Former India opener Virender Sehwag shared an interesting statistic after India lost to South Africa in their first Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.India gave away 187 runs after being asked to bowl first and were later bowled out for just 111 runs, losing the match by 76 runs. This heavy defeat could hurt their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Sehwag pointed out that India have never won a World Cup match while chasing more than 160 runs. He said that when the team had a chance to play like Kohli in pressure situations, players like Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya could not step up.“India have won chasing 160 only when Virat Kohli made runs. Otherwise, India have never won chasing more than 160 in a World Cup. And in most cases, he used to stay unbeaten. Be it 80, 60, or 50 not out, Kohli used to finish the match. Which player finished the match yesterday (vs SA)? In this World Cup, which batsman has finished the match? Yesterday, many players had the opportunity to become Virat Kohli,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.From Sehwag’s view, Suryakumar Yadav was not at his best against South Africa. He felt that Suryakumar looked under pressure while trying to save the match, and this stopped him from playing his natural game. Sehwag said that playing with fear does not help a team win big matches. He believes that if India want to do well in the World Cup, they must play fearless cricket and stay confident in tough situations.“Be it Surya Kumar Yadav. He doesn’t play like he played against South Africa… It felt like Surya Kumar Yadav was playing under pressure. He is playing to save. If you play like that, it is difficult to win. India will have to play fearless cricket,” he further added.Speaking about India’s strong batting line-up, Virender Sehwag said the players need to learn from Virat Kohli. He explained that while strike rate is important in T20 cricket, it does not matter much during a run chase if a batter can stay till the end and finish the match for the team. Sehwag added that Indian batters must take more responsibility in pressure situations and focus on winning games rather than just scoring quickly.“Tilak Verma had a chance. Surya Kumar Yadav had a chance. Shivam Dube had a chance. Hardik Pandey had a chance. Someone has to become Virat Kohli. Someone has to finish the match. Someone has to learn. How did Virat Kohli finish games? We talk about strike rate. Ok, I agree that strike rate matters. But when you chase, you can see the scoreboard. Then you can play as you wish and win the game. Then strike rate doesn’t matter. So, I think the players will have to take the responsibility,” he added.

To understand the magnitude of the change, it is useful to revisit how salaries have typically been paid in India. (AI image)

India’s wage and compensation landscape is entering a new and progressive phase. The implementation of the four labour codes, effective 21 November 2025, together with the new Income‑tax Act and Rules coming into force from 1 April 2026, marks a coordinated effort to modernise how salaries, benefits and social security are governed.At the heart of this transition is a unified definition of “wages” under the labour codes – a seemingly simple reform that brings consistency and transparency to pay structures that have evolved over decades. This shift is expected to strengthen the link between earnings, statutory benefits and long‑term social security. At the same time, the proposed revisions to income‑tax exemption limits are expected to enable employees to claim higher tax exemptions on select allowances and benefits, improving the overall treatment of compensation.In this environment, employers must carefully balance the wage definition under the labour codes with the revised income‑tax rules while evaluating the impact on compensation arrangements. Different components of pay now need to be reviewed through both statutory and tax lenses, requiring organisations to reassess implications on costs, benefits and competitiveness.

How salary structures traditionally worked

To understand the magnitude of the change, it is useful to revisit how salaries have typically been paid in India. Most organisations follow a Cost‑to‑Company (CTC) model, under which total compensation is split across multiple components. These usually include basic salary, allowances such as house rent allowance (HRA), special allowance, conveyance allowance, and employer contributions to provident fund and other benefits.Over time, many employers adopted compensation models where a portion of the CTC was paid as basic salary, with the balance distributed through allowances and reimbursements. This approach served two broad purposes. First, it limited the base on which statutory contributions such as provident fund and gratuity were calculated. Second, it often enhanced short‑term take‑home pay for employees, particularly where certain allowances or reimbursements enjoyed tax exemptions.

