Mustafizur Rahman (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has spoken openly about the growing political problems affecting cricket. After heavy public backlash, the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026. This move came at a time when relations between India and Bangladesh have gone downhill. Things became tense after Sheikh Hasina was removed as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister in August 2024, and now cricket is feeling the impact.

Moeen believes the situation is getting worse for the game. He feels politics should not interfere with cricket.“The game is already in a bit of danger regarding these things, and then on top of that, what happened with Mustafizur… Honestly, something isn’t right here. Something needs to be done to fix things because it’s not just about Mustafizur. Pakistan, Bangladesh—we all know various issues are going on. It can’t go on like this. These are big problems,” Moeen told bdnews24.“More than anything else, I feel bad for Mustafizur. He got such a good contract, and considering his career, his years of skillful performance and journey, he finally got something so good… He could have been in another team, but KKR got him… and honestly, he is the one suffering more than anyone.”The former KKR player does not blame the Bangladesh Cricket Board for refusing to send their team to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He feels it is a reaction to the BCCI’s actions, which have nearly blocked Bangladeshi players from the IPL.Moeen also spoke about power politics in world cricket. He believes the BCCI has controlled the game for years, while boards like Australia and England stay silent.“I read today that Bangladesh (is not going to India)… and stopped the (IPL) broadcast. Actually… I’m not blaming Bangladesh. But whoever is doing these things, whoever is dragging these issues in, it’s a very rubbish thing to do because cricket is different,” he added.“The ICC is never like that. That’s the truth. But no one says anything. Everyone knows who runs it… Shouldn’t countries like Australia and England play a role here? They don’t say anything either.”

Another case of violence against a Hindu youth has been reported from Bangladesh, where a man identified as Mithun Sarkar died after being chased by a group of men who accused him of theft. During the chase, Sarkar jumped into a nearby water body and drowned.The incident took place in Mohadevpur area of Naogaon district in northern Bangladesh. Confirming the details, Naogaon Police Super Mohammad Tariqul Islam told ANI, “In the northern district of Naogaon in Bangladesh, in an area called Mohadevpur, a Hindu young man named Mithun Sarkar was chased by a mob accusing him of theft. He jumped into the water and after he jumped in, he died. The police were informed and they recovered his body with the help of the fire service.”

Islam added that authorities are probing the matter. “We are conducting a post-mortem on Mithun Sarkar’s body and investigating the incident,” he said, without sharing further details.The incident comes amid a surge in communal violence in Bangladesh as the country heads towards its 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to data released by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, at least 51 incidents of violence were recorded in December alone.These incidents included 10 murders, 10 cases of theft and robbery, and 23 instances involving the illegal occupation of homes, business establishments, temples and land, along with looting and arson. The group also documented four cases of arrest and torture on what it said were false allegations of religious defamation and links to “RAW”, one attempted rape, and three incidents of physical assault. The council noted that the pattern of violence has continued into the first week of January.Several fresh incidents were reported in early January. On January 2, 96 decimals of paddy land belonging to Satya Ranjan Das in Ramgati, Lakshmipur, were allegedly set on fire. A day later, businessman Khokan Chandra Das was hacked and set ablaze in Shariatpur, succumbing to his injuries. On the same morning, members of Milan Das’s family in Ward No. 4 of Amuchia Union under Boalkhali Upazila in Chattogram were reportedly held hostage during a robbery.Another robbery was reported the same day at the residence of Sanu Das in Homna, Cumilla, where miscreants allegedly looted 10 bhori of gold ornaments, 12 bhori of silver and cash amounting to 20,000 taka, the statement said.

