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Pakistan Cricket has been under real turmoil. After their horrifying performance at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they were knocked out of the Super 8 stages. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) fined all the players after their dismal show at the major ICC event. The players have been fined PKR 5 million (approx US$ 18,000).
As per reports from Rev Sportz, former ICC umpire Aleem Dar, who was a part of PCB’s revamped selection committee since 2024 October, has resigned from his post on Monday, March 2, 2026. This shocking decision comes at a time when Pakistan’s cricket has been under scrutiny in the cricketing world.
This is not a new sight for the cricketing world, as when there have been poor performances from the Pakistan National Cricket Board, some or the other members, players, and coaches associated with PCB resign or are removed from their respective posts.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Aleem Dar was among the renowned names selected to the PCB’s restructured selection committee back in 2024, after the side suffered a humiliating innings and 47-run defeat to England despite scoring over 500 runs in the first innings. He was among the four out of the five selectors who were retained by the management.
Apart from him, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Aaqib Javed were also retained by PCB. The only change that was made was Usman Hashmi replacing Hassan Cheema as the data analyst. However, after a poor performance from the Pakistan side in the major tournament, another selector has resigned from his post.
Aqib Javed and Asad Shafiq are currently members of the selection committee, tasked with identifying and judging talent for future matches and tournaments. However, Hashmi is on to assist them with the other two members’ tasks; however, his function is purely advisory, and he has no say in the selection process.
According to sources close to the PCB, Aleem Dar has resigned, and while it has been stated that it was a voluntary decision, there are speculations that the selection committee is under increasing pressure following the Pakistani national team’s poor performance in terms of consistency in batting and bowling.
Throughout his more than 20-year career, the 56-year-old officiated 448 international matches. He retired from the profession at the end of Pakistan’s 2024-25 domestic season. Dar has been a crucial member of the ICC Elite and International Panels since 2003. He earned the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year three times during his career.
The fallout of failure…
Pakistan selector Aleem Dar resigns.
The former ICC panel umpire was inducted surprisingly in October 2024. #T20WorldCup— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 2, 2026
As per reports from ESPNcricinfo since 2021, has used 26 different selectors for the men’s national side. Aleem Dar becomes the 27th person to be added to the list. Previously, Gary Kirsten resigned as Pakistan’s white-ball (ODI/T20I) head coach in October 2024, just six months into a two-year contract.
Head coach Mike Hesson has also been under fire after the side’s dismal show at the T20 World Cup. The Men in Green did not perform well as per the expectations, except for the last game against Sri Lanka, which they won by 5 runs.
Also Read: PCB cracks whip after Pakistan miss semi-finals spot in 2026 T20 World Cup
Sanju Samson dropped to his knees and looked up at the sky in gratitude and relief, perhaps thanking the cricketing gods at the ‘Garden of Eden’ in Kolkata, after steering India to the T20 World Cup semifinals with a five-wicket win over West Indies in what was a virtual quarter-final for both teams.India captain Suryakumar Yadav doffed his cap in honour of Sanju, after the right-handed batter played a career-defining unbeaten 97 off 50 balls on Sunday.While Sanju’s 97 in Kolkata will be remembered, his short-lived but significant innings against Zimbabwe three days prior had brought momentum to India’s T20 World Cup campaign.In the five matches before Sanju returned to the playing XI against Zimbabwe, India won four but there were clear concerns in the batting, and everyone could see it.
India played without Samson in four out of those five matches, and their highest opening partnership in those games was 8 runs. In the only match that Sanju played, against Namibia (when Abhishek was out due to illness), Samson and Ishan Kishan had an opening stand of 25 runs in 12 balls.Apart from Ishan’s knocks against Pakistan (77 off 40) and Namibia (61 off 24), India’s top four, including Surya and Tilak Varma, were also facing a strike-rate problem in those matches, as the table below shows.
