Arjuna Ranatunga. (Photo/social media)

Sri Lankan authorities plan to arrest the country’s former men’s cricket team captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, on corruption charges linked to his tenure as petroleum minister, a court was told on Monday.Ranatunga and his brother are accused of altering the procedure for awarding long-term oil procurement contracts and instead making spot purchases at higher prices, according to a corruption watchdog.“The total loss to the state from 27 purchases is 800 million rupees,” the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption told the court, as reported by news agency AFP. The amount was equivalent to just over $5 million at the time the deals were made in 2017.The commission told Colombo Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama that Arjuna Ranatunga was currently abroad and would be arrested upon his return.His elder brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, who was chairman of the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation at the time, was arrested on Monday and later released on bail.The magistrate imposed a travel ban on Dhammika, who holds dual citizenship of Sri Lanka and the United States.The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 13.Arjuna Ranatunga, 62, captained Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup, defeating Australia in the final.The case involving the Ranatunga brothers is part of a broader crackdown by the government of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who came to power last year after pledging to act against corruption.Another brother, Prasanna Ranatunga, a former tourism minister, was arrested last month in connection with an insurance fraud case. That matter is pending.Prasanna Ranatunga had earlier been convicted in June 2022 for extorting money from a businessman and is currently serving a two-year suspended prison sentence.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, is a battleground where youth often dictates the narrative. Teams typically eye fresh, high-ceiling talent to build for the future. However, the official player list reveals that experience and domestic pedigree still hold a powerful allure. Standing out among the hundreds of young guns and established stars are a handful of veteran cricketers, all nearing or already crossing 37, who are ready to prove that age is just a number.

These five players, a blend of domestic stalwarts and international veterans, bring a wealth of match experience, unique skills, and the quiet hunger of cricketers seeking one last shot at the world’s most competitive T20 league.

5 oldest players in IPL 2026 auction

1. Jalaj Saxena (Age: 39)

At 39, Jalaj is the oldest player to register for the IPL 2026 auction, proving that a stellar domestic record can keep the dream alive. Saxena, an off-spinning all-rounder, is an undisputed titan of Indian first-class cricket. He is famously the first Indian cricketer to achieve the monumental Ranji Trophy double of 6,000 runs and 400 wickets. His recent consistency in the shorter formats, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, makes him a highly dependable utility player.

Despite having limited IPL appearances for franchises like Punjab Kings, his low base price (₹40 lakh) and his dual threat as a reliable off-spinner and a solid middle-order batsman make him an excellent, cost-effective backup option for any team looking to strengthen its Indian core.

2. Karn Sharma (Age: 38)

Karn has been a quiet constant in the IPL landscape for over a decade. The leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh has represented some of the most successful franchises and carries a distinguished reputation as a “trophy winner,” having been part of multiple IPL-winning squads. With 83 wickets in 90 IPL matches, his strength lies in his ability to maintain a tight economy and pick up wickets in the crucial middle overs. He is a wily operator, able to outfox batsmen with subtle variations in pace and flight.

After being released by Mumbai Indians, Karn enters the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. His vast experience across different team environments and pressure situations makes him an ideal, low-cost option for teams in need of an experienced Indian spinner who can deliver reliable performances when called upon.

3. Umesh Yadav (Age: 38)

A seasoned Indian international fast bowler, Umesh has been a fixture in the IPL since 2009. Known for his sheer pace and ability to swing the new ball, Umesh is one of the league’s most experienced pace exponents. With 144 wickets from 148 IPL matches, his career has seen him deliver match-winning spells for teams like Delhi and Kolkata. While his form has seen minor fluctuations, his capability to provide explosive pace and early breakthroughs remains undeniable.

Umesh has opted for a high base price ( ₹1.5 crore), reflecting his confidence in his enduring pace. Teams looking for a senior Indian fast bowler to lead the attack in the Powerplay overs—a role he excels at—will likely spark a bidding war for the veteran.