Labour codes and the new definition of wages

The labour codes seek to replace this variability with greater uniformity. Under the new framework, the definition of wages has been standardised across all four codes, creating a single reference point for calculating statutory benefits.Wages broadly include all remuneration payable for employment, subject to specific exclusions such as house rent allowance, conveyance allowance, statutory bonus, commission, specified reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Any salary component that does not fall within the prescribed exclusions may be treated as wages.A key feature of the framework is the introduction of a structural threshold. Excluded components cannot exceed 50% of total remuneration. Where this limit is breached, the excess is automatically included within wages. This effectively establishes a minimum level for wage‑linked components such as basic salary, dearness allowance and other included elements.The intent is to curb excessive fragmentation of pay and ensure that social security contributions are calculated on a more representative earnings base.It is also important to address a common misconception. Even organisations where basic salary is set at 50% of gross remuneration may be impacted. Where components such as special allowance form part of the overall pay arrangement, they may still be required to be included within wages, depending on how total remuneration is configured.

Inter‑play with the new income‑tax rules

On 7 February 2026, the draft Income‑tax Rules, 2026 were released for public consultation, signalling important changes in the tax treatment of certain allowances and benefits.As per the proposed rules, where an employee owns and uses a motor car for both official and personal purposes, the tax‑exempt limit for running and maintenance expenses borne by the employer has been increased to Rs 5,000 per month (plus Rs 3,000 per month for a chauffeur, if provided), from the current limits of Rs 1,800 and Rs 900 respectively. Higher limits apply for cars with larger engine capacity. Corresponding increases have been made to taxable perquisite values where cars are owned or hired by employers.The exemption limit for free food and non‑alcoholic beverages provided during working hours—whether at office premises or through paid vouchers—has been enhanced to Rs 200 per meal, up from Rs 50.The list of cities eligible for a 50% HRA exemption under the old tax regime has been expanded beyond the four metros to include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad.

The exemption limit for Children Education Allowance under the old tax regime has been increased to Rs 3,000 per month per child (from Rs 100), subject to a maximum of two children.The interaction between the labour codes and the income‑tax framework also needs to be viewed in the context of the old and new tax regimes. For instance, HRA is specifically excluded from the definition of wages under the labour codes. From a tax perspective, HRA may be partially exempt under the old tax regime, subject to prescribed conditions, while remaining fully taxable under the new tax regime. Similarly, the revised income‑tax rules provide for a higher tax‑exempt ceiling for free food and non‑alcoholic beverages, including meal vouchers, while the draft central rules under the labour codes propose to exclude meal vouchers from the definition of wages. These examples illustrate that the tax treatment of a component and its treatment under labour codes can differ, and that both frameworks operate independently, though in parallel.

Impact on gratuity and provident fund contributions

The revised definition of wages has important implications for social security. Benefits such as gratuity and leave encashment will now be calculated based on the new wage definition, which could increase employer outgo where the wage base expands.Provident Fund contributions, however, remain unchanged for now. Provident Fund contributions may continue to be calculated on the statutory wage ceiling of Rs 15,000 per month, or such revised ceiling as may be notified under the EPF Scheme. Employers and employees may continue contributing at 12% of basic salary where basic salary exceeds the ceiling, even if wages under the labour codes are higher. This ensures continuity and avoids an automatic reduction in take‑home pay solely due to the new wage definition.

Managing the transition

From a compliance perspective, the introduction of a uniform wage definition reduces ambiguity and interpretational disputes, particularly for organisations operating across multiple states. At the same time, employers will need to evaluate the financial implications arising from higher wage‑linked statutory benefits and ensure that systems, payroll processes and HR platforms are aligned with the new framework.An important safeguard during this transition is provided under Section 124 of the Code on Social Security. This provision prohibits employers from reducing an employee’s wages or benefits solely on account of increased statutory contribution requirements.For employees, the changes bring greater clarity on how different elements of pay are treated for statutory benefits and tax purposes, reinforcing transparency around earnings and long‑term social security coverage.Looking aheadAs central and state governments finalise supporting rules and enforcement gathers pace, the practical impact of the labour codes will become clearer. In the near term, proactive planning will be critical to managing the transition smoothly.Over the longer term, India’s new wage framework represents a structural shift toward greater consistency, predictability and alignment between labour and tax laws. By strengthening the link between earnings and social security while allowing appropriate tax relief on select benefits, the reforms mark a significant step in the evolution of India’s world of work.(Puneet Gupta is Partner, People Advisory Services Tax at EY India)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s narrow loss to England in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup triggered an ugly backlash online, with several fans targeting captain Salman Ali Agha’s family with abusive and threatening messages.Salman’s wife, Sabe, responded on Instagram, saying that directing threats at her or their child would not help Pakistan win the tournament. Despite the team’s two-wicket defeat in Pallekele on Tuesday, many supporters also condemned the toxic reactions, urging restraint and accountability on social media.

