News for 'former players'

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.

What's Azharuddin Doing In London?

What's Azharuddin Doing In London?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin is enjoying a summer holiday in London, reflecting on his special connection with England, where he made a historic Test debut with three consecutive centuries in 1984-1985 and later scored memorable knocks.

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.

2nd Test: Jaiswal faces possible punishment after physical contact with Fernando

2nd Test: Jaiswal faces possible punishment after physical contact with Fernando

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is under scrutiny for a potential ICC Code of Conduct breach following a heated altercation with Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test. The incident involved physical contact, with Jaiswal's helmet touching Fernando's forehead after Jaiswal's dismissal. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged the 'heat of the moment' but stated Jaiswal should not have made body contact. Match referee Andy Pycroft may invoke Article 2.12, which could lead to a reprimand, fine, or demerit points for Jaiswal.

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

'No curfew': Joe Root reveals England's new approach

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

England captain Joe Root has announced there will be no team curfew for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, expressing trust in his players to act responsibly. This decision comes amidst recent scrutiny over the team's culture following several off-field incidents and player suspensions. Root, who returned to captaincy after Ben Stokes' retirement, believes players should be self-policing.

Indian Shuttlers Shine At Junior International Grand Prix

Indian Shuttlers Shine At Junior International Grand Prix

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's Arjun Reddy Aluguvelli caused an upset by defeating eighth seed Adithya Kiran from the UAE at the Indian Junior International Grand Prix badminton tournament. Other Indian players, Jagsher Singh Khangurra and Vaibhav Singh, also secured hard-fought victories.

'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.com3 minutes ago

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.

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.

Rishabh Pant breaks Adam Gilchrist's record for most sixes in Test cricket

Rishabh Pant breaks Adam Gilchrist's record for most sixes in Test cricket

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rishabh Pant has surpassed Adam Gilchrist to become the third-highest six-hitter in Test cricket, achieving the feat during India's second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

'Seeds were sown much earlier': Vidit on Praggnanandhaa's rise

'Seeds were sown much earlier': Vidit on Praggnanandhaa's rise

Rediff.com3 days ago

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour Finals in St. Louis, defeating GM Fabiano Caruana in a stunning comeback. Chess legends Garry Kasparov and Vidit Gujrathi congratulated him on this significant achievement.

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.

Will Dhoni Replace Fleming As CSK Coach?

Will Dhoni Replace Fleming As CSK Coach?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

M S Dhoni's appearance in Chennai has ignited fervent discussions among fans regarding the future of Chennai Super Kings.

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.

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 recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to significant governance deficiencies, including delayed elections and failure to ensure athlete welfare. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been directed to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the sport until a proper governance structure is re-established.

Rishabh Pant Fastest To Hit 100 sixes In Test cricket

Rishabh Pant Fastest To Hit 100 sixes In Test cricket

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first Indian and fourth overall player to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

'70 per cent watch club games': Is bilateral cricket in danger?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes the exploding popularity of T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, poses a significant threat to the future of bilateral international cricket, stating that '70 per cent (people are watching club cricket instead of international cricket)'.

'Fully focused on defeating Germany': India eye fifth place at World Cup

'Fully focused on defeating Germany': India eye fifth place at World Cup

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's Women's Hockey team will compete against higher-ranked Germany in the fifth-place playoff at the Women's Hockey World Cup, aiming to conclude their impressive campaign with a victory and build momentum for the upcoming Asian Games.

Chelsea's 'Not Too Xabi' Era Brings Joy Back to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea's 'Not Too Xabi' Era Brings Joy Back to Stamford Bridge

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, has shown renewed attacking vigour with two Premier League wins and a League Cup victory, highlighted by a 4-3 win over Brighton, but defensive vulnerabilities persist, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in 18 league games. The arrival of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez is expected to bolster the backline.

Maguire: Rashford a 'Huge Threat,' Hopes He Stays at Man Utd

Maguire: Rashford a 'Huge Threat,' Hopes He Stays at Man Utd

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed his hope that Marcus Rashford will remain at the club, calling the forward a 'huge threat' and a significant asset who can improve the team.

Brydon Carse out of Pakistan Test amid ECB probe

Brydon Carse out of Pakistan Test amid ECB probe

Rediff.com7 days ago

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an investigation by the Cricket Regulator into an incident at a club in Derby. Carse, who was reportedly seen in handcuffs but not arrested or charged, will be replaced by Sonny Baker. This incident follows a series of off-field controversies involving England cricketers, prompting renewed scrutiny of player conduct.

Deepadhar Dominates Opening Day Of East Zone Bridge Championship

Deepadhar Dominates Opening Day Of East Zone Bridge Championship

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Deepadhar, featuring former Asian Games gold medallists, has taken an early lead in the fifth East Zone Bridge Championship in Kolkata, accumulating 65.22 Victory Points after four rounds. The tournament, a Bridge Federation of India Ranking Two event, involves around 300 players from 50 teams across East Zone states competing for a Rs 6 lakh prize purse, with the top 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Rishabh Pant scripts history, becomes India's top WTC run-scorer

Rishabh Pant scripts history, becomes India's top WTC run-scorer

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has become the country's highest run-scorer in ICC World Test Championship history, surpassing Shubman Gill, and also overtook MS Dhoni as India's highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests.

