The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put speculation to rest by officially confirming Pakistan’s participation in all its scheduled matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This includes the much-anticipated encounter against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

The announcement, released by the ICC on Monday, comes after days of uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s involvement amid ongoing administrative discussions. With this confirmation, fans worldwide can now look forward to one of cricket’s most intense rivalries unfolding on the global stage.

ICC emphasizes unity, neutrality and commitment to the game

In its official statement, the ICC highlighted the constructive dialogue held with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), underlining the shared responsibility of all member boards to uphold the integrity of ICC events.

“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in serving the best interests of the game,” the statement noted. It further stressed values such as integrity, neutrality, and cooperation as essential pillars in ensuring the success of the ongoing tournament.

The ICC reaffirmed that all member nations are expected to respect their commitments under the agreed participation terms, reinforcing stability and trust in global cricket administration.

High-profile India vs Pakistan match set for February 15

The confirmation clears the path for the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash, one of the most-watched fixtures in world cricket. The match will be played in Colombo, a neutral venue, aligning with the ICC’s effort to maintain balance and fairness in hosting arrangements during the tournament.

With millions of viewers expected to tune in, the fixture is anticipated to be a major highlight of the T20 World Cup 2026, adding further momentum to the competition being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh’s absence addressed by ICC and BCB

The ICC statement also addressed the situation surrounding Bangladesh, confirming that the team’s non-participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 will not result in penalties. The clarification followed a meeting involving the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the PCB.

The ICC reiterated its commitment to supporting cricket’s growth in Bangladesh, describing it as one of the sport’s most vibrant markets with over 200 million passionate fans.

Also READ: Ravi Shastri’s clear-cut challenge to Babar Azam ahead of PAK vs USA clash in T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh to host an ICC event by 2031

In a significant development, the ICC and BCB jointly confirmed that Bangladesh will be given the opportunity to host an ICC event ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to standard hosting processes and requirements.

This assurance is seen as a confidence-building measure, reinforcing the ICC’s inclusive approach and long-term vision for global cricket development. It also provides Bangladesh with a pathway to reassert its presence on the international stage despite missing the T20 World Cup.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Fans slam Hindi commentary for prioritizing scripted rhymes and loud catchphrases over cricket action

Top 2026 Skills for GCC Job Market: AI, Data, Cybersecurity and More

As GCC economies accelerate towards digital-first, knowledge-driven growth, the skills that employers are looking for in 2026 have shifted dramatically. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 projects to the UAE’s AI-led governance push, hiring priorities across the Gulf are increasingly shaped by technology adoption, sustainability goals and workforce localisation policies.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning skills

Artificial Intelligence sits at the heart of GCC transformation strategies. According to the Hays GCC Salary Guide 2026, digital and AI-driven roles are among the hardest to fill across the Middle East, with 90% of employers reporting skills shortages, particularly in advanced tech roles.Academic research supports this shift. A 2024 study published on arXiv, analysing millions of job listings, found that AI adoption increases demand not just for AI engineers but for AI-literate professionals across non-technical roles as well. The paper noted, “AI exposure is associated with higher demand for complementary skills such as analytical thinking, adaptability and collaboration.”In the GCC, AI skills are increasingly required in finance, healthcare, government services, logistics and media, not just tech firms.

Data analytics and data science

Data has become the backbone of decision-making in Gulf organisations. A landmark 2017 Strategy and PwC report on the GCC digital workforce found that while digital adoption is growing, advanced data skills remain scarce, limiting productivity gains.

What Skills Will Land You a Job in the GCC in 2026? The Future of Work Revealed

The report stated, “The shortage of advanced analytics and data science skills is one of the biggest barriers preventing GCC organisations from capturing full value from digital investments.” As governments and enterprises push for smart cities, fintech ecosystems and AI-powered public services, professionals skilled in data analysis, business intelligence and statistical modelling are becoming indispensable.

Cybersecurity skills

With rapid digitisation comes increased cyber risk. While GCC-specific academic studies are limited, global labour research consistently ranks cybersecurity among the fastest-growing skills worldwide, a trend echoed in GCC hiring data.According to hiring outlooks cited by Khaleej Times and regional recruitment firms, cybersecurity specialists remain in high demand as governments and private firms strengthen digital infrastructure

This includes roles such as:

These skills are especially relevant in banking, government, aviation and healthcare sectors across the GCC.

Cloud computing and digital infrastructure

Cloud expertise is now a foundational requirement rather than a niche skill. As per global hiring outlook reports AI, cloud and platform engineering roles dominate new job creation in global capability centres expanding operations linked to GCC markets.Cloud architects, DevOps engineers and platform specialists are especially valuable as Gulf companies migrate operations to scalable digital ecosystems.