Also READ: Sanjay Bangar picks IPL 2026 auction’s biggest “steal deal”

4. Richard Gleeson (Age: 38)

England’s Gleeson embodies the spirit of perseverance, having made his international debut at the late age of 34. The right-arm fast-medium bowler is celebrated for his ability to hit hard lengths and deliver crucial cutters. Gleeson has a reputation for performing in global franchise leagues, and his brief but impactful IPL stints with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have shown he can deliver under pressure. His highlight reel includes dismissing top Indian batsmen in his early international outings.

Listed at a base price of ₹75 lakh, Gleeson is an attractive option for franchises seeking an experienced overseas pacer, particularly those who want a bowler capable of hitting the deck hard and offering subtle variations in the middle and death overs.

5. Dwaine Pretorius (Age: 37)

South African all-rounder Pretorius is a proven asset in T20 cricket, bringing a rare combination of lower-order hitting power and excellent change-of-pace bowling, especially at the death. Having been a key player for Chennai Super Kings, Pretorius has experience thriving in the demanding, high-stakes atmosphere of the IPL. His bowling, focused on clever off-cutters and seam variations, makes him a difficult proposition for even the best finishers.

With a base price of ₹1 crore, Pretorius is a hot commodity for his all-round skills. He fills a specific niche as a foreign death bowler and power-hitter, a role that several teams will be desperately trying to secure to balance their XI.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Jonny Bairstow in the IPL 2026 Auction

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Increasing air pollution in Delhi (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Monday directed schools to shift students up to Class V from hybrid to fully online mode in view of the capital’s worsening air pollution.According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), physical classes for students from nursery to Class V in all government, government-aided and unaided private recognised schools in Delhi have been discontinued until further orders due to the prevailing high Air Quality Index (AQI).The order applies to all government, government-aided and private recognised schools in Delhi. School heads have been instructed to ensure that online classes are available for younger students and to inform parents and guardians immediately.The circular clarified that classes for Class VI and above will continue without any change and will be conducted as per earlier instructions issued on December 13. District and zonal education officials have also been asked to ensure smooth implementation of the directions.Delhi remained shrouded in dense smog with the AQI touching 498, close to the maximum level of 500. The city’s air quality monitoring stations recorded ‘severe’ levels at 38 locations and ‘very poor’ at two stations, with Jahangirpuri recording the worst AQI of 498.Several residents complained of breathlessness, low visibility and health risks. Pollution levels have steadily worsened over the past two days, raising concerns especially for children and other vulnerable groups.The situation had worsened from Sunday when the AQI climbed to 461, marking Delhi’s most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality day on record. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘severe’ category, with predictions for the next six days showing ‘very poor’ conditions.The current pollution levels pose serious health risks to the city’s population, with authorities advising people to take necessary precautions. The situation remains particularly concerning as the winter season typically sees increased pollution levels in the capital region.

NEW DELHI: Allrounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against South Africa due to illness.Axar is currently with the Indian team in Lucknow, where he will undergo further medical assessment, the BCCI informed on Monday.

“The Men’s Selection Committee has named Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement for the T20Is in Lucknow and Ahmedabad,” a release by the BCCI said. Axar missed the third T20I of the series in Dharamshala on Sunday due to illness. Under chilly climes and dewy conditions, India’s seamers and spinners combined to bowl out South Africa for 117 in 20 overs in the third T20I at the HPCA Stadium on Sunday.Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav picked two wickets apiece, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipped in with a scalp each, as the visitors never recovered from being 30/4 inside seven overs in seam-bowling friendly conditions.Captain Aiden Markram fought hard with a fluent 61 off 46 balls, but found little support as only Donovon Ferreira (20) and Anrich Nortje (12) reached double figures, as India’s attack remained relentless despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel.Having gone for runs in the previous outing, Arshdeep struck early to give India the perfect start. Abhishek Sharma played a sparkling little innings after the pacers produced a riveting exhibition of swing bowling, powering India to a smooth seven-wicket victory in the third T20I.India lead the 5-match T20 series 2-1. India’s updated squad for the last two T20Is:Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed.

