Off the field

The first, or at least one of the first, to feel the need to hire a public relations is WorldTel, who we hear is in the process of taking on a Delhi-based agency. The first job of this company has been trying to get one-to-one for the Capital’s sports scribes with the big man, Mark Mascarenhas, the same one who made millions for Sachin Tendulkar, but has now seemingly been left behind in the race for TV rights and is now fighting to get at least the production contract for next five years of cricket in India. Last we heard was not many sports scribes have met him so far, or even if they have, they would rather not let others know aboutit.

Finally, the debut match

Bhaichung Bhutia is finally set to make his English debut. He is likely to be on the Bury benches on Saturday, when the second division side play their home match against Cardiff. Although, Bury officials feel the Indian still needs about a month to settle down, they are sure to allow him a feel of English soccer, at least as a substitute on Saturday.

Apparently, Bhutia should have played his first game against Halfix Reserves on Wednesday itself. However, he could not reach Bury in time to be ready for the game.

Bury manager Neil Warnock wants to give Bhutia six months to settle down, but the Indian himself would surely want to be at the centre of action long before that. Bury, a struggling club in the second division, have their hopes pinned on Bhutia. And the Indian, after rejections from Aston Villa and Fulham, must be yearning to prove himself in English soccer.

When officials fight, players lose

The Federation Cup basketball due to start fromOctober 4 in Punjab is likely to be a non-starter. Just as the sub-junior national, scheduled for May-June, was. Or the Indian women’s team trip for Asian Basketball Championships last May.

In case the basketball followers are wondering why all this has happened, the buzz is that it can all be traced to a problem between the two bigwigs of the Basketball Federation of India. Insiders say the President, BK Saha, and the secretary, JP Mishra, cannot see eye to eye on most matters. And the victims in this battle of attrition are the players. Both, it seems, are blaming each other for the series of mishaps, or should we say bunglings.Mishra has announced the Federation Cup, but some officials from the association that is to organise it deny any knowledge of the event.

Next event in line to face problems could be the Youth Nationals later this month. There were talks of the championship being hosted by Maharashtra in Pune. But even that project has fallen through, as the BFI body has been unable to take anydecisions. No prizes for guessing why.