Ajayveer Hundal (Photos by ICC and Special Arrangements)

NEW DELHI: By the time the sun dipped behind the concrete skyline of Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday evening, a 20-year-old in Canada colours stood out. The net session was almost done, and batters were packing their kit bags.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A baby-faced Ajayveer Hundal, with his spectacles on, was lost in his thoughts, somewhat soaking in the quiet hum of a stadium he had grown up hearing about but never thought he would walk into as a player.

Over the ages, “love at first sight” has been romanticised in poetry, cinema, and folklore. Sport, however, has a way of springing its own surprises. Hundal’s first sporting love, after all, wasn’t cricket. It was ice hockey.“I used to play ice hockey,” he told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive chat on the sidelines of Canada’s net session.“In our school, it’s the biggest thing that you grow up with. Our city has a hockey team, Vancouver Canucks, with a huge fan following. So I just grew up watching hockey.”So, when did cricket enter Ajayveer’s life?Cricket arrived later.The 2019 World Cup, as far as he can recall, was the turning point.“I used to watch cricket a lot with my uncle. That [2019 World Cup] was really the peak time for me when I started watching cricket. And then in 2019-20, I started playing properly,” he said with a smile.

Ajayveer Hundal (Special Arrangements)

Born in Canada to Indian parents, Hundal decided during the pandemic that cricket was more than a hobby. And once he picked it up, he wanted to chase it seriously.The decision took him across continents, back and forth between Canada and what he calls “the Mecca of Cricket”, India, particularly Delhi, where his family has roots.“My father’s side was in the military, so they moved to Delhi quite a bit ago. My dad’s mama ji (maternal uncle) and everyone live in Greater Kailash. My bua ji (aunt) lives in Gagan Vihar,” he continued.“So yeah, it’s great to see this stadium that I heard of for so long. And being able to just be in it as a player is a great feeling.”It was his first time inside the stadium.“Inside the stadium, yes, first time,” he said. “People wouldn’t have expected it when I was coming here training that I would get the chance to play in a World Cup here. But yeah, definitely a great feeling.”Hundal has been to India three or four times just to train, as he admitted, “Coming to India, the biggest thing is you see the exposure, you see the level of talent everyone has. It really pushes you. It forces you to push yourself and adapt to the conditions here, because everyone here is so good.”That environment shaped his transition from a hockey-playing teenager to a pace-bowling all-rounder.“With the way the game’s evolving and the importance people are giving to all-rounders, I thought it’s a skill I should pick up,” he added. “And yeah, it’s doing me well so far.”An Indian mentor played the part too, with the 20-year-old finding Sarbjeet Singh, a former India U-19 player, as someone who helped him understand the game beyond technique.“Learning about the highs and lows of the game from him was really special. That really made me determined to get to this level and experience the highs that he did,” he revealed.As one of the youngest in this T20 World Cup, he is aware of the privilege and the pressure.“It’s a great experience for associate players. Obviously, India being the Mecca of cricket, it’s great to see the facilities and the competition here,” he further stated. “We’re really enjoying it, adapting to the conditions.”From frozen rinks in Vancouver to dusty nets in Delhi, from watching the 2019 World Cup on TV to being part of the 2026 edition, Hundal’s path is a lively reminder that cricket’s geography is expanding, and its romances are often unexpected.“It’s a great feeling,” he repeated, softly, as if trying to convince himself that it’s real.

Actor Rajpal Yadav, who is presently serving a jail sentence in a cheque-bounce case, will have his bail hearing on February 12. His manager, Goldie, confirmed the news and mentioned that the actor’s family remains hopeful about his release.

Rajpal Yadav’s bail hearing scheduled for February 12

As reported in India Today, Goldie said, “There is a bail hearing tomorrow, and the family is hopeful that he will be out of jail”. The manager further mentioned that many members of the film industry have stepped forward to offer financial support to the actor. He named stars like Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, adding that filmmaker David Dhawan told him his son, actor Varun Dhawan, would also contribute. He appealed to people not to stain the image of the industry.

FWICE backs Rajpal Yadav with industry support

Goldie also mentioned that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had issued a letter earlier in the day, urging its members to come forward in support. He said that many people have been forthcoming, and they are hopeful that they will sail through this situation. Rajpal is a strong man, and he has shown absolute grit during this time.

Rajpal Yadav’s family to go ahead with niece’s wedding

Addressing recent speculation, Yadav’s manager clarified that the actor’s niece’s wedding, scheduled for February 19, will proceed as planned despite the ongoing legal issues. He noted that the event had been organized well in advance and the family didn’t want current circumstances to overshadow it. He stated that the wedding was planned almost two to three months in advance, and they could not let the current situation affect it. It’s just about a week away, and the family felt they should neither call off nor postpone the celebrations. In fact, it gives them a sense of normalcy during these tense times. They are hopeful that Rajpal will be back home soon. The family is praying that he is able to attend the wedding festivities. He added that everyone is expecting an outcome from the bail hearing on Thursday.See More: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and others come out in support of Rajpal Yadav after he surrenders to Tihar jail

Rajpal Yadav’s cheque-bounce case details revealed

The Delhi High Court sentenced Rajpal Yadav to a six-month jail term in a cheque-bounce case dating back over a decade. The 54-year-old actor had allegedly borrowed Rs 5 crore from a Delhi-based businessman in 2010 to finance his directorial debut, ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. According to his lawyer, Yadav chose to surrender before Tihar Jail authorities last week after multiple efforts to settle the repayment over the years proved unsuccessful.

