Newsfile: May 21

‘Controversies won't affect IPL' - Clarke: Pune Warriors batsman Michael Clarke has said the IPL will remain popular despite several controversies coming to the fore recently. "While what is happening isn't very good for the tournament, I don't think these things will have any lasting impact on the well-being of the tournament,” Clarke told ESPNstar.com. “As long as the standard of cricket played is of the highest standard, we will see the tournament gaining in strength in the years to come."

'Call for a ban on IPL is ridiculous' - Shilpa Shetty: Shilpa Shetty, co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, has said Indian politicians’ demand to ban the IPL over a spate of recent controversies is "ridiculous". "It is upsetting to see TV channels running down the IPL, for any silly reason, citing reasons of it giving a bad image to India! How one sided," Shetty tweeted. “It’s a league that has opened up opportunities and a platform for so many young cricketers from all over. Bringing pride, revenue and entertainment to India. While corruption and some politicians have caused so much embarrassment to our country, those instances are forgotten so easily! Strange."

'Not sure about my role in the future' - Dravid : Rahul Dravid, the Rajasthan Royals captain, has said he is unsure about his role in the side in the next IPL and will take a break before deciding on his future. Speaking after Royals’ 10-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, Dravid said: “It was a pleasure to lead the side. I really don't know (about my future). I will have to think it over. I would take a break and decide about my role. I will talk to my family and also the management of the Rajasthan Royals about my role and then I would decide. My goal is to develop young players."