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(WORLD CUP)
World Cup
Off to Musical Start (Go
To Top) CAPE TOWN: The Cricket World Cup was officially opened in South Africa as controversy continues over games involving Zimbabwe. The ceremony to welcome the largest sports event ever held in Africa and the world's biggest cricket tournament took off in Cape Town's Newlands Stadium on Saturday evening. The celebration reflected African culture and values and, in particular, those of South Africa. It began with a mock safari highlighting African wildlife, with creatures made by township craftsmen using recycled materials. There was music of all kinds from traditional to jazz, gospel and dance. Before the ceremony, in a weekly letter to members of his governing African National Congress (ANC), South African President Thabo Mbeki criticised England and New Zealand for seeking to move their cricket World Cup matches from co-hosts Zimbabwe and Kenya on political or security grounds. "These Governments have raised questions about security ... To the best of our knowledge, these Governments have provided no information to the ICC (International Cricket Council) indicating that the security of the players is threatened," Mbeki wrote. New Zealand have refused to play in Kenya, citing security. England, after months of wrangling between players, officials and politicians, lost an appeal on Friday to have their match against Zimbabwe moved because of political and social unrest. The English will decide on Sunday whether to play the February 13 fixture in Harare. But on Saturday, the speeches were of peace and friendship. Mbeki told the spectators: "Let us all rejoice in the fact that, regardless of who wins the cup, we will all be victors." Sarfraz
Dismisses 'Weak' Pakistan (Go
To Top) LONDON: Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has dismissed Pakistan's chances of winning the World Cricket Cup because in his view the team is 'too weak'. Although Pakistan possess some of the most talented players in the world, consistency has long been a problem for captain Waqar Younis and coach Richard Pybus, according to a news agency. The injuries to key players during the past year have not helped their preparations for cricket's showpiece in South Africa. But Nawaz, a veteran of 55 Tests, said he would be 'surprised' if Pakistan managed to advance beyond the Super Sixes. "The team is too weak. Physically, they are not in good condition," Nawaz told BBC on Saturday. "Most of the players are unfit and those who are fit are out of form. The fielding is weak and five players are near to retiring from international cricket. It's hard to predict that this team can win the World Cup," he contended. The 54-year-old was particularly critical of the older generation in the 15-man squad. "If the World Cup was not scheduled for this time, most of the older players could have easily retired from the international game six to eight months ago," he said. Despite his pessimistic outlook, Nawaz believed Pakistan's chances of success rested on the shoulders of injury-prone fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. But he said only a fully fit Shoaib could inspire his side to victory on the fast and bouncy South African wickets. Toss Not
Rated Vital in World Cup Opener (Go
To Top) JOHANNESBURG: South African skipper Shaun Pollock and his West Indies counterpart Carl Hooper don't have to worry about losing the toss when the two teams meet each other in the opening match of the 2003 World Cup at Newlands in Cape Town on Sunday. While giving pitch number four the thumbs up, groundsman Christo Erasmus said that losing the toss will not necessarily result in defeat. "On Thursday, I thought it would be a bit slow, but now I am more convinced that there will be more speed and carry. It will not be an encounter during which winning the toss will automatically mean victory," he was quoted as saying. Erasmus went to predict a score of 250. On whether the opening ceremony on Saturday will have any effect on the playing surface, he said, "It will make life a bit more difficult. One could expect the outfield to be somewhat whiter because of all the traffic. The outfield might be somewhat discoloured, but if that's the price that I must pay for the sake of the bigger picture, that's all right. There won't be uneven bounce for the out-fielders or holes in the ground because of the opening ceremony. The pitch might be slightly slower in the afternoon and faster in the evening." Shun the
Fair Sex, World Cup Cricketers Told (Go
