With just a day remaining before the much-anticipated India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, excitement is building not only for the cricket but also for the grand closing ceremony. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has planned a spectacular celebration to mark the end of the tournament, and global pop superstar Ricky Martin will headline the pre-match entertainment, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable night.

Ricky Martin to lead the celebration at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony

On Friday, the ICC officially announced that the Puerto Rican pop icon will perform at the closing ceremony before the final. Known worldwide for chart-topping hits like Livin’ la Vida Loca and La Copa de la Vida, Martin’s performance is expected to bring a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to the stadium.

The ICC shared the announcement on social media, expressing excitement about having the global superstar as the headliner for the event. For many fans in India, this performance will be particularly special as it marks Ricky Martin’s return to the country after nearly three decades—his last major appearance in India dates back to 1998.

Often referred to as the “King of Latin Pop,” Martin has enjoyed a hugely successful career spanning more than 30 years. With multiple international hits and several Grammy nominations to his name, he is known for delivering electrifying live performances. Fans attending the final can expect a high-energy set featuring some of his biggest songs along with the signature Latin rhythms that made him a global sensation.

Final day schedule at the Narendra Modi Stadium

To help fans plan their experience at the stadium, the ICC has also released the full schedule for the final day’s events. Gates at the Narendra Modi Stadium will open at 3:30 pm IST, allowing spectators to enter early and soak in the festive atmosphere. The closing ceremony performances will begin at 5:30 pm IST, giving fans a full hour of entertainment before the cricket action begins.

The toss for the final is scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, while the match itself will start at 7:00 pm IST. With a massive crowd expected, fans have been advised to arrive well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure they don’t miss any of the pre-match celebrations.

A blend of global and Indian entertainment at the T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony

While Ricky Martin will be the main attraction, the closing ceremony is expected to feature a mix of international and Indian performers. Popular Indian artists Sukhbir and Falguni Pathak are also set to hit the stage during the celebrations.

Sukhbir, known for his energetic Punjabi hits, has long been a favourite at large-scale events, while Falguni Pathak – often called the “Dandiya Queen” – is famous for her lively performances that bring crowds to their feet. Their presence is expected to add a vibrant Indian flavour to the ceremony, blending global pop with traditional and contemporary Indian music.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Final – India vs New Zealand Ticket Prices and Booking Details

A perfect build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026 final

The entertainment spectacle will serve as the perfect build-up to what is shaping up to be a thrilling final between two strong teams. Defending champions India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, booked their place in the final after a thrilling victory over England in the semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

New Zealand, on the other hand, stormed into the final with a dominant nine-wicket win over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Black Caps will be aiming to win their first-ever T20 World Cup title after finishing runners-up in the 2021 edition.

For India, the stakes are equally high. A victory on Sunday would make them the first team in history to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title, further strengthening their legacy in the shortest format of the game.

With more than 130,000 fans expected inside the Narendra Modi Stadium – the largest cricket venue in the world – and millions more watching from across the globe, the final promises to be a night to remember.

The combination of world-class cricket, star-studded entertainment, and an electric stadium atmosphere ensures that the T20 World Cup 2026 will end on a truly grand note. For fans of both music and sport, Sunday night in Ahmedabad is shaping up to be nothing short of unforgettable.

Also READ: IND vs NZ – ICC names the umpires and match referee for T20 World Cup 2026 final

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips plays a shot during the third T20 cricket match between India and New Zealand in Guwahati, India, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP)

India will face New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday in Ahmedabad, with the hosts aiming to achieve several milestones in the tournament’s history.The defending champions are looking to become the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title and also the first side to win the tournament three times. India won the previous edition in 2024 after defeating South Africa in the final.

India suffered a heavy defeat to South Africa on February 22 in a Super 8 match of the tournament, but recovered to win their remaining Super 8 matches and reach the semi-finals. They then defeated England in a close and high-scoring semi-final.More than 100,000 spectators are expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the final. While India will aim for another world title in front of a home crowd, New Zealand will look to win the trophy for the first time.India enter the final as hosts and defending champions and have also recorded recent bilateral series wins against New Zealand. However, New Zealand hold a strong record against India in T20 World Cup matches, having won all three previous meetings between the teams in the tournament.

