Wednesday 29 June 2011

Raina fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct


India player Suresh Raina has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during his team’s second Test against the West Indies in Barbados.

Raina was found to have breached Article 2.1.3 of the code which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse”.

After play concluded on day one, the left-handed batsman pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed sanction offered to him by Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

The offence took place in the 56th over of the India innings when Raina was caught off the bowling of Devendra Bishoo. The batsman shook his head to indicate that he did not hit the ball which seemed to be an attempt to influence the umpire’s decision. On being given out he looked to the sky in  disgust and then after picking his bat up from the ground swung it at the dirt as well as shaking his head again.

“What Suresh did was a clear breach of the code, something the player himself has accepted. There is a fine line between showing disappointment at a dismissal and demonstrating dissent but on this occasion Suresh was well over that line and his behaviour was unacceptable,” said Mr Broad.

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee. The charge was brought by on-field umpires Asad Rauf and Billy Bowden as well as third umpire Gregory Brathwaite and fourth official Norman Malcolm.
 

ICC to review governance structures

The ICC Executive Board, following the strategic plan that was adopted in April and a firm recommendation from the Governance Review Committee today, unanimously agreed to undertake urgently an independent review of the ICC governance structures and processes. The Board therefore decided to defer the proposed constitutional amendment to the nominations process for election of the ICC President and accordingly withdrew its proposal to the Annual Conference in this regard.

The ICC Governance Review Committee had recommended that a wide-ranging, independent review should cover all governance-related matters including the possibility of appointing independent directors. The review will be required to be completed before the next ICC Executive Board meeting scheduled for October.

In the meantime, both the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have given undertakings not to nominate a candidate for ICC Vice-President before the external review is completed and the matter is again considered by the ICC Executive Board.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “I wholeheartedly welcome an independent review of the entire ICC governance and regard this as a major step to meet stakeholder expectations and the high standards of a world-class organisation.”

Pakistan Task Team

The Pakistan Task Team (PTT) has completed its work and presented a comprehensive report comprising 63 recommendations covering the key areas of governance, cricket administration, playing structure, financial viability and communications. The PTT comprises Giles Clarke (chairman), Mike Brearley, Peter Chingoka, Haroon Lorgat (ICC Chief Executive), Ranjan Madugalle, Ramiz Raja, and David Richardson (ICC General Manager- Cricket).

Mr Lorgat thanked the PTT members and the PCB for their constructive engagement during the past two years. He added: “The report was adopted unanimously by the ICC Board and I am pleased that the PCB will consider this report at its next Board meeting.”

The ICC Executive Board noted a request from the PCB to consider hosting an ICC event in Pakistan in 2018. No discussion was held and no assurances were given as the ICC has no confirmed event currently scheduled for 2018.

Mr Lorgat said: “We fully understand the PCB request and we will consider if it is possible to host an event in Pakistan subject to the standard safety and security clearances.”

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

There was a detailed report on the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 held in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. Although the event was universally acclaimed as a success and one of the best cricket events in history, the report highlighted certain shortcomings around ticketing and stadia construction.

Based on a recommendation from the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, the ICC Executive Board confirmed a revised policy that stadia hosting ICC global events must be match-ready at least six months before the event. The directors also noted the appointment of forensic auditors to review ticketing during the ICC Cricket World Cup, including allegations of black marketeering.

Mr Lorgat said: “Even though the event was hugely successful, it is important for us to learn lessons so that we can continually improve our events.”

The report also acknowledged the high standard of cricket and praised the excellent pitches and outfields prepared during the event. It also noted that the three host countries now have a legacy of excellent cricket facilities following the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Celebrating 2,000th Test match

The ICC Executive Board noted that the Test match between England and India at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London starting on 21 July will be the 2,000th Test match in history.

Mr Lorgat said: “We are planning to mark the occasion by celebrating this fantastic milestone. Test cricket is the pinnacle format of our game and I am confident that this series will confirm this enduring format in front of full houses.”