Openers not providing a good start, and the middle order struggling to score runs quickly, was a double trouble for defending champions India. This was largely due to India’s batters struggling against off-spin in the tournament.With six left-handers in the top eight, India essentially invited themself to be attacked by off-spinners. And oppositions’ Erasmus, Aghas, Ayubs, and Dutts obliged.During the group stage, India faced more off-spin than any other team — 102 deliveries. Among the 13 teams that faced at least six overs of off-spin, only Nepal (5.25) and Oman (5.42) scored at a slower rate than India’s 6.23 runs per over.India’s trouble against off-spin bowling was first exposed by Gerhard Erasmus, when the Namibian skipper took four wickets, three of them left-handers, in the group-stage match. Pakistan took the cue, and their captain, Salman Ali Agha, a part-time off-spinner, took the new ball and dismissed India’s opener Abhishek Sharma caught on duck at mid-on. The trend continued in India’s last group-stage match against the Netherlands as off-spinner Aryan Dutt came to bowl the first over. He first bowled Abhishek Sharma for another duck, his third in as many matches in the tournament by then, and then sent his partner Ishan Kishan back to the dugout in the fifth over.
It is worth noting that Abhishek had not previously shown vulnerability against off-spin; in fact, he has a career strike rate of 171.1 against off-spinners in powerplay in T20Is. However, given the slow nature of the pitches in the tournament, as compared to the IPL and T20 bilaterals India played at home in the last two years, he seemed to be out of his comfort zone against them and fell to off-spin twice in the three group-stage matches.Meanwhile, Abhishek’s opening partner Ishan Kishan, does face trouble against the off-spinners. In all T20Is, Kishan has scored against off-spinners at a mere 76.9 strike rate in the first six overs. That hasn’t changed in the T20 World Cup, despite him being in the form of his life; the southpaw has scored at just 115.8 strike rate against off-spin in the powerplay, his lowest against all kinds of bowling.In comparison, Sanju Samson has a strike-rate of 188.2 against off-spinners in the powerplay in T20Is.
By the end of the group stage, it was clear that India’s two left-handed openers had a difficult match-up against off-spin.It was evident that South Africa will use their off-spin options if Ishan and Abhishek open the innings for India in their first Super 8 clash. India captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked in the pre-match press conference whether India would look to bring back right-handed Sanju Samson vs South Africa in the top order to counter the off-spin threat? To which he replied, “Matlab Abhishek ki jagah khilau? (Should I play him instead of Abhishek?)”, “matlab Tilak ki jagah khilau? (You mean in place of Tilak?).“Suryakumar Yadav was seen smiling sarcastically while replying to the journalist as if the suggestion was out of context.But the story repeated, as predicted, and South Africa captain Aiden Markram himself came to bowl with the new ball and dismissed opener Ishan Kishan for a duck. India lost the match by 76 runs, which left them in a do-or-die situation.
India’s next Super 8 match was against Zimbabwe in Chennai, and in came Sanju Samson back in the playing XI. He opened the innings with Abhishek and provided India a brisk opening stand of 48 runs. More importantly, with Sanju as an opener, India succeeded in keeping the off-spinner away from the new ball. By the time Sanju was dismissed in the fourth over, India were 48, and Abhishek Sharma was set at the crease. Sanju scored 24 off 15 balls and fulfilled the task brilliantly that he was entrusted with, and was lauded by head coach Gautam Gambhir and support staff after his dismissal. Sanju’s presence did wonders for India in the match. Opener Abhishek Sharma, who had scored just 15 runs before that in the tournament, including three ducks, came back to form and scored a half-century. India scored 256 in the first innings and crushed Zimbabwe by 72 runs. India finally had a convincing win in the tournament, and a campaign that once seemed on the verge of derailment found its momentum. Sanju Samson had turned it around through his 15-ball 24-run knock.Against West Indies on Sunday, India chased down their highest-ever target (196) in Men’s T20 World Cup history, bettering their previous record of 173 against South Africa in 2014.Sanju Samson’s 97 in the chase was the second-highest score for India at the men’s T20 World Cup, behind only Suresh Raina’s 101 against South Africa in 2010. It was the highest for India in a chase at the T20 World Cup, bettering Virat Kohli’s 82 not out against Australia in 2016 and Pakistan in 2022.India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who just a few days ago questioned “kiski jagah khilau?”, bowed down to Samson in appreciation.The 97 in Kolkata will be remembered. It secured the semifinal spot and will sit high among India’s best T20 World Cup knocks. But it was Samson’s 15-ball 24 against Zimbabwe in Chennai that brought India’s T20 World Cup campaign to life, and they are now looking like the formidable side that they are, going into the semi-final.
