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Cricket South Africa’s anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) has charged an “intermediary” under its anti-corruption code for “contriving to fix, or otherwise improperly influence aspects” of the recently completed domestic T20 tournament, the Ram Slam Challenge.CSA has provisionally suspended the unnamed individual under Article 4.7.1 of the Code. The ACSU has also charged them with “failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with an investigation carried out by CSA’s Designated Anti-Corruption Official”, the board said in a release on Tuesday.The intermediary will now be required to respond to the charges via the ACSU.”The provisional suspension means that the intermediary may not be involved in any capacity in any match or any other kind of function, event or activity (other than authorised anti-corruption education or rehabilitation programmes) that is authorized, organised, sanctioned, recognised or supported in any way by CSA, the ICC, a National Cricket Federation or any member of a National Cricket Federation,” CSA said.Haroon Lorgat, CSA’s chief executive, added: “Our attitude to corruption will always be one of zero tolerance and we are confident that we have the necessary structures in place to effectively deal with any corrupt activity. We will relentlessly pursue under our code and the law of the land any persons we believe to be involved in corrupting the game and, with assistance from the police, we will also seek criminal prosecution.”The Ram Slam T20 Challenge 2015-16 was played between November 1 and December 12, with Titans winning the final against Dolphins on Saturday.

Maynard takes up his new role at the end of September © Getty Images

Matthew Maynard has been appointed cricket manager at Glamorgan, beginning his new role at the end of September.Maynard, the former Glamorgan and England batsman – who was replaced by Andy Flower as England’s assistant coach after the World Cup – will have the help of the two existing coaches Adrian Shaw and Steve Watkin. Though understandably excited at the role, he acknowledges how much work there is to be done.”This is a fantastic opportunity for me and it couldn’t have come at a better time,” Maynard said. “I’m aware that there is a lot of work required and that it will not be an overnight transformation. It will be up to me to get the best out of the players we have, augment them with additions where appropriate, and to work as hard as I can to get Glamorgan back to the level of performance we all – players and supporters – enjoyed in the 1990s and early 2000s. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.””Although I do not formally start in post until the end of the season, I will be spending whatever time it takes between now and the end of September consulting with them.”Maynard, 41, played nearly 750 matches for the club between 1985 and 2005, leading the side to the County Championship in 1997. In this new role he will be responsible for all elements of cricket and player development at Glamorgan, reporting to chief executive Mike Fatkin.”We’re delighted that Matthew has agreed to rejoin Glamorgan in this new role,” Fatkin said. “His commitment to the county and his record as a player stands comparison with the very best and having now had experience of coaching elite players we believe he is ready to take on this particular challenge.”

Mark Boucher was incensed by the local media coverage of South Africa’s pull out © Getty Images

South Africa’s cricketers reacted angrily to suggestions that seniorplayers had bullied the younger ones into going along with the decision toreturn home from the tour of Sri Lanka. They were also fuming about thelocal media coverage of the withdrawal, with one prominent local dailycarrying the back-page headline ‘South African cricketers chicken out’.Another, the Daily Mirror published out of Colombo alleged thatMark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andrew Hall, Andre Nel andMickey Arthur, the coach, were instrumental in the South Africans decidingto go home. The article also suggested that the decision had less todo with security, and more to do with their 2-0 loss in the Test series,and a fear of similar disappointments in the one-day games.”It was a decision taken by everyone,” said AB de Villiers, one of theyounger players that had a lot to gain by playing here. “It was anopportunity for the young guys to play a few games in subcontinentconditions [with the Champions Trophy just two months away], and it’sunfortunate that it won’t happen. I’m prepared to give everything whileplaying for South Africa, but not my life.”de Villiers also said that those who criticised the team weren’t aware ofthe facts of the matter. “It’s nonsense to judge someone without beinghere in their situation. We’re foreigners here, not knowing what’s goingon, and with bombs going off near us. The security guys are telling us togo home, and that’s good enough for me.”Boucher, who was expected to captain the side during the one-day series,was incensed by the coverage, not least because it was his face that wasprominently displayed beneath the chicken headline. “It’s disappointing,”he said, “and there’s not much that you can do once such stuff ispublished.”Loots Bosman, the 29-year-old opening bat who was expected to get hischance here in Graeme Smith’s absence, was probably the man with most togain had South Africa stayed on. But he insisted that there was going to be only one decision after the team’s security advisors told them the risk was untenable.”Obviously, the whole situation is about safety,” he told Cricinfo. “It’snot a junior-senior issue. On the cricketing front, it’s unfortunate, butI can’t do much about it or have any control over such situations. MaybeI’ll get an opportunity to represent South Africa again.”Having fielded calls all day regarding the alleged split within the ranks,Gordon Templeton, the team’s media manager, also didn’t mince words whenasked his opinion about the stories called by the and the . “Those with anything between their ears, and who understandcricket, would find such stories utterly laughable.”The team leaves Colombo on Friday morning, flying to Johannesburg via HongKong, but the ill-feeling that they leave behind may linger for some time.

