Cricket has changed: Sachin

Kochi: Sachin Tendulkar feels cricket has changed a lot in recent times with fitness becoming an integral part. “The young crop of players were enjoying their game and it was good to see them in a positive frame of mind,” Tendulkar said at the 10th Castrol awards function here on Tuesday night.

A special trophy was presented to Sourav Ganguly for being India’s most successful captain in Tests. Jhulan Goswami got an award for outstanding performance in 2006.

Colonel C.K. Nayudu was nominated as Indian Cricketer for the era 1932-47, the awardees for 1947-61 and 1961-71 were Vinoo Mankad and M.A.K Pataudi, while Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev won the awards for 1971-81 and 1981-97. Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar shared the award for the sixth era.

Mahela gets Derby offer

Colombo: Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene has been approached by Derbyshire to play for them in the 2008 season. “Mahela has been offered to play for Derbyshire, but Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is yet to clear him,” said a source.

No deal with Inzy: PCB

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied agreeing to pay 10 million rupees ($152,000) to former captain Inzamam-ul Haq to mark his retirement from all forms of cricket.

An Urdu newspaper said Inzamam had held a meeting with PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf in which it was decided that Inzamam would be paid 10 million rupees for his services to Pakistani cricket.

NZ recall Vincent

Wellington: Batsman Lou Vincent has been recalled for next month’s Test tour of South Africa, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Wednesday. Vincent, who has been in and out of the Test squad since his debut against Australia in 2001, replaced Peter Fulton who was ruled out with a knee injury.

SA help

Johannesburg: The struggling Zimbabwean national cricket side could be invited to play in South Africa’s domestic competitions this season, a newspaper reported on Wednesday. The proposal has been endorsed by CSA chief executive Gerald Majola and has ICC’s backing.