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Shaheen Shah Afridi had a challenging introduction to the Big Bash League on Tuesday, as his debut for Brisbane Heat against Melbourne Renegades at Simonds Stadium turned into a testing evening. The trouble began in the 18th over of the first innings, when Afridi delivered two dangerous waist-high full tosses, one to Tim Seifert and the other to Ollie Peake. The umpires immediately called the deliveries dangerous, forcing Afridi off the field while Heat captain Nathan McSweeney had to finish the over. Afridi walked off with a wry smile, his first spell ending prematurely with figures of 0 for 43 from 2.4 overs. The over proved costly, conceding 15 runs and including three no-balls, on top of two wides earlier in his spell.

Afridi had arrived in the BBL with considerable anticipation, joining fellow Pakistan international Mohammad Rizwan, who debuted for the Renegades. The left-armer began with promise, bowling three consecutive dot balls in his second over, but struggled to maintain rhythm thereafter. When he returned in the 13th over during the Renegades’ Power Surge, he conceded 19 runs, and his final over further added to his woes, ending his night with an economy rate of 16.10. Melbourne Renegades exploited Brisbane’s bowling lapses to post a commanding 212 for 5. Tim Seifert led the charge with an authoritative 102 off 56 balls, while Ollie Peake provided late momentum, scoring 57 off 29 deliveries. Rizwan, however, failed to make a mark, managing just four runs from ten balls before falling to left-arm spinner Paddy Dooley. Despite the rough start, Afridi’s debut highlighted the challenging nature of the BBL, where even world-class international talent can be tested ruthlessly in unfamiliar conditions.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal with New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay (File photo-ANI)

Negotiations between India and New Zealand on a proposed free trade agreement are likely to be wrapped up soon, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday, signalling progress after multiple rounds of discussions at both official and ministerial levels, PTI reported.“We are in a good zone where we hope that the agreement will be closed and finalised soon… It is expected to be done soon,” Agrawal told reporters, following the conclusion of the fourth round of talks.The negotiations, formally launched on March 16, 2025, have gathered pace in recent weeks, with both virtual and in-person meetings held to bridge remaining gaps. Last week, New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay visited India to review the progress of discussions with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.Bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries stood at $1.3 billion in 2024-25, marking a growth of nearly 49 per cent over the previous year. Officials on both sides expect the proposed agreement to further boost trade flows, deepen investment linkages, strengthen supply-chain resilience and provide a predictable framework for businesses.New Zealand currently has a relatively open tariff regime, with its average import duty at 2.3 per cent, which could support faster market access once the pact is concluded.A free trade agreement typically involves a substantial reduction or elimination of customs duties on a broad range of traded goods, along with eased norms to promote trade in services and investment.India and New Zealand had earlier initiated talks on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010 to enhance trade in goods, services and investment. However, after nine rounds of negotiations, discussions stalled in 2015.India’s key exports to New Zealand include clothing, fabrics and home textiles; pharmaceuticals and medical supplies; refined petroleum products; agricultural machinery such as tractors and irrigation equipment; automobiles; iron and steel; paper products; electronics; shrimps; diamonds; and basmati rice.New Zealand’s major exports to India comprise agricultural products and minerals, including apples, kiwifruit, lamb and mutton, milk albumin, lactose syrup, coking coal, logs and sawn timber, wool and scrap metals.

NEW DELHI: India’s opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal underlined his white-ball credentials in emphatic fashion with a blistering hundred for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, steering his side to a four-wicket victory over Haryana at the DY Patil Academy in Ambi on Sunday. Making only his second appearance of the season for Mumbai, Jaiswal delivered a standout performance in the Super League stage during a formidable chase of 235. Opening the innings, the left-hander set the tone from the outset, reaching his century off just 48 balls and keeping Mumbai comfortably ahead of the required rate throughout.

