IPL Night MARCH 27 with Preity Zinta

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Change in captaincy hasn't backfired: Ness Wadia

After his team slumped to their fifth defeat in six matches, Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Sunday said decision to replace Yuvraj Singh with Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara as captain has not backfired and that he hopes the team would come up with few wins in the upcoming matches.

"No, it (captaincy) doesn't make a difference. It is not an issue," Wadia said here after his side was comprehensively beaten by Kolkata Knight Riders last night.

Even as they are placed at the bottom position among eight teams, KXIP's misery continues as they will now have to pick a new captain for the next match, with Sangakkara serving a one-match ban after his side was found guilty of maintaining slow over-rate for the third time.

Asked what he has to say about the performance of his team, Wadia said, "the boys were putting in hard effort and despite that if results are not in your favour, what can you do about it...that's life."

On foreign players in the team not coming out with any noteworthy performances so far, he said, "they may not have performed up to the mark, but they will, I am sure."

"We just have to relax, have fun together and then if we win we win and if we lose we lose," he said making a point that the team will have to put the losses they suffered in the competition so far at the back of their mind and look forward to the upcoming matches.

"We have shown in the past (in earlier edition) that we are capable of winning at a stretch. We have won games in a row and that's what we will have to do from our remaining 7-8 games now," he said.

Bollywood actress and another co-owner of the team, Preity Zinta also sounded optimistic that her team's bad run would change in the coming matches.

"We still have eight games. Everything is not lost yet," said Zinta.
Asked if the morale of the team would be low after a string of defeats, she said, "what has happened is past. They will play well."

Meanwhile, when Wadia was inquired about whether his team is looking at making some investments, he said, "we are looking at that (investment) angle like any other team. We are looking at people coming in who have a good financial background."

"If we find right people, then we will go for it and if we don't then we won't," he said.

Kumar Sangakkara slapped one-match ban for slow over-rate

Kings XI Punjab captain Kumar Sangakkara was on Sunday slapped a one-match ban, apart from a $50,000 fine, for the team's slow over-rate for the third time in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

As if their nightmarish performance in the IPL 3 was not enough, Kings XI Punjab were dealt a further blow when Sangakkara was penalised for not completing the overs on time during their 39-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mohali on Saturday.

"Since it was Kings XI Punjab's third offence of the season, under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences, captain Kumar Sangakkara was fined $50,000 and each player in the team $20,000," the IPL management said in a statement.

"Sangakkara is also banned from playing in the team's next match, a clash against Mumbai Indians on 30 March," the statement added.

At the end of Saturday's match, Kings XI Punjab were assessed to be one over behind the required rate after allowances were taken into consideration.

The IPL organisers have come down hard on captains for slow over-rates this season and after the first three games this year, four captains -- Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir and Sangakkara -- were fined $20,000 each for slow over-rates.

Sangakkara's ban adds to Kings XI Punjab's woes as they are languishing at the bottom of the table with as many as five defeats out six games they have played so far.

KXIP 4th Match Big Win

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making People India with Preity Zinta

KXIP win Super Over thriller

Chennai: Super. A Super Over contest that is. The most exhilarating match of IPL 2010 saw Kings XI Punjab snatch victory from the jaws of defeat over Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk.

Yuvraj Singh and Mahela Jayawardene came in to bat after Chennai’s Hayden, Raina and Morkel had scored 9 from their Super Over. KXIP’s new face, South African ‘Rusty’ Theron, an unknown name in India, came on for the Super Over and bowled Hayden off his second delivery to take the Punjab team close to victory. But Raina hit a six off the next ball to change the dynamics again. Theron, a great death over bowler, got his revenge taking Raina’s wicket to end the CSK Super Over. Theron was deservedly named the Man-of-the-Match.

Needing ten to win, KXIP’s Jayawardene faced his wily Sri Lankan teammate Muralidaran. A six off the first ball convinced KXIP supporters, but Murali took Jayawardene’s wicket to leave the match in the balance. Yuvraj then stepped up and hit a reverse sweep for a boundary to seal the victory for KXIP.

Earlier, Parthiv Patel and Matthew Hayden came out to bat and complete the formalities for CSK, but the night was to take a different turn. After the intial Hayden salvo, 33 run from 24 balls and Parthiv Patel’s rollicking half-century 57 off 58 balls, CSK’s middle-order let them down. They went from a position of strength at 96 for 2 to 136 for 136 for seven. Theron was one of the heroes giving away a mere 17 runs off his four overs.

Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Kings XI Punjab experimented at the top of their order by sending in their last match’s hero Irfan Pathan to open the innings with Ravi Bopara. The move paid off with Pathan Jr. playing his role of a pinch-hitter to perfection.

But Pathan was again playing a lone-hand with Muralidaran bewitching his two Sri Lankan opponents: Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. First the off-spinner enticed the Punjab captain Sangakkara down the track and got him stumped. Then he got Jayawardene to play across the line and miss the ball, and he was plumb leg before.

Pathan did hit one huge six off off-spinner R Ashwin in his cameo of 39 runs off 32 balls before getting out to L Balaji. At 64 for 4 after 11 overs, KXIP were tottering towards the lowest score of this edition of IPL, but Yuvraj Singh, looking out of touch till now, took over from Pathan. His six off Morkel over the midwicket region announcing his return to form. But even he didn’t stay till the end, departing just as he was looking good. He had scored 43 from 28 balls.

With this win, Kings XI Punjab opened their account on the points table and should take the confidence of winning a close one into the next match.

Cheer the boys, and cry for them

IPL-3 is in full swing. Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty, movie actors and co-owners of, respectively, Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, are managing cricketers and a cricket franchise. How does that work? Express reporters spent time with both, on and off the field, to find out

Preity Zinta (Kings XI)
These, then, are the remains of the day.
It’s a minute past midnight, March 14, Sunday morning. The plastic dug-out feels lethargic. The match is over: the Delhi Daredevils have thrashed Kings XI Punjab by five wickets at the PCA Stadium in Mohali — at home. Through all the silence, a cheering owner tries to soften the blow.
Dressed in the team’s colours with the logo stitched alongside, Preity Zinta, actor and co-owner of the IPL team, is at peace. Games are won, and sometimes lost. “When there is a major crisis, I’m the calmest person on the planet. I thrive in chaos. We’re one big family and we will solve it,” she says. Three hours of trying to inspire her team didn’t.

She isn’t one to give up though; clapping and cheering by the dug-out is part of the itinerary of ownership. During the post-match presentation ceremony, as part of the ensemble of dignitaries, she’s often seen texting away furiously. She instinctively seems to know each time the camera pans to her and, unfazed in front of 40,000 spectators at the ground, and a few million on television, she breaks into her smiling and waving routine.
The IPL may have found an emotional connect with the common man but Zinta is both interested and distanced. “It was during the first season against the Chennai Super Kings that I learned to lose. It was the highest scoring match of the season and we lost a very close game. I had to earn the respect of the people, my people, and my cricketers. When Chennai was nearing victory, fans told me my money was going down the drain. They asked me to walk away from the loss. But I stood there and watched us lose. It was a moment of clarity for me,” she says.
The support system, however, worked like clockwork. “When I work with someone, they know everything about me and I know everything about them. I do not have glass walls around me. I was expected to leave the stadium but I didn’t. The players came around and thanked me for being there for them,” Zinta says, still somewhat upset with this latest loss to Delhi.

****

The clock reads 2 pm on a Saturday afternoon in Chandigarh, the lazy capital of Punjab. Some hundred-odd men dressed in khaki clothes and turbans loiter around the foyer of a five-star lobby, intervening and frisking every entrant into the area. As time passes, the area picks pace, men and women now strolling in with enthusiasm and purpose.
A few feet inside, past the security and inside a swanky room, the clock reads 2:15 pm. But unlike the weekend in Mohali, it’s filled with hyper kinetic energy waiting to be turned into its potential form.
For Zinta, it’s match day.
Cross-legged on the couch and without the make-up associated with her other profession, she watches the first game scheduled for the day — Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals.

Co-owning the Kings XI Punjab for the last two years — and entering its third edition — has seen her give up her acting career for large gaps. Offers for a role from the film industry have come (and have been rejected, she says), but Zinta’s focus on her current job is a fixation.
“Initially, I took eight months off from the movies, it suddenly became 18. It was important for me to stay here and learn everything from scratch about the game,” she says.
So how much does she know now? “When I got into cricket, I only knew what fours and sixers were. Today, I know what a shorter ball, good length delivery or a yorker is. This I learnt on my own.” On her own? “When I got into the movies I didn’t go to film school.”

