ICC Twenty20 World Cup News

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.

Pakistan's cricket chief said the country will bid to host the 2014 World Twenty20 championship and vowed to revive international cricket in the troubled nation, a paper reported on Monday.

Speaking in Johannesburg, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt said he was battling to improve Pakistan's reputation as foreign teams snub the country over security fears.

"We will bid to host the 2014 Twenty20 event in Pakistan and hopefully by that time the conditions to host international events would be ideal in our country," he told the paper.

Butt is in South Africa to attend meetings of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is also scheduled to meet officials from other countries.

Freelance England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will coach the United Arab Emirates national team while he recovers in Dubai from knee surgery, his agent told in London.

Andrew Chandler told that Flintoff, who quit Test cricket and recently rejected an incremental contract from the England and Wales Cricket Board, has chosen Dubai for his rehabilitation.

Flintoff has struck a deal with the Dubai Sports City authorities and would work as the unofficial coach, Chandler said.

"A partnership has been agreed with Dubai Sports City to use their gym and facilities as a base for his rehabilitation. I believe he will be one of the first people to use them.