In an unusual turn of events, Babar Azam has found himself trending on social media—not for his elegant batting, but for a light-hearted mishap during a commercial shoot ahead of PSL 2026. The Pakistan star, widely admired for his composure and consistency on the field, became the subject of online banter after a video showed him dropping a catch during an advertisement filming session.

Scripted catch goes wrong for Babar Azam

The viral clip captures Babar attempting a scripted one-handed diving catch as part of a promotional shoot. The scene required him to leap forward and complete a dramatic grab before landing safely on a cushioned mattress placed on the ground.

However, despite the controlled setup and safety measures, the ball slipped out of his grasp upon landing. What was meant to be a routine, choreographed moment quickly turned into an unexpected blooper, drawing laughter from fans across platforms. The shoot reportedly took place in the lead-up to the PSL 2026, with filming locations spanning key venues like Lahore and Karachi.

Here’s the video:

PEAK HUMILIATION FOR KING BABAR AZAM 😭pic.twitter.com/AsqNPUfL3R

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) March 27, 2026

Fans troll Babar for dropping a catch in the ad shoot

The internet wasted no time in turning the clip into meme material. Fans flooded social media with humorous takes, poking fun at Babar’s “acting skills” while others jokingly blamed the speed of the ball or camera angles.

Some users playfully suggested that even in a controlled environment, catches are never guaranteed—adding a relatable twist to the moment. While a section of fans offered light criticism, the majority of reactions leaned toward good-natured humour rather than harsh judgment.

Also READ: Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When & Where to watch in Pakistan, US, UK & other countries

Here’s how fans reacted:

Babar Azam dropped a Catch during an ad-shoot of Peshawar Zalmi while diving on a mattress 😭

Btw i don’t remember When was the last time he took a catch while diving ? pic.twitter.com/UcTrY5dVPN

— SheR•ALI (@Sher__Ali) March 27, 2026

Ohh Babar Azam dropped catch in ad shot of Pakistan Super league PSL 2026.

I couldn’t stop my laugh when I heard background song of this video

Catch by Babro 🤣

pic.twitter.com/zBvmMpOmeR

— MANU. (@IMManu_18) March 27, 2026

Even in a scripted ad, Babar Azam managed to drop a catch🤣😷 pic.twitter.com/3jKPpl4a6N

— @Hayaatzub (@Hayaatzub) March 27, 2026

🚨 BABAR AZAM FAILS NOT JUST ON FIELD BUT OFF THE FIELD AS WELL

Watch how an ad agency employee sounded irritated after Babar Azam dropped a catch while shooting 🤡 pic.twitter.com/BXIEsy2RdX

— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) March 27, 2026

Ling Babar Azam is not even able to catch ball in ad shoot with cushion in place & when he knows exactly about the pace & placement of ball😂😭
pic.twitter.com/ivd9KXqewc

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) March 27, 2026

Babar Azam suffers international humiliation, unable to catch even while falling on the mattress PSL

2026: Babar Azam’s team Peshawar Zalmi is yet to play its first match in the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League, but before that pic.twitter.com/WntSUVYMEN

— Sarcastic Ujel (@Sarcasticujel) March 28, 2026

Lazza nahi aayi tujhe bobsy🥀 https://t.co/Y9HCpxwZoI

— pecularism (@pecularismlelo) March 27, 2026

Even here he dropped the catch 😂😂😭 https://t.co/s2maOKwGYt

— Jabez Ronald (@jabez_ronald) March 27, 2026

Ad shoot mein bhi catch chhod diya ling babar ne 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/vRUh6WFcJo

— Jo Kar (@i_am_gustakh) March 27, 2026

Video captured by Indian spy? https://t.co/bTFm1B4QbQ

— Bharath R (@Bharath_81) March 28, 2026

Boosebumps 🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/4fhdLS1R41

— Sunny (@Sunny12901964) March 28, 2026

😂😂😂😂
Zim Babar https://t.co/bow9SPvgs2

— furu here ( join the course) (@awara__octopus) March 27, 2026

Focus shifts back to PSL 2026 campaign

Beyond the viral moment, Babar’s primary focus remains on leading Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing PSL 2026 season. The stylish batter continues to captain the franchise for a fourth consecutive year, having been retained in the Platinum category despite earlier speculation about a potential move.

