NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday strongly criticised the BCCI’s decision to ask Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, insisting that sport should remain separate from politics.Speaking to The Indian Express, Tharoor said the move amounted to an unnecessary politicisation of cricket. His comments came after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided against sending its national team to India for the T20 World Cup next month, citing security concerns and government advice. The decision followed KKR’s release of Mustafizur on the BCCI’s instruction.

On Sunday, Bangladesh named their squad for the T20 World Cup beginning in February, leaving out middle-order batters Jaker Ali Anik and Mahidul Islam while selecting five fast bowlers. Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das was named captain for the tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka, the BCB said.However, the squad announcement also coincided with Dhaka requesting that its four group matches scheduled in India be shifted to Sri Lanka, amid anger over India forcing a Bangladeshi player to quit the Indian Premier League.“I think it’s an absolutely appalling decision by the BCCI. It is an unnecessary politicisation of a sporting decision. And there are various aspects I object to. One is the fact that purely as a cricketing decision, it makes no sense because teams were invited to choose from a registered pool of players selected by the BCCI. So if a fellow was in the pool, why is KKR to blame for selecting somebody from that pool? So, the first question is that it makes no sense to object to the selection of somebody whom the BCCI has submitted to all the teams as an eligible player,” Tharoor told The Indian Express.“Bangladesh is not Pakistan. Bangladesh has not been dispatching terrorists across the border. It’s not a comparable situation at all. And besides, our relationship with the two countries is also different. And the stage of our negotiations or our diplomacy with Bangladesh is different from our relationship with Pakistan. You cannot make a simple equation between the two.“There is also a moral objection I have, which is why is it that sports and cricket alone have to bear the burden of social media outrage? There are so many other ways in which we are interacting with Bangladesh at various levels. But somehow, cricket has to bear this. And one particular player, that player has never condoned hate speech, he has never said anything against India or against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, he is just a sportsman. Who are we victimising here?“And if we have decided now that the social media outrage will mean that every Bangladeshi cricketer is ineligible to play in India, then what happens if a Bangladeshi Hindu cricketer like Litton Das or Soumya Sarkar — who are good players in Bangladesh and have played in the IPL in the past — if they had been picked this year, would they also have been kicked out? And if not, then what are we signaling? Are we such an intolerant country that we’re against Muslim Bangladeshis and not against Hindu Bangladeshis?“This entire thing has not been thought through at all by anybody who took this reflexive decision, presumably in response to social media outrage. And I find this absolutely preposterous. To my mind, it demeans us as a nation. It demeans our diplomacy. It demeans our bilateral relationship. It demeans our culture as a nation with a broad enough mind and a big enough heart to be able to look at these things in a broader spirit,” he said.Bangladesh World Cup T20 squad:Litton Das (captain), Mohammad Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Shaifuddin, Shoriful Islam.

Stock market today (AI image)

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Tuesday. While Nifty50 was below 26,200, BSE Sensex tanked 300 points. At 9:25 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 26,193.10, down 57 points or 0.22%. BSE Sensex was at 85,140.05, down 300 points or 0.35%.Analysts are of the view that Indian equity markets will trade with a positive bias in the near term, supported by stronger than anticipated third quarter earnings and expectations of higher capital expenditure announcements ahead of the Union Budget. However, analysts caution that bouts of volatility cannot be ruled out due to ongoing global geopolitical developments.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “The US markets have largely ignored the Venezuelan crisis and moved ahead. It seems the market’s verdict is that the economic consequences of this major geopolitical event will not be negative; perhaps it can be even positive from the medium to long-term perspective, when the crude prices decline on increased supply from Venezuela. However, it is too early to take a call on this since further surprises on the geopolitical front are likely. We are in a highly uncertain phase. Therefore, investors can also think of increasing the cash position in their portfolios even while remaining invested. Heightened uncertainty triggered by unprecedented geopolitical events demands a cautious approach to investment supported by higher cash positions to exploit sudden movements in the market.” “The banking sector is moving to a stronger position supported by increasing credit growth even though deposit mobilisation remains a challenge.”Global cues remained supportive after Wall Street closed higher on Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average scaled a fresh all-time high, led by sharp gains in financial stocks, while energy shares advanced after a US military operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.Asian markets opened marginally higher on Tuesday, extending the recent record-breaking rally in global equities, as investors chose to look beyond geopolitical risks and focused on improving risk appetite.In currency markets, the US dollar hovered near a two-week high in early Asian trade on Tuesday. The easing of immediate market anxiety following US military action in Venezuela, combined with dovish remarks from Federal Reserve officials, helped underpin risk-taking sentiment on Wall Street.On the domestic institutional front, foreign portfolio investors were net sellers of Indian equities worth Rs 36 crore on Monday, according to exchange data. Domestic institutional investors, in contrast, provided strong support to the market with net purchases of Rs 1764 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)

