Speed warns players

INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed has called on all players in the World Cup to remember they are role models following Sunday’s opening ceremony in Kingston, Jamaica.

Reflecting on the action to come in the Caribbean, Speed wrote in a statement issued by the game’s governing body on Sunday that his only wish for the ninth World Cup was that the “spirit of cricket” shone through. “That will help to create a real feel-good factor around the event that can serve as a springboard for its continued growth and development on a long-term basis, both throughout the West Indies and worldwide, one way we can ensure our strong sport gets even stronger,” he said.Zim may struggle against Irish * FORMER Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower fears they will struggle to beat amateurs Ireland at the World Cup because of so many exits of star players.Flower, 38, retired from international cricket after the last World Cup when he and black team mate Henry Olonga staged a protest against the Zimbabwe government by wearing black armbands.He then fled to England to live, fearing recriminations for his actions.He has since played for county side Essex and is now with them on a pre-season trip to Dubai.”There is some talent in the Zimbabwe team but they are very inexperienced at that level and they’re really going to struggle in the World Cup,” Flower told Reuters earlier this week.No English for students * THE Pakistan cricket team have been banned from speaking in English at World Cup news conferences to prevent players from being misquoted, according to a team spokesman.Former player Pervez Mir, the team’s press liaison officer during the World Cup, said at a captain’s media day in Montego Bay on Sunday that Pakistan’s players would speak only in Urdu, which would also help to promote tourism to Pakistan.”This decision was taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board because it is our national language and because 2007 is our National Tourist Year so we are promoting Pakistan as well.Inzi has no plans to retire * PAKISTAN skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was adamant that he would not follow other greats into retirement after the World Cup.Australia’s Glenn McGrath will quit all formats of cricket following the event, while West Indies captain Brian Lara is expected to retire from one-dayers and play only tests.With Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and India’s Anil Kumble possibly also heading into one-day retirement, there were rumours that Inzamam could follow suit but he quashed such suggestions.”Definitely I will continue to play as long as I feel I can give the performances and as long as there are no deadlines given (from the board) for any player to end their career,” Inzamam told reporters on Sunday.”That will help to create a real feel-good factor around the event that can serve as a springboard for its continued growth and development on a long-term basis, both throughout the West Indies and worldwide, one way we can ensure our strong sport gets even stronger,” he said.Zim may struggle against Irish * FORMER Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower fears they will struggle to beat amateurs Ireland at the World Cup because of so many exits of star players.Flower, 38, retired from international cricket after the last World Cup when he and black team mate Henry Olonga staged a protest against the Zimbabwe government by wearing black armbands.He then fled to England to live, fearing recriminations for his actions.He has since played for county side Essex and is now with them on a pre-season trip to Dubai.”There is some talent in the Zimbabwe team but they are very inexperienced at that level and they’re really going to struggle in the World Cup,” Flower told Reuters earlier this week.No English for students * THE Pakistan cricket team have been banned from speaking in English at World Cup news conferences to prevent players from being misquoted, according to a team spokesman.Former player Pervez Mir, the team’s press liaison officer during the World Cup, said at a captain’s media day in Montego Bay on Sunday that Pakistan’s players would speak only in Urdu, which would also help to promote tourism to Pakistan.”This decision was taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board because it is our national language and because 2007 is our National Tourist Year so we are promoting Pakistan as well.Inzi has no plans to retire * PAKISTAN skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was adamant that he would not follow other greats into retirement after the World Cup.Australia’s Glenn McGrath will quit all formats of cricket following the event, while West Indies captain Brian Lara is expected to retire from one-dayers and play only tests.With Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and India’s Anil Kumble possibly also heading into one-day retirement, there were rumours that Inzamam could follow suit but he quashed such suggestions.”Definitely I will continue to play as long as I feel I can give the performances and as long as there are no deadlines given (from the board) for any player to end their career,” Inzamam told reporters on Sunday.