NEW DELHI: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as mentor of Delhi Capitals ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League. The 45-year-old said he would not be able to give the role the time it demands, though fans will still see him during the tournament as a commentator.

Pietersen had joined the franchise as a mentor in February last year for the 2025 season.

In that role, he worked closely with the coaching staff that included Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, head coach Hemang Badani, assistant coach Matthew Mott and bowling coach Munaf Patel.Confirming his decision on social media, Pietersen explained that his schedule would not allow him to continue in the position. “I cannot be a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this IPL season,” he wrote on X. “I can’t commit to the time that the job requires. Best wishes to all the players for this season! However, I’ll see you back in the commentary box! IPL is the world’s best league, and I can’t wait to see all of you soon!”Pietersen remains one of England’s most recognised cricketers. During his international career with the England national cricket team, he scored more than 8,000 runs in Tests and over 4,000 runs in ODIs. He also played 36 IPL matches for teams including Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (then Royal Challengers Bangalore), Sunrisers Hyderabad and Pune Warriors India, scoring 1,001 runs in the league. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, which will run from March 28 to April 12. The season will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The second ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium was billed as a comeback opportunity for the visitors, but it quickly transformed into a global debate over cricketing ethics. While Pakistan managed to level the series with a commanding victory, the match headlines were dominated by a spirit of cricket controversy that has polarized fans and experts alike. The primary catalyst was a bizarre run-out involving Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, which prompted a stern rebuke from former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif.

Mohammad Kaif reacts on Salman Agha’s run-out controversy

The focal point of the controversy occurred in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings. Agha, batting fluently on 64, was at the non-striker’s end when Mohammad Rizwan drove the ball back toward the bowler, Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The ball struck Agha’s pads and trickled to a stop. In a gesture of routine courtesy, Agha picked up the ball to hand it back to Miraz.

However, seeing Agha outside his crease, Miraz snatched the ball and whipped off the bails, appealing for a run-out. The third umpire, sticking to the literal interpretation of the laws, declared him out. The decision left Agha fuming, leading to a heated exchange with the Bangladesh skipper and Litton Das before the batter threw his helmet in disgust upon reaching the dugout.

Mohammad Kaif took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his sharp disapproval of the tactic. Kaif, a staunch advocate for fair play, argued that such desperation has no place in the sport. He wrote:

“This is so not done. No desperation of getting wickets can justify this run out. That too from a captain. Youngsters please remember, even if the World Cup final is on the line, never do what the Bangladesh skipper did. Sports without fair play is no sports.”

While the dismissal fell within the technicality of MCC Law 37.4, Kaif’s sentiment resonated with those who believe that a captain should uphold the game’s traditional values over opportunistic gains.

This is so not done. No desperation of getting wickets can justify this run out. That too from a captain. Youngsters please remember, even if the World Cup final is on the line never do what the Bangladesh skipper did. Sports without fair play is no sports. https://t.co/1N5LjEuFUK

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 13, 2026

Also WATCH: Salman Agha loses cool after unusual run out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI

Pakistan bulldozed Bangladesh in 2^nd ODI to level the series 

Despite the friction and a late-innings collapse triggered by Agha’s exit, Pakistan’s performance with both bat and ball was clinical. After being bundled out for just 114 in the first ODI, the visitors flipped the script entirely. Driven by a blistering 75 off 46 balls from youngster Maaz Sadaqat and Agha’s solid 64, Pakistan posted a competitive 274.

The second half of the match saw Bangladesh’s batting lineup completely dismantled. Pakistan’s pace battery, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, utilized the damp conditions following a rain delay to perfection. Chasing a DLS-revised target, the Tigers never found their footing.

Sadaqat proved to be the MVP of the match, backing up his half-century with a 3-wicket haul. Bangladesh was skittled for a meager 114, ironically the same score, Pakistan made in the series opener handing the visitors a massive 128-run victory. With the series now tied at 1-1, all eyes turn to the final decider on March 15.