Engineering and project management skills

Despite the digital pivot, engineering and project management remain pillars of GCC employment, driven by infrastructure, energy and urban development megaprojects. According to regional hiring analyses cited by Khaleej Times, demand continues for professionals who can manage large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects, particularly those integrating digital and sustainability elementsProject managers with technical literacy, risk management skills and cross-cultural leadership ability are especially prized.

Sustainability and green skills

Sustainability is no longer optional in the GCC. With the UAE and Saudi Arabia investing heavily in renewable energy, clean technology and climate initiatives, green skills are moving into the mainstream.

GCC’s Digital Gold Rush: Are You Skilled Enough for 2026’s Tech Takeover?

A recent 2025 workforce analysis by PeopleConnect Global highlights rising demand for professionals skilled in sustainability reporting, renewable energy systems and environmental compliance across GCC markets.Roles linked to net-zero strategies, ESG compliance and sustainable infrastructure are expected to grow steadily through 2026.

Soft skills: Leadership, communication and adaptability

Multiple studies stress that human skills grow more valuable as automation increases. The same arXiv 2024 study on AI and labour markets found that AI-exposed roles show higher demand for teamwork, communication and resilience, not less.In the GCC, where teams are highly multicultural, employers increasingly value professionals who can lead diverse teams, communicate clearly and adapt to fast-changing environments.

Lifelong learning and reskilling mindset

The 2027 Strategy& GCC digital workforce report emphasises that long-term employability depends not on one-time qualifications but on continuous upskilling. The report noted that economies that embed lifelong learning frameworks will be better positioned to meet future labour demands.This message is echoed in national workforce strategies across the Gulf.

Understanding localisation policies

Understanding Emiratisation, Saudisation and national talent development policies is increasingly important. The Hays GCC Salary Guide 2026 highlights that localisation efforts are reshaping hiring strategies, particularly in leadership and specialist roles. Professionals who align their skills with these frameworks gain a competitive edge.Research across academia, recruitment and policy consistently point to one conclusion that GCC jobs in 2026 will reward hybrid professionals or those who combine digital fluency, analytical capability, adaptability and human-centric skills. From AI literacy to sustainability expertise, the most future-proof careers will belong to individuals who learn continuously, adapt quickly and align with the region’s transformation goals.

MUMBAI: BJP corporator Ritu Tawde is all set to become Mumbai’s next mayor after being elected unopposed in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. The mayoral election, scheduled for Wednesday at noon, will formally mark her taking charge as the city’s eighth woman mayor, nearly three years after the previous woman mayor held office between 2019 and 2022.Tawde’s elevation ends an uninterrupted 25-year run by the Shiv Sena in the BMC mayoral office and represents the BJP’s first mayoral win in Mumbai since Prabhakar Pai’s tenure in 1982–83. Her deputy mayor will be Sanjay Ghadi of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, who will serve a 15-month term before rotation, while the mayoral post carries a 2.5-year term.The path to her unopposed victory was cleared after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) decided not to field a candidate against Tawde, reportedly following a meeting at Thackeray’s residence. Former mayor and Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar said the decision was made out of respect for Marathi identity, acknowledging the arithmetic of the Mahayuti alliance in the 227-member civic body.Tawde, 53, a two-time corporator from Ghatkopar East, filed her nomination at the municipal secretary’s office in the presence of senior Mahayuti leaders, including minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam. Speaking to reporters, she said she would function as a “sevak” of Mumbai rather than merely as mayor, promising to prioritise citizens’ safety, development, and overall quality of life.A second-time corporator, Tawde first won in 2012, chaired the BMC’s Education Committee, and raised civic concerns ranging from infrastructure improvements to public safety. She lost the 2017 civic elections but returned to office in the latest polls, securing 19,810 votes from her Ghatkopar ward.BJP leaders emphasised the symbolic importance of Tawde’s election, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to a corruption-free administration. Satam said, “Ritu Tawde will lead the city and work to free the BMC from the clutches of corruption which the previous UBT-led administration had allowed to flourish. Our priority is to ensure Mumbai’s continued progress.” The Mahayuti had also pledged that the mayor would represent Marathi and Hindu identity, reflecting the alliance’s promise during the BMC election campaign.The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the civic polls, winning 89 seats with 11,79,273 votes, accounting for 21.58% of the total votes cast. Its alliance partner, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, secured 29 seats with 2,73,326 votes. The UBT faction of Shiv Sena, in alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), won 65 seats, while the Indian National Congress managed 24 seats. The MNS contributed six seats to the alliance tally.The opposition NCP (SP) sharply criticised the BJP’s choice of Tawde, a former Congress leader, saying it demoralised loyal BJP corporators who had worked extensively for the party. NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, “By selecting a former Congresswoman as mayor, the BJP has insulted its own loyal corporators who have given their blood, sweat and tears for the party.”On the deputy mayoral front, Sanjay Ghadi, a corporator from Ward No. 5 who defected from Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was nominated by the Mahayuti for the post. Party secretary Sanjay More confirmed that the tenure would be split, allowing multiple corporators to hold the deputy mayor’s post during the term.The mayoral post in Mumbai, while largely ceremonial, carries significant political and symbolic weight, particularly in a city where identity-driven politics often intersect with civic administration. The BMC itself, India’s richest municipal body, has been under a state-appointed administrator since March 2022. Its budget for 2025–26 is pegged at Rs 74,450 crore, larger than the annual budgets of several Indian states.The Urban Development Department had last month reserved the mayor’s post for a woman from the open category after a lottery draw, setting the stage for Tawde and Sion corporator Rajeshree Shirwadkar as potential candidates. However, the Mahayuti kept its nominations under wraps until the final day, ensuring a smooth, uncontested outcome. Opposition parties did not file any nominations, completing the process before the withdrawal deadline on February 11.Tawde’s victory represents not only the BJP’s return to the mayoral office after four decades but also a consolidation of the Mahayuti alliance’s dominance in Mumbai’s civic politics. Speaking to ANI, she reiterated her commitment to working as a servant of the city, saying, “I am very happy that the people of Mumbai have given a good mandate to Mahayuti. After assuming office, I will work as a sevak of Mumbai, not as its mayor.”With the unopposed elections now set, Mumbai prepares for a historic transition in the BMC leadership, signaling a new chapter in the city’s governance after nearly three decades of Shiv Sena control.

