News for 'former players'

Alcaraz Vomited Before Crashing Out Of US Open

Alcaraz Vomited Before Crashing Out Of US Open

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Carlos Alcaraz left fans stunned after appearing to vomit into his towel during his US Open clash with Ben Shelton.

'Pakistan gave up': Former players blast team after loss

'Pakistan gave up': Former players blast team after loss

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Latif slammed Pakistan's middle order for their timid approach, accusing them of 'giving up' when the game demanded urgency.

'Test cricket is dying'

'Test cricket is dying'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas has called on cricket authorities to actively work towards preserving Test and 50-over formats, warning that they are 'dying' amidst the growing global preference for T20s and franchise leagues.

India have fallen behind in WTC final race, says Rahul Dravid

India have fallen behind in WTC final race, says Rahul Dravid

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Former head coach Rahul Dravid believes India have 'fallen behind' in the World Test Championship final qualification race, highlighting the upcoming New Zealand series as a significant challenge for the young team.

Former England pacer Liam Plunkett swaps cricket for baseball, nails strikeout

Former England pacer Liam Plunkett swaps cricket for baseball, nails strikeout

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Former England cricketer Liam Plunkett swapped his cricket colours for a baseball glove on Friday, playing his first game for independent American club Oakland Ballers and even claiming a strikeout.

'Footballing beauty': Inter Miami coach hails Lionel Messi

'Footballing beauty': Inter Miami coach hails Lionel Messi

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Lionel Messi scored four goals and provided an assist, leading Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over CF Montreal, snapping their five-game winless streak and topping the MLS scoring charts.

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Former Mumbai player Kiran Powar named head coach of Assam Ranji team

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Former Mumbai and Baroda first-class cricketer Kiran Powar has been appointed as the head coach of the Assam men's team for the 2026-27 domestic season.

Indian Golf Premier League Resumes Season In Ras Al Khaimah

Indian Golf Premier League Resumes Season In Ras Al Khaimah

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The AM Green Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) is set to host its second event in the UAE, resuming its season at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah from September 23 to 25. This event, presented by Vimtra Chennai Lions GC, marks the league's return to the UAE after its debut in Dubai last December, featuring top golfers like Gaganjeet Bhullar.

Global Chess League: Kings Upset Pipers, Grandmasters Win Dramatically

Global Chess League: Kings Upset Pipers, Grandmasters Win Dramatically

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Global Chess League's halfway stage saw significant upsets and dramatic finishes, with Triveni Continental Kings defeating table-toppers Alpine APL Pipers. Ganges Grandmasters secured a crucial win against PBG Alaskan Knights due to a last-second time violation, while CheQ Mumba Masters maintained their strong performance. These results have intensified the competition for the top two positions.

India's biggest weakness exposed by England?

India's biggest weakness exposed by England?

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Pundits and former players have raised concerns over the Indian cricket team's batting performance following consecutive T20 series defeats against England and Ireland. Experts like Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Gavaskar, and Harsha Bhogle, along with captain Shreyas Iyer, point to issues with adapting to conditions and a lack of rhythm in the middle order, suggesting these losses could be a crucial wake-up call for the team.

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

If winning the National Championship does not help a player make the national team, what exactly is the value of becoming India's national champion?

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A 62-year-old cricket coach, Sumith Fernando, who mentored Kusal Mendis, died in Colombo following an altercation with two school players over drinking water during a match. A 17-year-old player has been arrested and placed under child probation custody.

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri expressed a mix of excitement and 'a little jealousy' about the national team's unprecedented opportunity to play against football giants Brazil and Uruguay in October 2026, an experience he never had in his two-decade career.

'Trying to kill him': Imran Khan's sons raise alarm

'Trying to kill him': Imran Khan's sons raise alarm

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Imran Khan's sons, Suleiman and Kasim Khan, alleged in a Sky Sports interview that there is a "blatant" attempt to kill their father in prison, describing his conditions as severely worsened and isolating.

Haaland Stuns with Bold New Buzz Cut

Haaland Stuns with Bold New Buzz Cut

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Erling Haaland stunned fans by replacing his trademark flowing blonde locks with a buzz cut, sparking playful reactions from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pep Guardiola before Manchester City's opener.

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Chelsea is undergoing a significant close-season transformation under new manager Xabi Alonso, with major signings like Morgan Rogers.

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Tragic End For Veteran Cricket Coach In Colombo

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

A 62-year-old cricket coach, Sumith Fernando, who mentored Kusal Mendis, died in Colombo following an altercation with two school players over drinking water during a match. A 17-year-old player has been arrested and placed under child probation custody.

I M Vijayan Hails Brazil's India Visit As Game Changer

I M Vijayan Hails Brazil's India Visit As Game Changer

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Indian football icon I M Vijayan has voiced his enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil international friendly in Kolkata on October 3. He believes the visit by the five-time World Cup champions will provide invaluable experience and lasting memories for young Indian players, significantly boosting the sport's profile and attracting global attention to Indian football.

420 runs, three centuries: Gunawardene hails Dinusha as major positive for Sri Lanka

420 runs, three centuries: Gunawardene hails Dinusha as major positive for Sri Lanka

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Avishka Gunawardene acknowledged India's dominance but hailed Sonal Dinusha's breakthrough, with the young batter scoring 420 runs, including three centuries, as a major positive for Sri Lanka.

