MUMBAI: India’s choc-a-block equity-raise calendar is shifting gears, with many companies pushing back fundraises amid West Asia-driven market volatility. Deals remain on hold, not off. “The immediate impact is that investors are less willing to add risk through new deals in the near term. This isn’t so much a pricing issue but a case of biding time to see how far these events go, and to assess their overall structural and economic impact in both the near and long term,” said UBS India ECM head Abhishek Joshi. Uniqus Consultech’s partner Raghuram K said companies are adopting a “wait-and-watch approach until the ongoing crisis stabilises,” after which they are likely to proceed with IPOs. India has raised about $5 billion through equity issuances so far in 2026, down from $6 billion in Q1 2025, according to LSEG. IPOs accounted for $1.7 billion of that tally, compared with $2.3 billion a year earlier.

“The IPO momentum has tapered off in 2026 due to market conditions, weak post-listing performance-of 100+ IPOs in the past year, 30% delivered negative listing-day returns and 65% now trade below issue price-and the West Asian conflict, reflected in sharply lower IPO subscriptions, with median demand at 3x versus 28x in April-Dec 2025,” said Ambit ECM head Vikas Khattar. He added that “with market volatility remaining elevated, the fundraising environment has turned more cautious, particularly for companies planning near-term IPO launches.” Bankers insist the pause is tactical rather than structural. “Markets operate in windows and while recent events may have temporarily put a pause on IPO activity, fundamentally not much has changed in terms of investors’ belief in the growth and strength of the Indian economy,” Joshi said. Raghuram echoed the sentiment. “India’s structural growth story remains strong. With year-end earnings awaited, companies are likely to prefer a more stable market environment to discover the right valuation,” he said. Equirus Capital investment banking head Bhavesh Shah said short-term delays are unlikely to materially affect full-year IPO activity given strong domestic liquidity and rising retail participation.” Nor is India alone. Geopolitical tensions are injecting volatility into equity markets globally as investors assess the economic fallout of unfolding developments. Among emerging nations, India is now the second hottest IPO destination after the Czech Republic, which raised $4 billion through listings in Q1 2026. In Q1 2025, India held the top spot, according to LSEG. Khattar said investor preferences are also shifting. “With rising geopolitical uncertainty, investors are prioritising stronger near-term earnings visibility and more conservative valuation multiples,” he said, adding that companies are also “optimising” IPO sizes. Some of the companies listed this month, like Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions, Omnitech Engineering, and PNGS Reva Diamond Jewellery, had reduced their IPO sizes. The year has seen 20 listings so far, according to LSEG, with a few more expected in March. For now, bankers are advising companies to stay ready so they can move quickly when the market window reopens. “Our advice is to stay prepared and be ready on the sidelines to tap the right window when it arrives,” Joshi said. Over 200 companies have filed draft prospectuses with the markets regulator, with several awaiting listing, while over 100 others, including NSE, are preparing to enter the IPO process. Bankers said activity could match or exceed last year’s levels once market stability improves, with many keeping their fingers crossed.

Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PTI Photo)

U-19 World Cup sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who first made headlines at 14, is now turning his focus to the Indian Premier League, aiming to deliver a title-winning season for Rajasthan Royals.Sooryavanshi left fans in awe during IPL 2025 as the youngest centurion in the tournament, and earlier this year, he powered India to their sixth U-19 World Cup in Harare with a blistering 175 off 80 balls in the final against England.Speaking on the sidelines of the BCCI Naman Awards, the young batter said his priority is clear: “The goal this IPL season is to win the trophy for the team, as it is a very important thing. I want to do well, and my performance will help the whole team. This is my goal — to contribute to RR’s wins and win the trophy for the franchise.”Sooryavanshi also expressed his delight at reuniting with his U-19 teammates during the awards ceremony. “It feels really nice. Won a trophy as well for India at the World Cup. Because of this award ceremony, feeling nice to meet my teammates and coaches again here,” he said.The Bihar-born youngster made history as the youngest IPL signing when Rajasthan Royals secured him in 2024, aged just 13, for Rs 1.1 crore. Reflecting on those early days, Sooryavanshi said: “When I made my domestic debut, RR had been keeping an eye on me during my domestic and Under-19 games. Their scouting team had been keeping an eye on me for a long time. I felt that I could go to RR because my trial with them had gone very well. I am happy to be with RR, as I have improved a lot too in my life while playing for them.”He also credited learning from the team’s seniors and the legendary Rahul Dravid during his initial IPL experience. “For any youngster, the first IPL camp is always interesting and it was the same for me too. Rahul (Dravid) sir was there at that time, so I got to learn a lot from him. There were a lot of senior players in the team, and I had a good learning experience from them during the first camp as well as the first IPL,” he said.With the IPL 2026 season approaching, all eyes will be on Sooryavanshi as he seeks to turn his prodigious talent into franchise glory.