Rajpal Yadav opens up about his struggles

Having recently finished shooting for Priyadarshan’s ‘Bhoot Bangla’ with Akshay Kumar, Rajpal Yadav opened up about his current situation, expressing a sense of isolation within the film industry. In his conversation with Bollywood Hungama before surrendering, the actor remarked, “Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain (Sir, what can I do? I don’t have the money). Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta (I don’t see any other way out). Yahan hum sab akele hain (We are all on our own here). There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own.“

In a significant pre-match stir at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on February 11, 2026, Namibia‘s captain has voiced strong concerns over the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduling equity against India. As the ‘Eagles’ prepare to face the defending champions on their home turf, the dialogue has shifted from tactical matchups to the fairness of preparation facilities provided by the ICC. This tension comes at a critical juncture for Namibia, who are desperately seeking a win to keep their Super 8 ambitions alive following an opening-round loss.

Gerhard Erasmus questions ‘unfair’ training schedule in Delhi ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 game vs India

Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus has publicly questioned the ICC regarding the lack of night training sessions allotted to his team ahead of their high-profile clash against India. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the match, Erasmus revealed a stark disparity in the practice slots provided to the two teams at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. While India were granted two separate training sessions under the floodlights, Namibia were relegated to the 2 PM-5 PM afternoon slots, leaving them without any opportunity to acclimate to the night-time conditions they will face during the 7 PM kickoff.

“We haven’t been given a night training session before this game, I’m not sure why. I believe India has had two night sessions and I see outside that Canada will have a night training now. You can make of that what you want, but we’ll just rock up and do it the Namibian way, which is to fight.” Erasmus was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

This issue is particularly acute for Namibia due to their domestic infrastructure; Erasmus pointed out that they do not have international-standard floodlights back home, meaning most of his squad has limited experience playing under lights outside of franchise leagues like the ILT20 or the Nepal Premier League. The captain hinted that such a ‘lack of simulation’ puts associate nations at a disadvantage when facing top-tier teams who are intimately familiar with these conditions.

Also READ: Virat Kohli left out of Ajinkya Rahane’s all-time right-handed T20 XI; Rohit Sharma gets a spot

T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Namibia 

The Group A clash on February 12, 2026, sees a dominant Indian side looking to secure their second consecutive win and solidify their position at the top of the table. India enters the game following a hard-fought victory over the USA, where captain Suryakumar Yadav played a match-winning hand.

However, the Indian camp is currently dealing with its own set of challenges; opening batter Abhishek Sharma is a doubtful starter after being hospitalized with a stomach infection and viral fever. While he has been discharged, the team management is unlikely to risk him with the high-stakes Pakistan match looming on Sunday, potentially handing Sanju Samson a chance to open the innings.

On the other hand, Namibia are coming off a disappointing seven-wicket defeat to the Netherlands. To stand any chance against the world champions, they will rely heavily on the all-round capabilities of JJ Smit and the veteran leadership of Erasmus. The Delhi pitch, known for being a “belter” with short boundaries, traditionally favors the chasing side due to the dew factor, a variable that Namibia will now have to navigate without the benefit of a single night-time rehearsal. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to return to the lineup after recovering from a fever, Namibia’s batting order faces a trial by fire in front of a sold-out Delhi crowd.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan suggests a change in India’s bowling attack for Namibia clash at T20 World Cup 2026

Going for Hajj 2026? These New Saudi Visa Dates Could Make or Break Your Plans (Representative Image)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially begun issuing visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH), kicking off the process on February 08, 2026, months ahead of the expected pilgrimage in late May 2026. This early rollout is part of a proactive effort by the Kingdom to streamline planning, improve coordination with global Hajj affairs offices and ensure a smooth, well-organised experience for millions of pilgrims from around the world.

Why early Hajj 2026 visa issuance by Saudi Arabia matters

Traditionally, Hajj visa windows opened closer to the pilgrimage period itself. This year’s February 08 start date allows more time for pilgrims to complete necessary documentation, organise travel and healthcare requirements and coordinate with their national Hajj missions well before they depart. Officials have tied this schedule to an official operational calendar released to Hajj affairs offices worldwide, aimed at smoothing logistics on the ground months in advance.The early issuance also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader emphasis on strategic planning and service readiness as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasises enhanced pilgrimage services, improved infrastructure and the use of digital platforms like Nusuk and Masar for seamless processing and coordination.

What Hajj 2026 pilgrims should know

Pilgrims are encouraged to complete their documentation and verify personal details on the platform early to avoid delays or last-minute issues.

Global Hajj 2026 registration figures and Muslim pilgrim quotas

Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have already registered for Hajj 2026 via official channels. In some countries, such as India and Bangladesh, large numbers of citizens have completed registration and are progressing through the visa and health verification stages.

