The Hundred auction on Thursday produced several talking points, with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and two Pakistan players finding buyers and grabbing headlines.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Mustafizur was snapped up by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 100,000 (approximately Rs 1.23 crore), marking a fresh chapter after a turbulent few months that began with his sudden release from Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.The Bangladesh left-arm pacer had been let go by KKR at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, triggering widespread debate in Bangladesh. The decision created a diplomatic and cricketing ripple effect that eventually culminated in Bangladesh withdrawing from the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, turning Mustafizur’s franchise exit into one of the most talked-about controversies of the season.

While Mustafizur’s signing grabbed attention, the auction also saw two Pakistan players picked. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was bought by Sunrisers Leeds for GBP 190,000 (around Rs 2.34 crore) after a bidding war with Trent Rockets. Abrar’s signing is significant as Sunrisers Leeds are owned by the Chennai-based Sun Group, making him the first Pakistan player to join an Indian-owned franchise in the competition.

Another Pakistan mystery spinner, Usman Tariq, was picked by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 140,000 (about Rs 1.72 crore). However, Phoenix have no direct connection to any IPL franchise.Several other Pakistan stars failed to attract bids. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, all-rounder Saim Ayub and spinner Shadab Khan went unsold, while seasoned pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi had earlier withdrawn from the auction.Among other big deals, Sussex all-rounder James Coles secured the top bid of the day, joining London Spirit for GBP 390,000 (around Rs 4.8 crore).The upcoming edition of The Hundred is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16.

NEW DELHI: Five Indians have lost their lives and one remains missing in the ongoing conflict in Middle East, the government said on Saturday, while also confirming that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now on their way to India with critical fuel supplies.Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, additional secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan said India’s missions in the region are working round the clock to assist affected nationals and coordinate with local authorities.

“We have five Indians who have lost their lives and one who is missing in an earlier incident. Our missions in Oman, Iraq, UAE remain in touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased after completing requisite formalities,” Mahajan said.

Missions working round the clock in conflict-hit region

Mahajan said Indian missions remain open round the clock and are actively involved in all assistance efforts as the conflict continues to disrupt travel, shipping and daily life across parts of Middle East.He said all support is being extended to Indian seafarers in the region, with the ministry of external affairs working closely with the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways.For Indian nationals in Bahrain and Kuwait, where direct flights are currently not operating, Mahajan said authorities are helping with visa extensions and transit visas to enable travel back to India via Saudi Arabia.

Update on Oman and Safesea Vishnu incidents

Providing an update on the attack in Sohar city in Oman, Mahajan said two Indians were killed and 10 others were injured, though none of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.“Our mission has been on the ground and is rendering all assistance and is in contant touch with the concerned Omani authorities, local companies, hospitals and families of the affected Indians. The Embassy is also coordinating to facilitate the early return of the mortal remains of the two deceased Indian nationals to India,” he said, according to news agency ANI.On the Safesea Vishnu incident, Mahajan said officials are working for the early return of 15 crew members who were safely evacuated and are currently staying at a hotel in Basra, Iraq.“They are also working with the concerned authorities for the early return of the mortal remains to India of the Indian national,” he added, as per ANI.

Two Indian LPG carriers clear Strait of Hormuz

At the same briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in the shipping ministry, said two Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — have transited the Strait of Hormuz and are now headed to India carrying around 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG.The two vessels crossed the narrow and conflict-hit shipping lane early on Saturday, taking the number of Indian vessels that have safely passed through the strait to three.Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra port in Gujarat on March 16, while Nanda Devi is likely to dock at Kandla on March 17.The cargo is seen as crucial, with shipping disruptions affecting LPG supplies. India imports around 60 per cent of its LPG requirement, and 85-90 per cent of those imports come from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE via the Strait of Hormuz.

More Indian vessels still on standby

Despite the breakthrough, 22 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded on the western side of the strait, while three more are still on the eastern side.The 22 vessels on the west side have 611 seafarers on board, while the three vessels on the east side have 76 seafarers. These include LPG vessels, an LNG carrier, crude oil tankers, container ships, bulk carriers and other cargo vessels.“Several of our ships remain on standby in the Gulf region. We propose to continue to remain in touch and coordinate with all the concerned countries to ensure a safe and unimpeded transit for them in our effort to ensure our energy security,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the briefing.The developments come as the war in the Middle East enters its 15th day, with continued exchanges of fire, fears over a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and growing concerns over global energy supplies and regional security.