T20 World Cup 2007: New Zealand won by 10 runs in Johannesburg

In the first edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori delivered a strong all-round performance. He took 4 for 20 and also scored 15 runs from five balls to help New Zealand defeat India during the group stage.New Zealand had set a target of 191. India were 76 for 1 when Vettori came into the attack and dismissed Robin Uthappa and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had scored 51 from 33 balls.Spin bowling then tightened New Zealand’s control. Jeetan Patel dismissed Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni was run out for 24, and Vettori returned later to remove Irfan Pathan and Dinesh Karthik.Earlier, Brendon McCullum scored 45 at the top of the order, while Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram added runs towards the end to take New Zealand to a total that India could not chase.

T20 World Cup 2016: New Zealand won by 47 runs in Nagpur

The two teams met again in the 2016 edition in Nagpur. New Zealand defended a total of 126 by bowling India out for 79, with three spinners taking nine wickets between them.Corey Anderson scored 34 from 42 balls for New Zealand, while Luke Ronchi added 21 not out from 11 balls after coming in at number eight.India struggled against spin bowling, with Virat Kohli scoring 23 and MS Dhoni making 30. When Ish Sodhi dismissed Kohli at 39 for 5 in the ninth over, India were already under pressure.Dhoni was dismissed in the 18th over and Adam Milne then took the final wicket by removing Ashish Nehra three balls later.Nathan McCullum finished with 2 for 15, Sodhi took 3 for 18 and Mitchell Santner returned figures of 4 for 11 along with scoring 18 runs. Milne was the only fast bowler to take a wicket in the match.

T20 World Cup 2021: New Zealand won by 8 wickets in Dubai

India and New Zealand met again in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. India scored 110 for 7, which New Zealand chased comfortably.Trent Boult took a wicket in the powerplay and later picked up two more in the 19th over. Ish Sodhi returned figures of 2 for 17, Tim Southee took 1 for 26 and Adam Milne finished with 1 for 30.Mitchell Santner did not take a wicket but bowled an economical spell of 0 for 15, including 11 dot balls.In reply, Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell started the chase well. Mitchell scored 49 from 35 balls before being dismissed with New Zealand needing 15 runs. Captain Kane Williamson then finished the chase to seal the win.India vs New Zealand head-to-head in T20 World CupsPlayed: 3New Zealand: 3India: 0India and New Zealand will now meet again in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.The two teams had also reached the final of the Champions Trophy in 2025, and nearly a year later they will again face each other in the final of an ICC tournament.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling after the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the spinner’s confidence drops when batters attack him early in his spell.India reached the final after beating England by seven runs in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Chakravarthy had a difficult outing in the match while defending a total of 253 runs.

The spinner conceded 64 runs and picked up one wicket. It became the joint second-most expensive bowling spell in a T20 World Cup match. He equalled the record of Sanath Jayasuriya, who had figures of 0/64 for Sri Lanka against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 2007.“What is happening with Varun is not that teams are attacking him or picking him. Everyone knows that Adil Rashid has a googly. Teams attacking or reading a bowler is normal — it happens to every cricketer. But if this happens, you have to be tactical. You cannot miss the lengths. Line and length variations with speed variations are important. Varun has to be spoken to,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.“Every time he gets attacked upfront, the confidence is going down further, because he knows he is catching up. I am tired of saying this again and again. From the last few games, I am saying this. Do not bowl from round the wicket to the left-hander,” he added.The most expensive bowling figures in a T20 World Cup match were recorded in this edition when Saurabh Netravalkar of the United States returned 0/65 against India.Chakravarthy now has the joint second-most expensive bowling figures for India in all T20 internationals. Prasidh Krishna holds the record with 0/68 against Australia in Guwahati in 2023, while Yuzvendra Chahal also had figures of 0/64 against South Africa in Durban in 2018.India will face New Zealand in the final of the tournament on Sunday, March 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.The two teams had also reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and will again meet in the final of an ICC tournament nearly a year later.