The ICC Board consists of the chairman or president from each of the 10 Full Members plus three Associate Member representatives. Also present at ICC Board meetings is the ICC President, who chairs proceedings, the ICC Chief Executive and the ICC Vice-President, as well as, by invitation of the President, the ICC Principal Advisor.
Sharad Pawar                                                        ICC President
Alan Isaac                                                             ICC Vice-President
Haroon Lorgat                                                      ICC Chief Executive

Ijaz Butt                                                                Pakistan
Peter Chingoka                                                     Zimbabwe
Giles Clarke                                                          England and Wales
Jack Clarke                                                            Australia
Dr Julian Hunte                                                     West Indies
Mustafa Kamal                                                      Bangladesh
Imran Khwaja                                                       Associate Member Representative
Shashank Manohar                                                India
Chris Moller                                                          New Zealand
Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka                                              South Africa
Keith Oliver                                                          Associate Member Representative
DS de Silva                                                           Sri Lanka
Neil Speight                                                          Associate Member Representative

Tuesday 28 June 2011

Davis Cup Team Nominations


The ITF has announced the team nominations for the 2011 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarterfinals and 24 Zone Group ties to be played on 8-10 July. The tie between Argentina and Kazakhstan will take place on 7-9 July due to government elections in Argentina.

WORLD GROUP QUARTERFINALS
SWEDEN v SERBIA
Venue: Halmstad Arena, Halmstad, SWE (hard – indoors)
Sweden
Michael Ryderstedt
Ervin Eleskovic
Robert Lindstedt
Simon Aspelin
Captain: Thomas Enqvist

Serbia
Novak Djokovic
Viktor Troicki
Janko Tipsarevic
Nenad Zimonjic
Captain: Bogdan Obradovic

ARGENTINA v KAZAKHSTAN (tie will be played 7, 8, and 9 July)
Venue: Parque Roca, Buenos Aires, ARG (clay – outdoors)

Argentina
Juan Ignacio Chela
Juan Martin del Potro
David Nalbandian
Juan Monaco
Captain: Tito Vazquez

Kazakhstan
Andrey Golubev
Mikhail Kukushkin
Yuriy Schukin
Evgeny Korolev
Captain: Yegor Shaldunov

USA v SPAIN
Venue: Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX, USA (hard – indoors)

USA
Mardy Fish
Andy Roddick
Bob Bryan
Mike Bryan
Captain: Jim Courier

Spain
David Ferrer
Fernando Verdasco
Feliciano Lopez
Marcel Granollers
Captain: Albert Costa

GERMANY v FRANCE
Venue: TC Weissenhof, Stuttgart, GER (clay – outdoors)

Germany
Florian Mayer
Philipp Kohlschreiber
Philipp Petzschner
Christopher Kas
Captain: Patrik Kuhnen

France
Gael Monfils
Richard Gasquet
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Michael Llodra
Captain: Guy Forget


AMERICAS ZONE GROUP I SECOND ROUND

ECUADOR v CANADA
Venue: Francisco Segura Cano (Guayaquil Tenis Club), Guayaquil, ECU (clay – outdoors)

Ecuador
Giovanni Lapentti
Julio-Cesar Campozano
Ivan Endara
Roberto Quiroz
Captain: Raul Viver

Canada
Milos Raonic
Vasek Pospisil
Philip Bester
Daniel Nestor
Captain: Martin Laurendeau

URUGUAY v BRAZIL
Venue: Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club, Montevideo, URU (clay – outdoors)

Uruguay
To be advised

Brazil
Thomaz Bellucci
Joao Souza
Rogerio Dutra Silva
Bruno Soares
Captain: Joao Zwetsch

ASIA/OCEANIA ZONE GROUP I SECOND ROUND

CHINA, P.R. v AUSTRALIA
Venue: Beijing International Tennis Center, Beijing, CHN (hard – indoors)

China, P.R.
Ze Zhang
Di Wu
Mao-Xin Gong
Zhe Li
Captain: Shao-Xuan Zeng

Australia
Lleyton Hewitt
Bernard Tomic
Chris Guccione
Marinko Matosevic
Captain: Patrick Rafter


JAPAN v UZBEKISTAN
Venue: Bourbon Beans Dome, Kobe, JPN (hard – indoors)

Japan
Kei Nishikori
Tatsuma Ito
Go Soeda
Hiroki Kondo
Captain: Eiji Takeuchi

Uzbekistan
Denis Istomin
Farrukh Dustov
Murad Inoyatov
Sarvar Ikramov
Captain: Petr Lebed

ASIA/OCEANIA ZONE GROUP I FIRST ROUND RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS

NEW ZEALAND v PHILIPPINES
Venue: TSB Hub, Hawera, NZL (hard – indoors)