An American-made F-15 fighter jet of the US Air Force crashed in Kuwait on Monday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the joint US-Israel military action that led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.The conflict in the rapidly evolving Middle East has widened following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Monday claimed that a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Kuwait earlier in the day.Citing local sources, IRNA shared a video clip that it said shows the downing of the American fighter jet.“According to local sources, a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down in the skies above Kuwait earlier on Monday morning,” the post said.However, the exact cause of the crash has not yet been officially confirmed.According to initial reports, both the pilot and the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) aboard the US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle that crashed over Kuwait have survived.Local residents reportedly found the two crew members and later handed them over to Kuwaiti authorities.A video of the fighter jet crash has also surfaced on social media.Some reports suggest the aircraft may have been hit in a possible “friendly fire” incident involving the US Air Force. However, US Central Command and the Pentagon have not yet officially confirmed the cause of the crash.Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) shared a post on X claiming that Iran had targeted several locations across the region, including “Dubai International Airport; Kuwait International Airport; Zayed International Airport, Dubai; Erbil International Airport, Iraq; Port of Dubai” as well as residential areas in Israel, Bahrain and Qatar.Al Jazeera also reported on Monday that new explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, along with loud bangs in Doha. Arab News reported that Iranian missiles and drones had targeted Kuwait and Bahrain as well. An eyewitness told news agency Reuters that smoke was seen rising from near the US embassy in Kuwait.Earlier in the day, the Kuwait Air Defence Force shot down “a number of hostile aerial targets” early Monday morning (local time), according to the Kuwait Army.In a post on X, the Kuwait army wrote, “The Official Spokesman for the ministry of defense stated that the Kuwaiti air defense force confronted a number of hostile aerial targets at dawn today with efficiency and capability, as they were monitored and intercepted within the scope of operations in the central part of the country, as part of the complete readiness to protect the nation’s airspace, with no casualties recorded. He affirmed that the armed forces continue to carry out their duties and address any potential developments, ensuring the preservation of the country’s security and stability.”The developments come as Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, firmly rejected on Monday that Iran would negotiate with the United States.The second meeting of the Provisional Leadership Council was held after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed on Saturday in US-Israel strikes carried out under Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion.Following Khamenei’s killing, Donald Trump addressed the Iranian public on Saturday, calling on them to topple the government. “This will probably be your only chance for generations,” he said after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran began.The Provisional Leadership Council was formed shortly after Supreme Leader Khamenei and several top security officials were killed in the ongoing US and Israeli strikes.The interim council, which includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected. Iranian state media reported that at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces, according to Al Jazeera.
Amid the ongoing debate around actors demanding fixed 8–9 hour shifts, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha weighed in during a recent chat, offering a measured and practical take on the controversy. When asked whether he would be okay signing an actor who insists on working only 8 or 9 hours a day, Sinha said the answer is simple.“Actors are different people. Good actors are different personalities — and that’s fine. Acting is perhaps the toughest art form in the history of art. Every other art form deals with some kind of hardware. Even in singing, you use your voice physically. Acting is the only art form that doesn’t rely on a physical instrument in that sense. So actors are wired differently,” he told Shubhankar Mishra.
He added bluntly, “If an actor wants to work six hours a day and you’re not okay with it, then don’t work with that actor. It’s as simple as that.”
