England’s head coach Brendon McCullum with captain Ben Stokes. (File photo/PTI)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday decided not to make any changes to its leadership group after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, following a review of the tour.Firing people would “be the easy thing to do,” Gould said but he insisted, “This is not the time to throw everything out.”Managing director Rob Key, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes will continue in their roles. England, described as their strongest side to tour Australia in 14 years, lost the Ashes within 11 days, with two Tests still to be played.“Moving people on can sometimes be the easy thing to do. That’s not the route that we’re going to take,” Gould said, as cited by news agency Associated Press. “I’ve seen the driving ambition and determination that we’re lucky enough to have within our leadership group to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward.”Gould, who previously served as chief executive of Bristol City football club, said cricket operates differently from football and does not follow a hire-and-fire approach.“Cricket is a very unique sport in that it takes a team of leadership … it’s not like football where there’s a single point of failure or success with a manager,” he said. He added the ECB would not “select or deselect management based on a popularity campaign.”The review identified issues around preparation, player behaviour and selection decisions during the tour.At a press conference at Lord’s, Gould and Key said there had been no “bust up” between McCullum and Stokes. They added that McCullum is not expected to “completely change” but “to evolve,” while acknowledging that some player behaviour was “unprofessional.” They also pointed to stricter consequences for underperformance and a focus on “better long-term planning” ahead of major Test series.Some adjustments were already made during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where England reached the semifinals. Gould suggested that performance played a role in McCullum retaining his position.Key accepted that supporters may have expected stronger action.“I know people want punishment and that people then should be sacked for that,” Key said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t feel like we’ve gone through some serious pain: Brendon, myself, Ben. It’s been as tough a time as I think I’ve had.”
Mumbai: A 16-year-old boy was allegedly killed by one of his friends in Santacruz (W) on Sunday after an altercation. The accused, also a 16-year-old, was apprehended and sent to juvenile custody, said police. The deceased was identified as Prem Harijan, who had recently appeared for his Class 10 examinations. Harijan lived in Santacruz (W), while the accused lived in Khar Danda. The incident occurred at around 8:15 pm near Harba Mauli Bridge in Juhu Koliwada, where the accused allegedly stabbed Harijan on the left side of his chest. The accused also attacked the victim’s friend, Harsh Jha, who sustained injuries to the left side of his waist and the back of his left thigh. Police said the accused also attempted to kill Jha.The victim’s father, Omprakash Harijan, a cleaning staff member, filed a complaint. Based on the complaint, police on Monday registered a case of murder and attempted murder against Faizan, a labourer.Police said one of Harijan’s friends informed him about a dispute with another group. Prem then went with his friend to meet the group from Khar Danda, where a physical fight broke out. When local residents intervened and asked them to leave the area, Harijan and his friends moved towards a nearby bridge, where Faizan allegedly attacked him.The victim was rushed to Bhabha Hospital in Bandra (W), where doctors declared him dead during treatment.
Mumbai: Drawing a clear line ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the BJP has directed its just one-month-old corporators in Mumbai to scrutinise voter rolls at the micro level and ensure none of its supporters is left out, signalling an aggressive build-up to the exercise. A meeting was held at the BMC headquarters on Monday afternoon to discuss the matter, which was addressed by former MP Kirit Somaiya.Somaiya, who has been appointed by the state unit as chairman of a nine-member committee to oversee the SIR, briefed corporators on their role in closely scrutinising voter lists at the ward level, ensuring inclusion of all eligible voters and flagging discrepancies.According to the corporators present, the session focused on the mechanics of the SIR process and the party’s role in it. “We were told to closely scrutinise the lists, ensure all genuine voters are included, and raise objections wherever required or in case we notice that someone is not eligible to be added to the list,” a corporator said, adding that party workers would also reach out to residents in