Panaji: Amid the dark clouds hovering around Indian football, I-League champions Inter Kashi FC have stepped forward to provide a rare moment of positivity with an announcement that the club will develop a football ground in Varanasi for its home games in the top tier.Inter Kashi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with C.M. Anglo Bengali College, enabled by the Uttar Pradesh govt, to provide its ground for the development of an international-level football ground. The stadium will be located in the Bhelupur locality of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with the club expected to invest Rs 60 crore to make it AFC compliant.“When the football ecosystem was uncertain and people were asking where Inter Kashi would play, we chose to answer with action,” Inter Kashi said in a statement on Tuesday. “A permanent home isn’t just infrastructure, it’s a statement of intent and belief in the future of Indian football.”The MOU was signed in the presence of Varanasi Cantonment MLA Saurabh Srivastava, Commissioner – Nagar Nigam, Varanasi, Himanshu Nagpal, principal of C.M. Anglo Bengali College Anurag Mishra, Laxman Award winner Mushtaque Ali, and President of Inter Kashi Prithiijit Das.The Kashi ground will be developed to host top-tier domestic football and international matches, placing the city firmly on the football map. In doing so, Inter Kashi becomes only the second club in India, after Jamshedpur FC, to have a dedicated home ground capable of hosting top-level competition.“For players, supporters, and young aspirants across Uttar Pradesh, the ground represents more than infrastructure. It restores confidence at a time when Indian football has faced prolonged disruption and doubt. A stable home venue brings clarity to player development, fan engagement, and grassroots pathways, while reinforcing the idea that clubs can and should build sustainable football ecosystems,” said the club.Inter Kashi expressed its appreciation to the Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh (UPFS) for standing firmly with the club. Special acknowledgement was given to Md Shahid, Secretary, UPFS, and Arvind Menon, President, UPFS, “whose leadership and institutional backing have been central to navigating challenging periods and laying foundations for growth.”Inter Kashi won last season’s I-League and are now set to feature in the next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier football league

Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene, long known for her staunch “America first” rhetoric, has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to completely terminate the H-1B visa program, a key pathway for skilled foreign workers, a significant number of whom are from India.The legislation, designated HR 6937, was filed in the House on January 2, and proposes to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to eliminate the H-1B visa category “and for other purposes.” According to immigration experts, while it is unlikely to secure the support needed to become law, it has ignited fresh debate on the H-1B program.

According to a report issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), of the total H-1B applications (including extensions) approved in fiscal 2024, 71% or about 2.8 lakh were for Indian beneficiaries. Chinese nationals, next in line, accounted for roughly 47,000 approvals, or just 12% of the total. While chances of this bill becoming law are slim, if passed it would impact Indians aspiring to work in the US.The bare details that are currently available on the official government website, provides for relevant amendments to the INA but there are no details available on transitional arrangements or exemptions for existing visa holders. The bill was immediately referred to several House committees, including ‘Judiciary, Energy and Commerce’, and ‘Ways and Means’, where it will face initial review.Greene, a Republican congresswoman from Georgia, has been a vocal critic of the H-1B system for years, consistently arguing that it undermines American workers by enabling companies, particularly in the tech sector, to recruit foreign labour at lower wage levels. In statements accompanying the bill’s introduction, she reiterated this stance, framing the legislation as a necessary step to protect US jobs and counter what she describes as “outsourcing and wage suppression.”On social media, Greene highlighted her long-standing commitment to reshaping immigration policy, asserting that the H-1B program has too often been abused by corporations that put profits over people.Introduction of this bill comes at a tumultuous moment in her political career. Once one of the most visible allies of President Donald Trump, Greene has recently experienced a very public falling out with him over a series of disputes, including her support for bipartisan efforts to release files connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The discord culminated in Greene’s resignation from the House effective January 5.

Gold prices slipped on Wednesday as investors booked profits after strong gains in recent sessions, while focus shifted to upcoming US economic data. On the domestic front, February gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) declined by Rs 633, or 0.46%, to Rs 1,38,450 per 10 grams, reflecting mild profit-booking.In the international market, Comex February gold futures fell by $21, or 0.47%, to $4,475.10 per ounce, consolidating near record levels.Meanwhile, Comex silver futures were trading lower by $1.41, or 1.74%, at $79.63 per ounce, after rising as much as 1.91% earlier to hover near a record at $82.58 per ounce. The white metal had touched a lifetime high of $82.67 per ounce on December 29.Commenting on the trend, Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities said, “Gold fell to around $4,480 per ounce on Wednesday, pausing its two-day gains as investors looked past geopolitical risks and focused on upcoming US economic data.”Here is how much gold costs in your city today:

Gold price in Delhi today

The price of 22K gold in Delhi is Rs 12,800 per gram, while 24K gold costs Rs 13,963 per gram.