With the national selectors still juggling to find the correct balance for the South African squad, four changes have been made to play against Bangladesh in the third Standard Bank One-Day International in Kimberley on Wednesday (D/N).Robin Peterson, completing a successful weekend in the SuperSport Series, returns to the squad after being left out of the first two internationals. He was a late inclusion in the recent tournament in Sri Lanka after an injury to Nicky Boje.Ashwell Prince, after a good series against Australia `A’ and Bangladesh, receives his first call-up to the one-day squad. Prince has played in three test matches.Steve Elworthy once again finds himself back in the squad. In and out of the squad since 1999 Elworthy has never been given the chance to establish himself in the team. His selection could have something to do with the exclusion of injured Mfuneko Ngam. Ngam’s chances of regaining fitness before the World Cup seem fairly remote.Surprise exclusion from the squad is Lance Klusener. Klusener, who has been having a lean period with the bat, joins his fellow KwaZulu-Natal teammates, Errol Stewart and Dale Benkenstein, on the trip back to Durban.Jonty Rhodes, after a rest, returns to the team.Martin van Jaarsveld who did not manage to get a chance to bat in his debut at Benoni on Sunday has been retained.The full squad is:Shaun Pollock KwaZulu-Natal (captain)
Mark Boucher Border (vice captain)
Boeta Dippenaar Free State
Allan Donald Free State
Steve Elworthy Northerns
Herschelle Gibbs Western Province
Jacques Kallis Western Province
Makhaya Ntini Border
Robin Peterson Eastern Province
Ashwell Prince Western Province
Jonty Rhodes KwaZulu-Natal
Graeme Smith Western Province
Martin van Jaarsveld Northerns

