The uncertainty surrounding global travel due to the ongoing West Asia conflict has sparked discussions about whether the Indian Premier League (IPL) could face disruption this year. Regarding the same, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has provided the much-needed update.

Rajeev Shukla opens up on Iran war impacting IPL 2026

Speaking about the situation, Mr Shukla stated that the tournament will go ahead according to the existing plan. Notably, the BCCI has already released the schedule for the opening phase of the season, while the remaining fixtures will be finalized once the Election Commission of India announces polling dates for the states heading into assembly elections.

Mr Shukla explained that the board has adopted a phased approach to scheduling in order to accommodate potential logistical challenges arising from the election process. According to him, only the first set of matches has been released for now, while the rest of the tournament schedule will follow after clarity on election dates.

“IPL will be held as per schedule. We have released the schedule for 20 matches. The schedule for remaining matches will be released after the Election Commission announces the dates for states going to the election,” Mr Shukla said as quoted by NDTV.

West Asia conflict raises travel concerns for international players

While the IPL schedule itself remains unaffected, the ongoing conflict in West Asia has created some challenges related to international travel. Flight disruptions in the region have already impacted cricket teams recently, highlighting how geopolitical developments can indirectly influence the sport.

One such example occurred after the T20 World Cup held in India, when the West Indies team reportedly faced delays in departing the country due to cancelled flights connected to the conflict zone. Situations like these have raised concerns about the travel arrangements of overseas players participating in IPL 2026.

Despite these complications, the BCCI remains confident that the tournament’s operations will proceed smoothly. The board is expected to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with airlines and government authorities to ensure that players and support staff can travel safely.

Also READ: Anil Kumble names 2 greatest teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL)

RCB to take on MI in the opening clash of IPL 2026

Earlier, the BCCI released the fixtures for the opening phase of IPL 2026, which will run from March 28 to April 12. A total of 20 matches will be played during this period across multiple venues.

The season will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The clash is expected to set the tone for another highly anticipated season of the world’s most popular franchise-based T20 league.

Also READ: Faf du Plessis picks a player who will be ‘under most pressure’ in IPL 2026

Haris Rauf (Agency Photo)

Several Pakistani cricketers experienced a disappointing outcome around the 2026 Hundred auction across men and women’s categories, with fast bowler Haris Rauf going unsold and ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi withdrawing just before the bidding began. Teams were already expected to be cautious with their overseas slots, which limited opportunities for international players during the auction.Pakistan’s Afridi was originally listed in the Tier 1 fast bowlers category and had previously represented Welsh Fire in the tournament. However, he was among five overseas players who pulled out shortly before the auction. The ECB confirmed that Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, AM Ghazanfar, and Peter Siddle also withdrew.

The likely reasons included clashes with the Caribbean Premier League and other international commitments. Afridi’s withdrawal still left 13 Pakistani players available in the men’s auction pool.The withdrawals came at a time when there had been scrutiny about Pakistani participation in the tournament. In response, the ECB and the eight franchises released a joint clarification, stressing that all selections would be based on “performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”Meanwhile, the situation had already been difficult for Pakistan in the women’s auction held a day earlier. None of the Pakistani women’s players managed to secure a contract. Left-handed batter Muneeba Ali, fast bowler Diana Baig, left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, and national captain Fatima Sana had all entered the auction with a base price of £15,000, but none received bids.With several withdrawals and unsold players, Pakistan’s presence in this year’s Hundred has been noticeably reduced, highlighting how scheduling conflicts and limited overseas spots can strongly influence franchise selections in the competition.

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Gold prices moved lower across major Indian cities on Thursday as retail bullion rates declined following mild profit-booking after recent gains. Sentiment in the physical market remained cautious as traders tracked movements in domestic futures and global cues. Here is how gold prices stand across major Indian cities today: Gold price in Delhi today Gold prices in the national capital softened, with 24K gold quoted at Rs 16,237 per gram, down Rs 109, while 22K gold slipped Rs 100 to Rs 14,885 per gram. Gold price in Mumbai today Mumbai bullion markets also saw weaker retail rates as 24K gold was priced at Rs 16,222 per gram, down Rs 109, and 22K gold declined Rs 100 to Rs 14,870 per gram. Gold price in Chennai today Chennai recorded a sharper fall, with 24K gold selling at Rs 16,331 per gram, down Rs 164, while 22K gold dropped Rs 150 to Rs 14,970 per gram. Gold price in Kolkata today In Kolkata, bullion traders quoted 24K gold at Rs 16,222 per gram, down Rs 109, while 22K gold stood at Rs 14,870 per gram, lower by Rs 100. Gold price in Hyderabad today Hyderabad markets reflected a similar trend, with 24K gold priced at Rs 16,222 per gram, down Rs 109, and 22K gold at Rs 14,870 per gram, slipping Rs 100. Gold price in Bangalore today In Bangalore, 24K gold was quoted at Rs 16,222 per gram, down Rs 109, while 22K gold was selling at Rs 14,870 per gram, lower by Rs 100. Gold price in Ahmedabad today Ahmedabad bullion markets showed declines as 24K gold stood at Rs 16,227 per gram, down Rs 109, while 22K gold fell Rs 100 to Rs 14,875 per gram. Gold price in Lucknow today In Lucknow, 24K gold was priced at Rs 16,237 per gram, down Rs 109, while 22K gold moved lower by Rs 100 to Rs 14,885 per gram. Gold price in Patna today Patna markets also recorded weaker rates, with 24K gold quoted at Rs 16,227 per gram, down Rs 109, and 22K gold at Rs 14,875 per gram, lower by Rs 100.