Pakistan’s legendary batter Babar Azam made a heartwarming social media post wishing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed success in the upcoming chapters of his life. This story was posted on his Instagram handle after the former Champions Trophy-winning skipper announced his retirement.

Pakistan cricket has been undergoing massive changes, and to better the results, changes would not only be needed in the players but also in the coaching staff, since they have been equally inefficient. These changes might be forced due to Pakistan’s poor run in ICC tournaments as well as their humiliating form in red-ball cricket.

Pakistan’s limited Test cricket success came against England in the last WTC cycle under Jason Gillespie, but then he left the role after some altercations with the PCB. Pakistan have just made a start to their WTC 2025-27 campaign and are level with a win and a loss in two games.

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Babar Azam wishes Sarfaraz Ahmed on his international retirement

As of 15th March 2026, Sarfaraz Ahmed, the last Pakistan captain to have won an ICC tournament for them, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old played some glorious years for Pakistan and led them to their maiden Champions Trophy title in 2017.

Veteran batter Babar Azam was part of the Champions Trophy-winning squad under Sarfaraz Ahmed. On his retirement, he pens an inspiring goodbye to the former captain, wishing him luck for the upcoming chapters in his life.

Babar Azam’s Instagram Story read, “Saifi Bhai, playing under your leadership was a privilege. Thank you for your guidance, belief and the memories you gave Pakistan cricket. Wishing you success and peace in this new chapter of life.”

Babar Azam’s Instagram story for Sarfaraz Ahmed. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5vcK9E9Feu

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) March 15, 2026

Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to take charge as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach

As per reliable media sources, it has almost been a fact that Pakistan’s former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed will be appointed the next red ball coach for the national side, replacing Interim coach Azhar Mahmood, who took charge after Jason Gillespie’s departure.

Though the official confirmation is yet to come, the news seems to be true as well as reliable. However, Sarfaraz announced his retirement and was seen serving as a member of the selection committee.

He is most likely to take charge of Pakistan’s tour to Bangladesh. The two-match Test series will be part of their ICC World Test Championship schedule and is scheduled to be played in May.

Babar Azam had replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan’s captain

Back in 2019, when Sarfaraz Ahmed had started to struggle with form in the T20Is and the Test sides, the PCB decided to sack him from captaincy and instead brought back Azhar Ali as the captain of the red ball side and announced young Babar Azam as the T20I skipper.

Babar eventually took charge as an all-format skipper for Pakistan, leading them on several occasions. However, Babar’s stats as a captain, especially in ICC tournaments, seem awful, except for the fact that under his leadership, Pakistan won their only ICC T20 World Cup match against India.

His best tournament came in the 2022 T20 World Cup, when Pakistan reached the finals but fell short of the title after losing to England.

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US President Donald Trump is preparing to announce the formation of an international coalition to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran escalate.US officials told the Wall Street Journal that the White House’s announcement could come as soon as this week. It is not yet clear whether the escort missions will begin before a possible agreement between the Trump administration and Iran ends the ongoing conflict, which has claimed the life of Iran’s supreme leader, caused thousands of Iranian casualties, and resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members.Members of the administration have said the US Navy will support commercial vessels navigating the strait, a strategic waterway off Iran’s coast. Iran has restricted passage using sea mines and small vessels, a move that has put pressure on oil markets. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s daily oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.In an earlier post on Saturday, Trump called on other nations to help, saying, “Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe.” He added that he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and others would send ships to the area.His appeal to nations, however, brought no commitments.Later on Saturday, Trump posted again, urging, “The countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” He added, “The US will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well.”Since US operations began two weeks ago, global oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, and US gas prices have risen by more than 70 cents per gallon. Republicans in Congress have urged the White House to act to prevent a short-term economic shock at the start of an election year.Despite these pressures, Trump and some party members have resisted calls to end the war quickly, aiming to avoid longer-lasting supply issues.