Saudi Arabia Opens Hajj 2026 Visas Early: What’s the Real Reason?

Saudi Arabia typically manages nation-specific quotas, allocating fixed numbers of pilgrims per country to maintain crowd control and safety during peak ritual days. Early visa processing helps national missions coordinate within these quotas and plan travel arrangements for large pilgrim contingents.

Health, biometric and documentation requirements for Hajj 2026

Pilgrims must meet several prerequisites before a Hajj visa is finalised:

How this year’s Hajj preparation by Saudi Arabia compares

Saudi Arabia’s early visa issuance for Hajj 2026 is part of an evolving pattern of front-loading pilgrimage logistics. Preparations, including planning calendars and global Hajj mission collaboration, began as early as mid-2025, when initial guidelines were shared with partner offices and accommodation contracts were locked in.

Hajj 2026 Visas Issued Early: Are Pilgrims Ready for the Changes?

This pre-emptive strategy helps reduce congestion in visa processing offices and gives pilgrims, especially those in distant regions, time to arrange flights, transport and prayer arrangements, contributing to a smoother, safer experience.

Hajj 2026 pilgrim travel and ritual timeline

While the exact dates for Hajj inspections and main rites depend on the Islamic lunar calendar (with the pilgrimage typically occurring in Dhu Al-Hijjah), officials have set visa issuance and early arrival windows to run months ahead –

Pilgrims planning their travel should align bookings with this schedule to ensure continuity between visa approval and arrival. Launching Hajj visa issuance well ahead of time, in early February, nearly four months before pilgrims are expected to reach Saudi Arabia, marks a more strategic, organised and pilgrim-centric approach to one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.Saudi authorities aim to reduce administrative bottlenecks while enhancing safety, logistical coordination and service quality at holy sites. For Hajj missions and travel agents, this early window offers better planning flexibility and less pressure compared with last-minute visa rushes of previous years. For pilgrims, it means more time to make travel, health and accommodation arrangements, a crucial advantage for families and first-time participants.Saudi Arabia’s announcement that Hajj 2026 visas began being issued on February 08, 2026 is a major milestone in the pilgrimage cycle, signalling early readiness, improved global coordination and enhanced services for millions of Muslims intending to perform this sacred journey. With visa issuance running ahead of schedule and arrivals expected from April, the Kingdom continues to refine how it hosts one of the world’s largest annual congregations.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq (AP Photo)

CHENNAI: If the online troll army is getting worried about Pakistan’s mystery slinger spinner Usman Tariq ahead of India’s blockbuster clash against the neighbours, they have MS Dhoni to blame.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Apparently, Tariq, once a sales-man working in the UAE, changed the course of his life when he decided to escape the humdrum and chase his dream when he watched ‘MS Dhoni, The Untold Story’.Inspired by the Indian legend’s moment of truth in the film, when he left his job in Kharagpur as ticket-collector to become a full-time cricketer, Tariq quit his Dubai job and returned to Paki-stan. He worked on his game, got his opportunities in franchise leagues across the world, and in captain Salman Ali Agha’s words, is now “Pakistan’s X-factor”.

It’s Tariq’s stop-start run-up and the slinging delivery action that have caused irritation among teams, IPL’s new millionaire Cameron Green adding fuel to the fire after being unable to deal with Tariq in the recently-con-cluded ODI series.Suddenly, Tariq’s action has become the talking point and after the USA struggled against him on Tuesday, the decibels seem to have risen a bit. Tariq took 3-27, taking the steam out of the USA chase, and was the fulcrum of the spin quintet, which includes part-timer Saim Ayub too.It’s the traditionally slow Pre-madasa track, where Pakistan play India next, that’s leading to the cause for worry. Tariq, who stops before delivering, is very slow through the air and it sometimes seems that the ball wouldn’t reach the bat. The batter has to create all the momentum to hit him.While his slowness is par for the course because of the quirkiness of the action, the difficulty for the batter arises when one ball suddenly comes a little faster and turns. There are voices in the cricket world which insist that Tariq chucks that delivery and that he shouldn’t be allowed to play.But the mystery spinner has found an ally from an unusual quarter in the form of the master of the craft of off-spin, R Ashwin, who posted his support on X.Eminent batting coach and former India player WV Raman, too, believes Tariq isn’t chucking, but India shouldn’t find it difficult to play him. “With a round-arm ac-tion it is very difficult to chuck … It is the quirkiness of Tariq’s ac-tion that is creating the problem. Batters are used to a rhythm where everything keeps happening in one go. When suddenly there is a pause, you start thinking about what’s go-ing on,” Raman told TOI.“But Indian batters are good enough to deal with this. Kedar Jadhav and Riyan Parag bowl like that from time to time, so it’s not that they are not used to it,” he said. Over the next few days, the chat-ter will continue. The Indian play-ers are superb players of spin bowl-ing, somebody like Shivam Dube being a designated spin-hitter. Pakistan will have a few more spin-ners in their XI in the form of Mo-hammed Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan and India will need all their skill to deal with the threat, led by Tariq.