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On Saturday, Rajpal Yadav held a press conference with his lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay, to share his side of the story in the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. During the media interaction, the actor shed light on a lot of topics related to his case. His lawyer alleged that Madhav Gopal Agarwal, from whom the actor borrowed the amount, wanted to see him in Rajpal in jail. Let’s learn more about it in detail.
During the press conference in Mumbai, Rajpal Yadav, along with his lawyer, clarified that the actor had borrowed Rs 5 crore from Madhav Gopal Agarwal of M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd as an investment in the film ‘Ata Pata Laapata’.
According to the Indian Express report, Rajpal Yadav’s lawyer alleged that a high rate of interest was charged against the loan. Hence, the total amount went on to reach Rs 10.40 crore. The actor’s advocate further claimed that the complainant wanted to see Rajpal Yadav in jail. He added that the lender didn’t accept the security money and property documents offered by Rajpal and emphasized sending the actor to the prison.The publication quoted Rajpal Yadav’s lawyer saying, “They had said in the press conference that they never intended to send Rajpal to jail. That is not true. In 2018, Rajpal had submitted a security amount in court, and he was also ready to attach his property papers, but Madhav Gopal Agarwal refused the same and chose to send him to jail.”The legal counsel added, “He is spreading lies and maligning Rajpal’s image. If he would have taken the security amount, the case would have closed in 2018 itself. His intention was never the money; it was to see Rajpal in jail.”
Talking about Madhav Gopal Agarwal during the press conference, Rajpal Yadav said, “They have done this out of revenge. They had told me, and if I had a recording, I would have shown it to you. They told me, ‘If you don’t send us Rs 10.40 crore, toh tumhara ek ek inch bekwa dunga (If you don’t send us Rs 10.40 crore, we will sell every inch of you).'”Rajpal expressed that he has no intention to dupe anyone or get out of the situation through false means.
Apart from the case, Rajpal Yadav is in the news for his upcoming film ‘Bhooth Bangla’, headlined by Akshay Kumar. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi. It is scheduled to release on April 10, 2026.
In one of the most dramatic finishes of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan’s five-run victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka was overshadowed by a major umpiring controversy surrounding the final delivery at Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday. The match ended in contentious circumstances when Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka left the last ball expecting a wide call that never came, sparking heated debate across the cricketing world.
Chasing a formidable target of 213, Sri Lanka needed 28 runs from the final over bowled by Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. What followed was pure mayhem. Shanaka, already on 58 off 27 balls, launched three consecutive sixes off the second, third and fourth deliveries, bringing the equation down to a tantalizing six runs needed from the final two balls and sending the home crowd into delirium.
The fifth ball proved pivotal. Afridi delivered a low full-toss angling away outside off stump. Shanaka attempted an ambitious scoop but missed completely. He immediately appealed for a wide, believing the ball was beyond the tramline, but umpire Rod Tucker remained unmoved.
With six still needed off the last ball, tension reached fever pitch. Afridi delivered another low full-toss, this time landing on the off-side tramline – the painted blue line that indicates a wide. Shanaka left it alone, fully expecting the umpire to signal a wide that would have given Sri Lanka another delivery with six still required. When no signal came, Pakistan erupted in celebration while Sri Lankan players stood in disbelief.
Television replays showed the ball pitched on or outside the designated wide line, leaving fans and experts questioning why the decision wasn’t referred or reviewed .
According to cricket’s laws, the wide line ultimately falls under the umpire’s discretion. As the Free Press Journal explained, when a ball pitches on the blue wide line, the umpire has the authority to either call it wide or deem it a legal delivery – both decisions would be technically within the rules. In this instance, umpire Tucker decided against signalling wide, a call that effectively ended Sri Lanka’s miraculous comeback attempt.
The controversy didn’t end on the field. Live visuals captured Sri Lankan head coach Sanath Jayasuriya confronting umpire Rod Tucker immediately after the match, gesticulating angrily while questioning why the last two deliveries weren’t called wide. Jayasuriya was seen watching replays on the big screen, shaking his head in disbelief at the decision that denied his team a potential victory.
Shanaka, who remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 76 off just 31 balls with eight sixes and two fours, closed his eyes in disappointment before graciously acknowledging the crowd’s support . His heroic effort – nearly pulling off one of the greatest chases in T20 World Cup history – ultimately went in vain.
