From Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba to Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, several football legends have secured UAE Golden Visas and built connections with the region beyond the pitch. From business ventures and youth development to media careers and sports investments, explore how 10 footballers have used their long-term residency to expand their professional and personal ties with the Emirates.from Sports News: Cricket Live Scorecard, Latest Cricket News, Football, NBA, NFL, WWE, NHL, MLB News & More https://ift.tt/w0za1yt
Chirag Baretha, a decorated para-badminton player, and fellow para-shuttlers have filed a petition after being excluded from India’s 2026 Asian Para Games contingent despite meeting the selection criteria. Alleging unfair treatment and procedural irregularities, they have challenged the roles of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Badminton Association of India (BAI), raising questions about transparency in the selection process.
Teenage cricket star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi went viral after jokingly warning airport paparazzi, “Reel ke chakkar mein thuk jaoge,” urging them to prioritise safety over filming. He was in New Delhi to meet PM Narendra Modi during a felicitation ceremony for India’s Asian Games contingent. Modi encouraged athletes to inspire children, highlighting sports’ role in teaching discipline, resilience and perseverance through his message, “Jo Khelega, Woh Khilega.”
Former India spinner R Ashwin criticised the team management for dropping Kuldeep Yadav from the last two T20Is against the West Indies, saying the decision “lacks a bit of common sense.” Ashwin argued Kuldeep’s variations troubled the visiting batters and could have saved India 15–20 runs. However, he supported Kuldeep’s exclusion in Indore due to the ground’s small dimensions.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan set a new record with 238 runs in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, surpassing Abhishek Sharma’s 229 runs. Despite Farhan’s third consecutive half-century, Pakistan lost the final match by eight wickets. Kusal Mendis starred with an unbeaten 87, helping Sri Lanka win the match, while Pakistan secured the series 2-1.
Laycock finished with career-best figures of 6/26, including a record of four wickets in four consecutive deliveries in South African T20 cricket.
South Africa faced a significant defeat against Australia by 214 runs in the first Test at Durban. This loss caused South Africa to drop to third place in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Australia, with nine wins from eleven matches, remains at the top of the table. Matt Renshaw was instrumental in Australia's success, scoring 190 runs in the first innings.
Kolkata will host Barcelona Legends vs Real Madrid Legends at Salt Lake Stadium on November 25, bringing El Clasico nostalgia to India. Luis Figo, Carles Puyol and Iker Casillas are among the names reportedly expected, though official squads remain unconfirmed. The exhibition follows last year’s meeting in Mumbai, where Real Madrid Legends won 2-0, and adds another chapter to Kolkata’s rich footballing history.
Sumit Nagal apologised to the Maia crowd and Portuguese player Henrique Rocha for making a “talking gesture” after his hard-fought first-round win at the Maia ATP Challenger. Nagal called it a heat-of-the-moment reaction and confirmed he had apologised personally to Rocha. The incident comes after India's disappointing Asian Games tennis campaign ended without a medal for the first time since 1986.
Former Zimbabwe cricketer and umpire Sarah Dambanevana has died in Harare at 36 after months in hospital following a medical procedure. She represented Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2014 before becoming an international umpire. In 2023, she became the first Zimbabwean woman to officiate a World Cup final and later worked at the 2024 and 2025 women's World Cups.
Mohammed Shami has been out of favour with the national selectors, but he said he would continue playing wherever he gets an opportunity instead of worrying about his return to the Indian team. The Bengal fast bowler made the remarks after taking four wickets against Delhi in Bengal's opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season in Kalyani on Sunday. His figures of 4/30 helped Bengal bowl Delhi out for 240 on the first day.
Erling Haaland’s new Abu Dhabi home has raised questions about whether the Manchester City striker could secure a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through property investment or his sporting achievements. With a separate residency pathway for elite athletes and strong ties to Abu Dhabi through City, Haaland has several potential routes to explore, although no visa approval or special arrangement has been confirmed.