Eid-ul-Fitr is almost here, and there’s a specific kind of magic in the air this year. As we wrap up the final days of Ramadan 2026, the anticipation for that silver crescent moon is building. While we’re looking at March 20 or 21 for the big day (just a quick heads-up: it’s a bit earlier than the late-March/April window some were expecting!), the feeling remains the same: a beautiful blend of spiritual exhaustion and pure, unadulterated joy.Whether you’re dodging the crowds at a local bazaar or prepping your kitchen for a marathon of biryani and sheer khurma, Eid is the ultimate reset button. It’s a time to move past old grudges, and reconnecting with the people who actually matter.To help you wish your friends and family on this festival, here are some choicest of wishes and messages to help you spread love this Eid:

1. To the Whole Crew: “Eid Mubarak to my forever team! May our home stay as loud, messy, and full of love as it is today.”2. For Mom & Dad: “You taught me the discipline of the fast and the joy of the feast. Thank you for everything.”3. For the Siblings: The Partners in Crime“From wrestling over the last date at iftar to actually being nice to each other for five minutes today—Eid wouldn’t be the same without the chaos you bring to the table. Love you, even when you’re annoying. Eid Mubarak!”4.For the Grandparents: The Anchors“The house just feels safer and warmer with you in it. Your duaas are the secret sauce that keeps this whole family moving. Eid Mubarak to the people who started it all; we’re so lucky to have you.”5. For the Kids“Eid Mubarak to my favorite little humans! May your pockets be heavy with Eidi, your plates be full of sweets, and your sugar rush be absolutely legendary. Try not to spend it all in one place!”6. For cousins“There is nothing quite like the noise of a full house and the smell of biryani everywhere. Grateful to have every single one of us back under one roof this year. Eid Mubarak to the best crew I know!”7. For sisters: “From the morning prayer to the late-night gossip over chai, you’re my favourites to celebrate with. Sisters in faith and in fun—let’s make this one for the books. Mubarak ho!”8. To Dad: “Your strength is our anchor. May this Eid bring you the relaxation and peace you deserve.”9. The Prayer Circle: “To the family that prays together: may we stay united in love and faith forever. Eid Mubarak.”10. Dear uncle/ aunt, your home is always the heart of our Eid. Thank you for the warmth!”11. For cousins: “From childhood pranks to adulting together—Eid Mubarak!”12. The Pillars: “To the ones who keep this family running—may Allah bless you with abundance today and always.”13. “Family first, always. Wishing us a day that feeds our souls as much as it feeds our stomachs.”14. Gratitude for Parents: “Your sacrifices made my joy possible. Eid Mubarak to my greatest blessings.”15. Blended Family Love: “Different paths, one beautiful family. Eid Mubarak to us!”

For Friends: The Family We Choose

1. To the Bestie: “Eid Mubarak my friend!”2. “Eid Mubarak! I’ve already saved you a seat at the table. Don’t be late for the feast!”3. The “Ride-or-Die” Crew: “May joy chase us as hard as we chased those iftar snacks. Love you guys!”4. Squad Goals: “Eid Mubarak to the group that keeps me sane.”5. “We might be miles apart, but you’re always in my prayers. Eid Mubarak!”6. The Reliable Friend: “You’re the iftar to my fast—essential and much needed. Eid Mubarak, buddy!”7. “Blessed to have a friend who prays for me. Happy Eid”8. “Have a beautiful Eid.”9. Coffee & Chats: “From coffee dates to Eid dates, grateful for every conversation. Eid Mubarak!”10. “Happy Eid my dearest friend”

Romantic & Spouse: The Hearts We Share

1. “Eid Mubarak, my love.”2. “My favorite part of the day is breaking my fast with you. Happy Eid.”3. “Your smile is my favorite Eid gift. Eid Mubarak!”4. “We survived the hangry moments of Ramadan together—now let’s enjoy the feast! Love you always.”5. To the Soulmate: “May our love grow as steadily as the crescent moon. Eid Mubarak.”6. Everyday Magic: “You make the ordinary feel extraordinary. Eid Mubarak to my forever person.”7. “From whispered prayers at 4 AM to the joy of today, I’m so lucky to have you.”8. The Perfect Partner: “My partner in prayer and my partner in crime. Eid Mubarak, with all my heart.”9. “Eid Mubarak to the person who completes me in ways I can’t even describe.”10. “Let’s feast on happiness today and every day. I love you.”