New Zealand
Michael Venus
Artem Sitak
Jose Statham
Marcus Daniell
Captain: Marcel Vos

Philippines
Ruben Gonzales
Johnny Arcilla
Jeson Patrombon
Playing captain: Cecil Mamiit


EUROPE/AFRICA ZONE GROUP I SECOND ROUND

ITALY v SLOVENIA
Venue: Circolo Tennistico Corracilvuna, Arzachena, ITA (clay – outdoors)

Italy
Simone Bolelli
Daniela Bracciali
Fabio Fognini
Potito Starace
Captain: Corrado Barazzutti

Slovenia
Blaz Kavcic
Grega Zemlja
Luka Gregorc
Aljaz Bedene
Captain: Blaz Trupej

SOUTH AFRICA v NETHERLANDS
Venue: Fanie Du Toit Sports Stadium,  Potchefstroom, RSA (hard – outdoors)

South Africa
Kevin Anderson
Izak van der Merwe
Rik de Voest
Wesley Moodie
Captain: John-Laffnie de Jager

Netherlands
Robin Haase
Thomas Schoorel
Jesse Huta Galung
Igor Sijsling
Captain: Jan Siemerink

SWITZERLAND v PORTUGAL
Venue: Postfinance Arena, Bern, SUI (hard – indoors)

Switzerland
Roger Federer
Stanislas Wawrinka
Stephane Bohli
Marco Chiudinelli
Captain: Severin Luthi

Portugal
Frederico Gil
Rui Machado
Joao Sousa
Leonardo Tavares
Captain: Pedro Cordeiro


AMERICAS ZONE GROUP II SECOND ROUND

PERU v DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Venue: Club Lawn Tennis de la Exposicion,  Lima, PER (clay – outdoors)

Peru
Mauricio Echazu
Dulio Beretta
Ivan Miranda
Sergio Galdos
Captain: Luis Horna

Dominican Republic
Victor Estrella
Jhonson Garcia
Jose Hernandez
Luis Delgado
Captain: Rafael Moreno

PARAGUAY v VENEZUELA
Venue: Club Internacional de Tenis CIT, Asuncion, PAR (clay – outdoors)

Paraguay
Diego Galeano
Daniel Lopez
Jose Benitez
Gustavo Ramirez
Captain: Victor Pecci

Venezuela
To be advised

AMERICAS ZONE GROUP II RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS

EL SALVADOR v NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
Venue: Maya Country Club, Santa Tecla, ESA (clay – outdoors)

El Salvador
Marcelo Arevalo
Rafael Arevalo
Rodrigo Rappaccioli
Captain: Roberto Antonio Salazar Romero

Netherlands Antilles
Alexander Blom
Martijn van Haasteren
Nick van Roseberg
Davis Josepa
Captain: Raul Behr

PUERTO RICO v HAITI
Venue: Recinto Universitario, Mayaquez, HAI (hard – outdoors

Puerto Rico
Alex Llompart
Gabriel Flores Ruiz
Christopher Brandi
Gilberto Alvarez
Captain: Jorge Gonzalez

Haiti
To be advised


ASIA/OCEANIA ZONE GROUP II SECOND ROUND

KOREA, REP. v PAKISTAN
Venue: Gimcheon Total Sports Town Tennis Courts, Gimcheon, KOR (hard – outdoors)

Korea, Rep.
Young-Jun Kim
Kyu-Tae Im
Yong-Kyu Lim
Hyun-Joon Kim
Captain: Yong-Il Yoon

Pakistan
Aisam Qureshi
Aqeel Khan
Samir Iftikhar
Yasir Khan
Captain: Muhammad Khalid

THAILAND v INDONESIA
Venue: National Tennis Development Center, Nonthaburi, THA (hard – outdoors)

Thailand
Danai Udomchoke
Kittiphong Wachiramanowong
Sonchat Ratiwatana
Sanchai Ratiwatana
Captain: Tanakorn Srichaphan

Indonesia
Christopher Rungkat
Elbert Sie
Aditya Hari Sasongko
David Agung Susanto
Captain: Bonit Wiryawan


ASIA/OCEANIA ZONE GROUP II PLAY-OFFS

HONG KONG, CHINA v SYRIA
Venue: Victoria Park, Hong Kong, HKG (hard – outdoors)

