Indian news round-up

Press Trust of India (PTI) on Monday reported that a Bangalore civil court has reissued summons to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appear before it on September 27. This is in connection with a petition challenging the grant of telecast rights by the ICC to the World Sports Group (WSG).

Earlier the judge SN Navalgund had directed the ICC and BCCI to appear before him on Monday regarding the petition filed by B Sreepathy Rao, a life member of KSCA. Since the notices were not served the judge adjourned the hearing to September 27.

Sreepathy Rao had filed the petition in the wake of the ICC granting the telecast rights for the forthcoming two World Cups to WSG even though it was not the highest bidder. The petitioner alleged that the move amounted to racial discrimination and sought the cancellation of the contract awarded to WSG. He also requested a permanent injunction against the BCCI and KSCA from participating in any match organised by the ICC.

The Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA) has allotted the 2000-2001 season Ranji Trophy tie featuring Karnataka and Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy Stadium from November 1 to 4 as a benefit match for the former Karnataka wicketkeeper Avinash Vaidya.

The Deccan Chronicle reported on Monday that the dates have been arranged to facilitate the participation of Test cricketers like Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, Sunil Joshi, Mohammed Azharuddin and VVS Laxman.

Vaidya represented the state in 29 Ranji Trophy matches scoring 949 runs while taking 68 catches and effecting 14 stumpings. In a career spanning six seasons, Vaidya played 46 first class matches, scoring 1312 runs and accounting for 104 catches and 26 stumpings.