India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, left, and Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha (AP)

India’s blockbuster T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan on February 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad not only delivered fireworks on the field but also set staggering digital records off it. JioStar, the official digital and broadcast partner of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, announced that the fixture recorded an unprecedented digital reach of 163 million, making it the highest for any ICC T20 World Cup match, surpassing even the 2024 final between India and South Africa. The scintillating performance by the Men in Blue also contributed to a 56% growth in reach over the India-Pakistan clash during the 2024 edition. Fans tuned in for a whopping 20 billion minutes of total watch time across all screens, reflecting immense engagement.

On the field, India made a ruthless statement, comfortably defeating Pakistan by 61 runs to secure a place in the Super Eight stage unbeaten. After electing to field first, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s surprise move to bowl in the opening over produced an early wicket, dismissing Abhishek Sharma. But Ishan Kishan immediately turned the tide with a power-packed display, asserting dominance from the start. Pulling Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six on the first ball, Kishan continued to attack, supported by Tilak Varma as India racked up 52 for 1 after six overs, Kishan contributing 42 off just 25 balls.Kishan’s blitz extended beyond the powerplay, hitting a 27-ball fifty and ending with a brilliant 77 off 40 balls, before being dismissed by Saim Ayub. Pakistan relied heavily on spin, using six spinners in the innings—the most ever by a team in a T20 World Cup and joint-most by a Full Member in a T20I. Saim Ayub impressed, removing Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya and finishing with 3 wickets for 25 runs, nearly claiming a hat-trick. India closed their innings at 175 for 7, bolstered by contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (32), Shivam Dube (27), and Rinku Singh (11).Pakistan’s chase never gained traction. Hardik Pandya dismissed Shahibzada Farhan for a duck, followed by Saim Ayub and Jasprit Bumrah dismantling the middle order. Even Salman Ali Agha and Babar Azam faltered under pressure, while Usman Khan’s 44 off 34 balls was the only bright spark. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah (2/17), Axar Patel (2/29), and Varun Chakravarthy (2/16), ensured Pakistan was bowled out for 114 in 17.5 overs, sealing a one-sided victory.Brief Scores:India: 175/7 (Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar Yadav 32, Shivam Dube 27; Saim Ayub 3/25)Pakistan: 114 all out (Usman Khan 44; Jasprit Bumrah 2/17, Axar Patel 2/29, Varun Chakravarthy 2/16)

NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday appeared before the MP MLA court in Sultanpur and recorded his statement in connection with a 2018 criminal defamation case linked to his alleged remarks about Union home minister Amit Shah. He later left the court premises after attending the hearing.Next hearing for the case is scheduled for March 9. The case stems from statements Gandhi allegedly made during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly election campaign. A complaint was filed on August 4, 2018, by Vijay Mishra, a BJP leader in Sultanpur, alleging that Gandhi made objectionable and defamatory remarks against Amit Shah at an election rally in Bengaluru.

According to the complaint, Rahul Gandhi had said that while the BJP claims to believe in honest and clean politics, it is led by a “party president who is an accused in a murder case”. At the time, Amit Shah was serving as the BJP national president.The remarks referred to the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. However, in 2014, a special CBI court in Mumbai had discharged Shah in the matter when he was Gujarat’s home minister. The complainant contended that Gandhi’s statement was defamatory and harmed Shah’s reputation.The Sultanpur MP MLA court later took cognisance of the complaint. In December last year, the court issued a warrant against Gandhi after he failed to appear in person.On February 20, 2024, Gandhi appeared before the court, surrendered and was granted bail. His counsel moved an application seeking bail, which was allowed after two sureties of Rs 25,000 each were submitted. The court subsequently fixed March 2 for the next hearing.In July 2024, Gandhi recorded his first statement before the court, denying the allegations and terming the case politically motivated.Following the cross examination of the complainant and witnesses, the court in January 2026 directed Gandhi to appear personally for examination under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This stage allows the accused to explain the evidence presented against him.His appearance on Friday was in compliance with that directive.The case is among several defamation matters filed against the Congress leader over remarks made during political campaigns. Gandhi has maintained that such cases are politically driven, while Congress leaders have said they have faith in the judiciary.Further proceedings in the matter are expected as the court continues to examine the evidence and hear arguments from both sides.

