The Sahara India Pariwar dropped a major bombshell on the struggling spectre of Indian cricket by announcing its decision to withdraw sponsorship of the national side and also pull out from sponsoring IPL side Pune Warriors. The timing of the announcement could not have been better orchestrated with the Sahara Big Wigs failing to turn up for Season 5 Player Auction, and instead issuing a press release on its eve explaining its decision.
The Sahara India Group said, "We really feel such one-sided emotional relationship cannot be dragged any further. We are withdrawing from all cricket under BCCI. However, we don't want to give any problem to the BCCI and we also feel that the players should not suffer. BCCI will definitely take 2-4 months to get a new sponsor and we will continue paying the sponsorship money till then. All other IPL team players, coaches and other such associates will definitely get their due this year, in case they do not get a chance to play."


Another dramatic day in a series that is amazingly short of runs saw Pakistan bowled out for an obnoxiously low score of 99 on a decent batting track in Dubai. England barely did any better in their first essay, managing to battle their way through the day to 104/6 to take a 5 run lead at the close of play on Day 1 of the Third Test. While the England pacers did most of the damage in the morning session, the Pakistani spinners were threatening to come into their own by the end of the day, leaving this match both tantalizingly poised, and for all practical purposes certain of yet another 3-day finish.
A match-winning half century from Gautam Gambhir coupled with an outstanding effort in the field from the Indians helped the visitors register their first win of the Australian summer in the 2nd T20 at Melbourne. Australia tweaked their line-up for this game, and the change in personnel coupled with some brilliance from the Indian fielders saw the hosts bowled out for a well below par score of 131. India affected 4 run outs, including two from Ravindra Jadeja, who also bowled 3 rather economical overs to pick up 1-16. A rare good start from the Indian top order saw them ease to an 8 wicket win, though the fact that they got there with 2 balls to spare did no justice to the ease with which they controlled the run chase.








