England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed the extent of a nasty facial injury after being struck flush on the face by a cricket ball during a training session. The all-rounder shared an image on Instagram showing a badly bruised and swollen right eye, a cut on his cheek and lip, and a bandage packed into his nose.

Ben Stokes Insta story

Despite the severity of the blow, Stokes took the incident in good humour, captioning the post: “You should see the state of the cricket ball,” accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Stokes is currently not part of England’s white-ball plans and will miss the upcoming T20 World Cup. He is expected to make his return during England’s Test series against New Zealand in June. The incident comes in the aftermath of a difficult Ashes campaign for England, which ended in a heavy 4-1 defeat in Australia. Expectations had been high ahead of the tour, with England aiming to win the Ashes Down Under for the first time since 2010–11. However, defeats in the first three Tests meant Australia retained the urn within 11 days. England managed a consolation win in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG before losing the series finale in Sydney. Stokes himself endured a tough series with the bat, averaging just 18.40 across 10 innings. He was more effective with the ball, finishing with 15 wickets at an average of 25.13. His leadership also came under scrutiny. Fast bowling legend James Anderson questioned Stokes’ public praise of his players following the defeat, expressing surprise at the tone of the captain’s comments. “When I saw Stokes come out and say, the way (Josh) Tongue and (Brydon) Carse have just run in like consistently, I had a Roy Keane moment,” Anderson said on BBC Radio. “I was like, that’s your job. If you’re not willing to run in all day for your team, don’t bother. You’re in the wrong sport.” Stokes defended his side after the fifth Test, insisting effort and commitment were not the issue. “We’ve dropped a lot of catches on this tour which have been very costly to the overall situation of the games. In terms up of stepping up, I can never fault anyone’s commitment or energy that they’ve given into this. We haven’t performed well, we know that, we hold our hands up to that. But no one should question the care and commitment to try and go out there and give it your absolute best. It’s just been down to the lack of execution,” he said. Stokes later admitted he had made significant mistakes as captain during the series. England’s tour was also marred by off-field controversy, with a mid-series trip to Noosa drawing attention amid reports of a drinking culture within the camp. As Stokes recovers from his facial injury, the focus now shifts to his return in the longest format, where England will hope for a reset after a bruising Ashes campaign, both on and off the field.Also Visit: England Under-19 vs India Under-19 Final: Match Details, Teams, Date and Venue

In a night defined by high-octane drama and cricketing excellence, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women etched their names into history once again. On February 05, 2026, at the packed International Stadium in Vadodara, RCB clinched their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 title, pulling off a record-breaking chase against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in a final that will be remembered for generations.

Delhi Capitals’ batting masterclass sets a humongous target against RCB in WPL 2026

The evening began with the Delhi Capitals looking like absolute favourites. After being put in to bat, the DC openers and middle order dismantled the RCB bowling attack with surgical precision. Despite an early breakthrough by Arundhati Reddy to remove Shafali Verma (20), Delhi never took their foot off the gas.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the DC captain, led from the front with a scintillating 57 off 37 balls, anchoring the innings with a flurry of boundaries. She found an able partner in Laura Wolvaardt, who played a steady yet aggressive knock of 44. However, the real X-factor was Chinelle Henry, whose late-order cameo of 35 off just 15 balls propelled Delhi to a humongous total of 203/4.

For RCB, the bowling figures made for grim reading. Aside from Lauren Bell’s economical spell (0/19), the rest of the attack struggled, with Nadine de Klerk and Shreyanka Patil conceding heavily. At the innings break, with a target of 204 looming, many believed Delhi had one hand on the trophy.

Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll powers RCB to their second WPL title with a record chase

The chase started on a shaky note for Bengaluru when Grace Harris fell for just 9 in the second over. But what followed was a batting masterclass that silenced the DC supporters. Skipper Smriti Mandhana and the Australian sensation Georgia Voll put together a breathtaking 165-run partnership for the second wicket.

Mandhana was in ‘beast mode,’ reaching her fifty in just 23 deliveries. Her 87 off 41 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and 3 towering sixes, provided the aggression RCB needed. On the other end, Voll was equally destructive, scoring a majestic 79 off 54 balls. The duo treated the DC bowlers including veterans like Marizanne Kapp and Sneh Rana with total disdain, maintaining a run rate of over 10 throughout the middle overs.

Despite a late flutter where Voll, Richa Ghosh, and Mandhana fell in quick succession, Radha Yadav (12) and Nadine de Klerk (7) held their nerves. With 2 balls remaining, RCB crossed the line at 204/4, sparking scenes of absolute jubilation. As the fans in Vadodara ran riot celebrating the victory, Mandhana hoisted the trophy, cementing RCB’s status as the new powerhouse of the WPL.

