NEW DELHI: India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win sparked both celebration and controversy. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was visibly annoyed when reporters asked him about comments made by former cricketer Kirti Azad regarding the team taking the trophy to a Hindu temple in Ahmedabad. Kishan dismissed the question and said, “Kitna accha World Cup jitte hai, kitna accha sawal aaplog kijiyega, yeh Kirti Azad ne kya bola ispe mein kya bolun? Kuch accha sawal kijiye na ki mazza aya (Winning the World Cup is such a great thing. You people should ask good questions. What can I say about what Kirti Azad said? Please ask some good questions so that it’s enjoyable).”

Azad had criticised the move on social media, questioning why the trophy was taken only to a temple. He wrote, “Why NOT a Mosque? Why NOT a Church? Why NOT a Gurudwara?… The Trophy Belongs to 1.4 BILLION Indians of EVERY Faith — NOT ONE RELIGION’S VICTORY LAP!” He added that India’s 1983 World Cup team represented many religions and said, “When we won the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, we had Hindu Muslim Sikh and Christian in the team.”

Azad also stressed that the team represents the whole country, writing, “This Team Represents INDIA — not Surya Kumar Yadav’s or Jay Shah’s Family,” and pointed out that players like Siraj or Sanju Samson never took the trophy to their own places of worship.Watch Ishan Kishan speaking to journalists:After winning the T20 World Cup, Kishan spoke about his personal journey. After being dropped earlier, he worked his way back through domestic cricket and described the experience as a “rollercoaster.” In this tournament, the left-handed batter scored 317 runs at a strike rate above 190, including three half-centuries.On Sunday, India sealed the title with a dominant performance in the final against New Zealand. After losing the toss, India piled up a record 255/5 thanks to quick fifties from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Kishan. New Zealand never recovered in the chase and were bowled out for 159.The victory made India the first team to win three T20 World Cups and the first to claim back-to-back titles while also winning the tournament on home soil.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for another strong campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, and former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has already shared his vision for the team’s ideal playing XI. The former batting coach of the Indian team believes PBKS possess a balanced squad capable of competing for the playoffs this season, even if they begin matches with only three overseas players in the starting lineup.

PBKS finished as runners-up in IPL 2025 after falling short in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Despite the heartbreak, the franchise has retained the core of its squad and made a few strategic additions at the IPL 2026 auction to strengthen the team further.

Punjab Kings retain core and add reinforcements at the auction

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Punjab Kings retained as many as 21 players, signaling their confidence in the squad that performed impressively last year. During the auction, they added Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey and Vishal Nishad to enhance their bench strength.

Bangar feels the team’s stability and depth give them flexibility when it comes to team combinations. According to him, the presence of quality Indian players allows PBKS to rely less heavily on overseas cricketers while still maintaining a strong lineup.

Speaking during a discussion on Star Sports, Bangar expressed confidence in the squad’s overall balance and ability to perform consistently throughout the season.

“I have full belief that they are a very strong contender to reach the playoffs. This squad has so much ability that they can enter the ground with three overseas as a playing XI,” Bangar said.

Also READ: Gujarat Titans appoint new batting coach ahead of IPL 2026

Sanjay Bangar’s preferred lineup for PBKS

Bangar outlined a batting order that blends aggressive young talent with experienced campaigners. He suggested that Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya should open the innings, providing an attacking start at the top of the order.

Shreyas Iyer, who is expected to lead the side, slots in at number three to anchor the innings. Nehal Wadhera follows at number four, while Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis provides power in the middle order at number five. Shashank Singh, who impressed with his finishing abilities last season, takes the number six spot in Bangar’s lineup.

“If I talk about the batting order, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer at No. 3, Nehal Wadhera at No. 4, Marcus Stoinis at No. 5, and then Shashank Singh at No. 6,” Bangar explained.

Bangar also emphasized the strength of Punjab Kings’ bowling department. He placed South African all-rounder Marco Jansen wwat number seven, followed by spin-bowling all-rounder Harpreet Brar.

Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal leads the spin attack, while Lockie Ferguson adds pace and aggression with the new ball and at the death. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh completes the bowling unit, bringing experience and consistency.

Bangar also pointed out that the team can strengthen its bowling further by including an additional overseas fast bowler depending on conditions. Alternatively, Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai could be introduced to add balance to the side.

Sanjay Bangar’s PBKS playing XI for IPL 2026: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh

Also READ: Yellove reloaded: CSK unveil striking new jersey for IPL 2026 in grand style

The government has asked shipping companies, vessel operators and their agents to refrain from “predatory, non-transparent and opportunistic pricing” practices as freight costs rise sharply amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, PTI reported citing sources.The advisory was issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on Monday after the regulator received representations from stakeholders in the EXIM trade regarding the levy of multiple ancillary charges by shipping lines and their agents.

