The latest bid in the BCCI media rights auction stands at RS 60.32 billion, which amounts to Rs 591 million per match

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) media rights are proving to be a windfall for the governing body for cricket in the country. The second day of the e-auction saw the per match fees for the BCCI media rights exceed the per match fees pledged by Star India for the Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2018-22 period.

The latest bid in the BCCI media rights auction stands at RS 60.32 billion, which amounts to Rs 591 million per match. The IPL media rights, sold for Rs 163.5 billion across 300 matches amount to Rs 545 million per match.

This is a huge premium over what Star India was paying for the BCCI rights so far at Rs 430 million per match.

With no conclusive outcome by the end of the second day of bidding, the auction has been carried forward to Wednesday, April 5 when bidding will resume at 11 am. The day’s bidding started with Rs 45.17 billion and went up consistently to Rs 45.65 billion, Rs 54.88 billion, Rs 57.48 billion, Rs 60.01 billion, Rs 60.03 billion to finally end the day at Rs 60.32 billion.

Three companies – Star India, Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) and Reliance Jio are currently embroiled in an intense bid war for the coveted rights which include 102 international matches across 190 days in the 2018-23 cycle. The bidding started on April 3 which ended with a final bid of Rs 44.42 billion. This is the first time a sports property is using the e-auction process for its media rights sale. Under the rules of the auction process, while the involved parties can see the bids, but the identity of the bidders is kept under wraps till the conclusion of the process.

Three categories of rights have been put on sale by the BCCI – global television rights and rest of the world digital rights (GTVRD), digital rights for the Indian subcontinent alone (ID), and the global consolidated rights comprising worldwide TV and digital rights (GCR). As was the case with the Indian Premier League, if the globally consolidated bid exceeds the sum of the GTVRD and ID, then that bid wins. If not, the individual bids – India television+global digital and India digital rights will be deemed winners.

The base price for the 2018-19 season for the GTVRD is Rs 350 million crore, Rs 80 million for ID and Rs 430 million for the global consolidated rights. For the 2019-2023 tenure, the base price for GTVRD is Rs 330 million, for ID is Rs 70 million and Rs 400 million for GCR.

While six companies showed intent to bid, only the three currently involved in the bid process chose to bid actively. The three companies that did not enter the process were Google, Facebook and YuppTV.

CLICK HERE: IPL 2018

From cricket to leadership: Satya Nadella shares his life experience

The Microsoft CEO, on a whirlwind trip of India for the promotion of his book Hit Refresh, is also expected to meet officials of PMO, IT ministry and NITI Aayog

 

On a whirlwind trip to India for the promotion of Hit Refresh, his book on his journey to becoming the chief executive of Microsoft, one of the world’s biggest tech companies, Satya Nadella made his final pit stop in Delhi. Over 100 Microsoft Students Programme members, startup entrepreneurs, met the Microsoft CEO, who talked about a range of issues – from cricket to various aspects of his professional journey.

Earlier, during his trip to the Microsoft India headquarters in Hyderabad, Nadella had spoken at length about artificial intelligence (AI). At the Delhi event, he spoke about leadership skills and his love for cricket. The event also saw entrepreneurs like Vishal Gondal, founder CEO of fitness app GOQii, talking about their respective journeys.

While Nadella's itinerary has been kept under the wraps, sources say that the Microsoft CEO plans to meet officials of the communications & information technology ministry, as well as the NITI Aayog and the Prime Minister’s Office during the final leg of his India visit. He leaves India for the US on Tuesday night.

In Hit Refresh, Nadella delves into three key technologies that would lead to massive shifts in economy and society – mixed reality, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. These three currently independent threads would ultimately converge in future, with quantum computing making AI more intelligent and mixed reality becoming an even more immersive experience.

BCCI nominates MS Dhoni for prestigious Padma Bhushan award

With two World titles (2011 50-over World Cup and 2007 World T20), nearly 10,000 runs, 90 Test matches, there is no one better than him who could have been nominated said a BCCI official

The Indian cricket board has nominated Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the country's third highest civilian award -- the Padma Bhushan -- for his contribution to the game.

A senior BCCI official confirmed that the Board has only sent one name for the Padma awards this year and it was a unanimous decision to nominate India's most successful captain.

"Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been nominated by the BCCI for the Padma Bhushan award. There was no doubt among the members that Dhoni has impeccable credentials. Two World titles (2011 50-over World Cup and 2007 World T20), nearly 10,000 runs, 90 Test matches. There is no one better than him, who could have been nominated," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The BCCI has not sent any other nominations for the Padma awards this year.

The 36-year-old has scored 9737 runs in 302 ODIs besides 4876 runs in 90 Test matches. He has also played 78 T20 Internationals, notching up 1212 runs.

He has 16 international hundreds (6 in Tests and 10 in ODIs) along with 100 international half-centuries.

As a wicketkeeper, Dhoni has held 584 catches across formats (256 in Tests, 285 in ODIs and 43 in T20 Internationals). He has also effected 163 stumpings.

Dhoni is already a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna, Rajeev Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri award.

If Dhoni is conferred with Padma Bhushan, he will become the 11th Indian cricketer to get the third highest civilian honour.

Some of the notable international cricketers, who have been the recipients of Padma Bhushan award are Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Chandu Borde, Prof DB Deodhar, Col CK Nayudu, and Lala Amarnath.

The lesser known names include Raja Bhalindra Singh of Patiala, who played 13 first-class matches, and Vijaya Anand -- the Maharaja of Vizianagram, who was India's captain during their 1936 tour to England.

 

Kohli was asked about Kumble's approach while coaching and he stoically maintained his stancz



Opening up for the first time, Virat Kohli on Thursday said that he will never reveal dressing-room details, in an apparent reference to the now retired coach Anil Kumble's statement that their partnership had become "untenable".

Kumble stepped down a couple of days back due to differences with the India captain.

Kohli said "he respects" Kumble's decision to quit and that there is highest regard for him as a player.
"Obviously Anil bhai has expressed his views and he has taken a decision to step out and we will respect that decision. It's something that has happened right after the tournament," Kohli said on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies.

While he felt that Kumble is entitled to his opinion, in a roundabout manner, the skipper spoke about how dressing room details are sacred to him, which, at any cost, can't be shared with the public.
"One thing for sure is that I have had 11 press conferences that have happened during the Champions Trophy. We have created a culture over the last 3-4 years that whatever happens in the change room, we have tried to maintain the sanctity of the change room throughout. That is what the whole team believes in. For us that is paramount," Kohli stated.

The skipper said that he and his players respect Kumble's achievements as a player.

"I have total respect for him as a cricketer and what he has achieved for the nation. All the years that he has played. There's no taking away that aspect of him at all. And we all respect him totally," Kohli very consciously made it clear that he won't talk about coach Kumble's role.

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You don’t have to be a cricket fan to love ‘Sachin: A Billion Dreams’

Tendulkar comes across in the film as guileless and driven

There is something about Sachin Tendulkar, something so correct and so innocent you want him to win in life even when you know he is no more the ‘God’ of the cricket field.

The rousing farewell speech that Sachin gives at the end of this astutely emotional journey into the heart and mind of India’s most celebrated Bat Man, left me dewy-eyed. This, when I know zilch about cricket and practically nothing about Sachin’s exploits on the field. What I do know “and what this film is able to tell us in comprehensive strokes of revelation” is that greatness is not thrust on the great by chance.

One has to break bones and crack ribs to get there.

“Sachin: A Billion Dreams” is the story of a national hero who sails through every crisis with his simple philosophy of good existence and hard work. Sachin’s life is blameless. He has never been in any controversy and he doesn’t incite scandalous thoughts. This film could’ve easily been the opposite of what the Sanjay Dutt biography would be, given the man’s colourful lifescape. Instead the director unfolds a treasury of memories and anecdotes in which the aroma of ambition is mingled with the flavour of yearnings.

Sachin Tendulkar’s wife talks about how he would clam up after every defeat on the field. Does that make him a difficult man to live with? She doesn’t say. Dissent is not an option that people close to Tendulkar would want to exercise. What I gathered after watching Tendulkar’s tale being tossed into a cauldron of exploratory channels all leading to a glorious exposition on heroism,is that every great life has a very strong support system behind it. ReadMore…