To Top) JOHANNESBURG: Players of most teams have been asked to stay away from their wives or girl friends, particularly during the first round of World Cup matches, because it is felt that such meetings might distract them or make them lose concentration. According to Gerald de Kock, South African team's media manager, the players' wives and girl friends would be allowed to accompany them between February 16 and 19, but won't be allowed to share their rooms. The wives and girl friends of Australian players would join them later in the tournament, according to skipper Ricky Ponting. The loved ones of Indian players would only be allowed to join them if and when the team reaches the Super Six phase. Pakistan have also followed suit by adopting a "wait-and-see" strategy. However, Chris Cairns, New Zealand vice-captain, is an exception among the foreign players. His loved ones, including his South African fiancee Carin van de Berg, a native of Johannesburg, and their infant son Thomas, are already in the country. And as far as England are concerned, skipper Nasser Hussain made it quite clear when the team arrived in South Africa that their loved ones would not accompany them at all. Good
Luck Messages Sent to Indian Team (Go
To Top) NEW DELHI: India is in the grip of cricket fever as fans across the country sent good luck messages to the national cricket team on the eve of World Cup 2003. Fans from across the country gathered in New Delhi on Saturday to pen their good wishes to their cricket idols. The gala event begins on February 9 with inaugural match between twice World Cup champions West Indies and Australia. Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian all-rounder, recently cleared of match-fixing charges by a court, was among the fans who wished good luck to the Indian team. In Mumbai, cricket fans have designed a car which can roll and rotate like a cricket ball, show-casing heights of their passion for the game. Kapil Dev, captain of the Indian team that won the 1983 cup, and team-mate Madan Lal and others on Friday cheered for the team, rated third behind champions Australia and hosts South Africa. According to a news agency, India has been rated ahead of Pakistan, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka by the British betting company Ladbrokes. Kapil Dev said a sense of pride in the national colours should goad the players to win the World Cup. Asked about the areas that needed improvement, Dev added there was room for improvement in every department and advised the Indian players to focus on positive cricket. "Everywhere .. when you want to improve, there is not a single place where you can say I am the champion. You have to improve in every side, every direction. But when you say what we are good in, we are good in everything also. Think positive...go along play hard cricket...that's it," he added. Earlier this month the country's film industry released a morale-boosting music album for the cricketers. The Indian team is hoping to win the World Cup again after a gap of 20 years when legendary cricketer Kapil Dev had won the honours for the country in 1983 in England. India is placed in pool A with world champions Australia, Pakistan, England, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Netherlands. Lara Return
Makes Windies Stronger, Says Pollock (Go
To Top) CAPE TOWN: South African captain Shaun Pollock believes the return of world record-breaking batsman Brian Lara will make the West Indies dangerous opponents in the World Cup's opening match on Sunday, says the News. The left-hander has been out of the side since going down with a mystery illness in September, but has declared himself back to full fitness and ready for the tournament. With Lara alongside two fast bowlers who've played domestic cricket in South Africa, Pollock thinks the West Indies will represent a far tougher challenge than in recent years. "Since his (Lara's) illness, the responsibility for winning matches and holding innings together has shifted to other batsmen and they seem to be responding," Pollock said. "Now that he's back it just makes them an even stronger unit. Vasbert Drakes and Nixon McLean both have extensive experience in South African conditions and you can't underestimate the importance of that. "They arrived on South African shores full of confidence and (West Indies captain) Carl (Hooper) said there wasn't much difference between the teams. He could well be right. We're expecting a hard game which will set the winners up perfectly for the rest of the tournament." The last time the sides met in a one-day series, South Africa emerged comfortable 5-2 winners in the Caribbean two years ago and the tournament hosts have won 14 of the last 17 limited-over games between the teams. However, Hooper's side has shown marked improvement in recent months, notably winning a one-day series in India late last year in which several younger players began to deliver on early promise. Batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle and Wavell Hinds all came good, while Jermaine Lawson demonstrated his genuine pace and wicket-taking ability. It all adds up to a well-balanced and confident side under Hooper's experienced leadership. "They had a magnificent one-day series in India and they come here on a high," South African fast bowler Allan Donald said. "We're not going to underestimate them one little bit. "But we've been told by our team psychologist that we shouldn't play the man but play the game and stay in our zones". Aussies
Wary of Shoaib (Go
