Australia rang in a fresh chapter in their T20I setup by handing international debuts to three players in the opening match of the three-game series against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, January 29.

Young pacer Mahli Beardman, allrounder Jack Edwards, and left-handed batter Matthew Renshaw were all named in the playing XI, marking a significant injection of youth and depth.

Travis Head leads Australia in Mitchell Marsh’s absence

With regular captain Mitchell Marsh arriving in Pakistan only a few hours before the match, Travis Head was entrusted with the captaincy.

The absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell for the Pakistan tour also opened the door for fringe players and domestic performers, giving team management a chance to assess bench strength in subcontinental conditions.

Matthew Renshaw completes all-format Australia journey

Among the debutants, Matthew Renshaw arrives with the most experience at the elite level. Already capped in 14 Tests and three ODIs, the Queensland batter now becomes an all-format international for Australia.

Renshaw earned his selection following a prolific Big Bash League campaign with the Brisbane Heat, where he notched up a maiden BBL century during a remarkable 258-run chase against the Perth Scorchers. Slotted in to bat at No. 4, Renshaw’s role will be crucial in stabilising the middle order against Pakistan’s quality spin attack.

Jack Edwards rewarded for breakthrough BBL season

Sydney Sixers allrounder Jack Edwards has been one of the most talked-about names in Australia’s domestic circuit over the past year. A revelation with the ball in BBL|15, Edwards finished with 19 wickets – the second-highest tally in the tournament. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds balance to Australia’s playing XI.

Mahli Beardman earns senior call-up after U-19 success

The youngest of the trio, 20-year-old Mahli Beardman, takes his first step into senior international cricket after shining at the junior level. Beardman was part of Australia’s victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign two years ago and has continued to develop as a genuine fast-bowling prospect.

Representing the Perth Scorchers in the BBL, Beardman showcased raw pace and consistency, regularly clocking speeds above 140kph and finishing with 13 wickets from 11 matches. His inclusion signals Australia’s intent to invest in fast-bowling depth for the future.

Also READ: Here’s why the Pakistan vs Australia T20I series is not being broadcast in India

Pakistan opt to bat first in the T20I series opener

At the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first, backing their batting depth on a typically good Gaddafi surface.

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head (c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman

Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Also READ: 10 lesser-known facts about Australia women’s newly appointed all-format captain Sophie Molineux

Fancy vehicle registration numbers in India have quietly turned into a status symbol. Not overnight. Slowly. Almost casually. A clean number plate with repeating digits or a neat sequence tends to attract attention, whether the vehicle is modest or high-end. Many owners say it feels personal. Others believe certain numbers bring luck. Some just like standing out in traffic.These numbers are not assigned randomly. They are chosen, bid for, and paid for through an official government system. It sounds complicated at first. It isn’t, once you understand the flow. The entire process now runs online, which reportedly reduces middlemen and confusion. This guide breaks down how fancy registration numbers work in India, what the process looks like, how much it costs, and what rules people often overlook.

Understanding fancy vehicle registration numbers in India

A VIP number plate or fancy vehicle registration number is a special numeric combination that appears in the last four digits of a licence plate. Numbers like 0001, 1111, 9999, or patterned sequences such as 1234 fall into this category.They differ from regular registration numbers because they are not randomly issued by the Regional Transport Office. Instead, they are made available for public selection and bidding. Experts say the appeal comes from symbolism, aesthetics, and numerology. It might also be about recognition. A memorable number sticks.These numbers are legally valid and fully compliant, as long as they follow government rules.

Source: Fancy Parivahan Official Website

Steps to apply for a VIP vehicle registration number online

Not all numbers are available at all times. Some are already assigned. Others appear only when a new series opens. The portal shows which numbers are open for reservation and which ones will move to bidding.For example: Chandigarh Fancy numbers availability

Source: Fancy Parivahan Official Website

How to bid for a fancy vehicle registration number online

Once a number is selected, a registration fee and reserve price must be paid. This temporarily blocks the number. If only one applicant chooses it, the number may be allotted directly. If multiple people apply for the same number, it enters an e-auction. Registration stays open for three days. Bidding runs for the next two.Bids increase in fixed increments. Premium numbers rise faster. Less popular numbers move more slowly. Live bidding updates show the current highest bid in real time. One can select the option (Bidding Updates) given on the top right corner of the official website. Select state, RTO and auction type to view the updates.