Recalling his experience with the late Rishi Kapoor while shooting Mulk, Sinha revealed how conditions on set are often a matter of negotiation rather than confrontation.“Yes, Chintu ji told me after reading the script of Mulk that he didn’t want to do night shoots. I told him, ‘But Chintu ji, night scenes are important.’ So we negotiated. He said he would do four night shoots. I agreed.”But filmmaking rarely sticks to plan.“Later during the shoot, I told him, ‘Sir, it’s become five nights.’ He said, ‘What happened?’ But we managed.”Sinha made it clear there was no bitterness. “I badly wanted Rishi Kapoor in that film, and I had no problem adjusting. I had a wonderful experience working with him. He also had a good time.”He fondly recalled meeting Kapoor after his treatment in New York at Amitabh Bachchan’s Diwali party. “He even suggested we shoot one more scene for Thappad with Taapsee, saying he would quietly walk in from behind. That was my last meeting with him. I found a friend in him — just because he didn’t want to shoot nights doesn’t make him difficult.”Then, with characteristic candour, he added, “And by the way, I don’t like shooting nights either. Am I not allowed that?”
Sinha also addressed the larger conversation around actors’ working hours, especially in the wake of discussions surrounding Deepika Padukone opting out of projects.“I don’t believe in gossip. I’ve never really worked with Deepika, barely met her once at a party years ago. But I asked people who have worked with her, and they said she’s a delightful actress to work with,” he said.
He questioned the need to turn professional disagreements into public spats. “If any actor’s demands are unreasonable, don’t work with them. Why create a controversy? Every household has disagreements, but you don’t go to the terrace and shout about it.”Calling the debate overblown, he continued, “I think it’s unfair the way this has been blown up. If you don’t like an actor, fire them. Actors and directors have been fired before — it happens. It should remain between the concerned people.”He also underlined the practical realities of the profession. “People can have working conditions. An actor stands in front of the camera. They have to look good on a 50–60 foot screen. If there are eye bags, they look huge. So yes, working hours matter. These issues can easily be resolved privately.”
When asked about controversies escalating on social media, Sinha remained firm.“That’s unnecessary. If you don’t want to work with someone, don’t. Why make statements? These topics can be avoided. There’s no need to turn everything into a public spectacle.”
As the T20 World Cup 2026 fever grips the nation, a heartwarming off-field moment involving former India captain Sourav Ganguly has captured the attention of cricket fans and cinema enthusiasts alike. Popular Bengali actress Mimi Chakraborty took to social media to share a touching incident that showcased Ganguly’s legendary humility during a late-night flight, proving why he remains an icon beyond his cricketing achievements.
The 37-year-old actress revealed that she was traveling on a late-night flight when she and her companions were allocated the only available seat – in the last row of economy class. What happened next left her deeply moved. Ganguly, who was seated in business class, chose to leave his comfortable accommodation and join them in the economy section.
Sharing a picture with the cricket legend on Instagram, Chakraborty penned an emotional caption that quickly went viral: “Late night flight, only last row available, and we said yes of course had to reach home and then this person leaves his business class to join us and definitely obliged every one who came for a picture or selfie (here by everyone I mean literally), answered a few Q&A’s too, in a world full of noise humility really touches deep. LEGEND FOR A REASON.”
The post resonated with thousands of fans who praised Ganguly’s down-to-earth nature, with many commenting that such gestures define true greatness far more than on-field accomplishments.
Chakraborty’s revelation comes at a time when Ganguly remains actively involved in cricket administration as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Beyond his administrative duties, the former BCCI President has also ventured into television, hosting the Bengali version of Kaun Banega Crorepati and making appearances on numerous Bengali TV shows.
On the cricketing front, Ganguly recently added another feather to his cap by coaching Pretoria Capitals to the SA20 2026 final, demonstrating that his cricketing acumen extends beyond playing and administration into mentorship and coaching.
