ICC Champions Trophy Cricket 2006 News
Mini Worldcup 
Easy win for Sri Lanka in practice match
Oct 5, 2006
A full-strength Sri Lankan team Thursday beat Punjab XI by 84 runs at a practice match here in the run-up to the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Sri Lanka XI led by Mahela Jayawardane, scored 267 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs at the Sector 16 cricket stadium.
In reply, the Punjab XI, who were without their top stars Dinesh Mongia,
Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and VRV Singh, could score only 183 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs.
Punjab XI skipper Pankaj Dharmani top-scored with 56 runs.
The Sri Lankans did not get off to a good start with opener Sanath Jayasuriya being bowled by Gagandeep Singh for just 10 runs.
The runs for the Lankan team came through their middle-order with Mohammed Maharoof remaining unbeaten with 81 runs from 88 balls. Fast bowler Chaminda Vaas scored a quick fire 48 from 46 balls.
Australia replace Clark with Cullen
Oct 5, 2006
Off-spinner Daniel Cullen has been drafted in to replace the injured Stuart Clark in Australia's Champions Trophy side.
Cullen learnt of his selection during a practice match between South Australia and Tasmania and was very excited.
Seamer Clark was ruled out on Wednesday with a thigh injury he suffered last weekend playing club cricket. Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Cullen deserved his chance, and he was happy with Australia's bowling attack heading into a tournament they have never won before.
Yousuf named Pakistan skipper in Champions Trophy
Oct 5, 2006
The captaincy crisis facing Pakistan seems to have blown over with Mohammad Yousuf being named as skipper for the Champions Trophy.
All-rounder Abdul Razzaq will be Yousuf's deputy for the tournament.
On Thursday morning Younis Khan, who was named the skipper after the International Cricket Council banned Inzamam-ul Haq for four ODIs, told Pakistan Cricket Board that he did not want to lead the side at the tournament in India.
The middle order batsman said that he did not want to be a dummy skipper and his decision to not take up the captaincy could see some disciplinary action against him by the PCB.
Yousuf, named as vice-captain, was promoted at an emergency meeting of the PCB's Ad-hoc Committee later in the day.
Younis Khan refuses to lead Pakistan in Champions Trophy
Oct 5, 2006
Younis Khan today dropped a bombshell by refusing to lead the Pakistan cricket team in the upcoming Champions Trophy just two days before their departure to India.
"I don't want to be a dummy captain and the reason why I have refused the captaincy will be revealed afterward," Younis told reporters at a press conference in Lahore.
Younis, who was named captain after Inzamam-ul Haq was handed four-match one-day international ban following the Oval fiasco, was slated to address a press conference before the team's departure for Jaipur on Saturday.
The 28-year-old, who has in the past led Pakistan in two tests and two one-day internationals, left the conference after speaking just one sentence. Coach Bob Woolmer was also present on the occasion.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan called an emergency meeting at its headquarters to discuss the matter.
Australia's Stuart Clark out of Champions Trophy
Oct 5, 2006
Australian pace bowler Stuart Clark will miss the ICC Champions Trophy in India after suffering a thigh injury playing club cricket last weekend.
The 31-year-old underwent an MRI scan which showed a tear in the quadriceps of his left leg, meaning the New South Wales player could take no part in the one-day international tournament, Cricket Australia said in a statement on Wednesday.
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris reviewed the scan and decided it was better for the bowler to miss the month-long India event which starts on Saturday.
Clark has played four tests and 18 one-day internationals for Australia. He was called up to replace Glenn McGrath in the March test series against SA, taking 20 wickets at an average of 15,75.
His place in the 14-man Champions Trophy squad is likely to be taken by either Michael Kasprowicz, Shaun Tait or Jason Gillespie, with the announcement expected tomorrow morning.
Chris Gayle makes 101 during Champions Trophy practice match
Oct 4, 2006
Jamaica's Chris Gayle scored a belligerent 101 runs from just 76 deliveries as the West Indies completed their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy qualifiers with a 173-run victory over a Gujarat President's XI in Ahmedabad Wednesday.
Gayle, who hit 13 fours and 3 sixes, shared a second wicket stand of 177 with Runako Morton, who struck 91 off 97 balls.
Wavell Hinds contributed 61 off 58, stand in skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan 37 and Marlon Samuels 21 as the tourists posted 344/5 from their 50 overs.
Corey Collymore, Dwayne Smith and Dwayne Bravo claimed two wickets each as their opponents finished on 171/6.
The Windies begin the defence of their Champions Trophy crown with a qualifying-round fixture against Zimbabwe on Sunday in the same city.
They will also play Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in their bid to qualify for the main tournament.