Source: Fancy Parivahan Official Website

Ways to check fancy vehicle registration number auction results

Auction results are announced on the same day bidding ends. Usually in the evening. Winners are notified through the portal, SMS, or email. The remaining balance must be paid.

How much a fancy vehicle registration number really costs

Vehicle registration follows the usual process. Forms, verification, and documentation ( https://fancy.parivahan.gov.in/fancy/faces/public/usermanual.xhtml )The cost of fancy number plates varies from state to state, which one can log in to ‘auction services’ and check for the balance amount to be paid, depending on the state you click.

NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday refused to walk back from his remarks on “Miya Muslims” after the criticism by the opposition.A day after the chief minister said that he encourages troubling the “Miyan” to drive them back from the state, Sarma clarified that the word was used to refer the illegal Muslim migrants from Bangladesh. He also cited the Supreme Court to claim that the issue is a “grave and long-standing problem that Assam has lived with for decades.”In a social media post on X, Sarma said, “Those who are attacking me for my remarks on “Miyan”—a word used in Assam in the context of Bangladeshi Muslim illegal migration—should pause and read what the Supreme Court of India itself has said about Assam. This is not my language, not my imagination, and not political exaggeration.”“The silent and invidious demographic invasion of Assam may result in the loss of the geostrategically vital districts of lower Assam… The influx of illegal migrants is turning these districts into a Muslim majority region… It will then only be a matter of time when a demand for their merger with Bangladesh may be made… Loss of lower Assam will sever the entire land mass of the North East from the rest of India and the rich natural resources of that region will be lost to the Nation,” Himanta cited a Supreme Court observation.“Our effort is not against any religion or any Indian citizen. Our effort is to protect Assam’s identity, security, and future, exactly as the Supreme Court cautioned the nation to do. Ignoring that warning would be the real injustice—to Assam and to India,” he added.Earlier on Wednesday, Himanta had said that he encourages creating “trouble” for “Miyan Muslims” so that they are driven out of the state, remarks that have sparked widespread outrage across the election-bound northeastern state.“Trouble the Miyan Muslims by any means. If they face trouble, they will go from Assam. If I want to give trouble to Miya, I go at 12 am. It’s not an issue. We are directly against the Miya Muslims,” Himanta had said.“We are not hiding anything; we directly say that we are against Miyans. Earlier, people feared that notices would be served against them. Now, I encourage everyone to give trouble to Miyan. Yesterday, I saw that they have reached Duliajan. A tsunami will happen here, but the result will be in Pakistan,” he added.His remarks drew strong criticism from Opposition leaders, who warned that such statements could have serious consequences for social harmony.Congress leader Udit Raj said the Assam chief minister’s remarks would not go down well with the public and could even lead to “civil war”.“Congress neither works for Bengali Muslims nor for Bengali Hindus. Congress views everyone as a citizen. It is good that what was once done covertly, Himanta Biswa Sarma has now openly stated,’ the Congress leader told news agency IANS.CPI(M) MP Amraram also condemned the comments, accusing the Assam government of using administrative exercises to marginalise vulnerable communities.“This is what the chief minister always does. In the name of SIR, votes are being taken away from Dalits, minorities, SCs, and STs. Even when people are not being divided on the basis of Hindu or Muslim, votes are being manipulated in the name of SIR. All of these people are citizens of this country, whether Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, or Buddhist. Creating hatred against them, I believe, is a betrayal of the country, its Constitution, and its unity,” he said.

Pakistan cricket team (PTI Photo)

Pakistan’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been thrown into doubt following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament, with the Pakistan Cricket Board issuing a strong warning that it could pull out in protest. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the final decision would rest with the government, adding that clarity on the matter was expected either by Friday or early next week. The threat, however, has been met with scepticism from outside Pakistan, including from former India captain Ajinkya Rahane.

