NEXT TARGET OF PAKISTAN--YOU?

I have just one question for you all. Should Pakistan still be allowed to be a part of international community in any sense? Should Pakistanis be allowed to participate in global events and citizens of other countries should come to Pakistan? Keeping in mind what happened on Tuesday, the answer is NO.

Tuesday was a black day in history of cricket. The bus carrying Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by terrorists. Their intentions were clear. They wanted to make the players hostages and release them later after the completion of their demands. And who knows, they might have killed them. Many players were injured including the big names of the sport like Mahela Jayawardene, Kumara Sangakkara and latest bowling sensation Ajantha Mendis. They managed to survive although bullets fired did hit them here and there. Their careers are already in danger and who knows ANYTHING could have happened.

Now nobody can say Indian government took the wrong decision by refusing to allow the Indian team to tour Pakistan. This could have happened to them too and would have been resulted in more tension between two nations. Also, eyes have been raised on organising the 2011 Cricket World Cup in the subcontinent. No country will come to Pakistan and will hesitate to tour the subcontinent even for such a prestigious event.

Meanwhile, India defeated New Zealand in the first ODI at Napier with some superb performances by Virendra Sehwag, M S Dhoni and Suresh Raina. Australia won the first test against South Africa at Johannesburg riding on the performances of Mitchell Johnson. Fourth test between England and West Indies ended in a dull draw.

I pray for Pakistan. May the situation improve quickly so that cricket and everything could return to normal very soon.

INDIAN MISSION BEGINS

Indian cricket team began its tour of Sri Lanka which consists of 5 ODIs today. This tour is much talked about and winning the series by 5-0 will take India to no. 2 in world rankings. Indian team is on a high after their triumph in the home series against Australia and England and they have not lost the momentum. They proved this by a convincing win in the first one-day international.

India defeated Sri Lanka in the first one day played here in Dambulla by six wickets. Old horse Sanath Jayasuriya reached his 28th ODI century and proved his critics wrong that he is ageing. But his century went in vain as Indians reached the target in 49th over.

However, there were some hiccups in the Indian innings initially but solid and timely knocks by Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina and M S Dhoni didn’t allowed Lankan bowlers to settle down. Mystery bowler Ajantha Mendis went second time wicketless in his ODI career. Ishant Sharma was the best bowler among Indians with 3 wickets.

The second match of the series will be played on Saturday at Colombo. This will be a day night match. I pray for one more Indian win.

Indian team has what it takes to be number one. All they need is consistency and under flamboyant and ever dependable M S Dhoni, they are striving hard. Coach Gary Kirsten is providing the right guidance and is very effectively utilising the highly talented Indian cricketers.

Go INDIA

SANIA OUT OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN

As always, she again failed to stand up to India’s expectation. After repeating to media again and again that she is fully fit and is ready for the big grand slam, she did only a bit to make her country cheer. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza bows out of Australian Open in the second round. She was beaten by Russia’s Nadia Petrova in straight sets.

That is the problem with Indian sportspersons. After they make a mark at the world scenario, they are given so much hype, importance and money (through endorsements) that they just do not feel like giving their best to the game. They have a IT’S ENOUGH feeling which affects their game a lot. And once this feeling start creeping inside you, you can never give your best. It will always affect your performance. A sportsman always needs to be hungry for success. Once he feels he is satisfied, he can’t be a champion.

Indian cricket team is also gearing up for a high-voltage series against Sri Lanka in their home ground. Lankan tigers are roaring high to make up for the previous series defeat against the same rivals last July. Indian team is also high on confidence after their great run last year where they won series against Australia and England. It will be really exciting to watch the two neighbours and powerhouse of world and Asian cricket.

And here’s news worth having a look. Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko has said Kaka has done the right thing by rejecting his world record offer from Manchester City. What he said meant that EPL is not the right place to nurture talent. It is also said that he gave advice to Kaka over the deal.

This was the news from the sports world...meet you later..

ONE STAR SHONE, THE OTHER FADED

They are one of the big guns of their respective sports. Both are known for their dedication, professionalism and of course, their game. But Wednesday was a mixed bag for the world when it comes to these two hugely talented, widely acclaimed sportsmen. I am talking about Matthew Hayden and Christiano Ronaldo.

Matthew Hayden does not require any introduction. The hard-hitting opener of Australia who has always proved to be a bone in the neck for the Indian bowlers has some the most amazing records to his name. He was a regular opener for Australia and formed opening partnerships with Justin Langer in Tests and with Adam Gilchrist in ODIs. He also has the record of most runs in an innings both in Tests (380) and ODIs (181) for Australia. Hayden used to love Indian bowling and has played some of the best innings of his career against India.

But since from last two series, away series against India and home series against South Africa, he was not even near to his form. This made the Australian selectors to drop him from the upcoming series against South Africa and forced him to think about his retirement. Although he was planning to make himself available for the Ashes later this year, he decided to call it a day.

The game of cricket will miss Matthew Hayden and his style of sport dearly and finding his replacement will not be an easy task for the Australian selectors. Bye Bye HAYDEN....

The other star I am talking about is Christiano Ronaldo. This hugely gifted footballer from Portugal has been awarded the FIFA Player of the Year Award. He received this award from the legendary Brazilian Pele.

Ronaldo came first in a poll of 155 players. Argentinean midfielder Messi was second and Kaka and Torres were beaten by quite a distance.

The Manchester United winger attributed his success to his family, friends and colleagues. He also made a special mention about his current manager and Manchester United’s old boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

These two stars are legends in their respective sports. But on Tuesday, one shone more brightly and other faded. But that does not mean he has lost. This world will remember him for a long, long time.