News for 'First Class'

Bhavina Patel Leads Indian Table Tennis Charge At Asian Para Games

Bhavina Patel Leads Indian Table Tennis Charge At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com3 days ago

Indian para table tennis players Bhavina Patel, Prachi, and Sonalben have advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, guaranteeing at least three bronze medals for the country. Bhavina Patel won her Class 4-5 quarterfinal, Prachi secured a historic medal in Class 6, and Sonalben triumphed in Class 3, showcasing India's strong performance in the sport.

Anrich Nortje set for surprise Test return against Australia amid injury crisis

Anrich Nortje set for surprise Test return against Australia amid injury crisis

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

South Africa's fast bowler Anrich Nortje is on the verge of a surprising return to Test cricket after nearly four years, potentially bolstering an injury-hit Proteas attack against Australia in the first Test starting Friday in Durban.

BCCI invites applications for men's selection committee role

BCCI invites applications for men's selection committee role

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for a position on the men's selection committee. This follows the departure of former chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, whose tenure ended on October 4. Pragyan Ojha is currently serving as the interim chairman.

Pakistan players must prove worth for new contracts

Pakistan players must prove worth for new contracts

Rediff.com6 days ago

Pakistani cricketers will not receive their central contracts until after the ongoing ODI tri-series and potentially the Test series against Sri Lanka. The delay is due to head coach Mike Hesson and selectors wanting to assess player performance in current matches and the domestic season before finalising the new specialised format contracts.

Odisha collapse as Gujarat begin Ranji Trophy with a big win

Odisha collapse as Gujarat begin Ranji Trophy with a big win

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai's five-wicket haul helped Gujarat secure a commanding 10-wicket victory over Odisha in their Ranji Trophy Group C opener. Gujarat chased down a paltry target of 47 runs without losing a wicket, earning a bonus point.

2nd Test: Boland's double strike gives Australia upper hand on rain-hit Day 1

2nd Test: Boland's double strike gives Australia upper hand on rain-hit Day 1

Rediff.com4 days ago

Scott Boland struck twice in successive deliveries to reduce South Africa to 20 for two on a rain-hit opening day, giving Australia the early advantage in the second Test.

East Zone End 13-Year Wait For Duleep Trophy Glory

East Zone End 13-Year Wait For Duleep Trophy Glory

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

East Zone were crowned Duleep Trophy champions after the final against South Zone ended in a draw in Chennai, with their first-innings lead proving decisive.

Nitesh Siwach Aims For India's First Greco-Roman Gold Since 1962

Nitesh Siwach Aims For India's First Greco-Roman Gold Since 1962

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Nitesh Siwach stormed into the Asian Games 97kg Greco-Roman final with a 9-0 win, moving one victory away from India's first gold in the style since 1962.

Ranji Trophy: Deshpande scalps four to put Mumbai on top against Himachal Pradesh

Ranji Trophy: Deshpande scalps four to put Mumbai on top against Himachal Pradesh

Rediff.com4 days ago

Mumbai is on the verge of securing a crucial first-innings lead against Himachal Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy Group D match, thanks to pacer Tushar Deshpande's impressive four-wicket haul that bundled out the hosts for 140. Mumbai ended day one at 107 for two, needing just 33 more runs with Musheer Khan and Siddhesh Lad at the crease. In another Group D encounter, Tamil Nadu's bowlers also performed strongly, dismissing Uttarakhand for 134.

Uday Saharan's unbeaten century rescues Punjab after Shubman Gill's early exit

Uday Saharan's unbeaten century rescues Punjab after Shubman Gill's early exit

Rediff.com4 days ago

Punjab captain Uday Saharan scored an unbeaten 106 to guide his team to 269 for four against Chhattisgarh on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy match. This came after India skipper Shubman Gill was dismissed for just one run. In another match, Manvanth Kumar's 86 not out helped Karnataka recover against Saurashtra.

Kochi Arson: SIT Probes Suspect's Online Searches For Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Kochi Arson: SIT Probes Suspect's Online Searches For Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com3 days ago

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Kochi is probing a possible terror link in an arson case near a synagogue, where the accused, Ebin Paul, was found to have searched online for gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and exchanged related messages on Telegram. Paul was arrested for setting fire to Blossom Nursery on October 12 and has been remanded to judicial custody. Investigators have not found direct evidence linking him to the Bishnoi gang but have uncovered previous arson attempts by Paul in Muvattupuzha. Central agencies, including the NIA, are also involved in the ongoing probe.

Fakhar Zaman opens up on Pakistan's ICC trophy burden, targets 2027 World Cup glory

Fakhar Zaman opens up on Pakistan's ICC trophy burden, targets 2027 World Cup glory

Rediff.com5 days ago

Pakistan's experienced batter Fakhar Zaman believes the team can end its long wait for an ICC trophy at the 50-overs World Cup next year. He highlighted the team's serious approach, extensive discussions, and preparations, including an upcoming tri-series, to build a winning combination. Zaman also distinguished white-ball plans from recent Test struggles.