Australian opener Travis Head delivered a memorable performance on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test, producing a magnificent century at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Head brought up his hundred in emphatic style, completing the milestone in 105 balls with a crisp cover drive for four off Josh Tongue during the morning session.

The century marked Head’s 12th in Test cricket and his third of the ongoing Ashes series, further underlining his dominance against England’s bowling attack. Significantly, it was also his maiden Test hundred at the SCG, adding another special chapter to an already outstanding series for the left-hander.

Third Ashes ton takes Travis Head beyond 600-run mark

With this innings, Head crossed the 600-run mark in the current 2025-26 Ashes series, making it one of the most productive campaigns of his Test career. He earlier scored centuries in the first and third Tests, and his consistency across conditions has been a major factor in Australia’s strong position throughout the series.

Head’s ability to counter both pace and spin was once again on display as he rotated strike effectively and punished loose deliveries. His intent ensured England’s bowlers were kept under constant pressure, even as the pitch began to offer variable bounce.

Missed chance costs England dearly

England were given a brief opening when Head was on 121, but the opportunity slipped through their fingers. Will Jacks dropped a straightforward catch on the boundary off the bowling of Brydon Carse, allowing the Australian batter to continue his assault.

Travis Head looked to be a goner, but Will Jacks gave him a life with this drop on the boundary. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/iriHX0BzS7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026

The dropped catch proved costly, as Head capitalised on the reprieve by accelerating his scoring and further tilting the contest in Australia’s favour. His confidence grew as he began to manipulate the field and take calculated risks against England’s attack.

Head receives standing ovation from the Sydney crowd

Head’s innings eventually came to an end at 163, a knock that spanned 166 balls and was laced with authority. Attempting a sweep shot against Jacob Bethell, Head was struck on the pads and adjudged LBW.

As he walked back to the pavilion, the Sydney crowd rose to applaud a performance that combined aggression, resilience, and flair. The standing ovation reflected not just appreciation for the innings but also recognition of Head’s impact across the series.

Also READ: Ricky Ponting selects Australia’s 16-man squad for Ashes 2027; picks two uncapped players

Here are the reactions of fans:

600 runs for Travis Head in this Ashes series. 🌟

9 innings, 600 runs, 170 HS, 66.66 avg, 3 hundreds. pic.twitter.com/hTb994Rbb8

— Danish (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026

🚨 600 RUNS FOR TRAVIS HEAD IN ASHES 2026 🚨#ashes25

⚡️123 runs in 1st Test.
⚡️170 runs in 3rd Test.
⚡️163 runs in 5th Test.

🔥ONE OF THE GREATEST ASHES PERFORMANCE EVER – TRAVIS HEAD🥶…!!! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mhm2Dvp5LM

— lokesh logu (@lokeshl33240061) January 6, 2026

– 123 runs in 1st Test✅
– 170 runs in 3rd Test✅
– 163 runs in 5th Test✅

WHAT A PLAYER – TRAVIS HEAD❤🔥#ashes25 #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/D7GP5aXVnX

— usman (@Cricbyusman) January 6, 2026

FIRST PLAYER TO COMPLETE IN THIS ASHES 2025-26:

100 runs – Travis Head.
200 runs – Travis Head.
300 runs – Travis Head.
400 runs – Travis Head (Only).
500 runs – Travis Head (Only).
600 runs – Travis Head (Only).

– THE DOMINATION OF TRAVIS HEAD. 🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/8740DWWZrK

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 6, 2026

Travis Head is the 4th player in the 21st century to score 600 runs in a single Ashes series. Smith (twice), Cook and Vaughan did it before him.

— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) January 6, 2026

Travis Head’s epic 163 is the fastest Test 150 of all time at the SCG.