The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has rapidly escalated into one of the most dangerous Middle East conflicts in years, spreading across multiple countries in less than a week. What began as a coordinated US-Israeli strike inside Iran quickly triggered retaliation from Tehran and drew in regional actors, turning the confrontation into a broader regional crisis.Washington and Tel Aviv say their joint campaign, codenamed Operation Epic Fury is designed to cripple Iran’s military infrastructure, particularly missile launchers, air-defence systems and naval assets. Israeli officials claim their forces now enjoy near-complete air superiority over Iran after thousands of strikes across the country.The conflict was sparked by a surprise attack that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering retaliation from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and allied groups across the region. Within days, missiles and drones were being fired not only at Israel but also at American bases and Gulf states.

According to estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury cost roughly $3.7 billion — around $891 million per day — with most of that spending outside existing US defence budgets. As the war enters its second week, attacks continue across Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the Gulf, while global markets and shipping routes have been disrupted.

Day 1: US-Israel strikes kill Iran’s Supreme Leader

The war began with a massive joint strike by the United States and Israel against targets across Iran. Air and missile attacks hit military bases, missile launch sites and strategic facilities in cities including Tehran, Isfahan and Kermanshah.One of the most dramatic developments was the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in what analysts described as a “decapitation strike” designed to cripple Iran’s leadership structure. Several senior military commanders were also reported killed in the initial attack.

According to the New York Post, the strike involved a missile fired from a fighter jet that briefly travelled to the edge of space before descending at high speed. The weapon, identified as the Blue Sparrow missile, follows a quasi-ballistic path that allows it to evade many conventional air-defence systems. Israeli officials reportedly said the strike targeted Khamenei’s guarded compound in Tehran during a meeting of senior officials. Iranian state media later confirmed the death of the 86-year-old cleric. The operation was described as the result of years of intelligence work by Israel’s Mossad and Unit 8200.

Iran quickly responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and American military facilities in the region. Air-raid sirens sounded across Israeli cities as defence systems were activated to intercept incoming projectiles.

Day 2: Iran launches major retaliation

On the second day of the conflict, Iran dramatically escalated its response with large waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory. Several missiles struck infrastructure sites, though many were intercepted by Israel’s air-defence systems.At the same time, the United States expanded its air campaign against Iranian military targets. Dozens of additional strikes targeted missile launchers, air-defence systems and facilities associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Iran also began directing attacks toward American bases and allied states across the Middle East, signalling that the conflict would not remain confined to Iranian and Israeli territory.

Day 3: Hezbollah opens a northern front

The third day saw the war spread beyond Iran and Israel when the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah entered the conflict. Rockets were launched from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel, opening a new front in the war.Israel responded with heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other areas of Lebanon. Israeli officials said the strikes targeted weapons depots, command centres and infrastructure linked to the group.More than 200 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across Lebanon since Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel on Monday. Among the deadliest attacks were overnight airstrikes on the eastern town of Nabi Chit, where at least 16 people were killed and 35 injured, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. Officials warned the death toll could rise further as rescue efforts continue.

Day 4: Regional tensions surge across the Gulf

By the fourth day, missile and drone attacks began affecting several Gulf countries that host American military bases.Iranian projectiles were intercepted over countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Some missiles and drones caused damage when debris fell after interceptions.At the same time, tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor for global energy supplies. Attacks on vessels and threats against shipping routes disrupted maritime traffic and raised fears of a global energy crisis.Oil markets reacted sharply as traders worried that the conflict could significantly affect global supply.

Day 5: Gulf states increasingly drawn into the conflict

On the fifth day, the war widened further as Iranian missiles and drones targeted multiple Gulf states.Air-defence systems in the United Arab Emirates intercepted dozens of projectiles over the country. Debris from interceptions caused damage in parts of Dubai, including near the international airport and coastal areas.In Bahrain, a missile struck a state-run oil refinery, triggering a fire that authorities later said was contained. Kuwait temporarily suspended operations at the US embassy after missiles and drones were detected heading toward the country.Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones and a cruise missile targeting military and energy infrastructure, including areas near the Ras Tanura refinery.

