Indian news round-up

The Managing Director of International Cricket Council (ICC) Development International Ltd David Richards announced in a press release in Paris on Sunday the appointment of World Sports Group and News Corporation (WSG/News Corporation) to represent the sale of commercial rights to major cricket events, including the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

WSG/News Corporation will pay a minimum guarantee of US$550 million for the seven-year contract. The WSG/News Corporation defeated the only other bidder Zee Multimedia Worldwide, supported by Trans World International.

Apart from the two World Cups, the contract also pertains to the telecast of the forthcoming ICC Knock-Out tournament in Nairobi (3rd - 15th October, 2000). The contract will also cover the Under-19 World Cup tournaments in 2002, 2004 and 2006, and the two ICC Trophy tournaments in 2001 and 2005.

Former British Prime Minister John Major has invited the Indian coach Kapil Dev to manage the Asian XI team for the Rest of the World XI versus Asian XI match to be played at the Oval on July 29.

Speaking to an Indian newspaper on Sunday, Kapil Dev's wife Romi said that Kapil is in London at present and would certainly accept the invitation.

The match has been organised by the president of the Surrey County Cricket Club, John Major, to raise funds for the redevelopement of the Oval, the county's home ground. The Asian XI will be led by Sachin Tendulkar while the Rest of the World XI is to be led by England captain Alec Stewart. Apart from the two, a host of leading cricketers have been invited to participate in the match.

Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble struck thrice to help Leicestershire to a 38-run victory over Gloucestershire in the National League Division One match at Grace Road in Leicester on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 219, Gloucestershire lost opener Robert Cunliffe and Matthew Windows cheaply. But Kim Barnett and Jack Russell helped Gloucestershire reach 100, when Kumble shattered through the defence of Barnett. Kumble then struck twice picking up the wickets of Mike Cowdron and James Avaris to leave the visitors at 142 for 8. Then Jeremy Snape tried to revive the innings with a 38-run ninth wicket stand with Lewis but to no avail.

The other two Indians Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly were not in action on Sunday since their counties Kent and Lancashire had no commitments.