Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath has flagged concerns over the closure of Indian stock market exchanges on January 15, after trading was suspended due to municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra. Commenting on the decision, Kamath questioned the planning behind declaring a market holiday for the local civic election. “Indian stock exchanges are closed today for Mumbai’s municipal elections. The fact that our exchanges, which have international linkages, are shut down for a local municipal election shows poor planning and a serious lack of appreciation for second-order effects.”He further went on to site Charlie Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. “As Munger said: ‘Show me the incentive, and I will show you the outcome.’ The holiday exists because no one who matters has any incentive to oppose the market holiday.”He further flagged, “It also tells you how far we have to go before global investors take us seriously.” Nikhil Kamath is the founder of Zerodha, an online platform that allows users to invest in stocks, derivatives, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, and other financial instruments. Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are closed on Thursday, with no trading across any segment. Trading is set to resume on January 16. In a statement confirming the change, the exchange said, “Sub: Changes in settlement schedule on account of Trading Holiday on January 15, 2026 This is with reference to NSE circular NSE/FAOP/72262 dated January 12, 2026, wherein Trading Holiday has been declared on January 15, 2026, on account of Municipal Corporation Election in Maharashtra.” The market closure comes as polling is scheduled for municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra, leading to the suspension of trading activities for the day. Market participants were informed that normal operations would resume the following day. Meanwhile, security was tightened in Mumbai ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Mumbai Police set up barricades at several locations and carried out vehicle checks to ensure smooth polling. Officials said arrangements were in place to maintain law and order during the civic elections. Voting in Mumbai is scheduled between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm across 227 wards, with counting of votes set for January 16.

Bangladesh cricketers (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh cricket plunged into fresh turmoil on Wednesday as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) publicly distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its director Najmul Islam, even as players threatened to boycott domestic matches and uncertainty deepened over the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The controversy erupted after Najmul questioned the commitment of national cricketers, suggesting that certain players had failed to justify the support and resources invested in them. His comments were widely seen as disrespectful, triggering a strong backlash from former internationals, players’ bodies and fans on social media.

Responding to the uproar, the BCB issued a formal statement expressing regret over any remarks that may have been deemed inappropriate or hurtful, firmly stating that the comments did not reflect the board’s official position. “The BCB does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement unless it is formally issued through the board’s designated spokesperson or the Media and Communications Department,” the statement read, underlining that comments made outside authorised channels are personal in nature.It has since emerged that players had threatened to boycott Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match unless the board took a clear stand and protected players’ honour. The board also warned that it would take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual whose conduct or comments disrespect cricketers or damage the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.

Reaffirming its stance, the BCB said it holds all past and present players in the highest regard. “Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their contributions and welfare continue to be a top priority,” the statement added.Najmul’s remarks came against the backdrop of an escalating standoff involving the ICC, and the BCCI over the T20 World Cup venue. Last week, Najmul courted further controversy by calling former captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” after Tamim urged the board not to be driven by emotion while deciding on Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup in India.The BCB has cited security concerns in refusing to travel to India, particularly after the BCCI instructed an IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 squad amid tense bilateral relations. While the ICC remains reluctant to shift Bangladesh’s matches out of India, the BCB has stayed adamant.Former captain Mohammad Ashraful criticised public attacks on players by administrators. “Issues should be handled internally. Such remarks demoralise players and damage the image of Bangladesh cricket,” he wrote on social media. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) said it was “stunned, shocked and outraged” by Najmul’s comments, calling them “utterly condemnable”.Adding fuel to the fire, BCB finance committee chairman Najmul Hossain said the board would not face financial loss if Bangladesh skipped the World Cup. “There will be no loss for the Bangladesh Cricket Board; the loss will be for the players,” he said, noting that match fees and performance bonuses go directly to players. He also rejected the idea of compensating players if the team withdraws.