Nepal captain Rohit Paudel leaves the field after being dismissed by Crishan Kalugamage of Italy during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between Nepal and Italy at Wankhede Stadium on February 12, 2026 in Mumbai, India. (Photo/Getty Images)

Nepal head coach Stuart Law criticised his team after their 10-wicket loss to Italy in the T20 World Cup, saying the players had “not shown commitment” and must block out “nonsense” on social media to focus on cricket.Nepal had earlier pushed two-time champions England in a high-scoring match but failed to carry that performance forward. Against tournament debutants Italy, they were beaten without taking a wicket.Law said social media plays a major role in the lives of Nepal’s players but can become a distraction during a global event.

“Social media is a massive part of the Nepalese culture,” Law told reporters when asked what steps he had taken to ensure dressing-room discussions translated into on-field performances, especially after the contrasting nature of Nepal’s first two outings.“If we’re focusing on what we’re doing on social media, (or) on what people are saying about us on social media, and not focusing about what the team needs (or even) what the teammates are saying, and (what) the game requires, you’re distracted from your actual job,” said Law.“I’m trying to strike a happy medium with the players so (as to) make sure they’re focused on their cricket, number one, and the rest of the nonsense that I call it.“It’s a difficult one (call) because I know a lot of players rely on it to gain endorsements and sponsorship, etc. But I also think that the World Cup cricketers — I’ve tried to explain to them — that if we keep winning games at cricket, your likes will go up anyway,” he said.Law added that success on the field would automatically improve their reach online.“You don’t have to keep showing your face. If you show that cricket in Nepal is going forward and we’re winning games at cricket, your attraction on social media will go through the roof,” Law said, revealing his message to the players.“I’ve said that to the boys today, get that away from cricket. Do it away from cricket. When you’re at cricket, do your cricket. Maybe the distraction from the heist of nearly beating England, and the people from around the world at cricket (including) the greats of the game… (all) that is nice to hear, but you’ve still got to remember we lost,” Law said.He said the drop in performance against Italy reflected a lack of focus and mental strength.“To go from that high (against England) to then go to the extreme low four days later, that’s not showing mental toughness,” he said.“That’s not showing commitment to your team, to your country, to your family, et cetera, to your teammates. We need to make sure that we understand that we need to do that better.”Law also confirmed that captain Rohit Paudel had a stomach issue but is expected to play on Sunday.“There’s been a bit of fever going around the World Cup, some stomach issues, etc. But he had a fever last night. He took medicine. He should be fine for tomorrow (Sunday),” Law said.