To Top) JOHANNESBURG: Defending champions Australia believe that Pakistan speed king Shoaib Akhtar is the man they must subdue if they are to get the defence of their World Cup crown off to a flying start when the two sides clash here next week, says the Nation. The two bitter rivals meet at the Wanderers on Tuesday with the Aussies pinpointing the deadly pace and swing of Shoaib as the keys to the highy-charged Group A game. "When we bat, our main aim has to be to try to blunt the early threat of Shoaib Akhtar," opening batsman Matthew Hayden told Britain's Daily Telegraph on Friday. "His threat is two-pronged. First, Pakistan look to his explosive pace for breakthroughs with the new ball, openings that can then be exploited by Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram. "Then, he will come back later and look to use his pace allied with reverse swing, as he did so well together with Wasim, when Pakistan beat us in a World Cup group match at Headingley four years ago. "He and I have had some great recent battles and he is a dangerous player. But one thing I will not be doing is biting back. It is not my style to get into a war of words with another player in print and, in any case, my priority is to let my bat do the talking." Hayden admitted that if he and his free-scoring colleagues can quell the early assault from the Pakistan pace trio, then half the battle will be won. "Shoaib's style of bowling means he will rarely be at you for a long spell and three or four overs will usually be his norm. If we can see him off and even use his pace to our advantage as batsmen, then that will be a huge plus for us." Despite the threat posed by the Pakistan pace attack, Australia are still hoping that the match will be played on a fast Wanderers track. "Pakistan represent a massive challenge for us as we will have to subdue their immense individual talents, a tall order if the match is played on a slow surface that will suit their style of play more than ours," added Hayden. "We must ensure they do not get off to a flying start with either bat or ball. If we can do that, we can control the match. "When we bowl that will almost certainly involve the early removal of Shahid Afridi. "If he gets going it makes the job of players like Younis Khan, Inzamam and Yousuf Youhana that much easier as they will be able to play themselves in with the field spread rather than coming in with our fast bowlers fresh and the ball new." Proteas
to Use `Secret Weapon' in World Cup (Go
To Top) JOHANNESBURG: Ever heard of "perosculating." Well, the South African team will put to use their new secret weapon in the World Cup. This was revealed by skipper Shaun Pollock while receiving the International Cricket Council's ceremonial rod as Test champions of the world in Cape Town on Friday. Pollock also said that his team hoped to "relieve" Australia - the previous holder of the trophy - of their World Cup crown as well. "Our aim now is also to take the World Cup from them and thus strip them of their trophy cupboard," he was quoted as saying. Getting back to perosculating, Pollock said that this was a new word his team had created. "There is no such word (as perosculating). However, to us it means overreacting to an imaginary threat. For instance, when you duck when someone pretends to want to give you a smack by lifting his hand. In this World Cup, we are not going to duck any such false threats," he added. World
Cup to Add Another Feather to Heinz Winckler's Cap (Go
To Top) JOHANNESBURG: Do you know who Heinz Winckler is? Well, a majority, particularly, those living outside South Africa, are likely to say no. But come Sunday, the global spotlight will be on him. The reason is that Winckler, along with Deborah Fraser, will perform the cricket anthems for the opening match of the 2003 World Cup between hosts South Africa and the West Indies. Winckler and Fraser will sing the West Indies and South African cricket anthems, respectively. The moment will certainly be a crowning glory for Winckler, who until a year ago was an unknown law student only to capture the ears of the public who voted him 'Idols' winner. Six months later, Disney signed him to the soundtrack for 'Treasure Planet' and his debut single 'Next Stop Happiness' went top 10. "To sing at the opening match of the World Cup Cricket is an honour. It is going to be an amazing spectacle and a good opportunity to show the world just what a special place South Africa is, and, of course, we'll show them how to play cricket too," Winckler was quoted as saying by News24. Added Duma Ndlovu, chairperson of the World Cup Cricket music organising committee, "Heinz and Deborah represent the new South Africa, they're young and their sharing of the stage symbolises the unity in South Africa and proves that we can come together." Saeed to
Miss Opening World Cup Game (Go
