With the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gathering pace, former England spinner Monty Panesar has shared his early predictions for the tournament’s semifinalists, sparking debate among fans and experts alike. Speaking in an exclusive interaction with KADAK, Panesar named four heavyweight teams he believes are best placed to reach the business end of the competition, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Monty Panesar shares his prediction for the top 4 teams of T20 World Cup 2026

According to Panesar, the semifinal lineup at the 2026 T20 World Cup will feature India, Australia, England, and South Africa. The former England international believes these four sides possess the right balance of experience, firepower, and tactical clarity needed to succeed in subcontinental conditions.

“I think South Africa, Australia, India, and England,” Panesar said.

“England defeats big teams; that is their strength. I don’t think New Zealand is that strong right now. South Africa is strong. India will be strong. Australia is also strong. England as well,” added Panesar.

The reasoning behind Panesar’s selections

Panesar’s backing of India is rooted in their familiarity with home conditions and the depth of talent available across formats. With a strong pool of batters, all-rounders, and varied bowling options, India are expected to be formidable on pitches they know well.

Australia, meanwhile, continue to thrive in ICC tournaments regardless of conditions. Panesar highlighted their mental toughness and ability to raise their game on the big stage, traits that have helped them dominate global events in recent years.

England’s inclusion reflects Panesar’s admiration for their fearless brand of white-ball cricket. Known for taking the game on against top opposition, England’s aggressive approach and tactical flexibility make them a dangerous knockout-stage opponent.

South Africa complete the quartet, with Panesar pointing to their current balance and growing belief in ICC events. Once labelled as perennial underachievers, the Proteas have recently shown greater composure in pressure situations, making them serious contenders.

Also READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan & Rinku Singh return as India unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand omission sparks debate

Perhaps the most talking point from Panesar’s predictions is the omission of New Zealand. Despite their reputation as tournament specialists, Panesar feels the Black Caps lack the same level of strength and momentum as his chosen four heading into 2026.

With nearly a year to go before the tournament begins, team combinations, form, and injuries could still alter the landscape. However, Panesar’s early call has added intrigue to the build-up, setting the stage for intense debate as the road to the T20 World Cup 2026 continues.

Also READ: Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson T20I stats ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The stock market is expected to hold firm at elevated levels and move within a narrow range, aided by supportive signals from global markets. (AI image)

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in red on Wednesday. While Nifty50 was near 25,150, BSE Sensex was below 85,500. At 9:16 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 26,157.20, down 20 points or 0.076%. BSE Sensex was at 85,454.65, down 70 points or 0.082%.Experts are of the view that activity is likely to stay muted in the coming sessions due to the shortened trading week due to the Christmas holiday. The stock market is expected to hold firm at elevated levels and move within a narrow range, aided by supportive signals from global markets.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “As 2025 draws to a close the market appears to be moving to a consolidation phase with an upward bias. The strong domestic macros and the supportive earnings growth expectations in Q3 and Q4 of FY26 and for FY27 will provide the fundamental support to the market. The sustained domestic inflows and consistent DII buying will impart resilience to the market. However, since FIIs may sell the rallies, a sharp breakout is unlikely. Also, the revival of the AI trade in the US might impact sentiments in favour of a ‘non-AI trade’ in markets like India.” “The RBI decision to do an additional OMO to the tune of Rs 2 lakh crores will significantly enhance liquidity and bring down yields. This is positive for credit growth and banking stocks. This can be a shot in the arm for banking stocks which are fairly valued.”Wall Street ended higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 finishing at an all-time high after a series of economic indicators were released. Among these was the GDP growth number that lifted bond yields and boosted interest in growth-oriented stocks.Asian equities opened on a positive note, tracking the overnight rally in the S&P 500, which was underpinned by data indicating that the US economy expanded at its strongest rate in two years.Gold crossed the $4,500 per ounce threshold on Wednesday for the first time, supported by increased demand for safe-haven assets and expectations that the US central bank could lower interest rates further next year. Silver and platinum also climbed to fresh record levels.In the domestic market, foreign portfolio investors were net sellers of equities worth Rs 1,795 crore on Tuesday, while domestic institutional investors stepped in as net buyers with purchases of Rs 3,812 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Rohit Sharma (Video Grab)

