The Board has to go by the Government's wishes: Lele

Reacting to Pakistan's threat not to play against India in future if India did not participate in the tri-nation Sharjah series, BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele said the Board was not responsible for the state of affairs. Talking to PTI over phone from Baroda on Sunday, Lele said "PCB must understand that the decision is the Government's and not the BCCI's. The Board has to go by the wishes of the Government. If Pakistan does not want to play with us, there is nothing we can do."

"The Government has every right to decide whether the Indian team should go to Sharjah or not. But, if it refuses permission, we would like to know the reasons as we have contractual obligations with the International Cricket Council to fulfil. We have to explain to them if we pull out of a scheduled fixture" he added.

CBFS surprised and disappointed over India's decision

Reports on the Indian government's refusal to allow its team to take part in the tri-nation series in Sharjah have taken the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) by surprise. Talking to Gulf News, CBFS chairman Abdul Rehman Bukhatir on Sunday said "I am surprised at the report. In India, the ministries are closed on Sunday...So how could an official make a statement."

On the various reports appearing in newspapers, Bukhatir said "We have not heard anything about it." He added that "I had even talked to AC Muthiah (BCCI President) yesterday on the phone. He never even mentioned that any such decision has been taken by the Indian government."

Talking to Gulf News from London, the CBFS coordinator Asif Iqbal said "It will be very disappointing if such a decision has been made by the government." He added that "However, we are waiting to hear from the Indian Board as we deal directly with it. If we hear from the Board, then the CBFS will make an official reaction."

Aussie players enjoy the unique experience in India

Australian left-hand batsman Justin Langer on his arrival at Sydney on Sunday said playing in India was a unique and enjoyable experience despite their team's painful loss in the Test series. According to Australian media reports, Langer said "In years to come I think we'll look back on this series as one of the most enjoyable we've ever played in." Langer, who returned along with Colin Miller, Michael Slater, Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie said "While we'll go home having lost the series it's been a fantastic experience and we will all realise that to have won 16 out of the last 18 Test matches has made it an incredible time for Australian cricket."

Langer's team mate Matthew Hayden who was retained for the ODIs compared the stadia atmosphere in India to that of Boxing Day back home, according to PTI. Hayden said "India is just an amazing place to play Test cricket. That (din) happens on one day in Australia - on Boxing Day." Hayden was quoted by Australian media as saying there was a vacuous feel to his achievements as his team could not win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, adding "It's very disappointing when you lose a Test match."

Punjab government announces incentives for Harbhajan

The Punjab government on Sunday announced a cash incentive of Rs 5 lakhs for off-spinner Harbhajan Singh after his sensational performance in the recently concluded Test series against Australia. The government announced that a 500-yard residential plot in an urban estate will also be given to the Punjab spinner in recognition of his match winning performances.

The council of ministers, which met under chairmanship of Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal also unanimously resolved to felicitate Harbhajan Singh on his arrival home. It also decided that Harbhajan Singh would be suitably honoured by the state government at a function.

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