Inspirational Eid messages

1. “Eid Mubarak! May Allah’s blessings light your path to success”2. The Grateful Heart: “Reflect, recharge, and rejoice this Eid!”3. New Beginnings: “The fast is over, but the growth shouldn’t be. Here’s to a fresh start. Happy Eid!”4. “May your heart find deep peace this Eid.”5. “May we keep the spirit of generosity of Eid alive long after the decorations come down.”6. “Ramadan taught us patience; let Eid teach us gratitude. Mubarak ho!”7. “Wishing you a heart full of Sabr (patience) and Shukr (gratitude). Eid Mubarak.”8. Growth: “Bloom where you are planted, and may this Eid be your most beautiful season yet.”9. “May all the duaas you whispered in the dark be answered in the light of today.”10. “Gratitude turns what we have into more than enough. Have a blessed Eid.”11. “Eid Mubarak! Be the light someone else needs today.”12. “From the struggle of the fast to the joy of the feast—you did it. Eid Mubarak, warrior!”13. “Wishing prosperity and pure happiness to you and the entire world. Eid Mubarak.”14. “May Allah bless you.”15. “Eid Mubarak! Live with intention, and love without limits.”16. Unity: “Eid Mubarak 2026! May this day remind us that we are all connected by faith, hope, and humanity.”

Sanju Samson takes a swipe against Rajasthan Royals: The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just a few weeks away. The IPL managing committee and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the schedule for just 20 matches of the competition due to the Legislative Assembly election. However, it is believed that the rest of the schedule will be released later.

Ahead of the IPL, the teams are getting ready for the mega event. Among them, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have also started their training. However, some players are yet to join the squad. Sanju Samson is one player who is yet to join the CSK camp. The wicket-keeper batter was part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 winning squad.

This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals- Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson was traded to CSK from the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The deal, which involved a player-swap with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, brought Samson to CSK on an INR 18 crore salary. Samson was asked by PTI about facing his former franchise in the IPL.

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VIDEO | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: “This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don’t let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we come up against them now, I will play my best cricket,”… pic.twitter.com/yhzyONME20

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 16, 2026

Sanju said, “This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don’t let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we come up against them now, I will play my best cricket.”

Sanju Samson to carry his T20 World Cup form

Sanju Samson was in brilliant form during the T20 World Cup, and he was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for his phenomenal batting display. In 5 matches, he scored 321 runs for the India National Cricket Team, with an average of over 80. Since his inception on the team, the batter has displayed his amazing batting skills.

Sanju started his IPL career with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Since then, he has played 177 IPL matches. CSK will be his fourth franchise. Since his IPL debut in 2013, the Kerala wicketkeeper has played for RR in all except two seasons, 2016 and 2017, when he played for the Delhi Capitals.

CSK look to fight back after poor 2025 IPL

Sanju Samson was also the captain for the Royals and led them to the 2022 IPL final. However, ended up on the losing side; this time, he is not the captain for CSK, but will be playing under Ruturaj Gaikwad.

After a horrifying 2025 season for the five-time winners, as they finished at the bottom of the table for the first time, they would like to turn around and qualify for the playoffs this season. The CSK management has a change in their philosophy after they picked two uncapped Indian players, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, for INR 14.25 crores each.

CSK have been looking for their first trophy since 2023, and they have had a poor two seasons, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

CSK Squad:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir names MS Dhoni as India’s next head coach

Mumbai: Bombay high court on Monday dismissed a petition by two societies representing the Koli community in Danda Koliwada, a fishing village in Khar West, that had challenged a court-appointed committee’s finding that slum redevelopment would not adversely affect their activities.Justices Makarand Karnik and Shriram Modak said the Danda Koli Masemari Vyavasayik Sahakari Maryadit and Danda Koli Samaj’s challenge to the committee’s report as well as reliefs claimed “will necessarily entail a detailed fact-finding exercise requiring assessing/addressing/adducing of evidence.” “Hence… the dispute which the petitioners raised can only be resolved before the competent civil court, and it is not possible for us to examine such dispute in the exercise of writ jurisdiction under Article 226…,” they added.Last year, the societies filed a petition challenging Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s (SRA) declaration of a part of their land—3,449sqm out of 9,588sqm—used for drying fish and related activities as slum rehabilitation area. They contended that their ingress and egress for loading and unloading dry fish would be blocked. HC on Dec 17, 2025, appointed a three-member committee of additional principal secretary, urban development department, the collector (suburbs) and chief executive officer, SRA, to hear the parties and have fresh demarcation of the govt land in accordance with law. The committee’s Feb 24 report stated that there was around 26,000sqm of vacant land available on various plots for traditional business of Koli community with direct access to the main Carter Road. The Koli societies then challenged the committee’s report by filing a fresh petition.Senior advocate Gayatri Singh, for the societies, argued that there is a non-buildable reservation on 3,449 sqm area. Senior advocate Ravi Kadam, for Jasani Realty Pvt Ltd, said there is buildable reservation on it. Advocate Amogh Singh, for Hanuman Nagar CHS, said 161 slumdwellers had vacated and there were no fishing drying activities on the plot.The judges noted that HC in the Dec 2025 order had observed that “the dispute is purely on demarcation as to whether the traditional rights of petitioners are in any manner affected by the slum redevelopment in question”. Hence, they said the dispute can be resolved before a competent civil court. “We, therefore, do not find any merit in the petition and keeping all questions open, the writ petition is dismissed,” they added.The judges allowed a request by Singh for a stay on the order, by continuing the status quo operating from the Dec 17 order, for three weeks.