To Top) KARACHI: Opener Saeed Anwar is certain to miss Pakistan's opening World Cup match with Australia on February 11 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. 'The News has learnt that Saeed has not yet recovered from the injury he sustained during nets on Monday and there is considerable swelling on his left elbow which was hit by a swinging delivery from Shoaib Akhtar. Since then Saeed has not been able to move his elbow properly. "Chances of Saeed playing against Australia appear very slim as the injury will take time to heal," said a Pakistan team source. Saeed was recalled to the team for the World Cup after being ignored for the tours to Zimbabwe and South Africa by the selectors, who've tried to justify his recall by stating that Pakistan need his experience on South African pitches. Saeed, who's played 243 One-day Internationals and scored over 8,500 runs, has been in and out of the team since 2001. Warne Talks
of Hate and Love in South Africa (Go
To Top) JOHANNESBURG: Australia's spin-bowling sensation Shane Warne has attributed his psychological hold over Shaun Pollock's team to South African crowds' "hatred" for him. "I feed on negativity. If the crowd boos and mocks me, I pump adrenaline. That makes me want to show them how I can mow their team down one by one. When I get cheered I am someone totally different, at ease and relaxed," Warne was quoted as saying by News24. "It (World Cup) is my last tournament and hopefully they (South African crowds) will be nicer to me. I would appreciate if they could at least give me a round of applause in my last match," he added. But everything aside, Warne does think he has made some friends in South Africa over the years. "I love this country and like coming here. I even have friends here and it seems as if they like me. South Africans may hate me, but I know they also respect me," he said. Healthy
Life Style Behind Warne's New Look, Says Plastic Surgeon JOHANNESBURG: So what is the secret behind Australian leg-spinning sensation Shane Warne's new look? Well, if a South African plastic surgeon is to be believed, it is the result of a healthy life style. According to Prof Bennie Zeeman, head of the plastic and reconstructive surgery department of the University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital, the 13 kg that Warne had lost, the possible change in life style, which led to the weight loss, and his new hair style could have changed his appearance - the skin around his eyes was looking better, his face was narrower and his jaw was lighter. Prof Zeeman said the lines under the eyes could be removed without plastic surgery, especially because the 33-year-old Warne's skin was still young and elastic, reports News24. He said plastic surgeons would not easily take the knife to the eyes of someone under 40. Another Cape Town-based plastic surgeon, who asked to remain anonymous, said Warne might have had liposuction to his chin. He said the most popular treatment among men of Warne's age was liposuction to the chin area. However, he supported Prof Zeeman's opinion that Warne's skin was still elastic enough not to sag. Good Luck
Charm for Indian Cricket Team (Go
To Top) NEW DELHI: A special good luck charm is on its way for the Indian cricket squad taking part in the World Cup, beginning later this week. Fans from across the country gathered in New Delhi on Wednesday to pen their good wishes on specially created replicas of cricket bats. The bats would be sent to the team in South Africa as a lucky charm. It took over 50 huge cardboard cut-outs to script the messages which ranged from spirited cheers to long verses of praise and hope. Many celebrities also pitched in support for the team. Rajeev Shukla, former manager of the Indian cricket team, was ecstatic about the overwhelming display of support and said it would definitely boost the team's confidence. "The entire nation is giving support to our cricketers. The atmosphere is charged and I am sure it will tremendously boost the confidence of the Indian players. People's wishes always work, they bring a sense of self-confidence which will help cricketers taste success in South Africa," said Shukla. As the World Cup cricket draws nearer, frenzied India has been building expectations for the team's victory. Earlier this month the country's film industry had released a morale boosting music album for the cricketers, after their disastrous performance in the one-day series in New Zealand. India lost both Tests and conceded a one-day series 2-5 after their strong batting line-up collapsed repeatedly. Former cricketer Chetan Sharma was hopeful that bouncy South African wickets would suit stroke makers in the Indian team. "The wickets in South Africa are very bouncy and many of our batsmen like Virender Sehwag like bouncy wickets, it's good for them," he said. The Indian team is hoping to win the World Cup again after a gap of 20 years when legendary cricketer Kapil Dev had won the honours for the country in 1983 in England. India is placed in pool A for the February 9 to March 23 tournament with world champions Australia, Pakistan, England, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Netherlands. Pakistan
a Wounded Tiger, Says Afridi(Go
