Sharapova skips Dubai meet

Russia's Maria Sharapova has pulled out of the $1.5 m Dubai Championships citing a viral illness.

The Australian Open champion, who also won in Doha last week, is unbeaten in 2008 and had been scheduled to play her first match in Dubai on centre court in Tuesday's evening session. "This is really disappointing to me, but I do intend to come back next year,” she said.

Indian players told to behave

India's cricket administrators have told players to keep their cool during the tri-series finals against Australia to prevent more disputes between the two teams, reports Reuters from Mumbai.

“We do not want any more arguments on the ground,” India's cricket board (BCCI) secretary Niranjan Shah said on Tuesday.

“If you (a player) have a problem, go to the umpires, match referee or tell the team manager.”

Three Aussies join ICL

The rebel Indian Cricket League on Tuesday received a shot in the arm with three former Australian cricketers signing up to play in their Twenty20 venture, reports PTI from New Delhi.

The three players — middle-order batsman Damien Martyn, fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz and opening batsman Matthew Elliott — were the latest recruits by the ICL which boasts of several international players with former West Indies captain Brian Lara and Pakistan’s batting great Inzamam-ul Haq being the star attractions.

Complaint lodged against Bedi

Former India captain Bishen Singh Bedi could be in trouble after a local resident of Putlighar area lodged a police complaint against him for allegedly demolishing a room of his building without prior notice, reports PTI from Amritsar.

However, Bedi, who claims to own the property, said a small part of the building was demolished only because it was in unsafe condition.

Bedi said he had rented out a part of the building nearly 35 years ago to the complainant.

Police said it was a case of dispute between a tenant and landlord and no action against anybody would be initiated unless the matter is enquired thoroughly.

Allan Border medal for Lee

Paceman Brett Lee was awarded the Allan Border Medal on Tuesday as Australia's best cricketer over the past year, joining Glenn McGrath as the only bowlers to receive the honour, reports Reuters from Sydney.

The 31-year-old was also named best Test player of the season for capturing 40 wickets at an average of 20.58.
Opening batsman Matthew Hayden won the award for one-day player of the year.

Kumble sixth in Test rankings

Sachin Tendulkar continued to be the highest ranked Indian batsman at the 12th position while Anil Kumble
occupies the sixth place in the latest ICC Test Rankings, reports UNI from Dubai.

Rahul Dravid is at the 15th spot while VVS Laxman is 17th.

Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara occupies the top spot.