Gold price in Mumbai today

In Mumbai, 22K gold costs Rs 12,785 per gram and 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Bangalore today

In Bangalore, 22K gold costs Rs 12,785 per gram, while the price of 24K gold stands at Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Chennai today

In Chennai, 22K gold is sold at Rs 12,870 per gram and 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,040 per gram.

Gold price in Ahmedabad today

The price of 22K gold in Ahmedabad today is Rs 12,790 per gram, while 24K gold costs Rs 13,953 per gram.

Gold price in Hyderabad today

The 22K gold price in Hyderabad today is Rs 12,785 per gram, while 24K gold stands at Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Jaipur today

In Jaipur, 22K gold costs Rs 12,800 per gram and 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,963 per gram.

Gold price in Kolkata today

Kolkata markets price 22K gold at Rs 12,785 per gram, while 24K gold costs Rs 13,948 per gram.

Gold price in Bhubaneswar today

The 22K gold price in Bhubaneswar today is Rs 12,785 per gram, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,948 per gram.

UP Warriorz (UPW) is ready to turn the page after a challenging Women’s Premier League 2025 season. Following a strategic reboot during the November 2025 Mega Auction, the franchise has emerged with a new leader, a powerhouse batting lineup, and a coaching staff led by the innovative Abhishek Nayar.

With a purse of INR 14.5 crore, the Warriorz were the most influential team in the auction room, securing legendary Australian captain Meg Lanning and bringing back their core through Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. As they prepare for their opener against Gujarat Giants on January 10, the Purple and Yellow army looks like a formidable title contender.

UP Warriorz Best Playing XI for WPL 2026

1. Meg Lanning (Captain – Overseas): The legendary ‘Megastar’ moves from Delhi to lead UPW. With 952 WPL runs and a record-breaking trophy cabinet, her leadership is the missing piece for a franchise seeking its first title. She will anchor the innings while providing tactical brilliance on the field.
2. Shweta Sehrawat: The only player retained before the auction, Sehrawat is the future of the franchise. After showing glimpses of her grit in 2025, she is expected to partner Lanning at the top, offering a mix of youth and stability.
3. Phoebe Litchfield (Overseas – AUS): Signed for INR 1.2 crore, the stylish left-hander adds explosive intent to the top order. Currently one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket, her ability to find gaps and manipulate fields makes her the perfect Number 3.
4. Kiran Navgire: The “six-hitting queen” was brought back via RTM for INR 60 Lakh. Coming off a record-breaking 34-ball century in domestic T20s, Navgire is the designated “Impact Player” in the middle order who can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs.
5. Deandra Dottin (Overseas – WI): The “Universe Boss” of women’s cricket joins for INR 80 Lakh. Dottin provides raw power in the finishing overs and a vital fourth seam-bowling option, filling the role of a genuine match-winner.
6. Deepti Sharma (Vice-Captain): The most expensive signing for UPW at INR 3.2 crore (RTM). Fresh off being named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, Deepti is the world’s premier all-rounder. Her 4 overs of off-spin and her ability to anchor or finish make her the heartbeat of this XI.
7. Harleen Deol: A tactical acquisition at INR 50 Lakh, Harleen provides middle-order depth and exceptional fielding. Her ability to play spin well will be crucial on the turning tracks of Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
8. Sophie Ecclestone (Overseas – ENG): The world’s No. 1 spinner returns for INR 85 Lakh (RTM). Ecclestone is the ultimate “cheat code” in the WPL, capable of choking runs in the middle overs and providing handy lower-order cameos with the bat.
9. Shikha Pandey: In a massive move, UPW spent INR 2.4 crore to secure the veteran Indian seamer. Her experience and ability to swing the new ball provide the leadership the pace attack desperately needed.
10. Asha Sobhana: The leg-spin sensation was signed for INR 1.1 crore. Her wicket-taking ability in the middle overs makes her the perfect partner for Ecclestone and Deepti, forming perhaps the deadliest spin trio in the league.
11. Kranti Gaud: Re-signed for INR 50 Lakh (RTM), the young domestic pacer will share the new ball duties with Shikha Pandey. Her raw pace and recent domestic form have made her one of the most talked-about Indian prospects.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