NEW DELHI: A public spat erupted between Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor on Thursday, with both exchanging sharply-worded open letters over foreign policy, ideology and personal remarks.The confrontation began when Aiyar wrote an open letter to Tharoor, published in Frontline magazine, criticising his comments during a television discussion on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.In the letter, Aiyar said he was “shocked to the core” by Tharoor’s remarks and claimed the issue had disturbed him so deeply that he woke up in the early hours to write the message.Recalling the Congress presidential election, Aiyar said he had supported Tharoor’s candidature even though he knew he would lose to Mallikarjun Kharge. Aiyar also said he publicly argued that Kharge should grant Tharoor an honourable place in the party hierarchy despite his defeat.However, Aiyar said he now regretted that support, accusing Tharoor of endorsing a “might is right” approach in international affairs and of being overly cautious about criticising the United States due to possible economic consequences for India.Aiyar also questioned Tharoor’s position as chairman of Parliament’s Standing Committee on External Affairs, arguing that deferring foreign policy decisions to the government undermined the purpose of the role.The veteran Congress leader further criticised Tharoor’s past stance on the Sabarimala Temple entry issue, saying his position on the temple’s restrictions on menstruating women had earlier raised doubts about his ideological alignment with the party.Concluding his letter, Aiyar declared that their differences had reached a breaking point, saying it marked a “parting of ways”.Tharoor responded with an open letter of his own on Thursday, published by NDTV, rejecting Aiyar’s accusations and defending his views.He said disagreement was natural in a healthy democracy but criticised Aiyar for questioning his motives and character.Tharoor said his views on international affairs stem from a “clear nationalist perspective”, adding that weighing geopolitical realities and economic consequences for India should not be viewed as a moral compromise but as responsible policymaking.“No generation holds a monopoly over patriotism, nor over the interpretation of Gandhi or Nehru. The true tribute to their legacy lies in applying their values wisely to the realities of our time,” he wrote.He also rejected Aiyar’s remarks regarding his foreign travel, calling them baseless. Tharoor said his trips abroad, except for participation in an all-party delegation linked to Operation Sindoor, were undertaken in a personal capacity and were not arranged or funded by the government.Responding to criticism over the Sabarimala issue, Tharoor said he had supported the Congress party’s official stand and had previously explained his position in detail.While acknowledging Aiyar’s support during the Congress presidential election, Tharoor said he too had defended Aiyar in the past, including when the veteran leader faced disciplinary action within the party.“I, too, supported you very strongly with the “high command” of the party, especially when you were suspended from its membership. I have no regrets that that injustice has been reversed,” Tharoor wrote.The Thiruvananthpuram MP said Aiyar’s claim of a “parting of ways” was disingenuous, arguing that the break had already become evident through repeated personal remarks directed at him in recent months.

NEW DELHI: Iran on Wednesday attacked a US-owned crude oil tanker, “Safesea Vishnu,” near Iraq’s Basra, killing one Indian national.A video published by Europa Press appears to show the moment the tanker is struck after a sudden impact. The night-time footage shows the vessel set ablaze after it was reportedly hit by underwater drones.Meanwhile, the rest of the 27 crew members were rescued and taken to Basra.

