London, Feb. 2 : Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel believes the Indian Premier League is crucial to England's hopes of winning the World Twenty20 this summer.

Patel has enjoyed a whirlwind 12 months, culminating in a place in the big-money IPL auction on February 6.

Dehli Daredevils have registered their interest, but the left-arm spinner could be snapped up by any of the cash-rich franchises when he goes under the hammer.

Sydney, Feb. 2: Tough times may be hard to endure, but, they also provide an opportunity, says noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck, adding that the Australian cricket establishment needs to use the recent retirement of performing players to recruit new ones and take bold steps to get back on track.

"Numerous names have been bandied about. By all means, let''s join that debate. But it does not go to the root of the problem. Selectors can only choose from players thrown up by the states," he says.

Perth, Feb. 2: Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has angrily denied claims by the New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori that he cheated during the one-day clash at the WACA yesterday.

The dispute centers around the dismissal of Black Cap Neil Broom at a vital stage of New Zealand''s two-wicket win.

Broome was given out bowled by Michael Clarke in the 36th over, but replays quickly showed Haddin had clipped off the bails with his gloves rather than the ball.

Perth, Feb. 2 : Australian cricket skipper Ricky Ponting is reportedly ready to urge the national selectors to pick Andrew Symonds for the tour of South Africa.

Ponting said he wanted the all-rounder in his squad for "all forms of the game" in South Africa after Australia lost the Test and one-day series at home for the first time in 16 years.

Sydney, Feb. 2: Former Australian cricket team coach John Buchanan has accused Cricket Australia of letting all rounder Andrew Symonds down.

Buchanan wants to know why Australia''s most controversial cricketer of recent times was allowed to go on a radio show in the first place.

Karachi, Feb 2: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) became the target of scathing criticism from various quarters over its inability to keep the Champions Trophy at home.

It also came under fire after the ICC decided to once again reverse the result of the infamous Oval Test at a meeting in Perth where PCB chairman Ijaz Butt represented Pakistan.

Senator Enver Baig, a member of Senate's sports committee, lambasted the PCB management, saying that it was incapable of safeguarding the interests of Pakistan cricket.