Former Pakistan hockey players have expressed deep concern over the national team's poor performance at the World Cup, advocating for an immediate injection of fresh talent and a focus on the upcoming Asian Games. They attribute the sport's decline to cricket's dominance and a failure to adapt to modern hockey, urging the federation to prioritise competitive success to regain public interest.
Pakistan's senior selector Aaqib Javed has challenged former cricketers to actively contribute to grassroots development instead of merely criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and national team on television. He emphasised the importance of sharing expertise with youngsters and highlighted modern digital scouting methods.
Former cricketers raise concerns over ICC's policy of awarding Test status based on limited-overs performance, following Afghanistan's heavy defeat to India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.
Former Assam and Railways cricketer Subhadeep Ghosh is poised to become Team India's new fielding coach, replacing T Dilip, with the BCCI making significant changes to the team management.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has come under fire from former players after sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and sending back seven players, including national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, in the middle of their Test series against England. The drastic changes followed Pakistan's heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting widespread condemnation for the timing and impact on team morale and stability.
'Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team, and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years.'
SAI has defended the exclusion of five Indian tennis players from the Asian Games squad, saying they failed to meet the prescribed continental ranking criteria.
Visitors Pakistan replaced seven players and their head coach on Monday, after suffering two heavy losses to England in their ongoing three-Test series.
Former Pakistan Test spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised the current generation of Pakistani cricketers for prioritising financial gain, particularly through leagues like the PSL, over dedicated skill development and game awareness, attributing this to a lack of vision among selectors and a general disinterest among young players.
Former Australian cricketer David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 for drink-driving in Sydney.
Savita Punia's journey from a shy youngster dependent on her mother to a confident veteran goalkeeper and mentor reflects hockey's profound impact on her life.
Keegan's family and Newcastle announced in January that the two-time European Footballer of the Year was undergoing cancer treatment, without disclosing details of his illness.
The Indian men's hockey team's failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup has highlighted significant issues, including a lack of intent in player transition and questionable selection decisions, according to former players and experts.
Two Indian-origin players, Aryan Sharma and Jason Sangha, are part of the Australian men's development squad heading to Chennai for the MRF Pace Academy program. The squad will undergo training and play multi-day matches on spin-friendly pitches from August 1-13, aiming to provide valuable development opportunities.
Liverpool secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James' Park, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting a stoppage-time penalty. The match also served as a tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, a shared hero for both clubs, with fans and former players honouring his legacy. Goals from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock for Newcastle were cancelled out by Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai's late equaliser for Liverpool.
Former England all-rounder Ben Stokes has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming 2026-27 Big Bash League season.
Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala, seeded 17th, commenced her US Open campaign with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over American qualifier Mary Stoiana. Returning to Flushing Meadows with increased attention and expectations, Eala aims for a deeper run after a breakthrough season and her first WTA title.
Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.
Congress MLA and former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh has criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's national jersey colour from blue to saffron, alleging it reflects the BJP's mindset of 'giving everything a particular colour' and urging a focus on sports development instead.
Tennis icon Roger Federer was presented with his International Tennis Hall of Fame ring at the US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium, two days after his induction. The ceremony, led by Kim Clijsters, saw Federer display his ring to an erupting crowd, celebrating his illustrious career which includes 20 major titles and a record 310 weeks as world No. 1.
FC Bengaluru United has reappointed Nallappan Mohanraj as their head coach for the upcoming 2026-27 domestic season. Mohanraj, who previously led the team to Indian Football League qualification, will guide them through the BDFA Super Division League and their maiden IFL campaign.
Muhammad Yousuf branded Pakistan's coaches "poison for the game", blaming their lack of vision for neglected batting flaws that worsened over years and contributed to the team's decline.
The Mumbai Cricket Association has established the Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund, backed by Sharad Pawar, to support grassroots cricketers and develop Mumbai's Maidans.
Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath has underscored the critical role of Test cricket in developing depth within the game, despite the growing popularity of the T20 format. Speaking at an awards ceremony, Srinath advised young players to prioritise Test cricket, noting the difficulty for T20 specialists to transition to the longer format. He also stressed the responsibility of cricket associations, parents, and coaches in guiding emerging talent.
Fans, former teammates, and opponents gathered in Milan to bid farewell to Franco Baresi, the iconic AC Milan and Italy defender who passed away at 66. Baresi, a legendary figure in Italian football, was remembered for his illustrious 20-year career with AC Milan and his contributions to the Italian national team.
A former Indian under-19 cricketer, who is a co-owner of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings, was arrested by Sri Lanka's sports anti-corruption investigators on Friday over allegations of attempting to bribe a player.
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has returned home from England amidst a PCB inquiry into his calf muscle injury, which is suspected to be faked. This follows the team's poor performance and drastic measures taken by the board, including sending players home and replacing coaches. Imam-ul-Haq has a history of similar injury allegations.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the men's national selection committee and as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy.
Ravindra Jadeja's rare ability to influence matches with bat, ball and outstanding fielding has earned him Geoffrey Boycott's admiration, placing the Indian veteran above several modern batting greats.
The decision to bring in and then drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during India's T20I series against England has raised eyebrows, and former captain Kris Srikkanth has shared his disappointment over the way the youngster was handled.
Former India captain Sunil Chhetri admitted to feeling "a little jealous" about the current national team getting the chance to play against footballing powerhouses Brazil and Uruguay, an opportunity he never had during his extensive international career. He expressed excitement for the team while also backing the coach's selection decisions and encouraging the young talent.
Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, the BCCI, and former cricketer Irfan Pathan led tributes on India's 80th Independence Day, honouring freedom fighters and extending greetings to all Indians.
Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who lost his spot in the national team after struggles with form and an inconsistent IPL season, has stated he is working hard for a comeback. The 35-year-old, a key player for Mumbai Indians, last played for India in Tests and ODIs in 2023.
Former India spinner Neetu David, now head of scouting for UP Warriorz, highlights the need for focused power-hitting training in women's domestic cricket to strengthen both WPL teams and the national side, despite promising spin talent at junior levels.
R V S Mani, former Under Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has alleged that drug trafficking was a regular practice by Pakistani cricket teams and delegations visiting India, linking it to the 2006 doping scandal involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, and even the death of coach Bob Woolmer.
Ricky Ponting and Ashish Nehra are reportedly the highest-earning coaches in the Indian Premier League, each commanding approximately Rs 9.5 crore per season for their roles with Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, respectively.
A controversy has erupted within Hockey India over the national teams' new saffron jerseys, replacing the traditional blue.
Former Mumbai U-19 cricketer Anaya Bangar can play elite women's cricket in Australia from March 2027, subject to Cricket Australia's eligibility criteria.
Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday by defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round of the US Open, making him the oldest player since Jimmy Connors in 1992 to win a main-draw singles match at Flushing Meadows on his birthday.