Also WATCH: Chinelle Henry rattles Grace Harris’ stumps with a stunning delivery in WPL 2026 Final

Here’s how fans reacted:

This is clinical from RCB women.👏👏 #rcbwvsdcw #WPLFinal

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 5, 2026

🏆♥️ https://t.co/EaLeyyLQZp

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) February 5, 2026

How good was @mandhana_smriti tonight. 87 of 41 balls, Silken touch and an innings to remember in a final. Well played @RCBTweets : both mens and women’s champs at the same time! #RCB

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 5, 2026

😉 pic.twitter.com/T0mMYwlILb

— DK (@DineshKarthik) February 5, 2026

Aa good a run chase as any you will see from @RCBTweets. Truly magnificent from Voll and Mandhana. And what a day for the fans as they now hold both the #IPL & #WPL titles.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 5, 2026

2024 🏆 ➡️ 2026 🏆

The Fantastic 4️⃣ strike gold once more.✨ pic.twitter.com/Hj8SxBL8yS

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 5, 2026

SMRITI MANDHANA CRYING AFTER WINNING WPL 2026 TROPHY. #SmritiMandhana #WPLFinal #WPL26 pic.twitter.com/FFYdmMjnbi

— Somesh Jangra (@CelebrityGalax) February 5, 2026

2026 is not 2016 this time rcb chase the 200+ score in a final match and lift the trophy and also the orange cap winner is the captain the RCB TEAM#SmritiMandhana #RCBW #WPLFinal #WPL2026 #radhayadav#JemimahRodrigues pic.twitter.com/AhwzhjWcvx

— Random (@Rthought312) February 5, 2026

2nd time WPL champions now… In the leadership of Smriti Mandhana ❤️ RCB won its 2nd WPL trophy 🏆 so so happy for her the way she made a comeback 🙌🏆 many many congratulations 🎉💐🥳 girls ❤️ #WPL2026 #WPLFinal #SmritiMandhana #RCB pic.twitter.com/EpWStirIGQ

— Shivang Kaushik (@Shivangkaushik3) February 5, 2026

From dominating the crease to ruling the hearts of millions, the King and Queen of Indian Cricket stand tall. Form is temporary, but royalty is permanent.#missmalini #WPL2026 #SmritiMandhana
#WPLFinal pic.twitter.com/GcHiTRqq5G

— MissMalini (@MissMalini) February 5, 2026

👑 THE CROWN STAYS ROYAL! 👑

Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinch the #TATAWPL 2026 title.

History, heart, and a championship moment 🏆❤️#wpl2026 #WPLFinal #wpl #rcb #royalchallengersbengaluru #SmritiMandhana pic.twitter.com/5CMoWPWLgA

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 5, 2026

Current IPL Champion – RCB.

Current WPL Champion – RCB*.

RCB – THE ONLY TEAM TO HOLD THE BOTH TROPHIES AT THE SAME TIME. 🔥🙌#IPL2026 #WPLFinal #SmritiMandhana #ViratKohli #rajatpatidar pic.twitter.com/ZClMlDYOKF

— Niraj Kumar (@Nirajku11362609) February 5, 2026

Also READ: Jemimah Rodrigues joins Harmanpreet Kaur in rare feat with blazing knock in WPL 2026 Final

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

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JAMMU: A bitter dispute over identity and regional recognition rocked J&K assembly for a second straight day after opposition leader Sunil Sharma of BJP dismissed the existence of the “Pir Panjal region” — triggering protests, walkouts and demands for an apology from lawmakers.CM Omar Abdullah said Thursday that Sharma’s remarks had “angered an entire region” and said it did not suit any politician to deride a region by questioning its name. Sharma had yet to apologise, he said.The row comes weeks after PDP president Mehbooba Mufti pitched for a separate administrative division comprising Rajouri and Poonch in Pir Panjal along with Chenab valley districts, citing remoteness, hilly terrain and lack of infrastructure — a demand BJP opposed.The region refers to the mountainous belt along the Pir Panjal range south of Kashmir valley and close to the LoC. Chenab valley includes Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban — rugged districts carved by the Chenab river. Both often complain they are sidelined between Jammu division and Kashmir valley in development, representation and administrative focus.The controversy began Tuesday when Sharma, who represents Padder-Nagseni in Kishtwar district, responded to a question on whether a proposed National Law University could be set up in Pir Panjal. He said there was no such region and that he had never heard the name “in any dictionary”. He later alleged the term was part of a political conspiracy by regional parties, echoing what he called the idea of a “Greater Kashmir”, which BJP would not allow.Sharma’s comments provoked protests from legislators from Rajouri and Poonch, including deputy CM Surinder Choudhary and forest minister Javed Rana, both from the area. They demanded an apology. Sharma refused.Independent legislator Muzaffar Iqbal Khan of Thanamandi in Rajouri district said Sharma’s statement has hurt public sentiment. “This is not just an insult to Pir Panjal but also to Chenab valley — Kishtwar and Doda,” he said. “We are border-area people. We have made sacrifices even during Operation Sindoor. In Poonch city alone, 16 people were killed. Those sacrifices have been insulted.”The protests resumed Thursday as lawmakers accused Sharma of reflecting “hatred” towards Pir Panjal and Chenab valley. Omar said criticism of a region by questioning its identity was unacceptable in a diverse Union territory.

