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Champions Trophy snub disappoints Razzaq

September 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Lahore, Sep.19 (ANI): Experienced Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is disappointed over his non-selection for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Razzaq said he was surprised at not being selected.

“It came as a huge setback to learn that I was not in the final team. Since my comeback to the national team, I had been working very hard to play in this elite tournament,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq said his attempts failed to convince the selectors

“It is a big tournament and you get a chance to prove yourself against the top teams. I was working hard to convince everyone I should be in the side,” The Daily Times quoted Razzaq, as saying.

The seven member selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had controversially recalled paceman Mohammad Asif and opener Imran Nazir, but omitted all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy beginning September 22 in South Africa. (ANI)

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Champions Trophy snub disappoints Razzaq

September 19, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Lahore, Sep.19 (ANI): Experienced Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is disappointed over his non-selection for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Razzaq said he was surprised at not being selected.

“It came as a huge setback to learn that I was not in the final team. Since my comeback to the national team, I had been working very hard to play in this elite tournament,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq said his attempts failed to convince the selectors

“It is a big tournament and you get a chance to prove yourself against the top teams. I was working hard to convince everyone I should be in the side,” The Daily Times quoted Razzaq, as saying.

Pak skipper Younis Khan fractures finger

September 19, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Benoni (South Africa), Sep.19 (ANI): Pakistan cricket team’s Champions Trophy dreams suffered a major set back when captain Younis Khan fractured his finger during a warm-up match against Sri Lanka here.

Doctors have advised Khan complete rest for the next three days. It is unsure whether he will be playing in the next two practice games on Saturday and Sunday.

Notwithstanding Khan’s injury, Pakistan, however, trounced Sri Lanka by 108 runs in the first warm-up match ahead of eight nation tournament.

The Pakistan team is staying in Johannesburg’s Santon Sun Hotel while in South Africa.

Team manager Yawar Saeed has expressed satisfaction over the security arrangement.

“Over half a dozen security guards have been deputed to guard the floor where Pakistan team is staying. I think in recent times this is one of the best security cover the team is provided with,” The News quoted Saeed, as saying. (ANI)

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Indian cricket team leaves for South Africa

September 19, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Mumbai, Sept 18 (ANI): The Indian cricket team left for South Africa from here on Friday to participate in the Champions Trophy.

South Africa has been a happing hunting ground for India who was runners-up in the one-day World Cup in 2003 and Twenty20 World Cup champions four years later.

India has received a boost before their Champions Trophy campaign when in-form opener Gautam Gambhir was passed fit to return after injury.

The left-hander has recovered from a groin strain and will travel with the team to South Africa, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement on Thursday.

India, already without the explosive Virender Sehwag, were sweating on Gambhir’s fitness after the Delhi batsman missed this month’s tri-series in Sri Lanka.

India won the Colombo tournament, also involving New Zealand and the hosts, and went into the prestigious eight-team event as one of the favourites after not having lost a one-day series in the past year.

India has been grouped with defending and world champions Australia, Twenty20 champions Pakistan and former champions West Indies in the preliminary phase.

A young Indian batting unit struggled against short-pitched bowling in this year’s Twenty20 World Cup in England.

Ishant Sharma will spearhead the five-man pace attack in the absence of experienced left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan, who has been ruled out until the end of the year after undergoing surgery on an injured shoulder. (ANI)

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Coming soon: Harry Potter theme park

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep 16 (ANI): Harry Potter fans can soon experience the thrills of the adventures of the hugely popular boy wizard, for a new theme park based on the hit franchise is set to open next year.

The theme park, called ‘The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter’, is set to open in spring 2010 at Universal Studios, the Orlando resort has announced.he park is being developed in coordination with J.K. Rowling, the author of the immensely successful books, which have been adapted into films.

Recreating the fabled Hogwarts school that Potter and his friends attend, as well as the nearby village of Hogsmeade, the theme park promises a “completely immersive environment” for visitors.