An Iranian man recorded a final video message in English urging US President Donald Trump to abandon any potential deal with Iran’s leadership before he allegedly died by suicide.The man has been identified as Pouria Hamidi from Bushehr, a port city in southern Iran, news outlet Iran International reported. Hamidi’s video, which runs for around 10 minutes, was described as an attempt to draw global attention to what he called a brutal government crackdown on protesters.“If you’re watching this, then I’m not around anymore,” Hamidi said at the start of the recording.

He claimed he was speaking out on behalf of those killed during recent unrest in Iran and alleged that the scale of violence had been largely ignored by the international community.“More than 40,000 people died, killed, massacred. More than Russia and Ukraine war and more than Israel and Palestine,” he said in the video.Hamidi directly appealed to the US administration, urging Washington to halt any negotiations with Tehran’s ruling establishment.Addressing American leaders, he warned that any diplomatic agreement would “betray all those people who died.”“Trump told us to keep protesting, and we did. We trusted him,” Hamidi said.Hamidi expressed support for exiled opposition figure Prince Reza Pahlavi and argued that Iranians were unable to confront the regime on their own.“America attacking Iran is the only hope we have right now,” he said. “We can’t fight this regime alone. Our people need foreign intervention.”The appeal comes at a time when the United States has been exploring renewed engagement with Tehran. Although Trump had earlier threatened to take action over Iran’s handling of protests, Washington has since shown little indication that human rights concerns will play a major role in any fresh talks.Iranian authorities have provided their own figures on the unrest, acknowledging that 3,117 people were killed. The government has published a list of 2,986 names, claiming most of the dead were security personnel or civilians caught in the violence.The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says it has verified 6,964 deaths, primarily protesters, and is investigating another 11,730 suspected cases.The organisation has also documented more than 51,000 arrests in connection with the demonstrations.

NEW DELHI: Mexican authorities have announced that robot dogs will be deployed to assist police operations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as part of enhanced security measures for the tournament.The four-legged robotic units are built to venture into high-risk zones and relay live video footage to law enforcement teams, allowing officers to assess situations remotely before moving in during World Cup-related operations.

The month-long global event, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.The robot dogs were purchased by the Guadalupe city council — located in the Monterrey metropolitan region, one of the World Cup host areas — at a cost of 2.5 million pesos (approximately $145,000). Monterrey is set to stage matches at BBVA Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed Estadio Monterrey for the tournament.Footage released by local authorities shows one of the robots navigating an abandoned structure, walking up staircases with measured precision while transmitting real-time visuals back to police officers following at a distance.During the demonstration, the robotic canine confronts an armed individual and uses a built-in loudspeaker to instruct him to drop his weapon, showcasing its role in frontline assessment and de-escalation.Guadalupe mayor Hector Garcia said the robots are intended to assist officers during initial interventions, reducing direct exposure to potential threats. “The objective is to protect the physical integrity of our police,” he said, adding that the machines will be deployed whenever disturbances or confrontations arise.Estadio Monterrey is scheduled to host four World Cup matches during the tournament.

