Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Warne reunites with Rajasthan as mentor for IPL season

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has been reunited with the Rajasthan Royals, as the Indian Premier League club announced Tuesday he will mentor the side he once captained to victory.

Warne, who lead the Royals as they clinched the IPL cup in its inaugural edition in 2008, rejoins the franchise as they return to the lucrative Twenty20 league after a two-year ban for illegal betting.


The club hopes the 48-year-old leg-spinner will "recreate the old magic" he brought to the Royals as captain -- and later coach -- in the IPL's first four seasons, it said in a statement.

"I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey," said Warne.

"I am overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on me by the franchise and fans of Rajasthan Royals."

IPL teams are known to keep retired players as coaches and mentors to help motivate the young and senior members in their dug-out.

Warne took 56 wickets in his 52 games with the Royals, who were barred for two seasons along with Chennai Super Kings in 2015 over an illegal gambling scandal.

They have put together a strong squad ahead of their return for the 2018 edition, bagging top names including England all-rounder Ben Stokes in the player auction last month.

Stokes was secured for close to $2 million while Indian seamer Jaydev Unadkat was contracted by the Royals at $1.8 million.

They were two of the biggest buys in a two-day auction that witnessed almost $70 million splurged by the franchises.

"The guys have done a wonderful job at getting the squad together. So many talented Indian, international, senior and young players they always support," said Warne.

"It really is a wonderful squad and I think it can achieve some special things in 2018."

Warne, regarded as one of the greatest leg-spinners in the history of cricket, picked up 708 wickets in 145 Tests during his 15-year international career.

The IPL, the world's most popular T20 domestic league, is slated to be held between April 7 and May 27. The tournament has been boosted by a new five year $2.5-billion media deal.

More For You

england-kabaddi-wc

Athira Sunil (England women's capt), councillor Bhupinder Gakhal,, Hardeep Singh (England men's capt) at official England kit launch.

Comment: ‘Kabaddi kabaddi kabaddi’ is go go go in the West Midlands

Bhupinder Gakhal

City of Wolverhampton cabinet member for resident services, councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, looks ahead to a historic Kabaddi World Cup, which takes place in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands, starting on Monday (17).

The city of Wolverhampton has many claims to fame – it’s home to the world’s oldest original digital computer, it was instrumental in forming the tournament now known as football’s Champions League, and it was the first place in the UK to pioneer automated traffic signals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Being money smart in the holy month of Ramadan

Month of fasting doesn’t need to break the bank

Being money smart in the holy month of Ramadan

Anjali Mehta

WITH the rapidly rising cost of living, many people worry about managing expenses during Ramadan and Eid.

Ramadan is a time to refocus on faith, grati tude, and community, and mindful spending with an emphasis on simplicity can honour the spirit of the month without causing financial strain. By planning meals wisely, finding creative ways to give, and prioritising spirituality over ex travagance, you can make the most of a modest time of year while keeping its true essence alive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harry Brook banned from IPL for two years

Harry Brook (Photo: Getty Images)

Harry Brook banned from IPL for two years

ENGLAND batsman Harry Brook has been banned from the Indian Premier League for two years after he pulled out at the last minute to focus on international cricket, local media reported.

The 26-year-old, considered a frontrunner to replace Jos Buttler as England's white-ball captain, was signed to Delhi Capitals for the IPL season beginning next week.

Keep ReadingShow less
BBC settles age and sex discrimination case
BBC headquarters in Central London.
Getty Images

BBC settles age and sex discrimination case

THE BBC on Friday (14) said it had settled a case with four female journalists who claimed they lost their jobs because of their sex and age.

Martine Croxall, Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone and Kasia Madera, who have all presented on the BBC's television channels, claimed they lost their jobs following a "rigged" recruitment exercise.

Keep ReadingShow less
Indian student in US self-deports after visa revocation

In this screenshot from a video posted by @Sec_Noem via X on March 14, 2025, Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen who participated in pro-Palestinian protests at United State’s Columbia University, leaves the country after her visa was revoked by the Department of State. (@Sec_Noem via PTI Photo)

Indian student in US self-deports after visa revocation

AN INDIAN student at Columbia University, whose visa was revoked for allegedly supporting Hamas, has self-deported, says the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen, came to the US on an F-1 student visa as a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, and her visa was revoked on March 5.

Keep ReadingShow less