The stage is set for the most competitive season of The Hundred yet, following the historic first-ever auction for the women’s competition held on March 11 in London. For the first time since the tournament’s inception in 2021, all eight franchises participated in a formal bidding process to assemble their squads, injecting an unprecedented level of strategy and financial dynamism into the buildup. The result is a fascinating mix of retained talent, high-profile acquisitions, and emerging stars poised to light up the tournament when it commences in July.

The auction witnessed fierce bidding wars for global superstars, with Australia’s Beth Mooney and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine emerging as the joint-most expensive players, both commanding top contracts of £210,000. Mooney will don the Trent Rockets jersey, while Devine heads to Welsh Fire, signaling both franchises’ intent to challenge for the title. Indian fans will have plenty to cheer as well, with Smriti Mandhana securing a direct signing with Manchester Super Giants, while Jemimah Rodrigues was retained by Southern Brave, and Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma also found lucrative deals, highlighting the growing international appeal of the league.

Defending champions Sunrisers Leeds, who lifted the trophy in 2025, have managed to retain their core strength while adding firepower through Danielle Gibson, their most expensive auction buy at £190,000. As the franchises now turn their attention to final preparations, fans can look forward to a summer of elite cricketing action featuring the biggest names in the women’s game.

Also READ: The Hundred Women 2026 Auction – Complete list of sold players with their price

The Hundred Women’s 2026: Full squads after the auction

Birmingham Phoenix 

Alice Capsey, Ellyse Perry, Linsey Smith, Lauren Filer, Tammy Beaumont, Davina Perrin, Alana King, Jemima Spence, Lucy Hamilton, Eva Gray, Emma Lamb, Cordelia Griffith, Phoebe Brett, Esmae MacGregor, Eve O’Neill, Annerie Dercksen

London Spirit

Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Charlie Dean, Charis Pavely, Mahika Gaur, Amy Jones, Grace Harris, Deandra Dottin, Sterre Kalis, Marie Kelly, Phoebe Turner, Lucy Higham, Seren Smale, Josie Groves

Manchester Super Giants

Paige Scholfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Kathryn Bryce, Richa Ghosh, Mady Villers, Grace Ballinger, Grace Scrivens, Maitlan Brown, Jo Gardner, Nath Wraith, Bex Tyson.

MI London 

Hayley Matthews, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nicola Carey, Melie Kerr, Kira Chathli, Chinelle Henry, Kristie Gordon, Hollie Armitage, Alexa Stonehouse, Tara Norris, Alice Davidson-Richards, Alice Monaghan, Kalea Moore, Dani Gregory, Ellie Threlkeld.

Southern Brave 

Lauren Bell, Issy Wong, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Maia Bouchier, Laura Wolvaardt, Sarah Glenn, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sophie Molineux, Jodie Grewcock, Lizelle Lee, Bex Odgers, Phoebe Franklin, Daisy Gibb, Ellie Anderson

Sunrisers Leeds 

Dani Gibson, Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield, Jess Jonassen, Cassidy McCarthy, Kate Cross, Bryony Smith, Deepti Sharma, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Hannah Baker, Maddie Ward, Rachel Slater, Florence Miller, Claudie Cooper

Trent Rockets 

Beth Mooney, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ash Gardner, Sophia Dunkley, Kim Garth, Emma Jones, Bess Heath, Katie Levick, Ailsa Lister, Georgia Adams, Georgia Elwiss, Millie Taylor, Charley Phillips, Sam Bates, Grace Johnson

Welsh Fire 

Sophie Devine, Freya Kemp, Em Arlott, Georgia Wareham, Georgia Voll, Ella McCaughan, Heather Graham, Sarah Bryce, Abi Norgrove, Sophia Smale, Fo Morris, Rhianna Southby, Grace Thompson, Grace Potts

Also READ: Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu return to fold as New Zealand announces squad for South Africa Women’s T20I series

