News for 'Afghanistan'

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka get direct entry into Asian Games 2026 cricket knockouts

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka get direct entry into Asian Games 2026 cricket knockouts

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India's men's cricket team, along with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, has secured direct entry into the knockout stage of the 2026 Asian Games, with preliminary rounds set for other nations.

'Time To Drop Pant': Fans Fume After Galle Dismissal

'Time To Drop Pant': Fans Fume After Galle Dismissal

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Rishabh Pant's dismissal for 39 against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle has once again brought his shot selection under intense scrutiny, with fans and former cricketers criticising his inability to convert starts into bigger scores.

Why Ravindra Jadeja Could Be India's Key Weapon In Sri Lanka Tests

Why Ravindra Jadeja Could Be India's Key Weapon In Sri Lanka Tests

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Batting great Cheteshwar Pujara believes veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja's recent shift to a more aggressive, wicket-taking mindset in red-ball cricket will make him a vital player for India during the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

Shubman Gill 'Comfortable' as India Captain, Eyes WTC Final

Shubman Gill 'Comfortable' as India Captain, Eyes WTC Final

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, expresses comfort with his leadership role and highlights the team's progress. He acknowledges the challenge of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, requiring significant wins in upcoming matches. Gill also discusses the honour of leading India in its 600th Test and shares insights on playing conditions in Sri Lanka.

How Auqib Nabi Made It To Team India

How Auqib Nabi Made It To Team India

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Auqib Nabi proved unstoppable with the ball last season -- picking up 60 wickets in 10 matches at an incredible average of 12.56 last season to help J&K script history by winning its first Ranji Trophy title.

India likely to rest Bumrah for key Afghanistan series

India likely to rest Bumrah for key Afghanistan series

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming series against Afghanistan is under consideration as the selection committee assesses his workload.

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Why Afghanistan's Anti-Doping Efforts Are Failing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Afghanistan's anti-doping programme has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, with no tests conducted for three years and the country's exiled anti-doping chief admitting there is currently 'no hope'. The programme faces numerous challenges, including a lack of Doping Control Officers, logistical issues, and political instability.

Pakistan Security Forces Kill 13 Terrorists Near Afghanistan Border

Pakistan Security Forces Kill 13 Terrorists Near Afghanistan Border

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Pakistani security forces killed at least 13 terrorists along the Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during operations in Mohmand and North Waziristan districts.

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes the exploding popularity of T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, poses a significant threat to the future of bilateral international cricket, stating that '70 per cent (people are watching club cricket instead of international cricket)'.

Virat Kohli's 'non-negotiable intensity' pushes teammates to 'stretch limits': Ex-India fielding coach

Virat Kohli's 'non-negotiable intensity' pushes teammates to 'stretch limits': Ex-India fielding coach

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former India fielding coach T Dilip reveals that Virat Kohli's unwavering intensity on the field and in practice sessions has a profound impact, compelling at least five other players to 'stretch their limits' and significantly elevating India's fielding standards.

IPL Teams Pressuring Indian Players To Play Despite Injuries, Claims BCCI Source

IPL Teams Pressuring Indian Players To Play Despite Injuries, Claims BCCI Source

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A source at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has expressed significant concerns regarding players competing in the Indian Premier League while injured, attributing this to franchise and financial pressures, which subsequently complicates their rehabilitation and return to international cricket.

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Can Kuldeep Yadav Finally Turn The Tide in Sri Lanka?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Kuldeep Yadav will look towards the Sri Lanka series as his big opportunity to finally seal his place as India's No 1 spinner in Tests.

Why Sri Lanka could be key to Jadeja's 400-wicket chase

Why Sri Lanka could be key to Jadeja's 400-wicket chase

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to make his return to Test cricket against Sri Lanka, a team he has historically performed well against, bringing significant experience in both batting and bowling to the Indian squad.

'Is he the leader?': Kartik's big Kuldeep question

'Is he the leader?': Kartik's big Kuldeep question

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Murali Kartik has emphasised the need for consistency and a clearly defined role for Kuldeep Yadav in the Test side, especially as Ravindra Jadeja approaches the end of his career. Kartik believes Kuldeep, despite being a match-winner, has not received the sustained backing needed to flourish in Test cricket under previous regimes.

Harshita Jakhar Becomes First Indian Woman To Participate In Tour De France Femmes

Harshita Jakhar Becomes First Indian Woman To Participate In Tour De France Femmes

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Young Indian cyclist Harshita Jakhar has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to participate in the Tour de France Femmes. The 19-year-old led a pack of international cyclists during a ceremonial start at Stage 2 of the prestigious race, an opportunity provided by the UCI World Cycling Talent programme. Jakhar, who aims for medals in future Asian Games, expressed her gratitude for the chance to ride in her dream event.

China's mediation fails to broker agreement between Pak, Afghanistan

China's mediation fails to broker agreement between Pak, Afghanistan

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

China's week-long mediation between Pakistan and Afghanistan concludes without a formal agreement, though Beijing claims progress in exploring solutions to resolve their differences.

How Brar, Suthar, Prince, Dubey Made It To Team India For Afghanistan Series

How Brar, Suthar, Prince, Dubey Made It To Team India For Afghanistan Series

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India's selectors have included Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar in the national squad for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan, recognising their pace and spin capabilities.

