Sachin Tendulkar back in ODI Squad


India have named a full-strength squad for the ODI and Twenty20 series in South Africa, which is their last international limited-overs assignment before the 2011 World Cup begins in February. Piyush Chawla, the legspinner, is the only new name in the 16-man list, having played an ODI last in 2008. Ravindra Jadeja has been left out of the team while Yusuf Pathan, who impressed during the home series against New Zealand, has been retained.
The squad comprises six batsmen, wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, allrounder Yusuf and eight bowlers - five quicks and three spinners, including R Ashwin, who's followed up his success in the IPL and the Champions League with strong performances in ODIs. Ishant Sharma,

ACSU to vet Pakistan World Cup probables

In an aberrant move, the PCB will forward a account of abeyant World Cup probables to the ICC's Anti-corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) for approval afore selecting their final band for the showpiece clash next year. The development is allotment of continuing efforts by the Pakistan lath to restore aplomb in a aged acceptability afterward a year of bound bribery allegations affiliated to the civic side.

Afridi hoping Pak team will give its best to win 2011 World Cup"

Pakistan's limited-overs senior pilot, Shahid Afridi, is upbeat about his squad's World Cup chances, saying that the country can regain the form of address if the instrumentalists live up to their potential.

"It might go like a jape at this point in time but I 'm confident that in spite of all the team's problems, we will give a good display in the World Cup next yr," The News cited Afridi, as saying.

Pakistan drop five 'tainted' stars players for World Cup 2011

Pakistan has agreed not to select five star players for World Cup 2011. Former Test captain Salman Butt, fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer, wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria - who was involved in an alleged spot-fixing scandal on the English county scene - have been blacklisted in response to last month's ultimatum by the ICC, which gave the Pakistan board 30 days to take a action against corruption.

Sachin Tendulkar - Ambassador for 2011 World Cup

With exactly 100 days to go, the ICC on Thursday announced the appointment of Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar as the official event ambassador for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Throughout his long and successful career to date, Tendulkar has inspired hundreds of millions of cricket lovers around the world with his personality, skill, temperament and love for the game.

World Cup 2011 - Countdown Begins

The 100-day countdown for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup began in Dubai on Tuesday. The trophy for the tenth edition of cricket World Cup was displayed by South African players Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn at the Dubai Aquarium.

The South African and Pakistani teams after concluded their five-ODI series in Dubai on Monday joined fast bowlers Morkel and Steyn as the duo unveiled the trophy.

The trophy for World Cup 2011 was launched in a rather innovative manner. Steyn and Morkel went underwater to unveil the coveted trophy amidst sharks and other sea creatures at the aquarium.

Talking to media at the ceremony, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said, "It was spectacular to watch the 100-day countdown ceremony and the ICC and the three host countries are gearing up for the World Cup."

The 43-day tournament will be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The opening ceremony of the World Cup will be held in Bangladesh capital Dhaka on February 17 and the first will be played two days later. The final match will be held in Mumbai on April 2.