Reacting to the possibility of a boycott on a Cricbuzz show, Rahane dismissed the idea outright. “I don’t think they can do that, I don’t think they have, am I allowed to say guts? Yeah, I don’t think they can do that,” Rahane said, before adding bluntly: “They are going to come.” The backdrop to the controversy is Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to play its matches in India and pushed for the venue to be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected that request, after which Bangladesh maintained its stance and was subsequently replaced by Scotland. Pakistan have positioned their boycott threat as a stand against Bangladesh’s removal, but such a move could come at a heavy cost. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC has already warned the PCB that failing to honour its participation agreement could trigger serious disciplinary measures. These potential consequences reportedly include sanctions, suspension from international and regional competitions, and even the withdrawal of No-Objection Certificates for overseas players participating in the Pakistan Super League. The report further noted that the PCB has no legitimate basis to boycott either the T20 World Cup or the marquee India vs Pakistan clash scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka on February 15, 2026.

Gold and silver prices are likely to remain elevated unless global geopolitical tensions ease and trade wars are resolved, the Economic Survey 2025–26 said, pointing to sustained safe-haven demand amid heightened uncertainty.The survey, tabled in Parliament, noted that both precious metals touched lifetime highs in 2025, driven by a weakening US dollar, expectations of persistently negative real interest rates, and rising geopolitical and financial tail risks, PTI reported.“The prices of precious metals, both gold and silver, are likely to continue increasing due to their sustained demand as safe-haven investments amid global uncertainties, unless a durable peace is established and trade wars are resolved,” the survey said.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures crossed the record Rs 4 lakh per kg mark on Thursday, surging 6.3 per cent, while gold touched a fresh all-time high of Rs 1.8 lakh per 10 grams.At the same time, the survey cautioned that some market participants believe the sharp rally witnessed in 2025 may not be sustained over the longer term.Gold prices on the MCX stood at Rs 1,39,201 per 10 grams at the end of December 2025, while silver closed at Rs 2,35,701 per kg. In retail markets, gold and silver settled at Rs 1,37,700 per 10 grams and Rs 2,39,000 per kg, respectively.The survey highlighted that in FY25, India’s import basket continued to be dominated by petroleum crude, gold and petroleum products, which together accounted for over one-third of total imports. Gold imports rose 27.4 per cent year-on-year, largely reflecting a 38.2 per cent increase in gold prices amid strong domestic consumption.On the external sector, foreign currency assets — the liquid core of India’s forex reserves — softened marginally from USD 567.6 billion at end-March 2025 to USD 560.5 billion as of January 16, 2026. In contrast, the gold component of reserves rose sharply to USD 117.5 billion, compared with USD 78.2 billion at end-March 2025.The increase reflects both valuation gains during a period of elevated global gold prices and a continued preference among central banks for diversifying into non-dollar reserve assets, the survey said, adding that this trend mirrors a broader global shift among emerging markets.According to the survey, gold prices surged from USD 2,607 to USD 4,315 per ounce during 2025, marking one of the steepest annual gains in recent years.Base metals such as iron, copper and aluminium are expected to rise more moderately. Copper prices, in particular, are likely to remain elevated due to strong demand from green technologies and data centres, coupled with supply disruptions.However, citing the World Bank’s Commodity Prices Outlook (October 2025), the survey said global commodity prices are projected to decline by about 7 per cent in FY27, mainly due to subdued crude oil prices amid oversupply, though it cautioned that geopolitical developments could derail this outlook.

Arijit Singh left the industry and his fans in shock as he announced retirement from playback singing. He took to his social media and said, “I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey,” instantly triggering widespread reactions and disbelief from fans. For over a decade, Arijit has been one of the most prolific voices in Hindi cinema, delivering a steady stream of songs year after year. The singer had 6 songs in the month of January 2026 itself. These include ‘Sitaare’ from Sriram Raghavan’s period war drama Ikkis, ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’, a reimagined version of the iconic Border (1997) song ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ Border 2, ‘Sunhari Kirne’ from Gandhi Talks, and ‘Hum Toh Tere Hi Liye The’ from Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming romantic thriller O’Romeo.