Day 6: Massive US-Israel strike campaign intensifies

By the sixth day, the United States and Israel dramatically intensified their military operations inside Iran.According to US military officials, hundreds of targets were struck over a 72-hour period, including ballistic missile launchers, military compounds and naval facilities. Israeli officials claimed to have destroyed roughly 80 percent of Iran’s air-defence systems.Iranian authorities said the death toll from the strikes had risen to more than 1,300 people across the country. Several cities reported heavy damage to buildings and infrastructure, including government facilities, hospitals and residential areas.Meanwhile, Iranian forces continued launching missiles toward Israeli territory, although US officials claimed the frequency of these attacks had decreased compared with the early days of the war.

Day 7: War spreads across multiple fronts

By the seventh day, the conflict had spread across much of the Middle East.Israel continued heavy bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and issued evacuation warnings for parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Bekaa Valley. Clashes were also reported along the Lebanon-Syria border.In Iraq, drones and rockets targeted installations hosting American forces near Baghdad and in the Kurdish region around Erbil.At the same time, missile and drone attacks continued across Gulf states. Explosions were heard in Dubai and Bahrain’s capital, Manama, as air-defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.The war has also disrupted global trade routes. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes — has slowed dramatically, with only a handful of commercial vessels navigating the waterway.As the conflict enters its second week, there is little sign of de-escalation. US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” while ruling out immediate negotiations, signalling that the war could continue to expand across the region.

Global economic and diplomatic impact

The war has triggered sharp reactions in global financial markets and energy prices. Oil prices surged amid fears that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could limit global supply.The benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude price jumped more than 12 percent during the week, one of the largest increases in years.The crisis has also forced thousands of foreign nationals to leave the Middle East. The US State Department says roughly 20,000 Americans have already departed the region, while several countries have organised evacuation flights.Airspace closures across much of the Middle East have complicated evacuation efforts. Several commercial airlines have suspended flights, while some ships and tankers have avoided the Gulf entirely.European governments are also responding cautiously. The United Kingdom and France have deployed naval and air-defence assets to the eastern Mediterranean, while other countries have focused primarily on diplomatic pressure.gnals the war could continue to escalate.

An Indian‑origin businessman in Canada criticised former prime minister Justin Trudeau for his immigration policies. He said the surge in new arrivals brought “the worst criminals” to the country and harmed immigrants like himself.In a post on X, Vijay Sapps said he arrived in Canada as a student nearly 26 years ago and worked cleaning washrooms, as a dishwasher and at gas stations to build his life. “I can tell you Trudeau is the worst thing to happen to Canada and immigrants like me,” he wrote. Sapps added: “He brought the worst criminals to Canada. Criminals who with fake degree, fake IELTS, who can’t get a job in India, so came here and destroying everything for everyone and the worst affected as immigrants.”Sapps said that rising immigration under Trudeau’s Liberal government put too much pressure on public services and made it hard for people to speak out, with critics often called xenophobic. He said the large number of temporary residents, like international students and foreign workers, and claimed some used fake documents to come to Canada.Canada’s immigration policy under Trudeau aimed to support economic growth, address labour shortages, and respond to an ageing population. Annual permanent resident targets rose from around 300,000 before the pandemic to 485,000 in 2024, with plans to reach 500,000 by 2025–26. Post‑pandemic surges also increased the number of temporary residents to more than 7 per cent of the population by 2024, putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services.In response to growing concerns, Trudeau admitted in October 2024 that immigration levels were not balanced and announced cuts in the 2025–27 Immigration Levels Plan. Permanent resident targets were lowered to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. The plan also aimed to reduce the number of temporary residents, with about 385,000 planned for 2026, much lower than before.Vijay Sapps is a Canadian entrepreneur and CEO of Ela Capital. He is of Indian and Sri Lankan heritage and based in Toronto, Canada.

Defending champions India have once again stamped their authority on the global stage by reaching the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. In what has been a dominant and entertaining campaign, India have won seven of their eight matches so far, showcasing explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and fearless leadership.

After taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma following the 2024 triumph, Suryakumar has guided the Men in Blue to their second consecutive T20 World Cup final. India will now face New Zealand in the summit clash on March 8, 2026, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with hopes of lifting another global trophy.

