Latif urge fans to behave
Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif called on his side's supporters to behave during the upcoming one-day international series against England.
Two years ago crowd trouble marred the triangular series with England and Australia and fears of an encore were heightened yesterday when hundreds of fans jumped the fences and dodged stewards following the five-wicket win over Leicestershire.
"They love us and follow Pakistan cricket all over the world but it is not good for the cricket and I do not support that of thing. I respect the crowd and not all the crowd were bad, but a few guys got on the pitch and this is no good for the safety of the players and it affects the cricket," said Latif.
"The situation in Pakistan is bad all the time but now the whole world will be watching the television and it would not be good to happen here."
Indians may cost game millions
Having failed to honour their World Cup contracts by preventing their players from signing ambush marketing contracts, India is threatening to bring down the International Cricket Council's billion-dollar deal with Global Cricket Corp instead of paying compensation.
The GCC has filed a $76 million damages claim against the ICC. Anticipating problems, the ICC has withheld India's World Cup dividend of about $13.6m.
Amounts of $5.3m were withheld from England for refusing to play in Zimbabwe, $3.8m from New Zealand for refusing to play in Kenya and $760,000 from Sri Lanka for the late lodgment of contracts after a dispute with its players.
But the major problem again has been India and the BCCI may be asked to pay considerably more than the millions it has lost from the World Cup.
If GCC is not compensated adequately, its eight-figure promotion and television contract with the ICC, due to run until after the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, could collapse.
The issue was due to be discussed by chief executives of the leading Test nations overnight and this evening before going to the main meeting of the executive board on Wednesday, where the presidents and chairmen of the 10 major cricketing countries will ultimately decide India's fate.
Vaughan in upbeat mood
New England one-day captain Michael Vaughan was delighted by his side's 'outstanding' fielding during their eight-run victory over Wales in Cardiff.
Defending 235 in the one-day friendly with the help of three run outs England seem set for a three-match series against Pakistan.
"The way Vikram [Solanki] and Rikki [Clarke]hit the stumps was phenomenal. It's probably as good a fielding display as I've seen - it was outstanding. There was a lot of energy out there," said Vaughan.
"The good thing was that all the new boys seemed to enjoy being out there.
"It's not Pakistan at Old Trafford in front of 25,000 - and the real test will come on Tuesday - but they all seemed to be enjoying the game, even when it got a bit tense towards the end.
Sri Lanka post decent total
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 299 by the West Indies Cricket Board's President's XI at the close of the second day of their rain-affected three-day game at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Sunday.
The hosts grabbed wickets at regular intervals after Sri Lanka started the day on 46-1.
Heavy rains meant only 18 overs were bowled on Saturday.
Captain Daren Ganga had last man Dharshana Gamage stumped by wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh for nine off the third ball of the 104th over.
Former Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya was the only batsman dismissed on Saturday, run out for four by Darren Powell. Fast bowler Jerome Taylor finished with 2-22 to be the West Indies' best bowler.
Left-arm wrist spinner Dave Mohammed finished with 2-55 and there was one wicket each for Darren Powell, Ryan Hinds and Tino Best.
Attapatu and Sangakkara had shared a 91-run second wicket partnership but were both dismissed quickly.
Coaching seminar in Chennai
Aussie bowling great Dennis Lillee, batting legend Greg Chappell, former Sri Lankan physio Alex Kontouri and Indian coach John Wright will participate in a seminar organised by the MRF Pace Academy and talk about the latest techniques in coaching and fitness in Chennai from June 28 till July 1.
The Academy has sent invites to all the coaches from Indian domestic circuit, apart from the physiotherapists and the trainers.
The main aim of the seminar, however, is to get all the zonal coaches of the National Cricket Academy under one roof and make them interact with the likes of Chappell and Lillee.