MUMBAI: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday met Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde at his official residence, Nandanvan, in Mumbai, to extend an invitation for the wedding of his son, Arjun Tendulkar.During the meeting, Tendulkar, accompanied by his wife Anjali, and the deputy chief minister also discussed various matters, with a particular focus on sports-related issues.On Wednesday, Tendulkar, along with Anjali Tendulkar, had met Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to invite him to their son Arjun’s wedding with Saaniya Chandhok.Sachin Tendulkar has also extended invitations to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for the wedding ceremony of Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok.Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya got engaged in August last year.The 26-year-old Arjun has played five Indian Premier League (IPL) matches for the Mumbai Indians (MI), taking three wickets while conceding 114 runs. He has also scored 13 runs in his IPL career so far. In domestic cricket, he currently represents Goa, having made his Mumbai debut in 2021.Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Arjun was traded from the Mumbai Indians to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and is set to represent LSG this season. While MI parted ways with Arjun, they secured leg-spinner Mayank Markande in a trade with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).Arjun was initially picked up by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 mini-auction for ₹20 lakh but did not feature in any matches that season.MI bought him again for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2022 mega-auction, and he made his long-awaited IPL debut in 2023, taking three wickets in four games. Ahead of IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as MI captain, and Arjun appeared in only one match that season.In the IPL 2025 mega-auction, Arjun went unsold in the initial round but was later acquired by MI at his base price of Rs 30 lakh in the accelerated round. He did not get a game that season and remained on the bench.Saaniya Chandhok hails from a prominent family background. She is the granddaughter of Ravi Ghai, Chairman of the Graviss Group. She has also been a close friend of the Tendulkar family, particularly Arjun’s sister Sara Tendulkar, for several years. (With agency inputs)

Venture into the tranquil home of Rajinikanth, the legendary superstar, where his Poes Garden bungalow radiates simplicity and grace. Priced at Rs 35 crore, the space boasts understated interiors featuring rich wood detailing and soothing neutral colors, echoing the essence of his humble spirit.

Legendary star Rajinikanth’s house is like entering a movie star’s home and more like discovering the quiet soul of a legend. The ‘Coolie’ star lives in a beautiful bungalow at 18 Raghava Veera Avenue, Poes Garden, Chennai. The house sits in one of the most well-known areas of Chennai. This home is not just a building. It holds memories, values, and years of love from people.

Minimal interiors

As we reported in the 2024 report, his house is reportedly valued at around Rs 35 crore, the interiors stay clean and minimal. Woodwork covers many parts of the house. Soft and plain colors fill the rooms. The marble flooring looks shiny and cool. In addition to it, the entrance has a large wooden door with mirrored glass panels. Inside, the walls stay calm with neutral shades. Wooden shelves hold awards, photos, and small memories. These things show his long journey, someone has completed 50 years in cinema.

A look at the kitchen

The kitchen has a touch of old and new styles. Red granite countertops add color and strength. A modern electric chimney keeps the space fresh. The design stays simple and easy to use. Natural light fills the area. The kitchen feels warm and practical. It matches his simple way of living.

Green outdoors and everyday moments

A green lawn surrounds the house. Trees, plants, and smooth stones create peace. A stone path runs through the garden. This outdoor space feels fresh and open. Rajinikanth often meets people and the media here. He welcomes them with warmth and ease. Beyond this home, he owns a peaceful white house in Pune. It feels bright and quiet. In Chennai, he also owns a wedding hall.On the work front, he is working with another Tamil legend, Kamal Haasan, for the upcoming movies, tentatively named ‘Thalivar 173’ and ‘Thalivar 174.’