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma‘s return to domestic cricket was meant to be low-key — a training session, some quiet preparation and a walk back to the dressing room. Instead, his first Vijay Hazare Trophy outing in Jaipur delivered a reminder of the frenzy that still follows one of India’s biggest sporting icons.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!On Tuesday, a video surfaced showing Rohit being hounded by fans for selfies after finishing his net session at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.As the Mumbai batter walked towards the dressing-room corridor, a group of supporters crowded around him, jostling for space and attempting to get close for photographs. The situation escalated when one fan behaved inappropriately and nearly breached the players’ restricted area, forcing security personnel to intervene.

Rohit appeared visibly irritated but chose not to engage with the crowd.He continued walking as officials quickly moved in, ushering fans away from the corridor and shutting the passage doors to prevent further intrusion. The clip soon went viral, sparking fresh debate around fan entitlement and the thin line between admiration and intrusion.The episode comes at a time when star appearances in domestic cricket are drawing unusual attention. Rohit is in Jaipur as Mumbai begin their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign in Elite Group C, starting with matches against Sikkim on December 24 and Uttarakhand on December 26. His presence alone has transformed a typically low-profile domestic fixture into a high-security event.WATCH:Organisers in Jaipur have already anticipated a sharp spike in attendance, with thousands expected to turn up largely to watch Rohit in action.With the former Indian captain now playing only one international format, his domestic outings are also being closely tracked as part of his preparation between international assignments.The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), mindful of recent crowd-control challenges at the venue, has stepped up security arrangements. “We have arranged comprehensive police security as well as private bouncers. I have personally met the Additional SP (South), who has assured full support,” ad hoc convener Deendayal Kumawat said. “All arrangements are firmly in place, as seen during the practice session.”The RCA has also readied the stadium facilities, cleaning the premises and planning to open the North and East stands initially, with more sections available if required.

Kiara Advani left everyone stunned with her super fit body for ‘War 2’ and the actress also did her first ever bikini scene for the film. In July 2025, Kiara and Sidharth became parents to a baby girl and named her ‘Saraayah’. While Kiara had been on a maternity break, she’s back to work now as she did her first ever photoshoot after the delivery recently, for a magazine. Not to mention, her first look from Yash starrer ‘Toxic’ was also unveiled recently. In this recent interview while Kiara opened on motherhood, she also spoke about her post partum body and embracing it completely. Kiara got into a fit mode for ‘War 2’ but when the film released, she looked completely different as by then she had delivered her baby. Talking about how she looked at it, the actress said interview with Vogue, “After delivery, a part of me thought, ‘I’ve done this before, I’ll do it again.’ Then I realised it’s not about having the best body.” Motherhood, she says, has taught her to honour and value her body. Losing a kilo here or there now feels irrelevant compared to creating a life. “When I look at my body, I think, ‘Wow, you created a human.’ Nothing compares. Now, whatever shape or size I am in, I will always respect my body. You have to respect what your body can do for you.”

During the interview, Kiara also spoke about spending quality time with her new born while not letting her career take a back seat. “Saraayah…It means ‘princess of God’. She arrived with her own light. I felt it instantly.” She further added, “When I’m with Saraayah, I’m really with her. When I bathe her, I notice everything—her eyelashes, her tiny fingers, her giggles. These micro-moments feel so precious.”She further said, “I’ve become very focused about how I use the gaps. Earlier, time could just leak away. Now, I feel responsible for it. I’ve never been more ambitious. Motherhood expands you. The fire within you becomes more focused.”

