Pakistan‘s crushing 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash at the R Premadasa Stadium has ignited fierce criticism from former fast-bowling great Shoaib Akhtar, who launched a blistering attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leadership.

Speaking in the aftermath of the high-voltage encounter, Akhtar did not mince words as he questioned the direction of Pakistan cricket and the decision-making at the top. His remarks, widely circulated across television and digital platforms, have added fuel to an already raging debate about accountability within the board and the team.

Shoaib Akhtar questions PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership

Without directly naming him at first, Akhtar’s criticism was clearly aimed at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The former pacer expressed serious doubts over whether the board’s current leadership possesses the vision and competence required to steer Pakistan cricket through turbulent times.

He argued that appointing individuals without adequate cricketing understanding to crucial administrative roles can have damaging consequences. According to Akhtar, leadership at the top plays a defining role in shaping team culture, performance standards and long-term planning.

In a strongly worded statement, Akhtar suggested that giving major responsibilities to those lacking the necessary expertise inevitably leads to organizational decline. His remarks were not limited to a single defeat but reflected broader concerns about systemic issues within Pakistan cricket.

“Now one guy doesn’t even know he’s the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team run now? You’re saying one guy, you’ve made him a superstar, he can’t win a single match. You’ve made him a star who can’t win a single living match. Brother, when you make these kinds of stars, when you choose them, when you pick them, then you’ll have this problem only. But again, the point is, if you see, you know what the biggest crime in the world is? The biggest crime in the world is that you give a big job to an incompetent person,” said Akhtar on ABP News.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Fans celebrate Ishan Kishan’s heroics as India hammer Pakistan to secure Super 8 spot

Senior players under fire

Akhtar also turned his attention to Pakistan’s senior cricketers, questioning the continued faith placed in experienced names who failed to rise to the occasion. He pointed out that repeated underwhelming performances in marquee matches cannot be overlooked indefinitely.

Against India, key figures such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan struggled to make an impact. Their inability to deliver in one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes has intensified scrutiny on team selection and leadership dynamics. Akhtar appeared particularly frustrated with what he described as the creation of “untouchable stars.” He warned that elevating players beyond accountability can foster complacency and weaken competitive spirit within the squad.

“When you give a big job to an incompetent and ignorant person, he will destroy the country. He will bring down any organization. The example is in front of you, you’re intelligent enough to understand,” Akhtar concluded.

India dominate once again

The defeat further extended Pakistan’s recent struggles against India in global tournaments. In front of a packed Colombo crowd, India outclassed their rivals in all departments — from disciplined bowling to calculated batting under pressure. Pakistan’s batting faltered during the chase, while their bowling unit failed to contain India’s aggressive top order. The one-sided nature of the contest left fans disappointed and intensified calls for structural reforms.

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav lose cool at Kuldeep Yadav during IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 showdown

There are several changes in the draft income tax rules that impact the way you pay income tax. (AI image)

Draft Income Tax Rules 2026: The Income Tax Department has released a new set of draft income tax rules, which once finalised, will be applicable for financial year 2026-27. There are several changes in the draft income tax rules that impact the way you pay income tax, withdraw cash, pay in cash etc. and the need to quote your PAN card number for a variety of transactions.Following the release of the draft rules, the government has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders, with February 22, 2026 set as the deadline for submitting feedback. After reviewing the responses received, the revised rules will be finalised, formally notified, and are expected to take effect from April 1, 2026.Under the proposed framework, the threshold limits for several transactions requiring PAN Card details to be disclosed have undergone a change.

