Allied Bank Limited (ABL) are the only side in the 24-team Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Cricket Championship to maintain a clean sheet after two rounds of matches.The bankers will begin their quest for a third straight victory on Thursday when they take on defending champions Karachi Whites here at the National Stadium.Karachi Whites, no doubt depleted by loss of key players to departments, are already feeling the going extremely tough. They have so far collected just three points against Bahawalpur in the first round.The Karachiites now have the huge challenge of stopping ABL in their tracks as former Test off-spinner Arshad Khan is in the midst of a great spell. He claimed a haul of 15 wickets against Bahawalpur at the end of last year.National Bank, meanwhile, must make up for that uncomfortable two-wicket win over Faisalabad with a convincing performance when they meet Group-I leaders Wapda in Muridke in the pick of third round fixtures.Third round schedule (Jan 2-5):Group-I: National Bank v Wapda at Lahore Country Club, Muridke (Umpires: Aleem Dar and Rasheed Bhatti. Match referee: Abdul Sami); Lahore Blues v Servis Industries at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Umpires: Riazuddin and M. Akbar Khan. Match referee: Azhar Khan); Faisalabad v Sargodha at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (Umpires: Islam Khan and Waqar A. Mughal. Match referee: Mahmood Rasheed).Group-II: Karachi Whites v Allied Bank at National Stadium, Karachi (Umpires: Iftikhar Malik and Zamir Haider. Match referee: Sadiq Mohammad); Bahawalpur v Dadu at Bahawalpur Stadium, Bahawalpur. Umpires: Masroor Ali and M.H. Dars. Match referee: Farooq Shera); Multan v Pak PWD at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan (Umpires: Siddique Khan and Javed Iqbal. Match referee: Taslim Arif).Group-III: Lahore Whites v Habib Bank at LCCA Ground, Lahore (Umpires: Salim Badar and Ehtesham-ul-Haq. Match referee: Mohammad Anees); Gujranwala v Pakistan Customs at Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala (Umpires: Ijaz Ahmed and Tasaddeq Jamal. Match referee: Sultan Rana); Sheikhupura v Sialkot at Sheikhupura Stadium, Sheikhupura (Umpires: Junaid Ghafoor and Tariq Cheema. Match referee: Naeem Ahmed).Group-IV: ZTBL v PIA at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi (Umpires: Sajjad Asghar and Nadeem Ghauri. Match referee: Ehteshamuddin); KRL v Karachi Blues at KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi (Umpires: Zafar Iqbal Pasha and Kaukab Butt. Match referee: Saadat Ali); Peshawar v Rawalpindi at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar (Umpires: Afzaal Ahmed and Mohammad Nazir Junior. Match referee: Ishtiaq Ahmed).Points Table(Tabulated under played, won, lost, drawn, points):Group-IWapda 2 1 0 1 15Sargodha 2 1 0 1 15National Bank 2 1 0 1 12Faisalabad 2 0 1 1 3Lahore Blues 2 0 0 2 0Servis Industries 2 0 2 0 0Group-IIAllied Bank 2 2 0 0 24Pak PWD 2 1 0 1 15Multan 2 1 1 0 12Karachi Whites 2 0 0 2 3Dadu 2 0 2 0 0Bahawalpur 2 0 1 1 -1Group-IIIPakistan Customs 2 1 0 1 15Lahore Whites 2 1 0 1 12Habib Bank 2 1 0 1 9Sheikhupura 2 0 1 1 3Gujranwala 2 0 1 1 3Sialkot 2 0 1 1 0Group-IVRawalpindi 2 1 0 1 12PIA 2 1 0 1 12KRL 2 0 0 2 6ZTBL 2 0 0 2 3Peshawar 2 0 1 1 3Karachi Blues 2 0 1 1 0Note: Bahawalpur were docked one point for non-submission of captain’s report on umpires.

