In a landmark development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been acquired by a powerful global consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. The high-value transaction, estimated at around USD 1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,706 crore), marks one of the biggest franchise deals in cricket history and underlines the IPL’s rapidly expanding global influence.

Aditya Birla Group and others acquire RCB

The consortium comprises a mix of Indian and international heavyweights, including the Aditya Birla Group, US-based sports investor David Blitzer, private equity giant Blackstone, and media powerhouse The Times of India. Together, they have signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100 percent stake in RCB from United Spirits Limited (USL), which operates under the UK-based Diageo plc.

The deal comes after months of speculation, with reports suggesting that the previous owners were aiming for a valuation of around USD 2 billion. While the final figure falls slightly short, it still establishes a new benchmark for franchise valuations in the IPL ecosystem.

RCB’s rising value drives investor interest

RCB’s growing success on and off the field played a key role in attracting strong investor interest. The franchise recently secured their maiden IPL title, ending years of near misses and solidifying its position among the league’s elite teams. Additionally, the women’s team has also enjoyed remarkable success, clinching their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title this year.

This dual success significantly boosted the brand’s appeal, making it an attractive asset for investors looking to capitalize on cricket’s expanding global footprint and the IPL’s commercial strength.

Also READ: Former CSK star picks his ideal playing XI of Mumbai Indians for IPL 2026

Vision for the future

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, emphasized the broader significance of the acquisition. He described the IPL as a transformative force in global sport and highlighted RCB’s strong identity and worldwide fan base as key factors behind the investment.

He noted that the group sees this acquisition as an opportunity to extend its legacy of building world-class institutions into the sports domain. The consortium aims to further strengthen the franchise’s global presence while preserving its core values and loyal fan base.

“Over the past two decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket, creating enormous value for India. RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport. We are delighted to become custodians of this asset and committed to further building this extraordinary legacy,” said Kumar in a statement.

Aryaman Birla, also part of the consortium, echoed similar sentiments, expressing excitement about shaping the next phase of RCB’s journey. He stressed the importance of deepening fan engagement and driving innovation to ensure sustained growth. Notably, Aryaman was once part of IPL as well. He was roped in by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2018 but did not feature in a game across two seasons. In 2019, he decided to take an indefinite break from cricket.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Gujarat Titans: GT’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

NEW DELHI: India is facing a growing obesity burden, with one in four Indians overweight, yet the condition continues to be misunderstood as a lifestyle issue rather than a disease, experts said at a recent panel discussion following World Obesity Day, led by ICMR and AIIMS.Experts said that despite rising awareness, most people do not seek treatment, and even those who attempt weight loss struggle to sustain it. “We lack effective long-term interventions, and behaviour change remains difficult,” said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR, pointing to wider societal and environmental barriers.He noted that unhealthy foods are often cheaper and more accessible, while healthier options remain harder to adopt.The panel brought together Dr Bahl; Dr Anoop Misra, Director, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation; Dr Naval Vikram, Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS; and Dr Vandana Jain, Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology, AIIMS.Dr Kamini Walia, Scientist and Head, Descriptive Research Division, ICMR, said obesity should be understood as a multifactorial disease driven by genetic, metabolic, environmental and social factors, and not reduced to individual blame.Clinicians said the problem is rooted in everyday life. Dr Naval Vikram said obesity is a chronic disease requiring long-term management, influenced by diet, physical activity, psychological and environmental factors.The panel underlined that obesity often begins early. Dr Vandana Jain said childhood habits, family food choices and activity patterns play a key role, stressing the need for healthier home environments.Dr Anoop Misra pointed out that Indians develop metabolic complications at lower body weight levels, making early identification critical. He added that newer anti-obesity drugs are not a population-level solution and must be used selectively along with lifestyle changes.Experts also flagged gaps in policy and implementation, saying improving access to healthy food and creating spaces for physical activity remain key challenges.They also highlighted emerging research areas, including gut microbiome, early-life nutrition and maternal health, which may shape obesity risk from early stages of life.A key concern remains stigma, which discourages people from seeking care. Experts said recognising obesity as a disease could shift focus towards long-term management and prevention.

Captains of 10 IPL teams (Photo Credit: IPL)

The captains of all IPL teams are set to meet with officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 25 to discuss a range of key issues, including the Impact Player rule and the code of conduct. However, the primary focus is expected to be on clarifications regarding the two-bouncer rule, bat checks, ball replacement, the use of saliva, and the retired-out provision. The IPL 2026 captains’ meeting will take place at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.According to a BCCI communique to the franchises on Tuesday, accessed by Cricbuzz, Javagal Srinath and Nitin Menon – heads of the BCCI’s match referees and umpires’ panels, respectively – will address the captains. The meeting is scheduled from 4:30 pm to 6 pm on Wednesday (March 25).

What will be the agenda?

