Mashud's gears have bigger flaps between the thumb and the forefinger which is in violation of the latest ICC rules.

ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama asked him to buy new gloves or cut it to regulation size before standing behind the stumps in the Pakistan game.

Mashud had no alternative but to use his practice gloves.

"I used it against Hong Kong but before the Pakistan match, I was told to change it. I failed to collect the ball twice with the replacement pair and they ran for boundaries," said the veteran Bangladesh stumper yesterday.

The former national skipper informed that he had used the same equipment in the West Indies tour but there were no accusations.

It was learned that another wicketkeeper in this tournament will be fined for using similar gloves even after he had been warned.

OUT OF THIS WORLD
In the tranquil settings of Dambulla, the Rangiri (Golden Rock) cricket stadium has become a new tourist attraction as well as a pride possession of the central province of Sri Lanka.

The state-of-the-art venue built on 60 acres of land with all practice facilities, cost 460 million Sri Lankan rupees . Regarded by most Sri Lankans as the best in the world, the stadium can accommodate 21,000 spectators, its six-storied pavilion, wooden stands and the earth gallery. The ground is lush green and the drainage system first-class.

But what is most appealing is the breathtaking view from the top. The surrounding hills on three sides offer shades of green beyond one's imagination. The nearby Ibankatuwa Lake would even make most Scots jealous.

Apart from a spectacular sunset over the lake, one can also get a view of the awesome Sigiriya Rock Fortress, just 19km away from the country's newest cricket stadium, from the press box. No wonder locals refer to it as the eighth wonder of the world.

Atop the 200-metre rock outcrop are the remains of a fifth century cliff-top palace and water gardens that covered five acres. The legend goes that King Kasyapa, who killed his father, found refuge here for 18 years.

LANKAN MEDIA MIFFED
The Sri Lankan media has blasted UAE management's announcement of prize money for getting the wicket of master Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

"This type of announcement will encourage match-fixing," wrote a local newspaper.

"Whoever the player is, he will also fall under tremendous pressure. In cricket, pressure can kill anybody," commented another leading daily.