Draft Tax Rules 2026: Changes in Mandatory PAN Card Quoting

One of the main changes related to mandatory quoting of PAN Card relates to the limit for quoting PAN in transactions involving the purchase or sale of immovable property has been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.Also Read | Draft Income Tax Rules 2026 explained: How you can save Rs 1.41 lakh tax outgo – top points on HRA, PAN changes Similarly, the requirement to disclose PAN for cash deposits has been modified, increasing the threshold from Rs 50,000 in a single day to cash deposits of Rs 10 lakh or more during a financial year in a bank, cooperative bank, or post office. Mandatory Quoting of PAN – Rule 159 (earlier Rule 114B)

Table source: Grant Thornton BharatThe draft also proposes that PAN Card details be shared if the total cash withdrawals reach Rs 10 lakh or more in a financial year across one or multiple accounts held by an individual.Cash depositsUnder the current rules, PAN must be quoted when cash deposits of more than Rs 50,000 in a single day at a bank or post office are made. The draft income tax rules seek to revise this by introducing a higher threshold, requiring PAN details to be shared when total cash deposits are of Rs 10 lakh or more during a financial year across multiple accounts. The same annual limit has also been proposed for cash withdrawals, making PAN mandatory once withdrawals reach Rs 10 lakh in a financial year.Purchase of motor vehiclesIf you buy a motor vehicle at present, the PAN Card details are required for all, excluding motorcycles. However, as per the proposed new income tax rules, PAN disclosure is compulsory only when the value of your motor vehicle or motorcycle is over Rs 5 lakh.Hotel and restaurant paymentsCurrently, PAN must be provided for payments made towards hotel or restaurant bills of over Rs 50,000. The draft rules suggest increasing this threshold to Rs 1 lakh.Transactions involving immovable propertyExisting regulations require PAN to be quoted for property transactions valued above Rs 10 lakh. The proposal recommends raising this limit to Rs 20 lakh.Insurance policiesAt present, PAN Card details are required when insurance premium payments are made above Rs 50,000. The draft income tax rules broaden this requirement. They extend the need for PAN Card to any account-based relationship maintained with insurance companies.

IT stocks have taken a massive hit, losing over Rs 6 lakh crore in market value across eight sessions, with the Nifty IT index dropping more than 8 per cent. The sell-off stems from fears that AI could automate core IT services like application development, maintenance, and testing – the backbone of Indian IT companies’ outsourcing model. However, major software companies are actively working to adapt their business models and convince stakeholders that AI won’t eliminate their services entirely.The situation isn’t entirely negative, according to recent research. JP Morgan belives that AI is “discounted for extinction” , but will create new opportunities in areas like modernising old systems and building AI trust services, as quoted by ET.HSBC pointed out that AI typically needs to work within existing business systems, where IT companies still play a crucial role. “In large organisations, AI is unlikely to run as a standalone “magic box”. It usually has to work with data systems, access permissions, audit checks and risk controls, areas where large IT vendors and enterprise platforms still matter,” it said.The main concern for investors is whether AI will cut into IT companies’ profits by reducing the workforce needed for projects. Motilal Oswal estimated 9-12 per cent of sector revenue could be lost over 3-4 years due to AI-driven productivity gains.India’s top IT firms are responding with practical changes. They’re using AI coding assistants and automation tools across their operations. As Sandeep Gogia from Equirus Capital said, “They’re training their manpower on AI tools and AI-assisted coding, and learning to work with AI agents, either their own or through partners.”Among the major players, TCS has invested in a 1 GW AI data center and trained over 350,000 employees in AI skills. Infosys is focusing on its Topaz platform and has developed more than 100 AI agents for specific business tasks. HCL Tech is differentiating itself through engineering-focused AI solutions, while Wipro has committed $1 billion to AI development over three years.The key challenge isn’t whether companies will use AI, but rather who will benefit most financially. IT companies are trying to move up the value chain, offering more sophisticated services while using AI to maintain their profit margins.As Vinit Bolinjkar from Ventura said, there’s a shift happening “from a headcount-led model to an outcome-led, IP-led model.”(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market and other asset classes given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Ishan Kishan plays a shot during the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan in Colombo. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson delivered a blunt and telling verdict after his side’s crushing 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup in Colombo, admitting that one fearless innings had effectively decided the contest long before the chase fell apart. Hesson said Kishan’s aggressive approach and rare form proved the decisive difference in the marquee clash, acknowledging that the opener’s brilliance had dismantled Pakistan’s plans on a challenging surface.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I think he’s fearless. He’s able to score on both sides of the ground. So, he’s not just committed to the leg side. We know he’s incredibly strong there, but he can reverse. So, if you’ve got spin, especially in the power play, it can be a challenge,” Hesson said after the match.

