Tendulkar is ambassador for 2015 ICC World Cup

DUBAI

Sachin Tendulkar has been named the ICC World Cup ambassador for the second successive edition. In his role as brand ambassador, Tendulkar will promote and support a variety of ICC initiatives to enhance the profile of the tournament, which is the third biggest sporting event in the world and will take place in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29.

PUNE
Bindra defends national title, Vijay too wins

Abhinav Bindra and Vijay Kumar clinched a gold medal each in 10-metre air rifle and 25-metre standard pistol events respectively at the 58th National Shooting Championship. The 32-year-old Bindra shot a total of 208 to defend his title at the Balewadi Shooting Range. Vijay shot a total of 571 to become the new national champion in 25-metre standard pistol category. Army marksman Satyendra Singh finished second with a total of 207.2 in 10-metre air rifle event, while Haryana's Sanjeev Rajput settled for the bronze shooting a total of 185. In the team event the Army Marksmanship Unit won the gold medal. Punjab finished second and the Air Force team settled for bronze.

COLOMBO
Malinga to return from injury during New Zealand ODIs

Sri Lanka pace spearhead Lasith Malinga is recovering well from his ankle surgery and should be back in action during the later stages of the ODI international series in New Zealand next month, according to coach Marvan Atapattu. Malinga underwent surgery on his left ankle in September.

MELBOURNE
WC organizers put on 'alert' as punter ejected from BBL

The organizers of the ICC cricket World Cup 2015 have been put on 'Red Alert' after a British man, already in ICC's ACSU radar for his alleged betting activities was ejected from two Big Bash League in Sydney from the SCG and ANZ Stadium. The alleged punter was evicted from the SCG, last Friday, during the Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers match. — Agencies