Indian news round-up

The chairman of the Asian Cricket Foundation (ACF) Jagmohan Dalmiya said in Kolkata on Thursday that certificates signed by Sunil Gavaskar and Ian Chappell will be given to those who pledge their eyes. Jagmohan Dalmiya said that both the cricketers agreed to take part in the noble cause after a telephonic discussion with him. The certificates, bearing the signatures of the two cricketing stalwarts besides Dalmiya, would be awarded later this month.

An eye donation camp is being conducted by the ACF and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). A total of 93 persons pledged to donate their eyes in the programme entitled "Cricket for Life Beyond Death" when the CAB had opened the camp for former cricketers, umpires, coaches, cricket administrators and representatives of its affiliated units.

"The response so far has been excellent. We expect an overwhelming response as the camp opens for general public tomorrow. The gesture of Gavaskar and Chappell would certainly act as a motivating factor," Dalmiya said. The CAB would register donors from the general public who are 65 years or above in its premises from March 2 to 4.

The Statesman reported on Wednesday that the Kolkata Police have banned spectators from carrying bottles into the Eden Gardens in a view to control crowd violence during the second India-Australia Test slated to be played from Match 11 to 15.

Quoting a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official, the newspaper said that it had been agreed that spectators would be allowed to carry water in pouches, and even soft drink bottles would not be allowed to be sold. Soft drinks, however, will be allowed in disposable glasses.

The newspaper also said that In view of the crowd violence - first during the 1996 World Cup match between India and Sri Lanka, and then during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup Test two years later, CAB officials and police personnel held a series of meetings to evolve methods of crowd control at the stadium.

Former Indian skipper Krishnamachari Srikkanth in association with Zurich India Mutual Fund has launched a unique Compact Disc on the 1983 World Cup. The package consists of two interactive and two video CD's filled with exclusive interviews, video clippings of the spectacular moments, interesting trivia and a selection of eleven best players in the '83 World Cup.

In a press release, Srikkanth said "It is a dream of every cricketer to play the World Cup and I was fortunate to be part of the great team which won the World Cup in 1983." He added "the CD's would bring back delightful memories of the greatest moment of Indian cricket and I am sure that every Indian would love to have this collection."

The first copies of the CD's were presented to Javagal Srinath and Rahul Dravid at a function in Mumbai on Tuesday in the presence of past and present cricketers of the country.

Mumbai crushed hosts Bengal by eight wickets in the playoff match for the third spot in the 25th Senior Women's Nationals at Asansol on Wednesday. Put into bat, Bengal were bundled out for just 111 in 45.5 overs. Seeme Bhowmick with 33 runs was the top scorer while Sangeetha Kamat was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 11 runs.

In response, Mumbai openers Sulakshana Naik (33) and Sinitra Paranjape (27) put on 58 runs to set up a easy run chase for Mumbai. After the loss of both openers, Arati Vaidya and Sangeeta helped Mumbai get home in 34.4 overs.

On Tuesday, holders and 13 time champions Indian Railways trounced Bengal by ten wickets while Andhra entered the final for the first time by defeating Mumbai by two wickets, to set up the three day title clash.