NEW DELHI: Indian-flagged tanker, Shivalik, which departed from Ras Laffan Port in Qatar carrying 46,000 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday, after a nine-day voyage, including the passage through the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz. Nanda Devi, another Indian-flagged LPG carrier carrying approx 46,000 tonnes, is scheduled to reach Kandla Port in Gujarat early Tuesday. Both ships are owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India. Another India-flagged crude oil tanker, Jag Laadki, which started its voyage from the UAE’s Fujairah port on Saturday when the oil terminal was attacked, is scheduled to reach Mundra on Tuesday afternoon. The ship is carrying around 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude, a crude grade produced by the UAE. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in the shipping ministry, said all Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf region are safe. TOI has learnt that 20,000 tonnes of LPG ordered by Indian Oil Corporation from Shivalik will be unloaded at Mundra, and the remaining 26,000 tonnes will be unloaded at New Mangalore Port. In case of Nanda Devi LPG carrier, the LPG will be transferred to two smaller vessels on the sea at Vadinar, a facility of Kandla Port near Jamnagar. The consignments will then be transported to different destinations. Officials said Mundra Port has a special storage facility, and from there gas is transferred to the Mithi Rohar location in Gandhidham through a pipeline to GAIL and subsequently supplied to the National Gas Grid. Sinha said govt-owned major ports are closely monitoring vessel movements and facilitating cargo operations, offering concessions on anchorage, berth hire, storage charges, and temporary transshipment storage at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. Meanwhile, following direction to step up production of LPG, HPCL Mittal Energy (Bhatinda) and Reliance refinery (Jamnagar) have placed ademand for rail rakes.

Indian chess star Koneru Humpy is considering withdrawing from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, which will be held in Cyprus. Her concern is mainly about safety because of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.The tournament location was decided in November last year, but the situation has changed after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran starting February 28. The conflict has increased tensions across the region and even affected oil supply routes.

A drone strike on a British air base in Cyprus on March 1 also raised worries about security. With European warships and Turkish fighter jets now guarding the island, questions have been raised about whether Cyprus is the right place to host such an important chess event.

Humpy, one of three Indian players expected to compete in the Women’s Candidates event, along with Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali, has voiced her concerns over the Candidates participation. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, she said, “It just does not make any sense. It is dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there is so much tension and uncertainty. The war started around a fortnight ago, it is still ongoing, and the tournament is less than two weeks away.”She also questioned the organisers’ decision, adding, “From an organisational point of view, it is just not the right call. It is one of the most crucial tournaments and you have just 16 top players (combining Open and Women) to think of, why not look at alternatives and different dates?”Despite the concerns, the international chess governing body FIDE says preparations are continuing. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky explained that organisers are closely watching the situation but believe the country is still safe. “Our plans haven’t changed. We are in the final stages of preparing the Candidates’ Tournament. Of course, we are monitoring the situation. Cyprus isn’t too far from, let us say, the war zone or conflict zone, but at the same time, it’s not involved in any way and isn’t in a state of war,” he told ChessBase India.He added, “There is no emergency or anything like that. Of course, about 10 days ago, there was some worrying news, but since then, the situation has appeared quite calm.”

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US President Donald Trump’s call to seven countries to send warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open has drawn a negative response from Washington’s allies, putting his plans in jeopardy.

Vital shipping route for global oil trade

While he named China, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea in a social media post on Saturday, urging them to help guard the waterway, the Republican did not identify the seven countries while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their own territory,” Trump said.

