ICC Anti-Corruption Unit chief Andrew Ephgrave has labelled legends leagues, featuring retired players, as a "real grey area" due to their unsanctioned nature and potential "reputational risk" to cricket. He highlighted concerns about corruption allegations, citing a Sri Lankan league incident, and stressed the importance of distinguishing these from official cricket structures. Ephgrave also noted an increase in players reporting corrupt approaches, attributing it to improved ACU engagement.
India's six-member League of Legends team, featuring a blend of experienced and new players, is set to compete at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. They are placed in a challenging Group B alongside defending champions South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong, with the tournament running from September 29 to October 2.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the first 'Odisha T-20 League CM Trophy' at Barabati Stadium, aiming to provide a platform for cricketing talents. The league, with ambassadors like Suresh Raina, seeks to identify rural talent and is supported by a significant government investment of Rs 4,124 crore for sports infrastructure development, including new stadiums and the renovation of Barabati Stadium.
Japan soccer great Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, said on Friday he had all but given up on a return to the J-League before signing for Fukushima United, adding that he hopes to contribute with goals and assists in the latest chapter of his age-defying career.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has branded the club's players 'selfish' and 'like babies' following their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, after captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned the coaching staff's tactics.
Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, an Arjuna Award recipient, is set to make her debut in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 4 with defending champions Alpine Pipers. She will join a star-studded team including Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, and Vidit Gujrathi, expressing excitement for the rapid chess format and playing in front of a home crowd.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.
Sri Lankan bowling legend Chaminda Vaas has been appointed as the fast bowling coach for Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL 2027 season, marking his return to the league after 16 years.
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh is currently Tied-20th after the second round of the OFX Irish Legends, carding a two-under 70. Robert Coles leads the tournament by three shots, with Johan Edfors in second place. Singh is aiming for his first Seniors title while balancing commitments across various global tours.
Former West Indies skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul believes the team's strong performance against India in white-ball cricket will significantly boost their confidence. He hopes this momentum translates into success in Test cricket, acknowledging their recent struggles but seeing a spark. Chanderpaul praised Shai Hope's leadership and batting, and discussed the balance between T20 freelancing and the enduring challenge of Test cricket.
India's MOBA (League of Legends) esports team has been eliminated from the Asian Games after losing all three of their group B matches. The team finished last in their group, failing to qualify for the semifinals.
Bollywood actor John Abraham and cricket legend Jonty Rhodes unveiled the Rotterdam Dockers' team jersey for the inaugural European T20 Premier League, a new tournament featuring six city-based franchises across Europe.
AB de Villiers recently discussed his initial impressions of Virat Kohli during a podcast, admitting he found Kohli "arrogant and cocky" early in his career. De Villiers clarified that this perception stemmed from Kohli's high level of confidence as a young player, which he believes is essential for success. He also noted how Kohli's attitude matured over the years as he became more balanced.
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has become the fourth Proteas bowler to claim 200 Test wickets on home soil, joining legends like Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock. His achievement came during a Test match against Australia where South Africa staged a remarkable comeback, enforcing a follow-on after dismissing Australia for 99. Captain Temba Bavuma led a strong batting recovery for the Proteas.
Yuvraj Singh, Delhi Capitals' assistant and batting coach, has joined forces with head coach Sourav Ganguly to instill belief within the team, aiming for an IPL playoff spot and ultimately the championship. Yuvraj emphasises self-belief, strategic team combination, and a strong team environment, drawing lessons from his playing days with Ganguly.
'Blessed with talented players': Imran Tahir backs South Africa's young core to shine at 2027 World Cup
Brazil football legend Neymar Jr has penned an emotional tribute to Argentina icon Lionel Messi as Messi prepares for his final international match against Benin. Neymar, a former teammate at Barcelona and PSG, expressed gratitude for Messi's contributions to football and wished him well for his farewell game. The article also recaps Messi's illustrious international career, including his World Cup and Copa America triumphs, and his records as Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer.
The Olympic Council of Asia has signed a contract with Kuwait to host the inaugural Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027. This new continental event is expected to feature around 4,000 athletes, with discussions ongoing for the Philippines to host the second edition in 2029. Esports has evolved from a demonstration event to an official medal sport at the Asian Games, and this dedicated event offers Indian players more opportunities.
The third season of the World Championship of Legends will be held in the UAE from October 3 to 18, featuring cricketing legends like Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and David Warner. This marks the tournament's first venture outside the UK, promising high-profile clashes and rekindled international rivalries across Dubai and Sharjah.
