NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Tehran called on the India-chaired Brics grouping to play an independent role in “halting aggressions” against Tehran amid the escalating Middle East crisis.This was the second conversation between the two leaders since tensions flared on February 28.In a statement the Iranian embassy in India said, “President of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India, during which they discussed and exchanged views on bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments in light of the continued military aggressions by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran.”Further referring to India’s rotating presidency of Brics, President Pezeshkian “called for the group to play an independent role in halting aggressions against Iran and in safeguarding regional and international peace and stability.”The Iranian president outlined “the dimensions of the aggression, unlawful attacks, and crimes committed by the and the Zionist regime, emphasising that Iran did not initiate the war.” He told PM Modi that “the aggressor without any justification, logic, or legal basis, launched military attacks against Iran during ongoing nuclear negotiations, resulting in the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, senior military commanders, and a number of defenseless civilians, including innocent schoolchildren, as well as targeting public infrastructure,” referring to the strikes carried out under US President Donald Trump’s administration.Pezeshkian further alleged that the US targeted the school in Minab describing it as one of the most serious civilian casualties in the conflict.“US targeted the school in Minab from bases located in neighboring countries hosting military installations, leading to the tragic martyrdom of 168 innocent schoolchildren,” the president said.Pezeshkian also rejected claims by the US that the military action was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.According to the release, he said that in multiple meetings attended by the Supreme Leader, “the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution had firmly opposed nuclear weapons and had issued both administrative and religious directives prohibiting any move toward their development.” He also dismissed allegations portraying Iran as a source of regional instability, asserting instead that Israel has carried out attacks and assassinations “across countries including Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, Iraq and Qatar, under the pretext of maintaining security while fueling unrest.”The Iranian president reiterated his country’s willingness to engage in dialogue with global leaders, including on the sidelines of the United Nations, for verification and oversight of its nuclear programme. He described the actions of the US and Israel as “profoundly inhumane and unethical” and strongly condemned them.The Iranian president also proposed the establishment of a regional security framework composed of countries of West Asia, aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region through regional cooperation without foreign interference. Further expressing deep concern over the escalating tensions, “PM Modi strongly condemned attacks on energy infrastructure, warning that such actions pose serious risks to global food and energy security, as well as agricultural exports,” the release stated.Referring to his ongoing consultations with world leaders, the Prime Minister also reiterated that “war serves no one’s interest and therefore, all parties should move toward peace as soon as possible,” it added.The prime minister also stressed the need to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz and uphold freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf, given their critical role in global trade and energy supplies.Also read: ‘Condemn attack on critical infrastructure’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, says ‘shipping lanes must stay open’Earlier, sharing details of the same conversation on X, PM Modi had said , “Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.”“Reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure,” he added.The prime minister also appreciated Tehran’s support for Indian nationals, stating that he “appreciated Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.”The conversation came amid fresh reports of joint US-Israel strikes on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Iranian media said the site was targeted again, though there were no immediate signs of radioactive leakage.Amid growing fears of an energy crisis, India has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Iran, focusing on ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and the safety of key shipping routes.The government has indicated it is prioritising dialogue and diplomacy rather than joining any US-led military effort in the region.Earlier, external affairs minister S Jaishankar also spoke with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi and “conveyed greetings for Navroz and Eid.”“Our conversation was on the latest developments regarding the conflict and its implications for the larger region,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Sunil Gavaskar in DP World Youtube channel (Screengrab)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly rejected allegations of hypocrisy after his comments on Abrar Ahmed being picked by Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred 2026 and his reports of attending Pakistani show in Dubai during Asia Cup 2025.Gavaskar had earlier raised concerns about Indian ownership indirectly benefiting Pakistani cricketers through overseas leagues. His remarks came in the wake of Abrar Ahmed’s signing, which reignited discussions around India-Pakistan cricketing ties at the franchise level. However, his stance drew criticism, with some accusing him of double standards, particularly pointing to his involvement in international commentary panels and a reported appearance on a Pakistan-related show.

Gavaskar’s Strong Clarification

Responding to the backlash, Gavaskar dismissed the accusations and clarified his position in an interview with Mumbai Mirror“Yes, I have been on commentary panels of ICC and ACC. The revenue went to all the participating countries from the ICC and ACC, but not from an Indian entity as far as I know. I don’t understand how you can say that I am a contributor since I am not making any payment to any commentator, Indian or any other nationality,” Gavaskar said. “I don’t know about other sports and what they are doing, all I am praying for is that Indians stop paying Pakistanis. If you have noticed, the reverse has never happened for decades, if ever.” he added.

