The big news: It's Anurag Thakur v Shashank Manohar

Board of Control for Cricket in India president Anurag Thakur launched an all-out attack on International Cricket Council chairman Shashank Manohar on Sunday, accusing him of working against the Indian cricket body.

Thakur told reporters during the final of the Duleep Trophy on Saturday that he was appalled by Manohar’s approach and questioned his mindset. Manohar headed the BCCI before being elected unopposed as the chairman of the ICC in May.

“Plenty of members felt that Manohar left the board just when he was needed in the board. When BCCI wanted to seek his help, he wasn't ready to come forward. What he is today [is] because of BCCI and right now he is working against the interest of Indian cricket," fumed Thakur. “When the Board needed Manohar as President (locked in a legal battle in Supreme Court), he left the Board in middle of things. It is like captain of ship leaving a sinking ship before other members,"

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In an earlier interview, Manohar had pointed that out as chairman of the ICC, he had to look after the international cricket body's interests.

The top stories

  1. Cheteshwar Pujara powered India Blue to 362/3 against India Red in the Duleep Trophy final in Greater Noida on Saturday. Pujara remained unbeaten on 111 with Gautam Gambhir also playing a vital knock of 94 before being bowled by Kuldeep Yadav.
  2. India coach Anil Kumble provided his support to batsman Cheteshwar Pujara who had lost his spot to Rohit Sharma in the third Test against West Indies in August. Kumble assured Pujara of having a free run in the middle order and backed Pujara’s capabilities, which he felt were essential for India’s Test success.
  3. Umar Akmal returned to Pakistan’s squad for the three Twenty20 Internationals against West Indies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, beginning from September 23. Akmal last played for Pakistan during the World Twenty20 and was then omitted from the squad on disciplinary grounds.
  4. In the Tamil Nadu Premier League, the Lyca Kovai Kings lost to VB Thiruvallur Veerans by two runs in their clash on Saturday. On Sunday, Dindigul Dragons and Karaikudi Kaalai will play each other. In their last match, Dragons' players were involved in an on-field brawl with Chapauk Super Gillies. Gillies spinner R Sai Kishore dismissed Dindigul batsman Jagadeesan Narayan after which the duo were involved in a brawl. Dindigul captain Ravichandran Ashwin tried to intervene and was livid with Sai Kishore. No action has been taken against the cricketers yet by the league or the BCCI.
  5. Australia A defeated India A by three wickets in a close finish on Sunday in the first unofficial Test at Brisbane. Australia chased down their target of 159 with three wickets in hand on Day 4.