Cup Extras: Imran asks Pak to relax, century for Umpire Davis

Pakistan's 1992 World Cup winning captain Imran Khan fears that their crushing Group A defeat against New Zealand on Tuesday could lead to the team self-destructing in this year's tournament.

"I just hope that they don't press the panic button. If they panic they will destruct and their World Cup campaign will be in tatters. You could see the players were nervous and tense. They need to recover quickly."

He also said that Pakistan should look ahead at the tournament.

"We shouldn't panic. The format is such we have made the quarter-finals and it is the knockout matches that will matter. The team must now start preparing for the quarter-final."

- Kamran Akmal under fire for poor 'keeping

He also advised the management to keep faith in Kamran and try to promote him as an opener.

"There is nothing much they can do now during the tournament. Any more experiments will only trigger more trouble. It is best to use him as an opener," Imran said.

Australia's Steve Davis on Wednesday became only the 14th umpire in the history of international cricket to stand in 100 one-dayers when he took charge of the World Cup match between India and the Netherlands in New Delhi.

"I can't quite believe that I am already at that landmark figure and it's fantastic to be reaching it at an ICC Cricket World Cup," Davis said.

Davis (58) made his international debut in December 1992 in a match between Pakistan and West Indies in Adelaide and last year was shortlisted for ICC Umpire of the Year 2010.

- World Cup coverage

He has also stood in 31 Tests and 14 Twenty20 Internationals so far.

"A member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires since 2008, Davis has continued to be one of the top match officials in the game and umpired at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009," the ICC said in a statement.

Davis was presented with a memento to mark the occasion ahead of the start of today's game, by Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

"I feel proud to be joining a group of 13 men who have stood in more than 100 ODIs and amongst them the late, great David Shepherd as well as many of my current colleagues from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires," Davis said.

Commenting on Davis' milestone, ICC Umpires' and Referees' Manager Vince van der Bijl said, "Steve is well respected and liked by his colleagues, the players and administrators for his humour, friendship, considerate nature as well as his professional approach to umpiring."

Umpires who have stood in 100 or more ODI: Rudi Koertzen (209), Steve Bucknor (181), David Shepherd (172), Daryl Harper (172), Simon Taufel (162), Billy Bowden (153), Aleem Dar (141), Darrell Hair (139), Russell Tiffin (118), Asoka de Silva (112), David Orchard (107), Billy Doctrove (103), Steve Dunne (100), Steve Davis (100).

Irate fans along with local media lashed out at under-fire Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal whose shoddy wicketkeeping against New Zealand, in a World Cup encounter on Wednesday, was one of the reasons for his team's big defeat.

So angry are the fans about Kamran's performance against the Black Caps (he dropped Ross Taylor twice in one over and he went on to blast 131 not out), that there were text messages circulated across the country urging people to attack his house.

"Kamran Akmal's address is 283 Block E Defence Lahore. Do as you please first come first serve at him," read one of the text messages that was circulated after their defeat against New Zealand.

Even against Sri Lanka and Canada, the 'keeper blundered badly.

The 'keeper has constantly been under criticism for his glovework since last year when he cost Pakistan a Test match in Sydney by dropping catches and missing crucial stumping chances.

His form in the World Cup has also come under fire.

Kamran has also become a butt of cruel jokes as many television and radio channels have been making insulting comments about his performance against the New Zealand.

Angry fans voiced their anger on social networking site like Facebook and popular micro-blogging site Twitter with many of them calling for his head immediately.

"He should be sacked from the team and sent back home at once. If required the management must make him fake a injury and call for a replacement. He is a total disaster for Pakistan cricket," an angry fan wrote on his Facebook page.

Kamran who has been given the responsibility of batting at the No. 3 in the World Cup has also not clicked with the bat so far.

He was kept on the sidelines after the England tour but recalled for the World Cup after being cleared of corruption charges by PCB's integrity committee.

TVS Motor Company has roped in Virat Kohli as brand ambassador for its sports range of motorcycles.

"TVS Motor Company has signed on one of India's brightest and most promising cricketing talents, Virat Kohli, as brand ambassador for its all new TVS Sport motorcycle. Kohli will feature on all advertising and retail material related to TVS Sport," the Chennai-based TVS Motor Company said.

"Virat is a perfect fit to the brand. Both are about youth, have bountiful energy, vigour, go-getter attitude and a high degree of flamboyancy. We are confident that this new association will work wonders for the brand," a statement from the company added.

Talking about his appointment, Kohli said, "I am excited about this development and look forward to being part of the brand's successful growth".

TVS Motor Company Marketing-President H S Goindi said. The motorcycle, manufactured at the company's Hosur plant, boasts new features including dual tone colours. With a LED tail lamp cluster, the bike is equipped with an electric start and an all black handle bar. It is priced at Rs 38,600 (ex-showroom Delhi).