Pakistan men’s hockey team captain Bhutta Umar in action against China during an Asian Champions Trophy 2023 match at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, in Chennai. (PTI Photo)

Pakistan Hockey Federation president Tariq Bugti has resigned following the controversy over the Pakistan national team’s accommodation during its recent tour of Australia for the FIH Pro League.Bugti confirmed on Thursday that he had sent his resignation to PHF’s patron-in-chief, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.“I have sent my resignation letter to the PM but I urge him and Field Marshal Asim Munir to conduct an impartial inquiry into the whole incident which took place in Australia during the FIH Pro League,” Bugti said, as cited by news agency PTI.Field hockey is Pakistan’s national sport, though cricket remains more popular in the country. Pakistan, which has won three Olympic gold medals and four World Cups, is currently ranked 14th in international hockey.The controversy began after a video circulated on social media showing Pakistan players standing on the streets of Sydney with their luggage.Soon after the video went viral, Pakistan captain Shakeel Ammad Butt released another clip saying everything was fine and there were no issues with accommodation.However, after returning home, Butt criticised the PHF at a press conference in Lahore, blaming the federation for mismanagement during the tour. In another video, he said the team had to wander the streets due to lack of accommodation and also had to “wash dishes before playing a match.”He also said nine players had not received daily allowances from the Pakistan Sports Board and PHF for the past year.Players questioned why they faced logistical problems in Australia despite the government providing funds to the PHF for participation in all three phases of the Pro League, whose second phase ended earlier this week.Following Butt’s remarks, Bugti imposed a two-year ban on him, saying the captain had brought disrepute to Pakistan hockey.Bugti’s resignation comes as the PHF and the Pakistan Sports Board blame each other for the episode. Bugti said the PSB handled arrangements for the Australia tour and was responsible for what happened. When asked about a cheque of more than one million rupees sent by the PSB to the PHF for hotel expenses, he did not respond.The team’s head coach has also offered to resign. He said some players were very indisciplined, including Butt, who used abusive language against teammates and affected the team’s performance in the Pro League.Pakistan have lost all eight matches so far and are last among nine teams in the competition. They have also failed to qualify for the last three Olympic Games and finished 12th at their most recent Hockey World Cup appearance in 2018.Pakistan will travel to Egypt in four months to compete in the final qualifying tournament for the next World Cup.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (MREAT), in an interim order, has stayed MahaRERA chairperson’s Sept 2025 order on a flat buyer’s complaint over the promoters’ failure to hand over possession of the property in Mulund. The tribunal also stated the issuance of two versions of the order on Sept 9 and 10, 2025, “by altering contents in a few paragraphs”, both digitally signed by the chairperson, warrants full investigation by the authority.The tribunal’s order was passed following an appeal against the order passed by MahaRERA chairperson Manoj Saunik on Sept 10, 2025, which recalled and set aside two orders passed by the MahaRERA adjudicating officer.

The tribunal stated while MahaRERA can invoke the inherent power to meet the ends of justice, the same cannot be invoked if there are remedies available under the statute. Besides, there is a provision of appeal under the RERA Act, 2016, for an aggrieved person to approach the appellate forum, it said. Therefore, the authority cannot use the inherent power to hear the matter again on merits. Nowhere, a case has been made out that the adjudicating officer had abused the process of law, hence, the impugned order prima facie appeared unsustainable, the tribunal said. MREAT also observed the MahaRERA chairperson’s impugned order was passed without granting the parties an opportunity for hearing.Home buyer Pramod Ashtekar and his wife, represented by advocate Nilesh Gala, purchased a flat in Nirmal Lifestyle’s ACE and Matchpoint project at Mulund worth over Rs 1 crore in 2013. Subsequently, Ricardo Construction took over the project from Nirmal Lifestyle. The home buyers, promised possession by Dec 2015, moved MahaRERA, aggrieved by the promoter’s failure to hand over possession. The complainants and Nirmal Lifestyle settled the matter and filed consent terms in Feb 2019. Later, the complainant alleged the consent terms were breached after a while, and moved MahaRERA for “non-compliance”.Subsequently, Ricardo Constructions, which took over the project, failed to pay the amounts as per the consent terms executed with Nirmal Lifestyle and denied its liability. After the complainants filed a non-compliance application before the adjudicating officer in March 2024, the officer passed directions for issuance of a recovery warrant against Ricardo. However, Ricardo challenged the Nov 14, 2024, passed by the adjudicating officer, which led the officer to modify the amount to be recovered in its order on March 5, 2025.Thereafter, Ricardo filed another application, following which the adjudicating officer stated the execution proceedings initiated by the complainant against Ricardo cannot proceed in view of an order passed by MahaRERA chairperson on Sept 10, 2025, setting aside orders passed by the adjudicating officer on Nov 14, 2024, and March 5, 2025. MREAT held the adjudicating officer had jurisdiction to entertain the non-compliance complaint and Ricardo’s liability was determined through a reasoned order.

NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya shared a sweet birthday post for his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma on Instagram. He posted a warm photo with her and wrote, “Happy birthday my princess.” Hardik confirmed his relationship with Mahieka in late 2025. This came more than a year after his divorce from Natasa Stankovic in July 2024.

Since then, Hardik and Mahieka have been seen together many times. She has also been seen spending time with Hardik’s son, Agastya, which showed the growing closeness between them.In an interview with JioStar amid this ongoing T20 World Cup, Hardik spoke about how Mahieka helped him in his cricket journey. He admitted that he had not used his full potential as a batter. He said, “After the last IPL, I realised that I really wanted to play to my full potential. I think until now, I haven’t utilised more than 40 per cent of my batting potential.” He explained that he needed time to understand how to bring out his best form.Hardik said Mahieka played a key role in motivating him.

Hardik Pandya’s post for Mahieka Sharma

He added, “That’s when Mahieka came into my life. We started talking about the sport and how to bring that child back.” He also said, “Mahieka helped me rediscover that excitement for the game that I always had.” He shared that he trained for long hours and spent six to seven hours on the ground on some days.On Valentine’s Day 2026, Hardik got a tattoo on the back of his neck to show his feelings for Mahieka. The tattoo includes the letter ‘M’ and two leopards. The leopards symbolise their strong bond and how they push each other to be better. Tattoo artist Sunny Bhanushali explained the meaning and said, “Hardik came with the idea of an initial, but conversations revealed something much deeper. They described themselves as partners who amplify each other’s strengths. The leopard became the perfect metaphor — powerful alone, unstoppable together.”

Afghanistan provided a sentimental and clinical farewell to their departing head coach, Jonathan Trott, by securing a dominant 82-run victory over Canada at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on February 19 in T20 World Cup 2026.  The victory was built on a record-breaking batting performance that saw Afghanistan post their highest total of the 2026 edition, followed by a masterful spin display under the Chennai lights.

Although both teams had already been eliminated from Super 8 contention, the match served as a poignant tribute to Trott’s transformative four-year tenure. This result ensures Afghanistan finishes third in the ‘Group of Death,’ leaving the competition with their heads held high and a clear blueprint for the ODI World Cup 2027.

Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 95* propels Afghanistan to 200

The first innings in Chennai belonged entirely to Ibrahim Zadran, who produced a masterclass in controlled aggression to finish with an unbeaten 95 off just 64 balls. Zadran’s innings was a historic one, marking the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by teammate Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

After the early double-strike by Canada’s Jaskaran Singh, who dismissed Gurbaz (30) and Gulbadin Naib in the powerplay, Zadran anchored the innings with veteran composure before exploding in the final five overs. He found an ideal partner in the young Sediqullah Atal, who smashed a quick-fire 44, allowing Zadran to systematically dismantle the Canadian death-bowling plan with 7 boundaries and 5 massive sixes.

The pair added nearly 100 runs for the third wicket, taking Afghanistan from a precarious middle-over lull to a daunting 200/4 by the close of the 20th over. Zadran’s ability to manipulate the field and target the short square boundaries left the Canadian bowlers, particularly Dilon Heyliger, looking for answers as the Afghan total soared past the 190-mark.

Also READ: ‘Our 12th man is with us’: Shadab Khan makes big revelation after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 qualification

Mohammad Nabi’s four-wicket haul dismantles Canada in emotional farewell

Defending a mammoth 201, the ‘President’ Mohammad Nabi rolled back the years to deliver a spin-bowling clinic, claiming 4/7 to ensure Canada never stood a chance in the chase. Nabi’s variations and immaculate control on the turning Chennai surface triggered a middle-order collapse from which the North American side never recovered, as they were eventually restricted to 118/9.

While Harsh Thaker (30) and Shreyas Movva (28) showed brief resistance, the relentless pressure applied by Nabi and captain Rashid Khan, who remained uncharacteristically economical in the middle overs, forced a flurry of mistimed heaves and desperate shots. The Afghan fielding was equally inspired, with Rashid leading from the front to effect two sharp catches that punctuated the dominance of the bowling unit.