“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort,” the Telegraph quoted Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, as saying.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth,” he added.

In fact, visitors at a replica of the Three Broomsticks, one of Hogsmeade’s popular pubs, will be treated to traditional British fare and have the chance to sip on Butterbeer – Potter’s tipple of choice.

The park will also feature theme rides, including the ‘Flight of the Hippogriff’, which will simulate a training flight on the magical, quick-to-offend creature.

Those who lobed the fast-paced wizard sport Quidditch, will also have a chance to participate in a simulated Triwizard Tournament, as well as examine Quidditch equipment and even the elusive Golden Snitch at several Hogsmeade shops.

“Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products. (ANI)

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Liverpool combo of Torres and Gerrard can help beat Hungarian champions

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep.16 (ANI): Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres believes that his partnership with Steven Gerrard is the double act every Reds fan reckons can fire them to glory in tonight’s Champions League tie with Hungarian champs Debreceni.

Torres sees England’s deadly duo as the biggest threat to his chances of notching a famous double in South Africa next year.

The Sun quoted Torres, as saying: “I have never played with a better player than Stevie – for me he really is the best in the world. If Rooney can get an understanding with him, that will make England one of the most dangerous attacking forces in the world.”

“When a nation wins a major tournament there are always two players who form a devastating understanding. You had Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, Del Piero and Totti and, most recently, the understanding I had with David Villa.

“That is the sort of class I know Stevie and Wayne can be in if they get that understanding.

“They are world class and have the attributes to complement each other very nicely.

“But, most importantly, they show passion when playing for their country and you can’t win a tournament without that.” (ANI)

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Lee declares his goal for breaking 100 mph bowling speed barrier

September 14, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep.14 (ANI): Fresh from destroying England with a scorching display of fast, swinging yorkers that skittled stumps all over Lord’s to help Australia seal a series-clinching 4-0 lead with three ODIs remaining, Brett Lee has declared his goal of breaking the 100mph (160.93km/h) speed barrier.

That feat would be worth a fair sum for a fast bowler who has already earned three million dollars in the past 12 months, according to Forbes magazine.

Lee could not force his way back into the side for the Ashes series and his Test future remains unclear but the 32-year-old remains far more marketable than his bowling peers.

The combination of blond-haired, blue-eyed good looks and sheer speed is an irresistible combination for some brands.

To date, only Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar has broken the 100mph limit, clocking 100.2mph (161.3km/h) during a World Cup match against England in 2003. Lee’s fastest delivery was recorded at 99.8mph (160.7km/h) at the same tournament.

“I know I’m in the team to try and bowl fast, there’s always talk about your age but I’m feeling really fit, probably the fittest I’ve ever felt,” Lee said after taking 5-49 at Lord’s on Saturday, clean-bowling four victims.

“I’m only 32 and I want to keep bowling in excess of 90mph for a long time yet but we’ll wait and see what happens with the body,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying. (ANI)

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One out of two Brits think England will win 2010 World Cup: Poll

September 14, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep. 13 (ANI): One out of two British nationals believe that England can win the 2010 Soccer World Cup, a Sunday Times poll has revealed.

According to the YouGov poll, 49 percent of people believe England’s chances of winning are “excellent” or “good.”

The survey also revealed 20 percent nationals think the team’s chances are “poor,” while 12 percent say they are “hopeless.”

The new found confidence reflects the team’s 5-1 victory over Croatia this week, which sealed qualification for next year’s tournament in South Africa.

Times Online quoted England’s Italian manager Fabio Capello as saying that his minimum target is to reach the World Cup final on July 11 in Johannesburg.

And his dream final would be between England and Italy.

England’s success is being attributed to the discipline Capello has imposed on players, which includes limiting the attendance of WAGs. (ANI)

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WAGs declare war on Capello following their World Cup ban

September 12, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep 12 (ANI): England’s WAGs have blasted coach Fabio Capello after he banned them from the World Cup in South Africa and laid down strict rules for them.

