Harbhajan Singh gets a promotion, Rajya Sabha applauds efforts

Indian Airlines. the employers of Indian off spinner Harbhajan Singh, have rewarded his efforts in the on going second Test against Australia at the Eden Gardens with a promotion. Harbhajan on Sunday became the first Indian to take a hat trick in Tests when he picked up the wickets of Ponting, Gilchrist and Warne.

In a press release on Monday, Indian Airlines said that Harbhajan Singh, who joined Indian Airlines as a Traffic Superintendent in October 1999 has been elevated to the post of Assistant Manager (Commercial). The release also added that the airline has also offered a complimentary holiday to Harbhajan Singh and his family at any destination of his choice on the airline's network.

Meanwhile the Rajya Sabha congratulated both Harbhajan Singh and ace shuttler Gopichand, who won the all England badminton championship on Sunday. The issue was raised in the upper house of Parliament by Ram Deo Bhandary as a special mention who said it was a special day for the country when the two sportsmen had made India proud through their feats.

Punjab Government to honour Harbhajan

The Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal on Monday praised the feat of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in becoming the first Indian to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. Talking to the media in Chandigarh, he said "It is a matter of pride that he is first Indian to achieve this rare distinction in the cricket history of the country."

Congratulating both badminton star Gopichand and Harbhajan, he said the spectacular achievements by these sportsmen would go a long way in infusing renewed spirit among the Indian players to achieve excellence in various international sports events. The Chief Minister also announced a cash award of Rs two lakh to Harbhajan Singh for becoming the first Indian to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket. He said that Harbhajan would be honoured at a state-level function.

Mumbai's Ranji quarter-final against Punjab advanced by two days

The Ranji Trophy quarterfinal between reigning champions Mumbai and Punjab, scheduled to be played at the Wankhede stadium, has been advanced by two days and is to be played from March 20 to 24. The move has been effected to accommodate the forthcoming Global one-day Provincial tourney from March 29.

The joint secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Mayank Khandwala said in Mumbai that the BCCI has agreed to advance the tie to March 20 (scheduled date was from March 22) so that the Mumbai team could take part in the Perth tourney. The secretary of the BCCI also confirmed over the phone that the Board has agreed to advance the quarter-final tie by two days.

The Mumbai team has been invited for the Perth meet along with three other champion teams from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Ian Harvey deemed fit for forthcoming one-dayers in India

Agence France Presse (AFP) reported on Tuesday that the Australian all rounder Ian Harvey would be fit for the forthcoming ODI series against India after overcoming a thumb injury. Harvey has been named in Australia's 14-man squad and is scheduled to travel to the sub-continent on Saturday along with Nathan Bracken, Michael Bevan, Andrew Symonds and Darren Lehmann.

Harvey missed the first innings in the Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales in Sydney on Monday, after being struck on the thumb while batting in Victoria's previous game against Tasmania. The Victorian chairman of selectors Shaun Graf said "If it hadn't been such a crunch game for us or there wasn't the Indian tour straight afterwards, Ian could have played against New South Wales. It just wasn't worth risking him getting another knock on his thumb."

Graf said that Harvey would not face a fitness test before leaving for India but added that he would likely be tested before the first of Australia's five one-day matches against India in Bangalore on March 25. Graf also said that Harvey has been able to bowl at the nets without discomfort.

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