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A US federal judge upheld the Trump administration’s move to move ahead with President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, dealing a setback to the American technology companies and business groups challenging the move.US District Judge Beryl Howell, in Washington, DC on Tuesday rejected a lawsuit filed by the Chamber of Commerce, which argued that the steep fee violated federal immigration law and would force companies, hospitals and other employers to cut jobs and services.Howell ruled that Trump had the legal authority to impose the fee, noting that his proclamation was issued under “an express statutory grant of authority to the President.” “The parties’ vigorous ‌debate over the ultimate wisdom of this political judgment is not within the province of the courts,” Howell wrote, Reuters reported.“So long as the actions dictated by the policy decision and articulated in the Proclamation fit within the confines of the law, the Proclamation must be upheld,” she added.The Chamber of Commerce had argued that the president lacked the power to impose such a fee and warned it would hurt employers that rely on skilled foreign workers.Its executive vice president and chief counsel Daryl Joseffer said many small and medium-sized businesses would struggle to afford the cost. “We are disappointed in ‍the court’s decision and are considering further legal options to ensure ‌that the H-1B visa program can operate as Congress intended,” Joseffer said in a statement.

What is the $100,000 H-1B fee?

The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields and is widely used by technology companies. The programme issues 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 visas for workers with advanced degrees, typically valid for three to six years.Until now, H-1B visa fees generally ranged between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on various factors. Trump’s order would dramatically increase that cost to $100,000 for new applications.The Chamber has argued that the new fee would force businesses to choose between sharply higher labour costs or hiring fewer highly skilled foreign workers. Separate lawsuits have also been filed by a group of Democratic-led US states and a coalition of employers, nonprofits and religious organisations, challenging the fee.In his order, Trump cited his authority under federal immigration law to restrict the entry of foreign nationals deemed detrimental to US interests. Judge Howell said the administration had sufficiently supported its claim that the H-1B programme was displacing US workers, pointing to cases where companies laid off thousands of Americans while still seeking H-1B visas.

The annual Australian Cricket Awards represent the absolute pinnacle of individual achievement in the nation’s sporting landscape, serving as a prestigious bridge between the game’s storied past and its modern-day heroes.

Cultural significance of Allan Border Medal and Belinda Clark Award

Since its inception in 2000, the event has been a night of immense cultural significance, where the ‘Allan Border Medal’ and the ‘Belinda Clark Award’ are bestowed upon the most outstanding male and female players as voted by their own peers, the media, and umpires.

It is traditionally a black-tie gala that captures the imagination of the public, celebrating legends like Ricky Ponting, Ellyse Perry and Steve Smith on a stage that rivals the AFL’s Brownlow Medal or the NRL’s Dally M. This ceremony has always been more than just a prize-giving; it is a rare moment where the entire cricket community gathers to honor the resilience, skill, and leadership required to wear the Baggy Green. However, the future of this grand tradition is now facing a significant turning point. Now, as per reports from Code Sports and Fox Cricket, the 2026 awards are set to undergo an unprecedented transformation that has left fans and former players deeply concerned.

Also READ: Not Glenn Maxwell! Cooper Connolly reveals his true idol who played for Punjab Kings in the IPL

Will the Australian Cricket Awards 2026 face cancellation? Here’s the latest insight

As per the reports, the primary reason behind the dramatic shift in the awards’ format is an increasingly congested international cricket calendar that has left Cricket Australia (CA) with no viable window to host an in-person event. According to the Code Sports and Fox Cricket report, the governing body found it ‘impossible’ to find a date in early 2026 where both the men’s and women’s squads would be physically present in Australia. This summer, the schedule is particularly brutal; the Australian men are slated for a crucial T20 series in Pakistan throughout late January, which serves as the final preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026 held in Sri Lanka and India.

Simultaneously, the top female stars will be abroad competing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, while the men prepare for the subsequent IPL season. This fragmentation of the national teams across the globe means the traditional February slot, the gap between the Test summer and overseas tours, no longer exists.

CA has reportedly decided that rather than hosting a half-empty room, the Allan Border Medal 2026 and Belinda Clark Award will be presented in a completely virtual or hybrid format. This marks a massive departure from the 25-year history of the event, signaling that the demands of the modern T20 era are now directly impacting the sport’s most cherished traditions. For many, this logistical surrender will be a bitter pill to swallow, as it removes the one night where the stars of both the men’s and women’s games could stand together on home soil.

Also READ: 3 players who can replace Pat Cummins in the Australian playing XI for Melbourne Boxing Day Test vs England | Ashes 2025-26