Capello insisted that his stars will not go to the tournament for a holiday, and warned their wives and girlfriends: “If you don’t like it, don’t come.”

He ruled that his current squad can have just one day with their partners and families after each game next summer. And that will be the only socialising allowed.

The WAGs hit back after the team boss insisted the South Africa trip will not be a “holiday” by saying that they were a vital part of the beautiful game, the Daily Star reports.

Speaking on behalf of the international players’ wives, Lizzie Cundy, 38, wife of ex-Chelsea ace Jason, 39, said: “Fabio has made the wrong decision.”

Danielle Lloyd, 25, who is dating Portsmouth loan signing Jamie O’Hara, 22, says WAGs are vital to the game.

“I understand Fabio’s concern. It isn’t a good idea for the wives and girlfriends of the footballers to be taking them away from their careers. But it is important for us to be supporting our partners, as that will also help them with their game. I always make sure Jamie eats well and rests in the run-up to a game so he’s in the right frame of mind,” she said.

Lizzie added: “I admit that at the last World Cup the WAGs did hit the headlines but they’ve learned their lesson and have all grown up a bit.”

Capello’s hardball threat came after England’s last trip to the World Cup finals turned into a circus when the WAGs took over the picturesque town of Baden Baden in Germany. There were parties every night and the players were in almost daily contact with their loved ones. (ANI)

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Capello warns WAGs World Cup in South Africa is no holiday

September 12, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep 11 (ANI): England coach Fabio Capello has laid down strict laws for WAGs, and is determined that team takes the World Cup in South Africa seriously.

England’s last trip to the World Cup finals turned into a circus when the WAGs took over the picturesque town of Baden Baden in Germany. There were parties every night and the players were in almost daily contact with their loved ones.

Capello insisted that his stars will not go to the tournament for a holiday, and warned their wives and girlfriends: “If you don’t like it, don’t come.”

Capello has ruled that his current squad can have just one day with their partners and families after each game next summer. And that will be the only socialising allowed.

The 63-year-old Italian, whose team qualified for the finals, said: “I hope this period that we are at the World Cup will be very long. The players will have one day with their family, with the girls and friends. It will be one day a week, after each game and that is enough. That’s it.”

Asked if there was any danger it could be like Baden Baden, Capello replied: “No, absolutely not. Please. If they do not want to come for the day, then they should stay home. I like what we’ve had at training where the players stay together. We are going there to play, not for a holiday.”

Stars like Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard have admitted the WAGs’ presence affected the team under Sven Goran Eriksson in the 2006 World Cup, where Portugal won their quarterfinal on penalties, The Sun reports.

Some of the WAGs have started planning for South Africa, checking accommodation in Rustenburg, England’s most likely training base. (ANI)

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Flintoff suffering from deep vein thrombosis post surgery

September 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep.7 (ANI): England cricket hero Andrew Flintoff is suffering from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf after knee surgery.

The 31-year-old all-rounder underwent an operation following the conclusion of this summer’s Ashes tournament.

A Sky News report said Flintoff could be sidelined for a minimum of six months.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement read: “Andrew Flintoff recently suffered a common complication of surgery, a minor deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. This will require a simple course of treatment and will not complicate his recovery from surgery.”

Flintoff retired from test cricket after playing in four of the five Ashes tests against Australia. England won the series 2-1.

He had announced his retirement before the second test at Lord’s following the latest in a series of career-threatening injuries.

But ‘Freddie’ is hoping to continue playing one-day and Twenty20 internationals. (ANI)

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Uncle Sam serves up tax bill to Philippoussis

September 6, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Melbourne, Sep.6 (ANI): Tennis ace Mark Philippoussis is being chased by the US taxman and has sold his Williamstown family home to avoid having it repossessed.