Carlos Alcaraz back after 5 months: US Open test awaits

Carlos Alcaraz back after 5 months: US Open test awaits

Rediff.com4 days ago

Carlos Alcaraz is set to defend his U.S. Open title after a nearly five-month injury layoff, with expectations high despite limited match practice as he aims for a third New York crown.

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Seventeen Indian sportspersons, including World Cup winning chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, and shuttler Gayatri Gopichand, have been named for the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2025.

Rahul Dravid insists on balance in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development

Rahul Dravid insists on balance in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

According to former India coach Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development must balance white-ball success with sustained red-ball exposure, giving the teenager time, patience and experience to eventually become a Test cricketer.

India all-rounder Mahipal Lomror signs with Surrey

India all-rounder Mahipal Lomror signs with Surrey

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror has signed with Surrey for the remainder of the County Championship season. He becomes the second player from Rajasthan to join the English side this season, filling a gap left by injuries and international call-ups.

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.

Ronaldinho unsure of playing role at Italian club Ravenna FC

Ronaldinho unsure of playing role at Italian club Ravenna FC

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Brazil football icon Ronaldinho has arrived in Italy after joining Serie C club Ravenna FC, where he has also taken a stake. While his last competitive match was in 2015.

We're taking shape as Test team, but need to turn it into a performance: Gary Kirsten

We're taking shape as Test team, but need to turn it into a performance: Gary Kirsten

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Sri Lanka's head coach Gary Kirsten expressed satisfaction with his team's developing approach to Test cricket despite a loss to India. He highlighted the team's fight and resilience, particularly after a poor start in their first innings, and praised young batter Sonal Dinusha. Kirsten also provided an update on key player injuries ahead of the next Test.

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

'Two Tests put teams under pressure': Gautam Gambhir makes case for Three-match series

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Gambhir strongly advocates three-Test series, arguing they give teams that lose the opening match a genuine opportunity to recover, compete harder and still win the series.

Patidar, Sooryavanshi set for Duleep Trophy semifinal showdown

Patidar, Sooryavanshi set for Duleep Trophy semifinal showdown

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Duleep Trophy reaches its semifinal stage with defending champions Central Zone and last year's runners-up South Zone receiving direct entry. They will face East Zone and North Zone, respectively, who advanced after winning their quarterfinal matches. The upcoming clashes promise intense competition as teams battle for a spot in the final.

'Saffron Has Never Been Traditional Colour Of Indian Hockey': Dhanraj

'Saffron Has Never Been Traditional Colour Of Indian Hockey': Dhanraj

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay has voiced his displeasure over the Indian hockey team's decision to adopt saffron as its primary jersey colour, arguing that the blue jersey has been the sport's long-standing identity for decades.

Suryakumar Yadav reveals what went through his mind after captaincy axe

Suryakumar Yadav reveals what went through his mind after captaincy axe

Rediff.com1 days ago

Suryakumar Yadav revealed he was "completely shocked" by India's captaincy axe after leading the team to Asia Cup and T20 World Cup triumphs without losing a series.

Ankit Baliyan Murder: Police probe Gogi gang's involvement

Ankit Baliyan Murder: Police probe Gogi gang's involvement

Rediff.com3 days ago

Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was shot dead in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Police, including the UPSTF, are actively investigating, tracing the assailants to Haryana using CCTV footage. A gang has claimed responsibility, and the incident has sparked protests and political criticism over the state's law and order situation.

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

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

Rediff.com7 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.

My Job Is To Win Trophies, I Don't Care About Likes: Gambhir

My Job Is To Win Trophies, I Don't Care About Likes: Gambhir

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, dismisses criticism over recent poor results, stating his sole focus is on winning trophies for the country.

'That silence in the dressing room will stay me': Ex-fielding coach T Dilip on his best moment with Team India

'That silence in the dressing room will stay me': Ex-fielding coach T Dilip on his best moment with Team India

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former Indian fielding coach T Dilip shared his most cherished memory with the team, highlighting the profound silence in the dressing room after their T20 World Cup 2024 victory.

Arjun Tendulkar Commits To Goa; Ends Exit Rumours

Arjun Tendulkar Commits To Goa; Ends Exit Rumours

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has confirmed he will continue playing for the Goa cricket team, dispelling recent rumours of his departure after missing a tour to Oman.

With New Zealand series in mind, BCCI to arrange County stint for pacer Auqib Nabi

With New Zealand series in mind, BCCI to arrange County stint for pacer Auqib Nabi

Rediff.com3 days ago

The BCCI is arranging short-term county cricket contracts for talented Indian pacers like Auqib Nabi to prepare them for future international tours, specifically eyeing India's Test series in New Zealand. This initiative aims to provide red-ball experience and exposure to different conditions.

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.