Agencies/Cape Town

His recovery period is expected to be between two and three months.  Tsotsobe made the last of his five Test appearances against India in 2011 but is a regular in South Africa’s one-day international and Twenty20 squads.  

The 30-year-old has previously been criticised by South Africa management over his lack of fitness. South Africa, who are the top-ranked Test nation but lost their previous series to Australia, play three ODI matches and two tests in Sri Lanka.

BCCI appoints special adviser to IPL Chief Gavaskar

The interim president of BCCI-IPL Sunil Gavaskar appointed Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) chairman Deepak Parekh as his special adviser for the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League.

Parekh will be a special invitee during the IPL governing council meeting as his vast expertise in financial affairs will enable Gavaskar to ensure smooth functioning of IPL affairs for the next two months. In a media release, Parekh has been dubbed as “unofficial crisis consultant of the Government. His role as Special Director on the Satyam Board in 2009, to revive the company and restore the confidence in the Indian IT industry, was greatly acknowledged.”

Former India opener Gavaskar was appointed the interim president of the BCCI-IPL following a direction from Supreme Court as N Srinivasan was asked to step aside from his post pending the completion of the IPL spot-fixing enquiry. Senior vice president Shivlal Yadav was made interim President for non-IPL matters.

Gavaskar expressed his delight at the development as Parekh took up his offer. “I am delighted that Deepak has accepted my invitation to come on board as a special adviser and special invitee to the Indian Premier League Governing Council. It is apt that an individual of the calibre of Mr Parekh will be joining the BCCI-IPL’s leadership group.”

Pakistan set to tour Sri Lanka in August

Deprived of cricket at home due to security concerns, Pakistan have something to look forward to outside their turf after striking a deal with Sri Lanka for an away series on the sidelines of the ICC meet in Dubai.

The tour dates are yet to be decided by the respective boards but the Men in Green are expected to travel to the Island nation at the end of July. The series will kick off a busy season for Pakistan with a full Australia series and matches against New Zealand in the UAE come October.

For Sri Lanka though, the tour will be the third in quick succession, following a trip to England and the home series against South Africa.

Former NZ wicketkeeper Hopkins calls it a day

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins has announced his retirement from competitive cricket after a career spanning over 17 years.  The 37-year-old Hopkins played four Tests, 25 one-dayers and 10 Twenty20 internationals with his last Test and ODI appearance coming against India back in 2010.

In domestic cricket, Hopkins played for Northern Districts, Canterbury, Otago before moving to Auckland in the 2007-08 season. The veteran scored 7,550 runs in 158 first-class matches, including 17 centuries and 34 half-centuries. He also pouched 435 catches and effected 26 stumpings.

Irfan looks to make Indian comeback THROUGH IPL

Out-of favour all-rounder Irfan Pathan said he is aiming to stage a comeback into the Indian team by using to fullest the opportunity of playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL.

“I planned for comeback. I played nine matches for Baroda ahead of IPL. I played one-day matches in domestic cricket. I played T20 domestic cricket for Baroda. I could give a good performance even after an injury. This IPL, I would like to do well and try to get into the team. I was out of the team because of injury. I will try to improve further so that I can come back,” Pathan told Press Trust of India.

Asked how difficult it is to make a comeback, he said: “I staged a comeback earlier too. So, I know that. It is simple. You should be fit and give a good performance. If you do these two things, you can.”