Mahela to be DD vice-captain

New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils on Wednesday appointed Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene as vice-captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). “He has an excellent track record as a leader of men and draws enormous respect from his team-mates,” Daredevils’ Team Mentor TA Sekar said. “We are aware of the immense value that Mahela brings to the table and are sure that the team will benefit from his presence in the leadership team.” Sekar said skipper Virender Sehwag welcomed the choice.

Sahara to get consent

Mumbai: The IPL Governing Council on Wednesday ratified all the issues agreed upon with the Sahara Group one of which related to the Pune franchise’s request for fielding a fifth foreign player in the playing XI as a special case in the upcoming fifth season of the T20 League. “All the things which were decided with Sahara were ratified by the Governing Council,” IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said after the meeting. “On the fifth foreign player’s issue, (as was agreed upon), Sahara has to get the consent of all other franchises before that matter will be put before the (BCCI) Working Committee, which will take the final call.”

Savio to rest trio for friendly

New Delhi: The Indian national football team is set to take on a strong Oman side in an international friendly, sans striker Sunil Chhetri, Lalrindika Ralte and stopper Nirmal Chhetri at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Stadium in Muscut on Thursday. The match is a part of India’s preparation for the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup, to be held in Kathmandu in March. “All of them have some niggles. We are here to prepare for the AFC Challenge Cup. I don’t want to risk them in an International Friendly against Oman. The more time they get, the more will they recover,” Savio said.

Asia Cup squad on March 1

Mumbai: With the Indian team struggling in the triangular one-day series in Australia, the national selectors will have their task cut out when they meet on March 1 here to pick the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. “The Asia Cup squad is to be selected in Mumbai on March 1,” said Cricket Board sources on Wednesday. In the backdrop of the team’s poor display Down Under, it remains to be seen how many members of the squad presently touring Australia are retained for the continental championship that is to be held in Dhaka from March 11-22.

Man U’s cash reserves fall

London: Manchester United’s cash reserves fell by £100 million ($158 million) in six months partially to finance an investment in the squad that is failing to maintain the English champions’ dominance on the pitch. As a result of spending that also took in stadium improvements and a bond repurchase program, the Old Trafford bank balance dropped from £150.6 million to £50.9 million by December 31, the club’s quarterly accounts revealed on Tuesday. Man U spent £48 million on new players, including David de Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young.