His final strike rate of 98.19 usurps the old record held by Clem Hill, who belted 190 off 200 rocks against South Africa all the way back in 1910! @FoxCricket #Ashes

— Will Faulkner (@WillFaulknerFOX) January 6, 2026

TRAVIS HEAD, WHAT A PLAYER. 👏

163 (166) with 24 fours & 1 six in 5th ashes test against England in SCG, beast Head.💀 pic.twitter.com/X4inNWj4I7

— Danish (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026

Travis Head got standing ovation from SCG crowd after hitting 163 of 166 at strike rate of 98 in final game of the Ashes pic.twitter.com/EuvJtA4CIm

— Achyut Mishra (@achyutmis22) January 6, 2026

Magnificent Knock. Take a Bow Travis Head 163(166)
4s ➡️ 24
6s ➡️ 1
SR ➡️ 98.2#ashes25 #Ashes

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 6, 2026

Most 150+ scores in Tests without ever scoring more than 175
7 – TRAVIS HEAD
6 – Dilip Vengsarkar
4 – Murali Vijay
3 – 7 players

#AUSvENG

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 6, 2026

Travis Head has his first Test century at the SCG and his third of the series!#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/U3jcL2cRde

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2026

Also WATCH: Michael Neser takes a breathtaking catch to end Joe Root’s brilliant knock of 160 | Ashes 2025-26, Sydney Test

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NEW DELHI: Taking, in what it called, an important step towards environmental governance and reducing dependence on foreign certification systems, India has set up the world’s second National Environmental Standard Laboratory here at the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL) that will develop requisite testing and calibration facilities for air pollution monitoring equipment in the country.Currently, most of the instruments used in India for air pollution monitoring are imported. These imported instruments, however, come with production certification from international agencies based on the environmental conditions of the certificate issuing countries.

Since environmental conditions of those countries are very different from the conditions prevalent in India, it affects the quality of measurements by the instrument operating for a long time in Indian conditions, CSIR scientists explained. At present, only the UK has such a laboratory.The National Environmental Standard Laboratory, inaugurated by Union science & technology minister Jitendra Singh on 80th Foundation Day celebrations of CSIR–NPL on Monday, will now not only deal with the anomaly arising out of different environmental conditions but also help in manufacturing of standardised monitoring equipment.Domestic production of such instruments will eventually end India’s dependence on import and make it an exporting nation of such equipment to third world countries. The global market value of air pollution monitoring systems is, currently, estimated at $3,997 million.In addition, Singh also inaugurated the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, bringing India among a select group of global leaders in photovoltaic measurement standards. Both these facilities will enhance trust in data and drive investment in pollution monitoring and renewable energy.Describing the National Environmental Standard Laboratory as a “critical step towards strengthening India’s environmental governance framework”, Singh said that reliable, India-specific calibration and certification of air pollution monitoring systems was long overdue and would now enable transparent, traceable, and accurate environmental data.The facility will support regulatory bodies, industries, and startups by ensuring that monitoring instruments are tested under Indian climatic conditions. It will thus improve policy enforcement of various schemes including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).Terming the facility for Solar Cell Calibration (Solar Energy Complex) a “future-ready facility”, Singh said it would reduce India’s dependence on foreign certification agencies, save foreign exchange, shorten turnaround time for calibration, and enhance investor confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding solar sector.

As Australia stood on the verge of wrapping up a successful 3-1 Ashes defense at home, legendary former captain Ricky Ponting looked ahead to the 2027 return tour in England. Speaking on 7 Cricket, the 51-year-old icon unveiled a ‘visionary’ 16-man squad that mixes a defiant trust in Australia’s aging ‘Golden Generation’ with the sudden injection of two teenage sensations. Ponting’s selections emphasize that while the ‘urn’ is safe for now, the battle in England conditions two years from now will require a specialized blend of veteran mastery and fresh, fearless legs.

Ricky Ponting’s vote of confidence on Pat Cummins and Steve Smith for Ashes 2025-26

Despite mounting concerns over an ‘aging core,’ Ponting has doubled down on experience. He emphatically backed Pat Cummins to lead the side into the 2027 series, dismissing any talk of the captain stepping away despite recent back issues. Most notably, he included Steve Smith (who will be 38) and Nathan Lyon (nearly 40), could be that their historical success against the Duke’s ball and mastery of English flight are assets that cannot be fast-tracked in younger players.

