Dubai, Jan. 13: ICC General Manager - Cricket and former South Africa wicketkeeper David Richardson has congratulated the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for celebrating its Catch the Spirit week during the triangular one-day series in Mirpur.

Melbourne, Jan. 13 : Thirteen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer suggested on Tuesday that challenger Andy Murray was no threat to his apiration for another Grand Slam.

Murray, the 21-year-old Scot who cruised from 20th in the world rankings last April to No. 4 by the end of the year, has beaten Federer in their two meetings this month.

He also has a 5-2 record against Federer in official ATP matches, as well as a resounding victory over the Swiss in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago.

As a result of those defeats and his solid end to last season, Murray has been installed as the favourite for the Australian Open which begins in Melbourne next week.

Dubai, Jan. 13 : The South Africa team was fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its 52-run defeat against Australia in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) in Melbourne on January 11.

Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Johan Botha's side was ruled to be one over short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration, an ICC statement to the press said.

In accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct regulations governing over-rate penalties, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

Melbourne, Jan 13 : Former Australian Test greats have demanded the immediate inclusion of new batting sensation David Warner into Australia's one-day squad.

The name of the youngster who belted 89 off only 43 balls at the MCG on Sunday night is nowhere to be seen in Australian squad for the ODI series against South Africa.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch is believed to be happy to review the squad after the first two of five ODI games, paving the way for the possible inclusion of the
22-year-old in the squad, the Daily Telegraph reported.

London, Jan 13 : Paying an emotional tribute to his teammates and family after winning World Player of the Year award, ace Ace Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo credited Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson with being behind his success.

Ronaldo became the first Premier League ace to win the award since its launch 18 years ago.

"Sir Alex has had an important role to play in my life. Last season was a great one for me, my club and the boss was important for me because I learned a lot from him," The Sun quoted Ronaldo, as saying.

Lahore, Jan. 13 : In a fresh blow to the attempts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to revive hockey activities on home soil, the Malaysian Hockey Federation
(MHF) has turned down an invitation from the PHF to participate in a hockey series.

According to the spokesman of the PHF the Malaysian hockey has refused to tour Pakistan citing `some internal problems'.

"The PHF was waiting for a final decision but the MHF officials have turned down our request saying that they have yet to appoint a foreign coach for their team and above