Oracle is staring down the possibility of its largest-ever workforce reduction—and at the heart of it is a $300 billion partnership with OpenAI that’s proving far more expensive than anyone initially let on.Investment bank TD Cowen reported this week that Oracle is weighing cuts of 20,000 to 30,000 jobs. The move would free up an estimated $8 to $10 billion in cash flow, money the company desperately needs as it tries to bankroll a sprawling network of AI data centers built largely to serve Sam Altman‘s company.

‘OpenAI deal is eating Oracle alive financially’

TD Cowen puts the OpenAI commitment alone at around $156 billion in capital spending—and roughly 3 million GPUs to back it up. Oracle has already burned through $58 billion in debt in just two months. That’s $38 billion for data centers in Texas and Wisconsin, $20 billion for a campus in New Mexico. Total debt now sits north of $100 billion.The kicker? That $58 billion covers only a slice of what’s actually needed. Since its September 2025 peak, Oracle’s stock has shed more than half its value—about $463 billion in market cap, gone.

US banks are pulling back—and that’s a big problem

The financing crunch isn’t just an Oracle internal issue anymore. Multiple US banks have quietly retreated from lending on Oracle-linked data center projects. TD Cowen noted that lenders have roughly doubled the interest rate premiums they charge Oracle since September, pushing borrowing costs into territory usually reserved for junk-rated companies.The result? Several data center leases Oracle had been negotiating simply stalled. Private operators couldn’t get the funding to build, which means Oracle can’t deliver the capacity its customers—especially OpenAI—are counting on. Some Asian banks are still willing to step in, but that doesn’t solve the immediate problem in the US, where most of Oracle’s expansion is planned.

A possible Cerner sale and 40% upfront customer deposits show how tight things have gotten

Oracle isn’t sitting idle. The company is now requiring new customers to pay up to 40% of contract value upfront—essentially asking clients to co-fund the infrastructure. It’s also exploring “bring your own chip” arrangements, where customers supply their own hardware.On the table too is a potential sale of Cerner, the healthcare software unit Oracle bought for $28.3 billion in 2022. That would be a significant strategic pivot, signaling that AI infrastructure is now the clear priority—everything else is up for grabs.TD Cowen also flagged that OpenAI has already begun shifting some near-term capacity needs over to Microsoft and Amazon, which is not exactly a vote of confidence in Oracle’s ability to deliver on schedule.The company has not publicly commented on the layoff reports or the financing difficulties.

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the Kennedy Center will be shutting down for two years starting July 4, America’s 250th anniversary, for extensive renovations amid declining ticket sales and performer boycotts. Trump, who recently became chairman and added his name to the building, claims the closure is necessary to transform it into the world’s finest performing arts facility.Since taking control of the once non-partisan center, Trump has criticised its programming as too “woke” and made significant changes to its leadership. He announced the decision on Truth Social, stating that entertainment operations must cease to allow for construction and renovation work.

“After a one year review of The Trump Kennedy Center, that has taken place with Contractors, Musical Experts, Art Institutions, and other Advisors and Consultants, deciding between either Construction with Closure and Re-Opening or, Partial Construction while continuing Entertainment Operations through a much longer period of time, working in and around the Performances, I have determined that The Trump Kennedy Center, if temporarily closed for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding, can be, without question, the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World,” declared Trump on Truth Social, though the exact scope of renovations remains unclear. “In other words, if we don’t close, the quality of Construction will not be nearly as good, and the time to completion, because of interruptions with Audiences from the many Events using the Facility, will be much longer. The temporary closure will produce a much faster and higher quality result!” he added.Further announcing the 2-year shutdown, he added, “Based on these findings, and totally subject to Board approval, I have determined that the fastest way to bring The Trump Kennedy Center to the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur, is to cease Entertainment Operations for an approximately two year period of time, with a scheduled Grand Reopening that will rival and surpass anything that has taken place with respect to such a Facility before.“Claiming that the Centre is in need of renovations, Trump also said, “The Trump Kennedy Center will close on July 4th, 2026, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our Country, whereupon we will simultaneously begin Construction of the new and spectacular Entertainment Complex. Financing is completed, and fully in place! This important decision, based on input from many Highly Respected Experts, will take a tired, broken, and dilapidated Center, one that has been in bad condition, both financially and structurally for many years, and turn it into a World Class Bastion of Arts, Music, and Entertainment, far better than it has ever been before. America will be very proud of its new and beautiful Landmark for many generations to come. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”The announcement has sparked widespread speculation about the center’s financial health. Maria Shriver, a Kennedy family member, pointed out that many artists are refusing to perform there, as reported by AFP. Notable cancellations include “Hamilton,” Renee Fleming, and Philip Glass. The Washington National Opera has also decided to leave after more than 50 years.The controversial name change, which didn’t receive required congressional approval, has triggered significant backlash. The center’s leadership has also seen upheaval, with newly appointed Senior Vice President Kevin Couch resigning just days after taking the position.Recent data shows the center struggling significantly. According to The Washington Post, ticket sales have hit their lowest levels since the pandemic. The December Kennedy Center awards ceremony saw television viewership drop 25 percent from 2024, reaching a record low according to Nielsen ratings.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has responded to the team’s decision to boycott their high-voltage group-stage match against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, making it clear that the call was taken at the government level and is beyond the players’ control. While confirming Pakistan’s participation in the rest of the tournament, Agha underlined that the squad would strictly adhere to instructions issued by the authorities and the cricket board.

