COLOMBO: It was barely five minutes after the match was over at the Premadasa Stadium on Sunday when Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube were back in the middle, bowling on the practice pitches. No over-the-top celebrations, no outpouring of emotions, just a sense of another routine victory against a Pakistan team that India don’t think are their match at the moment.The 61-run win, the fourth on the bounce after their hat-trick of victories against their once arch-rivals in the Asia Cup, have now ensured a Super-8 spot for India. A lot had happened in the build-up to this game and even on Sunday, the much-anticipated handshakes between the captains didn’t happen.While the unease off the pitch persisted, India were just too much when the ball rolled. Even a few months ago, Ishan Kishan (77 off 40 balls) wasn’t even close to a spot in the Indian T20 team. But now that he is there, the 27-year old is proving that he can give his teammate Abhishek Sharma a run for his money as the best T20 opener in the world.Abhishek’s early dismissal on a slow Premadasa track could have been a big blow, but not when Ishan was in the form that he is in. The Pakistan bowlers were dealt with disdain and the cuts and sweeps that the Jharkhand boy unleashed took India to 52 runs in the first six overs, which was at least 20 over par on this track.“The pitch was not that easy. Sometimes, you just have to believe and focus on your strengths. I was just watching the ball, sticking to my strengths and making them run as much as possible,” Man of the Match Kishan said at the end of the match.After his exit, India showed smartness to reach a total of 175 against some quality spin, pushing Pakistan into taking tremendous risks right at the beginning of their chase.They were not up for it with Jasprit Bumrah (2-17) and Hardik Pandya (2-16) doing the early damage. The spinners, who bowled 18 of Pakistan’s 20 overs, came into play for India only after the pacemen had all but sealed the deal.“This is for India. We played the brand of cricket we wanted to play. We thought 175 was 15-20 runs over par — 155 would have made it a very tight game,” captain Surya Kumar Yadav said, as the thousands of touring Indian fans went home a happy lot.This story continues on page 17 in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below.Jaishankar on Russia ties: Firmly wedded to strategic autonomyNew Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India remains firmly committed to strategic autonomy, even as the global energy markets evolve and partnerships shift. He was responding to a question at the Munich Security Conference whether a recent trade agreement with the US would affect New Delhi’s energy ties with Russia and if India was finding it difficult to exercise its strategic autonomy in the current circumstances.India maintains its energy policy is driven by national interests and the actual crude sourcing is done by oil companies taking into account pricing, reliability and other market conditions.“We are very much wedded to strategic autonomy because it’s a part of our history and our evolution. It’s something which is very deep, and something which cuts across the political spectrum as well,” he said.Addressing concerns over energy sourcing, the EAM described the global oil market as complex and dynamic, stressing that commercial considerations guide procurement decisions.“As for energy issues, this is a complex market today. Oil companies in India, as in Europe, as probably in other parts of the world, look at availability, look at costs, look at risks and take the decisions that they feel are in their best interest,” he noted.Jaishankar said that in a rapidly changing global environment, countries continuously reassess their calculations and partnerships.“So many things are changing, and so many of us are doing our calculations and recalculations,” he said, adding while India may not agree with all partners on every issue, dialogue and a willingness to find common ground remain important.“We would not necessarily agree on everything but I do believe that by doing that, and if there is an inclination to find common ground and overlaps, that would happen,” he said.Noting India’s independent decision-making, he said, “If the bottom line of your question is would I remain independent-minded and make my decisions? And would I make choices which sometimes may not agree with your thinking or somebody else’s thinking, yes, it can happen.”He met with G7 foreign ministers and their global counterparts at the Munich Security Conference 2026, reiterating India’s support for the UN80 agenda and underscoring New Delhi’s role in safeguarding global security.Jaishankar also stressed on India’s role in safeguarding sea lines of communication, acting as a first responder in crises, strengthening port security and contributing to resilient submarine cable infrastructure.

A viral video circulating online claims that Offset anonymously delivered 10,000 heart-shaped balloons to Cardi B on Valentine’s Day which has sparked speculation about a possible reunion. The video is going viral also because of Cardi B’s rumored split from Stefon Diggs following the NFL season.However, there is currently no verified evidence confirming that Offset arranged the balloon delivery.

