News for 'former players'

Former Players Urge Fresh Blood To Revive Pakistan Hockey

Former Players Urge Fresh Blood To Revive Pakistan Hockey

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan hockey players have expressed deep concern over the national team's poor performance at the World Cup, advocating for an immediate injection of fresh talent and a focus on the upcoming Asian Games. They attribute the sport's decline to cricket's dominance and a failure to adapt to modern hockey, urging the federation to prioritise competitive success to regain public interest.

Aaqib Javed Urges Former Players To Coach On Ground

Aaqib Javed Urges Former Players To Coach On Ground

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Pakistan's senior selector Aaqib Javed has challenged former cricketers to actively contribute to grassroots development instead of merely criticising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and national team on television. He emphasised the importance of sharing expertise with youngsters and highlighted modern digital scouting methods.

Former player Rashid Khan takes a dig at Aaqib Javed over Pakistan's cricket chaos

Former player Rashid Khan takes a dig at Aaqib Javed over Pakistan's cricket chaos

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Former Pakistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has sarcastically suggested that senior selector Aaqib Javed be made the non-playing captain for all formats, following Javed's public criticism of the team's captain, coaches, and player selections. Khan expressed anguish over the current state of Pakistan cricket and questioned the PCB chairman's actions regarding player morale.

Former players urge ICC to review Afghanistan's Test status after India rout

Former players urge ICC to review Afghanistan's Test status after India rout

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Former cricketers raise concerns over ICC's policy of awarding Test status based on limited-overs performance, following Afghanistan's heavy defeat to India.

Dhoni-Zaheer reunion at CSK: Former pacer named successor to Stephen Fleming

Dhoni-Zaheer reunion at CSK: Former pacer named successor to Stephen Fleming

Rediff.com1 days ago

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have announced former India pace bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the IPL 2027 season, replacing long-serving Stephen Fleming.

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.

IPL 2027 Auction To Be Held In India; Impact Player Rule Under Review

IPL 2027 Auction To Be Held In India; Impact Player Rule Under Review

Rediff.com6 days ago

IPL players' auction for the 2027 season is slated to be held in India, marking a return after three overseas editions, with league chairman Arun Dhumal expressing a strong desire for a domestic venue.

Tennis and military service: Korea's players face tough choice

Tennis and military service: Korea's players face tough choice

Rediff.com6 days ago

South Korean male professional tennis players face a unique challenge: mandatory military service, which interrupts their careers for 18 months. This article explores how players like Seong-chan Hong, Hyeon Chung, and Soonwoo Kwon adapt to this obligation, with some earning exemptions through sporting achievements while others navigate a return to the professional circuit after their service.

Axed Pakistan Players Summoned For Charles Meet

Axed Pakistan Players Summoned For Charles Meet

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Pakistan's axed players were summoned to attend a meeting with King Charles amid PCB fears over a low turnout.

Why Hampshire Withdrew Ex-CSK Player

Why Hampshire Withdrew Ex-CSK Player

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Hampshire withdrew former csk all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn after protests over his signing revived controversy surrounding the New Zealander despite his 2017 acquittal following a rape charge.

Former India Coach Soumyadeep Roy Back For Asian Games After Tokyo Controversy

Former India Coach Soumyadeep Roy Back For Asian Games After Tokyo Controversy

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Former India international and coach Soumyadeep Roy is set to join the national table tennis squad for the upcoming Asian Games as a personal coach, five years after being embroiled in a match-fixing controversy at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite the past issues and the suspension of the TTFI, Roy aims to guide his players and contribute to India's medal prospects.

Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi still warming the bench?

Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi still warming the bench?

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian cricket fans and former players questioned India's decision to leave Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the XI for the second T20I against Afghanistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board advises players against commenting on Imran Khan's imprisonment

Pakistan Cricket Board advises players against commenting on Imran Khan's imprisonment

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.

'Dhoni told me that he won't play as Impact Player in IPL 2027'

'Dhoni told me that he won't play as Impact Player in IPL 2027'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has reportedly informed Subramaniam Badrinath that he will not play as an Impact Player in the IPL, preferring to continue as a full-time wicketkeeper if he plays.

