Nanavati shocked, and Buchanan welcomes Shoaib

Nanavati shocked by footage of slapping row
BCCI-appointed Commissioner Sudhir Nanavati, investigating the slap controversy between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth, says he was left stunned after seeing the video footage of the incident. "What I saw was shocking but it has made my job easier. It will also help me in my further investigation," he told reporters. Nanavati saw the footage at the BCCI headquarters here with Lalit Modi, IPL chairman and commissioner, BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah and joint-secretary M P Pandove. He will submit his inquiry report on the matter to Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, on May 12. Nanavati already summoned Harbhajan and Sreesanth to Ahmedabad this weekend, though Sreesanth is yet to confirm a date.

We've been expecting you, Mr Akhtar
John Buchanan, coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders, had a simple message for Shoaib Akhtar: Welcome to the Knight Riders, but there are no special rules for anybody. Shoaib was allowed to participate in the IPL and Buchanan said he was approaching the controversial fast bowler's arrival with "an open mind".

Chanderpauls wants more of the Windies
Shivnarine Chanderpaul is a bit bummed to be sitting on the bench during Bangalore's troublesome IPL campaign, but wants more West Indians involved in the tournament. According to Chanderpaul the interest towards the IPL back in the Caribbean is lukewarm and in order to boost viewership more West Indians must be called over. And he also feels the IPL will go further than the Standford 2020.

Jaffer out for three weeks
Bangalore's problems increased when Wasim Jaffer was ruled out for three weeks after suffering a fracture on his hand during a game against Chennai Super Kings on April 28. The injury gradually worsened to an extent that he could not hold the bat yesterday. X-rays then revealed the fracture.