Bond severs ties

WELLINGTON: Fast bowler Shane Bond cut his ties with New Zealand cricket on Monday to play in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL). New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Monday that Bond had terminated his contact after failing to reach an agreement which would have allowed him to continue his international career while playing in the Indian competition. Bond sought to strike a deal with New Zealand Cricket which would allow him to continue to play Tests and one-day internationals, while playing for three years in India. New Zealand Cricket refused to sanction such a deal. — AP

Gilchrist eyes IPL

ADELAIDE: Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who retired from Test on Monday, said he will likely continue his career in the officially sanctioned Indian Premier League (IPL). Gilchrist made clear at a retirement press conference after the fourth Test against India at Adelaide that the IPL Twenty20 competition will play a big part in his future plans. — AP

Madrid extend lead

Madrid: Substitute Wesley Sneijder scored a 77th-minute goal for Real Madrid to beat Villarreal 3-2 and stretch the Spanish champion’s lead atop the league following FC Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Madrid has 53 points in the standings, Barcelona 44 and Villarreal 38. — AP

Derby takeover

DERBY: Detroit-based General Sports and Entertainment (GSE) was confirmed on Monday as the new owners of Derby County, the fourth Premier League club to fall into American hands. GSE takes over a club that is in last place in the 20-team division and facing almost certain relegation to the League Championship next season. The GSE takeover was announced on the club’s Web site. — AP