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan said such behaviour was unacceptable and called for action from the cybercrime authorities. He recalled facing similar hostility after Pakistan’s defeat in the 1999 World Cup final.Emotional reactions from sections of Pakistan’s fan base during ICC events are not new. Following the team’s quarterfinal exit against India in the 1996 World Cup, angry protesters vandalised the homes of certain players, including then-captain Wasim Akram.On the field, England became the first team to confirm a semi-final berth at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with their win over Pakistan. The defeat, coupled with Pakistan’s earlier washout against New Zealand, has left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. With England already through, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are fighting for the remaining semi-final spot.England had begun their Super 8 stage with a 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in Kandy before edging out Pakistan at the same venue. Captain Harry Brook led from the front, smashing his maiden T20I century and becoming the first skipper to score a hundred in T20 World Cup history.

Chasing 166, England were in early trouble at 58/4 in the eighth over. Brook, promoted to No. 3, rebuilt the innings with a 45-run stand alongside Sam Curran, followed by a crucial 52-run partnership with Will Jacks that shifted the momentum. He reached his hundred in style — clearing the ropes over cover before punching a boundary through mid-off.Although Brook fell with England on 155/6 and victory within sight, a brief wobble saw three wickets tumble for just six runs, adding late tension. Needing three runs in the final over with two wickets in hand, Jofra Archer sealed the contest with a boundary through mid-wicket.

T20 World Cup: What Pakistan need to qualify for semis

Pakistan’s semi-final fate will largely be determined by the result of Friday’s England vs New Zealand clash in Colombo. A New Zealand victory would take them to five points and seal qualification, making Pakistan’s final Super Eights game against Sri Lanka inconsequential.However, if England prevail, they will top the group with six points. That would leave New Zealand on three, giving Pakistan a lifeline — provided they defeat Sri Lanka in Kandy. In that case, both Pakistan and New Zealand would finish on three points, pushing the race into a net run rate shootout. The numbers, though, suggest Pakistan face a steep challenge.To illustrate, if England beat New Zealand by 50 runs, Pakistan — assuming a first-innings total of around 170 — would need to win by roughly 20 runs to move ahead on net run rate. The equation becomes even tighter if Pakistan are chasing. They would likely have to overhaul the target in about 17.5 overs to leapfrog New Zealand. Anything slower could see the Blackcaps retain the advantage.England’s strong run in the Super Eights has streamlined the table, and with Sri Lanka out of contention, the final semi-final spot is set for a dramatic conclusion. For Pakistan, it is no longer just about winning — it is about winning big, and relying on England to tilt the scales in their favour.

