WI women’s team cancels Pakistan tour

Karachi: Jittery about the security situation in Pakistan, the West Indies women’s cricket team has called off its tour to the troubled country that was scheduled from October 14 to 30.

“The West Indies board has sent us official intimation that their women’s team is not coming to Pakistan because they have reservations over their players safety and security because of the existing security situation in Pakistan,” a senior official of the board said.

Miandad advice

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad on Friday advised the Pakistan Cricket Board to play its home series at neutral and offshore venues until teams feel safe and secure to tour Pakistan. “Let’s be honest the conditions are not ideal and we are on a high security alert. It is better to avoid having international teams playing in Pakistan,” Miandad said.

Azad’s threat

Patna: The Association of Bihar Cricket (ABC), headed by former cricketer Kirti Azad, on Friday threatened to drag the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the court if its demand for recognition was not met.

Indians shine

New Delhi: Three Indian shuttlers — including national champion Chetan Anand — cruised into the singles semi-finals of the Bitburger Open badminton tournament in Germany on Friday. Chetan thumped Lithuanian Kestutis Navickas 21-10, 21-17 while Arvind Bhat defeated compatriot P. Kashyap 21-15, 17-21, 21-15. In women’s singles, Aditi Mutatkar spanked German Carola Bott 21-13, 21-10 in.

Lifter banned

New Delhi: Karnataka weightlifter Satheesha Rai, who was earlier let off by the Indian Weighlifting Federation (IWF) despite his second dope offence, has now been handed a life ban.

Bhullar 51st

Seoul: Gaganjeet Bhullar turned in an even-par 71 for a share of the 51st spot but Rahil Gangjee faltered yet again, carding a 76 in the weather-interrupted second round of the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open Friday.

Shooting meet

Calcutta: Joydeep Karmakar notched up 298 points and set a meet record in the Free Rifle Prone event for men on the first day’s competition at the 41st West Bengal Shooting Championship, held at North Calcutta Rifle Club, says A Staff Reporter. In the men’s Air Pistol category, Sanju Banerjee became the sharpest shooter with 357 points. Runa Sengupta and Sandip Kundu emerged victorious in the Sports Rifle (Prone) category for women and Air Rifle Peep Sight for men, respectively.