Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi shakes hands with England’s captain Harry Brook after bowling the latter out during the T20 World Cup cricket match in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. (AP)

TimesofIndia.com in Kandy: As Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign teetered on the edge, one moment captured both the pain of defeat and the spirit of the game. When Shaheen Shah Afridi finally dismissed Harry Brook for a sublime century, the Pakistan fast bowler walked across, shook hands with the England captain, and offered a gesture of genuine respect.“He deserved it because he had the world class innings in his life,” Shaheen said later. “I think it’s the best innings. Anyone who plays like that, you should appreciate it.”“Harry and me had a very good friendship,” he said. “We played together in PSL. Anyone who plays an innings like that, you should appreciate it,” he added.

Brook’s hundred at Pallekele was not merely a match-winning knock. It was a captain’s innings played under pressure on a difficult surface, and it came at the direct expense of Pakistan’s semi-final ambitions. England’s victory has sealed their place in the last-four, while Pakistan now need results elsewhere to keep their campaign alive.“These things happen in cricket,” Shaheen said, who picked up 4 for 30 against England. “But we are still in the tournament, anything can happen. We are thinking that we get this one opportunity. Firstly, we should win this match. I hope New Zealand loses their match.”The reality, however, is harsh. Pakistan’s margin for error has evaporated, and Shaheen acknowledged that their own shortcomings played a role in the defeat, particularly with the bat.

Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates the wicket of Phil Salt during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. (AP)

“I feel on a wicket like this you need a partnership and you need somebody like a set batsman who can bat through the middle overs,” he said. “But unfortunately we lost wickets back to back, which is why we did not go for that 180 to 190 score.”That contrast was evident in Brook’s innings. While Pakistan struggled to stitch partnerships together, Brook anchored England’s chase with clarity and control.“If you see one side, Harry Brook, the way he went, wickets were falling, but he was still in the crease,” Shaheen said. “He was rotating the strike and building the partnership. I think we missed that opportunity.”Shaheen reserved special praise for Brook’s preparation and shot selection, noting that the England captain succeeded where others struggled.

England’s captain Harry Brook celebrates his century during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

“I never see a batsman (batter) like him,” he said. “Today he was properly ready for every ball to hit it. He was well prepared for us.”The admiration was not born overnight. Shaheen and Brook share a bond forged during their time together in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with the Lahore Qalandars. Shaheen recalled watching Brook long before he became a mainstay for England.“When we picked him in PSL Lahore, I don’t think he played for England at that time,” Shaheen said. “He was just playing county cricket. But he played on Asian wickets and improved a lot. Today he came at number three. You need a leader who can take responsibility in big games.”Brook’s promotion up the order did not surprise Shaheen, but the manner in which he embraced the responsibility stood out.“Not surprised actually, but the way he took that responsibility as a captain, that was the best innings he played,” Shaheen said. “It was a captain’s innings.”

Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates a wicket during the T20 World Cup Super Eight match against England. (Getty Images)

For Shaheen himself, the match was also personal. After being left out of two games earlier in the tournament, he returned with a fiery opening spell that gave Pakistan early hope.“Yes, you said I was dropped,” Shaheen said. “But my focus was to work on my bowling, how to come back, and maintain my normal things so that I can give good results.”He dismissed any talk of having something to prove.“I don’t need to prove to anyone,” he said. “My job is whenever I have an opportunity, I will go and give 100 percent for my team.”Shaheen hits out at Hesson

Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson (R) with Shaheen Afridi during a practice session. (PTI)

Shaheen, who is Pakistan’s ODI captain also took a jibe at coach Mike Hesson’s obsession with having more all-rounders in the team. “Look, he has a mindset, he is a head coach. I think he knows better than us how to run a team. And he is responsible for that,” he said.Shaheen explained that his emphasis on bowling a consistent length was a conscious decision based on conditions.“If the wicket depends on length, why not go for length balls?” he said. “They were struggling and I was just trying to bowl the same length.”His early success, including a first-over wicket, helped him settle quickly. “Whenever I play, my job is to take wickets early,” he said. “That’s why I bowl the first over. Today I was just planning how I can take wickets.”Despite Shaheen’s burst and Pakistan’s promising start, Brook ensured that the game drifted away. His innings exposed the fine margins that now define Pakistan’s campaign. Missed partnerships, soft dismissals, and an inability to control the middle overs have left them relying on permutations rather than performances.Pakistan’s World Cup fate now rests partly in others’ hands. For England, and for Harry Brook, the night at Pallekele may be remembered as the moment a leader truly announced himself, even to those he left behind.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is engaged in a slew of military exercises with the US and Japanese defence forces simultaneously to enhance interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics.A US army contingent is currently in India to participate in 16th edition of the India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar, being conducted at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Army contingent, represented by Special Forces units, comprises 45 personnel, while the US will be represented by 12 personnel from the Green Berets of the US Special Forces.The previous edition of the exercise was held at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US, in Nov 2024.