The video shows a large Valentine’s-themed balloon setup, with social media users alleging that Offset organized the display as a romantic gesture toward his ex-wife. Some posts also reference a cryptic lyric quote shared online, interpreting it as a message directed at Cardi B.The rumors also spread because of the timing, Valentine’s Day and Cardi’s widely discussed relationship issues with Stefon Diggs. Fans are now connecting the dots, suggesting the balloons were part of a reconciliation attempt.But at this point, those claims remain unverified interpretations, not confirmed facts.Additionally, the origin of the balloon video remains unclear. Viral clips often circulate without context, and similar large-scale Valentine’s displays are commonly created for private individuals, influencers, or promotional events.Without verifiable sourcing, the claim cannot be treated as confirmed.There is no verified evidence that Offset delivered 10,000 balloons to Cardi B on Valentine’s Day. The claim appears to be based on viral speculation rather than confirmed reporting.Until either Cardi B or Offset addresses the situation directly, the reunion narrative should be treated as unconfirmed rumor, not established fact.Cardi B and Offset were married in 2017 and later divorced. They share three children. Cardi B started dating Stefon Diggs in 2025. Breakup rumors between Cardi B and Diggs surfaced following recent social media activity and post–Super Bowl attention when they both unfollowed each other on social media after the game.

Salman Ali Agha, the losing side captain on February 15th night, blames the spinners after a shameful defeat against the archrival India by 61 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Ahead of the India vs Pakistan match, the spinner of the Pakistan cricket team is considered their trump card. In reality, Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav exposed the bowling attack of Pakistan. Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh also added significant runs from their brief knocks.

Salman Ali Agha accused the spinners

Salman Ali Agha directly said that it was bad for business for their spinners. He pointed out that the spinner failed to execute in multiple moments. Agha repeatedly mentioned the execution, which they might have been unsuccessful in doing.

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“Our spinners had an off day. Execution was missing in some parts. We believe in our spinners; they’ve done well in the last six months,” the Pakistan skipper said after the match.

Against India’s 175, Pakistan wrapped up their innings for only 114 runs in 18 overs. Ahead of the match, there were many talks around the controversial spinner Usman Tariq. Tariq, in his 4-over spell, took the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav against an economy rate of 6.00. Abrar Ahmed, another experienced spinner from Pakistan, proved very costly for the team. He spent 38 runs without claiming a single wicket in 3 overs.

Batters also failed to convince

The bowlers, precisely the spinners, might have failed to execute. But most of the Pakistani batters also failed to justify their skills. The total of 114 is the proof.

“We lost too many wickets in the powerplay with the bat. In the first innings it was tacky; the ball was gripping as well. The execution was missing with the ball. Pitch played better in the second innings than it did in the first,” Agha added.

Salman Ali Agha confident about bouncing back

Wherever the India vs Pakistan match takes place, crowds gather in large numbers to see the rivalry live. On February 15, Colombo was not an exception. The full house also could have put extra pressure on the cricketers.

“In these kinds of games, the emotions are always going to be high. Have to deal with it. Have played enough games like that. Have a game in two days’ time; have to look forward to that. Need to win that game and qualify for the Super Eights. Then it’s a new tournament again,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

Pakistan will next face Namibia on February 18 at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo at 3.00 PM IST.

Read More: Watch: Jasprit Bumrah gives Saim Ayub a death stare after dismissing him with a stunning yorker

NEW DELHI: Govt on Sunday unveiled India’s first comprehensive AI governance guidelines, choosing a light-touch, principle-based rulebook over a rigid new law to manage the risks of artificial intelligence while keeping innovation on track. The framework seeks to curb bias, misuse and opacity in AI systems without slowing down adoption, signalling India’s intent to shape responsible AI governance ahead of the five-day AI Impact Summit 2026, which begins on Monday.The guidelines lay out how AI should be developed and used across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and governance. Instead of prescribing strict controls, the framework is anchored in seven broad principles, or “sutras”, that are meant to guide both policymakers and industry.These include trust as the foundation, ‘people first’, innovation over restraint, fairness and equity, accountability, understandable by design, and safety, resilience and sustainability. Together, they emphasise that AI systems must support human decision-making, remain transparent, avoid discrimination and be deployed with clear safeguards.A key feature of the guidelines is reliance on existing laws. Officials said many AI-related risks are already covered under current legal frameworks such as IT rules, data protection laws, and criminal statutes. Instead of rushing into a standalone AI law, govt has opted for periodic reviews and targeted changes as technology evolves.The framework also proposes creation of new national institutions to oversee AI governance. These include an AI governance group to coordinate policy across ministries, a technology and policy expert committee to provide expert inputs, and an AI safety institute to focus on testing standards, safety research and risk assessment.The guidelines spell out expectations for AI developers and deployers. They call for transparency reports, clear disclosures when AI-generated content is used, grievance redressal mechanisms for people harmed by AI systems, and cooperation with regulators. High-risk applications, especially those affecting safety, rights or livelihoods, are expected to follow stronger safeguards and human oversight.Officials said the approach reflects India’s belief that AI should not remain limited to a few firms or countries, but be widely deployed to solve real-world problems while remaining trustworthy.By prioritising innovation alongside safeguards, govt aims at positioning India not just as a major user of AI, but as a global voice in shaping responsible, inclusive AI governance aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Virat Kohli bats during the T20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan in Melbourne, Australia.