It has now emerged that the US Internal Revenue Service has pursued the Scud for about 1.4 million dollars during the past decade.

US records show the IRS still wants about 500,000 dollars for tax debts dating back to 2003.

Philippoussis, who according to his mother is playing in a tournament in San Diego, revealed to the Sunday Herald Sun in May that his money was gone, he was depressed and he was battling to save the family home from repossession.

“Money came in left, right and centre; you just thought that’s how it was for everyone and that’s how it always will be,” he said at the time.

The Davis Cup hero put his Williamstown home on the market to avoid having it repossessed over his unpaid 1.3 million dollar mortgage, but it was passed in for 775,000 dollars in July.

Wayne Elly, of Hocking Stuart, yesterday confirmed Scud’s house had sold recently for about the asking price of 950,000 dollars.

Philippoussis once owned at least five properties in the US, selling the last one in 2005 at a loss.

Official US records suggest he still owes about 180,000 dollars for the 2004 financial year and about 317,000 dollars from 2003.

A former tax debt for about 918,000 dollars dating back to 2001 was satisfied in 2004, according to the Palm Beach County records office.

The IRS would not comment this week, but a US tax expert said the documents suggested the agency was confident it could recoup the debt. (ANI)

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Assam football club creates swine flu awareness

September 6, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Guwahati, Sep 5(ANI): With numerous cases of swine flu being detected in different parts of northeast, a local football club in Assam’s Guwahati city has taken up an initiative to create mass awareness about the deadly H1N1 virus through a football tournament.

In a tournament sponsored by Udyan Kristi Sangha, the Rainbow XI Club played the game wearing facemasks with an aim to create awareness about Swine Flu among the villagers, who have little knowledge about the disease.

“We are wearing mask and playing football to create awareness about swine flu among the villagers, so that they can be vigil and take necessary precautionary measures,” said Monoj Basumatary, a Rainbow Club player.

While, T. Medhi, a member of the organising committee, said: “Swine Flu is spreading and in this regard, the club from Odalbakra has done a fine job in creating awareness about the swine flu.”

In the first case of swine flu reported from the northeastern states, a 19-year-old Manipuri woman fencer who returned from a competition in Singapore tested positive for the disease.

While in Meghalaya, five persons have already tested positive for the H1N1 virus and in Assam, a law student who recently came to Guwahati also tested positive.

Authorities in the northeastern region have taken precautionary measures against the spread of swine flu. By Peter Alex Todd(ANI)

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Corporate trophy to boost employment opportunities for cricketers

September 2, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, Sep 2 (ANI): The eight day ‘Inter-Corporate National Cricket Tournament’ featuring 12 corporate teams to be held at four centres, is expected to generate employment opportunities for domestic cricket players in India’s corporate houses.

The tournament began simultaneously in Bangalore and Dharamshala on Tuesday.

The participating teams are set to compete for the winning amount of Rupees 1 crore.

Cricket players believe that the tournament, given official status by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI), is a good opportunity especially for domestic cricket players.

“It is a very important tournament, the BCCI has given it official status, even if it hadn’t it would still be important for cricketers as they are playing for their company. It is also an opportunity for cricketers to get employment and it will be good for them, so it is a good tournament,” said Rohan Gavaskar, cricketer.

A season starter, the tournament is believed to be good for the players who haven’t played for the past few months and a warm up for top players before the one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka starting on September 11 and the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

“Keeping in mind the timing of the tournament, the guys have had a couple of months break, they haven’t played for a couple of months before the season starts again. So it will be a good time for them to have a hit and also for the selectors to have look at some of the new youngsters,” said Hemant Badani, another cricketer.