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The aim of Vajra Prahar is to promote military cooperation between India and the US through enhanced interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise is designed to strengthen combined capabilities for conducting joint Special Forces operations in mountainous terrain. The training will focus on a high degree of physical conditioning, joint mission planning and the execution of joint tactical drills.The 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) commenced on Tuesday at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. The exercise will be conducted from Feb 24 to March 9. This edition brings together a 120-member contingent from each side, with the JGSDF represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.In another military drill, the Indian Army conducted Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran field firing ranges on Tuesday to validate operational preparedness and integrated combat capabilities in the desert sector. The exercise integrated advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone capabilities, precision strike rockets, modern artillery platforms and networked surveillance systems. The Integrated Manoeuvre Force comprised Main Battle Tanks (T-90), Infantry Combat Vehicles, K-9 Vajra, Sharang and Bofors artillery systems, rocket platforms, indigenous ALH Weapon System Integrated helicopters, Apache attack helicopters and a range of surveillance and strike drones, the release noted.

A 57-year-old Sikh temple volunteer, Avtaar Singh was killed in California after being abducted earlier this month, authorities said. He was found dead days after he was reported missing.In a startling twist, officials have now confirmed that Singh was not the intended target of the kidnapping that led to his death.San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told local media that Singh was not the intended target of the kidnapping and homicide.“This was not a random act,” Withrow said. “They were targeted after another individual for a specific reason and we’re hoping that reason comes to light.” Authorities have not disclosed further details about the motive or how Singh ended up in Napa County.Singh, a longtime sevadaar and cook at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash complex in Tracy, was reported missing on February 17 after he was allegedly abducted from the temple premises in the afternoon. Surveillance footage reviewed by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office showed a white SUV and three individuals dressed in dark clothing with Singh and he appeared to have entered the vehicle against his will. His wife alerted authorities later that evening when he did not return home. The couple’s six-month-old triplets were found alone at their residence within the temple complex, according to KTVU. Three days later, Singh’s body was discovered near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, nearly 100 miles from Tracy and about a two-hour drive away. The vehicle believed to be involved was also located at the scene. Confirming the development, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the kidnapping victim, Avtar Singh, has been located deceased. Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate this case and identify those responsible for this terrible act.”Addressing members of the gurdwara congregation, San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Freitas described Singh as an innocent victim. “He was in no way responsible for the evil that came to him,” Freitas said, while also urging anyone with information to come forward, highlighting that there are “people who saw things, people who know things.”Singh was widely known within the Sikh community for his service and humility. He had served for years at institutions linked to Damdami Taksal, including at the Tracy gurdwara where he resided and worked as a cook. Community members described him as dependable and selfless, someone who could be counted on to fix anything around the property. A fundraiser organised to support his family described him as known for his “humility, quiet dedication, and loving nature that made everyone feel like family,” adding that his absence has left a profound void.His funeral is scheduled to be held at Fry Memorial Chapel, followed by prayers and a community meal at the gurdwara. Investigators continue to probe the circumstances of the abduction and killing, while urging anyone with relevant information to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

MUMBAI: Indian startups have laid off more than 4,500 employees since July last year, data sourced from executive search firm Longhouse Consulting showed. The sudden ban on online real-money gaming which nudged many startups to shut overnight has pushed the numbers up but much of it also has to do with the selective flow of capital into companies and investor pressure to turn profitable. This means leaner teams and focus only on filling up roles that are key to growth.