Who is Subhadeep Ghosh? Former Assam player set to take over as India's fielding coach

Who is Subhadeep Ghosh? Former Assam player set to take over as India's fielding coach

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Former Assam and Railways cricketer Subhadeep Ghosh is poised to become Team India's new fielding coach, replacing T Dilip, with the BCCI making significant changes to the team management.

SAI defends Asian Games snub of five Indian tennis players

SAI defends Asian Games snub of five Indian tennis players

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

SAI has defended the exclusion of five Indian tennis players from the Asian Games squad, saying they failed to meet the prescribed continental ranking criteria.

Pakistan Cricket Board Faces Backlash Over Drastic Mid-Series Changes

Pakistan Cricket Board Faces Backlash Over Drastic Mid-Series Changes

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board has come under fire from former players after sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and sending back seven players, including national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, in the middle of their Test series against England. The drastic changes followed Pakistan's heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting widespread condemnation for the timing and impact on team morale and stability.

'This Is PATHETIC Cricket'

'This Is PATHETIC Cricket'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

'Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team, and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years.'

Pakistan sends seven players home from England; coach Sarfaraz replaced ahead of third Test

Pakistan sends seven players home from England; coach Sarfaraz replaced ahead of third Test

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Visitors Pakistan replaced seven players and their head coach on Monday, after suffering two heavy losses to England in their ongoing three-Test series.

Zaheer Khan's big new role with Yuvraj Singh revealed

Zaheer Khan's big new role with Yuvraj Singh revealed

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

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.

WCL Season 3 Could Set Up Another India-Pakistan Clash

WCL Season 3 Could Set Up Another India-Pakistan Clash

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

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.

'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.

Misbah: Pakistan Treats Foreign, Local Coaches Differently

Misbah: Pakistan Treats Foreign, Local Coaches Differently

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has criticised the differential treatment of foreign and local coaches in Pakistan cricket, stating that foreign coaches enjoy more authority and less scrutiny. He also highlighted the need for consistency, patience, and long-term planning, drawing comparisons with India's successful cricket development model.

Former Australia batter David Warner convicted, fined for drink-driving

Former Australia batter David Warner convicted, fined for drink-driving

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Former Australian cricketer David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 for drink-driving in Sydney.

Will Sooryavanshi get a game in final Afghanistan T20I?

Will Sooryavanshi get a game in final Afghanistan T20I?

Rediff.com7 days ago

India, having already secured the T20 series against Afghanistan, is likely to experiment with its playing XI in the third and final match in New Delhi. This provides an opportunity for players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and others on the bench to get game time before the Asian Games, while Afghanistan aims for an improved performance to boost morale.

Once afraid to leave home alone, Savita Punia now guides India's young hockey players

Once afraid to leave home alone, Savita Punia now guides India's young hockey players

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Savita Punia's journey from a shy youngster dependent on her mother to a confident veteran goalkeeper and mentor reflects hockey's profound impact on her life.

Babar returns to domestic cricket after Test struggles

Babar returns to domestic cricket after Test struggles

Rediff.com7 days ago

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to play domestic first-class cricket for OGDCL in the President's Trophy to address his prolonged dip in Test form. Azam has struggled to score centuries since December 2022 and has faced criticism for his inability to convert starts, prompting him to seek PCB's help to participate in the longer format domestically.

Pakistan Tennis Federation Chief Qureshi, 46, To Play In Asian Games

Pakistan Tennis Federation Chief Qureshi, 46, To Play In Asian Games

Rediff.com6 days ago

Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, has announced he will compete as a doubles player in the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.

Raj local polls: BJP wins 4 of 10 civic bodies; Independents emerge as key players

Raj local polls: BJP wins 4 of 10 civic bodies; Independents emerge as key players

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The ruling BJP has increased its lead over the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections, winning 3,587 wards against Congress's 3,050. Independents also performed strongly, securing 2,024 wards. While BJP secured a clear majority in Udaipur, Congress won in Ajmer and Pali. Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, saw Independents leading. These elections are a crucial test for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.