These charges, the regulator said, are widely perceived as “non-transparent and opportunistic in nature”, leading to higher transaction costs across the logistics chain.“In the interest of promoting transparency, fairness and predictability in the EXIM logistics ecosystem, all shipping lines, carriers and their agents are hereby advised to refrain from predatory, non-transparent and opportunistic pricing practices, including levy of exorbitant charges thereby taking undue advantage of prevailing geo-political issue,” the advisory stated.The DGS also asked operators to clearly communicate all applicable charges upfront to exporters, importers and other stakeholders to avoid disputes within the trade ecosystem.“They must should adhere to fair trade practices and avoid the levy of charges that may give rise to disputes within the EXIM trade and ensure that all applicable charges are communicated clearly and upfront to exporters, importers and other stakeholders,” the advisory added.Freight rates have risen sharply in recent days as military tensions in the Middle East escalate, with Iran, the United States and Israel attacking one another, disrupting shipping routes and increasing uncertainty in global logistics.An executive at a global shipping company said the conflict is forcing vessels to take longer routes around Africa, leading to higher fuel consumption and increased operational costs for cargo ships.Meanwhile, an analyst at BigMint Research said crude oil prices, which averaged around $70 per barrel before the conflict, are now hovering around $90 per barrel, further adding to shipping and logistics costs.

Light traffic moves along a main road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP photo)

Yalla Habibi, Let’s GoThe National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority of the UAE had an important announcement to make on 9th March. They were going to change the alert tone between 10.30 pm and 9 am to a regular chime. Residents complained that the original alarm, a shrill siren, was causing anxiety. The government agreed.As a resident, I can attest to that. The alarm was triggering at bedtime. From the kids because of the noise. From me because I was afraid of how long sleep time would take.I don’t know many places where civil defence adjusts the sound design of a national warning system based on public feedback. Did someone at civil defence say, “Can we please make the safety alert slightly less stressful?” or, like distractors will say, it’s a sign of a country living in a bubble – that Habibi, is up for debate.Since February 28th, I have noticed three different types of narratives coming from people who don’t live here.First, there’s the gleeful commentary from part of the US, UK, India, and elsewhere, usually about Dubai, the UAE and the people who moved here to save tax. Particularly when amplifying rumours about Burj Khalifa being attacked. It wasn’t. It responded the next day by lighting its façade in the colours of the UAE flag.Second, there’s television news coverage, looping dramatic footage of interceptions and debris. This often comes 13 hours after an incident has been announced and contained.Third, there are parents and friends, who are panic-struck. They can’t reconcile what they see on television with what residents are saying.“How are you going to the mall?” they ask.As a couple with young children, we have our ready-to-go bag packed, the car tank full, and cash withdrawn for an emergency. And that’s about it. People are out for walks, they’re going to the gym, and as I write this, I see a gentleman, sunning himself on a rooftop pool.In Dubai, it’s been business as usual. Stand outside, stare at the sky for 10 mins and you will see at least 2 commercial aircraft either descending or taking off. EACH and every delivery service is working; there was an outage with Amazon initially, but local delivery service Noon is still delivering water and chocolates in under 15 mins. Everything from Dubai Chocolate to Sushi are being delivered, and there have been no reports of people hoarding essentials or supermarkets running out of supplies.Anywhere else in the world – Mumbai, New York, London, you’d hear sonnets about the ‘spirit of the city’. But when Dubai keeps functioning, somehow the narrative becomes, ‘they are living in a bubble’. The irony is hard to miss.It’s a city that also never stops moving; everyone is out drinking coffee, working, or on a date. Everyone is going somewhere, doing something. Not sitting at home, reading the news, and hyperventilating.Supermarkets are open. So are organic farmers’ markets. McDonald’s is open, so are craft coffee shops, offices are open, so are beach clubs. Roof-top pools are open, and so are outdoor cafes (despite it being Ramadan).Once, or sometimes twice a day, the Ministry of Defence issues a statement and an infographic; it’s coherent, well-designed, and echoes a city confident in its skin.The day after the first missile was launched, schools were closed until March 4. Then extended to the 6th. Then the spring break, originally scheduled for later in the month was simply brought forward. It happened quietly, without confusion or panic. Schools were closed. But kids’ activities, parkour classes, sports continued. Playgrounds never shut.A couple of days ago, debris hit a building in an upmarket part of Dubai called Dubai Marina, causing a small fire. Earlier in the conflict, something similar happened on the facade of the Burj Al Arab. But Dubai went to sleep, woke up, and Habibis and Habibtis went to work.Did people carry on because that’s the spirit of the city? Or because it’s an expensive city and people still have jobs to get to? Probably both. The same argument could be made for London, New York or Mumbai.I do think one thing is different in the UAE: there have been a slew of small, absurd-sounding, almost inconsequential measures in isolation. But oddly effective. For instance, a couple of days ago, at the peak of the crisis, an announcement was made – some banks would be open till midnight, and they were also waiving ATM withdrawal charges. A princely sum of 2.1 AED (About 50 rupees). It sounds trivial but it’s the kind of detail that tells you, someone is thinking about the small inconveniences too.Have my wife and I both acquired super hearing? Yes. Do we confuse trucks for Missiles and motorcycle exhaust for interceptions – sometimes. That’ll take some time to go away, but we’ll take it.The country’s attention to detail has been astounding. When the first missiles were launched, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism issued a now viral directive to hotels – “extend the stay of travelers, send us the bill.”True, small measures don’t get a city back up on its feet; it needs to do that itself. But a slightly less shrill alert, regular, specific information helps. It’s the hand that dusts off your trousers. And let’s face it, we can always use a hand there, whether we trip or are targeted by 253 ballistic missiles, 1440 drones and 8 cruise missiles (as of March 9th 2026).Until then, the city continues. Everyone is on the streets telling everyone else, Yalla Habibi! (the only translation that comes close to this is Let’s Go, Let’s go!).