Also WATCH: Tawhid Hridoy plucks a spectacular catch to remove Sahibzada Farhan during 2nd ODI

NEW DELHI: Virtually ending speculation over any revival of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal, Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday declared that the BJP will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections on its own and seek to form its own government in the state.Addressing the party’s “Badlav” rally at Killi Chahlan village in Moga, Shah said the BJP had effectively launched its campaign for the Punjab polls, due early next year, and appealed to voters to give the party a chance after supporting the Congress, the Akalis and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).“Whenever we came before you, we came in the role of a younger brother. We could not have formed the government (on our own),” Shah said, referring to the BJP’s past alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal.“Magar aaj mein keh kar jaata hu 27 (2027) kay chunav mein, Bharatiya Janata Party apni sarkar banane kay liye chunav ladne ja rahi hai (The BJP is now going to fight the 2027 election to form its government in Punjab),” he said, reported news agency PTI.

BJP sounds poll bugle from Moga

Shah said Punjab had given multiple chances to the Congress, the Akalis and the AAP, and should now give the BJP an opportunity.“We will bring change in Punjab,” he said.Shah claimed the BJP had secured 19 per cent of the vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Punjab and argued that wherever the party reached that mark, it eventually went on to form the government.“In 2024, the BJP got 19 per cent of the votes. And it is our track record, where the BJP gets 19 per cent of the vote, the next government formed there is of the BJP. And this happened in Odisha, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and now it is the turn of Punjab,” he said.The BJP unsuccessfully contested all 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab in 2024, but its vote share rose from 9.6 per cent in 2019 to nearly 19 per cent.

Sharp attack on Mann government

Using the broader “Badlav” rally to target the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government, Shah accused it of presiding over a breakdown in law and order and failing to tackle drugs, corruption and unemployment.“Today, Punjab has been destroyed due to debt, drugs, religious conversions, corruption and terror of gangsters,” Shah alleged.Shah also claimed the Mann government had become an “ATM” for AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and said the chief minister was merely acting as Kejriwal’s “pilot”.“There is no government in this state. Had there been a government, the law and order situation would not have been so; the state would not have been reeling from the drug menace and farmers would not have been suffering…. Mann has only been acting as Kejriwal’s pilot,” he said.He also promised that if the BJP comes to power, it would eliminate the drug trade in Punjab within two years.“Give us your blessing in February, and we will root out the drug trade in Punjab within two years,” Shah said, reported PTI.

Religious conversion pitch also surfaces

While the main thrust of Shah’s speech was the BJP’s solo 2027 push, he also raised the issue of religious conversions in Punjab. Shah said that if the BJP forms the government in 2027, it will bring a law to check religious conversions in the state.“All of Punjab is facing the issue of religious conversions. I am saying this to all Hindu and Sikh brothers and sisters, you form the BJP government once, we will bring a Bill to check religious conversions,” he said.

Akali split backdrop

Shah’s remarks are politically significant because they strongly suggest the BJP is not looking to revive its long-standing partnership with the Shiromani Akali Dal.The SAD had ended its 24-year-old alliance with the BJP in September 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws.Before the split, the two parties had jointly contested elections for years, with the BJP usually fighting 23 Assembly seats and the Akalis contesting 94. The alliance formed governments in Punjab in 1997-2002, 2007-12 and 2012-17.The BJP currently has two MLAs in the 117-member Punjab Assembly.

Abhimanyu Puranik and Aronyak Ghosh

NEW DELHI: The National Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship concluded at Sarala Birla University in Ranchi, where more than 400 players from across the country competed in intense matches that tested both speed and strategy. The tournament featured two formats in Blitz and Rapid and saw impressive performances from several top Indian players.In the Blitz section, Grandmaster (GM) Abhimanyu Puranik emerged as the champion after a thrilling finish.