This fatal attack comes as the West Asia crisis enters its 13th day. In response to the deteriorating security situation, oil terminals at Iraqi ports on Thursday suspended operations following a string of strikes on tankers near its waters.Sources close to Safesea told news agency Press Trust of India that the company was “devastated” by the loss and urged the Indian government to strongly condemn the attack and take urgent measures to ensure the safety of crew members in the region amid rising tensions in West Asia.It also noted that Indians make up over 15 per cent of the world’s seafarers, meaning that Indian nationals could become “collateral damage” in similar attacks, regardless of the ship targeted.Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said on Wednesday that two Indian nationals — one in Israel and another in Dubai — were injured in attacks and are now recuperating. “The welfare of our diaspora is of utmost priority to us,” he said.The ministry also said Indian missions in West Asia were coordinating with the concerned governments to help Indian nationals stranded in the region due to airspace closures.“There is very strong inter-ministerial coordination. Whenever any assistance is required, Indian missions are immediately reaching out to assist people,” the MEA said.Earlier, the shipping minister said that at present 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf. Of these, 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels are east of the strait with 101 Indian seafarers onboard. The ministry said their safety and security were being actively monitored.A 24-hour control room has been operational at the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28, 2026, to monitor developments and coordinate assistance.The ministry said it is maintaining regular interaction with industry stakeholders to provide necessary support to maritime trade and seafarers.

Nepal’s Sompal Kami celebrates the wicket of Scotland’s Tom Bruce during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Nepal and Scotland in Mumbai.

NEW DELHI: Rome wasn’t built in a day. It is a proverb so weathered by time it often feels like a cliché, yet for the burgeoning cricketing nation of Nepal, it remains a North Star. Writing on his blog, the American author James Clear, famous for his work, “Atomic Habits”, takes the adage further: “I think it’s better to remember the other side of this story: Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.“For Nepal, the latest brick arrived in the form of a bank transfer. The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced that $256,154 would be funnelled into the accounts of the Cricket Association of Nepal from the 2026 T20 World Cup prize pool. While the sum may seem meagre to the giants of the sport, it exceeded the earnings of established associates like Namibia, Canada, and Oman.

“Actually, Rome is just the result; the bricks are the system,” Clear further notes. “The system is greater than the goal.”Nepal’s recent campaign was a study in the “Jekyll and Hyde” nature of a rising power. There was the heartbreak of a four-run loss to England on their opening matchday, two back-to-back humblings against Italy and West Indies, and an eye-catching seven-wicket victory over Scotland.

Nepal’s players greet supporters after their victory in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match against Scotland at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17, 2026. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP)

But as the dust settles on their third World Cup appearance, a question still lingers in the air. How does a nation fueled by the world’s most passionate fans turn “almost” into “always”?

The Jekyll and Hyde of the global stage

To understand Nepal’s performance, one must look past the scorecard. For Umesh Patwal, the former head coach of Nepal, the tournament was about making a statement that transcends participation.

“I always feel that to make a statement, you have to win a match,” Patwal tells TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive conversation. “People only follow the champions. They finished very well in the last game on a very high note, which is a great thing.”However, the “hurdle” remains the final inch. Nepal came within the barest of margins of upsetting South Africa in their 2024 campaign and pushed England to the brink this time.According to Patwal, the missing ingredient isn’t talent, but the clarity of roles in high-pressure moments.“Sometimes it’s just about knowing who needs to take that extra effort to finish the game,” Patwal explains. “They are not sure who is supposed to be the match-winner. Once they start believing, like Sandeep [Lamichhane] is supposed to be the main bowler, and then the batting must follow. If we can get people like Kushal Bhurtel, Dipendra Airee, or Rohit Paudel to start finishing games, that gap will close. They don’t have enough match-winners at the higher level yet.“

Nepalese cricket fan cheer after their team won against Scotland during the T20 World Cup cricket match in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Gyanendra Malla, the former captain and a titan of Nepali cricket, shares this bittersweet sentiment.“I was expecting a bit more, actually,” Malla admits. “After the first match, expectations were very high. We couldn’t show our 100% potential in the middle games, but the way we played the first and last match, that is the brand of cricket we want to show the world.”Meanwhile, Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel was, on the one hand, disappointed but he called it a good exposure for his team. “I think good exposure, good experience playing in this World Cup. We wanted to qualify for the second half, but unfortunately we could not do that. So hopefully next time,” he told reporters after Nepal’s historic win against Scotland. He added: “It took us 12 years to win a World Cup game. I’ll place it higher.”

We need a longer season. The school cricket and domestic base should be a seasoned culture, not just a 15-day tournament. We need to work on multi-day formats. That is how you build game awareness.

Gyanendra Malla | Former Nepal captain

The Nepalese structure: From Districts to Departments

If the “system is greater than the goal”, Nepal’s system is a unique, tiered architecture that relies heavily on institutional support. Nepal’s talent pipeline is filtered through provinces and government “departments”.The journey begins at the sub-district level, where local teams compete in regional tournaments. From this grassroots pool, the promising talents are selected for their district teams. These district teams then face off within their respective Provinces. The standout performers from these intra-province clashes are eventually directed into a selection pool, from which the final provincial teams are formed to compete in the Prime Minister (PM) Cup.The PM Cup is the undisputed crucible of Nepali cricket. It is a ten-team national league featuring seven provincial sides and three “departmental” giants: the Army, the Police, and the Armed Police Force (APF).