This year’s tournament has expanded to include eight teams, with new franchises like the Rawalpindi Pindiz and Hyderabad Kingsmen adding fresh competition to the league. Zalmi are set to begin their campaign against Rawalpindi Pindiz on March 28 in Lahore, marking the start of what could be a crucial season for their skipper.

Also READ: From Carlos Brathwaite to Wasim Akram: Star-studded commentary panel announced for PSL 2026

Jos Buttler (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

Jos Buttler says the Indian Premier League has been the biggest influence on his career, with lessons and interactions from the tournament helping him deliver for England cricket team across formats. Now with the Gujarat Titans, Buttler highlighted how access to elite players and coaches has sharpened his game, pointing to interactions with Rahul Dravid and Matthew Hayden as key influences, especially against spin.“Absolutely. As I said, the IPL has been the biggest influence on my career. The lessons I’ve learned during IPL seasons, the interactions I’ve had, and the people I’ve worked with as coaches and players have all been invaluable,” he said during a media interaction. “Some of those conversations have helped me while playing for England in Test cricket, T20 cricket, and 50-over cricket. It’s had a huge impact. “As Kevin (Pietersen) was saying in his interview on my podcast, the opportunity to build a relationship with Rahul Dravid and work on playing spin creates chances that would otherwise be very limited. “Even now, after just a few days here, getting to talk to Matthew Hayden about batting — I probably wouldn’t get that opportunity otherwise. So it’s had the same impact on me as it did for KP,” Buttler said. Buttler has scored 4,120 runs in 121 IPL matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 149.38, including seven centuries. He was in superb touch in IPL 2025, making 538 runs in 13 innings at 59.8 and a strike rate of 163, forming a strong top order with Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan. GT, champions in 2022, open IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings on March 31 in New Chandigarh. Despite a lean ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, where he scored 87 runs in eight innings, Buttler said his mindset remains unchanged. “It’s no more or less important than any other IPL. No matter what’s happened before, I turn up looking forward to the season, wanting to contribute and play well. “The challenge is the same — prepare well, get into a good headspace, and give yourself the best chance to perform. Whether you’re in form or out of form, you need the energy to keep trying, keep preparing, and put yourself out there. “I come into every IPL excited, wanting to do well for the team. I just try to assess the situation and do what’s required on the day,” he said. On his World Cup struggles, Buttler admitted there was no single reason and said time away from the game helped him reset. “There’s a small circle of people I turn to for advice on what they’re seeing. I tried hard during the World Cup, but for a number of reasons, it just didn’t work out. “You have to accept that. It’s a game with elements you can’t control, and everyone is trying to perform. “At 35, I’ve had 15 years of highs and lows. You reflect and analyse, but there’s no one secret. If there was, everyone would score runs every time. “I’ve enjoyed some time away, reflected a bit, and the challenge remains the same — bring energy to practice, prepare well, and then start from zero on match day,” he explained. Buttler also praised uncapped pacer Ashok Sharma, whom he faced in the nets during his time with Rajasthan Royals. “He’s not just about pace. He has accuracy, a very good slower ball, and a big heart — qualities every fast bowler needs. He has all the attributes to be an exciting prospect.”

Candace Owens dismissed viral claims linking her to the hacking of Kash Patel’s personal email, mocking the accusations and calling them baseless. Authorities confirmed the breach was carried out by an Iran-affiliated group, with no impact on classified systems. As misinformation spread online, Owens referenced Alexis Wilkins, highlighting how speculation and conspiracy theories continue to cloud high-profile cyber incidents.

Candace Owens, a podcaster, brushed off a lot of online accusations that she was involved in a cyberattack on Kash Patel. Instead of hurting her reputation, this turned into a moment of public mockery. As rumors spread on social media, Owens responded in her usual blunt way, calling the claims just another chapter in an increasingly complicated political and social media story.The scandal started when officials confirmed that Patel’s personal email had been hacked by a group connected to Iran. Investigators stressed that no classified systems were affected, but the story quickly turned into false information, pulling public figures like Owens into false narratives. Her reaction showed both anger and dismissal at how quickly unproven claims can spread.

