Rahat Ali replaces injured Junaid in Pakistan squad

Pakistan have called up tall left-arm paceman Rahat Ali to replace the injured Junaid Khan in their World Cup squad.

Rahat, 26, who has been a regular in the Test team since 2012 having taken 31 wickets in 11 matches, has played just a single one-day international way back in 2012 in Sri Lanka without taking a wicket.

"Rahat has been included in the World Cup squad on the recommendation of touring chief selector Moin Khan," a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said on Thursday.

                            

The official said the PCB had already sent a request to the technical committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the replacement since Junaid was declared unfit for the tournament that begins on February 14 in New Zealand and Australia.

Junaid, who has been a leading performer for his country in recent times, missed out on the World Cup after picking up a hamstring injury during training on the eve of the team's departure for New Zealand late last month.

Junaid was named in Pakistan's squad last month after he showed a remarkable return to form after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for nearly four months.

The PCB official said that Bilawal Bhatti, who was sent as a replacement for the series in New Zealand after the injury to Junaid, would be returning home.

Bilawal had a nightmarish match against New Zealand this week in the second one-dayer in which he conceded 93 runs.

Pakistan are already without their seasoned offspinner Saeed Ajmal for the World Cup after he was suspended from bowling by the ICC last September for an illegal action.

ICC reinstates Super Over in case of tie in World Cup final

A Super Over could decide the 2015 World Cup winner in case the final ends in a tie at the Melbourne Cricket Ground March 29. The decision was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following its Board meeting here on Thursday.

The ICC reinstated the use of Super Over in the event of a tie during the World Cup final, replicating the arrangements of the 2011 edition final and other ICC events where a winner is determined via a Super Over, in case of a tie in the final, as it is the most credible way to separate two sides.

The board also approved a change to the application of ICC Code of Conduct offences relating to slow over-rates so that captains do not carry any prior offences or suspensions from other series.

This means all captains will enter the World Cup with no over-rate offences against them and will only be suspended from playing a World Cup match if over-rate offences are committed during the event. Any offence incurred prior will be carried forward to the first bilateral series after the event.

In decisions relating to on-field player behaviour, the ICC reiterated its support for umpires clamping down on poor behaviour, particularly leading into and during the World Cup.

                                

The board also discussed issues about player safety following the tragic death of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes during a first-class match. It was briefed on the ICC-supported research project to improve the safety of helmets.

It was noted that helmet manufacturers have now introduced a number of new models that comply with the updated standards and that an increasing number of international players have been choosing to wear the new models.

The board also approved the dates of ICC events through to 2019 which includes the 2016 World Twenty20 to be held in India. The tournament will be played from March 11 to April 3 in 2016.

The ICC also approved the dates for the next 50-over World Cup to be played in England in 2019. That edition will be held from May 30 to July 15 in 2019.

Team India unveils new World Cup jersey at MCG

The Indian team led by captain MS Dhoni along with kit sponsor Nike unveiled a new jersey ahead of the tri-series and World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.

India would be playing in an ODI-triangular series involving Australia and England starting Friday ahead of the World Cup. India would be opening their campaign at the World Cup on February 15 against Pakistan in a high-voltage match.

Indian team's kit sponsor Nike took inputs from all the players and tried to make a comfortable outfit. Dhoni at the launch, who also had a role in the design revealed that the front part of the dress has strands inspired by the Ashok Chakra in the national flag.

"The new Team India uniform is light, comfortable and packed with innovation to help minimize distractions on the field of play and that's critical when millimeters make a difference between a game winning innings or wicket," said Dhoni. The Indian captain also added, "2015 is a massive year for Team India as the best teams in the world compete for cricket's greatest prize."

                        

India in a new shade of blue will launch their World Cup campaign starting February 14-March 29, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Chris Gayle slams selectors for dropping Pollard, Bravo

The West Indies opener Chris Gayle has blasted the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the Clive Lloyd-led selection panel for dropping senior all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from the World Cup squad.

                                        

Gayle termed the move as "ridiculous" and felt it was a case of "victimisation" against the two players.

