Rumours Awash in Toronto

Responding to rumours in an Indian publication Midday about Indian cricketers from the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur joining the squad in Toronto, Pakistani captain Aamir Sohail said last night that "both teams were abiding by ICC/World Cup rules" which stipulate that additions to the party cannot be made unless both cricket boards agree to them.

Sohail refused to confirm reports that Pakistan had filed with the match referee Peter Burge objections to the inclusion of additional players from the Indian team to Malaysia. Sohail said that, although it was now up to the cricket boards to negotiate a solution, he was not aware when the cricket boards would be meeting to decide the issue.

At a post-match press conference last night, Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad indicated that the boards would be meeting shortly.

Under ICC rules, Sachin Tendulkar or another player could replace an injured player provided that player is ruled unfit for the rest of the series. Yesterday, Paranjpe sprained his ankle in the first over of the match. The assessment of Paranjpe's injury has finally determined that the left handed Indian bat cannot play for the rest of the series, opening the way for a replacement to be flown in.