Amidst rain, players on shopping spree!

Guess what is a hot favourite with them - CDs and DVDs of hit films that have been flying off the shelves.

Guess what is a hot favourite with players, officials and even commentators here for the Unitech triangular series - CDs and DVDs of hit films that have been flying off the shelves.

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One popular haunt is E-Mart-Total Entertainment on the ground floor of the Crescat mall that is frequented by locals as well as foreigners.

Amongst those who have bought bagfuls of films are South Africa captain Mark Boucher and his team and former Test player-turned-commentator Tony Greig.

"I have bought these mainly for my kids and wife," Greig, who is now settled in Australia, told IANS as he came out of the shop.

"Well, I have bought "Star Wars", "Lord of the Rings Part I", "Cars"... basically, they are for my kids and a few for my wife," he said opening his bag and taking out a few.

Blast leaves pacer Ntini unperturbed

Nothing seems to perturb bubbly South African fast bowler Makhya Ntini. The happy-go-lucky 29-year-old, also known as George, was seen dancing in the hotel lobby with earphones of his walkman plugged in his ears.

Wearing a sleeveless vest and track pants, the ebullient Ntini seemed quite unaffected by the blast that killed seven people Monday, barely 600 metres or so from his hotel Cinnamon Grand. The South African team was keen to return home after the explosion, but was successfully persuaded to stay back and play the triangular tournament.

Skipper Mark Boucher and Ashwell Prince, who led the team in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka here, also looked relaxed. Prince could be seen casually sipping his Milo drink as he wandered around the hotel lobby.

Sri Lankan umpires felicitated

Eleven retired Sri Lankan umpires have been presented a purse by Sri Lanka Cricket in recognition of their remarkable service to the country.

At a ceremony held at the SLC headquarters, they were handed purses ranging from Sri Lankan Rs.200,000 to Rs.500,000 recently. KT Francis and BC Coorey, both Test umpires received Rs 500,000 each while TM Samarasinghe and JF Buultjens got Rs 450,000 each.

In India, the national cricket board has a monthly pension scheme for all retired Test umpires. The scheme, launched a few years ago by the former board led by Jagmohan Dalmiya, has been welcomed by all. There is also a scheme for all retired Test as well as first-class players.