Para Athletes Deliver Spectacular Start For India At Asian Games

Para Athletes Deliver Spectacular Start For India At Asian Games

Rediff.com3 days ago

India commenced its Asian Para Games campaign with a spectacular performance, securing 11 medals, including four gold, across various sports on Monday. Notable victories came from shooter Mona Agarwal, long jumper Nishad Kumar, middle-distance runner Soumya, and javelin thrower Rinku, with archer Sheetal Devi also setting world records. The medal haul places India fourth in the overall standings.

2nd Test, SA vs Aus: Gibbs Urges Proteas to Drop Verreynne, Bring in Ackerman

2nd Test, SA vs Aus: Gibbs Urges Proteas to Drop Verreynne, Bring in Ackerman

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Following South Africa's defeat in the 1st Test in Durban on Tuesday, October 13, Herschelle Gibbs wants Kagiso Rabada back, Marques Ackerman included and Ryan Rickelton moved down the order to keep wickets in the 2nd Test.

Gary Kirsten tips Dhruv Jurel as a world-class Test prospect

Gary Kirsten tips Dhruv Jurel as a world-class Test prospect

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten praised Sonal Dinusha's twin centuries and pressure-handling ability, while calling India's Dhruv Jurel a world-class player with superb technique and short-ball skills.

Russia Launches First-Ever T10 Cricket League

Russia Launches First-Ever T10 Cricket League

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The Russian T10 League has been launched, marking a significant step towards reviving and developing cricket in Russia with the long-term goal of establishing the country as a credible cricketing nation. The inaugural season will feature four franchises competing in seven matches at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, on September 19 and 20, 2026.

Archer makes first-class comeback, eyes Test recall

Archer makes first-class comeback, eyes Test recall

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

Jofra Archer made his first appearance in a first-class match in four years on Sunday in the County Championship as the 30-year-old quick continues his comeback from a spate of injuries

Mayank Agarawal joins English county side Durham

Mayank Agarawal joins English county side Durham

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

India batter Mayank Agarwal has signed with Durham for the final four matches of the County Championship's Division Two, aiming to help the team secure promotion to Division One.

New Zealand's New Game Plan! Finn Allen To Bat In Middle Order In India ODIs

New Zealand's New Game Plan! Finn Allen To Bat In Middle Order In India ODIs

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has revealed plans to utilise explosive batter Finn Allen in a middle-order role during the upcoming ODI series against India.

'It Crossed All Limits': Yuzi Chahal Opens Up on Alcohol Addiction

'It Crossed All Limits': Yuzi Chahal Opens Up on Alcohol Addiction

Rediff.com6 days ago

Yuzvendra Chahal opens up about alcohol addiction, his 26-day stay in rehab, divorce and anxiety, revealing how he decided to reclaim his life and cricket.

Roston Chase leads West Indies' push for Test rankings rise

Roston Chase leads West Indies' push for Test rankings rise

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Top-order batter Kevin Wickham has received his first Test call-up for the West Indies' two-match series against Bangladesh. The squad sees changes with Shai Hope rested and Alzarri Joseph withdrawn due to workload management, replaced by Keemo Paul. John Campbell returns from injury, as West Indies aim to improve their ICC World Test Championship ranking.

Bengal begin Ranji Trophy campaign with convincing win over Delhi

Bengal begin Ranji Trophy campaign with convincing win over Delhi

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Bengal secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over Delhi in their Ranji Trophy Group C opener after bowling out the visitors for 277 in their second innings. Delhi captain Ayush Badoni top-scored with 85, but Bengal chased down the target of 89 comfortably. In another Group C match, Gujarat defeated Odisha by 10 wickets, powered by Siddharth Desai's five-wicket haul, while Jharkhand and Kerala played out a draw.

New IPL rule: U-19 players must play first-class cricket

New IPL rule: U-19 players must play first-class cricket

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also spoke on how domestic cricketers have seen a rise in their pay and scale over the years to an unprecedented level.

Day 1: Australia fight back after pacers put South Africa on top in Durban

Day 1: Australia fight back after pacers put South Africa on top in Durban

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Pat Cummins and Matt Renshaw led Australia's fightback against South Africa, adding an unbeaten 63-run stand before bad light ended the opening day at 187/6.

'Look at Vinod Kambli': Kapil Dev's warning to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Look at Vinod Kambli': Kapil Dev's warning to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Cricket legend Kapil Dev has cautioned against creating 'excessive hype' around 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, drawing parallels with Vinod Kambli's career, and urged the media to give the young talent time to develop.

Ranji Trophy: How India's Big Names Fared on Day 1

Ranji Trophy: How India's Big Names Fared on Day 1

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Mohammed Shami claimed a four-wicket haul and Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten half-century, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were dismissed cheaply for a duck and four runs respectively on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season.

