Celeb’s Favorite IPL Players

The IPL proved what the fusion of the two biggest obsessions of a country can bring out. The aesthetic combination of Cinema and Cricket revolutionized the sport and showed that celebrities can be good entrepreneurs too. Our celebrities talk about their personal favorites among the IPL players.

Isha Koppikar, who is known for her love of cricket says, "Yuvi! He’s the best player and I must say as a captain he has guided the Punjab boys in a very fine way. I love the energy he puts out on the field."

Rohit Roy, who is the mascot for Rajasthan Royals, says, "Shane Watson is one player I deeply admire. I had seen the fantastic professional side of him during the matches. But recently I met him and I got to see what a great human being he is."

Shaad Randhawa and Mandira Bedi reflect Rohit’s sentiments. Shaad says, "Shane is an all rounder. He is one of the very consistent players in the international cricket arena. I’ve watched him throughout the tournament and in all the matches he has never failed to impress me."

Mandira says, "Initially it was some other player but Shane’s flair for the game made me cheat on him. Now I’m all for Shane!"

One of the newcomers in Bollywood, Sikandar Kher says, "My favorite is and has always been and will be Sachin Tendulkar. I cannot think of any other Indian or international player who can outshine him."

Actor Parveen Dabbas, who was last seen in Khosla Ka Ghosla and Breaking News says, "My favorite player is Saurav Ganguly. He is a very passionate player. He is also very knowledgeable and experienced. I like him for that."

So there you have it but now as the final draws close it's time for you to pick your favourite player of the IPL!

Yuvraj's going to the Euro to meet Ronaldo

Yuvraj Singh, a big Manchester United fan will have one of his dreams fulfilled when he will go to the Portugal-Switzerland Euro 2008 clash at Basel to give away the Man-of-the-Match award. Yuvraj hopes to meet his favourite Red Devil Cristiano Ronaldo who will be playing for his home team Portugal at the tie.

Yuvraj's busy schedule as India cricketer doesn't leave him as much time for following football he claims but he always tries to catch Man U games even when he can't watch other Premiership matches. In fact, even after the nail biting last ball match in which Yuvraj's Kings XI team beat the Mumbai Indians by 1 run at Wankhede, Yuvraj stayed up to watch the Champions League final in which Manchester United beat Chelsea.

Yuvraj is currently with the Indian team in Dhaka where they are playing a tri-series against Bangladesh and Pakistan. He will fly to Basel from Dhaka on 15th after the finals for which India seem to be a shoo-in after their annihilation of Pakistan on Tuesday.

He obviously feels quite honoured to be invited to give away the Man-of-the-Match award at a tournament of the stature of the Euro and will be proud to be an Indian representation among the sporting legends.

Carlsberg, the sponsors of the Euro had initially approached Indian ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, another known football fanatic, but he couldn't commit himself as rains could cause the finals to be played on the 15th, a reserve day.

Does Pepsi will change the game ?

watch it cool funny video of Pepsi :D

Kings XI or Queens XI?

Hot gossip in Bollywood is that of Preity Zinta being on the verge of breaking up with long time partner Ness Wadia.

The cause for this is supposedly Preity's new found popularity amongst the cricketing fraternity. Preity was co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab team along with Ness Wadia and a few others. Also, her closer than comfort relationship with Kings XI skipper too has raised a few eyebrows. The fact that the team couldn't win the inaugural IPL has not gone down well with the businessman in Ness Wadia who feels his investment has taken a beating.

While they are known to have occasional little spats between their two contrasting personalities, the question is whether the fight has gone a step forward now.

Priety on her part is busy with her future projects which include a Jahnu Barua film and a world tour with the Bachchans. She said, "What rumours are you talking about? Which couple doesn't have its ups and downs? Ness and I are no exception. You don't go ahead and break-up just because you fight."

So then is the relationship going forward? She denied it saying she has no immediate plans for marriage "even my family is not concerned about my marriage. It's not happening in the near future."

Where does this leave Yuvraj? Rumour is that a teasing relation between team owner and team skipper was seen in flashes but that it was much to read into. Now its up to these two to talk about it and clear the air.

Pepsi drops Tendulkar

Injuries have plagued the last few years of Sachin Tendulkar's career and while he has performed on occasions when he has been fit, his lack of presence on the pitch has seemed to affect his endorsements. Cola manufacturer, Pepsi has decided to drop in the Indian cricket legend from his list of ambassadors which includes Amitabh Bachchan, MS Dhoni, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.