housing societies, especially the secretary and chairman, to facilitate corrections and registrations.The BJP, which has the largest number of elected corporators in the civic house, has been actively raising concerns over alleged illegalities in the issuance of birth certificates since coming to power. Party leaders, including Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde of the BJP and Somaiya, have flagged issues such as the alleged issuance of birth certificates to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, which they claim could enable them to obtain legal status. They have also raised concerns over the growing presence of unauthorised hawkers occupying public spaces across the city.Party leaders said the exercise, conducted by the Election Commission of India, is being treated with urgency, with instructions to engage with residents, facilitate corrections and registrations, and strengthen booth-level coordination. BJP party leader in BMC Ganesh Khankar said the organisation has been fully mobilised under Somaiya’s leadership. “We are taking this very seriously. We were thoroughly explained how we, as corporators, can participate in this activity,” he said.The SIR, a comprehensive door-to-door verification of electoral rolls, aims to remove duplicate, deceased or shifted voters while adding missing eligible names, making it a critical process ahead of upcoming elections.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government on completing four years in office, lauding its efforts in driving development, ensuring good governance, and promoting public welfare across the state.Responding to the Prime Minister’s message, Dhami expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to development. In a post on X, he said, “Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, heartfelt thanks from the core of my heart for your affectionate words and best wishes towards the development, good governance, and public welfare of Uttarakhand.”Dhami added that the state’s progress over the past four years reflects the trust and collective resolve of its people under Modi’s leadership. “Our government, working with the core mantra of public service, transparency, and inclusive development, is fulfilling the resolve to build a strong and self-reliant Uttarakhand,” he said.He further emphasised that Uttarakhand will continue contributing to the vision of ‘Developed India-2047,’ adding that with the Centre’s support, the state will keep achieving new milestones.According to an official statement, PM Modi, in his message, highlighted that under CM Dhami’s “dynamic leadership,” Uttarakhand has made rapid progress across sectors. He also underscored the state’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, describing it as “Devbhoomi,” a land known for its faith, traditions, and diversity.The Prime Minister noted that Uttarakhand has been steadily advancing in line with the vision of a “Developed India.” He pointed to key infrastructure initiatives, including the Char Dham All-Weather Road Project, which aims to make the pilgrimage safer and more accessible, and the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Line that is expected to significantly boost rail connectivity in the region.Modi further appreciated the government’s focus on improving connectivity in border areas and promoting winter tourism, stating that such efforts have strengthened the local economy and helped curb migration. He also commended initiatives aimed at promoting local products, empowering women, generating employment opportunities for youth, supporting startups, and advancing digital and green development.Emphasising the importance of preparedness, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of robust disaster management systems and sustainable development in ensuring long-term progress in the hill state.Expressing confidence in Uttarakhand’s future, PM Modi said the state’s contribution towards building a “Developed India” during the ongoing “Amrit Kaal” will continue to grow stronger. He stressed that active participation from citizens will be key to building a self-reliant and prosperous Uttarakhand.The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to the people of the state, expressing hope that Uttarakhand will achieve new milestones across sectors in the coming years.
The mystery surrounding Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is deepening. This comes as global intelligence agencies including the CIA and Mossad are closely monitoring his whereabouts and role in Tehran’s ongoing conflict.Since assuming power on March 9, following the killing of his father Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba has largely remained out of public view. Apart from a written Nowruz statement and a recently released video showing him teaching religious studies, he has avoided any in-person or prerecorded appearances.