The Maharashtra player scored 9 points in 11 rounds to secure the title. The competition was extremely tight at the top, with GM Sayantan Das from the Railway Sports Promotion Board also finishing with 9 points. However, Puranik, hailing from Mumbai, clinched the championship thanks to a better tie-break score. International Master (IM) Madhavan N B from Tamil Nadu finished third with 8.5 points, edging out several players who also ended with the same score.The Blitz format required quick thinking and lightning-fast moves, making it a challenging contest even for experienced grandmasters. Puranik showed remarkable composure under time pressure to come out on top in a field packed with strong contenders.In the Rapid section, IM Aronyak Ghosh delivered a standout performance to claim the title. Representing the Railway Sports Promotion Board, the West Bengal player scored an impressive 9.5 points out of 11 rounds and remained undefeated throughout the tournament.The victory marks an important milestone for Ghosh, who is currently working towards achieving his final Grandmaster norm. Meanwhile, Puranik’s triumph in the Blitz category further strengthens his reputation as one of India’s top players in fast-paced chess formats.

The much-awaited wedding celebrations of Kuldeep Yadav and Vanshika Chadha are set to begin with grand festivities this week

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav is set to begin a new chapter in his life as he marries his longtime partner Vanshika Chadha on March 14, 2026, in the scenic hill town of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The wedding comes just days after Kuldeep was part of India’s historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Preparations for the grand ceremony are already underway at the historic Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie, where pre-wedding festivities have begun with traditional ceremonies including haldi, mehendi and sangeet. After the wedding, a grand reception will be hosted in Lucknow on March 17, where several prominent personalities from cricket, politics and business are expected to attend.

Star-studded Guest List

Several current and former members of the India national cricket team are expected to attend the wedding celebrations.According to reports, the guest list includes:Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Sunil Gavaskar, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif and Piyush Chawla

Chahal and Tilak Varma share excitement

Meanwhile, fellow Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal arrived in Dehradun on Friday and expressed his excitement about attending the wedding of his close friend.“I am very excited for my brother’s marriage. I will dance a lot and enjoy,” Chahal said.Meanwhile, Tilak Varma said he plans to enjoy the wedding celebrations before shifting his focus to the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season with Mumbai Indians.“We’re going to Kuldeep’s wedding to have fun. After that, we’ll prepare for IPL,” Tilak said.

A special moment after World Cup glory

Kuldeep’s wedding celebrations come at a particularly memorable time in his career. The spinner was part of the Indian team that recently won the T20 World Cup 2026, defeating New Zealand in the final to claim India’s third title in the tournament’s history.

The Hundred auction on Thursday produced several talking points, with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and two Pakistan players finding buyers and grabbing headlines.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Mustafizur was snapped up by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 100,000 (approximately Rs 1.23 crore), marking a fresh chapter after a turbulent few months that began with his sudden release from Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.The Bangladesh left-arm pacer had been let go by KKR at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, triggering widespread debate in Bangladesh. The decision created a diplomatic and cricketing ripple effect that eventually culminated in Bangladesh withdrawing from the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, turning Mustafizur’s franchise exit into one of the most talked-about controversies of the season.

While Mustafizur’s signing grabbed attention, the auction also saw two Pakistan players picked. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was bought by Sunrisers Leeds for GBP 190,000 (around Rs 2.34 crore) after a bidding war with Trent Rockets. Abrar’s signing is significant as Sunrisers Leeds are owned by the Chennai-based Sun Group, making him the first Pakistan player to join an Indian-owned franchise in the competition.

Another Pakistan mystery spinner, Usman Tariq, was picked by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 140,000 (about Rs 1.72 crore). However, Phoenix have no direct connection to any IPL franchise.Several other Pakistan stars failed to attract bids. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, all-rounder Saim Ayub and spinner Shadab Khan went unsold, while seasoned pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi had earlier withdrawn from the auction.Among other big deals, Sussex all-rounder James Coles secured the top bid of the day, joining London Spirit for GBP 390,000 (around Rs 4.8 crore).The upcoming edition of The Hundred is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16.

NEW DELHI: Five Indians have lost their lives and one remains missing in the ongoing conflict in Middle East, the government said on Saturday, while also confirming that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now on their way to India with critical fuel supplies.Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, additional secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan said India’s missions in the region are working round the clock to assist affected nationals and coordinate with local authorities.