Also READ: IND vs WI, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 – Kolkata’s Hourly Weather Forecast
The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on observers. Despite securing the victory, Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament because they failed to restrict Sri Lanka below 147-the target required to surpass New Zealand’s net run rate and qualify for the semifinals. New Zealand progressed instead, celebrating their fortune from their team hotel in Colombo.
The match itself featured remarkable performances, including Sahibzada Farhan’s historic second century of the tournament (100 off 60 balls) and his record 176-run opening partnership with Fakhar Zaman (84 off 42) – the highest for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. Farhan also surpassed Virat Kohli’s 12-year-old record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, finishing with 383 runs .
The umpiring decision sparked intense debate across social media platforms. Fans posted side-by-side images showing the final ball’s trajectory clearly outside the off-stump line, with many questioning why the third umpire didn’t intervene. Some users sarcastically suggested “even umpires were given money,” while others debated whether Sri Lanka should have reviewed the call. The controversy added another layer of drama to what was already a fittingly chaotic end to Pakistan’s turbulent campaign.
“The Iranian regime was warned,” the United States Central Command said hours after coordinated strikes by the US and Israel shook the Tehran establishment, killing long-time Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early on Sunday.In an extensive display of military power, the Donald Trump-led US launched Operation Epic Fury, a mission designed to directly target the Khamenei-led rule. The US Central Command also released a video showing a visual display of the military operation, including missiles being launched in precision strikes aimed at the heart of Iran — Tehran and other key locations across the country.The video reportedly showed the HIMARS, or High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, which is operated by US ground forces.Israel also joined the operation alongside the US, acting as a key regional ally in the strikes against Iran and the Khamenei-led regime in the oil-rich country.The missiles and other weapons used in the strikes did not spare the Supreme Leader. Among those reported killed were Khamenei’s daughter and a grandchild.The American strikes relied on a range of modern military systems. With the world’s largest defence budget, the US deployed stealth fighter jets, suicide drones and Tomahawk missiles during the operation.Meanwhile, another video posted hours earlier reportedly captured Tomahawk missiles being launched from a US cruise vessel.The X post of central command’s caption read: “As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow.”Meanwhile, with the launch of the strikes, Trump once again made clear his long-standing opposition to Khamenei and his rule in Iran, saying it did not serve US interests in the region. Trump announced the operation in an eight-minute video, declaring that the United States was conducting “major combat operations” to prevent Iran from threatening America and its core national security interests. He stated, “We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.”The US military used a combination of missiles and drones to strike targets in Iran while relying on advanced air defence systems to protect its bases in the Middle East from possible retaliation.According to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military developments, American warships launched Tomahawk cruise missiles at Iranian targets, while ground forces deployed the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS.US forces also used drones and other undisclosed standoff weapons designed for long-range attacks beyond the reach of enemy air defences. The coordinated strikes began on Saturday morning and were carried out using US military assets operating from land, sea and air.
NEW DELHI: The race to the knockouts at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its decisive stage, with three semifinal spots already secured and one final berth still up for grabs.England cricket team, South Africa national cricket team, and New Zealand national cricket team have officially booked their places in the last four of the 10th edition of the tournament.
The fourth semifinalist will be determined after the high-stakes Super 8 clash between India national cricket team and West Indies cricket team on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the knockout stage.T20 WORLD CUP 2026: KNOCKOUT DATES CONFIRMEDThe semifinals are slated for March 4 and March 5, while the final will be played on March 8.T20 WORLD CUP 2026: QUALIFIED TEAMSEngland, South Africa, New Zealand and TBD (between India and West Indies)
| Date | Match | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 4, Wednesday | Semi-final 1 | 7:00 PM | Kolkata |
| March 5, Thursday | Semi-final 2 | 7:00 PM | Mumbai |
ENGLANDEngland became the first side to seal a semifinal berth from Super 8 Group 2. The two-time T20 champions registered crucial wins, including a commanding 51-run triumph over Sri Lanka, a two-wicket victory against Pakistan, and a four-wicket win over New Zealand to confirm their progression.SOUTH AFRICASouth Africa advanced from Super 8 Group 1 after impressive performances, highlighted by key victories against India and West Indies.NEW ZEALANDNew Zealand emerged as the third semifinalist, progressing from Group 2 of the Super 8 stage with consistent performances.THE FINAL SPOT: INDIA OR WEST INDIESThe last remaining semifinal place will go to either India or West Indies from Group 1. Their Super 8 encounter effectively serves as a virtual quarterfinal, with qualification on the line.SEMIFINAL FORMAT: EXPLAINEDAs per tournament rules:The Group 2 winners will face the Group 1 runners-upThe Group 1 winners will take on the Group 2 runners-up
Iran has launched attacks on US assets across the Gulf in retaliation for a major joint strike by the United States and Israel, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.On Saturday, the Iranian government confirmed the attacks, according to the Fars news agency, citing targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, countries hosting airbases with US forces.