Harsh Dubey steps in for injured Washington Sundar ahead of ODI series decider vs England

Harsh Dubey steps in for injured Washington Sundar ahead of ODI series decider vs England

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey has been named as the replacement for the injured Washington Sundar in India's squad for the third and final One Day International against England. Sundar sustained a right hamstring injury during the second ODI and will undergo recuperation. The series is currently level at 1-1, with India aiming for a victory.

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.

China Facilitates Dialogue Between Pakistan and Afghanistan to Resolve Conflict

China Facilitates Dialogue Between Pakistan and Afghanistan to Resolve Conflict

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

China is mediating talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address their ongoing military conflict, following Pakistan's operation against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan and UN reports questioning Pakistan's evidence of militant presence in Afghanistan.

Akash Deep, Harshit Rana face fitness race for home series vs Afghanistan

Akash Deep, Harshit Rana face fitness race for home series vs Afghanistan

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Akash Deep and Harshit Rana are unlikely to be fit for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan and the white ball tour of United Kingdom as they are still some time away from getting fully match-fit, sources in BCCI said.

SEE: Tearful Ajinkya Rahane thanks fans as he bids adieu to international cricket

SEE: Tearful Ajinkya Rahane thanks fans as he bids adieu to international cricket

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that began in 2013 and included 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.

Gambhir's Big Survival Test In Sri Lanka

Gambhir's Big Survival Test In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Already, the knives are out for Gautam Gambhir because of his poor record as coach in Test matches, and a potential defeat in Sri Lanka could prove to be the killer blow.

Ex-Afghanistan Pacer Shapoor Zadran Battling For Life In Delhi Hospital

Ex-Afghanistan Pacer Shapoor Zadran Battling For Life In Delhi Hospital

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran is in intensive care in a New Delhi hospital, battling a rare and life-threatening disease called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are meeting in Urumqi to discuss regional security concerns and potential confidence-building measures.

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

'I gave my 200 per cent': Rahane on retirement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has expressed profound satisfaction with his decision to retire from international cricket, stating he has 'no regrets at all' after giving his '200 per cent' on the field. Rahane also revealed his openness to venturing into coaching or mentorship roles in the future, aiming to share his extensive experience globally.

Rishabh Pant removed as Test vice-captain; Dubey, Suthar, Brar picked for Afghanistan Test

Rishabh Pant removed as Test vice-captain; Dubey, Suthar, Brar picked for Afghanistan Test

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Rishabh Pant loses India Test vice-captaincy and is dropped from the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series, while K L Rahul returns as deputy and young players earn maiden call-ups.

The Untold Story Behind Auqib Nabi's Historic India Test Call-Up

The Untold Story Behind Auqib Nabi's Historic India Test Call-Up

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Auqib Nabi, a right-arm pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, has made history by becoming the first cricketer from the region to be named in India's Test squad, earning a call-up for the tour of Sri Lanka after a remarkable domestic season.

Will Bumrah Recover In Time For Sri Lanka Tests?

Will Bumrah Recover In Time For Sri Lanka Tests?

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is expected to be announced next week, with fitness concerns surrounding pace leader Jasprit Bumrah.

Saransh Jain gets maiden India call up, Jadeja recalled for Sri Lanka Tests

Saransh Jain gets maiden India call up, Jadeja recalled for Sri Lanka Tests

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain has been named as the replacement for the injured Washington Sundar in India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, while the availability of key players Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan hinges on their fitness clearance.

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Can Auqib Nabi Continue His Wicket Ways In Tests? Here's What Pathan Said

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi's biggest strength lies in his ability to force top batters into errors while defending, rather than relying on raw pace.

Joint Pak-Afghanistan jirga calls for immediate ceasefire

Joint Pak-Afghanistan jirga calls for immediate ceasefire

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

A joint Pakistan-Afghanistan jirga in Peshawar has called for an immediate ceasefire to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, emphasising dialogue and mutual respect.

Pujara Tells Retiring Rahane: 'It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you'

Pujara Tells Retiring Rahane: 'It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and Olympic medallist PV Sindhu congratulated Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket.

Ajinkya Rahane: 'I gave this game everything I had'

Ajinkya Rahane: 'I gave this game everything I had'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that spanned nearly two decades and included an undefeated Test captaincy record.

Gavaskar To BCCI: Give India Stars Month's Break

Gavaskar To BCCI: Give India Stars Month's Break

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to give India's senior cricketers a mandatory one-month break every year, warning that excessive rotation is devaluing the India cap and affecting both players and fans.

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Following a stunning T20I series triumph against World champions India, Ireland coach Heinrich Malan has stepped down from his role.

Pak carries out strikes along Afghan border, 29 militants killed

Pak carries out strikes along Afghan border, 29 militants killed

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The operation followed a militant attack on a Rangers headquarters in Karachi that killed three soldiers.

Gill in ICC Player of the Month Award race: Who are the contenders?

Gill in ICC Player of the Month Award race: Who are the contenders?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India captain Shubman Gill, Bangladesh all-rounder Mossadek Hossain, and New Zealand pacer Nathan Smith have been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for June 2026, recognising their exceptional performances across various formats.

Who replaces Washington? India face major selection test

Who replaces Washington? India face major selection test

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Indian selectors face a selection dilemma for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with Washington Sundar unlikely to be fit for the first Test, while senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to return to white-ball cricket from August after recovering from injury.

India Provides Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan Following Airstrike

India Provides Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan Following Airstrike

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

India has provided Afghanistan with 2.5 tons of medical supplies to assist those injured in a recent airstrike by Pakistan, which resulted in numerous casualties. This act underscores India's commitment to supporting the Afghan people during a difficult time.