Yousuf, Razzaq return

Pakistan name squad for Lanka tour

World Twenty20 champions Pakistan on Monday unveiled the 15-man squad to tour Sri Lanka next week, including in the line-up pardoned rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) players Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq.

Both Razzaq and Yousuf risked their international careers when they played in the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which is not recognised by the International Cricket Council or the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) banned all 23 players who joined the ICL, but in February this year the Sindh high court suspended the bans on all but two ICL players, paving their way to return to Pakistan's squad.

Inzamamul Haq and Saqlain Mushtaq, who are now retired, did not appeal against the ban.

"Yousuf and Razzaq snapped their ties with the ICL so we have cleared them to play for Pakistan and have included in the squad," a PCB release said.

Razzaq was the first ICL player to return to international cricket after he replaced injured all-rounder Yasir Arafat and appeared in the World Twenty20, which ended Sunday with Pakistan lifting the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup.

They beat Sri Lanka at Lord's in London, and will now play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match on the Sri Lanka tour.

Yousuf, 34, was declared the best Test batsman in 2007 after scoring a world record 1,788 runs in the previous calendar year.

Yousuf and Razzaq joined the ICL after being left out of the team which finished runners-up in the inaugural World Twenty20 held in South Africa two years ago.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi, declared man-of-the-match in Pakistan's semifinal and final win in the World Twenty20, will skip the Test leg of the Sri Lanka tour but will be available for the limited over matches.

Injury-prone paceman Shoaib Akhtar, who missed the World Twenty20 due to groin problems, was also not considered for selection for the Sri Lanka tour.

Also axed from the squad was paceman Sohail Tanvir, part of Pakistan's winning team on Sunday.

Rookie 17-year-old paceman Mohammad Aamir, easily the find for Pakistan in their World Twenty20 win, will supplement the attack along with the more experienced Umar Gul and Razzaq.

Also returning to the squad is paceman Abdur Rauf, who played four one-day matches last year but was never selected for the Tests.

Pakistan starts the current tour on June 29 with a three-day side match in Colombo. The first Test starts at Galle from July 4.

The other two Tests will be played in Colombo (12-16 July and 20-24 July) followed by one-day series and the Twenty20 match.

SQUAD
Younus Khan (captain), Misbahul Haq (vice-captain), Salman Butt, Khurrum Manzoor, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamir, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rauf, Faisal Iqbal, Fawad Alam.

ICC World Twenty20 Hero Afridi hailed

Pakistan's swashbuckling all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Monday became the toast of the troubled nation after his performance with both bat and ball lifted his team to World Twenty20 success.

The 29-year-old rose to the occasion at the tournament's key moments, with successive half-centuries in the semifinal and final and taking three crucial wickets -- performances which earned him two man-of-the-match awards.

Afridi hit an unbeaten 54 to help Pakistan successfully chase down a modest 139-run target set by Sri Lanka in the final at Lord's on Sunday.

Hundreds of fans gathered on Monday at Afridi's house in the southern port city of Karachi, keen to congratulate his family.

"I am the proudest of all the Pakistani fathers because my son has given me the best gift on father's day," said Afridi's father Sahibzada Fazl-ur Rehman.

"What I always tell him is that he should play for the country and for the people who adore him. I am elated that he gave the whole nation moments of happiness," Rehman added.

Afridi, who hails from the tribal Khyber district in the North West Frontier Province, is the most popular Pakistani player, especially among ethnic Pashtuns in the northwest area troubled by Taliban-linked violence.

"I am really happy, Afridi played an excellent innings. I feel proud of my country," said Abdul Jalal, a young student displaced by fighting in the northwest who is now living in a cramped refugee camp.

Afridi is equally popular in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city.

"We are delighted for the Pakistan team winning the cup and the joy is doubled because Afridi was man-of-the-match," said Shirin Khan, a vendor who sells tea in the commercial Saddar area.