Hong Kong, China
Hiu-Tung Yu
Coenie van Wyk
Jonathan Chu
Nicholas Sayer
Captain: Andy Brothers

Syria
Marc Abdulnour
Issam Al Taweel
Bruno Abdel Nour
Romain Radwan
Captain: Fadi Bidan

PACIFIC OCEANIA v IRAN
Venue: Hilton Tennis Club, Guam, POC (hard – outdoors)

Pacific Oceania
Michael Leong
Cyril Jacobe
West Nott
Daniel Llarenas
Captain: Cyrille Mainguy

Iran
Anoosha Shahgholi
Shahin Khaledan
Rouzbeh Kamran
Ashkan Shokoofi
Captain: Seyed Akbar Taheri


EUROPE/AFRICA ZONE GROUP II SECOND ROUND

GREAT BRITAIN v LUXEMBOURG
Venue: Braehead Arena, Glasgow, GBR (hard – indoors)

Great Britain
Andy Murray
James Ward
Colin Fleming
Jamie Murray
Captain: Leon Smith

Luxembourg
Gilles Muller
Mike Vermeer
Laurent Bram
Tom Diederich
Captain: Jacques Radoux

HUNGARY v BELARUS
Venue: Godollo Kiskastely, Godollo, HUN (clay – outdoors)

Hungary
Attila Balazs
Adam Kellner
Kornel Bardoczky
Marton Fucsovics
Captain: Miklos Hornok

Belarus
Uladzimir Ignatik
Siarhei Betau
Alexander Bury
Max Mirnyi
Captain: Aliaksandr Shvets

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA v ESTONIA
Venue: SKPC Mejdan, Tuzla, BIH (hard – indoors)

Bosnia & Herzegovina
Amer Delic
Aldin Setkic
Damir Dzumhur
Ismar Gorcic
Captain: Daver Vranic

Estonia
Jurgen Zopp
Vladimir Ivanov
Mait Kunnap
Jaak Poldma
Captain: Peeter Lamp

DENMARK v LATVIA
Venue: KB Pile Alle, Frederiksberg, DEN (clay – outdoors)

Denmark
Frederik Nielsen
Martin Pedersen
Thomas Kromann
Christoffer Konigsfeldt
Captain: Kenneth Carlsen

Latvia
To be advised

EUROPE/AFRICA ZONE GROUP II RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS

IRELAND v TUNISIA
Venue: David Lloyd Riverview Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin, IRL (hard – indoors)

Ireland
Conor Niland
James McGee
Barry King
James Cluskey
Captain: Garry Cahill

Tunisia
Malek Jaziri
Anis Ghorbel
Sami Ghorbel
Fares Kilani
Captain: Walid Jallali

BULGARIA v CYPRUS
Venue: Tennis Hall Sofia, Sofia, BUL (hard – indoors)

Bulgaria
Dimitar Kutrovsky
Tihomir Grozdanov
Todor Enev
Dimitar Kuzmanov
Captain: Ognyan Iliev

Cyprus
Rares Cuzdriorean
Christopher Koutrouzas
Photos Photiades
Philippos Tsangaridis
Captain: Yiannos Hadjigeorgiou

LITHUANIA v MOROCCO
Venue: Sereikiskiai Tennis Courts, Vilnius, LTU (clay – outdoors)

Lithuania
Dovydas Sakinis
Lukas Mugevicius
Julius Tverijonas
Julius Gotovskis
Captain: Rimvydas Mugevicius

Morocco
Reda El Amrani
Yassine Idmbarek
Anas Fattar
Hicham Khaddari
Captain: Mounir El Aarej

GREECE v MONACO
Venue: Thessaloniki Tennis Club, Thessaloniki, GRE (clay – outdoors)

Greece
Paris Gemouchidis
Alexandros Jakupovic
Theodoros Angelinos
Konstantinos Economidis
Captain: George Kalovelonis

Monaco
Benjamin Balleret
Jean-Rene Lisnard
Guillaume Couillard
Thomas Oger
Captain: Emmanuel Heussner