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday approved salary cuts ranging from 5 to 30 per cent for employees of state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions as part of a wider austerity drive to address the economic fallout of the ongoing fuel crisis.The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by the prime minister to assess austerity and savings measures announced earlier this week after the sharp rise in fuel prices linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting reviewed the impact of fuel price fluctuations and steps taken by the government to reduce expenditure.“It was decided in the meeting that, like government employees, there will be a 5-30 per cent cut in the salaries of employees of state-owned enterprises and autonomous institutions under government patronage,” the statement said.The government said the funds saved through these austerity measures would be used “only for public relief”.Officials at the meeting were also informed that a third-party audit would supervise a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for government vehicles, while 60 per cent of these vehicles will be taken off the roads over the next two months.The government also decided that representatives serving on the boards of corporations and institutions will no longer receive participation fees, which will instead be counted as part of the savings.“The meeting was also briefed on the implementation of the government’s complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles and the ban on all other government purchases,” the statement said.Under the austerity plan, the next two months’ salaries of cabinet members, ministers, advisers and special assistants will also be “used as savings for public welfare”.“The complete ban on foreign visits of government officers, ministers, ministers of state and special assistants will remain in place,” the statement said, quoting the prime minister.Pakistan has already begun feeling the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Petroleum prices were increased by Rs 55 per litre last Friday, prompting the government to introduce measures to curb fuel consumption.Earlier steps included a 50 per cent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles for two months, removing 60 per cent of government vehicles from the roads during this period and introducing a four-day work week for government offices.(With inputs from PTI)

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Jasprit Bumrah and Usman Tariq (AP Photos)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed on Saturday sparked debate after making a surprising comparison between Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq. His remarks came after India’s strong campaign in the T20 World Cup, where Bumrah played a key role in the team’s success.Bumrah was one of the standout players of the tournament, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets alongside Varun Chakravarthy.

His best performance came in the final against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad, where he produced a brilliant spell of 4/15 in four overs. The performance helped India secure a dominant 96-run victory and defend their title, earning Bumrah the Player of the Match award.Explaining his comparison, Javed said Bumrah’s bowling style is rare because of his unusual action and the difficulty batters face in settling against him. “In today’s era, across this entire World Cup, there is only one bowler like that – Bumrah. Because he is different. He is not a normal bowler. Even his action is unusual. When he comes in to bowl, I always say he is like the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers,” he told reporters.He further explained that Bumrah’s pace and unique rhythm make him extremely hard to face. “He bowls so quickly and in such a unique manner that a batter never really finds any flow or rhythm against him. He simply doesn’t allow it,” he added.Javed also argued that bowlers with the aura of past greats are becoming rare in modern cricket. “Other than him, tell me one more bowler in this entire World Cup – from any team – whom you can look at and feel satisfied that he carries the reflection of a Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, or anyone like that. You won’t find one anymore,” he further noted.

Here are the top 5 stories of the day:

Indian LPG ships cross Hormuz safely as US hits Iran’s Kharg Island

The government said all Indian crew members in the Persian Gulf are safe, as two Indian-flagged LPG vessels — Shivalik and Nandadevi, carrying 92,700 tonnes crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are set to dock at Mundra and Kandla on March 16 and 17. The update came as US forces struck over 90 military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, while Tehran warned it could deploy more powerful ballistic and precision missiles. Follow live updates

Government says LPG supply intact, warns against panic booking amid Middle East tensions

The government said the LPG situation remains serious due to the geopolitical crisis, but stressed there is no shortage of cylinders and no stockouts have been reported. At an inter-ministerial briefing, officials said panic booking has surged sharply, with bookings rising to nearly 8.8 million from around 7.5–7.6 million. Follow live updates

Centre revokes Sonam Wangchuk’s NSA detention, activist released

The Centre revoked climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act with immediate effect, and he was released from Jodhpur Central Jail. The home ministry said the move was aimed at promoting peace, stability and meaningful dialogue in Ladakh. Read full story

Akasa Air to add fuel surcharge from March 15 amid ATF price spike

Akasa Air will impose a fuel surcharge of Rs 199 to Rs 1,300 on domestic and international tickets booked from March 15, citing a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel prices amid Middle East tensions. The airline said the charge will apply per sector and vary by flight duration. Read full story

TMC, BJP workers clash ahead of PM Modi’s Kolkata rally

Clashes erupted between TMC and BJP supporters near Girish Park in central Kolkata, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground. A police officer and a BJP leader were injured in the violence, which involved stone-pelting and slogan-shouting. Read full story

Former Michael Vaughan sparked a lively debate in the cricket world after calling South Africa the “stupidest team” of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His comment, made during the Stick to Cricket podcast, quickly grabbed headlines and left fans wondering what exactly he meant.

Vaughan’s criticism was not about South Africa’s performance on the field alone. Instead, it was based on a controversial theory that the Proteas missed a strategic opportunity during the Super 8 stage – one that, according to him, could have prevented India from eventually winning the tournament.