IMPHAL: In villages across the foothills near western Imphal, young men have spent nearly three years taking turns through the night, standing at the edge of their settlements with sticks and torches after elders decided vigilance was no longer optional. In Kuki villages, night patrols began almost immediately after clashes erupted on May 3, 2023. In Naga-majority ones, they intensified after tensions flared in Litan this week.Some of these youngsters were brought to Assam Rifles’ New Keithelmanbi Garrison earlier this week after finishing guard duty that morning, reports Vishant Agarwala. They are footballers. From Monday to Thursday, 13 teams – eight Naga, three Meitei and two Kuki – from nearby villages gathered at the garrison’s uneven, dusty football ground for Assam Rifles’ Foothills Football Tournament, organised under Operation Sadbhavana.Keithelmanbi lies along the seam where the Imphal Valley rises into the surrounding hills, a geography that has hardened into buffer zones and guarded perimeters. The teams were named after nearby villages. But even a distance of 4km can carry more meaning than it suggests. The Kuki teams – including Haibung FC which reached Thursday’s final – crossed the buffer zone for the first time since May 2023 in Assam Rifles buses with guards.Football has often mirrored deeper fractures within societies already under strain. The 1990 clash between Dinamo Zagreb and Red Star Belgrade came to symbolise Yugoslavia unravelling. The so-called “Football War” between El Salvador and Honduras in 1969 entered history as an example of how a match can ignite terrain already primed for conflict. In those instances, football did not invent grievance, it amplified it.In Keithelmanbi, football was asked to restrain. The organisers approached the tournament with caution. Senior Assam Rifles officers addressed the teams before kickoff and made the terms clear: play in the spirit of the sport; any attempt to injure an opponent would result in an immediate red card; an extremely severe offence would lead to disqualification of the entire team. “Refereeing is always contentious, so we used soldiers from outside the northeast,” an officer told TOI. Security personnel lined the perimeter. From the commentary area, a Hindi voice narrated play and returned to one appeal whenever tackles grew heavy: “Khel ki sadbhavana banaye rakhein. Referee ke nirnay ka paalan karein.” Maintain the game’s spirit. Referee’s decision is final.The first semifinal at 8am on Wednesday featured two 100% Meitei teams – New Keithelmanbi Team B and KTYWA Keinou. The second carried a heavier backdrop. Khonglong Naga Youth Club faced Haibung FC. Days earlier, violence had flared between Kukis and Nagas about 100km away in Litan in Ukhrul district. Though Khonglong’s village had not suffered direct damage, anxiety spread quickly. Naga youngsters too began night patrols. Families hesitated before allowing the team travel. “People were worried,” one Khonglong player said. “But if we stop meeting completely, that is not good for the future.”On the pitch, there was no spillover. Haibung dominated in a largely one-sided contest. When the match ended, the handshake was steady and unforced. It set up a final few had predicted – the first Kuki-Meitei football match since May 3, 2023.Haibung’s story explains why reaching the final carried weight beyond sport. The squad’s average age is 19. Instead of focusing on training, many found themselves playing night sentries. “For our own safety,” one said. “That doesn’t mean we want to fight another community.” “We don’t sleep properly on those days,” another player said quietly. “But it is our responsibility.” They were excused from duty for the duration of the tournament.Haibung coach Ngamgoulen (30) had returned from Delhi, where he had been preparing for the Manipur civil services exams, on April 28, 2023. Within weeks, his village was attacked five times. His cousin Nilson Kuki’s house burned down. Movement became restricted. Reaching the nearest airport required crossing a buffer zone. With routes to Imphal airport blocked, residents travelled via Aizawl or Dimapur. Gogo, as he is known, did not leave his village. “As the younger brother of the village chief, it was my duty to be there for my people.” His belongings remain in Delhi.Haibung defender Seiminthang Haokip (20) now lives in a relief camp after his village was burned down twice and is still waiting for the next stage of his Territorial Army application. Fullback Thangkhopao Singsit (21) had been preparing for CDS examinations when his village was attacked in July 2023, leaving three villagers dead and one still missing.Goalkeeper Chongouman Kipgen (21) ran a private school with his father that employed teachers from Meitei, Kuki, Naga and smaller tribes, and they were in the process of starting another school before the conflict made coexistence impossible. Midfielder Thangminsei Kipgen (19) teaches at the only functioning community-run school in the area, managed by Kuki Students’ Organisation, after most qualified teachers left the state.By the time the final began, the stands were full. Villagers had been brought in Army vehicles under armed escort, joining elders and locals. Senior Assam Rifles officers were present.The first half was intense. New Keithelmanbi was in control. By halftime, the Meitei side had built a 3-0 lead. Haibung regrouped during the break and scored two goals soon after the match resumed. Midway through the second half, a tackle triggered protests and brief shoves before Assam Rifles personnel intervened. The commentator’s reminder – “khel ki sadbhavana banaye rakhein” – returned. The game concluded 5-2 in favour of New Keithelmanbi. There were five yellow cards in the match.When the final whistle blew, players formed a line and shook hands without hesitation. The exchange was brief and routine. “We just played,” one said afterwards. Security personnel remained until the teams dispersed. The Meitei side returned toward the valley. Haibung FC boarded Assam Rifles buses and travelled across the buffer zone under armed escort – to villages where night patrols would resume.