Top Cueists To Compete At NSCI Open 8-Ball Pool Tournament

Top Cueists To Compete At NSCI Open 8-Ball Pool Tournament

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Delhi Billiards & Snooker Association, in collaboration with NSCI, is organising the NSCI Open 8-Ball Pool Tournament from September 26 to October 5 in New Delhi. The event will feature top players like Sourav Kothari, Sundeep Gulati, Kamal Chawla, Vidya Pillai, and Chitra Magimairaj, competing for a prize purse of Rs five lakh.

'Hope Jaiswal gets his chances in West Indies ODIs'

'Hope Jaiswal gets his chances in West Indies ODIs'

Rediff.com2 days ago

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advocated for Yashasvi Jaiswal to receive ample opportunities in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. Pathan believes this exposure is crucial for Jaiswal to establish himself as a backup opener for the next year's ODI World Cup. He also highlighted the importance of testing India's bench strength, especially with several key players participating in the Asian Games, and backed Naman Dhir's inclusion for his all-round capabilities.

'No excuses': Vimal sends strong message to Ayush Shetty

'No excuses': Vimal sends strong message to Ayush Shetty

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former badminton coach Vimal Kumar expresses optimism about India's medal prospects at the upcoming Asian Games, suggesting they can surpass their previous tally of three. He stresses the critical need for Indian singles players, including Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty, to overcome inconsistencies and deliver under pressure. Kumar also highlights the challenges posed by the new 15-point format and the highly competitive nature of men's singles badminton.

Over 160 Irish Sportspeople Call For Israel Football Boycott

Over 160 Irish Sportspeople Call For Israel Football Boycott

Rediff.com1 days ago

Over 160 Irish sports personalities, including Olympians and former professionals, have signed an open letter urging the Ireland national football team to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel.

Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan barred from speaking on betting investigation

Pakistan batter Mohammad Rizwan barred from speaking on betting investigation

Rediff.com1 days ago

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has been denied permission by the PCB to hold a media conference regarding an ongoing investigation by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency into his alleged involvement with online betting and gambling. Rizwan and teammate Imam-ul-Haq had their phones confiscated and are being questioned.

'Were you there to sell chickpeas?' Akram slams Babar Azam's captaincy in England Tests

'Were you there to sell chickpeas?' Akram slams Babar Azam's captaincy in England Tests

Rediff.com2 days ago

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has strongly criticised current skipper Babar Azam following Pakistan's disastrous Test series against England. Akram questioned Babar's awareness of team changes and suggested he should not have taken on the captaincy again, especially after the team's poor performance and subsequent sanctions.

Why Ajit Agarkar Quit As Team India's Chief Selector

Why Ajit Agarkar Quit As Team India's Chief Selector

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former chief selector Ajit Agarkar's departure from the BCCI was primarily driven by disagreements over Rohit Sharma's future in white-ball cricket and policy differences with Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman, culminating in his absence from a crucial review meeting.

Super League Kerala Unveils New Financial Model And DFB Technical Roadmap

Super League Kerala Unveils New Financial Model And DFB Technical Roadmap

Rediff.com2 days ago

Super League Kerala is implementing a new financial model to ensure franchise sustainability and has partnered with the German Football Association (DFB) for a five-year technical roadmap. This includes establishing a residential Centre of Excellence to nurture young football talent while integrating formal education.

From Mizoram Dirt Pitches to India's Hockey Star: Lalremsiami's Golden Dream

From Mizoram Dirt Pitches to India's Hockey Star: Lalremsiami's Golden Dream

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Mizoram's first female Olympian and Asian Games medallist, is now India's offensive lynchpin, aiming for a first Asian Games hockey gold since 1982, after overcoming initial family resistance and training on dirt pitches.

How A Ronaldinho Reel Changed Quimcy's Sporting Journey

How A Ronaldinho Reel Changed Quimcy's Sporting Journey

Rediff.com4 days ago

Quimcy Dsouza, a former Maharashtra footballer, made an unconventional journey to the Asian Games teqball semifinals after discovering the sport through Ronaldinho. Despite a defeat, she expressed pride in her performance and her role in pioneering teqball in India, highlighting the challenges of limited funding and her dedication to growing the sport.