Scorecard

Chris Gayle: an uncharacteristic innings but a vital one© Touchline

An uncharacteristically dour hundred from Chris Gayle prevented another day of embarrassment for West Indies, but Bangladesh wasted a golden opportunity to press home the advantage built on the first two days as they spilt no fewer than nine catches. By the close of another damp day in St Lucia, West Indies were 262 for 5, with Gayle unbeaten on 110.The day began with Pedro Collins wrapping up Bangladesh’s innings early when Mohammad Rafique played on driving outside off for 111. Bangladesh’s total was their highest ever.Gayle, usually the flamboyant strokemaker, played a subdued innings with only rare sightings of his trademark drives and cuts. He was helped by Bangladesh’s generosity – he was dropped on 24, 28 and 47 – and his decision to adopt the anchor role was partially caused by his involvement in a farcical run-out at the top of the innings.In the second over, Gayle pushed Tareq Aziz to point and Smith called for a sharp, but feasible, single. But he was sent back by a late call from Gayle, and Faisal Hussain’s throw was well gathered by Aziz and Smith was left well short of safety (2 for 1).Ramnaresh Sarwan took up the challenge, and with Gayle took the score to 89 before he fell for a sucker punch. He hooked a bouncer from Tapash Baisya for six, and Habibul Bashar ostentatiously moved Rafique to deep square leg. Baisya sent down another bouncer, Sarwan top-edged the hook, and the ball went straight down Rafique’s throat. It showed a lack of intelligence bordering on the reckless and was the eighth time that Sarwan, who made 40, has perished hooking.Brian Lara gave every sign that he was going to entertain the small crowd, unleashing some crisp drives and cuts before he tried to run Mushfiqur Rahman to third man and edged behind to Khaled Mashud for 53 (162 for 3); when Shivnarine Chanderpaul fell to Rafique for 7, also caught by Mashud, West Indies were wobbling (183 for 4).But the catches kept being put down, and Dwayne Smith made a breezy 42 before undoing much of the good work by clubbing Rafique to Aziz in the deep as the gloom descended. The timing of his dismissal would not have pleased the coach even if his innings did.But Gayle remained, reaching his hundred near the end of the day, and in so doing ensuring that today wasn’t as wretched as it might have been.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Mar.2, WICB: The West Indies World Cup 2007 official delegation currently in South Africa will report on their visit to the Cricket World Cup 2003 at a news conference on March 6 with chief executive officer of the CWC 2003, Dr. Ali Bacher.Head of the WWC delegation, Chris Dehring, has described the visit so far as very useful to the 17 West Indies government and cricket officials, who are about to complete their first week of meetings with a wide variety of entities involved in the organisation of the CWC 2003.Among those giving the WWC delegation the benefit of their experience so far were the Gauteng Cricket Board, Western Province Cricket Association, Nigel Rushman of Rushmans, the company responsible for accreditation and media management; Andrew Wildblood, a legal consultant; Peter Lennox of the Cape Town Tourism Association, and several officials of the CWC 2003.

Michael Vaughan signalled his readiness for a return to the Test arena with a fine 82 on the first day of CricInfo Championship leaders Yorkshire’s clash with Leicestershire at Grace Road.Despite that they could only muster a disappointing 230 all out after winning the toss, but then struck back by claiming three Leicestershire wickets in five overs to swing the game back in their favour.Fast bowler Steve Kirby, who took 12 wickets in the match between the two sides at Headingley a few weeks ago, was again in inspired form against the club who released him after he had spent a couple of years on the Grace Road staff without playing a first team game.He had Trevor Ward caught at slip of an absolute beauty and then clean bowled Iain Sutcliffe with the last ball of the day. In between Paul Hutchison knocked back Ben Smith’s off stump to leave the home side in disarray at 23 for three.But it was the form of Vaughan which will have most pleased Yorkshire – and England. After a six-week absence following knee surgery, Vaughan produced an innings of real quality which should ensure his place in the England side for the final Test at The Oval against Australia.He batted for three hours and hit 12 fours before falling to a leg side catch by wicket-keeper Neil Burns off Phil DeFreitas.Vaughan and Matthew Wood shared a second wicket stand of 96 to set up Yorkshire for a big total. But Leicestershire’s bowlers pegged away on one of the hottest days of the summer and took wickets at regular intervals.Skipper Vince Wells had an impressive return of three for 37 off 18 overs, DeFreitas took two for six in a nine-over spell in mid-afternoon and Darren Maddy collected three wickets as well. And with no recognised spinner in the side because of injuries, fast bowler James Ormond proved his versatility with a lengthy spell of off-spin.