The new generation picks by Ponting for Ashes 2025-26

The headlines from Ponting’s reveal centered on two Victorian youngsters: 23-year-old Campbell Kellaway and 19-year-old Oliver Peake. Kellaway is viewed by as the technical heir to Usman Khawaja’s opening slot, while Peake, a left-handed prodigy who dominated the Under-19 World Cup, is the ‘X-factor’ inclusion designed to transition the middle order.

All-round balance for Australia against England

Addressing the need for versatility in England, Ponting retained Cameron Green despite a difficult 2025-26 summer where his batting average dipped to 32.25. Green’s “stiff and rigid” technique can be corrected and that his height remains a lethal weapon on English pitches. To provide insurance, he also named Beau Webster, the Tasmanian giant who has been in ‘stunning’ domestic form with both bat and ball.

Also READ: Alastair Cook opens up on possibility of becoming England’s next head coach

The pace battery and spin contingency

While relying on the ‘Big Three’ of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, Ponting’s squad ensures the pace attack isn’t left thin. He named Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland as the primary backup options, noting that Boland’s ‘heavy ball’ remains perfectly suited to the relentless lengths required at venues like Edgbaston and The Oval. In the spin department, Todd Murphy was named as the designated successor to Lyon, ensuring a ‘passing of the torch’ is ready to happen mid-series if required.

Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia Ashes 2027 squad for England series:

• Leadership: Pat Cummins (c)
• Top Order: Travis Head, Campbell Kellaway, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith
• Middle Order/Youth: Oliver Peake, Beau Webster
• Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis
• All-rounders: Cameron Green
• Fast Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson
• Spinners: Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Australia and England players unite to give Guard of Honour to Bondi terror attack victims at SCG

NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, saying the star opener looks “ready for big challenges”. He also said Gill will get more opportunities in the T20I format after being left out of the T20 World Cup squad, despite a brief stint as the team’s vice-captain.Gill, who lost his first ODI series as captain against Australia away from home, is now gearing up for his maiden ODI series at home, against New Zealand, starting January 11. While the hard-fought 2-2 draw against England in the UK and his tally of 754 runs, including four centuries, remain the highlights of his short tenure as Test captain, he is yet to make a significant impact as both a batter and leader in ODIs.

In T20Is too, Gill failed to meet expectations after returning as vice-captain during the Asia Cup, managing just 291 runs in his last 15 innings without registering a fifty since his comeback.Speaking to ANI about Gill’s return to ODIs following a neck injury sustained during the South Africa Tests and his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, Harbhajan said, “Gill was bound to make a comeback. I had no doubt that there was any question about Shubman’s return. I think Shubman Gill was left out solely because of the T20 format and the combination Team India wanted. Otherwise, I never had any doubt that he would not be in the ODI or Test team. So, he has returned as captain. I hope the team plays well, and this series will also be won by India.”Harbhajan termed the T20 World Cup squad selected by chief selector Ajit Agarkar as a “10/10 team” and said that while he felt disappointed for Gill, the opener would get his chances soon.“The team is really good. I had told that Ajit should be given 10/10 for the team. I felt a little bad for Shubman, but he will get more chances soon. All the players are match winners in their own right. Hope we can win back-to-back World Cups because we have that team,” he said.Justifying the decision to appoint Gill as ODI captain, Harbhajan said it was taken with an eye on the future and added that he believes Gill is ready for the responsibility.“I think the decision has been taken keeping the future in mind. Sometimes you do feel things have been done quickly. But I think he is ready for this job. This is a high-demand job; he is young. The sooner he learns the art of captaincy and team management, the better the results will be. That England Test series was one of the finest I have ever seen. Scoring so many runs and leading from the front shows that he has worked harder than anybody else. Whatever I know of Shubman, he is ready for big challenges,” he added.Harbhajan also praised India’s “match-winning” spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav selected for the T20 World Cup.“Spin is nice for India. Kuldeep, Varun and Axar are all spinners and can win you the match in one spell. Players are still not able to decipher Varun. Kuldeep has that variation. This is a nice combination of spinners, hope they stay injury-free and serve India for a long time,” he said.He further backed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, despite his modest returns of 218 runs in 19 innings last year at an average of 13.62 without a fifty, to deliver in a crucial T20 World Cup game.“Suryakumar has not made many runs, but when the WC comes, we will need big players to fire. He will shine bright in that big match. Abhishek (Sharma) can win you matches on your own. The form Hardik (Pandya) is in, he is a key player. We also have Arshdeep (Singh) and (Jasprit) Bumrah in pace,” he concluded.