The much-awaited battle between West Indies Women and Sri Lanka Women kicks off today at the picturesque National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. With ICC Women’s Championship points on the line, both teams are looking to establish dominance early in this three-match ODI series.

The series serves as a critical litmus test for two teams that rely heavily on their world-class captains. While the West Indies enjoy the home-ground advantage and the return of some legendary firepower, Sri Lanka arrive with the momentum of a side that has become a giant killer in recent months.

West Indies: Experience reigns supreme

The Windies boast a ‘Golden Generation’ roster. With Stafanie Taylor, Hayley Matthews, and Deandra Dottin in the same XI, they have arguably the most experienced trio in women’s cricket. The emergence of youngsters like Jannillea Glasgow provides the necessary youthful energy to balance the veterans.

Sri Lanka: The rising force

Sri Lanka’s success almost always mirrors the form of star captain Chamari Athapaththu. However, they are no longer a one-woman show. Vishmi Gunaratne has shown she can handle the opening duties, and Kavisha Dilhari has evolved into one of the best young all-rounders in the game. Their ability to rotate strike and build partnerships will be key against the Windies’ aggressive bowling.

WI-W vs SL-W, ODI series, Complete Schedule

Also READ: West Indies unveil 15-member Women’s squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka

WI-W vs SL-W, Squads

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Stafanie Taylor, Jahzara Claxton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Shawnisha Hector, Ashmini Munisar, Realeanna Grimmond, Shunelle Sawh, Chinelle Henry

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Imesha Dulani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani

Broadcast & Live Streaming Details

• India: FanCode
• Caribbean Islands: ESPN Caribbean, Disney+

Also READ: WI-W vs SL-W, 1st ODI, Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between West Indies Women and Sri Lanka Women?

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

MUMBAI: Indian teacher and activist Rouble Nagi on Thurdsay has been awarded the Global Teacher Prize 2026, the largest prize in the world for educators. The award, worth $1 million, was presented at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, recognising her decade-long efforts to provide quality education to children in underprivileged communities.Who is Rouble Nagi?Rouble Nagi is both a teacher and an artist who has dedicated her career to educating children who rarely attend formal schools. She is the founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, which uses art, murals, and creative methods to make learning engaging and accessible. Starting her work about ten years ago in the slums of Mumbai, Nagi transforms walls and neglected spaces into open-air classrooms where children learn literacy, numeracy, science, history, and other subjects through colourful and interactive murals.Over the years, Nagi’s foundation has established more than 800 learning centres across India, helping children who have never been to school, as well as those already enrolled but struggling to keep up. She also trains and mentors over 600 volunteer and paid educators to deliver lessons tailored to the academic level and social circumstances of each child.Nagi’s programmes are designed to tackle challenges such as poverty, child labour, early marriage, irregular attendance, and lack of basic facilities. She has introduced flexible schedules, practical lessons using recycled materials, and skill-based teaching that benefits both children and their families.In addition to her work with children, Nagi runs the Misaal India initiative, which provides skill training for women, helping them gain financial independence and start their own businesses.Accepting the award, Nagi said that recognition of work built on education, compassion, consistency, and service motivates her to continue supporting children at the margins of society. She also plans to use the prize money to establish an institute providing free vocational training for students.Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize and GEMS Education, praised Nagi, saying she represents “the very best of what teaching can be — courage, creativity and compassion”. Francis Joseph, CEO of GEMS Education, said Nagi’s influence extended beyond conventional classrooms. Stefania Giannini, Unesco’s assistant director-general for education, said the award reaffirmed a “simple truth: teachers matter”.Rouble Nagi is the 10th recipient of the Global Teacher Prize, launched in 2015. Past winners include educators from Kenya, Palestine, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, recognised for their innovative and impactful work with disadvantaged students.