Saturday, February 1, 2003:::
“The organising committee shares the disappointment of the Kenyan cricketers and their supporters. We must however, respect the autonomy of the New Zealand Cricket Council and its judgment in making this decision.” Dr Ali Bacher, on New Zealand’s refusal to play in Kenya
Source: Gulf Daily News, Bahrain”It is safe to play cricket in Kenya. The safety in Kenya is secured. There have been no incidences for the past three, four months.” Kenyan captain Steve Tikolo
Source: Gulf Daily News, Bahrain”I’m sure some of the other sides do fear us a little because we’re No 1, but we don’t think about that. We just go about our business, working hard, training hard and trying to improve ourselves all the time.” Australian captain Ricky Ponting, on their tag of favourites
Source: Maitland Mercury, Australia”I think the pressure’s going to be on the South African side. They’re playing at home and everybody’s expecting a victory from them. It won’t be an easy game, but we’re ready for it.” West Indian captain Carl Hooper, on his side’s game against South Africa
Source: Independent Online, South AfricaWednesday, January 29, 2003:::
“Not only do we eagerly await the match, but millions of fans all over the world are looking forward to it. I think it will be a classic encounter.” Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis, on the India-Pakistan encounter in the upcoming World Cup
Source: FoxSports.com
“This World Cup is not about Carl Hooper. It is about West Indies cricket. We have slowly but surely turned the corner. This is going to be a good launch-pad to say ‘Look, West Indies cricket is back and a force to be reckoned with’.” West Indies captain Carl Hooper
Source: The Jamaica Gleaner
“The players are trying to take in as much as possible and keep themselves informed about the situation. But it’s not fair that players should have to voice their opinions in any way.” New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, on playing in Kenya
Source: The New Zealand Herald
“I’ve just answered that question.” Nasser Hussain, after the 10th question from the press on England playing their World Cup game in Zimbabwe
Source: The Guardian, UK

Rain played a crucial part in denying India A a possible win against Leeward Islands in a four-day Carib Beer Cup match that ended at Grove Park, Charlestown, Nevis on Monday.India A, who had posted 450 in their first innings, were frustrated when rain washed out the pre-lunch session on the third day. Eventually when the Leeward Islands reply got underway, opener Fabian Adams (54) and No 3 Sylvester Joseph helped their side get to 102/2 before rain again intervened – this time decisively.Draw, then, seemed the most likely result at the start of the fourth day. India A spinners Amit Mishra and Ambati Rayudu, though, brought the match roaring back to life by claiming nine first-innings wickets between them. Joseph, who ended up making 46, and captain Stuart Williams (40) were among their victims. Mishra returned 5/55 in his 18 overs while Rayadu had figures of 4/43.When the home team returned after being forced to follow-on, opener Junie Mitchum (72) and middle-order bats Tonito Willett (41) and Omari Banks (51) ensured that their side managed 232/4 before play was called off. For India A, Mishra was against the most successful bowler with 3/63.The first-innings lead, though, helped the tourists open their account with six points. Leeward Islands, meanwhile, had to be content with three points.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced a further delay in their decision on whether to travel to Harare to play Zimbabwe in the World Cup on Thursday.A boycott of the match had seemed likely after the squad were told that a hoax death threat to the players had been received by the ECB.A complicated series of discussions then took place between the the players, their representatives the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the ECB, after which a statement was made by the ECB chief executive, Tim Lamb.”Specific information regarding the safety and security of the England players and officials came to light earlier today,” Lamb said. “This information has confirmed the concerns of the ECB that we have had regarding safety and security in Zimbabwe.”An announcement with regard to whether the England team will travel to Harare to fulfil the fixture has therefore been delayed until the new information has been formally committed to the ICC, and their response has been received.”This announcement will be made as soon as practically possible. The England team will remain in Cape Town for at least another 24 hours, pending further developments. A practice session will be held for the England team in Cape Town tomorrow.”England’s players, who have been locked in a string of meetings since Friday, are worried about security in Zimbabwe following political and social unrest in the country. They are due to play in Harare on Thursday.England lost an appeal on Friday to have the game moved to South Africa when World Cup organisers insisted Harare was safe.The managing director of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, Richard Bevan, said there were concerns over the Kroll report, an independent report carried out by a New York security firm on behalf of the International Cricket Council.”The author of the Kroll report made a presentation to the Team Englandplayers, along with a number of other people,” Bevan said.”The author contradicted himself on at least three occasions on a very serious point in front of the ICC’s World Cup head of security and 20-odd people in the room – including the ECB management team.”We still have not seen the Kroll report. We were fighting to see it on atleast four occasions last week.”Indeed, on the plane flying over here a couple of days ago I was told we could see the report on the basis of signing a confidentiality agreement, which did not enable me to explain any of the issues or content to the players. I declined a copy of the report – and signing the confidentiality agreement.”The ECB were asking for more information, hence why there was a delay. That information has now come through and that is now subject to the ECB working with the ICC under the statement that Tim Lamb read out.”The World Cup holders, Australia, are also watching the situation carefully, after expressing concerns about their match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo later in the tournament, while New Zealand have refused to play a game against Kenya in Nairobi.The England camp’s concerns range from personal security issues to the ethical dilemma of playing in a country facing major upheaval.Half of Zimbabwe’s 14 million people face food shortages while main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is currently on trial facing a possible death sentence on a charge of trying to kill Mugabe.Planned opposition protests around World Cup matches have fuelled fears for players’ and fans’ safety.