MUMBAI: The prospect of film tickets becoming costlier in Mumbai looms large on the horizon after the BMC’s budgetary decision to impose entertainment tax upon cinema halls after Sept 2026.This age-old, dreaded tax was not being levied in Maharashtra since the introduction of the “all encompassing GST”. GST had been brought in by the Centre to assimilate and absorb most other taxes.Entertainment tax has a direct impact on the price of cinema tickets, which are already costly and unaffordable for lower, and to an extent, even middle class families.On Wednesday Nitin Datar, president of COEAI (Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India) said, “Since the GST levy was implemented, the Centre had allowed individual states to collect entertainment tax. But Maharashtra and some northern states have not implemented it.” Datar said, “Many states in the South were levying entertainment tax, but Maharashtra was not doing so. There are many taxes that businessmen pay to the Centre and to the states. Now with the imposition of entertainment tax in Mumbai, it is almost certain that ticket prices will rise.The quantum of increase depends on percentage. If 10% entertainment tax is levied, in multiplexes the ticket cost will rise from say Rs 100 to Rs 110. But in a single screen theatre where tickets cost Rs 30-40, maximum Rs 80, even a three or four rupee increase means a lot [to low income families].”Nitin Tej Ahuja, CEO, Producers Guild of India, said, “I have not reviewed the BMC tax proposal so I am yet to ascertain what it entails and what its implications are. Conceptually, however, we have made many representations to the Central as well as various state govts against local bodies charging entertainment tax. The underpinning principle behind the introduction of the GST regime was ‘One Nation One Tax’ and one doesn’t understand the rationale why the entertainment industry should be singled out for additional levies. The whole idea behind GST was to subsume all these multiple taxes into one tax.”B N Tiwari, president of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) said, “The film and television industry has only recently stabilised after years of pandemic losses and the sharp impact of OTT platforms on theatrical footfall. Any re-introduction of entertainment tax at the municipal level must be handled very cautiously. If the levy directly increases ticket prices, the immediate burden will fall on the common audience, and that ultimately reduces footfall in theatres — which again affects workers and daily wage technicians across the industry.” Tiwari added, “FWICE believes that the objective of revenue generation for the civic body should not come at the cost of revival of cinema exhibition. We request that either the tax be kept nominal or structured in a way that it is not passed on to consumers. Otherwise exhibitors, already struggling with maintenance, electricity and rental costs, will face additional financial pressure. If ticket prices rise, audiences shift faster to digital platforms, and that harms the entire ecosystem — producers, distributors, theatre owners and thousands of workers.“Tiwari said, “Therefore, any policy must balance civic revenue with protection of employment and theatrical business sustainability. FWICE expects that ticket prices may increase if the tax is directly applied per ticket, unless the govt caps or absorbs part of the levy. Theatres could face further financial strain, especially single-screen cinemas, unless concessions or differential rates are provided.”

Chipmaker Nvidia reported stronger-than-expected results for the January quarter on Wednesday. The company also projected current-quarter revenue above market estimates, fueled by strong spending on artificial-intelligence processors by Big Tech companies.The company posted sales of $68.13 billion for the quarter, up 94% from a year ago, exceeding analysts’ estimate of $66.21 billion. Adjusted earnings came in at $1.62 per share, above the expected $1.53 per share. For the current fiscal first quarter, Nvidia forecasts sales of $78 billion, compared with the analysts’ average estimate of $72.6 billion.CEO Jensen Huang said that AI-generated output will form the foundation of future computing and the company will continue to invest in infrastructure to support this growth. CFO Colette Kress added that the company plans to reinvest its projected $100 billion cash flow this year into developing the AI ecosystem rather than returning it to shareholders, according to Reuters. Nvidia also addressed concerns over supply constraints at its chip maker TSMC, confirming it has enough inventory and capacity to meet demand for several upcoming quarters. However, the company cautioned that the shortage may affect its gaming business.The company’s revenue remains concentrated among a few clients, with two customers accounting for 36% of total sales in fiscal 2026, slightly higher than 34% in the previous year. Competition is increasing as rivals such as AMD plan new AI servers and Google supplies chips to Anthropic and potentially Meta.Nvidia highlighted that its current-quarter forecast does not include expected revenue from China. The US government recently issued licenses allowing the shipment of small amounts of H200 chips to Chinese customers, easing previous export restrictions. The company also announced it will include stock-based compensation in its non-GAAP measures to attract and retain top AI engineers and researchers.Despite the strong results, Nvidia’s stock traded flat in after-hours trading, as investors had anticipated robust numbers given the company’s 14-quarter streak of revenue beats. Analysts said that much of the growth was already priced into the stock.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath (Image/ANI)

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took a ride on Japan’s high-speed Maglev train in Yamanashi on Thursday during his official visit to the country. The futuristic train, which uses magnetic levitation technology and can travel up to 600 km per hour, gave the chief minister a first-hand experience of advanced transport infrastructure.CM Yogi arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday as part of his five-day visit to Singapore and Japan aimed at attracting global investment and strengthening industrial growth in Uttar Pradesh. His tour focuses on building partnerships in manufacturing, mobility, technology, urban development and smart infrastructure.Before reaching Japan, CM Yogi held an investor roadshow in Singapore where he pitched Uttar Pradesh as a secure and fast-growing investment destination. He said that the state has received investment proposals worth Rs 1 lakh crore, with Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised. Calling it a milestone, he said that these investments would help transform Uttar Pradesh into a one trillion-dollar economy.Assuring global investors, CM Yogi said every investment in the state is secure and highlighted how Uttar Pradesh connects “scale with skill and speed.” He added that the state has developed a new identity focused on transformation and rapid growth.Highlighting economic progress, CM said that Uttar Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product has grown from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore in nine years and now contributes 9.5 per cent to India’s GDP. He described the state as a “dream destination” for investment and a top performer in Ease of Doing Business rankings.In Japan, CM Yogi visited Yamanashi, Osaka and Kyoto and interacted with senior officials and leading corporations. A key event during the visit is the Japan–Uttar Pradesh Partnership Conference focused on manufacturing, mobility and technology, where discussions will be held with companies in sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, railways, engineering, chemicals and logistics.Meanwhile, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority has proposed developing a ‘Japan City’ and ‘Singapore City’ in Uttar Pradesh, identifying land for dedicated investment zones. During his visit, CM Yogi is expected to invite further investment proposals for these projects.

