In amidst of the cricket festival that is, Indian Premier League, when all of India is in cheerful mood, today came a heart breaking news from Sachin Tendulkar.

In an interview to a TV channel, Sachin stated very clearly that he will stick to his earlier stand of not playing in T20 world cup so that young talent can get the required exposure. It should be noted that the T20 world cup is going to be held this year in West Indies.

“I will not be playing the ICC World Twenty20. I have not played Twenty20 Internationals from 2007 onwards and I don’t think it should become an issue now,” Tendulkar told CNN-IBN channel.

Source :  justsachin.com

In an interview, Pakistan stylish T20 opener Salman Butt is hopeful that Pakistan will defend their Twenty20 World Cup title. Butt who is in a training camp in Lahore said “We will go all out to retain the title and put our best for it. When I look at the Pakistan team, especially in this shortest format, I think anyone who plays to his full potential has the ability to single-handedly win the game for us on any given day.”

“It’s going to be a tough tournament. We’re in a difficult and tricky group with Australia, which is a very good side. In the shortest format, it’s hard to say who will do well as it is all bout who plays well on the day,” said Butt.

The preparations for South Africa’s world cup got a boost as skipper Graeme Smith has resumed his training as stated by Dr. Mohammed Moosajee. Graeme Smith’s finger was injured in an IPL match and he was unable to play for Rajasthan Royals due to it.

But now as per Dr. Mohammed Moosajee, Smith has totally recovered from the injury and is hopeful to play against Indian in the first match to be held on May 2 at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St Lucia.

“He has been given the all-clear to resume training in preparation for the ICC World Twenty20 2010 in the Caribbean and the South African tour of the West Indies that follows the event,” said Moosajee.

“Graeme did pick up a slight fever last week but he should be ready to start practicing on Wednesday,” he added.