The decision to drop Tendulkar isn't a shock for most people as his brand value has dropped significantly over the last few years. Tendulkar spent most of the Indian Premier League on the sidelines with a injury and the batting genius spent more time commentating than playing for the Mumbai Indians.

The emergence of MS Dhoni as the new sensation on the advertising scene has meant that Tendulkar has been relegated to the back burner. Tendulkar has had lesser prominence in TV and print with brands endorsed by Dhoni flooding the market.

Hello Guys..Wht's Your Highest Score In Gully Cricket....?? :)

Dhoni celebrates birthday with new deal

India may have missed out on the Asia Cup but India's ODI and T20 captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni ensured that he celebrated it in style by signing a deal with Mindscapes Maestros, a celebrity management company that was launched in Mumbai on Monday.

Dhoni becomes the first signing by the company which plans to rope in a number of other sportsmen and celebrities as it markets them across the country. "I am just the first celebrity signed by Mindscapes Maestros which will promote sports events, production and get into celebrity management," he said.

Dhoni is emerging as the most valuable cricketer for advertisers and he will soon eclipse Sachin Tendulkar, if he hasn't already. The deal signals a change in the way cricketers have themselves managed and could see their worth only rising in the advertising industry.

Dhoni joined the company which has been in existence for six years now. The firm was started by Pratik Sen and Ranadeb Paul. The company saw a new entrant in Yudajit Dutta, who managed the Kolkatta Knight Riders. Dhoni knew Dutta for quite a while and their familiarity would have certainly gone a long way in getting the deal done.

While Dhoni didn't divulge how much the deal was for, surely the big bucks will make it a very happy birthday indeed. Happy 27th Birthday MS Dhoni!

Sachin to move to his dream house

After purchasing Dorab Villa, an old bungalow in Mumbai, Sachin Tendulkar is set to have work begin at the property that is located in Bandra which one of the most expensive parts of suburban Mumbai.

Sachin, who lives in an apartment in Bandra, will now move into a bungalow like India's elite celebrities, which include Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Tendulkar, who made the purchase from Satra group, will renovate the 88 year old place at the least if he doesn't plan to tear in down and start from scratch.

Tendulkar, who was eyeing the property for a very long time is understood to be very excited about moving there someday. The master blaster purchased the place earlier this year in a deal value to be around Rs 35 crore.

While family members refused to comment on the purchase, a source close to the legendary batsman says that it is unlikely that Sachin will move there this year. "The place needs sprucing up. He could move there either late in the year or early next year as there are a lot of things he would like to get done."

Tendulkar has spent all his life in Bandra. He lived in Bandra East and then moved to a flat in the West. He has some famous neighbours for company at his current residence in Le Meridian. With the likes of Abhishek, Aishwarya Bachchan and Ad man Pralhad Kakkar living in the same building, Tendulkar certainly shares his space wit some of the biggest names.

With just a few years left for the master batsman in international cricket, Tendulkar seems to be beginning to focus a lot on his family. Sachin sure did a number of people proud with style that he brought to the game with his batting so there is no reason why he can't live in some more style as well.

CSK Skipper MS Dhoni wins the toss and decides to bat first against KKR.

Sachin Tendulkar & His Family... A Must Watch video 

Unseen Pictures Of Sachin Tendulkar's Family Consisting Of His Father, Mother, Wife, Son & His Daughter.... Must Watch Video...

Sri Lanka banks on Sachin's record to attract Indian tourists

Sachin Tendulkar is just 171 runs short of overtaking Brian Lara as the top Test run-getter and Sri Lanka tourism is hoping to encash the impending moment to woo Indian tourists for next month's Test series against Mahela Jayawardane's men.

"Sachin is a mere 171 runs behind (Brian) Lara's aggregate of 11,953 runs and is expected to set the new mark during India's third Test series in Sri Lanka in July/August 2008," Sri Lanka Tourism Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya told reporters here today.

Sri Lankan Tourism has tied up with national carrier SriLankan Airlines and a couple of hotels to promote the cricket series. "We expect about 5,000 to 6,000 Indian fans to come to Sri Lanka for the series. Visas are given for 30 days on arrival," he said.

The Tourism Board announced a few tour packages for Indians. It includes return economy airfare ticket and two nights accommodation, he said.

The package from Mumbai for a person is Rs 18,099, Chennai Rs 11,199, Delhi Rs 20,999 and Trichy Rs 11,599. SriLankan Airlines has 100 flights a week to India and flies to 11 destinations here. The Sri Lankan national carrier is 58 per cent owned by the government and 42 per cent by UAE's Emirates

Waugh shares his experience with Aussie athletes

Former Test cricket great Steve Waugh is working with the Australian athletes at the Beijing Olympics offering advice and acting as a sounding board.