She continues. “It’s been incredible how far I’ve managed to come on my own by just watching the game. I didn’t think I would fall in love with cricket so much,” she says and pauses, distracted by a Sachin Tendulkar boundary on the television.
The clock is ticking and it’s time for her to begin the process of looking glamorous, but Zinta cannot peel her eyes off the telly. “He is a legend,” she says, holding her breath. “When the IPL began all I wanted as an owner was Tendulkar in my team. But they told me it was not possible.”

She’s put in the hard yards for this role. Zinta went to Harvard to study the complexities behind a business... “I studied negotiations, deal making, mergers, and acquisitions as part of a business course. I didn’t do sports management, but I did present the IPL as one of my case studies. I think knowledge is the key and the course did help to some extent.
“Harvard taught me to think big. But to think business in India, nobody can teach you. In India you got to think desi, things work differently,” she says.
The screws have turned since the beginning, but Zinta recalls the difficult times. “What I felt intimidated about was that I was the only woman then (these days there are a few more), and the actress tag became a handicap. I felt I didn’t have to be a glamour doll or pout and pose and do my make-up to be accepted.”

****

It’s 7 pm — late, already — and the pre-match entertainment has already begun. She might make it just in time for the game. The foyer is a circus trying to get autographs, sound bytes or just a photograph. She wades past the crowd through to the front into a waiting car, and the entire process moves without discomfort, throwing caution to both the delay and the wind.
Stress, and more stress, is always there before and after a game. Like the incident where Harbhajan Singh (of the Mumbai Indians) slapped Sreesanth (from her Kings XI Punjab). That got her a little twitchy, but nothing eradicated the sense of security in her newest profession. “Even when something goes wrong, I smile and sign pieces of paper. A typical day in my life during the IPL is controversy management. In the middle of everything, the temple priest comes with prasad to give to the boys. If I can get to sneak to the gym after all this, it is great. Then I go to the stadium and can barely hear or see anything, like a horse with blinders on. I care too much. Come on, we’re Punjab, the most glamorous, aggressive and colourful team in this tournament,” she says.
Five minutes before the start, Zinta is on the ground and takes her place next to the players in the dug-out — her domain for the next three hours. Smiles erupt from her men in uniform — some coy, some star-struck, all of them comfortable. But whatever happens from here on, she knows it’s just a game.

CSK to go for the kill against Kings XI

Things are falling in place for the Chennai Super Kings. Their skipper MS Dhoni is out injured but the depth of the side was there to see when they played Delhi Daredevils on Friday.

Matthew Hayden has been fantastic, Suresh Raina looks comfortable with captaincy, and even the bowlers – Albie Morkel, L. Balaji and Muttiah Muralitharan – are coming into their own.

Dhoni’s elbow injury kept him out of the Delhi match and he has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game. According to the CSK team management there will not be any assessment of Dhoni’s injury on Sunday and the physio Tom Simsek has advised the skipper to report for the Mumbai match on Thursday.

“He is recovering slowly, but won’t be available for tomorrow’s match. He will also miss the RCB game on Tuesday and will only join us in Mumbai for the Mumbai Indians game,” CSK chief coach Stephen Fleming said.

Though the fans will be disappointed that Dhoni won’t be there, it’s Matthew Hayden with his Mongoose bat that will draw them towards the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday evening.

He is supreme at the top of the order and the coach has full confidence in the Aussie that he will give them the start on Sunday as well.
“Mongoose or no Mongoose, he is a fantastic batsman. He is the pillar of strength for our team and we are looking forward to another super effort,” coach Fleming said.

The slow start also seems a thing of the past for the CSK outfit. “We have really picked up well after the initial jolt. The way we’ve played in the last two games, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be playing the semifinals,” Fleming oozed confidence.

On the other hand, things are going from bad to worse for Kings XI with none of their top guns coming good. Yuvraj Singh doesn’t seem to have recovered from his injury, Kumar Sangakkara too has struggled, and the pace attack has looked weak in the absence of Brett Lee.

The only bright spots have been Ravi Bopara and Irfan Pathan and the Kings XI coach Tom Moody would desperately like this duo to fire so that the smiles are back on Preity Zinta’s face.