Arijit’s most recent release, however, is the patriotic track ‘Maatrubhumi’ from ‘Battle of Galwan’ which features none other than Salman Khan. That this song marks his final outing as a playback singer feels almost poetic, considering the well-known and long-standing rift between the singer and the superstar that dates back more than a decade.When Arijit was at the peak of his career while hosting an awards ceremony, Salman called Arijit on stage to accept the Best Playback Singer (Male) trophy for ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Mohit Suri’s 2013 blockbuster ‘Aashiqui 2’. Noticing Arijit’s fatigue, Salman joked in his trademark style, “Soye nahi kya?” (You didn’t sleep or what?), to which Arijit replied frankly, “Aap logo ne sula diya” (You guys put me off to sleep). What appeared to be harmless banter at the time would later take on far greater significance.The strain became public in 2016, ahead of the release of Ali Abbas Zafar’s ‘Sultan’, when Arijit posted a heartfelt apology on social media. He had recorded the romantic track “Jag Ghoomeya”, picturised on Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma, but the version that made it to the film featured Rahat Fateh Ali Khan instead, a decision widely believed to be influenced by Salman.In his now-deleted post, Arijit had written, “I never insulted you… I tried so many times to apologise. Please don’t remove the song I sang for ‘Sultan’. Let me retire with that song in my library.” The message went viral within minutes, fuelling speculation that Salman had sidelined Arijit and was obstructing his opportunities in Bollywood. Although Salman never publicly addressed the issue at the time, Arijit continued to remain one of the industry’s most sought-after singers.A full reconciliation took nearly seven years. Salman and Arijit finally reunited professionally in Manish Sharma’s 2023 spy thriller ‘Tiger 3’, produced by Yash Raj Films, the same banner that had backed Sultan. Arijit lent his voice to both the romantic number ‘Ruaan’ and the end-credits dance track ‘Leke Prabhu Ka Naam’, filmed on Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. During promotions, Salman even highlighted the collaboration as their first together.It was only last year, however, during a Bigg Boss 19 Weekend Ka Vaar episode, that Salman openly spoke about the rift and clarified that they are now good friends. “Arijit aur main bahut achhe dost hai. Woh misunderstanding mere side se huyi thi. Uske baad usne gaane bhi kiye mere liye. Tiger 3 mein kiya usne, aage Galwan. (Arijit and I are very good friends. That misunderstanding was from my end. After that, he also sang songs for me in Tiger 3 and now, in Battle of Galwan),” Salman said, finally putting years of speculation to rest.

HYDERABAD: In a chilling case of familial betrayal, a 25-year-old nurse allegedly murdered her parents after they opposed her inter-caste marriage, administering a lethal overdose of medication using her professional medical knowledge. The incident took place in Yacharam village of Vikarabad district.Vikarabad police said they received information on Jan 25 about the deaths of a couple, N Dasaratham (58) and his wife Lakshmi (54), at their residence in Yacharam. Initial information provided by relatives suggested that Dasaratham had died by suicide after consuming poison, and that Lakshmi passed away soon after, reportedly due to shock following her husband’s death.

However, police suspicion grew during an inspection of the scene, where a blood-stained syringe was recovered. Treating the case as one of suspicious death, police registered an FIR and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination.During the course of the investigation, police questioned the couple’s son and their three daughters. The statement of the youngest daughter, Surekha, raised doubts, prompting further interrogation. Under sustained questioning, Surekha confessed to killing her parents on the night of Jan 24.Steals drug from hospital“Surekha works in a private hospital in Sangareddy district. Without the knowledge of hospital authorities, she stole a drug used to relax the muscles of patients undergoing surgery in the operating theatre. An overdose of this drug can be fatal,” Dharur circle inspector Ch Raghuramulu told TOI .Police said Surekha had taken leave on the day of the offence and travelled to her parents’ home in Vikarabad district. After dinner, she allegedly administered the drug to her parents on the pretext of giving them medication to help them relax, injecting a life-threatening dose.Investigators later matched the serial number of the recovered medicine with hospital records and found it belonged to a batch available at the private hospital where the accused was employed. Dasaratham was a farmer.Police have given a clean chit to Surekha’s boyfriend, stating that he was unaware of the crime. The accused has been arrested and remanded in judicial custody.