Michel Vaughan’s Theory: Eliminating the tournament’s ‘juggernaut’

While discussing the Super 8 stage of the tournament, Vaughan suggested that South Africa could have changed the entire outcome of the World Cup by losing a particular match intentionally. The match in question was their Super 8 clash against the West Indies.

According to Vaughan, a defeat for South Africa in that game would have dramatically altered the group standings and potentially knocked India out of the competition much earlier.

“If South Africa had allowed the West Indies to beat them in the Super 8s, India would have been knocked out,” Vaughan explained.

In his view, tournaments like the World Cup are often decided not just by performances, but by key moments and strategic outcomes. Vaughan argued that removing the strongest team early can significantly improve a team’s chances of winning the title.

He went on to describe India as the tournament’s unstoppable force and suggested that South Africa made a mistake by allowing them to stay alive in the competition.

By defeating West Indies in that crucial Super 8 match, Vaughan believes South Africa unintentionally kept India in contention, enabling what he described as the “juggernaut” to continue its march toward the trophy.

Also WATCH: Salman Agha loses cool after unusual run out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in BAN vs PAK 2nd ODI

The tournament scenario behind Vaughan’s remark

To understand Vaughan’s argument, it is important to look at the situation in Group 1 of the Super 8 stage.

At that point in the tournament, India’s campaign was under pressure after suffering a defeat to South Africa earlier in the group stage. That loss meant the Indian team needed favourable results in other matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Meanwhile, the West Indies had already made a strong start to the Super 8 phase by winning their opening game against Zimbabwe.

If the West Indies had also defeated South Africa, it would have significantly complicated India’s path to the semi-finals. In Vaughan’s view, such a result could have left India virtually eliminated from the competition.

Instead, South Africa went on to win the match against the West Indies, keeping the group standings wide open. That victory ensured India still had a realistic chance of progressing.

Vaughan also pointed out another moment that supported his argument. South Africa rested three players during their final Super 8 match against Zimbabwe, which the former England captain suggested showed they were not considering the broader tournament permutations involving India.

Eventually, India took advantage of the situation. The team defeated Zimbabwe and then overcame the West Indies in what effectively became a virtual quarter-final to secure a place in the semi-finals.

From there, India continued their impressive run and ultimately lifted the T20 World Cup trophy.

In a twist of irony, South Africa – who had earlier beaten India – failed to reach the final themselves. They were knocked out in the semi-finals after losing to New Zealand.

Also READ: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulate India on clinching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 title

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam (AFP Photo)

The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to conduct an inquiry into the injuries of star batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman after concerns emerged over their fitness following the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Pakistan selector and former fast bowler Aaqib Javed revealed during a press conference that the selection committee had requested the PCB to investigate how both players sustained injuries and why the issue only came to light after the tournament.

Selectors raise concerns over injury updates

Speaking alongside fellow selection committee members Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq, Aaqib Javed said the selectors were unaware that Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman were carrying injuries during the World Cup.The selectors have now asked the PCB to review the circumstances surrounding the injuries and whether proper fitness updates were communicated during the tournament.“Fakhar is also injured – on this, we have also requested the cricket board for an inquiry. How can it be that Fakhar is also unfit and we only found out after the World Cup ended?” Aaqib said.“When you go to a World Cup, whatever health or injury issues there are, your head coach and physio should keep everyone updated. As selectors, we should know these things.”

Babar Azam ruled out of Bangladesh series

Aaqib Javed also clarified why Babar Azam was not included in Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh national cricket team. According to the selector, the former Pakistan captain is currently dealing with an injury that has prevented him from participating in both the Bangladesh series and the domestic National T20 Cup.“Babar Azam is facing an injury, which is why he wasn’t included against Bangladesh. He also wanted to play the National T20 Cup, but his health condition didn’t allow him,” Aaqib explained.“Whether it was visible to you or to me is not important. But if a player gets injured in practice or a match, how it happens and when it happens should be known.”Aaqib even questioned whether the players would have been declared fit had Pakistan progressed further in the tournament.“Today the situation is that Babar Azam is not fit to play and Fakhar Zaman is not fit to play. If we had made the semifinal, would they have suddenly become fit? That is the question.”

Young players given opportunities

Aaqib also revealed that the team management had already planned to send a younger squad for the Bangladesh series following the World Cup. The selection committee has been experimenting with emerging players in recent bilateral series, similar to the approach used during Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2024.“We had already decided before the World Cup that we would not send a full-strength squad here. We wanted to give opportunities to younger players so we have more options going forward,” he said.