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Preity Zinta KXIP 2nd match Tue, 16 March vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

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'We failed at the last hurdle'

The Pathan brothers have been the cynosure of all eyes ever since the start of Indian Premier League’s 2010 season. On one hand, Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne is searching for new adjectives for Yusuf, and on the other, the Kings XI captain Kumar Sangakkara swears by Irfan’s genuine all-rounder ability.

Yusuf’s power hitting has been known to all and sundry but Irfan’s memorable stints with the bat have been in patches. Having matched Yusuf’s power play shot by shot, unfortunately, Irfan’s IPL 2010 destiny also matched his older brother’s destiny – both siblings have put up a valiant effort with the bat but ended up on the losing side.

In an exclusive interview with IPLT20.COM, Irfan spoke about the heartbreak, Yusuf Pathan and how Brett Lee’s absence was disturbing Kings XI Punjab.

Talking about the pain of defeat after coming close to victory he said, “You can say that it is such an irony but that is how Twenty20 goes. One over can change the match, one wicket can turn it upside down. But I am pretty happy with the way Yusuf [Pathan] is hitting the ball. And look he is going to get better each passing day. I saw his innings against Mumbai Indians and felt bad when he couldn’t finish [off the game for his side]. It was the same feeling that I have today. We both failed at the last hurdle. Even when I was batting we were on course but that one ball which I got out [on] changed the outcome of the game.”

The regret on Irfan’s face was evident when asked whether this was his best innings in IPL. He said, “Yes, it could have been better if I would have stayed till the last ball; things might have been different. Innings like these don’t come too often and when [it did] come, I should have finished it off for my team. But then I had to try out that ball with which I got out. I [didn’t have the choice] to play defensively or anything like that. I don’t regret it but I should have stayed there till the end.”

Although Kings XI Punjab lost the match, Irfan must be happy to have brought them close to a win. “You feel good when you play like that. Luckily for me, I had a good day on the field. I bowled well and batted well but yes, one minus point [is] that I didn’t win it for my team,” he said.

The left-armer exuded confidence about the performance helping him in future games this season. “This kind of a performance will help me in the future matches as well. It was important for me to get a performance like this with both bat and ball to get the confidence going. And hopefully I will win matches in the tournament,” he said.

Kings XI Punjab has a good line-up, but the points table doesn’t seem to suggest this. “Yeah, that is absolutely true that we are a pretty good side. Unfortunately, the score line doesn’t suggest that. We are almost there but we are doing little things here and there wrong. It is not too late as it is a long tournament. If we pick ourselves up we definitely stand a chance to reach the semi-finals stage. The amount of talent we have in the side – if we put it together I think we will be fine,” said a hopeful Pathan.

When asked whether his side was missing strike bowler Brett Lee, Pathan admitted that his team has not been able to fill the big shoes left by the Australian. “Yes, of course he is a wonderful bowler. He has been a world class bowler for a long time. He has played for us in the last two seasons and we are certainly missing not having him up-front,” he said.

“We are actually playing one experienced bowler short. But then you can’t complain. We need to make sure that whoever is available is confident and does well,” he added.

Sangakkara a great leader, but Preity real captain: Yuvraj

New Delhi: Yuvraj Singh heaped praises on his successor Kumar Sangakkara, saying that the Sri Lankan is the best person to lead Kings XI Punjab.

"Oh he (Sangakkara) is great - he's a great person. He understands all the local players, he takes feedback from everyone, especially Mahela (Jayawardene) and myself, and when Brett Lee was there as well. Kumar has been captaining the Sri Lankan team for a while now, so he's done a great job for Sri Lanka and I hope he does a great job for Kings XI as well," said Yuvraj.

Sangakkara took over the reins after Yuvraj was removed as the Kings XI Punjab captain.

Asked how he felt playing under Sangakkara, Yuvraj said: "I remember my younger days, going to Sri Lanka and playing in Sri Lanka - me and Sangakara used to fight a lot. He used to give me a lot of crap from behind the stumps and I used to give it back to him...so...but since the IPL has come, we've become good friends and we share a good rapport...you understand their culture. It's great playing with people like Brett Lee and Shawn Marsh, and Myhla, Sangakara so it's good fun to interact with cricketers from all around the world."

On a lighter note, Yuvraj said it was co-owner Priety Zinta, who was the main leader.