On Sunday, the Government of Pakistan officially confirmed that the national team would take part in the global event, but would skip the much-anticipated group clash against arch-rivals India. The announcement sparked widespread debate across the cricketing world, given the historic rivalry and the commercial significance of the fixture.

Salman Agha clarifies players’ stand after PCB boycotts clash against India at T20 World Cup 2026

Addressing the media after Pakistan’s third T20I against Australia, Agha said the team would comply with whatever decision is communicated by the government and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Agha was firm in his stance that the players had no role in the decision-making process. He stressed that personal opinions or preferences do not come into play when national directives are involved.

“Yes, absolutely, we will go. But that is not our decision, sir, and we cannot do anything about it. Whatever our government and our chairman instruct us to do, we have to follow,” Agha stated, reinforcing that the squad’s responsibility is limited to on-field performance.

Also READ: Pakistan to boycott India clash at T20 World Cup 2026: Government confirms decision

ICC context behind the controversy

The development follows a major decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which recently removed Bangladesh from the tournament after they refused to play matches in India, citing security concerns. With Bangladesh holding firm on their stance, the ICC named Scotland as their replacement, a move that has had ripple effects across the tournament’s structure.

Notably, Pakistan were originally scheduled to face India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches are set to be played in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the World Cup alongside India.

Also WATCH: Indian captain Ayush Mhatre avoids handshake with Pakistan skipper at toss in U19 World Cup 2026

Pakistan government has announced that their cricket team will not play India in the group stage contest of the T20 World Cup. The government did allow the team to travel to Sri Lanka for their matches. A look at the sequence of events that led to this decision.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in solidarity with Bangladesh’s ouster from the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, has decided not to play their group league game against India in Colombo on February 15. The decision has been taken despite the PCB holding a binding contract with the ICC and the BCCI on playing matches on neutral soil.The Pakistani government did however clear its national team to compete in the tournament which gets underway on February 7. Pakistan are due to play Netherlands in the tournament opener at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo.“The government of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the Twenty20 World Cup, however, the Pakistan team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February against India,” a Pakistan government release said.Here is a timeline of events that led to Pakistan’s decision:January 3: The BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman, who the franchise had aquired in the IPL mini-auction. The decision came due to deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh.January 6: Bangladesh ordered that broadcast of IPL season be stopped in the country. Further, BCB declared that if a single player was considered a “security liability” then the entire team’s safety could be at risk.January 12: BCB formally wrote to the ICC and asked for relocation of their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. The BCB suggested a “hybrid model”, similar to the 2023 Asia Cup.January 21: ICC Board votes against moving Bangladesh matches. The 14-2 decision saw only Pakistan coming out in support of Bangladesh. ICC maintained that an independent security assessment found “no credible threat” to players in India. They also gave Bangladesh a 24-hour deadline to confirm their travel.January 22: At a meeting that took place at a hotel in Dhaka between the national squad, BCB officials, and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh stuck to their decision and decided against travelling to India for the T20 World Cup.January 24: With Bangladesh deciding against playing the T20 World Cup matches in India, ICC formally replaced them with Scotland in Group C.January 24: After Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said a final decision on their participation would be taken after talking to Pakistan’s government.“Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me,” he said. “The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I’ll be able to give you our final decision. It’s the government’s decision. We obey them, not the ICC.”January 26: Naqvi met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the situation. “Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister … Shehbaz Sharif,” Naqvi tweeted. “Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision [on participation] will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”February 1: Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif meet for the second time in a week in Lahore. The government cleared the national team to compete in the T20 World Cup but stopped them from playing arch-rivals and tournament co-hosts India on February 15.