When not playing cricket, Afridi works with the Islamic Relief Fund and often visits the United States to drum up funds for people displaced by Taliban violence and army offensives in his insurgency-stricken home region.

"Why is he the most popular Pakistani player? He has a heart of gold ... so apart from his cricketing abilities he is loved for his deeds," said Khan.

The all-rounder also helped with relief work in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, visiting far-flung areas with aid workers.

"Whenever I have time, I go for relief work and it gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. It touches me how people suffer and if I can do anything for them it's great," Afridi has said.

Afridi's batting form had dwindled since the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago where he finished as "player of the tournament." Pakistan, however, lost the final to India by a five-run margin.

He was also part of Pakistan's team which lost to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final at Lord's in 1999.

Hottest Bollywood Scenes Ever

In a film industry that preaches love and romance, dare bare scenes are also not left behind. B-town has gone beyond the mushy-mushy romance and has become bolder, keeping its beauty intact. Here are some hot scenes from Bollywood that set hearts racing and the adrenaline rushing.


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Question: Which is the hottest Bollywood scene ever? Leave your comments below...

A non-bailable warrant might issue against SRK

Shahrukh Khan’s negative comment against Prophet Mohammed has stirred the sentiments of the Muslims. The actor might be claiming repeatedly that he has actually not made any negative statement against the great figure but has been misquoted by the magazine; the Muslim community is not ready to agree with him and wanted judicial action against the actor. The police might issue a non-bailable warrant against the actor for hurting the sentiments of the Muslims.

A Muslim group name Mumbai Aman Committee has lodged an FIR against Shahrukh. Even King Khan clarified number of times that he had not referred Prophet Mohammed a negative figure but regards him one of the most important figure in history, his statement couldn’t calm down the anger of the Muslims and they have dragged Shahrukh Khan and the magazine to the court.

The magazine Time n Style even stood by Shahrukh’s statement and said that it was their printing mistake and Shahrukh has not regard Prophet a negative figure but called him the most positive figure.

FIFA Confederations Cup Spain thru' to semis

Photo: AFPAfp, Bloemfontein

Spain striker David Villa (number 7) swivels and volleys home a superb left-footed strike to score the first goal in their Confederations Cup match against hosts South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

David Villa and Fernando Llorente scored the goals that gave Spain a 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday for a world record 15th straight victory.

Valencia's Villa broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute and substitute Llorente sealed the game with 18 minutes left to ensure the European champions finished top of their group at the Confederations Cup.

It means they play the runner-up in Group B, likely Italy or Egypt, in the semifinals next Wednesday.

Despite losing, South Africa still make the last four and a potential clash with Brazil after Iraq failed to beat New Zealand in the other group game being played simultaneously.

The win meant Spain have now posted 15 consecutive victories, surpassing the old record of 14 held by Australia, Brazil and France.

They also matched the 35-match unbeaten streak held by Brazil between 1993 and 1996, with Spain's run stretching back to November 2006 when they lost to Romania.

South Africa came into the game with expectations around the country high and the match was played in front of a sell-out and deafening crowd at the 40,000-capacity Free State Stadium.

With their semifinal berth assured before the game even started, coach Vicente del Bosque, who was now won all 13 matches since he took over, rested seven players.

He gave Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina a start and brought back Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, but retained the formidable Fernando Torres and Villa up front.

Liverpool midfielder Albert Reira nearly got them off to a flyer with a 40-yard freekick spectacularly turned around the post by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the fourth minute.

Villa, a transfer target of Real Madrid, sent a header just over the bar a minute later as Spain made their intentions clear.

They were keeping possession well and creating opportunities with South Africa on the back foot. It was not until the 18th minute that the hosts had their first sniff of goal when Teko Modise blasted a freekick over the bar.

But the tempo soon slowed and the game was in need of a spark, which Torres nearly provided, cutting neatly inside and whipping off a shot that forced a save from the goalkeeper.

Spain began pressing and Matthew Booth was forced to clear off the line before South Africa wasted a glorious chance when Everton's Steven Pienaar put Bernard Parker in the clear only for the striker to send his shot wildly wide.