"She's actually the main captain. I think Priety is great. I think, in the last series she learnt a lot about cricket and cricketers and she's very generous and she makes sure the boys are like a family and she makes sure everyone is getting good food, that they're staying in a good hotel, and everybody's got security. So she's like a very sisterly, very motherly idol...not for me but..." said Yuvraj.

Yuvraj also said his diving technique has gone wrong.

"I think my technique of diving has gone a bit haywire or something. Well, it's just been happening in the last year only," Yuvraj told in an interview to NDTV.

He also said that the last four months have been frustrating for him.

"Last 4 months have been frustrating and I had a bit of finger injuries and a thumb injury and now a wrist injury. So, it's been pretty bad with injuries but done my best to get back into shape and it's feeling good now. So just need to get into the match scenario," Yuvraj said.

Will be back for KXIP soon Brett Lee

It was tough on my part to miss the opening match against Delhi Daredevils the other night. But there is nothing one can do if you are injured. As of now, the good news is that I’ll be back shortly for Kings XI Punjab and hopefully will contribute to my team. But I was slightly disappointed with the end result of the first match we played against the Daredevils.

We have a competitive team, but we missed a couple of the crucial players in the opening game. A player like James Hopes would have made a huge difference to the end result since some of the proven match-winners like Yuvraj Singh, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene couldn’t make it big. It was thrilling to see the way Ravi Bopara batted. The best part about Kings XI Punjab is that the players are always willing to fight till the last ball of the match and that keeps this team going.

Batting first against Delhi, 142 wasn’t a huge total, but it was surely something with which the bowlers could have fought. And they did. Sreesanth was quite impressive and he removed the dangerous Virender Sehwag and Tilakaratne Dilshan. Later on, it was Gautam Gambhir who bailed his team out.
He really played a captain’s knock. Besides, Daredevils are one of the strongest teams in the competition and considering this, we didn’t play that badly. Their batting is as strong as their bowling and they have the perfect combination of spirited Indian players.

Now, we have to forget what happened in the previous match and get on with the next game against Royal Challengers. They are in a similar situation as both teams have lost their opening matches.

So, it will be an interesting contest. I am more than confident that our team would be looking to win the first match of the competition. Batsmen like Yuvraj and Sangakkara must be hungry to go out there and smash those deliveries out of the park. My best wishes are there with them.

I’d love to promote others sports too: Preity

Actor Preity Zinta, the chairperson of Kings XI Punjab team of Indian Premier League (IPL) claims that she is keen to promote other games in the country, which incidentally have been overshadowed here due to excessive love of the people for cricket.

“People should also take initiative and reach the venues, where other games are held. The sponsors will automatically follow,” said Preity. “We are a country of over one billion people and we have come with only one Olympic gold medal. The other games need to be promoted.” The glam girl also showed her interest to be the ‘ambassador of women sports’ in the country. “Now, I am in cricket. If I get a chance to associate with women sports, I would gladly accept it,” said the bubbly actress.

She expressed her happiness over getting the ‘Sports Illustrated Award’ for the top 50 most influential persons in Indian sports on March 8 at Mumbai. “The award inspired me to do more for the other sports other than cricket,” she said. “I used to play basketball before making it to Bollywood,” she added. She said her team is a ‘socially aware’ team, which would work towards HIV positive people in India along with the UNAIDS.

“We have launched red bands today and the 25 per cent of the total amount generated from the sale of these bands will be donated for the social cause,” said Preity.

The Bollywood beauty along with Ness Wadia, Captain Kumar Sangakarra, Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee pledged their support for the HIV affected by wearing special red bands to support and create awareness on AIDS at the PCA Stadium this week.

The Kings XI Punjab unveiled its unique and attractive Fan Club – the KXIP lion’s den and humorous animation films of their mascots-Rocky & Ranjit especially for their fans in India and across the globe.

Talking about the Fan Club and animation film, Preity said, “KXIP cherishes its enduring relationship with fans – both off and on the field. The KXIP lion’s Den – our Fan Club aims to bring exclusive benefits to the KXIP enthusiast who takes pleasure in being associated with us. On the other hand, Rocky and Ranjit, our mascots are yet another channel to reach out to loyalists and add smile to their faces! We hope, we keep to our promise, through these interactive means, and provide the right blends of cricket and entertainment to KXIP fans.”