If trust has been Nirmala Sitharaman’s byword for taxpayers so far, she took it further this year to improve ‘ease’ of filing and updating returns, and encouraging voluntary compliance to cut down on litigation. Sitharaman said the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which comes into force from April 1, is revenue-neutral, with no changes to income tax rates or slabs, but reducing the number of sections by nearly half and removing layers of interpretational ambiguity. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a single ‘tax year’, replacing the confusing distinction between assessment year and previous year. The redesigned income tax return forms will be notified shortly, with the govt promising simpler language and layouts that allow ordinary taxpayers to comply without professional assistance. The FM said the time limit for filing a revised tax return was being extended from nine months to 12 months after the end of the tax year, leaving enough room to fix mistakes without staring at a penalty. Taxpayers can now update their returns after reassessment proceedings have been initiated at a cost. An additional 10% tax rate will apply over and above the rate applicable for the relevant year. Such returns can also be filed to reduce earlier claimed losses.

More Time To Revise, Fix Mistakes

CA Ketan Vajani said, “The taxpayer can now take shelter under updated return and avoid penalties with 10% extra cost. An amendment is proposed with effect from assessment year 2026-27 and the benefit can be availed of even in the current financial year.” Gautam Nayak, tax partner at CNK & Associates added, “Instead of paying 25%, the taxpayer would have to pay 35%. However, this would enable closure of the matter without resorting to a drawnout and time-consuming reassessment and consequential penalty process. Of course, such updated return cannot be filed in prohibited cases, such as those where information is available under the Black Money Act, Prevention of Money-Laundering Act etc.” Currently, an additional Rs 8 lakh, she can now do so. In another move to cut down on disputes, the FM has proposed integration of assessment and penalty proceedings into a single, common order. Reducing paperwork and the prospect of physical interactions with tax officials, applications for lower/nil TDS certificates can be filed electronically. Tax starting at 25%, going up to 70%, of the differential tax and interest is payable depending on the delay in filing the updated return. Further, filing an updated return is now possible to reduce losses claimed earlier. For instance, if the original return had loss of Rs 10 lakh and the taxpayer wants to file an updated return with loss of Rs 8 lakh, she can now do so. In another move to cut down on disputes, the FM has proposed integration of assessment and penalty proceedings into a single, common order. Reducing paperwork and the prospect of physical interactions with tax officials, applications for lower/nil TDS certificates can be filed electronically.

The atmosphere at the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara was electric this Sunday evening as the Delhi Capitals (DC) Women officially punched their ticket to the WPL 2026 Playoffs. In a high-stakes 20th match of the season, DC overcame the UP Warriorz (UPW) by five wickets, fueled by a clinical bowling masterclass from Marizanne Kapp and a composed pursuit led by Laura Wolvaardt.

Marizanne Kapp destroys UP Warriorz’s top order in a ‘Do or Die’ fixture

Winning the toss and electing to bowl, Delhi Capitals made their intentions clear from the very first delivery. Chinelle Henry set the tone by dismissing the dangerous Meg Lanning for a golden duck. However, it was Kapp who turned the match into a nightmare for the Warriorz. Kapp’s opening spell was a display of elite seam bowling, finishing with remarkable figures of 3/30.

Kapp dismantled the UPW core, removing Charli Knott (12) and the set Deepti Sharma (24) just as a partnership began to brew. The South African veteran then used a successful DRS referral to trap Deandra Dottin (5) LBW, leaving the Warriorz reeling at 52/5 within ten overs. Despite a late-order cameo from Shikha Pandey, who remained unbeaten on 23 off 13 balls, and a steady 10 from Sophie Ecclestone, UPW were restricted to a subpar 122/8. The DC bowling unit operated like a well-oiled machine, with Shree Charani and Henry chipping in with two wickets apiece to keep the pressure relentless.

Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues seal playoff berth for Delhi Capitals

Chasing a modest target of 123, Delhi Capitals faced an early hiccup when Lizelle Lee fell to Dottin in the second over. However, Wolvaardt stepped up to anchor the innings with a sophisticated 47 off 36 balls. Displaying her trademark cover drives and impeccable timing, Wolvaardt shared a crucial 73-run stand with Shafali Verma (29), effectively taking the game away from the Warriorz.

The match saw a brief flurry of drama during the middle overs as Deepti struck twice, removing Wolvaardt and Henry in quick succession. When Kapp fell for a duck to Ecclestone, the Vadodara crowd held its breath with the score at 101/5. But captain Jemimah Rodrigues showed nerves of steel, smashing a blistering 34 off just 18 deliveries. Rodrigues’ aggressive approach shifted the momentum back instantly, as she hammered five boundaries to close the game with 8 balls to spare.

With this victory, the Delhi Capitals cement their status as title favorites, moving into the top three on the table and securing their postseason spot. For the UP Warriorz, the defeat marks a somber end to a challenging campaign, as fans in the stands celebrated DC’s clinical storm into the playoffs.

Also READ: DC-W vs UPW: Here’s why Amy Jones, Chloe Tryon and Shweta Sehrawat are not playing in today’s WPL 2026 clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

Delhi Capitals have qualified for the Eliminator 🔥👏#WPL2026 #DCvsUPW pic.twitter.com/cHuVgj3nWZ

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 1, 2026

DCW with a fantastic bowling display to restrict #UPW to 122/8 🎯

Marizanne Kapp (3 wickets), Chinelle Henry & Sree Charani starred as Delhi Capitals choked UP Warriorz in Vadodara! A low total of 123 to chase in this must-win clash—victory seals DC’s spot in the Eliminator &… pic.twitter.com/hJMqWNXHsK

— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) February 1, 2026

A successful powerplay for #DC 🙌

Delhi Capitals’ bowlers struck early, claiming 3 wickets in the powerplay against UP Warriorz in their must-win WPL 2026 clash at Vadodara! Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry led the charge, leaving UPW reeling. DC on top in this crucial contest!… pic.twitter.com/8CRXCvoxFx

— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) February 1, 2026

Marizanne Kapp in WPL 2026:

at NAVI MUMBAI

Wickets – 3
Average – 32.3
Economy – 6.1

at VADODARA

Wickets – 7
Average – 12.7
Economy – 5.6#DCvsUPW #WPL2026

— Sahil Pednekar 🇮🇳 (@statsbysahil) February 1, 2026

Thank you Chinelle Henry🫡
Thank You Marizanne Kapp 👑

Nd Well Done Captain Jemi 🫂👏🏼🫶🏼

— 🐇🐰🐇 (@Pdg091) February 1, 2026

Big game. Big moment. Big Kapp 💥

Marizanne Kapp shines with 4-0-30-3 vs UPW in DC’s most crucial match of the campaign 🔥#WPL2026 #TATAWPL #DCvUPW pic.twitter.com/LhDHwqh0nm

— Arshy (@imArshit) February 1, 2026

🚨 HISTORY BY DELHI CAPITALS 🚨

Finally, Delhi Capitals has made it through to the Playoffs after beating UP Warriorz 👏🏼

After the first 4 matches, DC were almost out of the WPL, but they made a comeback to remember in the last 4 matches🔥#WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/YE7YfVXwHB

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 1, 2026

Delhi Capitals is definitely a complete unit & one of the strongest teams in the WPL 2026. DC is definitely peaking at the right time.

– Shafali Verma starts the proceedings quickly. She starts with a bang & a handy bowler too
– Lizelle Lee is a run machine that keeps going on &… pic.twitter.com/axvjoKuteW

— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) February 1, 2026

2023 – Finalist.
2024 – Finalist.
2025 – Finalist.
2026 – Qualified into Playoffs.

DELHI CAPITALS – MOST CONSISTENT TEAM IN WPL HISTORY ✅ pic.twitter.com/9iE1fjzBmp

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 1, 2026

DELHI CAPITALS WOMEN IN WPL
2023: Runners-up
2024: Runners-up
2025: Runners-up
2026: Qualified for Eliminator@DelhiCapitals#WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/qiSjsYkywp

— RAHIL (@RahilSherasiy19) February 1, 2026

Also READ: Ashleigh Gardner reveals her favourite women cricketer in fun rapid-fire challenge

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