Fourteen teams for ICC CWC 2015


Hong Kong: The ICC Executive Board today reversed its previous decisions and approved a 14-team format for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 to be held in Australia and New Zealand and a 12-team format for the ICC World Twenty20 events in 2012 (Sri Lanka) and 2014 (Bangladesh).
The Board had previously decided in October 2010 that the ICC Cricket World Cup would comprise a 10-team event and that the ICC World Twenty20 events would involve 16 teams. In April 2011, the Board had agreed that only the Full Members would participate in 2015 and that all Members would be given an opportunity to participate in the 2019 World Cup through a qualification process.
In Hong Kong today, the ICC Executive Board opted to retain the 14-team format that was used at the highly successful and universally acclaimed ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka with the 10 Full Members being joined by four Associate or Affiliate qualifiers.
The ICC World Twenty20 in 2012 and 2014 will now remain as 12-team events (10 Full Members and two Associate/Affiliates), which has been the format for the ICC World Twenty20 events since its inception in 2007.
Following a presentation on the Reliance ICC Rankings system by statistician David Kendix, who devised and operates the system on behalf of the ICC, the Executive Board has confirmed that the Reliance ICC Rankings are suitable for use in determining qualification for ICC global events, subject to any regulatory amendments necessary to protect the integrity of the system.
In addition, the Board confirmed that the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019 would be a 10-team event with the top eight in the Reliance ICC rankings earning their qualification automatically with the remaining two places being decided by a qualification competition. The Board also confirmed the introduction of the promotion/relegation system previously agreed.
The Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the period 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2020, which was proposed by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) on Monday, was adopted by the ICC Executive Board. It was also agreed that compensation for unequal tours would remain unchanged.
ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) and Cricket Committee recommendations
The Executive Board agreed with the CEC recommendations on the Decision Review Systems (DRS) for Test matches and One-Day Internationals which would set a universal standard, taking into consideration availability and commercial issues, that infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices should be used. The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on bilateral agreement between the participating Members.

The Board accepted that there should be no use of DRS in Twenty20 Internationals.
The Board agreed with the CEC and Cricket Committee on the following:
·         that a Twenty20 International rankings table should be created from 1 October 2011
·         revised formats for One-Day internationals
·         the need for further research on the balls to be used in day/night Test cricket
·         batsmen should be dismissed (obstructing the field) if they change their course while running to prevent a run-out chance
·         the running out of a non-striker who is backing up unfairly
·         the prohibition of the use of runners in all forms of international cricket.
 Details of those recommendations were issued yesterday and can be found at www.icc-cricket.com. The ICC Executive Board meeting continues in Hong Kong tomorrow (29 June 2011).
 The ICC Board consists of the chairman or president from each of the 10 Full Members plus three Associate Member representatives. Also present at ICC Board meetings is the ICC President, who chairs proceedings, the ICC Chief Executive and the ICC Vice-President, as well as, by invitation of the President, the ICC Principal Advisor.
Sharad Pawar                                                        ICC President
Alan Isaac                                                             ICC Vice-President
Haroon Lorgat                                                      ICC Chief Executive
Ijaz Butt                                                                Pakistan
Peter Chingoka                                                     Zimbabwe
Giles Clarke                                                          England and Wales
Jack Clarke                                                            Australia
Dr Julian Hunte                                                     West Indies
Mustafa Kamal                                                      Bangladesh
Imran Khwaja                                                       Associate Member Representative
Shashank Manohar                                                India
Chris Moller                                                          New Zealand
Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka                                              South Africa
Keith Oliver                                                          Associate Member Representative
DS de Silva                                                           Sri Lanka
Neil Speight                                                          Associate Member Representative


WADA revokes accreditation of Ankara laboratory


Montreal, June 28, 2011 The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has revoked the accreditation of the laboratory in Ankara, Turkey due to non-compliance with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) and the related Technical Documents.
The revocation will be effective as of July 27, 2011 and will mean that the laboratory – which is currently suspended - will no longer be authorized to carry out testing of doping control samples on behalf of WADA or any testing authority.
The decision was taken by WADA’s Executive Committee following a thorough review of the status of the laboratory by WADA’s Disciplinary Panel.
WADA suspended the Ankara laboratory’s accreditation on May 24, 2011 before a further decision was taken by the Executive Committee to revoke it.
The laboratory may appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days. It may also choose to reapply for accreditation, but must begin the process again as a new laboratory as outlined in the ISL.
It is the second time the Ankara laboratory has fallen below the standards set by WADA. It was also suspended for three months in March 2009, and was reinstated following a WADA site visit that ensured proper corrective actions had been implemented.
Pursuant to the ISL, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, thereby ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards. This monitoring is conducted in conjunction with ISO assessment by independent national accreditation bodies that are full members of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
Whenever a laboratory does not meet ISL requirements, WADA may suspend the laboratory’s accreditation. WADA may revoke a laboratory’s accreditation for repeated failures to comply with the ISL and related Technical Documents.