India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in ICC T20 World Cup history. While the head-to-head record stands at 7-1 in India’s favour, the contests have often been close. From their two meetings in the 2007 edition, including the final, to the 2024 clash in New York, the rivalry has rarely followed a one-sided script.The pattern has continued in the 2020s. India have won two of the three T20 World Cup meetings this decade, with Pakistan winning once. Yet each match has been defined by decisive passages rather than clear dominance.

As India and Pakistan get ready for yet another encounter on Sunday, here’s a look at the matches between both sides in T20 World Cups in this decade:

2021, Group Stage, Dubai – Pakistan win by 10 wickets

After years of near misses, Pakistan broke through in a World Cup fixture. The 10-wicket win in Dubai was set up by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who removed India’s top order early. Six years after their previous T20 World Cup meeting, Pakistan responded firmly — 151 was not enough on a Dubai pitch where chasing was the preferred route.Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan completed the chase without losing a wicket, finishing the game with control and without appearing under pressure.For India, it marked their most disappointing ICC campaign since the 2007 ODI World Cup, and the loss to Pakistan defined that tournament.

2022, Group Stage, Melbourne – India win by 4 wickets

The 2022 contest in Melbourne produced a finish remembered for key moments. Pakistan scored 159, a total that did not appear beyond reach. However, India were reduced to 31/4 and were staring at consecutive defeats.Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya rebuilt the innings steadily, keeping the target within sight. When India needed 48 from the last three overs, the situation looked difficult. Then came the over from Haris Rauf. Kohli struck a straight six that changed the mood of the game, prompting Harsha Bhogle’s call: “Kohli goes down the ground, Kohli goes out of the ground.”The final over brought further twists — no-balls, wickets, run-outs and wides — before Ravichandran Ashwin lifted the winning run over cover to seal the result.

2024, Group Stage, New York – India win by 6 runs

In New York, the teams played a low-scoring contest that later proved important in India’s run to the title. By then, the venue had gained a reputation as a difficult ground for batting, making India’s 119 all out close to a competitive total.Defending the score required disciplined bowling, and Jasprit Bumrah delivered. He finished with 3/14 from four overs, including the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan with an off-cutter that moved sharply. As the final overs approached, India held their nerve to defend the total by six runs.The victory extended India’s record over Pakistan to 7-1 and came on their way to lifting their first ICC trophy in 11 years.

Margao: FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez wasn’t bluffing when he said debutants Inter Kashi FC will be better than many teams in the Indian Super League (ISL).In the first half of their ISL opener at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Inter Kashi took the lead in added time, looked good enough to create an upset in the second, until a late penalty – that resulted in a red card – ruined plans as Goa equalised to end the game 1-1.It was Prasanth K who provided Inter Kashi the lead in the second minute of first-half added time with a nice lob over the onrushing goalkeeper. At half time, when the teams moved to the dressing room, Manolo was furious, telling his team that if he had a choice he “would have substituted all 11 players, not just for the (poor) football but also attitude.”Goa seemed better in the second half with Abdul Rabeeh brought in to add pace on the right wing. But it was not until the 83rd minute that Goa found the equaliser when Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarres brought down Muhammed Nemil inside the box, prompting referee Crystal John to award a penalty and send off the Spanish goalkeeper.Dejan Drazic stepped up to take the penalty and comfortably beat substitute goalkeeper Shubham Dhas.Kashi’s experiment of using a goalkeeper as one of their four foreign starters on the field turned out to be a bittersweet experience. Tarres, a 24-year-old keeper with experience of playing in the Copa del Rey, seemed unbeatable for 80 minutes, denying Drazic – Goa’s liveliest attacker – twice from close range, and Nemil with a brilliant reflex save.Then, when the team, in typical Antonio Lopez Habas mould, showed defensive solidity, defending a narrow lead in numbers, Tarres needlessly tried to dribble past Nemil inside the box and pulled down the Goa forward when the ball was snatched from his feet.Goa had only two foreign players – Drazic and defender Pol Moreno – while Kashi had four on the field, which included two forwards, Alfred Planas Moya and Nauris Petkevicio, goalkeeper Tarres and captain Sergio Llamas.Planas tested Goa keeper Hrithik Tiwari early in the game and Rohit Danu tried his luck with a long ranger. Just when it seemed like the first half would end goalless, Haobam Tomba Singh did well to beat two of his markers inside his own half and relay a long ball to Prasanth, who beat off challenge from Aakash Sangwan and lobbed the ball past the goalkeeper.After Manolo’s fury in the dressing room, Goa showed urgency in the second half. There were forward movements, crosses, attempts, but in the end the Super Cup champions benefitted from a rare misjudgement by the Kashi goalkeeper.At the end of the final whistle, neither team was happy. Both left the field thinking they could have got something more.

