Indian news round-up

The executive secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sharad Diwadkar said in Mumbai on Thursday that the selection committee would meet in Mumbai on January 29 to pick the India, India A and India B teams for the forthcoming Challenger Trophy limited overs series scheduled to be played in Chennai from February 12 to 15.

Speaking to Press trust of India (PTI), Diwadkar said that the selectors would also pick the Indian team probables for the preparatory camp, before the national team is selected for the home series against Australia.

Diwadkar also said "We had to postpone the camp as most of the Karnataka players would be flying home after the Duleep tie in Panaji to attend the felicitation function for former Ranji Trophy player and reputed coach KI Tarapore at Bangalore before proceeding to Chennai to attend the camp." He added "The camp will now start from February 6 and end on February 11 while the selectors would decide the date to select the Indian team on January 29."

Former Australian fast bowling great Dennis Lillee said in Chennai on Thursday that only a life ban on the players found guilty of match fixing and betting could cleanse the game.

Speaking to Press Trust of India (PTI), Lillee said "I believe that anyone who is found guilty of taking money and fixing matches should be banned forever." and added "I do not care who they are, whether it is Azharuddin, Cronje or anyone else, Such players have got to be rid of."

Commenting on the Mark Waugh issue, Lillee said "What I understand from the outside is that he has been questioned twice. He must have felt there is no use of talking on the same subject unless there is something new." Lillee added "Waugh and his lawyer must have put their heads together and decided that it is worthwhile going for questioning. Obviously they feel if there is new information, he should go in. I assume that is what must have happened."

The joint secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Ratnakar Shetty said in Mumbai on Wednesday that Indian star batsman Sachin Tendulkar will play the last Duleep Trophy league match against East Zone at Rajkot from February 1 to 4.

Speaking to Press Trust of India (PTI), Shetty said that Tendulkar has agreed to play against East Zone to get some match practice before the Australian team arrives for a three Tests and five one-day series next month.

Former New Zealand skipper and the present Indian team coach John Wright and the BCCI president AC Muthiah had made it clear recently that it was mandatory for the senior players to take part in domestic tournaments.