Besides, with firms increasingly betting on AI and many founders building AI-first startups, the approach by design now is to have smaller headcount. Consider home decor startup Livspace, for instance, which recently sacked 1,000 staff in AI push. “Investors are now rewarding startups that can achieve significant milestones with optimised headcounts. By building lean, startups are not just reacting to tighter funding environment; they are de-risking their models against macroeconomic volatility. This lean by design approach allows for longer runways,” said Viswanath PS, MD & CEO at Randstad India. Even early stage startups looking to raise growth funds need to show at least a path to profitability early in the game now, said Anshuman Das, CEO and founder at Longhouse. “From the start, hence, they are designing the companies very differently. They are not doing big hiring in all functions but only adding incremental hires and senior hiring wherever it is a must,” Das said. Also, as many startups head for IPO, they are cutting costs and trying to turn in a profit, Das said. “Much of the big money in 2024 and 2025 flowed into quick commerce. Sectors such as traditional SaaS are not attracting big money with the AI economy taking over,” said Das.Real-money gaming startups aside, companies including Porter, Zepto, Krutrim and Zupee have also sacked people during the period, the data showed. “There are some targeted corrections, especially in roles that were over-hired during the boom phase. Every hire has to justify itself. If not, the position is reconsidered. Hiring is definitely more selective and strategic,” said Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO at CIEL HR. The pace of layoffs, though, has moderated in recent times and even as entry-level hiring remains cautious, demand for specialists with 4-10 years of experience has grown. Green-tech and AI-first ventures will lead job creation, said Viswanath, adding that as companies look to optimise operational costs, many jobs will move to tier two hubs. Traction will also be seen in hiring for remote tech roles by overseas startups, said Das.

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions on Tuesday, as England secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 45th match of the T20 World Cup. While the Super Eights, Group 2 encounter provided high-octane cricket that saw Harry Brook etch his name into the history books, the evening was unfortunately marred by a violent physical altercation in the stands that has since gone viral.

Tensions boil over as England and Pakistan supporters fight during Super 8 encounter

Despite the festive atmosphere typical of Sri Lankan cricket hubs, tensions reached a breaking point during the mid-innings interval. An ugly brawl erupted between a section of the traveling England supporters and Pakistan fans, specifically centering on a spectator identified as Saud. Video footage captured by onlookers shows a heated verbal exchange rapidly escalating into a physical scuffle, forcing local Sri Lankan security and nearby spectators to intervene to prevent serious injury.

The incident gained massive digital traction after Australian influencer Jake Jennings shared the footage on social media. Jennings labeled Saud a “serial offender,” claiming he had witnessed the individual causing similar disruptions earlier in the tournament, and publicly urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to implement a stadium ban.

However, Saud offered a starkly different account of the provocation. Speaking to local reporters after being escorted from the section, he alleged that the England supporters were the aggressors, claiming they “misbehaved” and threw beer at him, an act he described as a deep personal and cultural insult. While the ICC and Pallekele stadium authorities have yet to release a formal disciplinary statement, the footage has sparked a heated debate regarding fan conduct and security protocols for the remainder of the knockout stages.

Here’s the video:

Play silly games, win silly prizes.

Serial offender. Time for the @ICC to take a stand. #cricket #worldcup pic.twitter.com/pdbrAG13tY

— Jake Jeakings (@JakeJeakings1) February 24, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Irfan Pathan slams Pakistan media after England defeat leaves their campaign in crisis

Harry Brook’s historic ton powers England to the semi-finals

On the field, the narrative was dominated by a masterclass from England Captain Brook. After Pakistan elected to bat first, they posted a competitive 164/9. Sahibzada Farhan was the standout performer for the Men in Green, continuing his golden run with a gritty 63 off 45 balls. While Babar Azam (25) struggled for timing, Liam Dawson’s clinical spell of 3/24 kept the Pakistani middle order in check.

England’s chase began in nightmarish fashion. Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a trademark opening burst, removing Phil Salt for a golden duck with the first ball of the innings before accounting for Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell. With the scoreboard reeling, Brook promoted himself to No. 3, a tactical gamble that paid off in spectacular fashion.

Brook smashed a breathtaking 100 off just 51 deliveries, becoming the first captain ever to score a century in a Men’s T20 World Cup. His maiden T20I hundred turned the tide, though a late-inning collapse saw him fall to a searing Afridi yorker. With 3 runs required in the final over and nerves frayed, Jofra Archer held his composure to smash a boundary, finishing the game at 166/8 with five balls to spare.

This victory officially makes England the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, while Pakistan must now win their final fixture and rely on net run-rate math to keep their trophy dreams alive.

Also READ: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenario after falling to England in Super 8