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Mojtaba Khamenei’s Nowruz Masterstroke Baffles CIA, Mossad? Spies Scramble To Find Top Iran Leader
In his Nowruz message on Telegram, Mojtaba called for national unity and claimed that Iran had defeated the enemy, saying: “At the moment, due to the particular unity that has been created between you, our compatriots—despite all the differences in religious, intellectual, cultural, and political origins—the enemy has been defeated. US and Israeli attacks were based on an illusion that by killing top leaders they could cause the overthrow of the government.”He further described strikes in Turkey and Oman as part of a “scheme by the Zionist enemy” and emphasized Iran’s regional ties: “We share with neighboring countries the creed, the interests, and the confrontation against the forces of global arrogance.”The CIA is reportedly working to determine whether Mojtaba is alive, wounded or fully exercising authority, particularly after reports that he may have been injured in the strike that killed his father, according to a report by Axios. Evidence such as unsuccessful attempts by Iranian officials to schedule in-person meetings with him suggests that Mojtaba remains alive but under tight security.A senior US official said, “We have no evidence that he is really the one giving orders. It’s beyond weird. We don’t think the Iranians would have chosen a dead guy as the supreme leader, but at the same time, we have no proof he is taking the helm.”The concern within US intelligence circles is compounded by recent targeted strikes on Iran’s senior leadership, including the assassination of security chief Ali Larijani. US and Israeli officials highlighted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is now effectively managing the country, filling the power vacuum.CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Gen James Adams testified before the House Intelligence Committee that Iran is experiencing a deep command and control crisis. Israeli officials also caution that Iran’s top leaders are operating like fugitives, moving between safe houses and avoiding digital communications.Raz Zimmt, director of the Iran Program at Tel Aviv’s Institute for National Security Studies, observed that Mojtaba may still be functioning, but injuries or security concerns could prevent him from appearing publicly or issuing recorded messages.“Under the current exceptional circumstances, one should not expect him to appear in public, and it is possible that his injury does not even allow him to release a recorded video in order not to expose to the public the severity of his condition,” Zimmt said.On Friday, during Nowruz celebrations, US and Israeli intelligence closely watched for signs of a public appearance. Instead, Mojtaba released a written message via Telegram along with a video showing him teaching religious studies to students. The CIA is reportedly analyzing these materials to determine whether they are recent and to gain insights into his current condition.A senior US official called Mojtaba’s absence a “big red flag.” “We would have expected to see Mojtaba too in some form. He didn’t take advantage of the opportunity and tradition,” the official added.Mojtaba’s continued silence leaves open questions about who is truly in command in Tehran. President Donald Trump’s national security team has repeatedly raised concerns over the leadership authority in the Iranian capital.
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In light of the recent turmoil, should the US increase diplomatic efforts with Iran?
“Their leaders are all gone. The next set of leaders are all gone. And the next set of leaders are mostly gone. And now, nobody wants to be leader over there anymore. We are having a hard time. We want to talk to them but there is nobody to talk to. You know what, we like it that way,” Trump said. Israel has also indicated that regime change could be an objective of its ongoing operations.
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AmineMaTue is suddenly a name many football fans are searching for. The French streamer, whose real name is Mohamed Amine Mahmoud, is set to play in the Sidemen Charity Match 2026. The event will take place on April 18 at Wembley Stadium in London. It is one of the biggest creator football matches in the world, and this year, Amine is joining for the first time.For those who do not follow Twitch closely, AmineMaTue is already a huge name online. He has built a strong fan base through his live streams and football-related content. Now, with his entry into the Sidemen Charity Match, even more people are getting curious about who he is and why he is so popular.
Mohamed Amine Mahmoud known as AmineMaTue joins Sidemen Charity Match 2026 as one of Twitch’s biggest football creators
Mohamed Amine Mahmoud, better known as AmineMaTue, started gaining attention back in 2012 on Twitter. At that time, he was posting funny and sharp takes on football, politics, and pop culture. Over time, he slowly moved into live streaming, and around 2020, he began focusing fully on Twitch.His growth has reached an enormous size since that time. His current Twitch follower count stands at approximately 3.4 million. More than 27000 viewers watch his streams in real time according to his streaming statistics. His most significant achievement occurred on November 18 2022 when he organised the “Eleven All-Star” football match between France and Spain. That stream brought in nearly 1.2 million viewers at its peak.Amine is known for GTA roleplay streams, relaxed “Just Chatting” sessions, and large football events. His content feels close to real life, and that is one reason people connect with him easily.Now, he is stepping into the Sidemen Charity Match 2026, where Sidemen FC will face YouTube All-Stars. The match is not just for entertainment. It is played to raise money for charity and usually draws millions of viewers worldwide. This year, big creators like Jasontheween, Fanum, and Stable Ronaldo are also part of the lineup. Spanish streamer Ibai is another major name confirmed for the event.AmineMaTue will play for Sidemen FC. His selection was revealed during the official draft on March 22, 2026. During the stream, Sidemen member Josh made a light-hearted comment while picking him. He said, “You guys have gone with a Spanish audience. Our team’s looking pretty, um, Brexit. We’re going to go uh for another language… So, uh, bonjour, je m’appelle Josh… today, uh, me pick, Amine.”While many fans are excited about the lineup, some viewers have shared mixed reactions online. A few even called this year’s squad the “worst ever,” though interest around the event remains very high.With AmineMaTue now part of the match, his presence is expected to bring in a large French-speaking audience and add a different energy to the game.