Preity at IPL Post Party

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King XI Punjab 1st match

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Cricketers, celebs and a rocking bash

It was an unannounced party. Till the end, there was no news of a celebration scheduled for the cricketers, after the first IPL match got over in Chandigarh on Saturday.

It was post midnight when the hotel banquet hall, where the teams were staying, started teeming with cricketers, celebrities and socialites who poured in by the minute in an exclusive party for the two participating teams of Punjab and Delhi.

Though Punjab team lost the match, most cricketers from the team attended in full force. Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, team co-owners Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, Farvez Mahroof and Preity Zinta, were seen exchanging greetings. It also had players from team Delhi, including Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir. Tillakratne Dilshan stood in a corner and chatted with Mahroof and Sreesanth.

Yuvi carried forth his sullen looks that he wore before the match, at this party too. And the fans pestering him for pictures didn’t seem to do any good to his mood either. We say, better luck next time, both Yuvi for the match and the fans for pictures!

The composed Irfan Pathan was his usual jolly self. He posed readily for pictures while relishing seekh kebab. Gautam Gambhir made a quick entry and an
equally quick exit. “

I need to sleep, I am tired,” he said. Ravi Bopara was spotted chatting with Ness Wadia while Burman stood quietly with his friends. Actor and VJ, Anusha Dandekar was in a chatty mood. Former VJ, Ramola too was also occupied with friends. The party ended in the wee hours of the morning with everyone retiring to their rooms preparing for the morning journey towards their next destination.

Preity Zinta on an anti-corruption drive

Actor Preity Zinta is a very busy woman these days. First of all, for the next one-and-a-half months her prime objective will be to ensure that her cricket team does well in the ongoing T20 tournament.

Then, once the tournament is over, she will take up a cause in a big way—she wants to campaign against corruption that ‘prevails at every tier of the state government’. For this she has decided to turn into an activist. “I had wanted to become an activist for a long time. I think the time has come,” says Preity.

In the midst of all this, we ask her about rumours of her wanting to sell off her stake in her cricket team for ‘personal’ reasons. She rubbishes them saying, “I plan to stay with the team as long as I can. Personal relations or equations don’t matter when we are working. My relation with the other owners and members of my team is as cohesive as any other team in the tournament.”

Coming back to the activist streak in her, Preity says Maharashtra would have taken long strides towards development had it not been for the ‘disease’ of people expecting their palms to be greased at all levels. “I don’t want to sound as if I am comparing Maharashtra with another state. But I’ve been to Gujarat and I saw that the level of corruption there is much less. When I saw that I wished the same thing would happen in Maharashtra,” she says.

When asked what she would promote during her campaign against corruption, she says, “I will advocate that a cut be given to government employees against every ‘lucrative’ project that is passed or completed by them. Or, maybe a part of the profits after a project gets completed successfully. In most private companies you get the work done and then you are rewarded with a small portion of the profit that comes in. I think if that system is put in place, then the government would soon be corruption free.”

Preity gets her act(ivism) right

ACTOR Preity Zinta is a very busy woman these days. First of all, for the next one-and-a-half months her prime objective will be to ensure that her cricket team does well in the ongoing T20 tournament. Then, once the tournament is over, she will take up a cause in a big way—she wants to campaign against corruption that ‘prevails at every tier of the state government’. For this she has decided to turn into an activist. “I had wanted to become an activist for a long time. I think the time has come,” says Preity. In the midst of all this, we ask her about rumours of her wanting to sell off her stake in her cricket team for ‘personal’ reasons. She rubbishes them saying, “I plan to stay with the team as long as I can. Personal relations or equations don’t matter when we are working. My relation with the other owners and members of my team is as cohesive as any other team in the tournament.” Coming back to the activist streak in her, Preity says Maharashtra would have taken long strides towards development had it not been for the ‘disease’ of people expecting their palms to be greased at all levels. “I don’t want to sound as if I am comparing Maharashtra with another state. But I’ve been to Gujarat and I saw that the level of corruption there is much less. When I saw that I wished the same thing would happen in Maharashtra,” she says. When asked what she would promote during her campaign against corruption, she says, “I will advocate that a cut be given to government employees against every ‘lucrative’ project that is passed or completed by them. Or, maybe a part of the profits after a project gets completed successfully. In most private companies you get the work done and then you are rewarded with a small portion of the profit that comes in. I think if that system is put in place, then the government would soon be corruption free.”

