BCCI hopeful of Government's permission to play in Sharjah

The Indian tour to Pakistan might have been shelved but officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are hoping that the Indian Government would give permission for the team to participate in the forthcoming Triangular Series in Sharjah, which has Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the two other competing sides.

BCCI secretary JY Lele, while speaking to Gulf News, said "we hope the team will be cleared for the event." The tourney is scheduled to be held from April 4 onwards. Lele's comments came amid press reports that India has refused to take part in a tri-nation tournament in Malaysia since Pakistan is also competing.

Press Trust of India (PTI) said that both India and Pakistan have a three-year contract with the Cricketers' Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) for participating in tournaments at the desert venue. The report added that the contract is expiring after the April tournament and the BCCI is yet to take a decision on whether it should be renewed.

Kumble to go to Johannesburg for treatment

Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble will in all probability be heading to Johannesburg for treatment and, if necessary, orthoscopic surgery. He is to be treated by Dr Mark Fergusson who had successfully treated Javagal Srinath and Ajay Jadeja.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Kumble said "I will be undergoing physiotherapy. But if the doctor suggests that I have to undergo surgery, so be it. I will know my situation by January 15." In case he undergoes a surgery, Kumble would need at least three months to recuperate which means he will have to miss the forthcoming Test and one-day series against Australia.

Kumble has been under the watchful eyes of Dr Fergusson ever since the former came to Chennai in November. Since then Kumble has been undergoing physiotheraphy under the guidance of Indian team physio Andrew Leipus.

Delhi lifts North Zone varsity championship

Delhi lifted the North Zone inter-university cricket championship beating Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut by virtue of a 95-run first innings lead in the three-day final at the GB Pant University ground on Wednesday.

Batting first, Chaudhary Charan Singh were all out for 125 in their first innings. Gaurav Tyagi (39) and Upender Dutta (36) were the top scorers as Ranji player Rajesh Gehlot (5 for 47) and Kundan Mehra (3 for 37) ran through the side.

In response, Delhi scored 220. Rajan Gupta (69) was the topscorer along with Rajesh Gehlot chipping in with a fine 42. Chaudhary Charan Singh, in their second innings managed to score 188 in the remaining time. Gaurav Tyagi (51) was the chief contributor.

Scores: CC, Meerut 125 (Gaurav Tyagi 39, Upender Dutta 36, Rajesh Gehlot 5/47, Kundan Mehra 3/37) and 188 (Ankit Mathur 36, Gaurav Tyagi 51, Rajesh Gehlot 3/34). Delhi 220 (Rajan Gupta 69, Rajesh Gehlot 42, Sanjeev Rana 3/52).

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