Karan Kundrra has often spoken candidly about love and on Valentine’s Day as he talks about his relationship with Tejasswi Prakash, there’s an unmistakable sense of certainty and comfort. Looking back at how their bond began, Karan shared that neither of them had anticipated where their journey would lead. “When we met each other, we didn’t know that we would be together, that we would date and fall in love,” he said, adding that despite the years gone by, the feelings remain unchanged.Karan and Tejasswi met on Bigg Boss 15, where their friendship slowly turned into love amid the pressures of the reality show. Reflecting on what makes their relationship work, Karan said, “I still look at her and I’m like, yeh kya ladki hai. She is still the same girl that I met. Every day something happens and I am reminded why I fell in love with her. We fell in love for the right reasons. We still have the same amount of fun, and we still like doing similar things together.”

Having spent four years together, including sharing the intense experience of reality television, Karan believes that understanding each other’s emotional rhythms has been key. “She understands my mood. I know kab yeh phatne wali hai. I know when she is comfortable and when she is not,” he said. “When you’ve done a reality show together, you’ve seen the extreme sides of each other.” Interestingly, Karan also finds inspiration in long-term relationships around him. Like his Splitsvilla X6: Pyaar Ya Paisa co-host Sunny Leone, and her husband Daniel Weber. He shares, “When I see Daniel and Sunny together, it makes me feel that I want to be somebody like that for my girlfriend.” Watching them as parents has had a deep impact on him. “Ab meri woh stage ho gayi hai jahan main dekh raha hoon how they are with their kids. You keep getting inspired,” he added.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has started a major recruitment drive for Agniveer roles this year, offering over 25,000 positions across the country. The application process is now open following the release of an official notification for 2026-27. The last date to apply is April 1.When the Agnipath scheme was launched on June 14, 2022 — recruitment was for a period of four years — a total of 46,000 vacancies were opened for recruitment that year to the Army, Navy and Indian Air Force. Out of this, 40,000 vacancies were for the Army and the rest for the Navy and the IAF. With the first batch completing their four-year term by late 2026, and more retirements on the way, the Army is accelerating hiring to stabilise manpower. In a bid to reduce a shortfall of nearly 1.8 lakh soldiers, the Army is looking to increase vacancies for recruitment of Agniveers to over 1 lakh every year, from the existing 46,000.For 2026 recruitment, selected candidates will receive a specially structured monthly salary starting at Rs 30,000 in the first month. This amount will increase by Rs 5,000 each subsequent year, reaching Rs 40,000 by the fourth year. After contributing 30% to the Agniveer Corpus Fund, the in-hand salary will range from Rs 21,000 in the first year to Rs 28,000 in the fourth year. The govt will match this contribution annually.The 25,000 posts are across several categories such as general duty (GD), technical, clerk/storekeeper technical, tradesman, soldier pharma, soldier technical nursing assistant and women mlitary police. The registration process that started on Feb 13 will continue till April 1. The selection procedure will be carried out in three phases— a computer-based test (CBT), a recruitment rally, and finally, document verification.

The Indian men’s cricket team is eyeing a definitive step toward the Super 8s in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as they prepare to face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, February 15, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India will enter the match with massive momentum after clinical victories against the USA and Namibia. In contrast, while Pakistan remains unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and USA, they face a daunting psychological hurdle against a side that has historically dominated them in this tournament format.

Rain threat looms over marquee India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo?

The much-anticipated encounter faces a significant threat from the weather after a low-pressure area over the southeastern Bay of Bengal triggered a weather warning across Sri Lanka. The ‘tropical twist’ has already impacted the tournament’s rhythm, with persistent cloud cover and humid conditions characterizing the build-up in Colombo. Unlike the earlier stages of the tournament, which enjoyed dry spells, the atmospheric shift has left ground staff at the R. Premadasa on high alert.

The head-to-head record in T20 World Cups stands heavily in India’s favour at a commanding 7-1 since their first meeting in 2007. A washout would prevent Suryakumar Yadav’s side from extending their dominant streak but would ironically benefit both teams; a single point each would more or less guarantee both nations a spot in the Super 8 stage. Fans are now anxiously monitoring the local ‘Khettarama’ skies, hoping the stadium’s renowned full-ground covers won’t be the most-used equipment on Sunday.