The former Australian cricket captain is here in a mentoring capacity and his experience dealing with the pressures of elite sport is helping to prepare Australia's large team of athletes ahead of the start of Olympics competition on Saturday.

Waugh, 43, was lending some practical advice and encouragement to Australia's female beach volleyballers at the Chaoyang Park beach volleyball venue Thursday and revelling in the atmosphere of an Olympic Games.

"It's sensational, it's a real privilege to be here," Waugh said. "To get up close and personal with so many sports and training venues and to see what they have put into their sports, I feel really honoured to be here."

Waugh, who is one of three athlete liaison staff working with the Australian athletes, believes he can offer the athletes some inside knowledge when it comes to dealing with pressures on the international stage.

"I've met most of the teams over the last six to nine months, and I just try and build up a relationship and if any of the athletes need some words from any of us, then I guess our role is to pass on our own experiences in sport," he said.

"A lot of the same issues pop up no matter what sports you play, dealing with pressure, expectations, getting through injuries and just other little things."

Athlete liaisons for other Australian sports in Beijing include former Wallabies rugby captain John Eales and swimming champion Susie O'Neill.

Dhoni, Yuvraj to appear in a reality show

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Indian ODI captain, and Yuvraj Singh, Indian vice captain, will make use of their time off from the game to appear on the reality show 'Chak De Bachche' which is a singing and dance contest for kids.

The show pits children from small towns against those from metros and the cricketing stars will be the chief guests, a release from the channel said.

Each will be supporting one team with Dhoni cheering on the Desi Dhurandhars while Yuvraj will throw his weight behind the Metro Rockers.

The show, is being hosted by Bhojpuri actor-singer Manoj Tiwari and actress Roshni Chopra. Sitting on the panel of judges are the likes of choreographer Ganesh Achariya, actress Raveena Tandon and music composer duo of Salim-Sulaiman.

The show will see the judges also strutting their stuff to add another dimension to the finale. The show is scheduled to be telecast August 2 at 9 p.m. on 9X channel.

Marital troubles force Lee to miss series

Star Australian paceman Brett Lee confirmed here Thursday that the breakdown of his marriage was behind his decision to miss the upcoming one-day series against Bangladesh. Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Wednesday that Lee would miss the three-match series for personal reasons, and rumours immediately surfaced that it was because his two-year marriage to Liz Kemp was over.

A number of newspaper reports on Thursday pointed to marital problems and the 31-year-old confirmed that was the reason in a brief statement released through CA. "We have been caught by surprise as to how quickly our situation has become public," Lee said in the statement. "It is with regret that I confirm today's media reports are correct and that Liz and I have decided to separate. Given the personal nature of the matter I ask that you please respect our privacy as we attempt to deal with this sensitive situation."

Lee said he would be making no further comment on the issue. He and Kemp married in June 2006 in a lavish ceremony, after Lee proposed to the podiatrist on a tour of South Africa. Their son, Preston, was born later that year. The Daily Telegraph reported the relationship had been on the rocks for a couple of months, the news breaking just days after the fast bowler launched his own brand of men's underwear. In a surprise move, Lee was replaced for the three-match series by Tasmanian Brett Geeves, who has not previously played for Australia.

Australia were already without captain Ricky Ponting for the series, while he recovers from wrist surgery. Opener Matthew Hayden has been named for the series, despite lingering concerns over an Achilles injury. All three matches will be played in Darwin, on August 30, and September 3 and 6.

The series is currently scheduled to be followed by the troubled Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Australia then have a Test tour of India, where Lee is a massive star, having recorded a hit Bollywood single last year. Lee is soon to make his Bollywood film debut in Victory, directed by Manmohan Shetty

Tune-in: Watch Chennai Super Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders @ IPL 5 at 08:00 p.m.
Fans of Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders here above is the link to know Who is going to win today IPL match. Fasten your seat belts ;)

Tendulkar at French Grand Prix to cheer Force India

Sachin Tendulkar's passion for motorsports is hardly a secret and since the Indian batting maestro's current injury break from cricket coincides with the French Grand Prix, he was seen at Magny-Cours cheering Force India during the race today.

Tendulkar, who is on a family holiday in London after being ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a groin injury, was seen cheering Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil, who started at the back of the grid.