The United States maintains around 13 military bases in the Middle East, with 30,000 to 40,000 troops typically deployed across the region.Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard on Sunday threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” in response to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.“The most intense offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces will begin shortly, targeting Israel and US military bases,” the Guard said.In a letter to the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General António Guterres, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country would “continue to exercise its right of self-defence decisively and without hesitation until the aggression ceases fully and unequivocally.”
At least one person was killed in Abu Dhabi after several missiles launched from Iran were intercepted, according to the UAE’s state news agency, which provided no further details.In Dubai, a fire broke out near a hotel on the Palm Jumeirah Islands, sending plumes of smoke into the sky as multiple blasts were heard across the city. The Dubai Media Office later confirmed the “incident” in a building on Palm Jumeirah, which left four people injured. A luxury hotel was also hit during Iran’s strikes, carried out in retaliation for what Tehran described as a “massive” and ongoing attack by the United States and Israel.Earlier Sunday, the Dubai Media Office reported four injuries in an “incident” at Dubai International Airport, a major transport hub, noting only minor damage to the airport’s concourse.
Bahrain said a missile strike targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Manama, calling it a “treacherous attack” and “a blatant violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and security.”Footage shared on social media appeared to show an Iranian Shahed drone hitting a nearby tower block, sparking a fire. The interior ministry reported that several residential buildings in Manama were also affected, with civil defence teams conducting firefighting and rescue operations, according to posts on X.Bahrain’s ambassador to the United States, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, described the assaults on “sites within the Kingdom” as a “blatant violation of sovereignty” in a statement on X.
Kuwait’s defence ministry reported that Ali al-Salem Air Base came under attack by multiple ballistic missiles, all of which were intercepted by the country’s air defence systems.Abdullah al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said a drone targeted Kuwait International Airport, causing “minor injuries to several employees” and inflicting material damage to the passenger terminal. Explosions were heard across the city as the attack unfolded.The official KUNA news agency cited a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirming that Kuwait “maintains its right to defend itself.”
Qatar’s defence ministry said it “thwarted” attacks on the country in line with a “pre-approved security plan,” intercepting “all missiles” before they reached Qatari territory.Sources speaking to Al Jazeera reported that an Iranian missile targeted a long-range early warning radar in northern Qatar, but no injuries were reported.The Qatari foreign ministry condemned the attacks, saying that targeting Qatar by a neighbour “cannot be accepted under any justification or pretext” and noting that the country has consistently sought to remain distanced from regional conflicts.Qatar has faced similar strikes in the past year, including an Iranian attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in June and an Israeli strike on a Hamas meeting in Doha in September.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Iran targeted Riyadh and the kingdom’s eastern region, but said the attacks were repelled.“These attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way, and they came despite the Iranian authorities knowing that the Kingdom had confirmed that it would not allow its airspace and territory to be used to target Iran,” the ministry said.
Erbil Airport in Iraq’s Kurdish region was targeted twice on Saturday, an Al Jazeera correspondent reported. A drone aimed at Erbil International Airport was intercepted and shot down by air defences. The United States maintains troops in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region as part of an international coalition against ISIL (ISIS), which is set to conclude by September under a deal between Washington and Baghdad.Meanwhile, a drone strike hit a headquarters of the Kataeb Hezbollah armed group southwest of Baghdad, killing two, according to The Associated Press. Later, additional strikes targeted Jurf al-Nasr, an Iraqi military base that houses the former paramilitary group, now integrated into the regular army, a source told AFP. Iraq’s security media cell confirmed that “at 7.25 pm (local time), the Jurf al-Nasr area … was targeted by two air strikes.”A Kataib Hezbollah official confirmed the new attack and warned in a statement that “we will soon begin attacking American bases in response to their aggression.”