Tactical Breakdown

• The Lanning Leadership: Replacing Alyssa Healy, Lanning brings a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. Her partnership with head coach Abhishek Nayar is designed to fix the tactical inconsistencies that plagued the team in 2025.
• The “Spin Choke”: With Ecclestone, Deepti, and Asha Sobhana, UPW can field 12 overs of world-class spin. On the dry, late-season tracks in Vadodara, this will be their primary weapon to defend any total.
• The Pace Concern: While Shikha Pandey brings experience, the seam department is relatively thin. The team will rely heavily on Deandra Dottin to chip in with her medium pace to support the frontline duo.
• Power Finishing: In Navgire and Dottin, UPW possesses two of the cleanest ball-strikers in the game. Their role is to ensure that the platform built by Lanning and Litchfield is converted into 180+ scores.

Impact Player Options

• Pratika Rawal: A versatile batter and off-break bowler who can step in if the top order needs more stability.
• Chloe Tryon: A world-class overseas backup. If the pitch is a “dustbowl,” she could replace Dottin or Litchfield to provide extra spin and power-hitting.
• Charli Knott: The late replacement for Tara Norris, Knott is a dynamic young Australian all-rounder who provides a high-energy option on the field.

Also READ: WPL 2026: RCB’s best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League

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

Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok (Image credit: X)

NEW DELHI: Wedding celebrations are set to take centre stage in the Tendulkar household, with reports confirming that Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandok have locked in their wedding date. The couple is expected to tie the knot in March, bringing an end to months of speculation around their plans.The development comes after a period of largely private celebrations, with the family choosing to keep details under wraps.

Arjun, who is the son of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, has been in the spotlight recently for professional reasons as well, having been traded from the Mumbai Indians to the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.Arjun and Saaniya had formalised their relationship last August, when they got engaged in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family members. The engagement marked a significant milestone for the young couple, who have largely stayed away from public attention despite their prominent backgrounds.WHO IS SAANIYA CHANDOK?Saaniya Chandok hails from a well-known business family in Mumbai. She is the granddaughter of Ravi Ghai, a leading industrialist and the head of the Graviss Group. The conglomerate has a strong presence in the food and hospitality sector and owns popular ice cream brands such as The Brooklyn Creamery and Baskin Robbins in India.Professionally, Saaniya is actively involved in entrepreneurship. As per records from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, she serves as a Designated Partner and Director at Mr. Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP, a Mumbai-based venture focused on pet care services and retail.The Ghai family’s business interests also extend to hospitality, including the management of premium hotel properties such as the InterContinental. Graviss Food Solutions Private Limited reported a revenue of ?624 crore in the FY23–24 financial year, reflecting a robust growth rate of around 20 percent.ARJUN TENDULKAR’S CRICKET CAREERCarving his own identity in cricket, Arjun Tendulkar has steadily built a career as a bowling allrounder in the domestic circuit. He currently represents Goa after beginning his journey with Mumbai.Arjun made his T20 debut for Mumbai during the 2020/21 season against Haryana, having previously featured in age-group cricket and the India Under-19 setup. In the 2022/23 season, he moved to Goa, where he went on to make his First-Class and List A debuts.In red-ball cricket, Arjun has played 22 matches, scoring 620 runs that include one century and two half-centuries. With the ball, he has picked up 48 wickets, highlighted by one five-wicket haul and two four-wicket hauls. In List A cricket, he has appeared in 23 matches for Goa, scoring 155 runs across 15 innings.