India arrive in Windies

MONTEGO BAY: The Indian cricket team arrived here with hopes of reclaiming the ICC Cricket World Cup after nearly a quarter century when the ninth edition of the mega event starts in the Caribbean. The 15-member squad led by Rahul Dravid reached the sea resort accompanied by support staff and officials. After playing two warm-up matches, India kick-off their campaign with their Group B encounter against Bangladesh on March 17 at Port of Spain. India’s two practice matches would be against The Netherlands (March 6) and hosts West Indies (March 9) at the Trelawny stadium. — Agencies

ICC names umpires

DUBAI, March 2, 2007 (AFP) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday named the 16 umpires who will officiate at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. The list is made up of nine officials from the elite panel and seven members of the international panel. Of the eight members of the elite panel of ICC match referees, seven have been selected to officiate with the only man missing Clive Lloyd, who is occupying a role as team manager for hosts the West Indies. — AFP

India to help CARICOM

NEW DELHI: India has agreed to provide two bomb disposal squads to the Caribbean Community for the cricket World Cup, an External Affairs Ministry statement said on Saturday. India is acting on a request for security assistance from the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) the statement said. The CARICOM is hosting the World Cup for the first time, from March 13-April 28. The tournament will be spread over Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. — AP