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Preity Zinta at Sports Illustrated Power Awards

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Preity, Shilpa, Sania Mirza at Sports Illustrated Awards

Mumbai, 8th March, 2010: Sports Illustrated, the bible of sports world-wide celebrated its annual Sports Illustrated Power list in association with Toyota and Gitanjali Lifestyle with a grand ceremony to felicitate the 50 most influential people in Indian sport, on the 8th of March at the stunning Poolside Lawns, Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

As a special gesture on International Women’s Day, the most powerful woman on the list, Preity Zinta, looking ravishing in a purple dress, was presented with a diamond studded cricket ball containing 3600 diamonds by Mr. Mehul Choksi, CMD, Gitanjali Group. Mr Choksi also presented the master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar with a gold bat and the stylish Sania Mirza with a gold tennis ball!

The list of the top 50 was collated by Sports Illustrated after in-depth research and keeping in mind the sort of Power, Influence and Popularity these names command in the sports arena. The Sports Illustrated cover story for February 2010 – “The Power List” was an exhaustive review on these super influencers and the reasons behind their selection.

Through these awards, Sports Illustrated India salutes not only the achievements of athletes who have become household names in India and the world, but also the influence of people associated with sport like TV Moguls, TV Network Executives, administrators and coaches.

The top 50 rates Tendulkar as the No. 1 influencer in India, followed by IPL Chairman Lalit Modi at second spot and liquor baron Dr. Vijay Mallya in third. Following closely behind are Sharad Pawar, M S. Dhoni, Shashank Manohar and MS Gill, among others

The event hosted by Atul Wassan saw Indian sport’s most influential people getting together to be felicitated for their fantastic achievements. Some of the greatest names in Indian sport were present at the power-packed event including Sania Mirza, Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra, among others. The most influential names associated with Indian sport were also be present at the event including, WSG’s President Venu Nair, Churchill Alemao and Shrinivas Dempo.Setting the glittering evening soaring were Bollywood queens and IPL team owners Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty with husband, Raj Kundra. The suave set of Mumbai gathered to congratulate and be a part of this high octane evening, including Rahul Bose, Dino Morea, Queenie Singh, Simone Singh and Fahad Samar, Poonam Dhillon, Arti and Kailiash Surendranath, AD and Sabina Singh, Sharmila Khanna, Leena Singh, Nisha Jamwal to name a few

Preity excited about IPL back in India

I wish to visit Cuba before Castro dies and Brazil tops my 'places to visit before I die' list," says Preity Zinta. "I want to visit all exotic places before I kick the bucket! I switch off my mobile as nothing can mar a perfect holiday like a phone that rings persistently." Her travel addiction sees her in a new destination every year and she wraps up work before her holiday.

For Preity, travelling was not always a matter of choice as her father was in the army. "We were always on the move. From Kashmir to Kovalam to Mizoram, I got a chance to explore our incredibly beautiful country."

African Safari
The actress, who co-owns Kings XI Punjab, is now focusing on the upcoming IPL season. "I am excited that the game is back in India and I looking forward to the matches in Dharamshala." But South Africa had its own thrills, says Preity. "It was a lot of work as the home ground advantage was missing. People were very warm and whenever I was near the ground, they would chant 'pretty pretty'." she giggles. "But I regret one thing.

Going to South Africa and not going for a safari is almost blasphemy. My bodyguard went and got bitten by a lion cub. But as he narrated the tale, he cleverly stopped mentioning the word 'cub'."

Playing safe

When she is not travelling on work, Preity does not spend too much time planning the perfect holiday. Instead, she calls up her friends for advice. "I have a sweet barter system with my friends living abroad," she reveals. "Even if I am not in the country, I make sure that my friends take care of my guests. So when I go abroad, they help me with hotels, sightseeing and the best restaurants."

Travelling alone to a new place can be a challenge when you have to look out for yourself and Preity learnt that the hard way. "Ten years ago, I got mugged in a dark alley in London and ended up with a hairline fracture. The thief snatched my purse and jewellery, even the delicious pastries I had bought," she laments. So now whenever she travels, she has a car, a driver and a security guard at her disposal.