The heartfelt plane moment gains additional significance given Ganguly’s active involvement in the ongoing T20 World Cup. As CAB President, he was present at Eden Gardens in Kolkata to witness India’s commanding five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the Super 8 clash – a win that secured the defending champions’ spot in the semifinals.
Ganguly watched intently as Sanju Samson delivered a match-winning knock of 97 not out, powering India to their highest-ever successful T20 World Cup chase of 196. The wicketkeeper-batter’s innings, featuring four sixes and 12 fours, drew widespread acclaim, including from the former captain himself.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals – Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
NEW DELHI: Used syringes found in stadium washrooms. Athletes failing dope tests. And now, doctors are being told to check what they prescribe.As doping cases rise across sports, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has asked doctors, hospitals and medical colleges across the country to be cautious while treating athletes. The concern is that banned substances may be entering sport not only through deliberate cheating, but also through contaminated supplements and even routine prescriptions.In a recent public notice, the NMC — following a communication from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports flagging rising doping cases — asked doctors to familiarise themselves with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list and ensure that medicines containing banned ingredients are prescribed only when medically necessary and properly recorded.Medical colleges and institutions have been asked to sensitise faculty and practitioners on anti-doping regulations, particularly while treating athletes, and to promote responsible prescription practices. The NMC has also suggested integrating basic anti-doping awareness into undergraduate medical education and continuing professional development programmes wherever feasible.The move comes after a series of positive tests this year. Seven Indian athletes were provisionally suspended in 2025 by the National Anti-Doping Agency. On January 5, Uttarakhand cricketer Rajan Kumar tested positive for three banned substances.At several national and state meets, washrooms were reportedly found littered with used syringes, pointing to organised misuse of performance-enhancing drugs. The situation became serious enough for Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to direct authorities to step up action.The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has warned that many doping cases are not always intentional. Athletes sometimes consume supplements that are mislabelled or contaminated. Others may unknowingly take prescription medicines that are banned under global anti-doping rules.A sport medicine specialist said, “Many general practitioners may not always be updated on frequent changes to the WADA prohibited list. A medicine that is routine for the general public — certain painkillers, steroids or even cough syrups — can result in a positive test for an athlete. Responsibility lies on both sides. Athletes must inform doctors that they are subject to dope testing, and doctors must verify whether a prescribed drug is permitted. If a banned medicine is medically necessary, it should be supported by a Therapeutic Use Exemption.”Officials have also raised concerns about imported supplements and products sold online that may contain prohibited substances. The ministry has called for stronger coordination with regulators such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to tighten oversight.The message is clear: fighting doping is no longer just about catching athletes. It now involves doctors, pharmacists, supplement sellers and regulators — all of whom play a role in keeping sport clean.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that operations against Iran are likely to last four to five weeks, but the United States is prepared “to go far longer than that” and said the operation represented the “last best chance” to eliminate what he called “intolerable threats” from the Iranian regime.Speaking at a White House ceremony, Trump said the campaign was meeting its objectives ahead of schedule. “We’re already substantially ahead of our time projections,” he said. “From the beginning we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. We’ll do it.”
Trump outlined the United States’ goals in targeting Iran. He said the first objective was to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, followed by the annihilation of its naval forces, claiming that ten Iranian ships had already been sunk. He added that the campaign aims to ensure Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon and to stop the regime from arming, funding, and directing terrorist armies outside its borders.Donald Trump described Iran as an “intolerable threat” to the American people and said the regime’s conventional ballistic missile programme had posed a “colossal threat” to US forces overseas. He said the purpose of the programme was to shield Iran’s nuclear development and make it difficult for anyone to stop Tehran from creating prohibited nuclear weapons.The US President framed the military action as a response to decades of attacks against the United States. He referenced the killing of General Soleimani, describing him as “the father of the roadside bomb”.The President’s address came during a White House ceremony in which he recognised three US Army soldiers with the Medal of Honor, two of which were awarded posthumously.(With inputs from agencies)