The award for the New South Wales cricketer of the year is to become known as the Steve Waugh Medal in honour of the NSW and Australian Test captain.Waugh said he is taken aback by the accolade, but considered it a great honour.He also said he would like to win the medal but believed there are at least a couple of other players with a better chance.The medal, which is cast in nine carat gold, is decided on points awarded by each NSW player after every one-day and four-day game.It will be presented to this season’s winner at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 28.

Cricket Victoria is pleased to announce the 2002/03 State Selection Panel was re-elected last night for two years, until the completion of the 2004/05 season.The decision, made at last night’s April Delegates meeting, was a ground breaking one as it was the first time the State Selection Panel had been re-elected for a period of longer than twelve months.Cricket Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ken Jacobs, said the decision demonstrated faith and support for the job the selectors had done in the recently completed season. “It was agreed by all delegates that the selection panel be given a two year period in which they can continue to work with our coaching staff to develop a playing list that they believe will bring success to Victorian cricket in both the Pura and ING Cups”.He added ” the selectors were very diligent in their approach in ensuring the best sides were picked to represent the Bushrangers and we congratulate them for their commitment to the task”.The Victorian State Selection Panel comprises Michael O’Sullivan (Chairman), Ray Bright, John MacWhirter and coach David Hookes.

England’s hopes of having Andrew Flintoff back in the team for the second Test, against Zimbabwe at Durham, have been dealt a blow with news that he could be out of action for a further two weeks.Duncan Fletcher, the England coach, would have faced a tough decision whether to play a fit Flintoff instead of Anthony McGrath – one of the heroes from Lord’s – but it’s a call he would have welcomed: “If he comes through any time earlier than that then it’s a great advantage to us.”However, Flintoff – who continues treatment for his injured shoulder at Lancashire – was in a positive mood: “If the injury keeps improving like it has done then hopefully I won’t be out for too long.” He added, “I have not ruled myself out of anything yet and I will keep with the treatment and see how it progresses.”And he insisted he could be back earlier than diagnosed: “It is really hard to put a time-span on when I am going to return but it has improved tremendously. I have got a lot more movement in my shoulder than I did have so that is very positive.”McGrath will undergo a scan on Tuesday (May 27) on his strained side but is expected to be fit ahead of the naming of England’s one-day squad.Meanwhile, the England selectors will be keeping their eye on the progress of Darren Gough – another player feeling his was back from injury. Gough, who said he hoped to play in the second Test on June 5, played in Yorkshire’s National League game against Glamorgan at the weekend. He bowled six overs at 32 runs, and didn’t take any wickets, as Yorkshire went down by four wickets.

Tom Moody has been awarded a testimonial year in 2004 by Worcestershire. He retired from first-class cricket in 2001, after which he took up the role of director of cricket.He has been with Worcestershire since 1991, and as a player he was a key member of the side who won both the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1991, and the NatWest Trophy in 1994.He said: “I am honoured the club has awarded me a testimonial year. It has been a privilege to have been involved with the county since 1991 as a player and now the director of cricket.”Worcestershire are currently riding high on top of Division Two and are unbeaten in the Championship so far this season.