Delhi Capitals (DC) are chasing their maiden IPL title in 2026 with a smartly balanced squad blending experience and aggression, led by captain Axar Patel and powered by big overseas buys like David Miller, Pathum Nissanka and Ben Duckett. The side in blue and red will kick off their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1.
The Indian Premier League 2026 is here, and for the Delhi Capitals, the atmosphere around Arun Jaitley Stadium mixes hope with real hunger. Still without a title despite strong playoff pushes in the past, the franchise stands at a make-or-break point. The 2025 season brought a fifth-place finish, solid but painful, as they missed the playoffs narrowly. The main issues? An inconsistent opening pair and a middle order that often faltered when early wickets fell, plus some sloppy fielding in key moments.
But DC refused to stand still. They retained a strong core, including Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, and Tristan Stubbs. Then came smart auction moves: Ben Duckett and David Miller at value prices, Auqib Nabi Dar as a big all-round investment, plus Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, Prithvi Shaw, and others. With head coach Hemang Badani in charge, the team shows a clear “balanced aggression” vibe.
DC’s 2025 hangover: Can the revamped lineup spark a title run?
The pain from 2025 lingers. The top order rarely gave explosive starts, pushing the middle to rebuild too often. KL Rahul held firm at times, but without a consistent aggressor beside him, momentum slipped. The bowling stayed decent with Starc and Kuldeep leading, yet death overs and fielding errors hurt in close finishes.
Now in 2026, the approach turns sharper. Ben Duckett and Pathum Nissanka join KL Rahul (or Prithvi Shaw) to promise a fiery powerplay. Nitish Rana bridges at No. 3, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs bring finishing punch lower down, and Axar adds all-round depth. The spin duo of Axar and Kuldeep stays elite, while pace gets variety from Starc, Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, and others.
The big question: Can this mix of stability and firepower finally deliver the first trophy, or will old problems creep back in high-stakes games?
Delhi Capitals’ SWOT analysis for IPL 2026
Success in the IPL comes from how pieces fit under lights, not just big names. Here is the straight breakdown of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 season:
Strengths
KL Rahul DC IPL 2026 (Pic Source: X.com)
Versatile top order & finishing power:KL Rahul and Ben Duckett at the top, backed by Nitish Rana. Ashutosh Sharma and David Miller’s finishing pedigree gives DC the most versatile top five they’ve had in years.
Spin dominance:Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav form one of the best spin pairs in the league. Their control in the middle overs and Axar’s batting make them tough to handle on turning tracks.
Home-ground edge: With Stubbs power, improved fielding focus, and Starc’s swing suiting Arun Jaitley’s bounce, DC can exploit their venue better than most.
Pace attack reliance:Mitchell Starc leads strongly, but backups like Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, and Dushmantha Chameera lack consistent death specialists. An injury to Starc could hurt badly.
Lower-order Indian depth: While Miller and Stubbs finish well, DC still lean on overseas options at the death. No clear Indian enforcer with a 200+ strike rate if things go wrong.
Fielding question mark: 2025 had drops and misfields that cost games. Even with coaching tweaks, execution under pressure remains unproven.
Opportunities
Ashutosh Sharma DC IPL 2026 (Pic Source: X.com)
Overseas impact players: Grabbing Miller and Duckett at smart prices, plus Auqib Nabi Dar’s potential, gives DC tactical edges in powerplay and death. Starc’s left-arm fire remains a game-changer.
Coaching and fielding evolution: The arrival of John Mooney alongside Hemang Badani and Ian Bell offers a chance to build a sharper, fitter unit. This could be the reset DC needed to finally break their playoff jinx.
Youth breakout chance: Uncapped talents like Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, and Vipraj Nigam get room to shine, possibly uncovering the next big Indian star for long-term build.
Threats
Captaincy spotlight on Axar: Axar’s leadership earns respect, but delivering a first title with huge expectations could test him against sharp units like MI or CSK. Early losses might bring heavy scrutiny.
Tricky start away: Opening against LSG at Ekana, then quick home clashes with MI and GT, means no room for slow beginnings. A rough launch could put pressure on the new signings quickly.
