News for 'PLAY'

Shoaib Akhtar Believes Imran Khan Could Have Led Him To 400 Test Wickets

Shoaib Akhtar Believes Imran Khan Could Have Led Him To 400 Test Wickets

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes he could have achieved 400 Test wickets under the captaincy of Imran Khan, reflecting on his career, his relationship with Wasim Akram, and the immense physical toll his express pace bowling took on his body.

Treesa-Gayatri Stun 16th Seeds Lauren-Allison At Badminton World Championships

Treesa-Gayatri Stun 16th Seeds Lauren-Allison At Badminton World Championships

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Unseeded Indian women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships after stunning 16th seeds Lauren Lam and Allison Quynh Lee of the United States.

Kartik Aaryan Hospitalised, To Undergo Knee Surgery

Kartik Aaryan Hospitalised, To Undergo Knee Surgery

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Kartik Aaryan has sustained a severe knee injury during an intense action sequence for his upcoming sports drama, leading to immediate surgery and a temporary halt in film production.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com5 days ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

Espi's 90th-minute goal seals dramatic 2-1 win for Real Madrid over Espanyol

Espi's 90th-minute goal seals dramatic 2-1 win for Real Madrid over Espanyol

Rediff.com7 days ago

Carlo Espi, a close-season signing, scored in the 90th minute to give Real Madrid a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their LaLiga opener, securing three points for Jose Mourinho's returning side.

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian men's hockey team was eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race after a 3-5 loss to Argentina in a crucial pool match. India needed to win by at least two goals but struggled to find form against a strong Argentine side.

Bhattacharya Dominates Day 2 Of Kolar Open

Bhattacharya Dominates Day 2 Of Kolar Open

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Shaurya Bhattacharya fired a five-under 67 to extend his lead to three strokes at nine-under 135 on day two of the Kolar Open. The Delhi golfer made six birdies against a lone bogey, showcasing strong ball-striking and adapting well to windy conditions. Mohd Azhar is his nearest challenger, while other notable players like Arjun Sharma, Angad Cheema, and Badal Hossain are tied for third.

How PhonePe's Data Platform Will Enhance National Planning

How PhonePe's Data Platform Will Enhance National Planning

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Fintech firm PhonePe has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to integrate its enterprise data intelligence platform, PulsePro, into the PM GatiShakti framework. This collaboration aims to provide granular, hyperlocal insights for national infrastructure planning, economic analysis, and holistic urban and rural development.

BCCI Confirms Afghanistan T20 series In Delhi; India's Tour Of Bangladesh In Doubt

BCCI Confirms Afghanistan T20 series In Delhi; India's Tour Of Bangladesh In Doubt

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Afghanistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have confirmed that Afghanistan will host India for a three-match T20I series at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi next month.

SL vs India 1st Test, Day 2: Padikkal's 167, Jurel's fifty put India in command

SL vs India 1st Test, Day 2: Padikkal's 167, Jurel's fifty put India in command

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India finished Day 2 on 460/9 after rain restricted play to just two sessions in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday.

What Jhumka? Ask Wamiqa, Janhvi, Shanaya...

What Jhumka? Ask Wamiqa, Janhvi, Shanaya...

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Jewellery trends come and go but jhumkas have a permanent address in every desi girl's jewellery box.

Diamond League: Jefferson-Wooden beats Olympic champion Alfred to win women's 100m

Diamond League: Jefferson-Wooden beats Olympic champion Alfred to win women's 100m

Rediff.com6 days ago

World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden defeated Olympic gold medallist Julien Alfred in the women's 100 metres, while Oblique Seville secured victory in the men's sprint at the Silesia Diamond League.

Bar singer, ex-banker among 7 arrested for impersonating CBI officers

Bar singer, ex-banker among 7 arrested for impersonating CBI officers

Rediff.com5 days ago

Delhi Police have arrested seven individuals, including a former bar singer and an ex-banker, for allegedly posing as CBI officers to conduct fake raids and extort money or valuables in Delhi and Mumbai. The gang reportedly used fake ID cards and notices to intimidate targets.