Former England all-rounder Samit Patel has lauded Joe Root's exceptional hunger for runs and remarkable longevity, stating it would be an "unbelievable" achievement if Root surpasses Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in Test cricket. Patel highlighted Root's determination as he closes in on Tendulkar's all-time Test record of 15,921 runs, with Root currently at 14,278 runs as of 2026. Patel also praised young England captain Harry Brook as an exciting talent.
Indian pace legend Zaheer Khan, through his co-owned Stockholm-based Anchor Sports AB, has acquired the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings, which will now be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings.
Legendary Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, now coaching Uruguay, believes India can significantly improve its football standing despite cricket's dominance. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots development, strong domestic leagues, and consistent exposure to high-level international competition to nurture young talent and elevate the sport in the country. Forlan also shared his positive experiences with Indian football passion during his ISL stint.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, celebrated his 39th birthday. The article chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming a global superstar, highlighting his unparalleled success at Barcelona, his international triumphs with Argentina including the 2022 World Cup, his individual accolades like eight Ballon d'Or awards, and his current impact with Inter Miami, cementing his legacy as a record-breaking legend.
Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting expresses concern over the diminishing role of One Day International (ODI) cricket due to the rapid expansion of T20 Internationals and franchise leagues worldwide. While he believes Test cricket will remain strong with support from major cricketing nations, Ponting fears the 50-over format will be played less frequently. David Warner also weighs in on the challenges and opportunities presented by the crowded T20 calendar.
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, stating she is now 'ready to play for the love of the game again.' Tributes have poured in from former and current players, including Yuvraj Singh and Shafali Verma, acknowledging her significant contributions to Indian cricket.
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 979th professional goal, leading Al Nassr to a 2-1 victory over Abha in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo opened the scoring, with Abdullah Al-Hamdan adding another, securing Al Nassr's second-place position in the league table.
Colombian football icon James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a career that saw him earn 131 caps, score 31 goals, and lead his country to the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals. He expressed gratitude for the honour of representing Colombia and reflected on his achievements, including winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup.
Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has joined the ownership group of Vancouver Anchors, a franchise in the Canada Super 60 league, reuniting with his former teammate Yuvraj Singh. Khan brings his extensive international cricket experience to the league, which features men's and women's competitions and aims to promote global cricket growth.
South African batter Quinton de Kock has reached a significant milestone in T20 cricket, scoring his 10th century and joining an elite group of players including Virat Kohli and David Warner. This achievement places him among the top century-getters in the format, further solidifying his status as a prolific T20 batter.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, remains confident in his ability to contribute to the Portugal national team under new coach Jorge Jesus, targeting both the UEFA Nations League title and his 1,000th career goal. He addressed his international future post-World Cup, his motivation, and dismissed critics, asserting he is not yet ready to retire.
The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) is set to commence on October 8 in Hyderabad, featuring a strong lineup of India's top archers, including Olympians Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, alongside 12 international stars like world number one Marcus D'Almeida. The league will showcase 36 Indian archers competing in both recurve and compound categories, with a unique 15-second shot clock designed to enhance competition.
Former Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has publicly backed Kylian Mbappe to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, citing his exceptional individual scoring achievements across the Champions League, LaLiga, and the World Cup.
Cricket icons Rahul Dravid and Steve Waugh, along with Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, were spotted at the India-Netherlands FIH Hockey World Cup match in Amstelveen. Their presence is linked to the upcoming European T20 Premier League, co-founded by Bachchan, which aims to boost cricket in Europe.
Cricket icons Rahul Dravid and Steve Waugh, along with Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, were spotted at the India-Netherlands FIH Hockey World Cup match in Amstelveen. Their presence is linked to the upcoming European T20 Premier League, co-founded by Bachchan, which aims to boost cricket in Europe.
England football icon David Beckham has paid tribute to Lionel Messi, calling him a 'credit to himself' and an 'inspiration for millions' after the Argentina legend announced his retirement from international football.
Despite significant efforts including slashed ticket prices and complimentary passes, Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium saw a disappointingly low turnout for India's friendly matches against Brazil and Uruguay, raising concerns about fan engagement in Indian football, even with legendary players like Diego Forlan present.
Delhi Capitals are set to introduce a new coaching setup for IPL 2027, with Sourav Ganguly expected to take over as head coach, Chaminda Vaas as bowling coach, Yuvraj Singh as batting coach, and Amit Mishra also joining the team.
Veer Ganapathy, son of renowned golfer Rahul Ganapathy, is set to represent Bengaluru Stallions in the AM Green IGPL 2026. The team, also featuring Trishul Chinnappa, Sunhit Bishnoi, and Sudhir Sharma, was unveiled for the second season of India's first franchise-based professional golf league. The IGPL aims to promote golf beyond elite circles and provide exposure to young talent.