Known players such as Harbhajan Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, RP Singh, VVS Laxman, Mohammad Kaif, Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar are also participating in the tournament. (ANI)

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Pak hypnotist vows to change KKR’s fortunes, writes letter to SRK

August 30, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Islamabad, Aug.30 (ANI): After having helped the Pakistan cricket team win the ICC World T20 Championship, famous psychotherapist and hypnotist Maqbool ‘Max’ Babri has expressed his interest in holding training sessions for the troubled Indian Premier League (IPL) team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to change its fortunes.

Babri has written a letter to KKR owner Shahrukh Khan and the team’s former captain Sourav Ganguly’s brother, Snehashish Ganguly, expressing his desires to be KKR’s ‘mental’coach and ‘thought manager’ for the third season of the IPL.

“I will very much like to be a part of your team as a thought manager and mind coach. People think I am a magician, but I must confess that I am not a magician but certainly what I do appears to be like magic and transforms people to really excel in what they do and makes them happy and buoyant,” Babri stated in his letter.

Interestingly, Babri had predicted that Pakistan, which was considered underdogs in the tournament, would win the T20 World Cup after spending six days with the team ahead of the event.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had appointed Babri to help players cope up with pressure and perform well in the T20 World Cuo after the team’s dismal show in previous events and lack of international exposure due the refusal of foreign teams to visit Pakistan citing security reasons, The Nation reports.

Babri is regarded highly in the Pakistan team, with former coach Geoff Lawson describing him as a ‘terrific asset’ for the squad. (ANI)

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Tendulkar unveils logo of KPL Belgavi Panthers

August 30, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Bangalore, Aug. 30 (ANI): Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday launched the logo and the colours of the Belgavi Panthers Team, which will take part in the upcoming and fledging Karnataka Premier League (KPL).

The owners of the Belagavi Panthers team representing Karnataka’s Belgaum city capitalised on the presence of Tendulkar in Bangalore, who is presently undergoing the four-days long fitness regime of the Indian team prior to Sri Lanka tour.

Belgavi Panthers is the name given to Belgaum Franchise and will be led by J Arun Kumar, the former Karnataka Ranji team captain, in the first season.

“I want to wish Belgavi Panthers all the very best for the current season and enjoy the game. I know the captain J Arun Kumar who is going to invite a lot of lot of energy in the team. And I just want to wish Belgavi Panthers all the luck and make the most of this. So all the very best,” Tendulkar said.

He pointed out that the 20-20 tournaments are a boon for the game since economic security is assured to the players.

“In between there was a phase because of recession and also before that where the cricketers were not getting employment they were always hired on contract basis. So there were no permanent jobs and no form of security as such.

“With the introduction of the tournament (20-20 league) there are sort of recruitment as permanent jobs. So the credit goes to BCCI. For this particular tournament, Mr. Wadia is here with us. I think it’s a fantastic thing to do for the youngsters and the cricketers in Karnataka,” he added.

KPL tournament has been designed on the format of Indian Premier League (IPL) and many star cricketers like Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey will play for different teams in the tournament beginning from the second week of September. (ANI)

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Priority is to win, I am never going to smile on court, says Murray

August 29, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New York, Aug 29(ANI): British tennis player Andy Murray has said that during a match his main focus is on winning it, and he won’t crack a grin to impress his fans as he doesn’t care about anything else.

“I don’t go out of my way to ask the general public if they like me or not. That’s not really No.1 in my priorities,” The Mirror quoted Murray, as saying.

“I am never going to smile on the court. I don’t see the other top guys smiling and joking when they are playing. It is a serious business. Just like it is in other sports. Before or after you might joke around – I spend most of my time joking around – but when you step on the court, it is business,” he added.

The 22-year-old further displayed his qualities to become a top player and said that he likes to concentrate hard on his game and he extracts gratification it.

“I’ve got three hours to concentrate. To concentrate hard. So, that’s what I do. Is it still fun? That’s a good question. When you are training, it is hard work but you feel you can enjoy yourself. There’s no pressure,” Murray said.