BCCI Secretary Saikia Dismisses Rumours Over Rohit Sharma's Future

BCCI Secretary Saikia Dismisses Rumours Over Rohit Sharma's Future

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed recent speculations regarding Rohit Sharma's future, chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract extension, and VVS Laxman's potential appointment as director of cricket, dismissing all rumours after a review meeting.

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has expressed his deep disappointment and frustration over recurring nightclub incidents involving national team players, following fast bowler Brydon Carse's recent arrest and subsequent de-arrest. Root emphasised the team's commitment to building a strong culture and addressing off-field behaviour that detracts from their performance.

Wawrinka handed US Open wildcard after backlash

Wawrinka handed US Open wildcard after backlash

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka has been granted a wildcard entry into the U.S. Open men's singles draw, following public demand after his initial exclusion. The 2016 champion, who had previously expressed his farewell to the tournament, will now compete in the year's final major.

'You train them to repeat it': Manjrekar slams ICC and BCCI

'You train them to repeat it': Manjrekar slams ICC and BCCI

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the ICC and BCCI over incidents involving Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, warning that leniency could encourage repeat behaviour.

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A group of prominent seers in Ayodhya protested against former Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai, alleging embezzlement of offerings and demanding an impartial investigation. They also claimed police forcibly stopped their meeting, a charge denied by local authorities who stated the seers were asked to vacate a hotel room booked for stay, not a meeting. The seers vowed to launch a larger movement if their demands for action against those responsible are not met.

Rahul Dravid On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Induction Into Test Team: Need To Be Patient

Rahul Dravid On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Induction Into Test Team: Need To Be Patient

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Former India captain and Head Coach Rahul Dravid has advised a patient approach for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating he requires 'a couple of seasons of red-ball cricket' to establish himself in the longest format.

Abdominal Injury Forces Joao Fonseca Out Of US Open

Abdominal Injury Forces Joao Fonseca Out Of US Open

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Brazilian tennis sensation Joao Fonseca has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming US Open due to an abdominal injury.

Can HIL do for hockey what IPL did for cricket?

Can HIL do for hockey what IPL did for cricket?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former Australian hockey legend Jamie Dwyer believes the Indian team possesses the talent and infrastructure to become a dominant force in world hockey but stresses that 'they need to maintain consistency as a team' to realise their true potential.

15-Year-Old Delhi Teen Stuns World No 1 Magnus Carlsen

15-Year-Old Delhi Teen Stuns World No 1 Magnus Carlsen

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Fifteen-year-old Delhi chess prodigy Vandan Alankar Sawai stuns World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in an online blitz tournament.

West Bengal Government Arranges Public Screenings For FIFA World Cup Final

West Bengal Government Arranges Public Screenings For FIFA World Cup Final

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The West Bengal government is organising live public screenings of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at Nandan in Kolkata and other district locations. Each district has been allocated Rs 1 lakh for arrangements, with security and logistics being coordinated for the event.

Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Shine as Duleep Trophy Final Tilts East's Way

Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Shine as Duleep Trophy Final Tilts East's Way

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Ishan Kishan made another strong red-ball statement with 80 after his 270, as East Zone moved within touching distance of the Duleep Trophy title.

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to review a controversial rule allowing DPL franchises to pick three local league players outside the auction, following widespread disrepute caused by the inclusion of cricketer Dev Chaudhary in the New Delhi Tigers squad.

Sports Ministry Firm On Asian Games Tennis Selection Criteria

Sports Ministry Firm On Asian Games Tennis Selection Criteria

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Five Indian tennis players were excluded from the Asian Games squad because they did not meet the Sports Ministry's stringent international ranking criteria, a decision that has drawn criticism from veteran players like Rohan Bopanna but is being upheld by authorities to maintain administrative integrity.

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

'I'm a winner': Xavi Hernandez promises Netherlands new energy

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a four-year deal. He has pledged to implement an attractive, dominant style of play while instilling a strong desire to win. Xavi aims to build a cohesive team from talented players and is ready to face the pressure of his new role, starting with a Nations League match against Germany.

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

North Zone's Duleep Trophy selection sparks controversy, raises questions

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

North Zone coaches Ajay Sharma and Sarandeep Singh are under scrutiny for controversially dropping Sanat Sangwan, the Ranji Trophy's third-highest run-scorer, for the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against West Zone, opting instead for Yash Dhull, who had a significantly poorer Ranji season.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Spain final brings tutor and former ward face to face

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

It happened in 2017, two years after Scaloni ended his playing career. De la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth teams, was among the figures who helped guide a recently retired player taking his first steps towards management.

US Open PIX: Elena Rybakina overcomes Gauff; to face Aryna Sabalenka in final

US Open PIX: Elena Rybakina overcomes Gauff; to face Aryna Sabalenka in final

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Elena Rybakina overpowered Coco Gauff in a fierce US Open semi-final on Thursday to secure a title showdown with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Sports Ministry Suspends Table Tennis Federation Of India

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Sports Ministry has suspended the Table Tennis Federation of India's recognition due to governance issues, including delayed elections, and has directed the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport.

Berrettini spoils Wawrinka's Grand Slams farewell

Berrettini spoils Wawrinka's Grand Slams farewell

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Former champion Stan Wawrinka lost to Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the US Open, marking the end of the 41-year-old Swiss national's Grand Slam career before his retirement at the end of the season.

'I leave with peace of mind and pride': Lionel Messi retires from international football

'I leave with peace of mind and pride': Lionel Messi retires from international football

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.