In a landmark shift for Australian cricket, Sophie Molineux has been officially named the all-format captain of the national women’s team. Stepping into the shoes of the legendary Alyssa Healy, who is set to retire in March 2026, Molineux’s appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the world-conquering side. While her prowess as a left-arm orthodox spinner and a gritty middle-order batter is well-documented on the international stage, the journey of the girl from Bairnsdale is paved with stories of resilience, quiet mentorship, and unexpected hobbies.

At 28 years old, Molineux isn’t just a tactical leader; she is a survivor of the professional game’s most grueling mental and physical challenges. From navigating a series of career-threatening injuries to her recent triumph leading the Melbourne Renegades to their maiden WBBL title in late 2024, her rise to the captaincy is a testament to character as much as skill. As she prepares to lead the squad against India in February 2025 and into the 2026 T20 World Cup, fans are eager to look beyond the “Baggy Green” to see the woman behind the wickets.

10 lesser-known facts about Sophie Molineux

While her stats are impressive, Molineux’s life off the field and her early days in regional Victoria provide a deeper look into what makes the new skipper tick. Here are ten things you might not know about Australia’s latest cricketing leader:

1. Talent-spotted early at just ten years old

Long before she was a household name, Sophie’s talent was undeniable. At the age of ten, she was spotted by John Harmer, the former Australian women’s team coach. Harmer was so impressed by the youngster’s natural ability that he became her private mentor, helping shape the technical foundations that eventually led to her international debut.

2. A “West Bairnsdale” prodigy

Molineux is fiercely proud of her country roots. Growing up in Bairnsdale, she often played in local clubs where she was the only girl in the team. Her “A” grade debut for West Bairnsdale was legendary in the community, she claimed four wickets against St Mary’s Nagle as a teenager, signalling the arrival of a future star.

3. The 858-day drought

The road to captaincy was nearly derailed by a horror run of injuries. Between 2021 and early 2024, Molineux faced a staggering 858 days away from the Australian team. During this period, she suffered a stress fracture in her foot and a ruptured ACL. At one point, she admitted she feared she might never represent her country again.

4. Champion of mental health advocacy

In 2019, Molineux made the courageous decision to step away from the game temporarily to focus on her mental health. Her openness about the pressures of elite sport was a watershed moment in Australian cricket, paving the way for more transparent conversations regarding athlete well-being and the importance of taking breaks.

Also READ: Shreyanka Patil returns as India Women name white ball squads for Australia tour

5. Mentor-student bond with her father

Her father, Mark Molineux, wasn’t just a supportive parent; he was a local cricketing legend in his own right at West Bairnsdale. He served as Sophie’s lifelong mentor and coach, instilling the tactical discipline and “country-tough” mentality that defines her leadership today.

6. The “Katy Perry” connection

Molineux was a core part of the 2020 T20 World Cup winning squad. One of her most cherished memories isn’t just the victory, but celebrating on stage at the MCG alongside pop star Katy Perry. It was a peak moment of cricket-meets-pop-culture that she still cites as a career highlight.

7. A master of the “Red Ball” lore

Despite the modern focus on T20s, Molineux has a deep, old-school love for Test cricket. She grew up playing longer-format matches in Bairnsdale and has often remarked that wearing the whites and using the red ball feels more natural to her than any other form of the game.

8. Prolific collector of trading cards

Away from the pitch, Sophie is an avid collector. She has a documented interest in sports trading cards and memorabilia, often engaging with the hobby as a way to decompress from the high-stakes environment of professional cricket.

9. The “moon boot” reunion

During the 2022 World Cup, Molineux, along with teammates Georgia Wareham and Tayla Vlaeminck, watched the final from their living room while all three were recovering from major injuries. They famously toasted the team’s victory while wearing matching moon boots, a moment of solidarity that makes their current collective fitness even more special.

10. Historic WBBL leadership

Before taking the national reins, Molineux proved her leadership mettle by guiding the Melbourne Renegades from a seventh-place finish to their first-ever WBBL title. Her ability to transform a domestic squad’s culture was a primary reason Cricket Australia identified her as the natural successor to Healy.

Molineux’s appointment isn’t just about a change in personnel; it’s about a leader who has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. As she steps into this new role, her journey remains an inspiration for young cricketers across Australia.

Also READ: Australia announces new captain across all formats in women’s cricket

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.