Govt exempts custom duty for cricket World Cup

NEW DELHI: With India hosting the lion's share of cricket World Cup matches, Sports Minister Ajay Maken today said his department has exempted custom duty on the import of equipments and consumables necessary for the smooth conduct of the tournament.

While replying to a question during a question-hour session in the Lok Sabha Maken said, "Government has given custom duty exemption for temporary imports of sports equipments and import of sport consumables required for the World Cup ."

"Venue related assistance such as security and other logistic support is being extended by the state governments concerned," the minister added.

Maken also apprised the parliament about the number of matches being held in India and informed the house that the India-England tie on February 27, which was originally scheduled to be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, had to be shifted to Bangalore because of the veue's unpreparedness.

"BCCI has informed that 14 countries are participating in ICC CWC 2011. There are 29 matches in India at eight venues. 12 games are in Sri Lanka and eight games in Bangladesh," he said.

ICC CWC STREAMING: SL vs KEN

Sri Lanka would look to bounce back after their morale-sapping loss to Pakistan and avenge their 2003 edition defeat at the hands of Kenya when they take on the African associate nation in their ICC Cricket World Cup Group A match on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka, tipped as one of the title contenders, lost to Pakistan by 11 runs on Saturday and they would look to lift their morale with a big win against Kenya at the R Premadasa Stadium.

They have also got the boost ahead of Tuesday's match with fast bowler Lasith Malinga available for selection after sitting out of Sri Lanka's last two matches due to a sore back.

Sri Lanka can ill-afford to take their opponents lightly, though Kenya had suffered heavy defeats at the hands of New Zealand and Pakistan in their last two matches and facing internal division with differences between their coach Eldine Baptiste and senior players.

Against the Kiwis, Kenya were bowled out for 69 runs, their lowest total in ODI cricket, and then Pakistan thrashed them by 205 runs at Hambantota.

However, the last time Sri Lanka and Kenya met in a World Cup encounter was in 2003 and the Africans had stunned the 1996 champions on that occasion with an upset win in Nairobi.

Understandably, Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss warned his players not to be complacent.

"The fact that we did not win our last game will stop any complacency. Our guys are consciously aware of playing good cricket and we certainly will not take them lightly," Bayliss said.

He said Malinga was able to bowl full steam at the nets on Monday and he would be available for selection.

"Lasith bent over to pick up a cricket ball about two weeks ago and strained his back a little. The physio said that the first two weeks were the most important after his injury as the most likelihood of him re-injuring was that period. He bowled in the last two practice sessions. He has bowled with a full run-up today and batted and fielded.

We have a selection meeting in the evening and will decide what to do then," Baylisss said.

Kenya, on the other hand, are facing trouble ahead of their all-important match with reports of differences between players and coach emerging.

Cricket Kenya chief Samir Inamdar on Sunday blamed differences between the players and West Indian coach Eldine Baptiste for their lacklustre performances so far.

Kenyan captain Jimmy Kamande, however, dismissed suggestions that there was disunity within the squad and promised a better performance on Tuesday.

"I also read those reports. I have not spoken to the chairman, but I can tell you that my team is very solid. When a team loses people try to find excuses. The thing is we have not performed and we want to play well," Kamande told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"Obviously Sri Lanka are a solid side. But we have nothing to lose. They are the ones who are under pressure to perform. Having lost to Pakistan, this makes a must win game for them and we will try and put pressure on them," Kamande added.

The Teams (From):

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain and wicketkeeper), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.

Kenya: Jimmy Kamande (captain), Tanmay Mishra, James Ngoche, Shem Ngoche, Alex Obanda, Collins Obuya, David Obuya (wicketkeeper), Nehemiah Odhiambo, Thomas Odoyo, Peter Ongondo, Elijah Otieno, Maurice Ouma, Rakep Patel, Steve Tikolo and Seren.

Sri Lanka vs Kenya

ODIs

Sri Lanka have won four and lost one out of five contested against Kenya in ODIs between 1996 and 2003.