It wasn't just the home side wasting opportunities with an unmarked Villa blasting his shot high after a darting run by Torres as they went to the break all square.

The fireworks began six minutes into the second half when Fabregas was brought down by South African captain Aaron Mokoena and the referee rightly pointed to the spot.

Villa stepped up but Khune saved and then dealt with the rebound from Carlos Puyol.

The crowd went crazy but they were silenced barely a minute later when Villa beautifully controlled a lob by Reira and buried the ball in the net.

Llorente made sure of three points when he met a Xavi corner to slot the ball home from the six yard line and South Africa were fortunate not to concede more.

The Championships Wimbledon Maria writes herself off

Maria Sharapova admits she will go into Wimbledon with no real expectation of repeating her 2004 triumph.

Sharapova is feeling her way gently back into action after 10 months on the sidelines with a shoulder injury and has played just three tournaments so far this year.

The Russian looked more than a little rusty as she was outplayed by China's Li Na in the semifinals of the pre-Wimbledon WTA event in Birmingham and is refusing to consider a long run at the All England Club.

Asked if it would be expecting too much to win a Grand Slam so soon after a long lay-off, Sharapova said: "I think it is. It's a little too soon to put that in my mind.

"Just to be here is already an accomplishment in itself. When I look back to where I was say, 10 or 11 months ago, or even three months ago, I'm definitely blessed to be here.

"Every single tournament right now is still a test and for me it's almost like the beginning of the season, whereas for many players it's already the second half of the season.

"I'm still testing out where my game is, where my body is and where my shoulder is.

"I will take it one match at a time. This is definitely a time in my career where I can't look into possible third round, fourth round or semi-final matches."

Sharapova, who plays Ukrainian qualifier Viktoriya Kutuzova in the first round, is currently ranked 59th in the world as a result of her injury woes.

She conceded she was surprised to hear that the All-England Club had done their former champion a favour by handing her the 24th seeding.

"Was I surprised? I guess I'd say a little bit. It's strange because I didn't really give much thought into it before it even came out," she said.

"I've been out of the game for so long, you know your ranking's going to drop and you don't expect to be seeded."

After so long out of the game, Sharapova is just happy to have the chance to get her competitive juices flowing again.

"There are many things I missed about the game," she said. "Getting pumped for the match the second you go on the court and hear the crowd and know you're in that environment again.

"Then the competitiveness of each match and pulling through tough situations in the match, or when you're up trying to close it out."

England's double, Women's World Twenty20

England cricketers celebrate with the winners' trophy after beating New Zealand in the ICC Women's World Twenty20 final at Lord's yesterday.Photo: AFPAfp, London

England's women added the World Twenty20 title to their World Cup crown with a convincing six-wicket win over New Zealand at Lord's here on Sunday.

England fast bowler Katherine Brunt took three wickets for just six runs as New Zealand were dismissed for a 85 and the hosts reached their modest victory target of 86 for the loss of four wickets with three overs to spare.

It was the second time this year that England had defeated New Zealand in the climax of a major tournament after their four-wicket win in the 50-over World Cup final in Sydney in March.

Claire Taylor, dropped before she scored, hit the winning boundary off Nicola Browne to finish on 39 not out after making an unbeaten 76 in Friday's eight-wicket semifinal win over Australia at The Oval.

Amy Satterthwaite's 19 was the top score in a New Zealand innings where only four batsmen made double figures.

England, after captain Charlotte Edwards won the toss and elected to field, took their first wicket with the fifth ball of the innings

Off-spinner Laura Marsh deceived Suzie Bates with a flighted delivery and the opener was stumped by England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor.

New Zealand then saw captain Aimee Watkins, who made 89 not out in their semi-final win over India, clean bowled by Brunt for just two on the drive.

The White Ferns then suffered two setbacks in the eighth over as Brunt finished her spell with a double-wicket maiden.

