News for 'former players'

'I Don't Know Anything': Sarfaraz on Imran Interview Row

'I Don't Know Anything': Sarfaraz on Imran Interview Row

Rediff.com2 days ago

A controversy overshadowed Pakistan's Lord's Test after reports emerged of the PCB threatening to boycott the match if Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan's sons. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied any knowledge of such a threat, despite the interview being broadcast and the team returning to play. The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Imran Khan's imprisonment impacting the cricket team.

Mumbai Indians Appoint Zubin Bharucha As Director of Performance

Mumbai Indians Appoint Zubin Bharucha As Director of Performance

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Mumbai Indians have appointed Zubin Bharucha, a former first-class cricketer and ex-Rajasthan Royals official, as their Director of Performance.

'Footballing beauty': Inter Miami coach hails Lionel Messi

'Footballing beauty': Inter Miami coach hails Lionel Messi

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

Will Enzo Fernandez Stay At Chelsea? Here's What Xabi Alonso Said

Will Enzo Fernandez Stay At Chelsea? Here's What Xabi Alonso Said

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso addressed speculation surrounding midfielder Enzo Fernandez's future ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham.

'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.com6 days ago

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.

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.com10 hours ago

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.

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Rediff.com3 days ago

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?

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

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

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.com7 days ago

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.

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.com4 days ago

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.

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.com3 days ago

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.

Wawrinka handed US Open wildcard after backlash

Wawrinka handed US Open wildcard after backlash

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

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.

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Joe Root Expresses Disappointment Over Recurring Nightclub Incidents

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Seers threaten agitation over Ram Temple offering embezzlement

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.

Abdominal Injury Forces Joao Fonseca Out Of US Open

Abdominal Injury Forces Joao Fonseca Out Of US Open

Rediff.com6 days ago

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

Top Tennis Players End Wimbledon Media Boycott After Talks

Top Tennis Players End Wimbledon Media Boycott After Talks

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Top tennis players have agreed to resume media duties at Wimbledon after constructive talks with organisers, despite core issues regarding prize money and player welfare remaining unresolved. Players had initially cut short pre-tournament media duties to protest for a larger share of Grand Slam revenue and greater say in decision-making.

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.com5 days ago

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.com6 days ago

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.com5 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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.com7 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.

Unrelenting Djokovic refuses to give up on record major dream

Unrelenting Djokovic refuses to give up on record major dream

Rediff.com1 days ago

The 146th US Open begins with Novak Djokovic aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title and Jessica Pegula hoping to secure her first major on home soil.

Sabalenka under pressure as US Open title defence looms

Sabalenka under pressure as US Open title defence looms

Rediff.com3 days ago

Aryna Sabalenka aims to secure her third consecutive US Open title, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams. However, a recent dip in form and a challenge to her world number one ranking from Elena Rybakina cast doubt on her chances, with experts noting her vulnerability.

Pegula's perfect start, Krejcikova's painful exit headline US Open opening day

Pegula's perfect start, Krejcikova's painful exit headline US Open opening day

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Jessica Pegula cruised into the US Open second round with a straight-sets win, while 27th seed Barbora Krejcikova became the first seeded casualty despite saving six match points.

Defending champions PSG land Barcelona, Man City in mouth-watering Champions League draw

Defending champions PSG land Barcelona, Man City in mouth-watering Champions League draw

Rediff.com3 days ago

Defending champions PSG will face Barcelona and Manchester City in the Champions League league phase, while Real Madrid meet Inter Milan and Arsenal in marquee clashes.

Pucovski Sues School Over Concussion Protocol Failures

Pucovski Sues School Over Concussion Protocol Failures

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former Australian cricketer Will Pucovski has initiated legal proceedings against his former school, Brighton Grammar, alleging that the institution failed to adhere to proper concussion protocols after he sustained a head injury during a football training session in 2014. His lawyers claim this incident led to a traumatic brain injury, making him vulnerable to subsequent concussions and ultimately forcing his early retirement from professional cricket at age 27.

Marizanne Kapp slams Anaya Bangar's cricket pathway: 'Should not be allowed'

Marizanne Kapp slams Anaya Bangar's cricket pathway: 'Should not be allowed'

Rediff.com3 days ago

South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has publicly criticised Cricket Australia's decision to offer a pathway back into competitive cricket for transgender athlete Anaya Bangar, stating, "Absolutely ridiculous. This should not be allowed."

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.

Roy Dias: Test, ODI Formats Remain Relevant, Youngsters Need Strong Technique

Roy Dias: Test, ODI Formats Remain Relevant, Youngsters Need Strong Technique

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former Sri Lankan batter and veteran coach Roy Dias asserts that Test and ODI formats retain their relevance despite the rise of T20 cricket, advising young players to develop proper technique for success across all three versions.

Why India rose and Pakistan fell: Hockey great explains

Why India rose and Pakistan fell: Hockey great explains

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.

771 Wickets! Starc Surpasses Ashwin, Vaas in All-Time List

771 Wickets! Starc Surpasses Ashwin, Vaas in All-Time List

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc delivered a sensational ten-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the second Test at Mackay, surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin and Chaminda Vaas in the all-time international wicket-takers list, and earning both 'Player of the Match' and 'Player of the Series' awards.

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.