A day before the Mumbaikar met Karun Chandhok, who is participating in the GP2 series at the Magny-Cours, said: "Sachin met me here. It was a pleasant experience to meet a cricket star like him. I am a huge fan of his. He likes motorsports and understands the sport pretty well. Basically he is here to cheer for Force India."

Chandhok revealed that Tendulkar sought information on the Magny-Cours track and the weather conditions. "Only a driver can ask the kind of insightful questions he asked me. I think he loves motorsports as much as cricket," he said. Tendulkar owns a Ferrari, gifted to him by multiple-time world champion Michael Schumacher after the 2002 British Grand Prix. He is scheduled to play for the Lashings World XI from June 24 as part of his build-up for the tour of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan cricketers in Bollywood movie

Sri Lanka's top cricketers got a taste of Bollywood stardom when they were filmed for an upcoming movie that features some of the best players in the world.

Scenes for "Victory," a story of a small town boy who dreams of playing cricket for India, were shot in Colombo last week, with actor Harman Baweja playing against Sri Lanka's national team. Sri Lankan stars Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya were among those filmed at one of Colombo's oldest cricket venues, the Oval.

Also starring in the 10-million-dollar movie will be the Indian team, plus Australian paceman Brett Lee, England bowlers Sajid Mahmood and Simon Jones, and New Zealander Craig McMillan. "The film combines what Indians love best - cricket, music and Bollywood movies," Sri Lankan producer Chandran Rutnam, who handled the Colombo leg of the shooting, told AFP.

Rutnam said Bollywood names such as Baweja and Amrita Rao play key roles in the movie, but the biggest draw would be 40 international cricketers from seven countries, who all play themselves.

Sri Lankan paceman Dilhara Fernando said, "This was more difficult than actually playing cricket," after his first Bollywood experience. The plot centres around a father who dreams his young son (played by Baweja) will rise from a small village in Rajasthan to play cricket for India.

Harman Baweja, told reporters, "Luckily, I've always been a cricket fan, but then I think every Indian is born loving cricket." Playing against some of the world's most famous cricketers was an intimidating experience, Baweja said. "It helps that they are all going easy on me," he admitted.

Filming, which began in Sydney last December, also includes locations in India, England and Pakistan, Rutnam said. The film is intended to give a glimpse into backstage politics and the role that sponsors, selectors and managers play in the game, he said.

"Victory" is not Bollywood's first move into cricket. Lagaan was released to rapturous reviews in 2001 and was nominated for an Oscar for best foreign language film. In 2003, British-made film Wondrous Obliviontold the story of a young Jewish cricket fan growing up next door to West Indian immigrants in south London in 1960.

For "Victory" director Ajitpal Mangat, meeting the stars of the game has been one of the highlights of the marathon shoot. "These are all guys I've sort of admired from afar - and then here's Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan) actually taking directions from me," Mangat said. The film is scheduled to have its premier in January in Bombay, followed by a release in Britain.

Deccan Chargers beat Pune Warriors for first IPL win.

 Pune

 News

 Friday April 27, 2012

Deccan Chargers tasted their first win of the fifth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they beat Pune Warriors by 19 runs at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium here on Thursday.
It took an all-round effort by Deccan Chargers for their first win, having suffered five consecutive losses.
Deccan Chargers, however, are still languishing at the bottom of the league with six points from three matches.
Pune Warriors, who were cheered by former skipper Yuvraj Singh from the dug out, suffered their second consecutive loss in the IPL and are now sixth with eight points from nine matches.
Opting to bat first, Deccan Chargers first put a challenging total of 177 for four in 20 overs after Cameron White top scored with 78 off 46 balls. White smashed five sixes and six fours and added impressive 75 runs for the fourth wicket with Jean Paul Duminy (26 not out) to take Chargers to lead the Deccan's innings.
Deccan Chargers bowlers then churned out their most disciplined performance restricting Pune Warriors to 159 for seven in 20 overs.
Debutant pacer Ashish Reddy was the pick of the bowlers bagging two for 32 while South Africa Juan Theron also bagged two for 37.
Pune Warriors never got their chase on track as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Robin Uthappa was the top scorer with 29 while Australian all-rounder Steven Smith made 26.
Pune Warriors batsmen had to blame themselves for the loss as their batsmen got starts but could not convert them into big scores.
Skipper Sourav Ganguly (23) failed to make the most of the life he got on 22 when Jean Paul Duminy dropped a sitter at the point. Ganguly survived three more balls before falling to pacer Manpreet Gony.