Criticism for attending a show in Dubai

Another point of criticism was Gavaskar’s, but the former India captain Sunil Gavaskar appeared as a special guest on the DP World Dressing Room show on YouTube during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. During the interaction, Gavaskar reflected on his illustrious career, expressed his admiration for being back in a “dressing room” environment, and shared his views on several current cricketing issues.However, he firmly denied claims of financial or formal involvement on a similar show during the Asia Cup alongside former Pakistan greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, Gavaskar said,”I did not ask nor got paid for the show in Dubai.”

For Shreyas Iyer, the journey to IPL 2026 hasn’t been a smooth one. While his teammates were lifting the T20 World Cup trophy, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain was fighting a very different battle – recovering from a spleen injury that kept him away from the game for months.

It was a phase that tested him both physically and mentally. Known for his aggressive batting and leadership, Iyer suddenly found himself off the field, dealing with recovery routines instead of match situations. The injury not only ruled him out of India’s successful World Cup campaign but also forced him into complete rest at a time when he would have ideally been at the peak of his form.

“I had lost around seven kilos”: Shreyas Iyer

Opening up about that period, Iyer revealed just how tough it was.

“I had lost around seven kilos and I had to regain the muscle mass,” he said.

The weight loss was just one part of the struggle. Regaining strength, fitness, and confidence required months of disciplined rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, under the guidance of VVS Laxman and the medical staff. Every day was about small improvements – getting stronger, regaining rhythm, and preparing for a return to competitive cricket.

“It was tough, but I’m grateful to the support staff who helped me get back on my feet,” he added.

Despite the challenges, what made the phase even more emotional was watching India win the T20 World Cup without him. While the victory brought joy, it also came with a sense of personal disappointment.

“It was wonderful to see the boys win, but there was that tinge of disappointment that I couldn’t be part of it. That feeling is now driving me in the IPL,” Iyer admitted.

That mix of pride and regret has now turned into motivation – a fuel that he hopes will push him and his team towards IPL glory.

Also READ: Will Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings punish Lockie Ferguson for missing early part of IPL 2026?

Iyer eyes on IPL 2026: Leadership, redemption and a title push

Now fully fit and back in action, Iyer is ready to lead Punjab Kings into what could be a defining season for both him and the franchise. After coming agonizingly close to winning the title in IPL 2025, where they finished runners-up, the team is determined to go one step further this year.

For Iyer, this isn’t just another season – it’s an opportunity for redemption.

Having already rejoined the squad, he has thrown himself into preparations with full intensity. From long net sessions to rebuilding match fitness, the focus has been on getting back into the groove as quickly as possible.

“The preparations have been intense. I’ve been batting in the nets, getting used to the rhythm again. The body is responding well, and I’m confident of playing the full season,” he said.

His return is a massive boost for Punjab Kings, not just because of his batting ability but also due to the leadership stability he brings. The franchise has shown faith in him, and now he has the chance to repay that trust on the field.

Iyer also expressed confidence in the team’s overall balance, highlighting the mix of experience and firepower within the squad.

“We have firepower at the top, depth in the middle, and a bowling attack that can defend any total. It’s a group that believes we can win it this year,” he stated.

Punjab Kings will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30 in Guwahati – a high-pressure start against one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history. For Iyer, it’s the perfect stage to mark his return.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – 3 players who can replace injured Nathan Ellis in CSK squad

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Saturday that it had struck an Israeli F-16 fighter jet over central Iran, though the Israeli military said only that one of its aircraft had come under surface-to-air missile fire during operations and insisted there was no damage.The competing claims emerged as the conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 continues to widen across the Middle East.As per news agency AFP, the Guards said on their Sepah News website, “An F-16 hostile enemy fighter jet belonging to the Zionist regime was struck at 3:45 am in central Iran.”

Israel confirms missile launch but denies any damage

The Israeli military did not directly confirm the loss or damage of an F-16, but acknowledged that one of its aircraft had been targeted during an operation inside Iran.The Israeli military said a surface-to-air missile had been launched at an Israeli aircraft during “an operational activity” in Iran.It added that “no damage was caused to the aircraft,” according to AFP.At this stage, it remains unclear whether the Israeli statement and the IRGC’s claim refer to the same incident, as Israel did not specify the type of aircraft involved.

Iranian media shows smoke in sky, but no verification

Iranian media also circulated an image purportedly showing smoke in the sky and claimed that another aircraft had been targeted, though no further details were provided.According to AFP, the reports did not identify the type of the second aircraft or whether it belonged to Israel or the United States.

