India-Pakistan match tickets being re-sold for Rs 60K
New Delhi: One thing synonymous with every India-Pakistan cricket match is the emotions attached to it. Not just among players, but also fans are high on adrenaline. The battle on the cricket field between the two Asian neighbours is touted to be the “greatest rivalry” for which fans wait eagerly. Such is the craze among the fans that they are willing to pay any amount of money to witness what is expected to be a high-octane encounter between the arch-rivals. The tickets for the clash which will take place at the Old Trafford Stadium were sold out within hours of the ticket window opening. And now, those who have bought the tickets are earning more by re-selling them. A website, Viagogo, is now buying tickets from the fans and is reselling them for prices ranging from approximately Rs20,000 to Rs60,000. (IANS)
Poor ICC planning forces Indians to train in private gyms
New Delhi: The loopholes in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) planning for the 2019 World Cup is coming to the fore with each passing day. If the failure to cover grounds effectively to beat the rain wasn’t enough, it has now been learnt that the Indian players have been asked to workout in private gyms as the ones in the team hotels aren’t adequate. Speaking to Cricketfanatic (IANS’ sister concern), sources in the know of developments said that the equipment in the hotels that have been booked for the players do not match the needs of the Indian cricketers and as a result, they have been provided passes to train in private gyms. (IANS)
Tendulkar advises to play aggressively against Amir
Nottingham: Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has warned Virat Kohli’s men to exercise caution against the Pakistani pace battery when the two teams meet in marquee World Cup clash on Sunday in Manchester. According to Tendulkar, Pakistan have a very potent fast bowling line-up, consisting of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, and they will look to target Kohli and Rohit Sharma. “Rohit and Virat are the two more experienced players in the lineup and Pakistan would be focusing on getting them early without any doubt as that opens the game for them. “Amir and Wahab Riaz will definitely target their wickets early on,” Tendulkar told India Today after India’s match against New Zealand was washed out at Trent Bridge. (IANS)
Sri Lanka complains about ‘unfair’ pitches to ICC
London: Sri Lanka manager Ashantha de Mel on Friday complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the “unfair” pitches provided for the island nation’s matches in the ongoing World Cup so far. He also highlighted the poor condition of training facilities and accommodation. “What we have found out is that for the four matches we have played so far at Cardiff and Bristol, the ICC prepared green pitches,” he told Daily News as reported by ESPNCricinfo. “At the same venues, the other countries have played on pitches which were brown and favourable for high scoring. “The pitch being prepared for our match against Australia on Saturday at The Oval is green. It is not sour grapes that we are complaining. But it is very unfair on the part of the ICC that they prepare one type of wicket for certain teams and another type for others,” de Mel said. (IANS)
Dhawan strives to recover
Nottingham: Opener Shikhar Dhawan is not letting his injury get the better of him as he strives to recover fast and get back to playing for India in the ongoing World Cup. Dhawan posted a video of him sweating it out at the gym with a plastered thumb. Along with the video, the 33-year old shared a message thanking his fans for their best wishes. “You can make these situations your nightmare or use it (as) an opportunity to bounce back. Thank you for all the recovery messages,” Dhawan wrote. Dhawan suffered the injury after being hit by a Pat Cummins delivery. (IANS)