Sehwag no more DD captain!!!!!

Virender Sehwag has stepped down as captain of Delhi Daredevils, the franchise said on Monday. Sehwag is coming out of a shoulder injury and said he wanted to focus on his batting. Gautam Gambhir will lead Delhi in next month's Champions League Twenty20, and is expected to remain captain in next year's IPL, with wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik as his deputy.

"I would like to thank GMR for their understanding in accepting my request to step down," Sehwag said. "Personally, I would like to concentrate on my own batting and contribute to the team."

Sehwag, 30, said he had full faith in Gambhir, who had captained the side during the second edition of the IPL and had also been a Ranji Trophy-winning captain for Delhi. "Gautam did a great job of captaining Delhi and also during IPL 2 in South Africa this year," Sehwag said. "He has shown very good leadership skills and will bring fresh energy into the Delhi Daredevils."

Gambhir, on his part, said he would draw from his experience of leading Delhi on the domestic circuit. "I am delighted at my selection as captain of Delhi Daredevils and I am committed to deliver my best," Gambhir said. "I have led Delhi in the past and it was an enriching experience. Hopefully, I can put into practice all that I have learnt.

"I have always looked up to Viru . He has been a guide and friend for me. It is always difficult to fit into the shoes of someone as illustrious as him. I can always turn to him for any advice, as also to the other seniors in the team. We have had great camaraderie in the side and this will help us reach greater heights."

IPL-III to start in Hyderabad

Title holder Deccan Chargers will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Hyderabad in the opening match of the 60-match IPL season 3 to be played from March 12 to April 25, 2010. This was announced by Lalit Modi, Chairman of the IPL Governing Council here on Monday.

The additional match will be a play–off for the third and fourth position between the losing semifinalists.

It was also announced that Mumbai Indians will play a few matches at Nagpur, Deccan Chargers at Visakhapatnam, Kings XI Punjab at Dharamsala and Rajasthan Royals at Ahmedabad.

Modi also announced that in 2011 two more franchise teams would be added to make for 10 teams and playing 94 matches in 12 centres.

The governing council has also in principle decided to provide an opportunity for former ICL players to feature from the 2009 event.

“The BCCI had taken a decision that the former rebel players, who accepted the amnesty offer by May 31, will not be allowed entry into the IPL for 12 months.

“But the Working Committee here on Thursday is likely to allow them and issue guidelines.

It’s been proposed that they should not be paid lower than Rs. 8 lakh and in excess of Rs. 20 lakh. It’s up to the BCCI to draft the guidelines and identify players in the two categories.

“If a franchise had signed in a player from the former ICL group, it will be treated as null and void,” said Modi.

Revealing that the expenses for season II held in South Africa were much higher, Mr. Modi said the modalities of making up the shortfall of the eight franchises will be addressed at a meeting next week with the team owners.

“The prices of tickets were much lower than it was in India in 2008 and the capacity at each ground in South Africa was lower than the venues in India. Taking all this into account we will work out ways to meet the shortfall of the team owners. The IPL will try to understand all factors and cover the shortfall.”

A significant change has also been made to the strategic time out (seven and half minutes after the first 10 overs in South Africa) for the season III next year. The fielding captain will have the option to take a two and half minute STO between the 6th and 10th overs and the batsman will have the option to take a two and half minute STO between the 11th and 16th overs.

Among other decisions taken were: IPL will use the services of ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit; Transfer window from December 15 to January 5, 2010; All capped international players will have to go through an auction that will be decided in consultation with the franchises; IPL to maintain $ 7 million cap at the auction; Players to obtain NOC from member countries of ICC every year.

This is to maintain the paramount nature of the ICC’s Future Tour Programme (FTP); Icon player status to be abolished.