Bangladesh wins warm-up match against PCA President's XI
Oct 4, 2006
Aftab Ahmed and Shakib Al Hassan helped Bangladesh warm up for their Champions Trophy qualifying match in style with an emphatic seven-wicket win against PCA President's XI in Mohali on Wednesday.
Aftab, who was declared the Man-of-the-Match, smashed 76, aided by two sixes and eight boundaries while Hassan, who hit 66, gave an able support at the other end.
Chasing 206 for victory, Bangladesh made 208 for three in 41 overs with Hassan, who partnered with skipper Habibul Basher after Aftab was trapped leg before by Bipul Sharma, completing the formalities.
The win will help Bangladesh to face Sri Lanka with confidence in their first qualifying match at Mohali on October 7.
Faisal Iqbal to replace Inzamam in Pakistan
Oct 3, 2006
Faisal Iqbal has been called into Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy as a replacement for banned skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq.
The 24-year-old nephew of former captain Javed Miandad has not played for the one-day side for three years.
Inzamam was suspended for four games after being found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute.
With Iqbal replacing him in the squad, Inzamam would now be unable to return for the final should Pakistan make it. Inzamam was charged after Pakistan failed to take the field as scheduled following the tea interval during the fourth Test against England at The Oval in August.
Bangladesh, Sri Lankan teams arrive for Champions Trophy
Oct 3, 2006
Bangladesh and Sri Lankan cricket teams arrived at Chandigargh today to play their first qualifying match at Mohali for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The two teams will play practice matches at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here over the next two days before their qualifying match at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday. The teams had two hour practice sessions in Amidst tight security at the Sector 16 here.
The PCA has formed two teams led by Pankaj Dharmani for the matches against Bangladesh and Sri lanka to be played tomorrow and the day after.
Bangladesh seamers fit for ICC Champions Trophy
Oct 1, 2006
Bangladesh pacemen Mashrafe Mortaza and Syed Rasel will be available for the ICC Champions Trophy in India.
Mortaza recently twisted his ankle after slipping down the stairs at his home, while Rasel hurt his foot in a motorcycle accident.
But the team physio is satisfied they will be ready for the team's opening game against Sri Lanka next Saturday.
The two teams, West Indies and Zimbabwe are in a qualifying group with two places in the main draw up for grabs.
"We don't like to target any particular opponents. Rather we will be looking to win all three qualifying games," said coach Dav Whatmore.
Before that, Bangladesh have a warm-up game scheduled against a Punjab XI at Chandigarh on Thursday.
Brian Lara hopes WIndies wake up for Champions Trophy
Oct 1, 2006
West Indies captain Brian Lara believes his team have only themselves to blame for having to play a qualifying round in the Champions Trophy in India.
They are the defending champions but because they had slipped to below the top six ranked teams in one-day cricket they must qualify first.
He said "It's a bit unfortunate but we found ourselves in that predicament.
"We've got to try sort this first part of the tournament out get some positives out of it."
Four teams West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will play a round robin starting on 7 October with the top two advancing to the competition proper.
Lara was confident West Indies would get to defend their title in the main competition.
Darrell Hair not to officiate in ICC Champions Trophy
Sep 28, 2006
Controversial Australian umpire Darrell Hair will not officiate in the Champions Trophy in India next month, the International Cricket Council announced on Thursday.
After weeks of speculation on whether Hair would be included in the umpires' panel for Champions Trophy in the wake of the Oval Test fiasco, ICC said Hair had been left out due to "safety and security concerns".
Tournament hosts India had demanded on Tuesday that the ICC omit Hair as his presence might provoke spectators.
The ICC announcement came after a disciplinary hearing found Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq "not guilty" of ball tampering, a charge laid by Hair during the Oval Test.
An indignant Hair said he wished to continue on with umpiring seconds after an ICC spokesman revealed that he had been withdrawn from the Champions Trophy.
Darrell Hair back for Champions Trophy
Sep 20, 2006
Darrell Hair, the umpire at the centre of the Pakistan forfeit debacle at The Oval in August is expected to return to international cricket at the ICC Champions Trophy next month.
The official, whose career appeared to be on the line after accusing Pakistan of ball tampering and awarding the 4th Test to England, seemed to have put that drama behind him ahead of the one-day tournament in India.
The news of Hair's imminent return is sure to outrage Pakistan players and officials, as it comes a week before Inzamam-ul Haq's ICC hearing which will look into the ball tampering and bringing the game into disrepute charges leveled by Hair in England.
Facing a ban of 2-4 Tests or 4-8 one-day matches if found guilty, Inzamam has been retained as captain by Pakistan for the Champions Trophy tournament.
The International Cricket Council has thrown its support behind Hair ahead of Inzamam's hearing and the Champions Trophy.