Candace Owens invokes Alexis Wilkins as online theories spiral

Owens addressed the allegations directly, writing, “The reaction comes after US authorities confirmed that Patel’s personal email account was compromised in a cyberattack linked to an Iran-affiliated hacking group, which later published alleged personal data and photos.” Her comment was not just a denial but a pointed critique of the rumor cycle itself.She also referenced Alexis Wilkins, a figure already caught in her own web of online controversy. Wilkins has claimed she is the target of a coordinated foreign influence effort aimed at destabilizing political networks linked to former President Donald Trump. Those claims, which have been the subject of a lot of debate and are often called speculative, have only made an already unstable story even more so.Meanwhile, officials confirmed that the Handala Hack Team, a hacking group, was behind the breach and is said to have released personal information to make its point. The attack appeared to be a direct response to recent enforcement actions, where authorities seized parts of the group’s digital infrastructure. Patel himself struck a defiant tone, stating, “We took down four of their operation’s pillars and we’re not done. This FBI will hunt down every actor behind these cowardly death threats and cyberattacks and will bring the full force of American law enforcement down on them.”The episode highlights a familiar pattern. A confirmed cyber incident sparks legitimate concern, but the conversation soon drifts into speculation and finger-pointing. For Owens, the situation became less about the hack itself and more about how quickly narratives can be shaped without evidence.

NEW DELHI: India on Friday reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s pursuit of justice over the atrocities committed by Pakistan during the 1971 military crackdown, saying Islamabad continues to deny its crimes.The remarks came as Bangladesh marked March 25 as Genocide Day, remembering one of the darkest chapters in its history. On that day in 1971, Pakistan launched Operation Searchlight to crush the Bangladeshi nationalist movement.At his weekly media briefing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We all are aware of the terrible atrocities committed by Pakistan during ‘Operation Searchlight’ in 1971. The genocide involved systematic and targeted murder of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and mass sexual crimes against women.”“It also forced millions to flee the country and seek shelter in India as refugees. These atrocities shook the conscience of the world. Pakistan however, remains in denial to this very day of its crimes,” he said.Jaiswal said India supports Bangladesh in its “desire for justice”.New Delhi’s remarks came three days after Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described Operation Searchlight as “one of the most heinous genocides in history” against unarmed Bangladeshi people.In a social media post a day ahead of Genocide Day, Rahman recalled the military crackdown by Pakistani forces.“In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of ‘Operation Searchlight’,” he said.Calling it a planned assault, Rahman said the “genocide” of March 25 was a “pre-planned massacre”.India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, marked by the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers on December 16, ended the violence and led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent country.

Cash, care and constant connect: How the ‘Didi model’ is shaping Bengal’s ballot

The welfare architecture of Mamata Banerjee’s government in West Bengal has emerged as a defining feature of its governance, combining large-scale social support programmes with significant political implications as the state heads toward the 2026 Assembly elections.As the state prepares for the first phase of polling on April 23, the “Didi Model” of governance is not only acting as key social welfare schemes that have redefined rural economics, but has also served as the ultimate political insurance for Mamata Banerjee’s enduring grip on power.

Lakshmi in every home

At the centre of this model is the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, launched in 2021 to provide monthly financial assistance to women aged roughly 25 to 60. Regardless of the marital or employment status, this scheme covers all women residents of Bengal.Currently, beneficiaries receive Rs 1,000 per month, while women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities receive Rs 1,200. Designed to cover household expenses and improve financial security, the scheme has gained widespread acceptance and is increasingly viewed not as a “freebie” but as an economic entitlement.The scheme has also become a major political talking point, with the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) promising to raise the assistance by Rs 500 if re-elected.However, implementation challenges persist. In a recent case from East Midnapore, around 7,000 women reportedly did not receive payments for nearly five months, prompting the Calcutta High Court to seek a report. Despite such issues, the scheme continues to expand, with approximately 1.25 lakh new beneficiaries added to an existing base of 2.2 crore women.

