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,

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.