From Punjab to Australia: Nikhil Chaudhary's Unforeseen Cricket Journey

From Punjab to Australia: Nikhil Chaudhary's Unforeseen Cricket Journey

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Nikhil Chaudhary, who once dreamt of an IPL contract and playing for Punjab, made his international debut for Australia in a T20I against Bangladesh in June, a turn of events he describes as his "life's biggest moment" after being stranded in Australia during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown.

Sessions Court Backs FIR Against Former Lilavati Trust Official

Sessions Court Backs FIR Against Former Lilavati Trust Official

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

A Mumbai sessions court has refused to overturn a magistrate's order directing police to register an FIR against an erstwhile trustee of the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust. The FIR pertains to allegations of fund misappropriation and harassment that allegedly led to the death of trustee Kishor Mehta. The court found the magistrate's order to be "well within jurisdiction."

Ravindra Jadeja to play for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy opener

Ravindra Jadeja to play for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy opener

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to play for Saurashtra in their opening Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh, with Jaydev Unadkat retaining captaincy, as the team aims for a strong start to the 2026-27 season.

India's Top Golfers Ready For DP World Challenge

India's Top Golfers Ready For DP World Challenge

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Indian golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar, Karandep Kochhar, and Shiv Kapur are set to compete against a formidable international field, including Major champions Rory McIlroy and Ryan Fox, at the DP World India Championship in New Delhi. The tournament, featuring seven Major champions, will test the Indian contingent's recent form and experience on home turf.

Rabada included in South Africa's preliminary Test squad for Australia series despite injury

Rabada included in South Africa's preliminary Test squad for Australia series despite injury

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

South Africa has announced an 18-player preliminary squad for the upcoming three-match home Test series against Australia, including fast bowler Kagiso Rabada despite his current hamstring injury. Uncapped batter Marques Ackerman also earned a call-up.

Ranji Trophy: Gill's return for Punjab, Mumbai without Jaiswal, Mhatre

Ranji Trophy: Gill's return for Punjab, Mumbai without Jaiswal, Mhatre

Rediff.com5 days ago

The second round of the Ranji Trophy will see India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill return to action for Punjab, while Mumbai will be without key players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ayush Mhatre due to India A duties and injury, respectively, setting the stage for crucial encounters across the country.

The Making Of Brand Shashi Tharoor

The Making Of Brand Shashi Tharoor

Rediff.com17 hours ago

Brand Tharoor is not perfect. But it is lovable. In a country of 1.4 billion where most politicians sound the same, a man who makes you open a dictionary before breakfast has already won, points out Sandeep Goyal.

Kerala CM Dismisses Opposition Claims On Nedumbassery Car Crash Probe

Kerala CM Dismisses Opposition Claims On Nedumbassery Car Crash Probe

Rediff.com7 days ago

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has dismissed Opposition allegations of lapses in the investigation of a high-profile luxury car crash in Nedumbassery that killed three youngsters. Satheesan affirmed that the probe is on the right track, countering claims of foul play and attempts to protect the accused, Suhail, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The accused were remanded to a Borstal school, a decision the CM attributed to the court.

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Why Former Selector Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan's Downfall

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former chief selector and head coach Haroon Rasheed has attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to the domestic structure changes implemented by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who insisted on reducing first-class teams despite recommendations for a hybrid model.

Bhavina Patel, Subham Wadhwa Win Bronze At Asian Para Games

Bhavina Patel, Subham Wadhwa Win Bronze At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com18 hours ago

India's Bhavina Patel and Subham Wadhwa secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles XD7 table tennis event at the Asian Para Games after losing their semifinal match on Thursday. Another Indian pair, Dattaprasad Chougule and Savita, exited in the XD17 quarterfinals.

Who Will Replace Ajit Agarkar As Chairman Of Selectors?

Who Will Replace Ajit Agarkar As Chairman Of Selectors?

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The BCCI is set to take up an important matter at its 95th AGM in Mumbai on Friday -- the appointment of a new selector to replace outgoing chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

Mohammed Shami reveals desire to reach next level in his career

Mohammed Shami reveals desire to reach next level in his career

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami discusses his undiminished motivation and desire to reach the "next level" in his career, despite not playing for India since March 2025. He reflects on East Zone's Duleep Trophy final victory, which coincided with his 100th first-class match, and shares insights on playing domestic cricket, mentoring young players, and his tactical approach to bowling in challenging conditions.

India A dominate Day 3, set 363-run target for Australia A

India A dominate Day 3, set 363-run target for Australia A

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

India A, led by skipper Devdutt Padikkal's fifty and Kumar Kushagra's unbeaten 46, set Australia A a challenging target of 363 runs on day three of their four-day match in Puducherry. Australia A ended the day at 55/2, needing 308 more runs to win.

Will Kartik Kick Like Bruce Lee, Punch Like Stallone?

Will Kartik Kick Like Bruce Lee, Punch Like Stallone?

Rediff.com5 days ago

Sandeep Modi's script afford Kartik never-before action opportunities wherein he would be doing a mix of Bruce Lee and Sylvester Stallone.