‘Thank you, Japan!’: CM Yogi posts a photo with Mt Fuji

Uttar Pradesh chief minister also shared a photo of him with Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak and a Unesco World Heritage site. In a post on X, he wrote:. In a post on X, he wrote: Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak and a Unesco World Heritage site, rises as a timeless symbol of perseverance, discipline and spiritual balance. With the majestic Mount Fuji in the backdrop, a symbol of Japan’s timeless beauty and cultural pride, it is my good fortune to witness it on a bright and sunny day. Thank you, Japan!

In a historic moment for West Indies and women’s cricket, captain Stafanie Taylor has officially etched her name deeper into the record books, becoming only the second player in Women’s One Day International (WODI) history to surpass the monumental mark. Achieved during the recent third WODI against Sri Lanka, this incredible milestone places Taylor in an exclusive club, previously occupied solely by India’s legendary Mithali Raj. It’s a testament to her enduring class, remarkable consistency, and unparalleled impact on the game for over a decade and a half.

Stafanie Taylor achieves historic record in WODIs

Notably, during the third WODI against the Lankans, Taylor accomplished the record of reaching the landmark of 6,000 runs in Women ODIs. ​Taylor’s journey to this landmark has been one of relentless dedication and supreme talent. Debuting in 2008, she quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the West Indies team, consistently delivering match-winning performances with both bat and ball. Her elegant stroke play, shrewd game awareness, and ability to perform under pressure have made her one of the most respected figures in the sport.

​Reaching 6,000 runs in WODIs is not merely a statistical achievement; it reflects a career of sustained excellence at the highest level. Over 170 matches and 160-plus innings, Taylor has faced the world’s best bowlers, adapting to various conditions and maintaining an impressive average of over 40. This consistency is a hallmark of truly great batters, and Taylor has personified it throughout her illustrious career.

​An elite club: Joining the ranks of legends

​Before Taylor, only one woman had scaled the 6,000-run peak, India’s former captain Mithali, who concluded her career with a staggering 7,805 runs. Mithali, a pioneer of women’s cricket, set the benchmark for longevity and run-scoring. For Taylor to now stand alongside her signifies her place among the pantheon of cricketing greats.

​While Charlotte Edwards famously came close, finishing with 5,992 runs, it is Taylor who has now successfully navigated the final few hurdles to claim this coveted spot. This achievement further solidifies her legacy as arguably the greatest female cricketer the West Indies has ever produced.

Also READ: Amelia Kerr’s magnificent century powers New Zealand to emphatic win over Zimbabwe in 1st Women’s T20I

Most runs in WODIs

Speaking about the match, Sri Lanka posted 217/7 in their allotted 50 overs after opting to bat first, with Harshitha Samarawickrama anchoring the innings through a composed 70 off 112 balls. Contributions from the middle order helped them reach a competitive total, but they were unable to fully capitalize in the final overs.

In reply, West Indies chased down the target in confident fashion, reaching 218/4 in 46 overs to seal a six-wicket victory. Captain Hayley Matthews led from the front with a magnificent 100 off 119 deliveries, controlling the chase with maturity and flair. Despite Sri Lanka having already clinched the WODI series with victories in the first two matches, the hosts showed character and resilience to bounce back strongly in the final ODI, avoiding a series whitewash and finishing the 50-over leg on a positive note.

Also READ: Hayley Matthews’ stunning century helps West Indies avoid clean sweep against Sri Lanka in WODI series

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.