Indian news round-up

Union Minister of State for Sports Shahnawaz Hussain hinted in Kishnaganj on Saturday that "many icons of Indian cricket could fall from the pedestal once the CBI wraps up its probe into match-fixing and betting in the game." Without naming, Hussain added "Besides the super stars of the game, the CBI report, expected this month-end, is also likely to point an accusing finger at some other bigwigs associated with the game." Hussain emphasised that the government would try to get "exemplary punishment" to those held guilty by the CBI.

Stating that there shouldn't be separate yardsticks for the players and the officials, Hussain yet again reiterated that "Kapil Dev too should not coach the team till cleared of the charges." Hussain once again made it clear that the government did not interfere in the game and added that the administrators were answerable to the people for the recent scandal has brought disrepute to the country.

The Gopalan Trophy to be played between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in Colombo has been advanced by two days. The trophy revived after a gap of 17 years and scheduled to begin on September 22 will now commence on September 20. The reschedule has been effected for the six Tamil Nadu probables to reach in time for the four-day game starting September 25 against the Sri Lankan side. This was announced by Ashok Kumbhat, Hon. secretary, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).

The six players namely Robin Singh, S Ramesh, T Kumaran, S Sriram, HK Badani and Reuben Paul have been selected in the list of Indian team probables for the forthcoming ICC Knockout Tournament in Nairobi, Kenya. The revised schedule is: Sep 20 and 21, day-night oneday match, and the third oneday game on Sep 23. The four-day Gopalan Trophy match will be played from Sep 25-28. The Tamil Nadu team leaves to Sri Lanka on Sep 19.

Congress leader and former Union Minister Madhavrao Scindia has been unanimously elected as president of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) for the ninth successive term. Later talking to the media, a jubilant Scindia said Indore would be the venue of the India 'A' - Zimbabwe match to be played from November 8-10. Scindia also reviewed the work of the new stadium constructed by MPCA in association with Usha Raje Trust.

Scindia said a special inspection committee would visit Indore during the match and would decide whether Indore could be a possible venue for a One- Day international between India and Australia. Scindia said "If the report is positive, Indore would certainly get the match as per the rotation pattern since the last One-day match in MP was held in Gwalior and now it is Indore's turn."

Former Uttar Pradesh (UP) player and selector of the Women's team, Neeru Kapoor has been granted the Deodhar Trophy final as his benefit match. The game will now be played in Lucknow instead of Kanpur on December 21. An announcement to this effect was made by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association.

Neeru Kapoor, a Deputy Director in the Sports Directorate has played 12 matches for UP from 1964 to 1970. In the twelve matches he played, he scored 408 runs at an average of 18.27. he made his debut against Vidharba at Allahabad in 1964-65 and played last against Rajasthan at Ajmer in 1970. He served as UP's selector from 1980 to 1988.