Whoever thought that Bangladesh would run away with the match after a brave showing with the bat saw them score 232 for 8 in 50 overs had to eat his words as England proved their superiority in the match by achieving the target with 6.1overs and eight wickets still intact.The man of the match, Alec Stewart, and the England skipper, Nasser Hussain, shared a 175 run partnership for the second wicket to steer their side to the quarter-final of the of the ICC KnockOut. Both batsmen played shots to all parts of the ground to make a mockery of the target set by their opponents.Alec Stewart, who did the most of the scoring after the departure of Marcus Trescothick at the total of 33, was all patience after completing his half-century. He was content in watching most of the proceedings from the non-striking end, as Hussain hit all the Bangladeshi bowlers with strength and vigor. Hussain was particularly harsh on spinners, especially the off-break Muhammad Rafiq, as he hit 5 sixes and 8 fours for his 95 scored in 120 balls. However, he was unlucky not to get his first ODI century as trying to steer the ball to the leg side, he top edged an easy catch back to the bowler, Muhammad Rafiq.After the departure of Hussain at the total of 208, it was an easy going for EnglandGraeme Hick making a quick-fire 23 off 19 balls to take his side to victory. Stewart remained not out on 87 off 112 balls.Earlier, a confident looking Bangladesh side cashed in on some below par bowling and sloppy fielding by England to post a respectable total on the board. The opening batsmen, Javed Omar, scored 63* and the skipper, Naeemur Rehman, contributed with 46 studded with two sixes after Bangladesh had been reduced to 96 for 4 in the 29th over. Javed, returning to the crease after a rising delivery from Gough had earlier forced him to retire hurt, grafted his inning sensibly to enable his side to a total past 200, which looked a bit difficult at one stage. It was mainly because of his efforts that the Bangladesh team could collect 83 in the last 10 overs of their innings.For England, Mark Ealham was the most successful bowler taking 3 for 48 in his ten overs. Andrew Caddick and Craig White took two wickets each, whereas one batsman was run out.England now play South Africa in the quarter-final which would be played on Tuesday.

Manchester City have been crowned as Premier League champions, after two late goals dramatically gave them their first top-flight title since 1968.

Going into the last day Roberto Mancini’s men were locked on points with rivals Manchester United, but due to a superior goal difference only had to beat QPR at home to win the league.

The Red Devils knew that they had to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light to stand any chance, and a Wayne Rooney header gave them a 1-0 lead in the first-half, which they held onto until full-time.

At the Etihad Stadium Pablo Zabaleta gave the Citizens the lead against Rangers, but two quick-fire goals from Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie gave the relegation-threatened Londoners the lead.

Despite Joey Barton being sent-off, Mark Hughes’ men held onto their 2-1 advantage until injury time, when strikes from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero dramatically snatched the title away from United’s grasp.

Roberto Mancini was overjoyed in the aftermath of the last-gasp win, and feels that his side deserved to be crowned champions.

“It was incredible – they deserved this,” Mancini told Sky Sports.

“To win it like this is incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a finale like this. We didn’t deserve to lose, we had a lot of chances and we deserved to win the game and championship.

“It’s fantastic for the club and the supporters after 44 years. It’s been a crazy season and a crazy last minute,” he confessed.

Sir Alex Ferguson was very gracious in accepting second place, and congratulated United’s cross-town rivals.

“We’ve had some great moments. We’ve won the title three times on the last day, so today we nearly did it,” he admitted.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

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“I would like to say on behalf of Manchester United congratulations to our neighbours. It’s a fantastic achievement to win the Premier League. It’s the hardest league in the world and anyone who wins it deserves it.”

By Gareth McKnight

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Brazil have been sensationally knocked out of the Copa America, beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the quarter-finals on Sunday.Both regular time and extra time finished 0-0 after eight-time Copa winners Brazil squandered a succession of gilt-edged chances in Buenos Aires, and they were made to pay in the shootout, missing their first four spot-kicks as they went down 2-0.

Host nation Argentina suffered a similar fate on Saturday, losing their quarter-final against Uruguay on penalties, meaning that for just the second time in Copa America history, neither one of the powerhouses will feature in the semi-finals.

Paraguay failed to get a single shot on target during the 120 minutes, and can thank goalkeeper Justo Villar for pulling off a number of excellent saves to keep his side level.

Villar was called into action to make a point-blank save from Lucio in the 33rd minute after the defender latched onto Andre Santos’ free kick, and the goalkeeper was again busy in the second half as he denied Paulo Henrique Ganso and Pato in quick succession.

Substitute Fred looked as though he had finally made the breakthrough after his looping header beat Villar, but Edgar Barreto headed the ball off the line.

Brazil continued to pound the Paraguayan defence in extra time to no avail, and both sides were reduced to 10 men when Paraguay defender Antolin Alcaraz and Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva were sent off late in the match.

In the shootout, Elano, Andres Santos and Fred all fired their penalties wide while Villar saved from Thiago Silva, with Cristian Riveros scoring the winning spot kick for Paraguay to set up a semi-final against either Chile or Venezuela.