Briefly Cricket

Simmons fires at ICC

Mumbai: Ireland coach Phil Simmons has slammed the ICC by terming its decision to leave out its non-full members from the 2015 World Cup as despicable. Simmons said India have won the last real World Cup as the next edition will be like American World Series. Im afraid the next World Cup will be like the American World Series you are crowned World Champions but the world did not take part. Congratulations to India on winning the last real World Cup, said Simmons,a former West Indies opener.

Chesterfield passes away

Colombo: Eminent cricket journalist Trevor Chesterfield,better known as Chesters,has passed away,his family said on Wednesday. Chesterfield was born in New Zealand before shifting base to South Africa. He moved his home to Sri Lanka in 2004. He used to write for Indian newspapers,including The Indian Express,regularly besides contributing to many Indian cricket websites.

Mahela,selectors too quit

Colombo: A day after skipper Kumar Sangakkara stepped down,turmoil continued in Sri Lanka8217;s cricket team with vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene also quitting his post,followed by the selection panel,headed by Aravinda de Silva and comprising Ranjith Fernando,Amal Silva and Shabbir Asgerally. SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said the four-member panel wrote to the sports minister Wednesday announcing their resignation. The resignations indicate that Sri Lanka is set for a total overhaul of key cricket positions following the team8217;s defeat to India in the World Cup final last Saturday.

Law named SLs interim coach

Colombo: Former Australia batsman Stuart Law has been asked to be interim coach of the Sri Lanka team for the tour of England starting next month. Law had assisted outgoing Australian head coach Trevor Bayliss since November 2009 and is expected to take over his a full-time successor. Bayliss,who was head coach for the past four years,had stated that he would be quitting the job after the 2011 World Cup. We have requested Law to take over as coach for the England tour until we finalise our headhunt for Trevor Bayliss successor, SLC secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said.

Crowe quits NZC post

Wellington: Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has resigned from the New Zealand boards cricket committee citing conflicts of interest,but said his decision was not linked to NZCs delay in naming Daniel Vettoris successor as the teams captain. Its got nothing to do with indecision on the part of NZC, Crowe told New Zealand Herald. Theres just a few conflicts of interest there and its just not the right timing for me.