India dominate Group A with unbeaten record

India began their title defence in commanding fashion during the group stage, finishing at the top of Group A with four consecutive victories. The team displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability in different match situations.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav rescues India against USA

India’s campaign began with a challenging contest against the USA. The defending champions found themselves in deep trouble at 77/6 after a top-order collapse. However, Suryakumar produced a remarkable innings under pressure.

Playing a captain’s knock, Surya smashed an unbeaten 84 off just 49 deliveries, steering India to a respectable total of 161/9. The bowlers then backed up the effort with a disciplined performance to restrict the USA at 132/8, helping India secure a comfortable 29-run victory. The win set the tone for India’s campaign and highlighted Suryakumar’s leadership from the very first match.

Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya power India against Namibia

India carried their momentum into the next game against Namibia, producing a dominant all-round performance. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya led the batting charge with impressive half-centuries.

Kishan’s fluent 61 provided the platform, while Pandya’s explosive 52 ensured India posted a massive total of 209/9. The bowlers then took control of proceedings, dismantling Namibia’s batting lineup and sealing a commanding 93-run win.

India steamroll Pakistan in high-voltage clash

One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament saw India face arch-rivals Pakistan. The clash lived up to the hype, and India  emerged as clear winners with a clinical performance.

Kishan once again shone with the bat, scoring a superb 77 that helped India post 175/7. The Indian bowling attack then delivered a stunning performance, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup for just 114. The emphatic 61-run victory further strengthened India’s position at the top of the group.

Shivam Dube stars against Netherlands

India completed a perfect group-stage run with a victory against the Netherlands. The match saw Shivam Dube deliver one of the most explosive innings of the tournament.

Dube smashed 66 off just 31 balls, powering India to a formidable total of 193/6. Despite a spirited effort from the Netherlands, India managed to defend the total and secured a 17-run win, finishing the group stage unbeaten.

Mixed fortunes in the Super 8s

After dominating the group stage, India faced tougher challenges in the Super 8s phase. The defending champions finished second in Group 1 but still secured a place in the semi-finals.

South Africa hand India their only defeat

India’s winning streak came to an end against South Africa. Batting first, the Proteas posted a strong total of 187/7, putting pressure on the Indian batting lineup.

India struggled to build partnerships during the chase and were eventually bowled out for just 111. The 76-run defeat was a rare setback for Suryakumar’s side but served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the tournament.

India bounce back with massive win over Zimbabwe

India responded in style in their next match against Zimbabwe. The batting lineup produced one of the highest totals of the tournament, scoring a mammoth 256/4.

Pandya and Abhishek Sharma played explosive knocks, both scoring quick-fire half-centuries. Their aggressive approach left the Zimbabwe bowlers helpless. India’s bowlers then ensured the match remained one-sided as Zimbabwe were restricted comfortably, giving India a dominant 72-run victory.

Sanju Samson shines in must-win clash

The final Super 8 match against West Indies turned into a crucial encounter for India. Chasing a competitive target of 196 at Eden Gardens, India needed a strong performance to secure their semi-final spot.

Sanju Samson rose to the occasion with a brilliant unbeaten 97, anchoring the chase with maturity and composure. His knock guided India to a five-wicket victory and confirmed their place in the knockout stage.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

Thrilling semi-final win over England

India’s semi-final clash against England at the Wankhede Stadium turned out to be one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. Batting first, India delivered a powerful batting display and posted a massive total of 253/7. Samson played a sensational innings of 89, while Dube contributed a quick 43 to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs.

England responded with equal aggression during their chase. Young batter Jacob Bethell produced a magnificent knock of 105, keeping England firmly in the contest. The match went down to the final overs as England threatened to pull off a remarkable chase.

However, India’s experienced bowlers held their nerve in the crucial moments. Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya delivered exceptional death-over bowling, restricting England to 246/7 and sealing a thrilling seven-run victory for India.

One step away from history

With seven wins from eight matches, India have demonstrated why they remain one of the most dominant teams in world T20 cricket. Under the leadership of Suryakumar, the team has blended aggressive batting with strategic bowling, producing match-winning performances throughout the tournament. The defending champions are now just one victory away from securing back-to-back T20 World Cup titles. If they succeed, it will mark another historic chapter in Indian cricket and further cement Suryakumar’s legacy as a successful captain on the global stage.

