SRK vs. Ganguly

The second team is coming out openly with their differences. This time too, it is between the owner and the captain of the team, Kolkata Knight Riders.

It was said the rift has come out open. Owner Sharukh Khan is not happy for two reasons:

1. Heavy entertainment tax is being paid in the matches played in Kolkata. He approached captain Ganguly to talk to the Chief Minister to get waiver, which Ganguly did not listen to.

2. In the match against Chennai Super Kings, SRK wanted Ganguly to bowl, but he chose to bat. Kolkata lost by D/L method by 2 runs. The match was called off after the 8th over due dust storm and rain.

It seems that Ganguly is not happy because more powers were given to coach Buchanan.

Though the KKR denied the rift, it looks like they wanted to put it under the carpet for now.

It will be better if both of them focus on the remaining matches, win them and see whether luck helps them to enter the first four positions.

Shoaib Akhtar can play in IPL!

Shoaib Akhtar's ban has been suspended for a month and hence he becomes eligible for playing in IPL.

The appellate tribunal decided to suspend the five year ban imposed on Shoaib Akhtar for a month, that is, till June 4 when the next meeting will happen. The PCB also has issues a "No Objection Certificate" to enable him to feature in the IPL.

Lalit Modi, the chairman and commissioner of the IPL, confirmed that Shoaib will play the tournament. "We look forward to Shoaib playing for us," Modi said. "I am going to call him immediately and invite him to come to Kolkata tonight or tomorrow morning."

The tribunal announced the decision today. They said: "We have suspended the ban for one month and the next hearing will be held on June 4." They further said, "Had we not suspended the ban, he could not have been played the in IPL, which we thought was injustice to Akhtar."

Shoaib looked relieved. He said, "This is a great relief for me as I am keen to play in the IPL," Shoaib said. "But this is just one battle won and we still have to win the final case."

The relief came after Shoaib's lawyers presses for the suspension of his ban.

In addition to the ban, Shoaib is also facing a defamation suit for Rs. 22 crore filed by PCB chief Nasim Ashraf.

He was banned after speaking openly about the contract he was not provided with by PCB, the pitches, domestic tournaments, and administration in general. He made this comment during his probabtion period of two years for hitting his mate Mohammad Asif with the bat before the T20 world cup last year.

Akhtar to Appeal agaisnt the Ban!

Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akthar has said that he will be appeal in the court against the ban imposed on him couple of days back. He was banned for speaking against PCB.

He said that he is innocent and has apologized already for all his mistakes. He is also not a contracted player with the PCB and there is no reason why he should answer PCB. He does not follow in the code and conduct rules and regulagations.

Shoaib was banned for comments he made after not being offered a contract by the PCB, in which he lashed out at domestic tournaments, pitches and the administration. He was already in probation following a dispute with Asif and for hitting him with bat.

Akhtar said that he was deeply disappointed and hurt and he would go to court and fight against the ban. He said that he was demoted from central contract 'A' category, which was very hurtful and as a reaction he said something. He said that he still wants to play for his country.

Shoaib has been plagued by injury and controversy since he began his international career in November 1997. He was twice sidelined over throwing allegations and was also banned for a breach of code on tour and ball-tampering.


We have to wait and see whether he will be successful in his appeal against the ban and the fight with the Pakistan Cricket Board.