ICC Cricket World Cup

At the ICC Cricket World Cup, the two teams met three times - Sri Lanka won two ( Kandy - March 6, 1996 and Southampton - May 30, 1999 and Kenya once (February 24, 2003).


Overall World Cup

Kenya have won six games - one each against Sri Lanka , Bangladesh , West Indies and Zimbabwe apart from both their games against Canada .  As against their six wins, Kenya have lost 18 out of 25 played (NR 1) - winning % 25.00.

Sri Lanka have won 26 and lost 31 out of 59 played - winning % 45.68 - Tied 1  NR 1.

ICC CWC STREAMING: SL vs KEN

Sri Lanka would look to bounce back after their morale-sapping loss to Pakistan and avenge their 2003 edition defeat at the hands of Kenya when they take on the African associate nation in their ICC Cricket World Cup Group A match on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka, tipped as one of the title contenders, lost to Pakistan by 11 runs on Saturday and they would look to lift their morale with a big win against Kenya at the R Premadasa Stadium.

They have also got the boost ahead of Tuesday's match with fast bowler Lasith Malinga available for selection after sitting out of Sri Lanka's last two matches due to a sore back.

Sri Lanka can ill-afford to take their opponents lightly, though Kenya had suffered heavy defeats at the hands of New Zealand and Pakistan in their last two matches and facing internal division with differences between their coach Eldine Baptiste and senior players.

Against the Kiwis, Kenya were bowled out for 69 runs, their lowest total in ODI cricket, and then Pakistan thrashed them by 205 runs at Hambantota.

However, the last time Sri Lanka and Kenya met in a World Cup encounter was in 2003 and the Africans had stunned the 1996 champions on that occasion with an upset win in Nairobi.

Understandably, Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss warned his players not to be complacent.

"The fact that we did not win our last game will stop any complacency. Our guys are consciously aware of playing good cricket and we certainly will not take them lightly," Bayliss said.

He said Malinga was able to bowl full steam at the nets on Monday and he would be available for selection.

"Lasith bent over to pick up a cricket ball about two weeks ago and strained his back a little. The physio said that the first two weeks were the most important after his injury as the most likelihood of him re-injuring was that period. He bowled in the last two practice sessions. He has bowled with a full run-up today and batted and fielded.

We have a selection meeting in the evening and will decide what to do then," Baylisss said.

Kenya, on the other hand, are facing trouble ahead of their all-important match with reports of differences between players and coach emerging.

Cricket Kenya chief Samir Inamdar on Sunday blamed differences between the players and West Indian coach Eldine Baptiste for their lacklustre performances so far.

Kenyan captain Jimmy Kamande, however, dismissed suggestions that there was disunity within the squad and promised a better performance on Tuesday.

"I also read those reports. I have not spoken to the chairman, but I can tell you that my team is very solid. When a team loses people try to find excuses. The thing is we have not performed and we want to play well," Kamande told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"Obviously Sri Lanka are a solid side. But we have nothing to lose. They are the ones who are under pressure to perform. Having lost to Pakistan, this makes a must win game for them and we will try and put pressure on them," Kamande added.

The Teams (From):

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain and wicketkeeper), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.

Kenya: Jimmy Kamande (captain), Tanmay Mishra, James Ngoche, Shem Ngoche, Alex Obanda, Collins Obuya, David Obuya (wicketkeeper), Nehemiah Odhiambo, Thomas Odoyo, Peter Ongondo, Elijah Otieno, Maurice Ouma, Rakep Patel, Steve Tikolo and Seren.

Sri Lanka vs Kenya

ODIs

Sri Lanka have won four and lost one out of five contested against Kenya in ODIs between 1996 and 2003.

ICC Cricket World Cup

At the ICC Cricket World Cup, the two teams met three times - Sri Lanka won two ( Kandy - March 6, 1996 and Southampton - May 30, 1999 and Kenya once (February 24, 2003).


Overall World Cup

Kenya have won six games - one each against Sri Lanka , Bangladesh , West Indies and Zimbabwe apart from both their games against Canada .  As against their six wins, Kenya have lost 18 out of 25 played (NR 1) - winning % 25.00.