Also READ: India’s win-loss record at the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final

US secretary of state Marco Rubio

`The United States approved an emergency arms sale worth $151.8 million to Israel as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate.The US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs approved the sale of 12,000 requested 1,000-pound (450-kilogram) bomb casings, according to a press release issued on Friday. The munitions are intended to strengthen Israel’s military capabilities amid the intensifying conflict.In addition to the bomb casings, the deal includes engineering, logistics and technical support services provided by US government and contract personnel. Some of the equipment will be supplied from existing US stockpiles.“The proposed sale will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats,” the bureau said in a statement cited by AFP.

The state department said secretary of state Marco Rubio approved the deal using emergency authority under the Arms Export Control Act, allowing the administration to bypass the usual congressional review process.“The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States,” it said.The approval comes as fighting between Israel, the United States and Iran continues to intensify. Explosions sent clouds of dark smoke over the Iranian capital early Saturday, while Tehran responded by firing missiles at Israel.US and Israel have carried out repeated strikes on Iran targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear programme. The stated goals and timelines of the war have continued to shift, with US officials at times suggesting the conflict could lead to the removal of Iran’s government or the emergence of new leadership from within.The emergency approval has drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Congressman Gregory Meeks, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said bypassing congressional review raised concerns about the administration’s claims that it was prepared for the conflict.“The Trump administration has repeatedly insisted it was fully prepared for this war,” Meeks said in a statement. “Rushing to invoke emergency authority to circumvent Congress tells a different story.”“This is an emergency of the Trump administration’s own creation.”

File photo of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte with Barcelona’s Dani Olmo during a La Liga match. (AP)

New Delhi: Athletic Bilbao face a daunting challenge as they host La Liga leaders Barcelona at San Mames, with the Catalan giants narrowly ahead in the title race. While Barcelona are battling Real Madrid at the top, ninth-placed Athletic are chasing European places in a tightly packed mid-table. For Aymeric Laporte, who spoke exclusively to TimesofIndia.com, the clash represents both a tactical test and a statement opportunity for Ernesto Valverde’s side.

The defender expects Athletic to spend long spells without the ball against Barcelona’s possession-heavy style but insists the team is preparing to treat the match “like a final”. Laporte also spoke about the Basque side’s season objectives and his personal focus with Spain’s World Cup campaign looming.Excerpts:Q. Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona is a big game. How has the preparation been like? What are some of the areas you’re focussing on as a team?Laporte: Barcelona is a big team. They play top gameplay, so they have a good style – possession ball, long time. We will have to run for sure, but I hope we will be preparing at San Mames to do something big. Q. You will be starting in defence. Against a team like Barcelona, what is the biggest challenge – one on ones, defensive line, what is it?Laporte: Yeah, it’s always a big challenge against big teams like this. We try our best, I try my best also. I try to manage the line, the defensive line, the pitch.It’s true that we are rotating, like we are playing different people nearly every single game. But yeah, we are trying to solve all the issues game by game and we will try to prepare this game as a final.

File photo of fans of Athletic Club at Estadio de San Mames. (Getty Images)

Q. Coming to Athletic, things have been a bit up and down this year. What is the goal for the team overall? Laporte: The ambition is to go game-by-game. I think it’s the most important thing for this season.I would like or love to say in that top-six. But right now we are not in the best position to talk about the first 6-7 of La Liga. Step by step, Barcelona first and after we will see if we can win many games. We will try our best to win as much as possible and try to find the places on top of the league.Q. With the World Cup also coming later in the year. For you personally, is there any goal fitness-wise or game-wise that you are looking to improve or build on as a player?Laporte: When you play for a team in La Liga and I have played for Spain for a few years, of course it is in my head. It is also why I’ve come back here to Spain. To play the big games during the season, to keep the rhythm, the highest level. First we have the Finalissima against Argentina and after we will think about the World Cup.WATCH: Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona will be LIVE at 1:30am IST on 8 March on FanCode.

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