Azhar stumped: no arbitrator for him, says court

Banned former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin is to challenge a court decision refusing to hand over his match-fixing case to an arbitrato...

Banned former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin is to challenge a court decision refusing to hand over his match-fixing case to an arbitrator. ‘‘We will be definitely going in for another appeal,’’ Azharuddin’s lawyer K Jagadeesh told Reuters in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Since Azharuddin’s appeal against his ban was on the same lines as that of Jadeja, he had asked the court for the same arbitrator to be appointed in his case. But Justice M Vijayalaxmi on Tuesday rejected the plea. ‘‘The Board for Control of Cricket in India’s stand is discriminatory,’’ Jagadeesh said. ‘‘Having agreed to refer the case of one player to the arbitrator, their refusal to do the same in the case of another player is untenable.’’

India ‘A’ tour to Windies delayed

St. John’s: India’s ‘A’ team will miss its first scheduled match in the upcoming West Indies’ Carib Beer Series, cricket officials said. Invitee India ‘A’ was scheduled to play a four-day match against West Indies ‘B’ at the Windward Club in Barbados at the series’ opener on Friday.

The team now plans to Arrive February 5 in time for its second match at the same venue against Barbados, the West Indies Cricket Board said. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has apologised for the late arrival. ‘‘We are extremely sorry for both the late notification and the potential disruption to the start of the competition,’’ the BCCI told the West Indies board. ‘‘We should have communicated with your board sooner, but we have been very much preoccupied with matters surrounding our senior team’s participation in the cricket World Cup 2003.’’

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Indian board has been involved in lengthy negotiations with players over the terms of contracts for the World Cup in South Africa, which begins February 9.

Karnataka take lead over Vidarbha

Nagpur: Karnataka, after gaining a vital 128-run first innings lead, were 181 for five in their second innings against hosts Vidarbha on the third day of the Ranji Trophy Plate semifinal match here today. Vidarbha, overnight 129 for six, made valiant attempt through tailenders to reach a moderate 236. Debutant Azar Sheikh (25), in company of Preetam Gandhe (24 not out) and M Achraya (22) showed some resistance for the home side.

Left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi was the most successful bowler for Karnataka with 5 for 45. In their second venture, Karnataka made a rollicking start through skipper Arun Kumar (78) and R Barrington (36) but were pegged back by spinner Azar Sheikh (2 for 61) to end the day with a overall lead off 309 with five wickets in hand.

Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan that every inch of its land is within BrahMos’ range as India rolled out its first missiles from Lucknow.

Every inch of Pakistan’s territory now within BrahMos reach: Rajnath Singh

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Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan about the reach of the BrahMos missile, praises ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the missile’s technological superiority. He and CM Yogi Adityanath flag off the first batch of BrahMos missiles made in Lucknow, emphasizing their economic impact and thanking Adityanath for his support.

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