News for 'africa'

Historic! Harmanpreet Kaur First Cricketer To Play 200 T20 Internationals

Historic! Harmanpreet Kaur First Cricketer To Play 200 T20 Internationals

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has become the first cricketer, male or female, to play 200 T20 Internationals, achieving this milestone during a World Cup clash against South Africa.

Three red cards! FIFA World Cup opener makes history

Three red cards! FIFA World Cup opener makes history

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mexico's national football team secured a significant 2-0 victory over South Africa in their World Cup opening match at the Azteca Stadium. Midfielder Erik Lira expressed confidence, stating 'the sky is the limit' for the team, despite the emotionally challenging game which saw a record three red cards.

Sree Charani ousts Linsey Smith, climbs to No. 1 in ICC T20I bowling rankings

Sree Charani ousts Linsey Smith, climbs to No. 1 in ICC T20I bowling rankings

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India's young left-arm spinner Sree Charani has risen to the top of the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings after an impressive start to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Why Foreign Students Don't Come To India

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

90 per cent of institutions recorded no improvement in international student metrics, despite government initiatives such as the Study in India programme, UGC regulations on internationalisation, and efforts to attract foreign students.

Herman Kruis Joins Pakistan Hockey As Coaching Advisor

Herman Kruis Joins Pakistan Hockey As Coaching Advisor

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed 70-year-old Dutchman Herman Kruis as their National Hockey Coaching Advisor on a two-year contract. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to revive Pakistan hockey after a series of poor performances, including 15 consecutive losses in the FIH Pro League. Kruis will focus on developing young talent and preparing teams for international events, working alongside Director of High Performance Tahir Zaman and current head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan.

Cruel game! VAR drama, penalty send Senegal packing vs Belgium

Cruel game! VAR drama, penalty send Senegal packing vs Belgium

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw expressed his disappointment, calling football a "cruel game" after his team's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup round of 32. Senegal had held a 2-0 lead until the 85th minute but conceded two late goals, followed by a controversial penalty in extra time that led to their elimination.

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia crush West Indies to reach final

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia crush West Indies to reach final

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Australia put in a commanding all-round display to beat West Indies by eight wickets and book their place in Sunday's final, chasing down 126 in just 13 overs.

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Tunisia Coach Lamouchi Joins FIFA World Cup's Infamous List

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Lightning Risk Delays Crucial World Cup Knockout Match

Lightning Risk Delays Crucial World Cup Knockout Match

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The World Cup round-of-32 match between Mexico and Ecuador was delayed by one hour due to adverse weather conditions, including lightning risk, near Estadio Azteca. Both teams are vying for their first knockout stage victory, with Mexico entering after a flawless group stage and Ecuador having a more challenging path.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

At 15, Sooryavanshi Shatters Sachin's 37-Year-Old Record

At 15, Sooryavanshi Shatters Sachin's 37-Year-Old Record

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at just 15 years and 91 days, has become the youngest player to represent India in international cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's 37-year-old record. He also set a new benchmark as the youngest T20I debutant from a Full Member nation, making his debut against Ireland in Belfast.

India Gears Up To Host Major International Sports Events

India Gears Up To Host Major International Sports Events

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India is set to host 11 international sporting events in the next six months, including the Badminton World Championships. The Sports Ministry has pledged to provide top-notch facilities, addressing previous criticisms of playing conditions, and is actively preparing for future Olympic bids.

Beyond soccer... Cricket finds a home in Houston

Beyond soccer... Cricket finds a home in Houston

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

World Cup fever has gripped Houston, but across the city the unmistakable sound of leather ball on willow bat can be heard as baseball mounds give way to cricket pitches and the gentleman's game begins to take hold in Texas.

Indian Pharma Bets Beyond US Generics

Indian Pharma Bets Beyond US Generics

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Companies are investing heavily in complex injectables, respiratory therapies and biosimilars to improve margins and diversify portfolios.

Ian Bishop flags structural flaws after India Women's early exit from T20 World Cup

Ian Bishop flags structural flaws after India Women's early exit from T20 World Cup

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Indian women's cricket ecosystem will have to develop more fast bowlers and wrist spinners through the Women's Premier League (WPL) in order to garner success in the shortest format on global stage, said former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop on Monday.

Riaz And Semwal Stun Top Seeds In HCL-SRFI Squash

Riaz And Semwal Stun Top Seeds In HCL-SRFI Squash

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Indian squash players Shameena Riaz and Om Semwal have caused significant upsets at the USD 15,000 HCL-SRFI PSA Challenger tournament in Mumbai, defeating top seed Hayley Ward and third seed Diego Gobbi respectively. Riaz, a recent Asian Games team selection, rallied from a game down, while Semwal secured a five-game victory. Both players have now advanced to the quarterfinals.

TVS Motor overtakes Hero, Honda in total two-wheeler sales for June

TVS Motor overtakes Hero, Honda in total two-wheeler sales for June

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

TVS Motor Company has emerged as India's largest two-wheeler manufacturer by total sales volume in June 2026, surpassing long-standing leaders Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, primarily driven by its strong international business performance.

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the qualification system for cricket at the LA Olympic 2028, marking the sport's return after 128 years. The event will feature men's and women's T20 competitions with six teams each.

Rested Or Dropped? What Next For Sanju Samson?

Rested Or Dropped? What Next For Sanju Samson?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

At 31, it would be too early and unwise to phase out a special talent like Sanju Samson, who despite the odd blip appears to be enjoying the best phase of his India career.