Glen Chapple has been awarded a benefit year by Lancashire in 2004. Chapple made his first-class debut in 1992, and received his county cap in 1994. His consistent contributions for Lancashire have earned him a batting average of 25.23, including a highest first-class score of 155, and a bowling average of 29.39 with a total of 424 wickets in 146 matches.Speaking from Old Trafford, Chapple said, "I’m looking forward to a busy season in 2004, it should be fun and I’m delighted that the Committee has decided to award me a benefit."Jack Simmons, the club chairman, added: "Glen’s become a solid member of the team and a dependable bowler. With the addition of his selection to the England squad on Saturday, it’s made for an eventful month for him. He’s thoroughly deserving of this and I hope that all our members will get behind him and give their total support in what is going to be an exciting time."For further information please contact Fiona Ossoway on 0161 282 4038/07768 558175

Canterbury’s clubs had their say and threw out a call for a review of the process by which the Christchurch senior club cricket would be reduced from nine teams to six for the 2004-05 season. The decision was the most contentious aspect of today’s Canterbury Cricket Association (CCA) annual general meeting.Several speakers said they would be voting against the recommendation, whichwas put as a notice of motion to the meeting. The Sydenham club led the wayby saying they were opposed to the criteria put forward for what representeda “senior” club. They didn’t agree that it should be based on performance ofthe senior side in the current year, and a weighted contribution from thetwo previous years.Sydenham felt that a total package needed to be considered, not just the playing performance of one team. They believed that the “health check” process, which is being undertaken as part of New Zealand Cricket’s drive to attend to the problems of clubcricket, should be one factor, and the strength of junior cricket in clubs another.Colin Blackman, for the Burnside West University club, referred to previousreports known as the Adams and Hartland Reports, that outlined whatconstituted a senior club. Performance fluctuated from year to year, but allthe other elements of what made a club had been overlooked in the CCA’sprocess.The Hartland Report had dealt with the problem of the bye in the competition,and it had been suggested the 1999-2000 tournament should be played byeight teams, but that had not been proceeded with. Had it been acted upon,Blackman believed, Christchurch club cricket would not be in the position itwas now. The geography and demographics of the city were anotherconsideration.Clubs that were vulnerable under the proposed scheme were in important areaswith strong catchment areas for players. Blackman believed a six-team competitionwas questionable, and he didn’t believe it was sustainable. However, he didbelieve a city the size of Christchurch was capable of sustaining eightstrong clubs and in a competitive environment.Brian Hastings, the CCA’s immediate past president, commented that he didn’tbelieve a six-team competition would improve the first-class performances ofthe Canterbury side. It went much deeper than that, he said. The right coaching structure neededto be put in place and he added that he was pleased to see that was beingaddressed. He didn’t think enough work had been done on the plan and he feltdenying three teams senior status could be the demise of those clubs.Tim Murdoch, for the Riccarton club, said they believed there should be areview of the criteria behind the decision. Club cricket was a fragilething, not only in Christchurch, but all over New Zealand. Any reductionwould not be good for the game itself and the infrastructure would take somepunishment.John Durning of Marist said his club had been disappointed over thelack of process. Sydenham club member Ivan Thomson believed therecommendation was illogical and lacked strength, and it made no sense to putat risk clubs that were doing a lot of work in primary and secondaryschools.Richard Reid, the chief executive of the CCA, said he disagreed with thecomments made that the various arguments had not been considered. The boardknew all the arguments – they just disagreed with part of them.There were different viewpoints for every point that was raised. He alsosaid the club competition was not the only reason why Canterbury wasperforming poorly at first-class level, there were others.He also said that from his own experience, team members of demoted clubswere not so selfish as to leave just because their team was relegated.It was a case of doing things for cricket’s sake rather than the CCA’s.When put in a secret ballot the recommendation was lost.Earlier in the meeting the CCA chairman David Shackleton announced thatsigns were already being seen of an improved financial performance, afterlast season’s loss of $NZ96,937, and added that in the last two days asponsorship agreement had been reached with the Pub Charities’ Trust. Thissponsorship will be used to assist under-age cricket, club cricket (especially in the provision of scoreboards and boundary flags for all clubs),umpiring costs and in prizemoney for the senior club one-day competition.The senior competition would also bear the sponsor’s name.