No one sleeps hungry

Food security remains another cornerstone of the state’s welfare strategy through the Khadya Sathi programme, launched in 2016. The scheme provides rice and wheat at subsidised rates of around Rs 2 per kilogram and currently covers nearly 9 crore people.Eligible beneficiaries are categorised based on their ration card. This constitutes the “poorest of the poor”, including landless labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans, and households headed by widows or terminally ill persons. Families living below the poverty line (BPL) or in the economically weaker section (EWS) are also the beneficiaries of this scheme.With expenditure exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore, it is among the largest such initiatives in the country.It is complemented by the Duare Ration initiative, which delivers food grains directly to households, reaching about 7 crore people at a cost of over Rs 1,700 crore.The state government claims that these combined efforts have helped lift around 1.7 crore people above the poverty line by 2023, reinforcing its narrative of inclusive growth driven by welfare spending.

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Cash for classroom over ‘Chhadnatola’

In education and gender empowerment, the Kanyashree Prakalpa remains a flagship programme. Launched in 2013, it provides Rs 1,000 annually to girls aged 13 to 18 who remain in school and unmarried, along with a one-time grant of Rs 25,000 at age 18 for those continuing education or training.With over 7 crore cumulative enrolments, the programme is one of the largest conditional cash transfer schemes for girls globally and was recognised with the UN Public Service Award. However, challenges remain in ensuring awareness, documentation, and sustained participation beyond eligibility.

Healthcare without bills

Healthcare coverage has been expanded through the Swasthya Sathi scheme, introduced in 2016. It offers cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year and covers nearly 9 crore people across 2.5 crore families.Notably, smart cards are issued in the name of the female head of the household. The scheme has recorded over 1 crore hospitalisations, with government spending exceeding Rs 13,000 crore. While it boasts one of the highest coverage rates in India, estimated at around 74.5 per cent, concerns persist regarding hospital participation, claim settlements, and out-of-pocket expenses in private healthcare facilities.

The unemployment cushion

Most recently, the government has turned its attention to unemployment with the launch of Banglar Yuva Sathi, announced in the 2026 Interim Budget. The scheme provides Rs 1,500 per month to educated unemployed youth aged 21 to 40 for up to five years or until they secure employment.Targeting Madhyamik-qualified individuals not covered under other programmes, it was fast-tracked with initial payments released on March 7, 2026. Backed by an allocation of around Rs 5,000 crore, with projections going up to Rs 15,000 crore, it is positioned as a key intervention to address unemployment ahead of the elections.Together, these schemes form the backbone of the TMC’s welfare-driven governance model, blending direct benefit transfers, food security, healthcare, and social empowerment. While the scale and reach of these programmes have drawn both national and international attention, their long-term sustainability and implementation efficiency remain under scrutiny as political stakes rise in West Bengal.

Music director and singer Bappi Lahiri is no longer with us. But walk into his Mumbai home, and you will see his presence is still there. It stays in every corner with the music, memories, and strong personality that made him special. He bought the 1,050 sq ft house in 1983 for Rs 19.32 lakh. Today, it is much more than just land or a building. It is a personal collection of the man who changed Indian music for a whole era.

Bappi Lahiri’s grandson shares rare peek

Lately, his grandson gave a rare peek into this legendary home on Instagram, uncovering stories far deeper than fans witnessed on stage. Outside, the house looks peaceful and simple, white-painted with a classic verandah. Step inside, though, and a lively sitting room greets you, instantly revealing its famous resident. Walls packed with awards, records, and photos map Lahiri’s path from a three-year-old prodigy earning his first medal to the disco king. The room radiates a deliberate coziness. Wooden-framed glass windows, gentle lighting, and comfy blue sofas add a retro allure. In one spot sits his photo, where guests stop to honor him like a silent tradition.

Bappi Lahiri’s meals with heart

His grandson recalls that meals were far more than just eating. Lahiri, simple at heart despite his showy public image, ate lightly but gave generously. He’d divide his plate with family, offering bites like sacred prasad. The house’s core, however, pulses from a soundproof nook, his private creative den. Iconic songs like ‘Disco Dancer’ and ‘Tamma Tamma’ were born. Two chairs within, once occupied by greats like Kishore Kumar, lend a hushed historical aura.