“We have five Indians who have lost their lives and one who is missing in an earlier incident. Our missions in Oman, Iraq, UAE remain in touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased after completing requisite formalities,” Mahajan said.

Missions working round the clock in conflict-hit region

Mahajan said Indian missions remain open round the clock and are actively involved in all assistance efforts as the conflict continues to disrupt travel, shipping and daily life across parts of Middle East.He said all support is being extended to Indian seafarers in the region, with the ministry of external affairs working closely with the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways.For Indian nationals in Bahrain and Kuwait, where direct flights are currently not operating, Mahajan said authorities are helping with visa extensions and transit visas to enable travel back to India via Saudi Arabia.

Update on Oman and Safesea Vishnu incidents

Providing an update on the attack in Sohar city in Oman, Mahajan said two Indians were killed and 10 others were injured, though none of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.“Our mission has been on the ground and is rendering all assistance and is in contant touch with the concerned Omani authorities, local companies, hospitals and families of the affected Indians. The Embassy is also coordinating to facilitate the early return of the mortal remains of the two deceased Indian nationals to India,” he said, according to news agency ANI.On the Safesea Vishnu incident, Mahajan said officials are working for the early return of 15 crew members who were safely evacuated and are currently staying at a hotel in Basra, Iraq.“They are also working with the concerned authorities for the early return of the mortal remains to India of the Indian national,” he added, as per ANI.

Two Indian LPG carriers clear Strait of Hormuz

At the same briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in the shipping ministry, said two Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — have transited the Strait of Hormuz and are now headed to India carrying around 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG.The two vessels crossed the narrow and conflict-hit shipping lane early on Saturday, taking the number of Indian vessels that have safely passed through the strait to three.Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra port in Gujarat on March 16, while Nanda Devi is likely to dock at Kandla on March 17.The cargo is seen as crucial, with shipping disruptions affecting LPG supplies. India imports around 60 per cent of its LPG requirement, and 85-90 per cent of those imports come from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE via the Strait of Hormuz.

More Indian vessels still on standby

Despite the breakthrough, 22 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded on the western side of the strait, while three more are still on the eastern side.The 22 vessels on the west side have 611 seafarers on board, while the three vessels on the east side have 76 seafarers. These include LPG vessels, an LNG carrier, crude oil tankers, container ships, bulk carriers and other cargo vessels.“Several of our ships remain on standby in the Gulf region. We propose to continue to remain in touch and coordinate with all the concerned countries to ensure a safe and unimpeded transit for them in our effort to ensure our energy security,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the briefing.The developments come as the war in the Middle East enters its 15th day, with continued exchanges of fire, fears over a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and growing concerns over global energy supplies and regional security.

The stage is set for the most competitive season of The Hundred yet, following the historic first-ever auction for the women’s competition held on March 11 in London. For the first time since the tournament’s inception in 2021, all eight franchises participated in a formal bidding process to assemble their squads, injecting an unprecedented level of strategy and financial dynamism into the buildup. The result is a fascinating mix of retained talent, high-profile acquisitions, and emerging stars poised to light up the tournament when it commences in July.

The auction witnessed fierce bidding wars for global superstars, with Australia’s Beth Mooney and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine emerging as the joint-most expensive players, both commanding top contracts of £210,000. Mooney will don the Trent Rockets jersey, while Devine heads to Welsh Fire, signaling both franchises’ intent to challenge for the title. Indian fans will have plenty to cheer as well, with Smriti Mandhana securing a direct signing with Manchester Super Giants, while Jemimah Rodrigues was retained by Southern Brave, and Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma also found lucrative deals, highlighting the growing international appeal of the league.

Defending champions Sunrisers Leeds, who lifted the trophy in 2025, have managed to retain their core strength while adding firepower through Danielle Gibson, their most expensive auction buy at £190,000. As the franchises now turn their attention to final preparations, fans can look forward to a summer of elite cricketing action featuring the biggest names in the women’s game.

