Sports

Paris, November 30: Saturday's Madrid derby represents an opportunity for Atletico to upstage their city rivals and defending champions, Real, but the showdown also provides a chance for Radamel Falcao to outshine Cristiano Ronaldo. The record goalscoring feats of Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi have largely overshadowed Falcao's prolific 15 months at the Vicente Calderon, but the Colombian

Sydney, November 30: Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has said Ricky Ponting made the right call to deal with his cricket mortality in Adelaide, and added that he is happy that his old pal got a chance to decide on his retirement date. "I am really thrilled for him that he has been able to make a decision regardless of what people think, whether it is too late or premature, his is the

New Delhi, November 30: The Indian government is to issue a record 3,000 visas to Pakistani cricket fans attending a series of limited over matches beginning next month, an official in the interior ministry told AFP Thursday. "We will happily host 3,000 Pakistani cricket lovers for the matches. This is the first time that we have decided to issue so many visas in one go," the source told AFP on

New Delhi, November 30: Amidst the growing clamour for Sachin Tendulkar's retirement, former India skipper Anil Kumble on Thursday hit out at critics questioning the veteran batsman's place in the team, saying he should be left alone and given the "emotional space" and respect he deserves. Tendulkar's prolonged lean patch led many people to question his place in the Indian team but Kumble says it

Dubai, November 30: England’s opening game against South Africa at 11.20am today will be an early barometer of the Red Roses’ contention for an Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens hat-trick this weekend. Having won here in Dubai for the last two seasons, Ben Ryan’s squad now face tough early tests in Pool C against the Springboks, Samoa and Portugal. After a bowl final loss to Spain in round one

Perth, November 29: Cricket Australia today paid lavish tribute to retiring former captain Ricky Ponting, describing him as a "leader by example" and one of the "best prepared players in the modern game". Ponting, Australia's 366th Test player and 42nd Test captain, announced that the Perth Test against South Africa starting tomorrow will be his last. It will be his 168th Test for Australia

Perth, November 29: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting Thursday called time on his Test career, announcing this week's clash against South Africa in Perth will be his last. "A few hours ago I let the team know that this upcoming Test will be my last," he said at a hastily-called press conference, adding that he will continue to play for Tasmania in the domestic competition this summer

New Delhi, November 29: The Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Wednesday that it would stand by the under-pressure Sachin Tendulkar, whose poor form and possible retirement have become a topic of hot debate after India's humiliation by England in the Mumbai Test. Some BCCI sources had initially indicated that the board would take a call on Tendulkar if he failed in both the upcoming Tests against

Perth, November 28: South Africa and Australia will both be forced to call on fringe players when the number one ranking in Test cricket goes on the line in the final Test starting on Friday in Perth. After a tame draw in the series opener in Brisbane, South Africa's batting heroics in Adelaide, led by a defiant unbeaten century from debutant Faf du Plessis, ensured the second Test also ended all

Mumbai, November 28: The Indian Cricket Board on Wednesday claimed it was unaware of any talks between senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar and national selectors on his future in the wake of a prolonged form slump. “I am not aware of it,” said BCCI secretary and senior selection panel convener Sanjay Jagdale when contacted in Indore for his reaction to media reports that Tendulkar spoke to chief