Indian news round-up

Former Indian captain Vijay Hazare on Monday expressed his heartfelt grief over the demise of Lala Amarnath after coming to know of it through the newspapers.

United News of India quoted Bharati Hazare, Vijay Hazare's daughter-in-law, as saying that the family members had not informed him of Amarnath's death due to his ill health. She said that Hazare had undergone a by-pass surgery and the family was worried about his possible reaction to the news. But on Monday morning, Hazare came to know of Amarnath's cremation through the papers. UNI also reported that Hazare's condition is stable at the moment.

The Director (Operations) of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Yawar Saeed said on Monday that the board would be willing to send its team to Toronto even if the Indian Government fails to send its team.

Speaking to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Saeed said that the PCB had been told by the Indian Board officials that a decision regarding the Toronto series and the proposed Indian tour to Pakistan would be taken by August 19. He said that if India fails to turn up, then Pakistan was ready to play any opposition since it was bound by a five year contract with the IMG.

Saeed said that like last year if India refuses to play Pakistan, the organisors would arrange for a third team and reiterated that the PCB will fulfil its commitment to play in Canada.

United News of India reported on Monday that The Delhi High Court has dismissed the petition filed by the financial expert Arun Agarwal requesting access to Doordarshan's documents relating to the International Cricket Council (ICC) knock out tournament held in Dhaka in 1998.

While dismissing the petition, justice Manmoham Sareen said that Agarwal could file a petition under section 91 of code of criminal procedure before the Calcutta magistrate since the case was filed there. Agarwal requested the documents in connection with the case pending before the Calcutta Metropolitan Magistrate.

The former ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya had filed a defamation suit against Agarwal for alleged irregularities in the awarding of the telecast rights for the Dhaka tournament.

Former Assam Ranji Trophy wicketkeeper Syed Mohammad Qamar passed away at noon on Sunday in Guwahati following cardiac failure. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

The 58-year-old Qamar made his Ranji Trophy debut for Assam during the 1967-68 season. He represented the state team in 33 matches in the national competition.