"How can those two guys not be in the team? To me, it got to be like victimisation when you look at it towards those two guys. Come on, guys. It is just ridiculous," Gayle said.

"Really hurt. Ridiculous. Honestly, it throw me off. We can only talk. We can express our feelings, which I'm doing at this point in time. The squad already is announced. It is just sad."

The 35-year-old also stated that without the duo, the team has become frail.

"We don't have our strongest team without Pollard, nor Bravo. So that is actually sad for us. It is a really big blow for us to actually lose two key players, two key allrounders as well, very good in the outfield," he said.

"I don't know what's the history behind it, but it is a ridiculous selection from my point of view," Gayle added.

The WICB Sunday announced the 15-member World Cup squad to be led by Jason Holder with Marlon Samuels as vice-captain.

India-Pakistan World Cup clash to be most watched match in history

                                            

The marquee cricket World Cup match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in Adelaide on February 15 will be the most watched in the history of the game as it is expected to attract more than a billion viewers, according to a report.

The Group B clash will eclipse the 988 million who watched the two neighbouring nations clash in their 2011 World Cup semifinal at Mohali on March 30,The Australian newspaper reported.

It said that the match has been sold out for six months. "It will be unlike any cricket match ever seen in Australia," an unnamed World Cup official was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Pakistan have never won a World Cup fixture against India, who have won all the five games since they first met in 1992 when Australia and New Zealand hosted the tournament.

Bookmakers Centrebet has Australia at a seemingly short USD 3.50, followed by South Africa at USD 5, India and New Zealand both at USD 7 and England at USD 12.

World Cup: Michael Clarke faces Feb 21 deadline to prove fitness

Captain Michael Clarke has been named in Australia's 15-man Cricket World Cup squad, overcoming recent back injuries and hamstring surgery to be included in the side.

Clarke missed three of the four tests against India and was in doubt for the World Cup which begins on February 14 in Australia and New Zealand. But Clarke said during recent television commentary appearances that his recovery was proceeding better than expected.

However, he has been given until February 21 to prove his fitness, at which time he could be replaced before Australia's second match in the tournament against Bangladesh in Brisbane.

The same squad will represent Australia in a tri-series with India and England, which begins with an Australia-England match on Friday in Sydney.

"I'll have my work cut out to prove my fitness, but it won't be through a lack of effort and I'm confident I'll be fit," Clarke said on Sunday when the squad was announced. "I still think I've got a lot to offer this team in both those (one-day and test) formats."

National selector Rod Marsh said "in an ideal world it would've been nice to have had Michael ready for the first game."

"We have said that if Michael has not recovered by our second match of the tournament against Bangladesh ... we will replace him in the squad. He understands that and is working tirelessly with medical staff to get back to fitness.

"Our medical staff are pleased with his progress following hamstring surgery in December and he continues to undergo thorough rehabilitation work."

Mitch Marsh, who missed recent tests in Melbourne and Sydney against India due to a hamstring strain, was also named in a squad that contained few surprises.

Allrounders Marsh, Shane Watson and James Faulkner were all automatic selections. Mitchell Johnson, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will make up the pace attack.

Xavier Doherty was selected as the specialist spinner, Brad Haddin will keep wickets, and David Warner and Aaron Finch will open the batting for the co-hosts.

"Xavier is a reliable spin bowler who we know can perform well in the 50-over format," Rod Marsh said. "We also have other spin options in Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Michael Clarke if required."

Batsmen and acting test captain Steve Smith, who scored 769 runs in the four-test India series which Australia won 2-0, and vice-captain George Bailey are also in.

The tournament starts with Australia facing England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Feb. 14, with the final to be held at the same venue on March 29.

Australia relinquished the World Cup in 2011, losing to eventual winner India in a quarterfinal.

Australia is attempting to win a record fifth World Cup after taking home the trophy from India in 1987, England in 1999, South Africa in 2003 and the West Indies in 2007.

Australian squad: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Michael Clarke(c), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin(wk), Mitchell Johnson, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Doherty