Kishan’s breathtaking 77 off 40 balls powered India to 175 for seven, but more importantly, it broke the backbone of Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy on a slow Premadasa Stadium pitch. He attacked the slower bowlers with authority, scoring 66 runs off 37 deliveries against spin and forcing Pakistan’s bowlers out of their comfort zone.Hesson admitted that pressure created by Kishan forced his bowlers away from their strengths and ultimately changed the course of the match. He noted that apart from Kishan and a brief contribution from Shivam Dube, scoring was difficult, underlining just how exceptional the knock was. “That certainly was a standout amongst the whole match, really. The way Kishan played took the game away from us,” Hesson said.

Pakistan’s problems deepened in the chase as they collapsed for just 114, never recovering after early wickets. The heavy defeat pushed them to third place in Group A, leaving their qualification hopes dependent on beating Namibia in their final league match.Hesson admitted the loss had hit the team hard emotionally, given the magnitude of the fixture. He said the dressing room was deeply disappointed because the players understood how much the match meant. “We know that it’s a huge event — Pakistan against India. We’ve won five games on the bounce, we’re confident, but today we got outplayed,” he said.Despite the setback, Hesson urged his players to stay composed and respond positively. He emphasised that major tournaments often test teams under pressure and that Pakistan’s challenge now was to trust their decision-making and return stronger. He said the key question was how players reacted when put under pressure, whether they stuck to their basics or moved away from them. According to him, improving that response would be crucial in the matches ahead.

NEW DELHI: Bharat Electronics Limited on Monday approved signing a Joint Venture Agreement with Safran Electronics & Defence, France, for the HAMMER weapon system project, formalising a 50:50 equity partnership between the two firms.The approval was granted at BEL’s board meeting, the company said in a stock exchange filing. The operationalisation of the joint venture will be subject to regulatory and administrative approvals in both India and France.Under the agreement, BEL and Safran will incorporate a private limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. The registered office and principal place of business will be located in Pune or any other mutually agreed location.The joint venture will operate a “Center of Excellence” to act as a technology and teaming partner for the manufacturing, supply, maintenance and repair of the Guidance Kit of the HAMMER weapon system. The primary end users will be the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, while other Indian users may be included based on mutual agreement.The company will be incorporated with an initial authorised share capital of Rs 1,00,000, comprising 1,000 equity shares of Rs 100 each. This may be increased up to Rs 10,00,00,000 or any other amount depending on business requirements.

The board of the joint venture will consist of four directors, with two nominated by BEL and two by Safran. The Chairman will be appointed by the nominees and will not have a casting vote.Also read – ‘Hammer’: Used in Op Sindoor to crush Pakistan; India inks pact with France for homegrown hellfire – why the deal mattersThe move is expected to strengthen domestic technological capabilities in the production and lifecycle support of critical components of the HAMMER system, aligning with India’s push for greater indigenisation in defence manufacturing.

HAMMER Operation Sindoor: Precision strikes with flexibility and control

The Indian Air Force deployed HAMMER precision-guided weapons during Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, as part of calibrated cross-border strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 that killed 26 civilians. Nine sites were struck, including Jaish-e-Mohammed’s base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s hub in Muridke.Weapon selection was central to the operation. The IAF used a layered mix of SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER precision-guided bombs and loitering munitions. Within this mix, HAMMER was used where flexibility and adaptability were essential.

Its modular design and multiple guidance options enabled tailored strikes based on target characteristics and real-time assessments. The system allowed stand-off engagement without requiring aircraft to fly directly over heavily defended areas. Its off-axis launch capability reduced exposure to air defence networks, particularly near populated and sensitive military zones.By pairing HAMMER with SCALP, the IAF demonstrated a layered strike doctrine, with SCALP targeting deep and hardened objectives and HAMMER engaging medium-range sites requiring precision and manoeuvrability.