“We’re talking to countries about policing the straits, because they are the ones — you know, we don’t get oil, very little, 1%. China, for example, gets about 90% of its oil from the Strait of Hormuz. It would be nice to have other countries policing it with us. We’ll help and work with them,” he added.

Crucial for Asian markets

On February 28, the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes in Iran that killed its then-Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, triggering the conflict. In retaliation, Tehran has targeted both Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases.Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, with its forces continuing attacks on the vital waterway as the war enters its third week.

How Hormuz compares with other waterways

The strait — a narrow passage of water between Iran and Oman — is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with about 20% of global oil supply passing through it, resulting in Trump’s call.Who has said whatJapan: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday Japan does not currently plan to dispatch naval vessels to escort ships in the Middle East. “We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the legal framework,” Takaichi told parliament.She is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Thursday.Australia: Catherine King, a minister in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, told state broadcaster ABC that Australia would not send naval ships to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.“We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something we’re contributing to,” King told ABC.South Korea: According to South Korea’s presidential office, any decision would be made after discussions with Washington.“We will communicate closely with the US regarding this matter and decide after a careful review,” it stated on Sunday.Britain: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has discussed the issue with Trump, a Downing Street spokesperson said, adding that Starmer also spoke with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, and both have agreed to continue talks on Monday.France: While France has not responded publicly, President Emmanuel Macron has previously expressed willingness for the French navy to escort ships, but only if the conflict stabilises. Last week, Macron wrote on social media that he had spoken with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, and told him that Tehran must ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and reopen it to shipping. China: China — not a US ally — has not publicly responded to remarks by Donald Trump but has previously called for a cessation of hostilities. Beijing is also the largest buyer of Iranian oil.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed the two venues for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand. New Zealand, the T20 World Cup finalists, will return to compete in the tour against Bangladesh in April.

New Zealand played some stunning brand of cricket and were the finalists of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 alongside India. They defeated the mighty South African side in the semi-finals as the two openers guided them home with sheer domination. They have been the finalists alongside India in the last two ICC tournaments in 2025 and 2026.

New Zealand are currently hosting South Africa for a five-match T20I series. They started off with a humiliating defeat to a new-look South African side, which did not comprise any of their T20 World Cup stars. New Zealand also played with their alternative side, comprising cricketers who were not part of the World Cup.

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BCB plots to wreck IPL as they confirm venues for NZ tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed Dhaka and Chattogram as the two venues for the upcoming limited-overs contest between the two teams, Bangladesh and New Zealand.

The New Zealand team will first take on the hosts in a three-match ODI series, which starts on the 17th of April and ends on the 23rd of April. The first two games have been scheduled to be held in Dhaka, while the last match will be in Chattogram.

The actions then shift to the shortest format of the game. The first two T20Is will take place in Chattogram on 27 and 29 April. The last of the series will be played in Dhaka on the 2nd of May.

New Zealand tour of Bangladesh to clash with IPL schedule

Bangladesh recently won the home series against Pakistan in the 50-over format. The three-match series was won by a 2-1 margin by the hosts, who are looking forward to bolstering their campaign for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.

Tour Schedule:

ODI:

1st ODI, Mirpur, Dhaka, 17 April

2nd ODI, Mirpur, Dhaka, 20 April

3rd ODI, Chattogram, 23 April

T20I:

1st T20I, Chattogram, 27 April

2nd T20I, Chattogram, 29 April

3rd T20I, Mirpur Dhaka, 2 May

The schedule of the series clashes with the IPL 2026, and several players from New Zealand will be part of the IPL during that time. BCB is unaffected as their players have been banned from participating in the IPL this time around, a condition that led to a major fiasco and eventually Bangladesh’s boycott of the T20 World Cup hosted by India.

List of NZ cricketers who will be part of IPL 2026

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner will be part of the Mumbai Indians camp. Lockie Ferguson, the fast bowler, would be playing for the Punjab Kings after being ruled out due to injury midway through the previous season.

Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, alongside Rachin Ravindra, will star in the KKR squad this season. Jacob Duffy will be seen in RCB colours for the first time, while Kyle Jamieson moves to the Rajasthan Royals as Adam Milne‘s replacement.

Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, and Devon Conway will play in the PSL, which is also in the same window. While Glenn Phillips will be seen decking up the Gujarat Titans XI in IPL 2026. Hence, it seems obvious that none of NZ’s frontline players will be part of the tour to Bangladesh.

ALSO READ: EX-KKR coach joins CSK in new role ahead of IPL 2026