Sri Lanka have won 26 and lost 31 out of 59 played - winning % 45.68 - Tied 1  NR 1.

ICC CWC: Tour Diary from Ahmedabad

Well done ICC: Too often in the past, international cricket matches in India have been besieged with the problem of fake ticketing. So much so, that many a times even genuine ticket-holders are deprived entry in the stadium. But in ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the world governing body has ensured that this problem is eradicated. All tickets are bar-coded and one can enter the ground only after a scanner reads it. Thus genuine ticket-holders during this mega-event need not worry. The BCCI will do well to emulate this system.

Energetic crowd: There were some doubts as to whether the Australia vs Zimbabwe clash in Ahmedabad will get any response at all. Despite these worries, there was a decent crowd of around 10,000 at the ground. This may be a non-India game but the energy levels amongst those present were quite high. The DJ deserved a pat on the back for keeping the energy levels going, as he played out popular Hindi are English songs in-between overs or at the fall of a wicket. Needless to say, that a majority of people were supporting underdogs Zimbabwe.

Beverage stalls in high demand: The middle of February is generally the onset of summer in certain parts of India. Sitting under the sun and watching a match can often be an arduous task. No wonder then, that the staff at the beverage stalls in the stadium were kept busy throughout the day. Spectators could be seen queuing up at the stalls to quench their thirst. Thankfully, there were enough stalls to cater to this rush.

Excellent media-facilities: The press box facilities at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad are top-notch. The Gujarat Cricket Association has ensured that every minute need of journalists are looked after. Right from providing daily ICC news bulletins to providing everyone with a Duckworth-Lewis par score sheet, no aspect was been ignored. Seven television sets were also there to ensure that you can catch up on all the action just in case you missed it LIVE.

ICC Cricket World Cup : Six-metro ratings for opening match released

TAN Sports has released the ratings for the Opening ceremony and the first match (India vs Bangladesh) of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 for the target group C&S 4+ in the six-metro market.

As per the data, the first match of the ICC CWC has begun its run on a positive note with a gross rating of 7.8 TVR in the six metros of Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad in CS 4+ markets. The Opening Ceremony has garnered a rating of 1.23 TVR in the same markets.

The India-Bangladesh match of 2011 has opened marginally better than the ICC CWC 2007. In 2007, the first India match was against Bangladesh and it scored a 7.3 TVR in the six-metro market. As is known, this year the World Cup opened with this match, but last time, India-Bangladesh was the fifth match, scheduled on a Saturday at 7 pm.

This year, the first match was telecast at 2 pm on a Saturday. There is also an increase in time duration of the match from about 427 minutes in 2007 to 470 minutes this year.

It should be noted that TAM Sports data has seen a universe update since 2007.

Other statistics reveal that individual markets such as Mumbai and Bangalore have rated the highest in terms of viewership with 9.14 and 9.17 TVR, respectively.

As per the data, the digital universe has responded better to the games than analog; digital households have recorded a 9.47 TVR, while terrestrial is 6.4 TVR.

The ICC Cricket World Cup is being telecast on ESS channels (Star Cricket, Star Sports and ESPN) and on account of the Government mandate on cricket telecast, on DD1. The winning channel in the mix is Star Cricket, which pulled in a rating of 3.03 TVR. The official broadcaster ESPN gained a viewership score of 2.47 TVR, while DD1 added 1.5 TVR to the numbers. Star Sports was the lowest in ratings at 0.89 TVR.

VIVA Bahrain Telecasts CricOne broadcast of ICC Cricket World Cup Event

Manama, Bahrain (18 Feb 2011): VIVA BahrainVIVA BahrainLoading... today announced that it will bring the live ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (ICC CWC 2011) Event through the CricOne Channel on its VIVA Mobile TV service.

Cricone Channel, who own exclusive rights to broadcast the event, is now available for VIVA Mobile TV subscribers in partnership with Qtelmedia Group and will broadcast all 49 matches throughout the day.