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Vishy Anand Won't Contest FIDE Deputy President Post

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Viswanathan Anand will not seek re-election for a third term as Deputy President of FIDE.

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that the team management will continue to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite the impressive performance of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Morkel stressed the importance of showing faith in established players who have performed well previously, while also acknowledging the excitement around new talents like Sooryavanshi and pacer Prince Yadav.

Sunil Mittal set to step down as Airtel Africa chairman

Sunil Mittal set to step down as Airtel Africa chairman

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Sunil Bharti Mittal, 68, will retire as chairman of Airtel Africa in July after the conclusion of this year's annual general meeting (AGM), the board of the African arm of India's second-largest telecom service provider Bharti Airtel said in a statement to the exchanges on Wednesday.

Verushka Singh, first Indian-origin Mrs South Africa, quits after 4 months

Verushka Singh, first Indian-origin Mrs South Africa, quits after 4 months

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Verushka Singh, the first Indian-origin Mrs South Africa, has resigned from her position after four months, citing personal and family reasons. Her reign was marked by advocacy for environmental sustainability and women's empowerment.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico's 'Losers Cafe' serves comfort with every sip

FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico's 'Losers Cafe' serves comfort with every sip

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Amid the sea of green that washed over Mexico City after the country's World Cup victory over Ecuador on Tuesday, one shop defiantly hoisted the Ecuadorian flag and welcomed all the downtrodden fans of Mexico's opponents to a place of refuge. Welcome to the Losers Cafe, a coffee shop in the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Condesa that is comforting fans of the losing teams.

Why India Are The Big Favourites To Win Women's T20 World Cup!

Why India Are The Big Favourites To Win Women's T20 World Cup!

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former cricketer Reema Malhotra believes the Indian women's cricket team is a strong contender to win the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, largely because of its strong spin bowling resources.

Disciplinary Woes Mount At 2026 FIFA World Cup

Disciplinary Woes Mount At 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already seen eight red cards, matching the combined total of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. This surge in dismissals, including six straight red cards, highlights a significant increase in disciplinary actions compared to recent editions, with Belgium's Nathan Ngoy being the latest player sent off.

80,000 fans roar as Mexico ends FIFA World Cup curse

80,000 fans roar as Mexico ends FIFA World Cup curse

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mexico celebrated a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at the Azteca stadium, breaking a seven-game opening day curse.

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Rudi Garcia's comments about Senegal's tactical structure, along with other pundit remarks, have reignited scrutiny over racially coded language in World Cup commentary, drawing criticism from scholars and anti-racism advocates who argue such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black players and African teams.

Shakira Dazzles At FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony

Shakira Dazzles At FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway in Mexico on Thursday with Colombian superstar Shakira performing the official World Cup song Dai Dai in a spectacular opening ceremony.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Modric eye one last act at tournament's tiniest venue

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Portugal and Croatia's World Cup last-32 clash on Thursday could be Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric's final game on soccer's biggest stage, and the massive moment will unfold at the tournament's smallest venue.

4.9 million children died before turning five in 2024: Journal

4.9 million children died before turning five in 2024: Journal

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A new series of research papers in The British Medical Journal reveals that global progress in reducing preventable deaths among newborn babies and children has slowed substantially since 2015, with an estimated 4.9 million children dying before age five in 2024, including 2.3 million neonatal deaths.

How A New Urban Life Cycle Will Reshape Global City Populations By 2100

How A New Urban Life Cycle Will Reshape Global City Populations By 2100

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A new study projects that by 2100, only 38% of the world's population will reside in large cities, a significant reduction from previous estimates. This revised projection is based on a newly discovered urban life cycle, where the growth rate of large cities slows down as countries become more urbanised, contrasting with the rapid growth seen in less urbanised regions. The research highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics for future infrastructure and climate adaptation planning.

Avesh Khan Eyes India Comeback With Strong Domestic Performances

Avesh Khan Eyes India Comeback With Strong Domestic Performances

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Avesh Khan remains determined for a India comeback, hoping to catch the selectors' attention with strong Ranji Trophy performances this season.

Belgium fight back to sink Senegal with extra-time penalty

Belgium fight back to sink Senegal with extra-time penalty

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle on Wednesday to keep alive their title hopes that had looked dead and buried.

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Teams like India do not offer too many chances and Afghanistan must learn to capitalise on the opportunities that come their way, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.

Can India complete historic double at women's T20 WC?

Can India complete historic double at women's T20 WC?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The 10th edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, starting on June 12 in England, offers several exciting possibilities. Take a look at the contenders and challengers.

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India has been eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's. Despite a strong batting performance led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia successfully chased down India's target of 171, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner scoring crucial half-centuries. This marks India's second consecutive group-stage exit from the tournament.

PIX: FIFA World Cup Opening Night Belongs to Fans

PIX: FIFA World Cup Opening Night Belongs to Fans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The World Cup began with exciting victories for Mexico and South Korea, who secured three points each in their opening matches. Fans played a crucial role in creating a vibrant atmosphere, making the first day a memorable spectacle.

FIFA World Cup: Raul Jimenez Writes His Story in Tears

FIFA World Cup: Raul Jimenez Writes His Story in Tears

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

>Mexican star Raul Jimenez delivered a powerful and emotional performance in the 2026 World Cup opener, scoring a crucial goal against South Africa.