As the countdown to IPL 2026 gathers momentum, Virat Kohli has found himself at the centre of fresh speculation—this time over alleged travel arrangements during the tournament. However, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star has now reacted to the rumours, calling them nothing more than baseless chatter.

The controversy began when reports surfaced suggesting that Kohli had requested chartered flights to travel between India and London during breaks in the IPL schedule. According to these rumours, the former India captain planned to fly out whenever there was a gap of more than three days between matches.

Kohli responded swiftly and directly. Taking to his Instagram stories, he reshared the claim and reacted with laughing emojis, clearly indicating that the story held no truth. By labeling it as ‘fake news’ without issuing a lengthy statement, Kohli let his reaction do the talking.

His response quickly went viral, with fans appreciating the clarity and straightforward dismissal. In an era where speculation spreads rapidly, Kohli’s light-hearted yet firm rebuttal helped shut down the narrative before it could gain further traction.

London connection continues to spark debate

While this particular rumour has been put to rest, discussions around Kohli’s association with London are not new. In recent years, the star batter has spent significant time in the UK during off-season periods, especially after becoming a father for the second time. For Kohli, London offers something he rarely experiences in India—privacy. Away from the intense spotlight, he has often been spotted doing everyday activities like walking in parks or shopping, blending into a relatively normal routine.

This shift is widely seen as a conscious effort to give his family, especially his children, a more grounded upbringing. The move reflects a personal choice to balance global stardom with a quieter life off the field.

Focus shifts to IPL 2026 with RCB

Amid the noise, Kohli has already returned to India and joined the RCB camp in Bengaluru. The defending champions are gearing up for a high-profile start to their campaign at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match on March 28, and all eyes will be on Kohli as he begins another crucial IPL season. With expectations running high, the veteran batter will look to lead from the front and silence any distractions with his performances on the field.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) board will meet on Monday to deliberate on a wide-ranging agenda that includes a proposal to ease fund settlement norms for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and changes to regulatory frameworks governing market intermediaries, people familiar with the matter told news agency PTI.A key proposal before the board is to allow FPIs to net funds for same-day cash market trades instead of settling each transaction individually. Under the existing framework, FPIs are required to settle equity cash market trades on a gross basis, funding each purchase transaction independently of sale transactions even if both occur on the same day.Sebi has proposed permitting “netting of funds”, which would enable FPIs to use proceeds from same-day sales to offset purchase obligations, requiring them to meet only the net payable amount. The move is aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing the cost of funding for FPIs, particularly on index rebalancing days. It is also expected to help minimise forex-related costs arising from timing mismatches between inflows and outflows.The proposal follows concerns that the current gross settlement mechanism imposes additional funding requirements on FPIs for at least one extra day, thereby increasing transaction costs.This will be the fifth board meeting chaired by Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey since he assumed office on March 1, 2025.Apart from FPI-related reforms, the board will review several governance and regulatory proposals, including a comprehensive overhaul of the “fit and proper person” criteria applicable to market intermediaries. The aim is to enhance procedural clarity and fairness, the people said.As part of the proposed changes, Sebi is considering abolishing the reference to initiation of winding-up proceedings as a disqualification, so that only a final winding-up order is taken into account while assessing whether a person is fit and proper.The regulator is also looking to explicitly include the right to a hearing in the rules. While the practice of providing a reasonable opportunity of being heard already exists, the proposal seeks to formally codify this provision to remove procedural ambiguity.In addition, the board is expected to consider ease-of-doing business proposals relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).Another key agenda item is the discussion of a report submitted by a high-level panel on conflict of interest and transparency. The panel has proposed wide-ranging reforms aimed at enhancing disclosure norms and fostering a “zero-tolerance” culture to address potential conflicts of interest involving top Sebi officials, they added.

Sam Konstas, Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott and Mitchell Starc of Australia pose for a photo (Photo: Getty Images)

Cricket Australia has revealed its international schedule for the 2026-27 season, outlining a demanding calendar that leaves minimal recovery time ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, likely to start in mid or late January.The five-match Test tour of India is expected to be a defining stretch for an experienced Australian side led by Pat Cummins, with several senior players facing one of the toughest assignments of their careers.In total, Australia are scheduled to play 10 Tests within a 14-week span from December to March, making it one of the most intense periods in the team’s history.The home summer begins in August 2026 with a two-Test series against Bangladesh and runs through to March 2027, ending with a landmark day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to celebrate the 150th anniversary Test against England national cricket team.A four-Test home series against New Zealand national cricket team has been squeezed into just over a month, adding further pressure to an already tight schedule. Before that, Australia will tour South Africa national cricket team for a three-Test series that runs until the end of October, followed by an eight-match white-ball series against England in November.According to CA, the India tour represents a significant challenge for senior players such as Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, all of whom are yet to win a Test series in India.“That Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour, a final frontier for the likes of Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, who have never won a series in India, will also be a quick-fire campaign given CA’s anniversary Test begins back in Melbourne on March 11,” CA said in a statement.The board also indicated a cautious approach to workload management, pointing out that the decision to rest key fast bowlers like Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood for the early stages of the Indian Premier League reflects concerns over sustaining them through the packed season.“The call to hold back all three of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood from at least the first few rounds of the soon-to-begin IPL shows CA is wary of getting their trio to the finishing line of the intense 2026-27 run,” the statement added.Australia’s packed Test itinerary includes:August: Two Tests vs Bangladesh (home)October: Three Tests vs South Africa (away)December-January: Four Tests vs New Zealand (home)January-March: Five Tests vs India (away)March 11-15: 150th anniversary Test vs England (home)Looking further ahead, Australia could feature in the World Test Championship final in June if they qualify, before embarking on a five-Test tour of England between June and August.

RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary with KC Tyagi (PTI photo)

NEW DELHI: Senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi on Sunday pledged to carry forward former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy after joining the Rashtriya Lok Dal, after parting way from the Nitish Kumar-led party, which has been at the helm of the Bihar government for the past two decades under chief minister Nitish Kumar.However, Tyagi’s political base lies in western Uttar Pradesh, far from JD(U)’s stronghold in Bihar. Meanwhile, the RLD, also an NDA ally, has been in influence in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the western region, carrying forward the legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh under the leadership of his grandson, Jayant Chaudhary.Tyagi said his move reflects continuity rather than change, stressing that there is no difference between JD(U) and the RLD, while recalling past efforts by Nitish Kumar and Chaudhary Ajit Singh to come together politically.Speaking to ANI, Tyagi said, “I began my political career with the Lok Dal itself. This is just its original form; there’s nothing new in it… We will help fulfil the dream that Chaudhary Charan Singh left behind… There is no difference between JD(U) and RLD. There was a time when Nitish Kumar and Chaudhary Ajit Singh were set to form a party together. There is no difference between these two.”Tyagi formally joined the RLD in New Delhi in the presence of party president and Union minister Jayant Chaudhary. The veteran socialist leader, a founding member of JD(U), had resigned from the party on March 17.Earlier this week, Tyagi said he did not take part in the party’s latest membership drive, clarifying that there is no personal friction between him and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar over the Rajya Sabha seat allocation.Maintaining that his ties with the party remain intact, Tyagi said his “relationship with Nitish Kumar and the Bihar JDU remains the same”.“I am the founder of Janata Dal (United) alongside George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Digvijay Singh… I have been a member ever since. However, I did not participate in this membership drive,” he said.The senior leader also addressed speculation around his parliamentary ambitions, denying that his exit was linked to any bid for a Rajya Sabha seat. “There is not a single instance of me trying for a Rajya Sabha ticket. Even in 2013, Nitish Kumar called me and offered me a ticket,” said Tyagi.

The government has stepped up efforts to streamline gas distribution and ease supply pressures, directing faster processing of city gas projects while increasing allocations of commercial LPG to key sectors amid a challenging geopolitical environment.The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has instructed its offices to dispose of City Gas Distribution (CGD) applications within 10 days, aiming to accelerate the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG), an official statement said.Commercial LPG consumers in major cities and urban areas have also been advised to shift to PNG as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on liquefied petroleum gas. Domestic LPG supply remains stable, with no reported dry-outs at distributorships and normal delivery patterns across the country, the statement said, adding that most deliveries are being carried out through the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) while panic bookings have subsided, PTI reported.On the commercial LPG front, the government has progressively increased allocations. After restoring 20 per cent supply earlier, an additional 10 per cent allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms was announced on March 18. A further 20 per cent allocation was cleared on March 21, taking total commercial LPG supply to 50 per cent.The latest increase prioritises sectors such as restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing units, dairy operations, community kitchens and subsidised food outlets run by state governments and local bodies. Provision has also been made for 5 kg cylinders for migrant workers.Around 20 states and Union Territories have implemented the revised allocation guidelines, while public sector oil marketing companies are supplying commercial LPG in the remaining regions. In the past eight days, about 15,440 tonnes of LPG have been lifted by commercial entities.Educational institutions and hospitals continue to receive priority, accounting for nearly half of the total commercial LPG allocation. Despite global uncertainties affecting supply, the government indicated that domestic availability remains under control while efforts continue to transition urban consumers towards PNG.

In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has decided to skip the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and link up with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). According to reports, the move comes as a late replacement signing, with Shanaka set to fill the void left by England’s Sam Curran, who is reportedly sidelined due to injury.

Dasun Shanaka replaces injured Sam Curran in RR squad

The Royals have turned to Shanaka as a backup after concerns emerged over Curran’s fitness. The England all-rounder, who was traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the season, is believed to be nursing a groin injury that has ruled him out of IPL 2026.

Shanaka, who went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini auction, had initially committed to the PSL, where Lahore Qalandars secured his services for PKR 75 lakh. However, the opportunity to play in the IPL—widely regarded as the premier T20 league—has prompted the 34-year-old to make a late switch.

For Rajasthan Royals, Shanaka’s inclusion adds depth to their middle order and provides a reliable seam-bowling option, strengthening the balance of the squad.

Growing trend of players prioritising IPL over PSL

Shanaka’s decision marks yet another instance of players choosing the IPL over the PSL. Earlier this season, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani opted to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, skipping his PSL stint with Islamabad United.

This trend is not entirely new. Last year, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch made headlines after moving from Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL to Mumbai Indians in the IPL. His decision led to a one-year ban from the PSL, highlighting the growing tension between the two leagues.

Despite the PSL scheduling its window alongside the IPL to retain overseas talent, the strategy has not yielded the desired results. The IPL’s global appeal, financial incentives, and competitive platform continue to attract players, often at the expense of other leagues.

Also READ: PCB unveils complete schedule for PSL 2026; Lahore Qalandars to face Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opener

PCB considers strict action amid contract breaches

The repeated withdrawals have not gone unnoticed. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently addressed the issue, indicating that the board could take strict or even legal action against players who fail to honor their PSL contracts.

Speaking in Lahore on Sunday, March 22, Naqvi emphasized the need to protect the league’s integrity and ensure that contractual obligations are respected. The PCB is reportedly exploring measures to prevent further last-minute exits by overseas players.

Also READ: Former opener predicts SRH’s leading run-scorer and highest wicket-taker for IPL 2026