Indian news round-up

Income Tax director-general (intelligence), SC Parija said on Sunday that the department officials had carried out the raids in several places across the country following the CBI investigations regarding the match fixing allegations.

Press Trust of India reported that Parija, while speaking to the media in Patiala, said that the information so far collected during the nationwide raids last month have been forwarded to the CBI. Parija also denied reports that no document establishing links between cricketers and bookies were found and added that the IT authorities would not be taking any immediate action against the players or the BCCI officials based on the seized evidence.

Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis said on Sunday that he is expecting India's tour to Pakistan to come through. Terming the rivalry between the two neighbours as the `Asian Ashes', Waqar said in the last ten years the countries have hardly played each other and added that this scenario should change.

Speaking to ANI in Karachi soon after his return from Australia, Waqar said it is really special playing against India and doing well. Reliving the moments of the previous tour of India last year, he said that bowling to a batsman of the stature of Tendulkar always brings the best out of a bowler.

The Lucknow Cricket Academy, under the watchful eyes of former Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy player Mohsin Raza, has been invited to play in the Sharjah-Dubai cricket festival during October this year. Apart from the Indian club, the Cricket Benevolent Fund Series Sporting Club and the Indian Industries Club would also be participating in the tournament.

Speaking to United News of India in Lucknow, Raza said that apart from the Academy trainees, other talented players would also be included in the team to play in the tourney. Raza added that the team is to be announced by the month end.

Pakistan Under-15 team beat hosts England by 58 runs to enter the Costcutter Under-15 World Cricket Challenge 2000 at the county ground in Chelmsford on Saturday.

Electing to bat, Pakistan were all out for 190 in 49.4 overs. Shahid Yousaf (42 runs off 52 balls) and Zulqarnain (41 runs off 56 balls) were the main contributors. In reply, England were bundled out for 132 in 44.4 overs. Samit Patel was the top scorer with 48.

The second semifinal between South Africa and West Indies is slated to be played on Tuesday while the final is to be held on Thursday. Holders India crashed out of the tournament after their last league match against West Indies on August 2.