JAMMU: A high-powered Union home ministry panel has questioned Ladakh’s top political groupings on whether inclusion under the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule would offer sufficient safeguards, signalling that New Delhi is weighing constitutional limits, fiscal costs and governance models as demands for statehood gather force in the region.During talks Wednesday in New Delhi, the committee asked representatives of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Party (KDA) whether Sixth Schedule — framed for tribal areas in the Northeast — could serve as a constitutional shield for Ladakh, given that it falls under Article 368 and can be amended, sources said Thursday.Govt also sought clarity on the financial burden of granting Ladakh full statehood with a legislature, including salaries, provident fund liabilities and other expenditures for about 19,000 employees. Running a state or a Union territory with a legislature involves managing deficits and long-term fiscal responsibility, prompting the panel to press Ladakhi activists for detailed projections, the sources said.Sixth Schedule grants special protections over land, culture, and resources through autonomous councils. Since the 2019 bifurcation of J&K into two Union territories, Ladakhis have demanded similar safeguards and statehood.Senior BJP functionary Tashi Gyalson, who attended the meeting as former executive chairman of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, called the talks a step forward. “Talks were held for two-and-a-half hours and every member spoke,” he told reporters, saying discussions covered statehood, Sixth Schedule and the possibility of Article 370-type safeguards.“In broader terms govt indicated that Ladakh will get constitutional safeguards, that the region will be politically empowered, and that Ladakh will be developed as a sustainable model,” Gyalson said.LAB and KDA — umbrella groupings of political and religious organisations from Leh and Kargil — described the discussions as inconclusive. LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook and his KDA counterpart Asgar Ali Karbali said statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under Sixth Schedule — the two core demands — remained unresolved. Both expected another round of talks soon.Earlier, LAB and KDA met the home ministry panel in New Delhi on Oct 22, 2025. That engagement followed Centre’s decision to order an inquiry into the Sept 24 police firing on protesters in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Four protesters were killed.On Nov 14, the two groups submitted a joint 29-page draft proposal to the home ministry. The document also sought a general amnesty for LAB member and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others arrested after the Sept 24 protests.

The government has expanded the criteria for recognising entities as startups by doubling the turnover threshold to Rs 200 crore, while also introducing a new recognition category for ‘Deep Tech Startups’, aimed at supporting high-technology and research-driven enterprises.The move is part of broader efforts to align policy support with the evolving nature of India’s startup ecosystem, which is increasingly shifting towards longer innovation cycles, higher capital intensity and delayed commercialisation, especially in deep technology, manufacturing and R&D-led sectors.

According to a notification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the turnover limit for startup recognition has been increased from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore, while new norms have also been framed for Deep Tech Startups, PTI reported.

Deep Tech Startup criteria expanded

For Deep Tech Startups, the government has significantly expanded both age and turnover limits.Under the revised framework:• Age limit has been extended from 10 years to 20 years from the date of incorporation or registration• Turnover limit has been increased to Rs 300 crore“This step addresses the unique requirements of deep tech entities operating in areas with long gestation periods, high R&D intensity, and capital-intensive development cycles,” the DPIIT said.

Startup recognition extended to cooperatives

In another key policy change, startup recognition eligibility has now been extended to certain cooperative enterprises to support innovation-led growth at the grassroots level.Eligible categories include:• Multi-state cooperative societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002• Cooperative societies registered under State and Union Territory Cooperative ActsThe move is aimed at encouraging innovation in agriculture, allied sectors, rural industries and community-based enterprises.

Why the criteria were changed

The government said the revisions reflect structural shifts in India’s startup ecosystem over the past decade, where several innovation-led enterprises outgrow existing age or turnover limits despite still being in development or validation stages.“Keeping in view the evolving startup ecosystem and the need to support startups with targeted benefits at various stages of their business lifecycle, the turnover limit for recognition as a startup has been increased from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore,” the notification said.The decision follows consultations with multiple stakeholders across the startup ecosystem as well as various ministries and departments.

