Cricket: India odd team out in sponsorship row

The row over conflicting sponsorship rights which had threatened to sink the cricket Champions Trophy receded further today, leaving only India of the 12 participating nations to fall into line.

South Africa's players have finally agreed to sign their ICC contracts, the United Cricket Board said.

The Champions Trophy, which starts next Thursday in Sri Lanka, is second only to the World Cup in importance.

Players from Australia, England, West Indies and Sri Lanka signed up last week, despite some initial reservations.