Lucy Doolan, on 14, tried to play a 'ramp' shot off Brunt but got an edge and was caught brilliantly by a diving Sarah Taylor.

Three balls later, Rachel Priest miscued a pull and was caught and bowled for nought to leave New Zealand in dire straits at 23 for four.

The collapse continued as Browne played on to Nicky Shaw and pace bowler Jenny Gunn (two for 19) took a wicket with her third ball to remove Sara McGlashan, sister of New Zealand men's international Peter.

New Zealand had a glimmer of hope when Sian Ruck bowled Edwards for nine.

However, defending such a low score, they needed every catch to go to hand. But Claire Taylor had still to get off the mark when she edged Kate Pulford only for wicketkeeper Rachel Priest to drop the one-handed diving chance before the ball went for four.

SCORES IN BRIEF
NEW ZEALAND: 85 all out in 20 overs (Doolan 14, Satterthwaite 19, McGlashan 9, Devine 10, Pulford 14; Brunt 3-6, Shaw 2-17, Gunn 2-19)

ENGLAND: 86 for four in 17 overs (S Taylor 23, Edwards 9, C Taylor 39 not out; Devine 1-12, Ruck 1-17)
Result: England won by six wickets.
Player-of-the-match: Katherine Brunt.
Player-of-the-series: Claire Taylor.

Afridi saluted

Pakistan superstar Shahid Afridi was hailed as 'awesome' on Sunday after the mercurial all-rounder led his country to the World Twenty20 title.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets to claim their first major title in 17 years at a sell-out Lord's.

Afridi hit an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls, his second consecutive half-century, and former captain Shoaib Malik made 24 not out during a match-winning partnership of 76 for the undefeated third wicket.

"It was a pressure match. When I walked out to the wicket I was thinking I have to stay until the 20th over," said Shoaib.

"Shahid was awesome today and all credit to him. I told him to stay at the wicket and I will get some runs that we can finish the game. He's a great cricketer."

Victory for nation

ICC World Twenty20

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS: Shahid Afridi has been in fantastic form both with the bat and ball in the ICC World T20. Here the exciting stroke-maker sweeps one over mid-wicket during his trophy-winning unbeaten knock of 54 off 40 balls against Sri in the final at Lord's yesterday.Photo: AFP

Pakistan captain Younus Khan dedicated his team's World Twenty20 title to their troubled homeland on Sunday.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets to claim their first major title in 17 years at a sell-out Lord's with all-rounder Shahid Afridi named man of the match for his unbeaten 54 off 40 balls.

"We were underdogs and had less pressure, but we came good in the big games. It's a credit to the country and to the team," said Younus.

"We hadn't won anything since Imran Khan's team at the World Cup in 1992. This is our gift to our nation. Hopefully, it will help cheer them up.

"Afridi knows he's a great cricketer. He's a match winner and he's been fantastic for us."

Afridi was hailed as 'awesome' after the mercurial star led his country to the title.

Afridi smashed his second consecutive half-century, while former captain Shoaib Malik made 24 not out during a match-winning partnership of 76 for the undefeated third wicket.

"It was a pressure match. When I walked out to the wicket I was thinking I have to stay until the 20th over," said Shoaib.

"Shahid was awesome today and all credit to him. I told him to stay at the wicket and I will get some runs that we can finish the game. He's a great cricketer."

Afridi paid tribute to skipper Younus Khan.

"I asked the captain to send me up the order and that's what he did," said Afridi.

"He just said don't worry about anything, just go out and play your natural game. The guys were really motivated. The captain and coaches tell us to enjoy our cricket and entertain. That's great motivation."

It was Sri Lanka's first defeat of the tournament, but skipper Kumar Sangakkara insisted his team will recover and become a better side.

"I'm proud of the way we competed. We enjoy our cricket and I believe we can go forward from here," said Sangakkara.

"We'll take this and come back stronger in next year's tournament. We have the best bowling unit in the world.

"We'll get better, we'll learn. We look forward to getting tougher mentally and physically."