Also READ: The ‘Zimbabwe Prophecy’: Why history says Suryakumar Yadav’s India will lift the T20 World Cup 2026?

IND vs PAK: Weather Forecast for the T20 World Cup 2026 Match

As the world prepares for the Sunday night blockbuster, the weather forecast suggests a high risk of interruptions. The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology has indicated that unsettled weather patterns will likely peak during match hours. Daytime conditions in Colombo are expected to feature heavy thunderstorms with a 70-80% chance of rain, accompanied by high humidity and temperatures peaking at 30°C.

While the risk of precipitation is expected to dip slightly by the 7:00 PM local start time, the threat of a rain-curtailed game remains realistic. Given that there is no reserve day for group-stage fixtures, the match could either be shortened to a high-octane “sprint” or, in the worst-case scenario, abandoned entirely. Both teams and millions of viewers will be hoping the Colombo drainage system is only needed for a brief interval rather than a full washout.

Colombo Hourly Forecast (Match Day: Feb 15, 2026)

The day is characterized by high humidity and a strong likelihood of rain during the afternoon and early evening, which may impact the 7:00 PM start time. For the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on Sunday, February 15, here is the exhaustive hour-by-hour weather forecast based on reports from AccuWeather. 

Key weather factors for the match

• Toss Threat (6:30 PM): With a 49% chance of rain at 6:00 PM, there is a moderate risk of a delayed toss.
• Match Hours (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM): The “Good News” for fans is that the precipitation probability drops significantly to 9% during the main match window, though the sky remains 100% overcast.
• Extreme Humidity: Indoor humidity levels are expected to hover around 75-77%, which will make the “RealFeel” temperature higher and could lead to heavy dew, making it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball in the second innings.
• Air Quality: The air quality is rated as Unhealthy/Poor, primarily due to the stagnant tropical air mass.

Source: AccuWeather Hourly Forecast for Colombo (Western Province), Sri Lanka (February 15, 2026).

Also READ: Mohammad Amir mocks unwell Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 clash

JAMMU: PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir, who won the Budgam assembly seat vacated by Omar Abdullah in the Nov 2025 bypoll despite an intensive campaign by the CM and his Cabinet, has said his first experience in the J&K Assembly has been positive and that the House remains a powerful institution even though its powers were curtailed after abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019, and the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir state into a union territory.“I am hopeful that the eroded political space in J&K can be reclaimed through this institution and that people’s rights can be restored to some extent. The legitimacy people have given to the Assembly demands that it works in that spirit,” Muntazir told the TOI outside the Assembly on Friday.“We should not say the J&K Assembly is disempowered. No party or legislator should say this. We should not use discouraging words or claim that nothing can be done through this Assembly. Even in the present setup, the Assembly is a powerful institution,” he said.“After Aug 5, 2019, people gave legitimacy to this Assembly by participating in the polls in large, unprecedented numbers not seen in the past 36 years. Now you cannot tell the same people that it is a disempowered Assembly. We must strive for political rights of J&K, but at the same time the legitimacy of this Assembly shouldn’t be negated,” he added.Muntazir, 38, entered the Assembly for the first time after winning the Budgam seat, defeating National Conference candidate Aga Syed Mahmood by 4,478 votes.The bypoll defeat was a major setback for the CM who had vacated the Budgam seat in 2024 after winning from it.Muntazir is the son of Aga Syed Hasan, a senior Shia cleric and former leader of separatist conglomerate All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Muntazir earlier worked as a grassroots activist before entering electoral politics.Muntazir, who holds an LLM degree, said Budgam has suffered nearly two decades of neglect despite its proximity to Srinagar. Since joining the Assembly, he regularly raises concerns about roads, education, drinking water and healthcare in his constituency, where literacy levels remain low. “In the past 20 years, the same party (NC) represented Budgam. People were given only rhetoric, but political rhetoric has a shelf life,” he said. “The people voted for change because their dignity and basic needs were ignored for a long time.”He said the CM had earlier assured the establishment of a National Law University in Budgam and the promise was made in the House. “It must be honoured. The empowerment of the J&K Assembly lies in delivering what is promised in the House,” he said.

