Indian news round-up

The selection committee chairman Chandu Borde was of the opinion that batting Maestro Sachin Tendulkar, should proceed to Sri Lanka for three-match test series only if he is 'hundred percent fit,' reports the Press Trust of India.

"I personally feel that Tendulkar should join the team in Lanka only after he is totally fit. Even if there is an element of doubt about his fitness it is better he follows medical advice," said Borde according to a report of the Press Trust of India.

"His presence in the team for the South African tour is vital and if he aggravates the toe injury, it might even hamper his career," added Borde.

Meanwhile, former Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) chief Raj Singh Dungarpur said, "I know Tendulkar quite well and I am sure he will not risk going to Sri Lanka if he thinks there is even one percent risk of aggravating his injury.

Former Test stars like Polly Umrigar, Dilip Sardesai, Ravi Shastri, Ajit Wadekar and Ashok Mankad also felt that the star batsman should join his teammates in Lanka only if he is hundred percent fit.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association has decided to increase the daily allowance of the Cricketers representing the state at national level tournaments. This decision was taken at its meeting held in Kulu.

Giving this information Anurag Thakur ,President of the HPCA said the daily allowance of Ranji Trophy cricketers had been hiked by 50 percent and that of junior players 30 percent.

He further said that on qualifying for the knockout stage the senior team would get Rs 1 lakh and the junior team Rs 50,000. An outright win would fetch a senior player Rs 1000 and a junior player Rs 500

Mr Anurag Thakur who has just completed one year of the HPCA presidency, said the state would host three matches of North Zone Ranji Trophy against Jammu and Kashmir at Mandi, against Delhi at Bilaspur and against Services at Una.The state would also host eight junior matches. In the meeting the Chief Minister of the state Prem Kumar Dhumal was unanimously nominated patron of the association. In view of the reframed rules and regulations of the HPCA it was also unanimously approved that the President should reconstitute the executive body.