To Top) JOHANNESBURG: All-rounder Shahid Afridi says that Pakistan is like a wounded tiger and that his team would play the 2003 World Cup with a vengeance. "We have lost almost three one-day tournaments in a row, two out of three Test series and it's too much. It's not something we are used to as it is not the way we like to play our cricket. The boys know this and that's precisely why they all are motivated and geared up to make amends and promise to do something exceptional in the tournament", the Nation quoted Afridi as saying on Sunday. "Imran (Khan's) cornered tigers did the trick in the 1992 World Cup and Waqar (Younis's) wounded tigers will hopefully do this time," Afridi said. "The team has belief in its ability and it is not scared of any team. In fact, it is the other way round as most of the teams are wary of our potential. We will play the hardest cricket we can in this tournament and leave the rest to the Almighty", he added. Pakistan, since its arrival in Johannesburg on January 25, has been making full use of the pre-World Cup training camp in hot and humid conditions. Extensive training sessions are being held while the boys also attend gymnasium and swimming pool sessions. In addition, team meetings are held in which cricket, opposition and game plan is discussed. "Trust me if we reach the semi-final, we will play the final. When we are in momentum, we are difficult to stop. At full potential and flow, I think we are a better team than Australia. Australia or South Africa look formidable because they are winning and we are looking vulnerable because we are losing. That's what winning or losing does to the reputation of the team," Afridi further said. 'Born-again'
Saeed Anwar Hogs Limelight in S Africa Media (Go
To Top) KARACHI: There is one member of the Pakistan World Cup squad in South Africa who is attracting lot of attention from the media in the light of the changed world scenario since the Al-Qaeda terrorist network was discovered in September 1991. The only one of Pakistan's squad to sport a long, thick beard, Saeed Anwar is also attracting plenty of attention in the World Cup as a born-again Muslim as for his cricket skills and exploits. Saeed had told the News before leaving for South Africa, "I am expecting attention for my changed outlook and my spiritual rebirth because the world media will be in South Africa. But I would tell them that I am in the World Cup squad for my proficiency in cricket and I am expected to do a job as an opener and I will try to do that to the best of my ability and experience." And according to reports coming from South Africa, the media has shown a lot of interest in Saeed's image as a cricketer and a devoted Muslim. Security guards in Sharjah stopped him during a tournament in 2001 as they failed to recognize him. But Saeed said in the interview he was not expecting such an incident to occur in the World Cup. "I have already played with my beard in quite a few tournaments and I don't think I should elicit such a reaction from the security guards in South Africa," he said. "But, yes, I would like to tell people in South Africa that not all Muslims with long thick beards are fanatics." As an opener, Saeed has scored over 8,600 runs in his 242 One-day Internationals and would be appearing in his third World Cup. The left-hander still holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs (194 against India). "You could have the best middle-order batsmen in the world but they cannot play the new ball like an opener can. When Pakistan's opening problem is settled in the World Cup, Inzamam, Younus and Yousuf will make bigger contributions." He pointed out that Australia's recent successes are also built around sound opening partnerships. Saeed said he would like to outscore Australian opener Matthew Hayden in the World Cup, but while he can only strive and work hard what faith has ordained for him will happen. He also believes his beard has, in fact, made people respect him more than before. "When I went to Australia last June I was surprised by people's reaction. They came up to me and started asking me about the beard, about who I was. But, I was respected more than ever before." He quoted an example: "Australian cricketers are known for their aggressive behaviour on the field. But when Glenn McGrath collided with me in one of the games he put his arms around my shoulders and said, 'It's my fault, I'm sorry.' Saeed, however, has made up his mind to retire after the World Cup. "At first I wanted to become an expert on television. But now I want to go out like Imran Khan and stay away from cricket and spend my time propagating Islam." NZ-Kenya
Match May Be Re-scheduled (Go
To Top) LONDON: Reacting to New Zealand's decision not to play their World Cup match in Kenya, the International Cricket Council has said it would be looking at various options, including the "re-scheduling" of the game. "I will be talking to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Martin Snedden as soon as possible to confirm the appropriate ICC disputes resolution process to be used in this instance," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said in a statement last night. Speed said ICC recognised the serious security concerns raised by New Zealand and he would see if there was any prospect of the match "being re-scheduled." -ANI |
WORLD CUP |