What exactly is HAMMER and how it works in combat

HAMMER, short for Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range, officially designated AASM from the French Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, is a precision-guided air-to-ground stand-off weapon designed to bridge the gap between conventional bombs and cruise missiles.Despite often being described as a missile, HAMMER is fundamentally a guided bomb system. It consists of a standard unguided bomb fitted with modular guidance and propulsion kits, converting it into a high-precision strike weapon.The system has two core components. The first is a nose-mounted guidance section that determines navigation and targeting. Depending on mission needs, it can combine inertial navigation and GPS for all-weather strikes, infrared imaging for fixed targets, or laser guidance for engaging moving targets.

The second is a tail-mounted range extension kit with a solid-fuel rocket booster and manoeuvrable winglets. After release, the booster increases stand-off range while the winglets allow sharp turns and off-axis attacks. This enables aircraft to strike accurately while remaining outside heavily defended airspace.HAMMER kits can be attached to bombs weighing 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg and 1,000 kg, including Mark 80 series bombs. This scalability allows use against a spectrum of targets, from lightly protected structures to hardened bunkers.In operational settings, HAMMER offers modularity, manoeuvrability and precision, making it suited to modern air operations where flexibility and controlled escalation are key.

NEW DELHI: A 9-judge bench of Supreme Court will hear the pleas relating to discrimination against women at religious places, including Kerala‘s Sabarimala Temple.The hearing is set to begin April 7 and proposed to be concluded on April 22. The composition of the 9-judge bench will be notified by the Chief Justice of India separately through an administrative order.A bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi passed the orders on Monday for the listing of the reference before the 9-judge bench.“A nine judge bench shall commence hearing in these matters on April 7, 2026 (Tuesday) at 10:30 AM. The review petitioners or the parties supporting them shall be heard from April 7-9, April 2026. The original writ petitioners opposing the review petitioners shall be heard on April 14-16, 2026. The rejoinder submissions if any will be heard on April 21, 2026 followed by the final and concluding submissions by the learned amicus which is expected to be over by April 22. The parties shall adhere to the above time schedule,” the top court noted.“The nodal counsels in consultation with arguing counsel of the parties shall prepare the internal arrangement so that oral submissions from both sides can be heard within stipulated timeline” it added.Listed along with these were petitions relating to the issues of Muslim women’s entry in Dargah/mosques, entry of Parsi women in Fire Temples if they have married a non-Parsi, validity of the practices of excommunication and Female Genital Mutilation among Dawoodi Bohra community.In 2018, a Constitution Bench of the apex court, permitted the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, striking down the centuries-old practice that barred women between the ages of 10 and 50.Subsequently, a nine-judge Constitution Bench on February 10, 2020 upheld the decision of the Sabarimala Review Bench to refer to a larger Bench broad questions concerning the interplay between essential religious practices, equality, and constitutional morality across faiths.Centre along with other parties are supporting the review petitions, effectively challenging the 2018 ruling that allowed entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.The original writ petitioners now respondents in the review proceedings, are opposing the review pleas and seeking to uphold the 2018 judgment.

In a high-octane clash that lived up to its billing, India extended their psychological edge over arch-rivals Pakistan with a commanding 61-run victory at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This Match 27 of Group A, held on February 15, 2026, was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent as the Men in Blue officially secured their spot in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. However, despite the celebratory atmosphere in the stands, the final moments on the field were marked by uncharacteristic tension between some of India’s senior players.

Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav rebuke Kuldeep Yadav

While the scorecard reflected a clinical performance, an unexpected visual emerged after Hardik Pandya scalped the final wicket to bowl out Pakistan for 114. As the Indian contingent gathered to celebrate their entry into the next round, the cameras caught Hardik looking visibly miffed. Instead of a standard high-five, he was seen reprimanding spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The intensity didn’t stop there; captain Suryakumar Yadav also approached Kuldeep, seemingly expressing his displeasure in a stern manner.