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that 193 cases of cyber fraud involving fake links or APK files in the name of e-challans were registered in 2025, and 36 accused were arrested. CM Fadnavis said 120 cases were registered in 2024 and 2025 for illegal online gaming, and 68 accused were arrested. CM Fadnavis was replying to a query raised by MLAs Prashant Thakur, Sameer Kunawar and Atul Bhatkhalkar, among others.“The state govt implemented the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project, which includes measures equipped with cutting-edge technology, skilled manpower and resources, focusing on citizens who are victims of cyber fraud, especially women, children and senior citizens. To control cyber crimes across the state, the Cyber Security Project Headquarters and Nodal Cyber Police Station function at Mahape in Navi Mumbai, through which 50 District Cyber Labs/Police Stations in the state work to investigate technically complex cyber crimes. The Maharashtra Cyber Office, with the help of 26 expert consultants, provided online training on forensic tools to 1,000 police officers and employees in the state,” said the CM in his written reply.“To prevent all types of cyber crimes, awareness was created among the general public about the website and the cyber helpline number through Maharashtra Cyber’s social media accounts, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Also, public awareness about cybercrime is being effectively created through Maharail LED/LCD screens at 34 railway stations in the state,” CM Fadnavis said.“The state govt, via its letter dated July 2, 2025, requested the Union Minister of Home Affairs to enact a law to regulate online lotteries and online games. Accordingly, the Centre promulgated the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 20250′, dated August 22, 2025, in the Gazette of India,” said CM Fadnavis in his written reply.

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Army columns were deployed in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district after two people were killed when security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs amid tensions linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election nomination process, officials said on Tuesday.The incident occurred in the Chibinang area where clashes broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups, West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said.“The two persons who died were residents of Chibinang. There was a clash between tribals and non-tribals regarding the GHADC elections, and the firing occurred while we were dispersing an unlawful assembly,” Sangma said, according to news agency PTI.Authorities said the district administration has imposed a curfew across West Garo Hills for the entire day to prevent further escalation of violence.

Army conducts flag march to restore order

Army units were called in after the situation turned tense in parts of the district.“Army columns deployed in West Garo Hills on the request of civil administration and conducting a flag march,” defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahender Rawat told PTI.He did not disclose how many columns had been deployed. A typical Army column generally consists of around 60–80 personnel.Police said additional security forces have also been requested to maintain law and order. “We have sought additional forces, and they are on the way,” Sangma said.Officials said the situation in the district is currently under control.

Tension linked to GHADC election nominations

The unrest comes amid the nomination process for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections, with filing of nomination papers scheduled to continue until March 16. The elections are slated to be held on April 10.The violence was triggered after former Phulbari legislator Estamur Momin was allegedly assaulted by protesters when he arrived at the deputy commissioner’s office in Tura on Monday to file his nomination for the GHADC polls, reported PTI.Protesters had demanded that non-tribal candidates refrain from contesting or participating in the council elections.Earlier, on February 17, the executive committee of the GHADC passed a resolution requiring candidates to produce valid Scheduled Tribe certificates while filing their nominations.

Internet services suspended, peace meeting planned

Hours before the clashes, the Meghalaya government ordered a 48-hour suspension of mobile internet services in West Garo Hills from March 10 to prevent the spread of misinformation and mobilisation through social media.Authorities said voice calls and SMS services remain unaffected.A peace committee meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal is scheduled to be held at the Circuit House in Tura with church leaders, representatives of non-government organisations and local development committees to help defuse tensions.Security has also been strengthened at nomination centres across the district as authorities attempt to prevent further unrest during the ongoing election process.

