Munaf Patel fined!

Indian bowler Munaf Patel was fined 75% of his match fee for arguing with the umpire in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka.

Munaf was penalised for breaching ICC's level 2 offence after on-field umpire Gamini Silva lodged a complaint to match referee Chris Broad citing that Munaf argued with him regarding an LBW decision.

However, the Indian team management denied the allegations saying that the Baroda pacer has never got into an argument with Silva.

Team manager Sanjay Desai said they will decide whether to appeal against the decision after discussion with the BCCI.

Champions Trophy Decision on Sunday!

With unsuccessful attempts in convincing the players of New Zealand, England and Australia, the ICC will be discussing over conference call on Sunday to decide on the fate of Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Ite seems that players association of New Zealand and Australia have advised their players against touring Pakistan.

With major countries pulling out, it will be tough decision for ICC. The decision will be taken on Sunday's meeting.

Champions Trophy Retained in Pakistan!

The ICC committee has decided to continue with Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2008. South Africa was expecting that the venue would be changed to their country but ICC went ahead with their decision. Based on the report submitted on the security situation in Pakistan, ICC has gone ahead and did not change the venue.

Several countries are not happy with this decision and not sure about their participation in this Champions Trophy.

Australia is almost sure that they will not play this season. England has confirmed 90% that they will not participate. They said no players should be forced to play as the security of the players is more important.

New Zealand board is talking with the players to find out their comfort level.

With major teams not participating or at least hesitating to participate, it is better that ICC change thier venue or work out some other solution by which all the countries participating in this tournament are free from fear and play competitive cricket.

Indian Squad: Sachin and Harbhajan in; Yuavaraj and Pathan dropped!

The Indian team Test Squad was announced. The team is touring Sri Lanka starting July for 3 Test Matches and 5 ODIs. As expected, Sachin has returned from injury. He played against South Africa in the first test and did not play the in remaining two tests. He has made another come back from the injury.

Harbhajan, who was banned for slapping Sreesanth in the IPL match, also made a come back.

Dhoni, who opted to take rest is also sitting out and will be back for the ODI. So, he is not available for half of the tour.

The other top stars of Indian cricket, Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman also part of the test side.

Yuvaraj Singh and Irfan Pathan were dropped for their poor form in Asis Cup. Also, they did not contribute in the South African tour.

Rohit Sharma and Ojha were given the chance this time.

The Squad:

Anil Kumble (Captain), Virender Sehwag (Vice Captain), Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Zaheer Khan, VVS Laxman, Pragyan Ojha, Munaf Patel, Parthiv Patel, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, RP Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar

Sri Lankan Cricketers Speculated to have Conflict with Board!

It was reported that Sri Lankan cricketers have a conflict with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board. The report said that, "They infact played the Asia Cup without the contract."

When the team arrived in the Bandaranaike Airport, the officials from the board received them. This is their first Asia Cup victory in overseas.

Talking to the media in the airport, captain Jayawardane said, the result was due to the fantastic team work.

"We played as a team and everybody in the team played their role well to secure this historic win," Jayawardena said.