Oman, which has long acted as a regional and international liaison with Iran, played a central role in recent indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Oman and Geneva.Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had expressed optimism on Friday that peace was “within reach” after Iran agreed during the talks not to stockpile enriched uranium, describing the development as a major breakthrough. Hours later, Israel and the United States launched their attacks, effectively ending the negotiations.Albusaidi voiced “dismay” at the outbreak of violence and urged Washington to “not get sucked in further” into the conflict. “This is not your war,” he said.Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE temporarily closed their airspace and condemned Iran’s attacks on their territories.Sea vessels operating in the Gulf reported receiving notices of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency, as cited by Reuters. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil export route, connects major Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the UAE, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in Israeli attacks on Saturday, three sources familiar with military operations and regional intelligence told Reuters. Tehran has yet to comment publicly on the status of the two senior officials.The strikes come amid a major joint offensive by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets, which has escalated hostilities in the Middle East and drawn global concern. Explosions have been reported in multiple Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, as part of the campaign that reportedly targeted top military and political figures.More details awaited
The historic Eden Gardens prepares for a high-octane clash as India face off against the West Indies in a pivotal T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter. With the semi-final race heating up, this match carries the weight of a billion dreams and the Caribbean’s flair. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, look to maintain their dominance on home soil, while Shai Hope’s West Indies side aim to dismantle the hosts with their trademark power-hitting and mystery spin.
The stakes could not be higher for both sides in this Group 1 fixture. For the West Indies, this is a definitive do-or-die moment; a loss here likely extinguishes their hopes of reclaiming global T20 glory, making every boundary and wicket a matter of survival. India, despite their strong start, face immense pressure to secure their semi-final berth before the final group standings are settled. In the cauldron of Eden Gardens, there is no room for error. It is a battle of survival versus supremacy, where one mistake could end a World Cup campaign.
The weather in Kolkata is expected to be stable but challenging due to high humidity levels. Here is how the conditions will likely play out hour-by-hour during the match:
US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed following joint American and Israeli air strikes.“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead,” he wrote, calling the strike “justice for the people of Iran” and for Americans and others allegedly harmed by Iran.
The death of 86-year-old supreme leader has sent Iran into the unknown as Khamenei has left the centerstage without naming any designated successor.Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and two other top officials will lead Iran in the transitional period, state television reported on Sunday. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and another official from the country’s legal council will be part of the trio overseeing the transition, according to state television, which cited Mohammad Mokhber, one of Khamenei’s advisors.
An 88-member panel of Shia clerics -called the assembly of experts- appoints the supreme leader of Iran. The clerics are popularly elected every eight years and whose candidacies are approved by the Guardian Council, Iran’s constitutional watchdog.According to the Iranian law assembly of experts “must, as soon as possible” pick a new supreme leader.But until then, a leadership council can step in and “temporarily assume all the duties of leadership.” The assembly is made up of Iran’s sitting president, the head of the country’s judiciary and a member of the Guardian Council chosen by Iran’s Expediency Council, which advises the supreme leader and settles disputes with parliament. If that were to happen now, Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and hard-line judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei would be on that leadership council.There has been only one other transfer of power in the office of the supreme leader of Iran, the paramount decision-maker since the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.In 1989, Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died at age 86 after being the figurehead of the revolution and leading Iran through its bloody eight-year war with Iraq. This transition now comes after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran in June 2025 as well.