Expected impact on the startup ecosystem

The updated criteria are expected to:• Expand access to policy benefits for research and innovation-driven enterprises• Support deep tech ventures requiring longer development timelines• Enable cooperatives to drive innovation in agriculture and rural sectorsThe government said that as Startup India enters its second decade, the reforms are aimed at creating a more predictable, inclusive and future-ready policy environment, while also helping attract long-term patient capital into high-technology and R&D-intensive sectors.So far, around two lakh entities have been recognised as startups. Recognised startups are eligible for multiple incentives, including income tax benefits under the Startup India initiative.

India and Pakistan are schedule to play the match on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote a letter to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday, urging it to reconsider its decision to boycott the India vs Pakistan fixture at the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.TimesofIndia.com is in possession of the two-page letter written by SLC, in which it reminded the PCB of Sri Lanka’s past support to Pakistan during challenging times and urged the board to reconsider its stance. The letter also highlights significant financial, logistical and reputational consequences for the co-hosts if the game does not go ahead as planned.

“We wish to place on record that Sri Lanka is highly anticipating the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, particularly in its capacity as a host venue for matches assigned to Sri Lanka. All commercial, operational, logistical and security-related arrangements in respect of these matches have already been finalised. This includes, inter alia, hospitality planning and the sale of match tickets,” the letter read.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It is pertinent to note that ticket sales for the matches scheduled to be hosted in Sri Lanka, in particular the India versus Pakistan fixture, have already been finalised and have recorded exceptionally strong demand, with tickets being sold fast, reflecting unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations for Sri Lanka Cricket. Any non-participation in a scheduled marquee fixture of this nature would therefore have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure for SLC and the potential loss of anticipated tourism inflows and broader economic benefits arising from heightened international interest in the tournament.”The board pointed out that tickets for matches in Sri Lanka, especially the India–Pakistan fixture, have been sold amid exceptional demand, underscoring unprecedented public interest and significant commercial expectations.SLC cautioned that non-participation in a marquee fixture of this scale would have far-reaching consequences, exposing the board to major financial losses while also impacting tourism inflows and the broader economy.“The Government of Sri Lanka is attentive to the potential impact of a boycott, given the significant economic benefits expected from hosting these matches. Any change to the scheduled fixtures would therefore affect not only Sri Lanka Cricket but also the wider range of stakeholders involved in ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament.” Six Sri Lankan players were wounded in March 2009 when gunmen opened fire on their team bus as it was driving to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match.The incident led to international teams staying away from Pakistan for nearly a decade. That streak was broken when Sri Lanka became the first to play a Test match in Pakistan after a 10-year gap (in 2019). “In this context, we respectfully recall that Sri Lanka Cricket and the Sri Lanka National Team have, on several occasions, toured Pakistan and participated in international fixtures notwithstanding exceptionally challenging and sensitive circumstances, including serious security-related incidents. These have included, inter alia, the attack on the national team convoy, as a result of which certain Sri Lankan players and officials sustained injuries, some of whom continue to carry physical impacts from those injuries to date, while others were left with profound and lasting psychological trauma. In more recent instances, further security incidents, including bombings in the region, placed additional emotional and professional strain on team members, with some compelled to contemplate withdrawal from ongoing engagements,” SLC said in the letter.Newswire, a Sri Lankan media outlet, has reported that Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector has already felt the impact of Pakistan’s reported decision to skip the February 15 match in Colombo, with widespread hotel booking cancellations across several Colombo-based properties.“Notwithstanding the gravity of these circumstances, Sri Lanka Cricket, in close coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka, remained steadfast in its support of Pakistan and the Pakistan Cricket Board, and continued to honour its commitments to international cricket in the broader interests of the game and international solidarity, at times when several other cricketing nations were hesitant or unwilling to tour Pakistan,” the letter read.“In light of this longstanding support and cooperation, SLC respectfully expects the same spirit of reciprocity and mutual respect to prevail, particularly where the matches in question are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka, a country that has extended every assurance with regard to security, neutrality and professionalism.“In view of the foregoing, and if any decision has indeed been taken to boycott or abstain from participating in the India vs Pakistan match scheduled for February 15, 2026, we respectfully and earnestly request the PCB to reconsider such a decision. We urge you to take into account the exceptional circumstances, the enduring relationship between our two Boards and the broader interests of the game of cricket.“We humbly request that the Pakistan team participate in all scheduled matches in Sri Lanka, including the aforesaid fixture, in the true spirit of sportsmanship and without selective abstention, for the benefit of the tournament, its stakeholders and the millions of cricket fans worldwide.“We thank the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Government of Pakistan for the highest consideration given to this matter and respectfully look forward to receiving a positive response at your earliest convenience.”

On Sunday, the Pakistani government announced that its men’s cricket team will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15, without stating the reason behind the decision.“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on February 15 against India,” the Pakistan government said in a post on X.