'What Is Wrong With Gill?' Fans Slam India Captain

'What Is Wrong With Gill?' Fans Slam India Captain

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul performed well, but India captain Shubman Gill had a disappointing outing, getting dismissed for 16 runs. His dismissal, attempting a lofted shot against Prabath Jayasuriya on a flat pitch, led to significant criticism from fans on social media, who questioned his shot selection and recent form.

'The Itch Isn't There Anymore': Harry Kane Rules Out Premier League Return

'The Itch Isn't There Anymore': Harry Kane Rules Out Premier League Return

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Harry Kane, the prolific striker for Bayern Munich, has stated that the Premier League no longer holds the same appeal for him, despite previous speculation about his return to England.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner Pulls Out of US Open with Knee Injury

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner Pulls Out of US Open with Knee Injury

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

World number one Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming U.S. Open due to a persistent right knee injury, despite intensive rehabilitation efforts.

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Why KL Rahul's Galle 50 could change everything

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

KL Rahul's patient half-century in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka highlights his evolving role as a consistent and strategic anchor for the Indian team. Despite a slower strike rate, his ability to stonewall spinners and build partnerships has been crucial, earning praise from coaches and teammates. This performance underscores his growing importance, especially after the departure of senior batters, as he aims to make a significant impact in the current Test series.

UP banker shoots wife dead over 'betrayal'; kills sister, ends life

UP banker shoots wife dead over 'betrayal'; kills sister, ends life

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A bank employee in Lucknow allegedly shot dead his wife and sister before taking his own life, reportedly due to marital discord. The incident involved shootings outside an ICICI Bank branch and at his home, with the accused posting a WhatsApp status alleging 'betrayal' by his wife.

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's top women's singles players, including Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Vaidehee Chaudhari, have been excluded from the Asian Games tennis squad after the Sports Ministry pruned the list, leaving the national challenge without its leading singles contenders.

Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, MP Advance To Junior Women's Hockey Semis

Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, MP Advance To Junior Women's Hockey Semis

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have secured their spots in the Division A semifinals of the Junior Women National Hockey Championship in Pune. Jharkhand won a thrilling shootout against Odisha, while Haryana and Chhattisgarh recorded decisive victories. Madhya Pradesh also advanced after defeating Manipur, setting up exciting semifinal clashes.

Digvesh Rathi brings back his viral notebook celebration

Digvesh Rathi brings back his viral notebook celebration

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Digvesh Rathi recreated his viral 'notebook' celebration after dismissing Priyansh Arya in the Delhi Premier League, but the act led to a 30% pre cent match fee penalty and two demerit points for breaching the Code of Conduct. The match saw Outer Delhi Warriors defeat Purani Dilli 6 in a high-scoring encounter, with Rathi being the standout bowler for his team despite the loss.

Ben Shelton wins back-to-back Canadian Open titles

Ben Shelton wins back-to-back Canadian Open titles

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Ben Shelton successfully defended his Canadian Open title, defeating fellow American Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final.

15 Movies To Watch Before Avengers: Doomsday

15 Movies To Watch Before Avengers: Doomsday

Rediff.com4 days ago

Marvel has unveiled its list of essential movies and one show to watch before the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday.

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' annual sports festival will commence on September 5 in Bathinda, expecting around 10 lakh participants across 38 sports. The event, now in its fourth edition, aims to promote sports at block, district, and state levels, with competitions running until November 29.

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Rediff.com5 days ago

Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.

India Prepares For Crucial FIH Hockey World Cup Clash Against England

India Prepares For Crucial FIH Hockey World Cup Clash Against England

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

India is set to face England in a critical FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, aiming to overcome a 32-year World Cup drought against their European rivals. Following an opening win against Wales, India seeks to improve its performance, particularly in open play finishing, against a strong England side that started with a dominant victory over Pakistan. The outcome of this match is crucial for both teams' progression to the knockout stages.