The friction reportedly stemmed from a lapse in the 18th over. Shaheen Afridi had launched a short delivery from Hardik toward the long-on boundary. Kuldeep, stationed right at the edge, appeared to have settled under the ball, but the catch fumbled through his fingers and over the ropes for a six.

The frustration shown by the leadership group highlights the high standards set for this World Cup campaign. Even as Rinku Singh stepped in to play the peacemaker and Tilak Varma looked on with concern, the message was clear: in a tournament of this magnitude, even a harmless dropped catch can be the difference between a trophy and a heartbreak.

Here’s the video:

Here is video of Hardik Pandya & Surya Kumar Yadav angry on Kuldeep Yadav #INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BsGCCprKNc

— cricketkayudh (@cricketkayudh) February 15, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Fans celebrate Ishan Kishan’s heroics as India hammer Pakistan to secure Super 8 spot

India’s dominant win against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

Despite the post-match drama, India’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass. After being put in to bat on a sluggish Colombo track, India lost Abhishek Sharma early for a duck. However, Ishan Kishan turned the tide with a blistering 77 off just 40 balls, dismantling the Pakistani pace attack and setting the foundation for a total of 175/7. Contributions from Suryakumar (32) and Shivam Dube (27) ensured India stayed well above the par score.

Pakistan’s chase never found its rhythm. Pandya set the tone by taking a wicket in his very first over, removing Sahibzada Farhan. The Indian bowling unit operated like a well-oiled machine. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 114 in 18 overs, marking India’s 8th win in 9 T20 World Cup meetings against their neighbors. With three wins in three games, India moves to the top of Group A, while Pakistan now face a must-win scenario against Namibia to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya’s early blow rocks Pakistan as Sahibzada Farhan falls for duck during IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 clash

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court rapped the divisional joint registrar, cooperative societies (Mumbai), for setting aside an order granting a man membership in a Peddar Road housing society.Justice Amit Borkar on Feb 9 said the authority under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act is concerned with the membership regulation, and that it is not a civil court deciding succession disputes. “Therefore, the revisional authority exceeded its jurisdiction in setting aside the order of conferment of membership on grounds which fall outside the limited scope of such proceedings,” he added. In 1974, Pravinkumar Dave’s father nominated him, then a minor, for the flat and a garage in Alpana CHSL that was let out to a company. Dave’s father died a year later. In 2002, Dave wrote to the society to make him a member. But as the society did not accept his request, he approached the deputy registrar (D ward), who in Feb 2006 directed the society to confer membership on him. The society and a person claiming tenancy rights challenged the order in revision before the divisional joint registrar, who set it aside on the ground that the nomination form contained “overwriting” and held that in the “absence of an unimpeachable and undisputed” nomination document, Dave could not be granted membership. Dave’s advocate, Satyavan Vaishnav, said that out of ten legal heirs, six issued no-objection supporting Dave. One had predeceased, two did not object. Only one objected to Dave’s claim. Justice Borkar said the legal position of a nominee was settled. In 2016, the Supreme Court made it clear that nomination does not create ownership in favour of the nominee. It enables the society or authority to deal with one identified person after the member’s death.Justice Borkar noted that Dave’s father left no will. “In such a situation, succession opens in favour of all ten legal representatives in accordance with the personal law applicable to them,” he explained. The record showed “the majority of the heirs” supported Dave.The order granting membership was not challenged by the objecting heir, but by the society and a person claiming to be a tenant.” “A tenant has no locus (standi) to question the internal arrangement among legal heirs regarding membership of the society,” said Justice Borkar. The society also did not dispute Dave’s eligibility under the Act or byelaws. “In such circumstances, the revisional authority ought not to have interfered with the order granting membership, particularly when the dispute, if any, was essentially inter se between legal heirs,” said Justice Borkar. He quashed and set aside the order.