Indian news round-up

November 3 will see a clash of titans as India's Sachin Tendulkar and West Indian Brian Lara will lead an Asia XI and a World XI in a day-night match for the Muscat Challenge 2000 to be played at the Royal Oman Police Stadium, reports Khaleej Times. The match has been proposed as an alternative to the India-Pakistan match which was originally planned. Khaleej Times quoted officials of the Oman Cricket Council saying that they expected a sell-out for the game which coincides the 30th anniversary of the Sultanate's National Day on November 18.

Some of the big names who are likely to represent the sides are: Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi (Pakistan), Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble (India), Sanath Jayasuriya and Muthiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Courtney Walsh and Ricardo Powell (West Indies), Darren Lehmann (Australia), Chris Cairns (New Zealand) and Adam Hollioke and Mark Ramprakash (England).

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has alleged that India fears losing to Pakistan, quotes AFP. Akram said "India was avoiding Pakistan for fear of defeat and their refusal to play makes us to think that they fear losing to Pakistan." Akram said he was disappointed that India pulled out of this year's edition of the Sahara Cup in Toronto. He added "It was disappointing that India pulled out from a venue where cricket is on the rise."

Akram appealed to the Indian team to tour Pakistan in December this year as proposed. He said "I am waiting for the Indian team to come and they must come for the sake of millions of cricket fans. It's disappointing that sports and politics are treated with the same stick. Cricket must go on because it eases tension and promotes good relations." He added "we toured India in spite of threats and an incident of pitch digging in Delhi and played for the sake of fans. I can't forget the standing ovation of the Chennai crowd when we won there. It suggested that the people of both sides want to see Pakistan-India matches."

It was a mixed day for the Indians in England. While Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly was a failure, his deputy Rahul Dravid was a success. Playing for Lancashire, Ganguly fell cheaply for one to Somerset's Ian Blackwell in the first innings. However, Lancashire took a ten run lead over Somerset who were bowled out for a meagre 132.

Dravid however continued his fine form for Kent. The Karnataka stylist made 72 off 167 balls including 11 fours, helping his side close at 194 for four. He shared a third wicket partnership of 117 with ET Smith before he was adjudged leg before to Hoggard. Earlier Yorkshire were all out for 401.