India’s Abhishek Sharma (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav offered a cheeky response after Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha said he hoped India’s opener Abhishek Sharma would be fit for the T20 World Cup clash between the two sides on Sunday.At the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Agha had said Pakistan wanted to face India at full strength and wished for Abhishek’s recovery.“I really hope – we all know he is a good player, and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have, and I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow,” Agha said.When asked about the remark, Suryakumar replied with a smile: “If the (Pakistan cricket team’s captain) wants him to play, will play him (Abhishek Sharma) tomorrow.”Abhishek had a difficult start to the tournament, getting out for a golden duck against USA. He then missed India’s match against Namibia in Delhi after being hospitalised with a stomach infection.Abhishek, who made his T20I debut after India’s 2024 World Cup triumph, has been in outstanding form in the format. In 38 matches and 37 innings, he has scored 1,297 runs at an average of 37.05 and a striking rate of 194.74, including two centuries and eight fifties, with a highest score of 135.He came into this year’s T20 World Cup as the world’s top-ranked T20I batter. Against Pakistan, he has featured in three matches, scoring 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of 189.65, with a best of 74. India will take on Pakistan on 15 February at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

As anticipation builds for the blockbuster India versus Pakistan showdown at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India captain Suryakumar Yadav added a touch of theatre — and tactical brilliance — to the team’s training session in Colombo on Saturday evening.

With the defending champions gearing up for a crucial group-stage encounter, Suryakumar took it upon himself to recreate the bowling action of Pakistan’s emerging spin threat Usman Tariq. The move was not just playful imitation; it was a calculated attempt to help India’s batters adapt to Tariq’s unusual rhythm before stepping into the high-pressure clash.

Suryakumar Yadav copies Usman Tariq’s bowling action

Tariq has rapidly become a talking point in the Pakistan camp. Known for his distinctive stop-start delivery stride, the spinner disrupts a batter’s timing with subtle pauses and an unconventional approach to the crease. His quirky action, though legal, can create hesitation and force rushed decisions — a dangerous trait in the shortest format.

India’s think tank appears determined not to be caught off guard. During the nets session, Suryakumar mimicked Tariq’s staggered run-up and delayed release, drawing smiles from teammates but also sharp focus from the batters facing him. The intent was clear: eliminate the element of surprise.

The skipper’s hands-on involvement highlighted his proactive leadership style. Rather than leaving it to net bowlers alone, he stepped into the role himself, ensuring the practice closely mirrored what his team might experience on match day.

Here’s the video:

SKY ft. Usman Tariq.😜

Usman Tariq ಬೌಲಿಂಗ್ ಆ್ಯಕ್ಷನ್ ಟ್ವಿಸ್ಟ್: ಪಾಕ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಏನೋ ಪ್ಲಾನ್ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ! 🏏

📺 ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 | #INDvPAK | SUN, 15th FEB, 6 PM | ನಿಮ್ಮ Star Sports ಕನ್ನಡ & JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ.#TeamIndia #SuryaKumarYadav pic.twitter.com/EfutOXBBe0

— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) February 14, 2026

Also READ: The ‘Zimbabwe Prophecy’: Why history says Suryakumar Yadav’s India will lift the T20 World Cup 2026?

Abhishek Sharma’s focused duel in the nets

One of the most closely watched segments of the session featured opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been in sublime touch at the top of the order. Footage from the practice showed Abhishek repeatedly facing Suryakumar’s imitation of Tariq’s action, adjusting his trigger movements and working on picking the ball early.

The young left-hander has been instrumental in providing India explosive starts in the tournament. His ability to counter spin inside the powerplay could prove decisive, especially if Pakistan introduce Tariq early to disrupt the flow. The focused drill hinted at a potential key battle: Abhishek’s aggressive intent versus Tariq’s deceptive tempo. In contests between India and Pakistan, individual duels often shape the narrative — and this one could be pivotal.

Also READ: Is Usman Tariq’s bowling action legal? Breaking down the pause controversy