Claim comes days after Iran’s F-35 assertion

Saturday’s announcement follows another high-profile Iranian claim earlier this week involving a US aircraft.The IRGC had said days earlier that a US F-35 fighter jet was “hit and seriously damaged in the skies of central Iran.”As per a CNN report, which cited two sources familiar with the matter as saying that a US F-35 made an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being struck by what was believed to be Iranian fire.For now, the key fact is that Iran says it struck an Israeli F-16, while Israel confirms missile fire but denies any damage.There is no independent confirmation yet that the aircraft was actually hit in a way that caused operational damage, and no evidence has emerged publicly of a crash, pilot ejection or wreckage.

Brendon McCullum (AP Photo)

The Brendon McCullum era at England came under intense scrutiny following explosive allegations about dressing-room culture during the disastrous The Ashes tour. Reports, primarily from Telegraph Sport, have painted a picture of a team environment that blurred the line between freedom and lack of discipline, raising serious questions about leadership, accountability, and professionalism.England’s defeat in The Ashes was more than just a loss, it was a systemic failure. Poor preparation, including the lack of meaningful warm-up matches, left the team underprepared for Australian conditions. The aggressive “Bazball” approach, once hailed as revolutionary, unravelled quickly after a heavy defeat in Perth, leaving England without a fallback plan.The report quoted by Telegraph sports highlighted the cultural issues within the dressing room which says that, ” There were players in the Ashes who felt McCullum was naturally drawn to those like him who enjoy a beer, a vape and a round of golf. Unintentionally it created a clique that became more apparent under the stress of an Ashes loss and there were players who felt a non-serious environment had cost them the opportunity of a lifetime in Australia.”

Off-Field Incidents Add Fuel to the Fire

The allegations gained traction amid a series of off-field controversies. Reports further suggested England players spent extended periods drinking during a mid-series break in Noosa, with some accounts claiming up to “six days” of socialising during a nine-day gap between Tests.Incidents involving Harry Brook further intensified scrutiny, including a late-night altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand prior to the Ashes for which he lied during the press conference. There were also reports of players frequenting casinos and being visibly intoxicated in public during the tour, reinforcing the narrative that off-field distractions contributed to England’s poor performances.This resulted as a loss for England Cricket Team (ECB) as the selection and fitness decisions compounded the crisis. Shoaib Bashir, long viewed as a key weapon, was deemed unfit for selection, while misplaced faith in Ollie Pope proved costly. The management of fast bowlers such as Mark Wood and Jofra Archer backfired, leaving England short of firepower across a demanding five-Test series.After review of the Ashes series, ECB chief Richard Gould changed the culture reported by Telegraph Sports which said,” The players will be disciplined if they are drunk in public, they must not put on social media anything to do with drinking alcohol and must tell the management their location after 9pm. There is a midnight curfew.”

After the Ashes debacle, Stokes submitted a report explaining why England lost the Ashes, and according to it, the English captain blamed McCullum and the management. It is also believed that the two pointed fingers at each other during the review, which the ECB launched on the same day when the Sydney Test concluded.

Sri Lanka Tour: The Turning Point

With his job on the line, McCullum made a decisive move by joining England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, despite initially planning to skip it. Arriving just days after the Ashes, he used the opportunity to show adaptability and commitment.He accepted stricter discipline rules introduced by Key and agreed to strengthen the coaching setup, including the return of Carl Hopkinson to address fielding concerns. The results were immediate. England regrouped, with Joe Root playing a pivotal role, and secured a series win that eased pressure on the management. Observers saw this as a defining moment, noting “it gave McCullum an opportunity… to prove he was willing to change.”World Cup Progress, But Questions RemainEngland carried that momentum into the World Cup, where there were clear signs of improvement. Harry Brook thrived in a new role at number three, while Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell added balance and promise to the side.However, the semi-final defeat to India exposed lingering issues under pressure. Despite progress, England once again fell short when it mattered most. As the campaign ultimately showed, “England still lost the match that mattered.”McCullum accepted his errors during the Ashes, and the talks between the two have since reached an agreement. The ECB also refrained from sacking McCullum due to the costs involved. The former New Zealand captain is contracted with England for another 18 months, and a sacking would prove costly for the ECB.