India 8-1 Pakistan. This is the scoreline in the history of T20 World Cups after the February 15th match in Colombo. India defeated their archrivals Pakistan by a 61-run margin at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Ishan Kishan was the star performer of the match. Suryakumar Yadav, Team India captain, praised the top-order batter for upholding a brilliant batting display under pressure. Because of Kishan’s 77-run knock, India successfully posted the challenging total on the scoreboard.

Suryakumar Yadav praised Ishan Kishan’s effort to rescue Team India from the early setback

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha surprised every cricket fan by plucking the wicket of Abhishek Sharma in the first innings of the match. Sharma’s departure for a duck put the Men in Blue in a tough situation. But Ishan Kishan was there for the rescue work.

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Despite batting in a watchful manner, the left-handed batter continued his batting in an aggressive way—a counterattack at its best. The pitch was not ideal enough for batting flawlessly; Pakistan batters released that thoroughly as they lost all of their 10 wickets for only 114 runs in 18 overs.

“I think this is for India. We played the same brand of cricket that we wanted to play. Batting first was the better option on this wicket. Ishan thought something out of the box. After 0/1, someone had to take responsibility, and the way he took it was amazing,” Suryakumar Yadav said in the match after the presentation ceremony.

Suryakumar Yadav explained the situation was challenging for the batting first team

The situation was not the best for Team India as they went to bat first. Pakistan has been playing their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka; it is their known ground. For India, the circumstances were new. The weather was also not ideal for batting.

Throughout the day, Colombo was under a layer of clouds. For the cricketer, it was very hard to predict anything early about the nature of the pitch as well as the nature of the ground.

India will try to gain fourth win in a row

“It’s difficult to say when you’re batting first. Because you never know if there will be dew or how the pitch will play under lights. But we felt it was 15 above par. 155 could’ve been a tight game. It was great to see everyone contributing with the ball. We’ll go back, have a good time together as a team, and then think about the other games when we take the flight to Ahmedabad,” Suryakumar Yadav explained.

India will face the Netherlands on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad at 7.00 PM IST. Ahead of the match, they have secured three wins in a row.

Read More: The execution was missing with the ball: Salman Ali Agha blames spinners after loss against India

NEW DELHI: By admitting to murder-for-hire and money laundering charges, Indian national Nikhil Gupta may have secured a substantial reduction in the 40-year maximum sentence the charges entail through an “acceptance of responsibility” credit. The guilty plea not only reduces his jail-time but also helps him avoid a high-profile trial, besides limiting his trial testimony.Gupta, who has been at a Brooklyn detention centre since his 2024 extradition from Prague, has pleaded guilty before US magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn on three counts: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced by US district judge Victor Marrero on May 29, 2026, according to a statement by FBI and DEA.While the combined charges carry a maximum statutory punishment of 40 years in prison, a guilty plea typically triggers a reduction in the offence level under federal sentencing guidelines for “acceptance of responsibility”. Legal experts pointed out this often results in a 20% to 30% reduction in the maximum exposure, though the final decision will rest solely with the sentencing judge.“Gupta is likely to receive a 2- to 3-level reduction, the standard reward for saving the court the time and expense of a trial,” said a source. Going by the US prosecutors’ recommendation, a 20-year sentence or less seems likely, sources said. There could be further reduction if the state files such a motion by May 29 when the sentencing will be announced.Gupta (54) may still have to serve around 80% of the awarded jail time with all mitigating parameters like good behaviour in place. Under US law, if he receives a sentence longer than 12 months, he would be eligible for up to a 15% reduction (roughly two months a year) for good behaviour while incarcerated.Legal experts also said that it was yet to be ascertained whether Gupta’s plea deal included “substantial assistance”, which means he will become a cooperating witness against other individuals. Pleading guilty in a US court does not necessarily require the person to provide information or testify against anyone.