Cheer leaders Who attract audience are below :

Bangalore Royal Challengers Cheerleaders Photos - IPL T20

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers Cheerleaders Photos & Pictures - IPL Twenty20 Wallpapers

Rajasthan Royals Cheerleaders Photos - IPL Twenty20

Kolkata Knight Riders Cheerleaders Pictures - IPL Twenty20

Mohali Kings XI Punjab Cheerleaders Photos - IPL T20

Chennai SuperKings Cheerleaders Photos - IPL Twenty20

Mumbai Indians Cheerleaders Photos & Pictures - IPL T20 Wallpapers

IPL dates for those who are crazy about matches :D enjoy

April 29
 4 PM
 Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals
 Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

April 29
 8 PM
 Mumbai Indians v Deccan Chargers
 Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

April 30
 8 PM
 Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders
 MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

May 1
 4 PM
 Deccan Chargers v Pune Warriors
 Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

May 1
 8 PM
 Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Daredevils
 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

May 2
 8 PM
 Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab
 M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

May 3
 8 PM
 Pune Warriors v Mumbai Indians
 Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune

May 4
 8 PM
 Chennai Super Kings v Deccan Chargers
 MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

May 5
 4 PM
 Kolkata Knight Riders v Pune Warriors
 Eden Gardens, Kolkata

May 5
 8 PM
 Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals
 Punjab Cricket stadium,Chandigarh

May 6
 4 PM
 Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings
 Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

May 6
 8 PM
 Royal Challengers Bangalore v Deccan Chargers
 M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

May 7
 8 PM
 Delhi Daredevils v Kolkata Knight Riders
 Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

May 8
 4 PM
 Pune Warriors v Rajasthan Royals
 Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune

May 8
 8 PM
 Deccan Chargers v Kings XI Punjab
 Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

May 9
 8 PM
 Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore
 Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

May 10
 4 PM
 Deccan Chargers v Delhi Daredevils
 Rajiv Gandhi Stadium,Uppal,Hyderabad

May 10
 8 PM
 Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings
 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

May 11
 8 PM
 Pune Warriors v Royal Challengers Bangalore
 Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune

May 12
 4 PM
 Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians
 Eden Gardens, Kolkata

May 12
 8 PM
 Chennai Super Kings v Delhi Daredevils
 MA Chidambaram Stadium,  Chennai

May 13
 4 PM
 Rajasthan Royals v Pune Warriors
 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

May 13
 8 PM
 Kings XI Punjab v Deccan Chargers
 Punjab Cricket stadium,Chandigarh

May 14
 4 PM
 Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians
 M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

May 14
 8 PM
 Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings
 Eden Gardens, Kolkata

May 15
 8 PM
 Delhi Daredevils v Kings XI Punjab
 Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

May 16
 8 PM
 Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders
 Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

May 17
 4 PM
 Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings
 Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium, Dharamsala

May 17
 8 PM
 Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore
 Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

May 18
 8 PM
 Deccan Chargers v Rajasthan Royals
 Rajiv Gandhi Stadium,Uppal,Hyderabad

May 19
 4 PM
 Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils
 Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium, Dharamsala

May 19
 8 PM
 Pune Warriors v Kolkata Knight Riders
 Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune

May 20
 4 PM
 Deccan Chargers v Royal Challengers Bangalore
 Rajiv Gandhi Stadium,Uppal,Hyderabad

May 20
 8 PM
 Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians
 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

May 22
 8 PM
 Qualifier 1 – TBC v TBC (1st v 2nd)
 Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune

May 23
 8 PM
 Eliminator – TBC v TBC (3rd v 4th)
 M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore

May 25
 8 PM
 Qualifier 2 – TBC v TBC (Winner Eliminator v Loser Qualifier 1)
 MA Chidambaram Stadium,  Chennai

May 27
 8 PM
 Final – TBC v TBC
 MA Chidambaram Stadium,  Chennai

1st  IPL ( 2008 ) - Rajasthan Royals ( RR vs CSK )

2nd IPL ( 2009 ) - Deccan Chargers ( DC vs RC )

3rd IPL ( 2010 ) - Chennai Super Kings ( CSK vs MI )

4th IPL ( 2011 ) - Chennai Super Kings ( CSK vs RCB ) 

Ricky Ponting full Bio data 

Full name Ricky Thomas Ponting

Born December 19, 1974, Launceston, Tasmania

Current age 37 years 132 days

Major teams Australia, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders,Somerset, Tasmania

Nickname Punter

Playing role Top-order batsman

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm medium

Height 1.78 m

Education Mowbray Primary; Brooks Senior High School, Launceston