Dope test in ICC Champions trophy introduced
Sep 19, 2006
The International Cricket Council (ICC) in collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency (wada) has decided to go in for dope test of all players taking part in the the ICC Champions trophy.
This prestigious tournament is to be played at Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Mohali from October 7 to November 5.
The samples of any player can be taken at random, Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president Inderjit Singh Bindra disclosed at a press conference at the PCA stadium.
Arrangements for collecting urine samples of the players at random have been made with Fortis hospital here, he said. As there is no WADA accredited laboratory available in India to analyse the samples, the ICC would send these to Malaysia or any other nearest country for testing,.
The ICC trophy will begin with a qualifying match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on October 7 at the PCA stadium
ICC team inspects facilities at Motera before Champions Trophy
Sept 14 2006
A three-member team from the International Cricket Council (ICC) today expressed satisfaction regarding the condition of the pitch and other facilities at Motera stadium, which is one of the venues to host the ICC Champions Trophy.
After conducting a thorough inspection of the pitch and other facilities at Motera, Andy Atkinson, the official ICC pitch consultant for the tournament told reporters that "though the pitch looks good at present it is difficult to say how it will behave".
Atkinson, who is also in-charge of preparing wickets for the World Cup in West Indies next month said he was looking at preparing batsmen-friendly wicket for the Champions Trophy.
Atkinson, who had visited the stadium earlier this year in connection with the preparations for this event said, "a lot of work has been done (at the stadium) and things have improved since we visited in April".
"Things are looking good. The practice facilities are also in good condition", he added.
Appreciating the improved facilities for spectators and cricketers at the stadium, he said the Gujarat Cricket Association's preparations for the mega event was ahead of schedule.
Motera will be hosting five matches during the ICC Champions trophy.
Javed Omar dropped by Bangladesh
Sep 7, 2006
Bangladesh have dropped opener Javed Omar from the squad for next month's Champions Trophy.
They have instead picked uncapped batsman Mehrab Hossain Junior in their 14-man squad.
Habibul Bashar will captain the side although he is still recovering from a broken thumb.
Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe in the qualifying phase of the Champions Trophy, starting 7 October.
Team : Habibul Bashar (captain), Shahriar Nafees (vice-captain), Khaled Mashud, Mohammad Rafique, Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Rajin Saleh, Abdur Razzak, Aftab Ahmed, Syed Rasel, Shahadat Hossain, Farhad Reja, Saqibul Hasan, Mehrab Hossain jnr.
India to face England in opener
April 28 2006
India will take on England in their opening match on October 15 at Jaipur in the ICC Champions Trophy to be played later this year.
India and England have been drawn in Group A, a section which also features the three-time World Champions Australia and one qualifier. Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand and another qualifying team from Group B.
Despite being the holders, West Indies are one of four teams who will take part in a preliminary round-robin which starts on October 7 and will be played at all four of the venues. West Indies must take part in this stage because they are outside the top six teams in the ICC one-day rankings; Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are the other three sides. The two best teams from the preliminary rounds will go through to the second stage.
All matches will be day-nighters, with the two semi-finals to be played at Mohali on November 1 and Jaipur on November 2. The final will then be played at Mumbai on November 5.
India to keep Champions Trophy
May 26 2005
The Indian government has cleared the way for the country to host next year's limited-overs ICC Champions Trophy.
The International Cricket Council had said the biennial event would only be given to India if revenue was tax-free.
The event would have gone to Pakistan, had the Indian board not gained government clearance by the end of May.
New format for ICC Champions Trophy 2006 in India
June 29 2005
The Board of ICC Development (International) Ltd (IDI) today approved a new format for the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 at its meeting in Dublin.
The new format will see eight teams split into two groups of four with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals and final.
The eight teams will comprise the top six sides in the LG ICC ODI Championship table on 1 April 2006 plus the top two teams from the initial qualifying round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2006.
This initial qualifying round will take place in India in the days immediately preceeding the group stage. It will be a four-team round robin play-off for the teams ranked 7-10 in the LG ICC ODI Championship table on 1 April 2006.
India deny Champions Trophy 2006 withdrawal
Jan 29 2006
The Indian cricket board yesterday denied withdrawing from future editions of the Champions Trophy but said it would discuss its concerns about the tournament with the ICC.
We have not decided anything regarding not participating in future Champions Trophy tournaments, board secretary Niranjan Shah told reporters.
But we are concerned that in a crammed domestic and international calendar, the tournament takes away a month, he added. We have some points to discuss with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this regard.
The ICC had last week warned India against withdrawing from the tournament after reports that the Indian board was not in favour of participating in future editions.
As one of cricket's most prestigious events, the ICC Champions Trophy sits alongside the World Cup as one of the two "majors" of international cricket.
The two tournaments are the only occasions on the cricket calendar when all 10 Test-playing nations come together to compete in the one event.