“It is just practising a sport I love playing. But when it comes to a tournament, it is all dependent on whether you are winning or not,” he added. (ANI)

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Ronaldo’s insatiable appetite for major Championship League titles

August 29, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Madrid, Aug 28(ANI): Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo reckons that while the Champions League is the biggest tournament to win in all club competitions, he also dreams of winning the Spanish League.

“I have always admired the Spanish league and dream of winning it one day. When I retire I want to look back and say that I have won both English and Spanish titles, the Champions League and hopefully more international titles,” The Sun quoted Ronaldo, as saying.

Ronaldo also said that he is ready to make up for his last season’s Champions League heartbreak with Manchester United by winning the competition this season with Real Madrid.

“Football doesn’t always go as you would like, but it does still bother me that we lost that game,” Ronaldo said.

“The only thing I am not happy about in my final year was that we could not win the Champions League final again, but I did all I could for Manchester United,” he added.

Ronaldo further said that Barcelona were a force last season and they won the Champions League as they exploited their chances.

“You have to respect Barcelona because they won three big titles last season and that says a lot about their strength, but I don’t think they were better than us (Man U). They were just more efficient when they got their chances,” he said. (ANI)

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Alam backs Pakistan to win Champions Trophy, says momentum is with team

August 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Karachi, Aug.27 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam has backed his team as favourites for winning the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in South Africa in September.

Despite the disastrous tour of Sri Lanka, Alam said the momentum is with Pakistan.

“We lost the Test and one-day series in Sri Lanka but won the last three games of the tour. Those results were very important and now the momentum is with us ahead of the Champions Trophy,” said Alam.

However, Alam admitted that Pakistan would have to play really well to succeed in the eight nation tournament, in which it shares the group with India and Australia.

“Australia and India are two of the world’s best teams but in a way it’s good for us that both of them are in our group,” The News quoted Alam, as saying.

Alam said his boys were looking forward for battle against arch rivals India.

“A match against India is always a big one and the team is planning to go all out for a win against them,” he said.

Pakistan has never won a game in ICC tournaments like the World Cup and the Champions Trophy against India.

Alam believed that Australia would be vulnerable in the tournament, particularly after their morale-shattering Ashes defeat against England.

“For Australia, Ashes is the ultimate thing. Their morale would be really low and I believe that would be good for our cause,” he added.

Commenting on the selection committee’s controversial decision to include tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif omitting experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from the 15-man squad, Alam said Asif will add strength to bowling line-up.

“We certainly need a bowler like him. Asif will add to our team’s strength. He is fully fit and has played plenty of cricket in the last five or six months,” he said. (ANI)

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Qadir criticizes selection committee for dropping Razzaq, Butt

August 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Lahore, Aug.27 (ANI): Former chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Abdul Qadir, has criticized the selection committee for omitting experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from the ICC Champions Trophy squad.

Qadir also condemned the committee’s decision to ignore opening batsman Salman Butt for the eight nation tournament.

“I don’t know in what direction this present cricket board is taking Pakistan cricket into. There is no consistency in selection at all. Salman is your most experienced opener with an average of close to 40 in Tests and one-day internationals.Yet the selectors have ignored him for such a big tournament and instead opted for only one specialist opener in Imran Nazir,” Qadir said.

He expressed amazement at the exclusion of Razzaq, saying even though the all-rounder had performed well during the ICC World Twenty20 Championship, and did satisfactory job during the Sri Lanka tour, he was axed.

“If the board and selectors didn’t want to pick Razzaq for a major tournament like the Champions Trophy then why send him to Sri Lanka or England for the T20 World Cup in the first place,” The Daily Times quoted Qadir, as saying.

He also raised questions over the selection of tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif in the 15-man squad.

“I don’t understand what was the hurry of picking Asif when he has not played for over a year. The pace department is already strong with Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamir, Rao Iftikhar and Rana Naved bowling well. So what was the point in rushing Asif into the main fray,” he said. (ANI)

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