ICC Twenty20 World Cup News

Young Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey and his fast bowling teammate R Vinay Kumar were among the three new faces named in India's 30-member list of probables for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the West Indies in April-May this year.

Madhya Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha, who also had a successful domestic season, was the other new face in the list announced by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan after a meeting of the selection committee.

Twenty20 might be a massive hit with the fans but former Australia captain Steve Waugh feels Tests will always remain a cricketer's first priority and both the versions need each other's support to survive and flourish.

"It doesn't have to be one or the other. These guys out here now, they love playing Test cricket. It's the ultimate test for them mentally, physically, technically. That's why you train, and that's why you take up the game.

"But the other game (Twenty20) is exciting and it's a money-making arm of the game, commercially it's successful.

Former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga has savaged Indian Premier League  (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi, blaming him personally for India's disappointing World Twenty20 campaign earlier this year.

In a speech to the Oxford Union (part of the world-famous Oxford University), reported in the January issue of The Wisden Cricketer magazine, the 1996 World Cup winning captain said:

"India lost the Twenty20 World Cup thanks to Lalit Modi. No one else. Lalit Modi and his IPL. When I was playing, there were players who always wanted to achieve something for their country -- we used to play for our clubs for no money. It was an honour to play for our country. Not like nowadays."

After a riveting end to the ODI series, which New Zealand won 2-1, the focus turns to the Twenty20s, which Pakistan will feel they are better placed to trump. Pakistan conceded the ODI series in typically erratic fashion, making a meal of a chase of 212 before a phenomenal fightback staged by Mohammad Aamer and Saeed Ajmal ensured the game was settled in the final over. They will be disappointed by a fifth consecutive ODI series defeat, especially one they were well poised to win, but the Twenty20 games in Dubai present an opportunity to redress that.

The ICC Twenty20 World Championship may be six months away, but Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi has already prepared a blueprint to help the team retain the coveted title.

Afridi said he has made extensive plans to defend the crown in the next T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the Caribbean from April 30 to May 16, 2010.

The flamboyant all-rounder said he has already had detailed discussions with the team management including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt and coach Intikhab Alam regarding his strategies for the event.

Michael Clarke has been confirmed as Australia's new Twenty20 captain and Cameron White will step into the vice-captaincy following the retirement of Ricky Ponting from the format. Clarke was widely expected to take on the leadership and the decision was confirmed by Cricket Australia on Friday.

"I've learnt a lot from Ricky Ponting over the last few years and I'll continue to learn from him," Clarke said. "I'm really excited to lead Australia in the newest form of the game. We've got a young and enthusiastic group but we must recognise that we've got a lot of work to do in Twenty20 cricket and our recent form hasn't been good."

Clarke will have his sights set firmly on next year's ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean after Australia were eliminated during the group stage at this year's tournament. Clarke has captained Australia in three Twenty20 internationals and 15 one-day internationals.