Mumbai: For restaurants across the country, it is not business as usual–a severe crunch of LPG supplies on the back of the West Asia war is posing a threat of temporary closures with many firms having moved to induction cookers to stay afloat and some of them also restricting menu choices. Smaller establishments are already in dire straits. In Chennai, for instance, several small eateries have shut shops, Ravi Muthukrishnan, chairman, Vasanta Bhavan Hotels and president, Channel Hotels Association told TOI. From Chinese to biryani, a lot of items require slow cooking which means more usage of gas–agencies which supply LPG cylinders to restaurants have said that they do not have enough stock of commercial gas cylinders. “LPG cylinders have not been available since the past two days,” said Muthukrishnan. Anjan Chatterjee, founder of Speciality Restaurants which owns brands such as Mainland China and Oh! Calcutta said that Bengaluru and Chennai have been the most impacted markets for the company with certain parts of Delhi and Kolkata also facing supply disruption. For now, the firm is somehow making do with inductions and rice cookers but if the supplies don’t become adequately available in a day or two, restaurants will have to be shut, said Chatterjee. “About 70% of my food is Chinese. For that, we need high pressure gas burners. No gas, no cooking,” Chatterjee said. Companies fear that dwindling business will put pressure on cash flows at a time when final advance tax payments and liquor license renewals are due. “We are assessing all possible options to keep the business floating. Our rents won’t be waived off, salaries, final advance tax payments and liquor license renewals need to be done. Restaurants operate on the basis of monthly cash flows,” said Pawan Shahri, co-founder at Mumbai-based Chrome Asia Hospitality which owns brands such as Gigi and Donna Deli. Debaditya Chaudhury, MD at Chowman said that its restaurants in Mumbai and Bengaluru have started facing supply challenges. This is a concern for restaurant operations which rely heavily on commercial LPG for daily kitchen functioning, said Chaudhury, adding that the firm will look at restricting certain menu items if the situation further escalates. Restaurateur Pranav Rungta which runs outlets in Mumbai said that his Colaba eatery Otoki has stopped non-essential cooking through LPG cylinders. Bulk rice cooking and meals for staff have all moved to electric cookers, said Rungta. “The available commercial LPG cylinders are first being provided to establishments such as schools and hospitals,” said Rudra Pratap, COO at Ahuja Residences which operates boutique business hotels across cities which is reducing menu choices. “The biggest relief is that the major wedding season is behind us,” said Pratap.

US stocks edged lower on Tuesday as investors remained cautious amid uncertainty over how long the war with Iran may last and whether oil prices will stabilise after recent sharp swings.The S&P 500 slipped 0.4% in morning trading, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 250 points, or 0.5%, as of 10 a.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq Composite was down 0.1%, reflecting a largely cautious tone on Wall Street, AP reported.Markets are closely tracking developments in the Middle East, where the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has triggered extreme volatility in oil prices and raised concerns about global energy supplies.In the oil market, which has been the focal point for financial markets in recent sessions, Brent crude — the international benchmark –was trading at $91.47 per barrel, down 7.6% from its settlement price a day earlier. Meanwhile, US benchmark crude was trading at around $87.49 per barrel.Oil prices had surged to nearly $120 per barrel on Monday, their highest level since 2022, before retreating after US President Donald Trump said in an interview with CBS News that he believes “the war is very complete, pretty much.”The remarks raised hopes that the conflict could end sooner rather than later, potentially allowing oil flows from the Middle East to resume normally.However, Trump’s later comments were less definitive, while a spokesperson for Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said that “Iran will determine when the war ends.” Iran also launched fresh attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries on Tuesday, keeping tensions elevated.The developments have left investors waiting for clearer signals about the duration and potential escalation of the conflict.Trump, however, reiterated his stance on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open — a critical shipping route off Iran’s coast through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes each day.“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform late Monday.Market strategists say the outlook for oil remains highly uncertain.“The outlook for oil right now is about as binary as it gets,” said Hakan Kaya, senior portfolio manager at Neuberger Berman.“Either the Strait of Hormuz reopens and you see a massive unwind of the risk premium, or it stays shut and we are looking at the largest supply disruption in modern history. There is no middle ground, and that is why putting a number on it is almost irresponsible.”Historically, US equities have recovered relatively quickly after geopolitical conflicts, provided energy prices do not remain elevated for a prolonged period.However, if oil prices stay high, it could put pressure on household budgets already strained by inflation, while companies would face rising costs for fuel, transportation and logistics.Global markets reacted positively to easing oil prices earlier in the day.Stock markets in Asia and Europe rose, with South Korea’s Kospi jumping 5.3%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gaining 2.2% and France’s CAC 40 climbing 1.5%.Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 2.9% after revised data showed the country’s economy grew faster than initially estimated in the final quarter of last year, supported by strong business investment.In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury remained steady at 4.12%, unchanged from late Monday.