Tariff payments by midsize US businesses grew three times over the past year, according to new research released Thursday by JPMorganChase Institute. One of the US’ leading banks, it added that this shows signs of economic strain linked to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.The JPMorgan study, cited by the Associated Press, indicates that companies employing a combined 48 million people across the US, a segment frequently highlighted in Trump’s economic messaging, are facing mounting cost pressures. Businesses have been forced to adapt by raising prices, trimming hiring, or absorbing the impact through reduced profit margins.“That’s a big change in their cost of doing business,” said Chi Mac, business research director at the JPMorganChase Institute, which published the analysis. “We also see some indications that they may be shifting away from transacting with China and maybe toward some other regions in Asia,” he added.The report stopped short of detailing how the added costs ripple through the broader economy, but it did clarify that US firms are bearing the tariff payments. The findings add to a widening set of studies challenging the administration’s long-standing assertion that the burden falls primarily on foreign exporters.Researchers at the JPMorganChase Institute relied on payments data to examine businesses that typically lack the pricing leverage of large multinationals, yet retain enough flexibility to reconfigure sourcing strategies. The companies analysed generally fell within the “middle market” bracket, with annual revenues ranging from $10 million to $1 billion and workforces of fewer than 500 employees.The data suggested progress toward one of the administration’s stated objectives, which is reducing direct dependence on Chinese manufacturing. Payments flowing to China from these firms were running roughly 20 per cent below October 2024 levels. However, the study notes that the figures alone cannot determine whether supply chains have genuinely shifted or if goods are simply being rerouted through intermediary countries.The authors emphasised that businesses remain in a transition phase, describing tariff-related adjustments as ongoing. They indicated that further analysis is planned as trade patterns continue to evolve.White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai dismissed the findings, calling the analysis “pointless” and saying it didn’t “change the fact that President Trump was right.” The study, however, shows US companies paying duties that President Donald Trump has previously argued would be absorbed by foreign entities.During a visit to Georgia on Thursday, Trump reiterated his defence of the policy while touring Coosa Steel. He expressed confidence that the measures were benefiting domestic industry and voiced disbelief that the US Supreme Court would weigh the legality of certain tariffs. “The tariffs are the greatest thing to happen to this country,” Trump said.Despite the administration’s argument that higher duties would help narrow trade imbalances, newly released figures from the US Census Bureau showed the trade deficit widening last year. The gap increased by $25.5 billion, reaching $1.24 trillion. Trump stated on social media this week that he expects a trade surplus “during this year.”Senior officials have continued to frame tariffs as an economic positive. Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, sharply criticised separate research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which concluded that nearly 90 per cent of tariff costs were borne by domestic businesses and consumers.“The paper is an embarrassment,” Hassett told CNBC. “It’s, I think, the worst paper I’ve ever seen in the history of the Federal Reserve system. The people associated with this paper should presumably be disciplined.”According to New York Fed researchers, Trump raised the average US tariff rate to 13 per cent last year, up from 2.6 per cent. The administration justified elevated duties on products including steel and household fixtures on national security grounds. In April 2025, Trump invoked an economic emergency declaration — unveiled at an event branded “Liberation Day” — to implement a broad baseline tariff.Those moves initially unsettled financial markets, triggering volatility that later eased as the administration adjusted rates and pursued trade negotiations with multiple countries. The Supreme Court is now expected to determine whether the emergency declaration exceeded presidential authority.Although inflation has remained relatively stable during Trump’s current term, economic indicators have shown signs of strain. Hiring growth slowed markedly, and academic economists estimate that consumer prices are approximately 0.8 percentage points higher than they might otherwise have been without the tariffs.

Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday signed into law a long-awaited amnesty bill, paving the way for the potential release of hundreds of political prisoners jailed in recent years.The legislation was unanimously approved by the Venezuelan parliament earlier in the day after several previously delayed sittings. Rodríguez enacted the bill at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, framing it as a step towards reconciliation.“One must know how to ask for forgiveness, and one must also know how to receive forgiveness,” she said following the signing ceremony.The move comes amid mounting domestic and international scrutiny over the fate of detainees held during the turbulent final years of former president Nicolás Maduro’s rule.Who Is Excluded?Despite its broad scope, the amnesty law contains significant exclusions.Article 9 specifies that individuals prosecuted or convicted for promoting or participating in armed actions, or for facilitating foreign intervention against Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, will not qualify for amnesty.This clause could affect high-profile opposition figures, including Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, whom the ruling party has accused of advocating international intervention — including the US military raid that led to Maduro’s capture on January 3.United Nations human rights experts urged caution ahead of the vote, warning that the law’s scope must be carefully limited. In a statement from Geneva, they said it should apply to victims of human rights violations while expressly excluding those responsible for serious abuses and crimes against humanity, whether state or non-state actors.Retroactive Reach and Lingering DoubtsThe new law applies retroactively to 1999, covering major flashpoints in Venezuela’s modern political history.These include the failed coup against Hugo Chávez, the 2002 oil strike, and the 2024 unrest that followed Maduro’s disputed re-election.For families of detainees, the measure has raised hopes that loved ones could soon return home. However, critics fear the legislation could be used selectively — potentially shielding government allies while denying relief to genuine prisoners of conscience.Prisoners and PressureHuman rights groups estimate that hundreds, possibly thousands, of Venezuelans were detained in recent years over alleged plots to overthrow Maduro’s government. Family members have reported torture, mistreatment and neglect of inmates’ medical needs, news agency AFP reported.Citing NGO Foro Penal, the report said around 450 prisoners have been released since Maduro was ousted, but more than 600 remain in custody. In recent weeks, relatives have staged vigils outside prisons, while a small group in Caracas ended a nearly week-long hunger strike on Thursday.Political BackdropRodríguez assumed power after Maduro was captured during a US military raid in early January. Her interim government has operated with the consent of US President Donald Trump, reportedly in exchange for granting Washington access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.On Wednesday, the head of the US military command responsible for operations against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the region met Rodríguez in Caracas, alongside Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello — both long-time Maduro allies known for their staunch anti-imperialist rhetoric.The amnesty bill marks Rodríguez’s most significant domestic policy move since taking office, and its implementation is likely to serve as an early test of her administration’s commitment to reconciliation in a deeply polarised nation.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has once again made headlines with his bold predictions about India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Just days after labelling Abhishek Sharma as a “slogger,” Amir has now targeted the entire Indian team, claiming the defending champions will not make it to the semi-finals. According to him, Suryakumar Yadav’s India, unbeaten in the last three ICC events, will fail to progress beyond Super 8s Group A. India defeated the Netherlands in their last group-stage match on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, advancing to the Super 8s without dropping a single match in the tenth edition of the T20 World Cup. Despite this, the team’s performance has been far from flawless, with the batting side leaving much to be desired.

For starters, Abhishek Sharma is yet to open his account in the tournament, recording three consecutive ducks. Looking at India’s batting so far, Amir suggested that teams like South Africa and the West Indies could exploit the side’s weaknesses. During the ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show, the anchor asked Amir about his semi-final predictions from Group A of the Super 8s. Amir replied, “South Africa and the West Indies.” When the anchor remarked that he didn’t think India would make it to the last four, Amir shook his head firmly. “If you see their matches, the batting collapsed in all the games, barring the Pakistan contest. The pressure will rise in the Super 8 matches. The way in which South Africa and the West Indies have been playing, they can beat any team,” he said while explaining why he doesn’t see India reaching the semi-finals. India will start their Super 8s campaign on Sunday, February 22, against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The team will then travel to Chennai to face Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26. Their final Super 8s match will be against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 1. Meanwhile, in Group B, Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka will compete for two semi-final spots. Amir has predicted that Pakistan and New Zealand will advance from the group. The Super 8s stage will begin on Saturday, February 21, in Colombo with Pakistan facing New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium.