Shoaib Akhtar and Mohsin Naqvi (Agency Image)

Shoaib Akhtar made headlines again this week after appearing to backtrack on his scathing remarks about Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The former pacer, who had called Naqvi “incompetent and illiterate” during an appearance on an Indian news channel, attempted a delicate retraction less than 24 hours later on Pakistani television. His effort, however, came across as fumbling and awkward.Speaking on ARY News, Akhtar insisted that his harsh words were aimed at the broader state of cricket administration in Pakistan, not Naqvi personally.

“The words ‘incompetent and jaahil (illiterate)’ that I used were not meant for Mohsin Naqvi bhai. It looked like I said those words for him. The incompetency topic I spoke about was from a broader perspective: that such a person can destroy any institution. My hint was not towards Mohsin Naqvi (said while fumbling repeatedly) but the top brass that is running international cricket. But the television channel twisted it. In the same programme, I also said that we should not say wrong things about Mohsin Naqvi, he is a good guy. He wants to help Pakistan cricket but does not get the right advice,” Akhtar explained.He added that his frustration with Naqvi was limited to the PCB chief’s sudden U-turn on the boycott stance against India in the T20 World Cup. “I am angry with him as he took a stand but did not stick with it. The entire community was with him. He could have asked me about taking the U-turn,” he said.

What Shoaib Akhtar originally said on Mohsin Naqvi

Akhtar’s initial criticism had been blunt. On ABP News, he questioned Naqvi’s suitability for the PCB chairman role. “If you make me the chairman of a channel, how would I know how to run it? Now there is a person who does not know, and he is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. So what can be done now? How will the team function like this?” he asked. “Do you know what the biggest crime in the world is? Giving a big job to an incompetent and illiterate person.”The former pacer also weighed in on the criticism surrounding Pakistan’s star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi following the defeat to India. “Shaheen is not fit. He is not able to bowl over 125 kmph. Secondly, Babar Azam is not going to deliver until you play him as an opener. He is of no use in the middle order. This format is not made for him. Shadab is also an unusual choice, I do not understand it. I do not think we are compatible against India. They are playing a cricket that is 50 years ahead of us.”He concluded with a sweeping assessment of Pakistan cricket. “Everyone is to be blamed for this – myself, the cricket board, media, everyone. We picked the wrong people, made them stars. We did not invest in cricketing infrastructure.”

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a “MASSIVE Trade Deal with Japan,” under which Tokyo will make a “$550 BILLION commitment to invest in the United States of America.” The White House unveiled three large-scale investment projects backed by Tokyo with a combined value of $36 billion, representing the first tranche under Japan’s $550 billion commitment to invest in the United States as part of the newly agreed trade arrangement. Under the trade deal, the US will slash tariffs on Japanese imports to 15%.The initiatives cover energy exports, power generation and advanced manufacturing, spread across Texas, Ohio and Georgia.Announcing the development on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said, “Our MASSIVE Trade Deal with Japan has just launched! Japan is now officially, and financially, moving forward with the FIRST set of Investments under its $550 BILLION Dollar Commitment to invest in the United States of America — part of our Historic Trade Deal to REVITALIZE the American Industrial Base, create HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of GREAT American Jobs, and strengthen our National and Economic Security like never before..”He added that the projects would focus on “Oil & Gas in the Great State of Texas, Power Generation in the Great State of Ohio, and Critical Minerals in the Great State of Georgia.”The announcement also includes a $33 billion natural gas-fired power plant in Portsmouth, Ohio. Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said that the facility would generate 9.2 gigawatts of electricity annually, describing it as the largest natural gas-fired generating facility in US history. According to him, the output would be more than enough to power all homes in Ohio.The plant will be operated by SB Energy, a subsidiary of Japanese technology investor SoftBank Group. The additional capacity is expected to strengthen baseload supply at a time when electricity demand is rising quickly, driven by data centres supporting artificial intelligence applications, Reuters reported.Referring to the Ohio facility in his post, Trump wrote, “The scale of these projects are so large, and could not be done without one very special word, TARIFFS. The Gas Power Plant in Ohio (A State I won THREE TIMES!) will be the largest in History, the LNG Facility in the Gulf of America will drive Exports, and further our Country’s Energy DOMINANCE, and our Critical Minerals Facility will end our FOOLISH dependance on Foreign Sources.“A second major project involves Japan’s investment in the $2.1 billion Texas GulfLink deepwater crude oil export terminal off the Texas coast. The White House said the funding would support the development of the offshore facility.Lutnick, as cited by Reuters, stated, “This project is expected to generate $20–30 billion annually in U.S. crude exports, secure export capacity for our refineries, and reinforce America’s position as the world’s leading energy supplier.”Texas GulfLink, being developed by Sentinel Midstream, confirmed its participation in the initiative and said it was “honored to be a trusted partner with the US department of commerce and the government of Japan.”The third project will see the establishment of a synthetic industrial diamond manufacturing plant in Georgia, valued at around $600 million. Lutnick said the high-pressure facility would meet 100 per cent of US demand for synthetic diamond grit, a material used in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor production. The United States currently relies largely on China for such supplies.The White House said the plant would be operated by Element Six, an industrial diamond company and a unit of De Beers Group, the world’s largest diamond producer.It remains unclear how much of the total project costs will be financed directly by Japanese entities and under what specific conditions. Under an earlier US-Japan agreement, profits from such ventures were to be shared equally until Japan’s initial investment was recovered, after which the split would shift to 90-10 in favour of the United States.The announcements followed meetings last week between Lutnick and Japan’s economic and trade minister, Ryosei Akazawa. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Akazawa said that several issues were still unresolved before deals could be formally announced.

Chanting is not just about repeating a mantra. It is traditional science which aligns human body to universe and cosmic order. A human body can be visualzied with Panchakosha are Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya and Anandamaya, and the Tri Sharira are Sthula Sharira, Sukshma Sharira and Karana Sharira. Chanting helps in aligning everything with the universe. Most often mantra is seen as collection of letters, however, it is collection of sound (naad) and letters. This is why there are broadly two types of chanting i.e Silent Chanting and Lound Chanting

Loud Chanting (Vaikhari)

Vaikhari means the mantra is spoken clearly so the sound is heard. This stage is important because it engages the body first. The breath becomes rhythmic, the chest opens, and the vibration moves through the physical system. It also prepares the space itself. Sound has a clearing effect, so loud chanting helps create a supportive atmosphere for practice rather than starting in a scattered environment. When the mind is dull or distracted, Vaikhari brings it back quickly because the body, breath and voice all participate. For that reason it is always useful at the beginning of chanting.

Silent Chanting (Upanshu)

Upanshu is when the mantra is repeated very softly, almost like a whisper or lip movement without sound. Here the work begins shifting inward. The rhythm remains, but the attention turns toward the mind and emotional field. Upanshu helps stabilize thought flow and creates alignment between the mantra and inner feeling. It reduces restlessness without breaking continuity, that is why it acts as a bridge between loud chanting and mental repetition.

Silent Chanting (Manasika)

Manasika means the mantra is repeated entirely in the mind. There is no sound and no movement, only awareness holding the repetition. At this stage the mantra begins working on the subtle body, the ukshma sharir, and influences deeper layers of the panchakosha. It refines thought patterns and steadies attention of thoughts. With regular and consistent practice, the repetition can continue quietly even outside formal chanting, shaping perception and emotional response at a subtle level.

How to Use Them Together

The simplest method is to begin with a few minutes of Vaikhari so the body and space are prepared. Then allow the chant to soften into Upanshu as the mind steadies. From there it naturally moves into Manasika, where the repetition becomes internal. In this progression the mantra moves from sound to mind to subtle awareness of person.

PM Modi with France’s Macron.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared a car ride with French President Emmanuel Macron as the two leaders travelled to the India-France Innovation Forum after holding bilateral and delegation-level talks in Mumbai.Macron posted a picture of the two leaders in the car with the caption “Jai Ho”.PM Modi said that after talks and press statements at Lok Bhavan, they were heading to further engagements, including the Innovation Forum.

During the visit, India and France elevated their ties to a ‘special global strategic partnership’, pledging to expand cooperation in defence, trade and critical minerals. Both leaders described the relationship as a ‘force for global stability’ amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.Following the talks, the leaders also virtually inaugurated an assembly line in Karnataka’s Vemagal to manufacture H125 helicopters by Airbus, a move expected to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.The two sides signed 21 agreements and documents aimed at expanding collaboration across sectors such as critical minerals, defence, high technology, renewable energy and healthcare.Key agreements included a defence cooperation pact and a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Ltd and Safran to manufacture Hammer missiles in India. Another agreement provides for reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces.PM Modi hosted Macron for the talks hours after the French president arrived in Mumbai for a three-day India visit. “The world is going through a period of uncertainty. In such an environment, the India-France partnership is a force for global stability. We are combining France’s expertise and India’s scale,” PM Modi said in his media statement.He described France as one of India’s oldest strategic partners and said both sides have infused their relationship with ‘unprecedented depth and energy’. “Based on this trust and shared vision, today we are establishing our relationship as a ‘special global strategic partnership’,” PM Modi said, adding that the partnership supports both global stability and progress.Referring to the helicopter project, PM Modi said the assembly line reflects deep mutual trust. He noted that the helicopter can operate at extreme altitudes, including near Mount Everest, and will be exported globally. “In other words, the India-France partnership knows no boundaries; it can reach from deep oceans to the tallest mountain,” he added.

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its critical group stage crescendo, South Africa aim to maintain their flawless streak, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) looks to pull off the ultimate heist. They will clash at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

South Africa enter this fixture as the undisputed leaders of Group D. Following a clinical 7-wicket demolition of New Zealand and a nerve-shredding double Super Over win against Afghanistan, Aiden Markram’s men are playing with a clarity and conviction that has eluded them in past tournaments. A win tomorrow mathematically guarantees them a spot in the Super 8s.

UAE, meanwhile, has been the giant-killer in waiting. Currently sitting third in the group with 2 points, they survived a scare against Canada and put up a spirited fight against the Kiwis. For Muhammad Waseem and his squad, this is more than just a match; it’s a rare opportunity to upstage a top-tier nation on the world’s biggest stage.

SA vs UAE, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 18 (Wednesday); 11:00 am IST / 5:30 am GMT
• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

SA vs UAE, Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

Matches played: 0 | South Africa won: 0 | UAE won: 0

Arun Jaitley Stadium Pitch Report

For this clash, the surface at Arun Jaitley Stadium is likely to behave like a classic Delhi track, slow, gripping, and increasingly helpful for spinners as the game wears on. Early in the Powerplay, the pitch should appear reasonably flat, allowing batters to play their strokes with confidence. However, once the new ball softens, the surface is expected to hold up and stay a touch low, making timing far more challenging. Spin is set to play a decisive role through the middle overs, continuing a tournament pattern where slow bowlers have claimed a significant share of the wickets. Since this is a morning fixture, dew will not come into play — unlike night matches where chasing sides often benefit. Under these conditions, a total in the 155–165 range could prove more than competitive.

Squads

South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka

UAE: Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Pathum Nissanka smashes century to take Sri Lanka into the Super 8 with a win over Australia

SA vs UAE, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• South Africa wins the toss and bats first
• South Africa powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• South Africa total score: 195-205

Case 2:

• UAE wins the toss and bats first
• UAE powerplay score: 35-45 (6 overs)
• UAE total score: 165-175

Match result: Afghanistan to win the contest.

Also WATCH: Pathum Nissanka pulls off a screamer to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in AUS vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 game

Pakistan cricket team (AP/PTI)

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign has reached a critical juncture. A win against Namibia in their final league fixture on Wednesday is non-negotiable if Salman Agha’s men are to keep their Super 8 hopes alive. Anything less, and their tournament ends prematurely.The pressure has mounted quickly. After bold claims that this was a stronger outfit than the one that faltered against India in the Asia Cup, Pakistan suffered a familiar 61-run defeat on Sunday. While their clashes with India in the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups were tight, they still fell short. Since the Asia Cup, India have now registered four comfortable wins on the trot, reinforcing Pakistan’s struggles in marquee encounters.

Scrutiny has intensified around senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Shaheen failed to control the game in the PowerPlay or at the death, returning figures of 1 for 31 in two overs. Babar’s issues against spin continue to surface — his strike-rate against spin since returning to the T20I side stands at 101.70 — raising questions about balance and intent in the middle order.Selection dilemmas loom. Salman Mirza and Fakhar Zaman are in contention should the management opt for changes. Pakistan’s heavy reliance on spin — 13, 16 and 18 overs across three games — also reflects a side still searching for the right combination.Namibia, though eliminated, are not without motivation. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon as co-hosts, they are keen to gather momentum. For Pakistan, though, the equation is simple: win or go home.In the other fixture, India face the Netherlands in the night game. Having already secured qualification for the Super 8s with three wins from three matches, India will view this contest as an opportunity to fine-tune combinations and tick a few remaining boxes.Abhishek Sharma is yet to get going in this T20 World Cup, and the team management will be keen for their No. 1 batter to spend valuable time at the crease ahead of the knockout stage. Getting runs under his belt could prove crucial in the business end of the tournament.There could also be changes in the bowling department. Kuldeep Yadav might make way for Arshdeep Singh, who was included as an extra spinner against Pakistan. With qualification already secured, India may use this match to test their bench strength and settle on the most balanced XI for the Super 8s.

Today T20 World Cup matches – Tuesday, 18 February

Sidharth Malhotra’s father, Sunil Malhotra, has passed away. The last rites were completed in Delhi in the presence of close family members.The actor, along with his wife Kiara Advani, rushed to the capital as soon as he received the news to attend the funeral and stand by his loved ones during this difficult time. According to Hindustan Times, those close to the family confirmed that while the ceremonies have concluded, the couple will continue to stay in Delhi for a few days.Sunil Malhotra, a former Merchant Navy captain, was a towering influence in Sidharth’s life. The actor has often spoken about the deep respect and admiration he held for his father, once calling him his “favourite hero” and a constant source of inspiration. Those close to the family say the loss has left Sidharth deeply affected.

When Sidharth spoke about his father’s health and his mother’s sacrifices

In March last year, Sidharth had candidly spoken about his father’s prolonged health struggles during a conversation with Lilly Singh. He had revealed that Sunil Malhotra had been unwell for some time and admitted to feeling ashamed about not fully acknowledging his mother Rimma Malhotra’s sacrifices.“My father’s not been healthy for a while, and me being scared or angry at times, tend to be a little more harsh on my mother because she’s the one who’s taking care of the meds. My father’s not keeping well to do that and within that I realized… we got up one morning and just having coffee and tea in Delhi and she started speaking about 20 years back… what she had to deal with when we were much younger or when I wasn’t there or when I was trying to make my own life,” he had shared.

He had further added, “She would hide that information from us as to you know what my father’s going through and uh and I felt uh I felt slightly ashamed of the fact that I didn’t really give her that credit for the years building up to my father’s health… During that period, my mother had made so many sacrifices that I wasn’t aware of, and I had to deal with her with far more sensitivity and love.” Despite being a public figure, Sidharth has maintained privacy around the personal tragedy, choosing to grieve quietly with his family. Over the years, he has credited his parents for keeping him grounded and rooted despite the fame and pressures of the film industry.On the occasion of Father’s Day last year, Sid wished his dad, calling him his ‘favourite hero’.“Happy Father’s Day, Dad! You have been my favourite hero since childhood and will always be! From admiring your style, fitness, to your sense of humour, you truly are the best I know! – Your Biggest Fan #MyDadMyCaptain #HappyFathersDay,” he wished his father.Also See: Sidharth Malhotra mourns his father Sunil Malhotra’s loss: ‘You left us peacefully in your sleep, but the space you leave behind is immeasurable’