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Younis launches cricket team for disabled

New Delhi: Younis Khan launched a national cricket team for disabled people on Wednesday and appealed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and citizens of the country to come forward and help the team to establish on permanent lines.

"The most important part of this campaign is that disabled people can't be ignored as they are part of our daily life," Younis was quoted as saying in Times of India.

He further told the newspaper, "I myself have been sparing time whenever possible to support and encourage them and help them set up their own team."

Younis revealed that six months ago people had approached him to get involved in the project for forming a Pakistan disabled team.

"I responded initially because it was for a good cause but after watching the enthusiasm and keenness of these disabled people for cricket, I now feel I am doing these people no favour."

He also urged the media to take time out for the cause and do whatever possible to help the disabled people.

"I am helping them organize a national cricket league for disabled people and I am thankful the cricket board has been very supportive and helpful to us," Younis said.

Inaugural Champions League put back due to Trophy clash

By N.Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The inaugural Twenty20 Champions League has been postponed until December due to fears it could undermine next month's Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

The Champions League, originally scheduled from September 29 to October 8, would have started on the reserve day for the Champions Trophy final. But it will now be held from December 3-10, organisers said in a statement on Thursday.

The Indian, Australian and South African boards are jointly staging the $6 million (3.2 million pound), eight-team Champions League.

Last week the International Cricket Council (ICC) asked them to review the dates because the competition involved many international players and the governing body's rules prohibits major events until a week after an official tournament.

"While the Champions League Twenty20 is a domestic tournament not affected by ICC rules, we have agreed to the ICC request as a gesture of goodwill," organisers added.

The top two domestic Twenty20 teams from India, Australia and South Africa plus English champions Middlesex and Pakistan winners Sialkot will contest the league.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)