Kochi, Sept 30 : The first one-day international (ODI) between India and Australia having already been washed out, rain is again likely to play the spoilsport in the second game of the seven match series to be played in Kochi on October 2.

The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in the city is being spruced up to host the match on Tuesday, even as cloudy skies dampened preparations.

The groundsmen at the stadium are working overtime to protect the wicket and the outfield, which is water logged due to heavy rains in past few days.

Lahore, Sep 29 : Controversial Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s cricket career could be coming to a close.

It has been reliably learnt that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made up its mind on Akhtar’s future and final decision will be taken after a hearing on the sidelines of Pakistan-South Africa second Test in Lahore on October 6.

Sources said that the PCB disciplinary committee has received clear instructions from the President Pervez Musharraf, chief patron, that he should be penalised for his misbehaviour.

Lahore, Sep 29 : Former Pakistan cricket captain Inzamamul Haq has turned down an offer to play in the first Test against South Africa from October 1-5, for unknown reasons.

"I spoke to him and asked him about his availability. But he said not to consider him for unknown reasons. He will obviously be considered if wants to play in the second match," said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee head Salahuddin Ahmad.

Lahore, Sept 28 : Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar is likely to face a number of disciplinary charges when a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) committee meets at the Gaddafi Stadium here today to review charges against the bowler for striking team-mate Mohammad Asif in South Africa early this month.

Disciplinary committee chairman Shafqat Naghmi said the charges against the controversial fast bowler would be reviewed before he is summoned for a hearing.

Bangalore, Sept. 28 : Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has said that he missed being part of the Twenty20 World Cup.

“If India wins, you miss being part of the team. Yes, I missed being part of the Twenty20 World Cup,” Ganguly said.

Ganguly, who had a word of appreciation for Dhoni's captaincy, said the Australians were good, but Indian bowlers were also doing well.

When asked about Twenty20 cricket, he said, “One has to get adjusted to the three formats being played.”