BIO endorses ‘Declaration against Doping in Sport’


Montreal, June 28, 2011

The ‘Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Fight against Doping in Sport’ between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufactures and Associations (IFPMA) has been endorsed by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
A resolution to endorse the declaration, which was signed last year, was approved during the BIO International Conference in Washington DC, which runs from June 27-30.
The declaration between WADA and the IFPMA outlined a voluntary cooperation to identify medical compounds with doping potential, restrict misuse of medicines still in development, improve the flow of relevant information, and facilitate development of detection methods in the context of the fight against doping sport.
 “This endorsement adds credence to the declaration between WADA and the IFPMA and is further evidence that the fight against doping in sport is becoming more unified,” said WADA President John Fahey.
“It is not only sport that is cheated by the misuse of medicines, the manufacturers are also being cheated, and WADA is delighted with the growing spirit of cooperation in the fight against doping sport.”
As part of their endorsement, BIO will encourage its member organizations to collaborate with WADA and the IFPMA as outlined in the declaration.
“It is of high importance to BIO members that their medicines are used for what they were intended – to save lives and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from serious disease,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood.
“Our members have continually demonstrated their commitment to the anti-doping cause. Our endorsement of this joint declaration is a natural step in this long-standing tradition and enables us to further reach the goal of eradicating doping in sports.”
A BIO Convention discussion entitled ‘How Dare they Dope with our Medicines’ on Thursday, June 30 will address the issue of anti-doping in sport.
The discussion will be led by Steve Elliott, Scientific Executive Director for Amgen, and will include contributions from Pauline Williams, head of GlaxoSmithKline’s academic discovery performance unit, Barbara Leishman, Clinical Science Leader at Roche, and WADA Director of Science Olivier Rabin.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations.
BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
About WADA
The World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) mission is to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport in all its forms. WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency composed and funded equally by the sport movement and governments of the world.
Its key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code.
WADA’s anti-doping laboratories are dedicated to the analysis of doping control samples from athletes. There are currently 35 laboratories in the global network. Testing aims to eradicate drug abuse in sport; protecting both the integrity of sport and, critically, the health of every athlete.


Monday 27 June 2011

BCCI okay with modified DRS


The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting began the ICC Annual Conference week in Hong Kong and concluded today. The key recommendations it has made to the ICC Executive Board are:
 Decision Review System
 The CEC today unanimously recommended universal standards for the usage of technology in decision-making (Decision Review System) in all Test matches and One-Day Internationals subject to availability and commercial considerations. The agreed standards will include infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices.
 The CEC also agreed that further independent and expert research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its accuracy and reliability. The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on bilateral agreement between the participating Members.
 CEC, which also approved the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to reduce the number of unsuccessful reviews in ODIs from two to one, believed that this was a step forward as the game embraces the principles of technology.
 Format of ODI Cricket
 CEC agreed with the ICC Cricket Committee’s recommendations for the further enhancement of international 50-over cricket with the restriction of the elective powerplays to between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings and also to the use of two new balls per innings – one from each end. This will come into effect from 1 October.
 ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Even though the success of 50-over cricket played during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was universally acknowledged, the CEC rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including encouraging Members to trial some specific innovations in their domestic cricket.”
 These innovations include a review of the maximum number of overs that a bowler can bowl; an increase from one to two for the number of short balls permitted per over; no compulsory requirement for close catchers; and a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs.
 Runners
 CEC agreed with the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to abolish runners in international cricket.
 Over-rates
 The CEC, like the ICC Cricket Committee, was concerned at the slow over-rates in Test match cricket and agreed on stricter sanctions against captains for over-rate breaches. A captain will now be suspended for two over-rate breaches in a 12-month period in any one format of the game rather than the current position which is three breaches prior to suspension.
 Other ICC Cricket Committee recommendations including the continued research into the use of different colour balls to facilitate day/night Test matches and the directive that batsmen can be given out for obstructing the field if they change their direction when running between the wicket to block a run-out chance, were also approved.
 ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
The CEC recommended that there should be a qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 but did not make a recommendation to the ICC Executive Board on the number of teams that should compete in the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
 Reliance ICC Rankings
 CEC gave its unanimous support to the present Reliance ICC Rankings system following a presentation by statistician David Kendix, who devised and operates the system for the ICC.
 Mr Lorgat said: “There was agreement and a great deal of satisfaction that we have a robust and reliable rankings system that presents a true reflection of the quality and standing of the performances of international teams and that this system will be used for qualification and/or promotion and relegation purposes.
 “It was also noted that the system is recognised by players, officials and supporters who are becoming more familiar and referring to the Reliance ICC Rankings to measure their teams’ progress.”
Context and Content for International Cricket 
CEC agreed and recommended the Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2012-2020 to the ICC Executive Board for adoption.
The ICC Executive Board will meet in Hong Kong on 28 and 29 June 2011.
Media arrangements
The ICC Board consists of the chairman or president from each of the 10 Full Members plus three elected Associate Member representatives. Also present at ICC Board meetings is the ICC President, who chairs proceedings, the ICC Chief Executive and the ICC Vice-President, as well as, by invitation of the President, the ICC Principal Advisor.

The CEC comprises the Chief Executives of the 10 Full Member nations as well as three Associate Member representatives. Also present is the ICC Chief Executive who chairs the meeting and, by invitation, the ICC President and the chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee.

Haroon Lorgat                                                 ICC Chief Executive (Chairman)
Sharad Pawar                                                  ICC President (ex-Officio)
Clive Lloyd                                                     ICC Cricket Committee Chairman (ex-Officio)
Mansur Ahmed                                               Bangladesh
Subhan Ahmed                                               Pakistan
Michael Brown                                               Australia (alternate for James Sutherland)
David Collier                                                  England and Wales
John Cribbin                                                    Associate Member Representative
Warren Deutrom                                             Associate Member Representative
Francois Erasmus                                            Associate Member Representative
Dr Ernest Hilaire                                             West Indies
Gerald Majola                                                 South Africa
Wilfred Mukondiwa                                        Zimbabwe (alternate for Ozias Bvute)
Nishantha Ranatunga                                      Sri Lanka
N Srinivasan                                                    India
Dr Justin Vaughan                                          New Zealand


Steve Rixon named Australia's fielding coach

Steve Rixon appointed Australian team fielding coach
Former Australian wicket-keeper Steve Rixon has been appointed as the Australian team’s fielding coach.
Rixon, who played Test and one-day cricket for Australia during the late 1970s and early 1980s, will join the team on coming tours of Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Cricket Australia acting Chief Executive Officer Michael Brown said:
“We are very excited Steve is joining our staff as a fielding coach.
“His experience as a player and successful coach at both domestic and international level will be invaluable for our group as we prepare for tough tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa in the next six months.
“The group of coaches we now have in place has a great blend of coaching expertise and cricket experience to benefit this developing Australian side and Steve has an important role to play as we move forward.”
Rixon said:
“I am thrilled with this appointment and look forward to working with the Australian team over the next two tours. Fielding skills play such an important role in the modern game and often proves the difference between winning and losing.
“I feel my experience firstly as a player and more importantly a successful coach across the world can help many of these young Australian players, together with the outstanding group of assistants Tim Nielsen has at his disposal.
“The Australian team has long been known as one of the best fielding sides in world cricket and my job will not only be to maintain the good work done before but about setting the benchmark for opposition sides.”  
Albury-born Rixon made his Test debut against India at the Gabba in 1977 and played 13 Tests and six One-day internationals for Australia as a wicket-keeper and lower-order batsman.
He played over 150-first class games, 107 of which were for New South Wales (NSW), taking 395 catches and 65 stumpings. When he retired in 1988 he had donned the baggy blue more than anyone before him.
In an illustrious coaching career beginning in 1989, Rixon led NSW for five seasons making the Sheffield Shield final on each occasion, winning three times and completing the Sheffield Shield and one-day competition double in 1992-93 and 1993-94. From late 1996 to 1999 he was head coach of New Zealand taking the Black Caps to third place in one-day and Test cricket rankings. He then returned as NSW coach in 2000.
After another four seasons with the Blues, resulting in a Sheffield Shield victory and three one-day titles, Rixon became head coach at Surrey from 2005-07.
For the past two seasons Rixon has assisted Stephen Fleming with two-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, also enjoying success with victory in the 2010 Champions League Twenty20.