Also READ: The Hundred Women 2026 Auction – Complete list of sold players with their price

The Hundred Women’s 2026: Full squads after the auction

Birmingham Phoenix 

Alice Capsey, Ellyse Perry, Linsey Smith, Lauren Filer, Tammy Beaumont, Davina Perrin, Alana King, Jemima Spence, Lucy Hamilton, Eva Gray, Emma Lamb, Cordelia Griffith, Phoebe Brett, Esmae MacGregor, Eve O’Neill, Annerie Dercksen

London Spirit

Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Charlie Dean, Charis Pavely, Mahika Gaur, Amy Jones, Grace Harris, Deandra Dottin, Sterre Kalis, Marie Kelly, Phoebe Turner, Lucy Higham, Seren Smale, Josie Groves

Manchester Super Giants

Paige Scholfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Kathryn Bryce, Richa Ghosh, Mady Villers, Grace Ballinger, Grace Scrivens, Maitlan Brown, Jo Gardner, Nath Wraith, Bex Tyson.

MI London 

Hayley Matthews, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nicola Carey, Melie Kerr, Kira Chathli, Chinelle Henry, Kristie Gordon, Hollie Armitage, Alexa Stonehouse, Tara Norris, Alice Davidson-Richards, Alice Monaghan, Kalea Moore, Dani Gregory, Ellie Threlkeld.

Southern Brave 

Lauren Bell, Issy Wong, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Maia Bouchier, Laura Wolvaardt, Sarah Glenn, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sophie Molineux, Jodie Grewcock, Lizelle Lee, Bex Odgers, Phoebe Franklin, Daisy Gibb, Ellie Anderson

Sunrisers Leeds 

Dani Gibson, Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield, Jess Jonassen, Cassidy McCarthy, Kate Cross, Bryony Smith, Deepti Sharma, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Hannah Baker, Maddie Ward, Rachel Slater, Florence Miller, Claudie Cooper

Trent Rockets 

Beth Mooney, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ash Gardner, Sophia Dunkley, Kim Garth, Emma Jones, Bess Heath, Katie Levick, Ailsa Lister, Georgia Adams, Georgia Elwiss, Millie Taylor, Charley Phillips, Sam Bates, Grace Johnson

Welsh Fire 

Sophie Devine, Freya Kemp, Em Arlott, Georgia Wareham, Georgia Voll, Ella McCaughan, Heather Graham, Sarah Bryce, Abi Norgrove, Sophia Smale, Fo Morris, Rhianna Southby, Grace Thompson, Grace Potts

Also READ: Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu return to fold as New Zealand announces squad for South Africa Women’s T20I series

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

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday approved salary cuts ranging from 5 to 30 per cent for employees of state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions as part of a wider austerity drive to address the economic fallout of the ongoing fuel crisis.The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by the prime minister to assess austerity and savings measures announced earlier this week after the sharp rise in fuel prices linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting reviewed the impact of fuel price fluctuations and steps taken by the government to reduce expenditure.“It was decided in the meeting that, like government employees, there will be a 5-30 per cent cut in the salaries of employees of state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions under government patronage,” the statement said.The government said the funds saved through these austerity measures would be used “only for public relief”.Officials at the meeting were also informed that a third-party audit would supervise a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for government vehicles, while 60 per cent of these vehicles will be taken off the roads over the next two months.The government also decided that representatives serving on the boards of corporations and institutions will no longer receive participation fees, which will instead be counted as part of the savings.“The meeting was also briefed on the implementation of the government’s complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles and the ban on all other government purchases,” the statement said.Under the austerity plan, the next two months’ salaries of cabinet members, ministers, advisers and special assistants will also be “used as savings for public welfare”.“The complete ban on foreign visits of government officers, ministers, ministers of state and special assistants will remain in place,” the statement said, quoting the prime minister.Pakistan has already begun feeling the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Petroleum prices were increased by Rs 55 per litre last Friday, prompting the government to introduce measures to curb fuel consumption.Earlier steps included a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles for two months, removing 60 per cent of government vehicles from the roads during this period and introducing a four-day work week for government offices.(With inputs from PTI)

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