Mojtaba KhameneiAyatollah’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is one of the top contenders of succeeding the Supreme Leader. He is the second-eldest son of the now dead leader, and has long been seen as the rational successor to the terrorist-funding regime, Reuters reported citing sources with knowledge.The 56-year-old is inline with his father’s hardline policies, insiders told the outlet.Mojtaba Khamenei was flagged by the US treasury department as one of the parties responsible for transferring $1.5 billion out of Iran last month with Secretary Scott Bessent accusing the leadership of “abandoning ship.”Hassan KhomeiniAnother regime insider is Hassan Khomeini — the grandson of the father of the Islamic Revolution, Ruhollah Khomeini.Hassan Khomeini, 53, has emerged over the past month as a serious contender and is seen as a more conciliatory choice — both internationally and domestically.Maryam RajaviSoon after the strikes, president-elect of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran Maryam Rajavi called for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling regime and the creation of a democratic republic as conflict intensifies over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs following Saturday’s strikes by the US and Israel.“Our homeland continues to endure greater pain and destruction under the rule of religious fascism,” Rajavi declared in a statement shared with The Post, urging Iranians — particularly the nation’s “courageous youth” — to protect civilians amid mounting instability.According to the New York Post, NCRI, formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, presents itself as a government-in-exile and says it has a ready blueprint for a six-month transitional administration that would organize free elections and transfer sovereignty to the people.Reza PahlaviThe son of last monarch, Reza Pehlavi is also planning for a democratic transition if the Islamic Republic collapses.In a post on X, Pahlavi described the US action as a “humanitarian intervention” aimed at the regime — not the Iranian people.“The final victory will still be achieved by us,” he wrote. “It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish this task in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is approaching.”Pahlavi also called on President Trump to exercise “the utmost possible caution” to protect civilians if strikes continue, adding that Iranians “will not forget your assistance during the most difficult period of Iran’s contemporary history.”Rajavi urged members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other security bodies to lay down their arms and side with the people.Pahlavi warned security personnel they would “sink with Khamenei’s ship” if they continued defending the regime rather than “protect[ing] Iran and the Iranian nation.”Rajavi pointed to her “10-point plan” advocating free elections, separation of religion and state, gender equality and a non-nuclear Iran as the framework for a transitional government.Meanwhile, both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraged the Iranian people to take to the streets and seize power of their nation.“Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands,” Netanyahu said, encouraging Iranians to “take over your government.”
Ayatullah Khamenei and Reza Pahlavi (Images/AP)
Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, welcomed the announcement of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death following joint US-Israeli military strikes. He praised US President Donald Trump for his decisive action.In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote: “Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time… has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history.”
Pahlavi laid out a roadmap, called the Iran Prosperity Project, which proposes a referendum to draft and ratify a new constitution, followed by internationally supervised elections, after which the transitional government would dissolve.He added that any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor would fail, warning that any new leader would lack legitimacy and would inherit the crimes of the outgoing regime. Pahlavi urged military, law enforcement and security forces to assist in a stable transition to a free and prosperous Iran.Addressing citizens directly, Pahlavi wrote: “This may be the beginning of our great national celebration, but it is not the end of the road. Remain vigilant and prepared. The time for a widespread and decisive presence in the streets is very near. Thanks to President Trump, their hour of liberation is at hand… the Iranian people know they are not alone.”Pahlavi emphasized that the final victory would be achieved by Iranians themselves, who have borne decades of repression, mass protests and state violence.
In a detailed op-ed in the Washington Post, Pahlavi laid out a comprehensive plan for a peaceful and transparent transition in the country following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.He described the Islamic Republic as an expansionist and oppressive regime that has subverted regional sovereignty, pursued nuclear weapons, and committed mass atrocities at home, citing the reported massacre of over 30,000 protesters in January 2026.He emphasized that while US and Israeli strikes have weakened the regime, the ultimate victory rests with the Iranian people, who have endured decades of repression. Pahlavi called for unity among opposition groups, including monarchists, republicans, liberals, leftists, and religious and ethnic minorities, around four principles: territorial integrity, individual liberties, separation of religion and state, and the people’s right to choose their government.Pahlavi also envisioned a free Iran pursuing regional peace and cooperation, proposing the “Cyrus Accords,” a framework inspired by Cyrus the Great. This plan aims to replace hostility with diplomatic and economic collaboration, including recognition of Israel, and to transform Iran into a pillar of stability and prosperity in the Middle East, according to Washington Post. He praised Trump for supporting the Iranian people, stating that U.S. solidarity has empowered the nation’s citizens in their struggle for freedom and democratic governance.Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s last Shah, overthrown in the 1979 revolution. Born in Tehran in 1960, he was formally named crown prince in 1967. Pahlavi left Iran in 1978 for US military training and later earned a degree in political science from the University of Southern California. Following his father’s death in 1980, he declared himself Shah in exile.The US-Israel strikes on Iran early Saturday targeted key military and nuclear sites near Khamenei’s office. President Donald Trump called the strikes a measure to protect American lives and global security, declaring that “the hour of your freedom is at hand” for the Iranian people.