Nepal players stand up for the national anthems before the start of the match during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Nepal and West Indies in Mumbai, India, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

These departments act as the unofficial guardians of the sport, providing salaries and stability to players who might otherwise be forced to seek labour abroad.Those who emerge from the PM Cup are summoned to national training camps, where raw talent is honed, and the final squad for the national team is distilled.Nevertheless, the current structure is too short. “We need a longer season,” Malla insists. “The school cricket and domestic base should be a seasoned culture, not just a 15-day tournament. We need to work on multi-day formats. That is how you build game awareness.”

Most of the players are actually working as police or army, but not full-time. For the top tier, they earn enough to look after their families. But for the district players, they are actually putting their own money in. They are investing in themselves.

Gyanendra Malla | Former Nepal captain

The money gap: passion vs profession

In Nepal, cricket is a religion and its priests are often underpaid. While the top 15 to 20 players under central contract earn a “good enough” living by local standards, the story for the rest of the pyramid is one of sacrifice.“Most of the players are actually working as police or army, but not full-time,” Malla says. “For the top tier, they earn enough to look after their families. But for the district players, they are actually putting their own money in. They are investing in themselves.”

Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel plays a shot during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Nepal and Italy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 12, 2026. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP)

This financial precarity often forces players to seek revenue elsewhere, leading to friction with management over “distractions” like social media.During the World Cup, head coach Stuart Law directed players to reduce their focus on social media. Patwal, however, views this as a survival mechanism.“Social media is a part of these guys because they don’t make any money,” Patwal says bluntly. “When I was there for two years, we didn’t get a single penny paid as a salary. In a country like Nepal, the only way for these guys to be seen as heroes and get across is through the media. I’m happy for them if they are making some money through it.”

The “champion mindset” Nepal is lacking

What is the next brick? For Patwal, it’s not just about playing more matches; it’s about changing the “environment”. He argues that playing against big teams is useless if you don’t understand how they think.“I don’t think just playing international matches helps. How long have New Zealand or South Africa been playing? Have they won the World Cup?” Patwal asks. “We have this poor mentality where we think playing makes you a cricketer. You have to be in the culture. My advice is that at least six of these players should be exposed to the IPL or the Big Bash.”

If someone like Sanju Samson needs that help, you can understand the struggle for these Nepalese players. They do not have those local heroes to model themselves after, the match-winners who have actually been there and done it.

Umesh Patwal | Former Nepal coach

Patwal believes that even if players like Rohit Paudel or Dipendra Airee don’t make the starting XI in the IPL, “just being with the team, seeing the training part, the eating habits, the sleeping habits, that is a big churn out.”“Even Sanju Samson (Player of the Tournament in T20 World Cup 2026) credited Sachin Tendulkar for his performances,” Patwal adds.“If someone like Samson needs that help, you can understand the struggle for these Nepalese players. They don’t have those local heroes to model themselves after, the match-winners who have actually been there and done it.”Malla echoes the sentiments of Patwal and believes Nepal’s geography is its greatest untapped resource.

Nepal’s Kushal Bhurtel plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Nepal and Scotland in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

“We are blessed to have four Test-nation neighbours, but we are not using that as a strength,” Malla says. “Playing regularly against India’s ‘A’ or ‘B’ sides, or even Ranji Trophy teams, would help our boys learn the thinking pattern of the big guys. We need help from the BCCI to grow as a nation and eventually become a Test nation ourselves.”

A new identity unfolding

For decades, Nepal’s global identity was tied strictly to its geography, the soaring peaks of the Himalayas and the bravery of the Gurkhas. Today, that identity is shifting.

They have the skill. They were the best runners between wickets, the best fielding side. They just need to sit among champions. Once they do, the finishing will come.

Umesh Patwal | Former Nepal coach

“Before this, Nepal was renowned only for mountains,” Malla says with a smile. “Now, the new identity is cricket. It is uniting all the people, even through our sorrows. It’s the next big thing for our country.”

Poll

What do you think is the biggest challenge for Nepal’s cricketing success?

The bricks are being laid, hour by hour.The prize money from the ICC will likely go toward the “bricks” of better nets and local travel, but the “Rome” of Nepal cricket, a Test-playing nation with a world-beating finish, requires something more.“They have the skill,” Patwal concludes. “They were the best runners between wickets, the best fielding side. They just need to sit among champions. Once they do, the finishing will come.”