Ashish Limaye (TOI Photo)

The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards will be held on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow, celebrating the achievements of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines. The awards recognise performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, honouring standout displays at global championships and major international competitions. Featuring more than 45 categories, TOISA highlights both established champions and emerging talents who brought pride to the nation through exceptional performances during the year.The winners will be selected by a distinguished jury comprising some of India’s most celebrated sporting icons. Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, former cricket team captain Mithali Raj, Paralympic great Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal and tennis icon Leander Paes will evaluate the nominees across categories, ensuring a credible and expert assessment of excellence in Indian sport.The equestrian nominees reflect India’s growing strength in the discipline on the continental stage. Ashish Limaye made history by winning individual gold in eventing at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships — India’s first-ever individual gold at the event — and also helped the country secure team silver. Veteran rider Shruti Vora enjoyed an outstanding campaign with three silver medals in dressage disciplines, while Divyakriti Singh played a key role in India’s team dressage silver and continued to rank among Asia’s top riders. Together, their performances highlighted a memorable year for Indian equestrian sport.Here are the nominees for Equestrian at TOISA 2025:Ashish LimayeDate of Birth: November 22, 1993Place of Birth: Pune, MaharashtraSport: EquestrianMajor Achievements in 2025:FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Gold (Indivual – Eventing), Silver (Team – Eventing)Ashish Limaye spearheaded India’s success in eventing with a landmark performance at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships, clinching the individual gold medal and etching his name in history as the country’s first-ever individual gold medallist at the event. He also played a pivotal role in guiding India to team silver in eventing, combining forces with Shashank Singh Kataria and Shashank Kanmuri to secure a memorable podium finish for the nation.Shruti VoraDate of Birth: January 6, 1971Place of Birth: Kolkata, West BengalSport: EquestrianMajor Achievements in 2025:FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Three silver medals (Individual – Dressage; Dressage Intermediate Freestyle-I; Team Dressage)Shruti Vora enjoyed a standout 2025 season, highlighted by an impressive medal haul at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships in Pattaya, Thailand. Competing in dressage, the veteran 55-year-old secured three silver medals — one in the individual event, another in the Intermediate Freestyle-I, and a third in the team competition. Vora combined with Divyakriti Singh and Gaurav Pundir to power India to a podium finish in the team event, capping off a memorable continental campaign.Divyakriti SinghDate of Birth: October 22, 1999Place of Birth: Jaipur, RajasthanSport: EquestrianMajor Achievements in 2025:FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Silver (Team Dressage)Divyakriti Singh played a pivotal role in India’s silver-medal finish in Team Dressage at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships, further cementing her place among the country’s most accomplished riders. With this podium finish, she became the only Indian equestrian to have won medals at both the Asian Games and the Asian Championships. Earlier in May 2025, Divyakriti reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in Asia in the Global Dressage Rankings for 2024–25, published by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the sport’s global governing body.

Israel has dismissed social media claims suggesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been assassinated, calling the reports “fake news” as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.The rumours began circulating online amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, responding to a question about the claims, the office said the reports were completely false.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu News when asked about posts claiming Netanyahu had been killed in retaliation for recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran.The speculation emerged during a period of heightened regional conflict that began on February 28, when Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. The attacks reportedly killed more than 1,200 people, including Iran’s then supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has since retaliated with waves of drone and missile strikes across the region, targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries including Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states. Tehran has said the attacks are aimed at “US military assets” in the region.Amid the escalating hostilities, Netanyahu has also issued a direct warning to Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, the son and successor of Ali Khamenei. Asked whether Israel might attempt to target him in the same way it has targeted other leaders allied with Iran, Netanyahu declined to rule out such a move.Also read: ‘Just for fun’- Trump signals fresh US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island“I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organisations,” he said. “This is their patron of terrorism. And I don’t intend to provide an exact report here about what we are planning or what we are going to do.”Netanyahu described Mojtaba Khamenei as a “puppet” of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps who “cannot show his face in public”.The Israeli leader also suggested that the latest developments have significantly altered the strategic balance in the region. “This is no longer the same Iran. This is no longer the same Middle East. And this is also not the same Israel,” he said.“We are not waiting, we are initiating, we are attacking. And we are doing so with a force the like of which has not been seen before.”Netanyahu also referred to the possibility that Israel’s military actions could create conditions for political change inside Iran, though he acknowledged that such an outcome would ultimately depend on the Iranian people themselves.“I have added another goal: to create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow this terrible tyrannical regime. To create conditions doesn’t guarantee that it will happen… It’s up to you,” he said.“You can lead someone to water, but you can’t make them drink,” Netanyahu added, referring to the possibility of a popular uprising against Iran’s ruling establishment.