Evenings in Paris

After London and Switzerland, Paris is on her list of favourites, she says. "Last July, I made a spur-of-the-moment trip from London with my fashion designer friend, Surily Goel. We indulged ourselves and stayed in the best and most luxurious hotel, George V, in Paris. I had a little pact with Surily -- the days were hers and the evenings were mine. So during the day, Surily dragged me to every shop in the city and in the evening, we tried out new cuisines (since I love eating!)." For the zesty Zinta, Italy also is a favoured destination. "The best way to visit Europe is to travel to the quaint and beautiful towns. I love shopping in the cities though," she laughs.

Fishy Tales

Paris, one of Preity’s favourite getaways
Closer home, Preity looks forward to short trips to Goa. "My most memorable Goan trip was the one with my parents. We explored the fascinating nooks and crannies of Old Goa. In the evenings, I would lie on the beach, staring at the stars. One day I was sitting on the beach, watching the fishermen take out their fresh catch. Though the sight was fascinating, I was appalled by the sight of dead fish being carted to be sold. I didn't eat fish for ten years after that."

Food forms a very important part of her travels. "I love trying out local cuisines but I always eat safe. I stay away from shellfish and red meat in an unfamiliar place," says Zinta. But like all Indians, Preity can't do without Indian food for long. "I can't do without my parathas and kadi chawal for long and look for Indian restaurants abroad."

The zing factor

Preity got her first taste of adventure sports when she went to Maldives for her good friend Ambika Hinduja's wedding. "I tried deep sea diving for the first time and loved it. After that, I went bungee jumping in New Zealand. The adrenalin rush is amazing and the country is awesome with adventure sports options for everyone. I am definitely going back there to try out all other sports," she added.

Preity Zinta on the Cover of Grazia Magazine

Amrohi's son files theft case against sister

Legendary film producer Kamal Amrohi’s eldest son Shandar Amrohi has filed a complaint against sister Rukhsar and nephew Waseem with the Khar police, alleging forgery and theft of share certificates pertaining to family property.

The sprawling property is off the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road and realty experts say it can be worth hundreds of crores of rupees in the market. The family has had some dispute over the property since several years, say family insiders and realty observers.

Shandar, who said on Wednesday that he wanted to will his entire property to Bollywood actor Preity Zinta, alleged police officials were “under pressure” and that was the reason why they were not lodging an FIR. He filed the complaint on February 23. “All my property will go to Preity, who is my daughter, as she is with me and fighting for my case,” he said. Asked if she would be his legal heir, Shandar said: “Yes.”

Zinta herself was not available to speak on the issue, but her tweets revealed that she was clued in on the police case front. The actor tweeted: “Trying to lodge an FIR for the past 10 days! I guess I have to follow the system, so be it! I still have faith in the police though.”

TOI tried to contact the other side of the family, Rukhsar and Waseem, but failed to get in touch with them. Additional commissioner of police (West) Amitabh Gupta said: “We have received an application from Shandar Amrohi. We will take required action in the matter after examination of the complaint.”

Shandar appeared to have his brother Tajdar Amrohi on his side. “The police is treating the case as a civil matter. But how can a case of forgery and theft be a civil case?” he asked. Zinta, too, tweeted: “Theft, fraud and forgery are not civil matters! It is a criminal offence. I don’t understand why it is taking so long to file an FIR.”

Tajdar added both he and Shandar had been getting threat calls, but said they would not bow down to this and fight for justice.

Preity Zinta alleges police apathy

Actor Preity Zinta is upset with Mumbai Police. The actor, who went to Khar police station to lodge a complaint regarding a theft, was made to sit there for five hours, she has alleged.

And despite the wait, her complaint was not registered. The actor said she was happy with the policemen's hospitality but would have been happier if they would have registered her complaint instead.

However, the police claimed that Preity's complaint was not a case of theft but had to do with some dispute over a studio property.

Preity said she has been trying to lodge the complaint since the theft happened 10 days ago. She revealed her experience in a posting on Twitter.

"Spent five hours at the Khar police station. Must say the cops were great. Offered me tea, more tea and more tea! The fight for justice has begun. Trying to lodge an FIR for the past 10 days! I guess I have to follow the system, so be it! I still have faith in the police though," she writes.

"Trying to fight for justice as normal citizen and not as a star! As a star all I have to do is a press conference and spill the beans. Test the system and see where we stand as normal law abiding citizens! I have a feeling this battle will turn into a war! God help me," she adds.