Johannesburg (South Africa), Feb. 23 : West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor, who was at the centre of a bitter and controversial Test series between Australia and India last year, will retire next month.

The 63-year-old Jamaican has stood in a record 126 Tests and over 170 one-day internationals, but his last engagement will be the third Test between South Africa and Australia in Cape Town from March 19 to 23.

Wellington, Feb. 23 : Black Caps legend Chris Harris has rubbished talk that the rebel Indian Cricket League is in financial trouble.

Harris one of New Zealand''s greatest one-day cricketers and skipper of both the World XI and Hyderabad Heroes says he''s not concerned.

"There have been changes to it in the past and generally dates have changed a number of times," Harris told Sunday News.

"All the tournaments have gone ahead as planned," he added.

Wellington, Feb. 23 : New Zealand Cricket is hoping that having a star-studded Indian team on tour will be a money-spinner for the sport.

Poised to boost earnings through lucrative broadcasting rights for the five-week tour, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said the sheer volume and passion of Indian fans around the world made this tour three times more valuable than any other.

"This year should be the best year New Zealand Cricket has ever had," stuff. co. nz quoted Vaughan, as saying.

Johannesburg, Feb 22 : Australian Vice-Captain Michael Clarke is likely to be ruled out of the first Test match against South Africa due to a serious back injury. The first Test match will start on Thursday.

Admitting the spasms and discomfort, Clarke had a couple of net sessions instead of playing a tour match against South Africa Board President's XI at Senwes Park.

His unavailability for the first Test match would be serious blow for Kangaroos who have lost their number one spot in recent times.

Various rumors about major sponsors deserting IPL have been floating in the air. On Friday, IPL chairman and commissioner, Lalit Modi nullified all the rumors.

He said that all the partners including, Sony Television/ World Sport Group (WSG) are with the IPL. In fact they have already paid whatever money they were committed to. We receive hundreds of payments and not a single partner has defaulted.