Fiercer league:MI, RCB, KKR and others rebuilt with data and big buys. The competition leaves almost zero margin for mid-season slumps or identity confusion like before.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has sent out an early statement ahead of IPL 2026, showcasing his intent with a blistering knock in a practice game. The veteran batter smashed 58 off just 25 balls, bringing up his half-century in only 20 deliveries before voluntarily walking off to allow other players time in the middle.Despite a disappointing 2025 campaign, where KKR finished eighth with just five wins in 14 matches, the franchise has continued to back Rahane as skipper. The 37-year-old had been their leading run-scorer last season with 390 runs in 13 matches at an average of 35.45 and a strike rate of 147. 73, even as the team struggled to defend their title.Heading into the new season, Rahane made it clear that he is embracing the responsibility with a calm and optimistic outlook. “Every year, there are different challenges as a player and also as a captain. What I learned throughout my journey is be positive each and every time, whatever challenges are there,” he said during the team’s first media interaction.“I’ve been leading the team since last year and really grateful to the franchise that they gave me this responsibility to lead the team. Taking everything in my stride, taking everything in a positive way. There are always opportunities, there are challenges, you always see opportunities.“My mindset has always been like that throughout my career, that if I see any challenges or particular, if something difficult is, I look at it in a positive way and try to give my best as a player and also as a captain,” he added.With the lessons from last season in mind, Rahane stressed the importance of a strong start while maintaining consistency across the tournament. “As a team, we would like to start really well this season,” he said.“It’s a long tournament and you don’t want to peak too early. As a team, and also the expectations from the boys, basically, you don’t actually looking for a perfect game. There are going to be errors throughout the tournament.“But as a unit, what we would like to do is we play positive brand of cricket. So as a unit, as a team management, we are really confident about the side that will do really well this season.”KKR enter IPL 2026 with a revamped squad, particularly in the batting department. The franchise parted ways with experienced players like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, while making significant investments at the auction, including a record Rs 25.20 crore signing of Cameron Green.The new-look squad features aggressive options such as Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, alongside Sunil Narine and Rahane at the top of the order.Despite the depth in batting, Rahane chose not to reveal the team’s combinations. “The batting group which we have this year is amazing. I mean, most of the batters, they’re in good form. Guys from overseas also in good, very good nick. Had a very good World Cup as well.“See, frankly, I’m not going to tell you the lineup, what lineup we are going to go with, but as I said, all the batters who are here at the moment are very good in nick, very good in nick, and we just started our camp with this before, so really excited for the season,” he said.
Mumbai: BMC has written to two key state agencies —Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) —flagging their property tax dues of over Rs 2,287 crore and seeking immediate payment.In letters sent on March 16, just days before the end of the financial year, it said property tax remains its primary revenue source and is critical for funding civic services and infrastructure projects across the city. As per BMC’s records as on Jan 31, MMRDA has arrears of Rs 1,685.6 crore across 128 properties—Rs 946.2 crore in unpaid taxes and Rs 739.4 crore in penalties. Mhada owes Rs 601.6 crore from 3,636 properties, including Rs 222.5 crore in penalties. “In view of the substantial outstanding amounts, instructions should be issued to ensure immediate payment of dues,” BMC said in the letters. Officials from the property tax department said the bulk of MMRDA’s dues stem from unpaid taxes on its casting yards and Metro stations, while Mhada’s arrears are linked to properties it owns, including chawls such as BDD chawls. Additional municipal commissioner Ashwini Joshi, who is in charge of the civic property tax department and sent the letters, said the civic body is working on ensuring that property tax dues from various departments are recovered. “We have sent a communication to both the agencies. Our property tax collection this year (Rs 6,331 crore) has already exceeded last year’s (Rs 6,200 crore).” Property tax is BMC’s single largest revenue source, levied on over 9 lakh properties. The civic body’s dependence on this stream has deepened since 2017, when octroi—once its biggest revenue generator —was scrapped following the rollout of GST. With collections already crossing last year’s mop-up ahead of schedule, officials said the renewed push to recover long pending dues is aimed at further strengthening BMC’s finances. Currently, around 3.6 lakh properties in Mumbai are exempt from property tax as their carpet area is under 500sqft—a policy implemented since 2022 by BMC following a state govt directive. Recently, the civic House passed a notice of motion as well seeking to increase the exemption limit for property taxes for residential units from 500sqft to 700sqft.