The target was overhauled with ease in 17.3 overs, registering the second-highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history. The 23-year-old’s innings marked his maiden century for Mumbai in the competition and the fourth T20 hundred of his professional career, which now spans 120 matches. In contrast to his reputation for raw power, Jaiswal leaned heavily on clean timing and smart placement, striking 16 fours and only one six in his knock of 101 before falling soon after completing the milestone. His previous T20 centuries have come for India against Nepal and twice for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. The knock carried particular weight given Jaiswal’s recent absence from India’s T20I plans. Despite being part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2024 as a reserve opener and establishing himself as a key figure in the Test side, chances in the shorter formats have been sparse, making this innings a timely statement. Earlier, Haryana posted a daunting 234 for 3 after choosing to bat. Skipper Ankit Kumar anchored the innings with a composed 89 following a quick start from opener Arsh Ranga, who made 26. Nishant Sindhu’s unbeaten 63 and a late flourish from Samant Jakhar, who scored 31 not out, ensured Haryana crossed the 230-run mark. Mumbai’s response was dominated by Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, who tore into the Haryana attack. Sarfaraz blazed his way to 64 from just 25 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes, as the duo added a decisive 88-run stand that effectively sealed the contest and capped a commanding chase for Mumbai.

PM Modi with Jordanian counterpart Jafar Hassan (Photo: Screengrab/DD news)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Amman, the capital of Jordan, as part of his three-nation tour, which also includes Ethiopia and Oman.Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan received PM Modi at the airport. The visit to Jordan coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, a milestone expected to strengthen bilateral engagement further.

PM Modi will be in Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, during which he will hold talks to review the full range of India-Jordan relations and discuss regional developments.He is also set to meet the Indian diaspora in the country.India and Jordan share warm and long-standing relations rooted in mutual respect and goodwill, with their first cooperation agreement signed in 1947 and full diplomatic ties established in 1950. High-level engagements in recent years have significantly strengthened bilateral ties, including the visits of King Abdullah II to India in 2018, President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Jordan in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transit visit to Amman in 2018, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s visit in 2020. Regular leadership-level contacts continue to guide the partnership.Bilateral trade has expanded steadily, with India emerging as Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner. In 2023–24, bilateral trade stood at USD 2.875 billion, with Indian exports accounting for USD 1.465 billion. Indian investments of around USD 1.5 billion, particularly in phosphates, fertilisers, textiles, and garments, form a key pillar of economic ties. Flagship joint ventures include the IFFCO-Jordan Phosphate Mines Company project and the Indo-Jordan Chemical Company. Trade and institutional mechanisms such as the Trade and Economic Joint Committee and sector-specific joint working groups support economic cooperation.India and Jordan also cooperate in health, education, skill development, science and technology, and capacity building. The India-Jordan Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, inaugurated in 2021, is a major initiative aimed at training Jordanian professionals in advanced IT fields. Educational links include scholarships under ITEC and ICCR programmes, with ITEC slots recently increased from 37 to 50 annually.People-to-people ties are reinforced by cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation, and a vibrant Indian diaspora of around 17,500 in Jordan. Cultural festivals, film collaborations, yoga events, and academic initiatives further underscore the breadth of the India-Jordan partnership.In the second leg of his tour, PM Modi will visit Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, marking his first visit to the country. He is scheduled to hold detailed talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of bilateral relations. Addis Ababa, the capital, is also the headquarters of the African Union.The MEA said the Ethiopia visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of both countries, as partners in the Global South, to strengthening friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation.In the final leg of his tour, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Oman from December 17 to 18 at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, marking his second visit to the country. The Ministry of External Affairs said India and Oman share an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership rooted in centuries-old ties of friendship, trade, and strong people-to-people connections.The visit coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations and follows the Sultan of Oman’s state visit to India in December 2023. Both sides are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of cooperation across areas, including trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture, and culture, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.