Cricket: Six things you might not know about the ICC trophy

1 Pakistan selector Wasim Bari should at least be happy with the ICC's latest move on umpiring technology following his outburst against English official David Shepherd. Bari blamed Shepherd for his team's loss to Australia in the final of the recent Videocon Trophy in Amsterdam, describing some of his decisions as disgraceful and calling on the 63-year-old to retire.

However, Shepherd has still been named to stand in the Champions Trophy tournament, with his seven elite panel colleagues, and international panel members Billy Doctrove and Jeremy Lloyds.

A feature of this year's tournament is that the umpires will be wired to the stump microphones in an effort to give them more information when adjudicating on matters involving sound - such as thin edges and bad pad decisions. They will also be absolved of the duty of calling no-balls - this will be left to the third umpire.


2 From the files of the faintly fantastic - the Australian selectors have dropped ODI batting supremo Michael Bevanfrom their Champions Trophy squad despite the left-hander's prolific record in the game.

Bevan, who seems to have been squeezed out by all-rounders Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Ian Harvey and Shane Watson, leaves the international arena with a batting average of 53.58, having played 232 ODIs and forged a reputation as one of the finest "finishers" of a second-innings chase.

Another feature of Australia's squad is the return of firebrand fast-bowler Brett Lee, who had been sidelined since having ankle surgery in March.

3 As if Bangladesh's one-day prospects weren't already looking bleak, their new captain has played at international level for barely a year, and will not turn 21 until November.

Relative unknown Rajin Saleh (right) took over the reins last month after usual captain Habibul Bashar was ruled out with a thumb injury, and for his trouble, will lead what now ranks as the most unsuccessful side in history.

Bangladesh - who have yet to win their maiden test, have won just five of 95 ODIs: against Kenya, Scotland, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong, and against what was allegedly an under-committed Pakistan side at the 1999 World Cup.

4 The circumstances surrounding Brijal Patel's call-up to the Kenya Champions Trophy side were slightly more unorthodox - he was replacing Maurice Odumbe, who was banned for five years after being found guilty of receiving money from bookmakers.

Only weeks later, captain Steve Tikolo - who had criticised the penalty as well as the Kenya Cricket Association, stepped down from his position, citing a need for the captaincy to be shouldered by an up-and-coming team member.

Tikolo was Kenya's most successful skipper, steering the side to four wins at the 2003 World Cup, where - against all odds, they qualified for the semifinal against eventual champions Australia.

5 Champions Trophy cricketers have been warned they risk an automatic two-year ban if they test positive for prohibited substances during the tournament.

Last year's World Cup was catapulted into the headlines after news of Shane Warne's positive test became public, resulting in the champion leg-spinner being banned from the game for 12 months.

Under the protocol for next week's tournament, two players from each of the 12 teams will be randomly selected for testing at all of the 15 matches scheduled. Positive tests will result in the relevant players being immediately suspended, and referred to the tournament Drugs Tribunal - an independent three-person panel chaired by John Gallagher, a senior legal practitioner.

The decisions of the tribunal will be open to appeal by both the player and the ICC.

6 And spare a thought for Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu, the 21-year-old wicketkeeper batsman who has been thrust to the forefront of his side at the most challenging time possible.

Taibu took charge of his national side after Heath Streak - and 14 of Zimbabwe's most established players - were sacked for their criticism of selection and selectors, leading to a continuing legal row which has now reached arbitration.

Now at the helm of a squad that comprises mostly players from the national under-19 side, Taibu was powerless to prevent crushing losses against Sri Lanka and Australia.

Those results led to the postponement of Zimbabwe's test schedule until next year.