As the required run rate climbed toward the impossible mark of 15 runs per over, the lower order completely crumbled under the lights, with Ziaur Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai picking up late wickets to seal the 82-run win. The final wicket sparked emotional scenes on the field as the players embraced coach Jonathan Trott, marking the end of a golden period in Afghan cricket that saw them rise from Associate peers to global giant-killers.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Well done, Afghanistan. Finishing off with a win. Your game vs South Africa will be remembered for a long time. Many learnings from this World Cup for you. Go well, guys. 👏 @rashidkhan_19

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 19, 2026

Afghanistan ends their #T20WorldCup2026 campaign on a positive note, beating Canada by 82 runs. Not the outing they would have initially planned for, there were not many positives overall. Time to reflect on what went wrong and bring some fundamental changes in the shorter…

— Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) February 19, 2026

Today marks the end of a defining chapter for Afghanistan cricket as coach Jonathan Trott leads Afghanistan for the final time.

When Jonathan Trot took on the role of head coach, he brought experience, belief, and calm leadership. Under his guidance, Afghanistan did not just… pic.twitter.com/6lHmZOdaDo

— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi) February 19, 2026

Ibrahim Zadran –

129 runs against Australia in World Cup 2023
177 against England in Champions Trophy
95 runs against Canada in T-20 World Cup

He is very good player with aesthetic shots pic.twitter.com/lAbCCV5JgJ

— Sunil The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) February 19, 2026

Lol, Nabi registers best bowling figures in what could be his last T20I for Afghanistan. 4/7 in 4 overs. Could have been a 5-fer had Gurbaz not dropped that catch in his last over.

— JC (@jc_writes_) February 19, 2026

WHAT A KNOCK BY IBRAHIM ZADRAN. 👏

– 95* (56) against Canada in the final game of this T20 World Cup for Afghanistan. 🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/IefOoyl9ct

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 19, 2026

What a Spell. Career Best T20I Bowling figures for M Nabi 4/7#AFGvCAN #T20WorldCup @MohammadNabi007

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) February 19, 2026

Mohammad Nabi gonna play one more T20 WC with today’s bowling kerdo 😬😬

— Raghul Krishnamoorthy (@RaghulKrishnam3) February 19, 2026

Outstanding Spell By Mohammad Nabi. 4 Wickets For 7 Runs in 4 Overs. Dangerous Spell. Would’ve Got The Fifer If Rahmanullah Gurbaz Took That Catch

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) February 19, 2026

Afghanistan won by 82 runs 🔥#cricket #AFGvCAN #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/sszdRJZRfE

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 19, 2026

Also READ: Ricky Ponting predicts Glenn Maxwell’s retirement after Australia’s early exit at T20 World Cup 2026

Mumbai: A group of 102 architects, designers and planners under the banner of the Mumbai Architects Collective issued a public appeal to CM Fadnavis and BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani against the proposed redevelopment of Mahalaxmi Racecourse, warning that any underground construction could permanently damage one of the city’s last large public open spaces.The collective said Thursday the project, being projected as a park upgrade, is in reality a major infrastructure intervention, reports Richa Pinto.

Architect Alan Abraham said, “Underground parking structures and sporting facilities are capital-intensive projects. They are expensive to build and operate — to ventilate, light, secure and maintain over decades — and inevitably introduce access controls. Once built, these structures change the fundamental character of a public ground, often permanently.”The Mumbai Architects Collective warned infrastructure intervention at the open space will have long-term environmental and urban planning consequences.On Dec 15 last, hours before the model code of conduct for the BMC elections kicked in, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde in the presence of Gagrani and architect Hafeez Contractor had announced that plans for an almost 300-acre Central Park—integrating open spaces from the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and Coastal Road—will be fast-tracked.He said the complex will host international-level sports facilities along with traditional Indian sports, adding the plan also includes a 5,000 parking facility.“The racecourse is already public land and has long been used by citizens for walking, exercise and recreation. Improving access does not require excavation or the construction of underground parking, tunnels or built facilities,” said Abraham, adding the environmental role of the racecourse as a contiguous natural surface in a low-lying, flood-prone coastal city. The letter also states that such grounds are critical for rainwater absorption, groundwater recharge and flood mitigation and any underground construction would permanently compromise these functions for infrastructure that is neither necessary nor environmentally prudent.Architect Samir D’Monte said. “The govt’s proposal for a massive car park and extensive underground sports facilities seem to fundamentally misunderstand how underground concrete structures work—the area above will no longer be a natural park, it will be a concrete slab without trees and any kind of natural ecosystem, possibly ending up being covered with plastic grass.”The letter also raised concerns about proposed underground pedestrian tunnels, pointing that under Transit Oriented Development (TOD) regulations, such corridors can unlock additional FSI for nearby properties. This, they argued, reframes the proposal as part of a larger development and real estate framework rather than a simple park improvement.Architect Nitin Killawala said the racecourse is already a functioning and established open space. “By proposing additions such as sports complexes and parking facilities, we will only add to dust, construction activity and pollution,” he said. “The scale of public spending that we see may be enormous, and that money could instead be used far more effectively to revive and upgrade municipal gardens across the city.”