FIR booked in pellet injuries case after Rahul's 6-hr dharna

FIR booked in pellet injuries case after Rahul's 6-hr dharna

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a six-hour dharna at a police station in New Delhi, demanding an FIR for 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, who sustained pellet gun injuries during a July 20 protest. The FIR was registered after Gandhi's protest, with the BJP criticising his actions as 'politics of anarchy'.

'101 against RCB set my career up': David Miller

'101 against RCB set my career up': David Miller

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

South African batter David Miller considers his unbeaten 101 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2013 as his most rewarding league innings, highlighting its role in shaping his career. He also discussed mastering the art of finishing games and his favourite IPL memory, winning the title with Gujarat Titans in 2022.

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Coming so soon after Main Vaapas Aaunga, also a Partition era tale with a message of compassion, the flaws in Batwara 1947 are even more grating, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

Rediff.com4 days ago

Poor families, she said, cut corners on their own needs to pay for coaching and fees, and when their child clears JEE, it's the happiest day the family has had in years. So why, she asked, her voice already starting to climb, does the same system that we're told is the best in the country keep pushing those very students toward what she called 'institutional deaths'?

'I was at the airport': Nabi recalls India call-up moment

'I was at the airport': Nabi recalls India call-up moment

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi and Madhya Pradesh's Saransh Jain, both uncapped players, have been drafted into the Indian Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, replacing injured Jasprit Bumrah.

Barcelona win Rodri race: Ballon d'Or winner arrives from Manchester City in $88.56m deal

Barcelona win Rodri race: Ballon d'Or winner arrives from Manchester City in $88.56m deal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga champions announced on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard's glittering, trophy-laden spell with the Premier League club in a major coup for the Catalan side.

India, US Equity Markets Less Attractive on FCF Yields; Real Estate Sales Moderate

India, US Equity Markets Less Attractive on FCF Yields; Real Estate Sales Moderate

Rediff.com5 days ago

A Goldman Sachs report indicates that US and Indian equity markets are becoming less attractive due to lower free cash flow (FCF) yields as valuations rise, while European markets offer significantly higher yields. Concurrently, India's top-listed residential real estate developers experienced a moderation in pre-sales in Q1FY27, attributed to delayed project approvals, limited launches, and high year-ago bases, though underlying housing demand remains healthy.

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

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.

Salima Tete: Nations Cup win boosts India's World Cup medal hopes

Salima Tete: Nations Cup win boosts India's World Cup medal hopes

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete believes the team's recent FIH Nations Cup triumph has instilled the confidence needed to compete for the top prize at the FIH Women's World Cup 2026, despite facing a challenging pool.

After Ashwin and Jadeja, Manav Suthar looks ready to lead India's new spin generation

After Ashwin and Jadeja, Manav Suthar looks ready to lead India's new spin generation

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Manav Suthar's 10-wicket haul against Sri Lanka showcased his skill, meticulous preparation and growing maturity, marking him as India's potential next spin leader.

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Sanjay Manjrekar's harsh criticism of his bowling after the 2011-12 Australia tour, initially met with anger, ultimately served as a constructive 'guru' that motivated him to work harder and transform his career.

Ayush Shetty exits; Treesa-Gayatri enter quarterfinals at Badminton Worlds

Ayush Shetty exits; Treesa-Gayatri enter quarterfinals at Badminton Worlds

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Ayush Shetty's impressive run at the World Championships ended in the pre-quarterfinals against Alwi Farhan, concluding India's men's singles challenge. Meanwhile, the women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand advanced to the quarterfinals with a dominant win, continuing their strong comeback after Treesa's injury.

'I Want To Play Women Who Feel Flawed'

'I Want To Play Women Who Feel Flawed'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'For me, success isn't about fitting into a certain mould. It's about constantly evolving as an actor and surprising both the audience and myself.'