Sachin to play Twenty20 cricket at Lord's

Middlesex say they are close to signing Sachin Tendulkar and Adam Gilchrist in a contract that will be partially funded by the MCC, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

English County Middlesex is signing the cricketing greats to play 5 T20 matches at Lord's - and are believed to have got the nod from Gilchrist, while Tendulkar is waiting for permission from the Indian Cricket Board to join.

"We expect to make an announcement shortly," Keith Bradshaw, chief executive of the MCC said. "The two clubs are working closely together."

Sachin Tendulkar, who completed 20 years in international cricket on Nov 15 will return to the England county trip after playing for Yorkshire in 1992 as a 19-year-old. He was the county's first overseas player and scored more than 1,000 runs averaging 46.52.

Adam Gilchrist has never played for a county side, and this would be his first time. He is expected to continue his relationship with the Middlesex though, and could even represent the county in a 50-over match against Australia.

Though the signings are anticipated to cost a fair amount, the organizers expect to recover the money through gate receipts and lucrative television sponsorship deals, especially to India, once Tendulkar is signed on.

Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills ruled out of T20i

The New Zealand will be without two player of the squad for first T20 International against Pakistan in Dubai.

All rounder Jacob Oram is returning to New Zealand on Thursday to be with his wife, Mara, who is expecting the couple's first child may be having the baby early.

Kyle Mills has a shoulder injury but is stay with the team. He is not expected to take part in the first Twenty20 International but may be available for the second match.

James Franklin, who has been sidelined with a back injury during the first part of the UAE ODI series, came through a light practice yesterday and may be available for the T20 matches.

The Blackcaps plays Pakistan in the first of two T20 Internationals at Dubai International Cricket Stadium at Dubai Sports City on Thursday 12 November, and the second the following day.

Dav Whatmore to coach Kolkata Knight Riders

Former Indian Skipper Sourav Ganguly said Dav Whatmore will be the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders in the 3rd edition of Indian Premier League.

Ganguly who is expected to be back as Kolkata Knight Riders Skipper in the 3rd edition, said, "I have been informed that Whatmore will be our next coach. I know him for a long time. It will be exciting to work with him."

"Whatmore is very experienced and I'm looking forward to his association," he said.

Meanwhile, an official declaration on Whatmore's appointment is still awaited.

When contacted KKR CEO Joy Bhattacharya told PTI that an official announcement on Whatmore's appointment would be made in a couple of days.

The Australian just quit from the post of director of operations at National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

Whatmore coached Sri Lanka to World Cup victory in 1996 and was also coach of Bangladesh team.

Shahid Afridi signs up with South Australia

Aiming a berth in the 2nd edition of the Champions League, South Australia has signed up glitzy Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi for their domestic T20 tournament, starting in December 2009.

South Australia officials believe that the inclusion of the hard-hitting all-rounder would increase their chances of making the final of the domestic big bash tournament, which will make them suitable for the cash-rich event.

Afridi has swapped Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis in the Redbacks' squad.

"We narrowly missed out on finals last season and these signings are definitely a boost to our quest to qualify for the Champions League 2009," SACA High Performance Manger, Jamie Cox said.

"I have made no secret of the fact that I view the Big Bash competition as the most commercial on the domestic calendar and the inaugural Champions' League also provides fantastic opportunities for young players to showcase their skills on the world stage," he added.

Afridi was the player of the tournament in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and has a unbelievable strike rate of 147 in 24 T20 internationals. He also has best bowling figures of 4/11.

Afridi has played 285 ODI matches with strike rate of 110. He has also taken 264 wickets with best figures of 6/38 against Australia.

Glenn McGrath set to replace Daniel Vettori for Delhi

The Delhi Daredevils are set to change the injured Daniel Vettori with Glenn McGrath in their squad.

The Daredevils' Chief Operating Officer, Amrit Mathur was quoted as saying, ""We have sought the approval from the organizers to replace the injured players and have given the names of McGrath and Yogesh Nagar, who were part of the new squad of 20."

The other players who are injured for Delhi Daredevils are AB de Villiers and Paul Collingwood.

The requests have just been proposed, and McGrath is expected to enter in Delhi pending their approval.

It may be reminded that after performing outstandingly in the inaugural IPL in India, McGrath was benched for the whole duration of the 2nd edition in South Africa 2009 and had even reportedly made comments about not returning for the IPL 2010. However, for now it seems McGrath is eager to fly in to the aid of Delhi.