"We are pleased to announce the addition of this exciting channel within our existing bouquet for VIVA TV," said VIVAVIVALoading... Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Hanna adding that "the ICC Cricket World Cup is the flagship event for cricket and all fans in Bahrain are eagerly anticipating this year's event."

"We have always been at the forefront of getting the best entertainment for our subscribers. This much awaited event will run on our services and will tie up thousands of fans throughout the day and keep them updated with their favourite teams and players," he added.

Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports, said "We are committed to showcasing this iconic tournament in the most engaging and entertaining manner to fans across the globe. We are very pleased with our partnership with Arab Digital Distribution (ADD) as it continues to bring the game to more and more fans in the region."

Starting on 19 February, the 10th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup will be hosted in India, Srilanka and Bangladesh bringing together 14 teams. The 49 matches will be played out at 13 venues across the three countries, with around 29 matches being hosted in India. The World Cup will run until April 2nd.

VIVA TV already has an existing bouquet of 20 channels and has previously broadcasted a number of sports and entertainment events. To subscribe to the service, VIVAVIVALoading... subscribers should SMS the word "ON" to the number 184 from any 3G or Video Streaming enabled handsets.

-Ends-

For more information, please call
Tel: (+973) 3312 4124

Hussain Rasool
Tel: (+973) 3301 2346         (+973) 3301 2346     

World Cup opener set to dazzle

Dhaka is braced for a sizzling opening ceremony tonight as the frenzy revolving around the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 reaches fever pitch.

The magnificent Bangabandhu Stadium gala in the Bangladesh capital will host - amongst others - Bryan Adams, leading Bollywood singer, Sonu Nigam and the Indian trinity of Shanka, Ehsaan and Loy. Glitz and glamour galore on what promises to be a night to remember.

Not that we should be surprised. ICC opening nights are usually a treat to savour and if the buzz in Dhaka is anything to go by, the 2011 edition will surpass all expectations.

The ICC CWC 2011 anthem, 'De Ghuma Key', has already earned rave reviews from fans, and the Bangabandhu will be a sight to behold once Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy start performing the rather peppy number.

Adams, who is one of the planet's most acclaimed rock stars, will also liven up a night that promises to kick off the ICC CWC on an enthralling note. Indeed, South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has already tweeted that he is looking forward to seeing the legend in action.

Some riveting warm-up games, especially the ones featuring India, have set the tone for the latest edition of cricket's premier event. Spread across three countries, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the tournament is being seen as a litmus test for the ODI format. Going by the large number of fans who thronged the grounds for India's practice games, the mega-event looks poised to be a major success.

The focus will obviously be on some traditional rivalries and as the festivities unfurl tonight, the 14 captains, who will be present for the opening ceremony, will be eagerly looking forward to February 19, when the first match between India and Bangladesh kick starts the ICC CWC.

India and Sri Lanka are being touted as the pre-tournament favourites while Australia and South Africa enter the competition after some dominating one-day performances.

With the tournament returning to the sub-continent after 15 years, the excitement is palpable. Back in 1996, when Sri Lanka stunned the world to take the title, a new cricketing legacy was born - India were still overtly reliant on Sachin Tendulkar while Mark Taylor dictated terms for the Aussies. Pakistan were of course blessed with a fierce bowling attack and England were considered a dangerous side, always capable of upsetting a few big names. In 2011, the world order has changed and India command as much respect as Australia once did while England are fair title contenders.

The format has also gone back to the trusted knock-out stages, with quarter-finals heralding a do or die process of elimination. India skipper MS Dhoni welcomed the change and in a query from ESPNSTAR.com had claimed he was relieved to get rid of the Super Six stage: "Even if you have one or two bad games, the side still has a chance of making it to the knock-out stages and it could be anybody's game from there."

The opening ceremony of the ICC CWC 2007 set the standards for all subsequent ICC events and Dhaka is now looking to take a leaf out of the Windies' book when over 2000 dancers and performers represented all strands of West Indian music, from calypso and ragga to reggae and soca.

The opening night in Bangladesh will of course have a different flavour, but it will be one that stays with fans and players alike for years to come.