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Asian stocks inched higher on Tuesday, as Japanese equities rose after investors reacted to the emphatic election result that ushered in the country’s first female prime minister. Hong Kong’s HSI jumped 120 points or 0.45% to reach 27,147. South Korea’s Kospi also traded in green, up 5 points to 5,303 at 9:30 am IST. Nikkei also rose, reaching 57,677, up 1,313 or 2.33%. The move came after the index had already leapt 3.9% on Monday to reach a fresh record close, in the immediate aftermath of Sanae Takaichi’s party securing a landslide in the parliamentary vote. Market participants are optimistic that her leadership will bring reforms viewed as favourable for growth and for share prices. Across the Pacific, US stocks had just wrapped up their strongest session since May at the end of last week. Yet caution has not disappeared, with some investors arguing valuations look stretched after markets’ run towards record highs. On Monday, the S&P 500 added 0.5% to 6,964.82, bringing it closer to the peak reached two weeks earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was little changed, inching up by less than 0.1% to 50,135.87. The Nasdaq composite outperformed with a rise of 0.9% to 23,238.67.Meanwhile, there are concerns about the heavy outlays being made by large technology firms and others in the race to develop artificial-intelligence capabilities, and whether those investments will translate into profits big enough to justify the spending. The figures could alter assumptions about the Federal Reserve’s path for interest rates. Policymakers have paused their rate reductions for now. Precious metals continued to swing. Gold gained 2% to finish at $5,079.40 per ounce. After almost doubling over the past 12 months, it has been moving sharply, fluctuating between $4,500 and nearly $5,600. Silver, which has proved even more volatile, surged 6.9% on Monday. In cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin traded just shy of $71,000. It had briefly moved above that level during the weekend but had slumped towards $60,000 last week, leaving it more than halfway below the all-time high recorded in October. Oil prices were little changed early Tuesday. US crude slipped by 4 cents to $64.32 a barrel, while Brent crude edged down 2 cents to $69.02. On currency markets, the dollar dipped to 155.75 yen from 155.83 yen. The euro also weakened slightly, buying $1.1909 compared with $1.1916 previously.

MUMBAI: Observing that there were serious allegations that the accused procured and used a fake birth certificate to falsely claim he was an Indian citizen, a special court rejected the second bail plea of Armen Garun Ataian, a Ukrainian national and actor in the Rs 148.89 crore money laundering case related to the Torres Jewellery investment fraud case. The special Judge noted that economic offences require a more stringent approach compared to other crimes. Special Judge RB Rote stated, “An economic offence is committed with cool calculation and deliberate design with an eye on personal profit, regardless of the consequence to the community. A disregard for the interest of the community can be manifested only at the cost of forfeiting the trust and faith of the community in the system to administer justice in an even-handed manner.”Ataian (48) allegedly introduced co-accused Tausif Riyaz alias John Carter to the absconding foreign national accused and helped in opening the company’s showrooms in India. “The offence is a serious economic offence of large magnitude. In the present crime, there are about 14,964 investors who suffered a loss of Rs 148.89 crore. There are three other similar crimes registered against the company in other police stations. The main accused are still absconding, and the investigation is in progress,” the Judge said. The Judge further said that the value of the misappropriated amount was about Rs 148.89 crore, while property worth only Rs 32 crore was attached. “Therefore, considering the nature, gravity, seriousness, large magnitude of the offence, and the larger interest of society at this stage, it is not just and proper to exercise discretion and grant bail to the accused. There is every possibility of fleeing and tampering with the prosecution evidence,” the Judge said.Ataian, who was in custody for a year, sought release because the investigation was complete and the chargesheet had been filed. The defence argued that the actor was neither a director nor a shareholder of the company and that the allegations against him were based on hearsay. However, the prosecution strongly opposed the plea.The Judge observed that the accused was allegedly instrumental in introducing the key accused to local associates and remained in close contact with them until they fled India. The Judge also took note of a separate criminal case registered against the actor for allegedly procuring a fake birth certificate to claim Indian citizenship, noting that he was residing in the country without a valid passport or visa.“The economic offences having deep-rooted conspiracies and involving huge loss of public funds need to be viewed seriously and considered as grave offences affecting the economy of the country as a whole and thereby posing a serious threat to the financial health of the country,” the Judge said.