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PUDUCHERRY: AIADMK, a constituent of the NDA, on Saturday said it has happily agreed to contest from two constituencies for the sake of honouring coalition dharma and asserted that it would claim a share in power if the alliance wins the upcoming Assembly polls.Speaking to reporters, AIADMK Puducherry unit secretary A Anbazhagan said his party would contest from Uppalam and Orleanpet constituencies and expressed confidence that NDA would retain power in Puducherry.He said: “During the last Assembly polls held in 2021, we fought from five constituencies and lost them all. This time, we are contesting in two seats and we will win both. Due to several circumstances, AIADMK is fighting from a reduced number of seats. Following the coalition dharma and upholding it, the AIADMK is contesting from only two constituencies.” Further, Anbalagan said talks were held on March 20 and Saturday and following “permission” from party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, “we accepted two seats happily.” Answering a question, the AIADMK leader said his party would for sure seek a share in power when NDA emerges victorious. “Are we in politics to do charity? A natural progress for an MLA is to become a minister,” he said.The ruling AINRC and the BJP-AIADMK combine on Friday reached an agreement for the Assembly polls in the union territory, where the AINRC will contest 16 seats, and the BJP will fight from the remaining 14.The arrangements were finalised after Puducherry Chief Minister and AINRC leader N Rangasamy on Friday held talks with BJP leader and Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya at a hotel here.The BJP, from its kitty, has allocated two seats each to the AIADMK and the Lakshia Jananayaga Katchi (LJK).The BJP on Saturday released a list of nine candidates for the April 9 Assembly polls in Puducherry, fielding Home Minister A Namassivayam for re-election from Mannadipet constituency.

More than 20 countries on Saturday expressed readiness to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iran’s closure of the strategic route.The UAE ministry of foreign affairs released a joint statement signed by the leaders of the UAE, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania and Australia addressing the situation in the strategic strait.“We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces,” the statement read.The statement said that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).It added that the consequences of Iran’s actions would be felt across the world, particularly by the most vulnerable communities.“Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations,” the statement read.The statement said the countries were ready to support efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait and welcomed ongoing preparatory planning by other nations.It also welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves and said further steps would be taken to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.The statement added that efforts would also be made to support the countries most affected, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions.“We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFis. Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security,” the statement read. After the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, Tehran retaliated with strikes on its Gulf neighbours and on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.Between March 1 and 19, commodities carriers made just 116 crossings through the strait, according to analytics firm Kpler, a drop of about 95 percent from peacetime levels.Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas normally passes, along with repeated attacks on energy infrastructure across the Middle East, has driven global energy prices sharply higher.

Iran’s claim that it struck a US F-35 Lightning II has drawn sharp global attention, with early indications suggesting that infrared-guided air defence systems may have played a role in the incident now under investigation.A US F-35 stealth fighter was damaged during a combat mission over Iran and forced to make an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East, according to American officials. The pilot survived and is in stable condition. While Washington has not fully confirmed Tehran’s claim, it has acknowledged the aircraft was hit by what is believed to be Iranian fire.

Iran has described the incident as a “world’s first hit”, raising questions about how one of the most advanced stealth aircraft may have been tracked and targeted.

Infrared systems in focus

Analysts are increasingly looking at Iran’s infrared-guided surface-to-air systems, which rely on heat signatures rather than radar, as a possible factor.Among the key systems:

Unlike traditional radar-guided systems, these platforms operate passively, meaning they do not broadcast signals that stealth aircraft are designed to evade. This raises the possibility that infrared detection may have complemented or substituted radar tracking in the engagement.

Can infrared systems hit an F-35?

The F-35 is built to minimise both radar and infrared signatures, but it is not completely invisible. Its engine still produces heat, particularly during high-speed or combat manoeuvres.Infrared-guided systems, in theory, can exploit this by:

However, such a hit would still be considered highly challenging. The F-35 is equipped with advanced countermeasures, including flares and electronic warfare systems, and is designed to detect threats early through its sensor fusion capabilities.

What makes this incident significant

Capt Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command, said the fifth-generation jet was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was forced to land. “The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” he said.Even a partial strike carries weight. The F-35 is widely seen as one of the most survivable aircraft in contested airspace due to its stealth, sensor fusion and network-centric warfare design.If Iranian systems were able to track and hit the jet, it could point to:

The bigger picture

The reported hit comes amid an ongoing conflict in which the US has lost at least 16 aircraft, including multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones, according to a Bloomberg report. Other losses have been attributed to accidents and friendly fire.While US officials maintain that operations are proceeding as planned, analysts note that only “localised air superiority” has been achieved in parts of Iranian airspace.Against this backdrop, Iran’s claim of striking an F-35 — whether through infrared systems alone or in combination with other tracking methods — could mark a shift in how stealth aircraft are challenged in modern warfare.