The BCCI has recently shared the playing conditions for the season with franchises, highlighting key changes to Rule 4.4 (change of ball in the second innings); 5.8.3 (bat checks); 18.5.1 and 18.5.2 (deliberate short runs); 19.5.2 (fielder grounded beyond the boundary); 28.7.6 (restriction on the placement of the fielder); and Appendix D-3.9 (combining umpire review with player review).A glance at the new season’s playing conditions, in possession of this website, does not reveal any obvious changes, but the rules around ball replacement have been elaborated in detail – something that was absent in last year’s playing conditions. Rule 4.4 in the latest playing conditions reads:Ball Replacement Rules in IPL MatchesIf, during play, the ball is lost, cannot be recovered, or is deemed unfit for use due to normal wear and tear, the umpires will replace it with another ball that has a similar level of wear. Once the replacement is made, the umpires will inform both the batter and the fielding captain.Ball Change Rule in the Second InningsIn evening matches, the team bowling second is allowed to request one ball change after the completion of the 10th over. The request must be made only by the bowling captain and it must be made at the end of an over (not during an over). This rule applies only once in the second innings, regardless of dew conditions, replacement ball will have similar wear and tear as the previous one.Additionally, the umpires retain the authority to change the ball at any time during the match at their discretion.

Key Scenarios Explained

Scenario 1: If the umpires replace the ball before the 10th over due to it being wet, damaged, lost, or out of shape, the fielding captain still retains the right to request a ball change after the 10th over. In this case, the umpires are required to approve the request.Scenario 2: If the captain requests a ball change after the 10th over (e.g., in the 11th over) due to wet conditions and the umpires replace it: Any further request for a ball change later in the innings will be subject to the umpires’ discretion, not mandatory.Scenario 3: If the captain requests a ball change during the 11th over due to damage or shape issues and the umpires agree: The team can still make their one mandatory request after the 10th over (e.g., due to dew later), and the umpires must approve it.There are also other items like team sheet, toss, broadcast media commitments and awards, about which there is no elaboration. The session will begin with an introduction by IPL COO Hemang Aming.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/60-year-old-gujarat-woman-killed-for-jewellery-worth-rs-4-4-lakh-body-buried-in-farm-11263245” on this server.

Reference #18.adf5d217.1774419592.a87a3a2

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.adf5d217.1774419592.a87a3a2

LATUR: A 25-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer to cheat people under the pretext of helping recover stolen property in Maharashtra’s Latur district, officials said. The accused, identified as Vijay Aniruddha Kadam (25), a resident of Parbhani, was apprehended on Monday by the Local Crime Branch following a probe into multiple complaints of cheating in the district, a police release said Tuesday. Police said Kadam tracked theft cases reported in newspapers, obtained victims’ contact details and approached them posing as a police officer. To gain their trust, he showed a video of himself purportedly attending a UPSC interview and used fake documents, including a forged panchnama with a false identity. The Crime Branch team received a tip-off about a man near New Renapur Naka who was impersonating a police officer and duping people. Acting on the input, police laid a trap and apprehended him. A search led to the seizure of Rs 4.3 lakh in cash from his possession. During interrogation, Kadam told police that he promised victims recovery of their stolen valuables and extracted large sums of money from them. In one such case, a complainant from Ahmedpur was duped of Rs 5 lakh on March 19 after being assured recovery of stolen gold, police said. Of the amount, the accused had spent Rs 70,000, while the remaining Rs 4.3 lakh was recovered. He also admitted to committing similar frauds over the past two years in Nanded and Parbhani districts, police said, adding that teams from these districts are coordinating to probe his involvement in other cases. A case has been registered against him at Ahmedpur police station in Latur under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer before engaging with them.

B2 Spirit bomber (Image/X)

As the war in the Middle East intensifies, the B-2 Spirit, one of the United States’ premier stealth bombers has emerged as a critical asset in the campaign against Iran. Known for its unique ability to penetrate the most sophisticated air defenses, the B-2 has carried out missions that few other aircraft could attempt.While bombers such as the B-1B and B-52H have been forward deployed to the United Kingdom to support operations near Iran, the B-2 continues to fly long-range missions directly from its home at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.According to War Zone, there is currently no evidence that B-2s are operating from Diego Garcia or any other overseas location, yet they remain a central component of the US air campaign.Images released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on March 17 show a pair of B-2 Spirit bombers preparing to launch for another long-range mission over Iran.

Operational record of B-2

The B-2’s operational record is marked by precision and versatility. Each aircraft carries visible mission markings on its nose gear doors, with one bomber displaying 15 bombs.While the exact significance is unclear, it likely denotes the number of combat missions rather than individual weapons dropped.

.

Analysts have speculated that the markings could indicate the delivery of Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs).

Capabilities and key specifications

The B-2 Spirit’s capabilities are central to its effectiveness in modern conflict. With a crew of two pilots, the aircraft is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions anywhere on the globe. Its flying-wing design, composite materials and advanced coatings contribute to its low observability, reducing radar, infrared, acoustic, visual and electromagnetic signatures.Click here or live war updates These features allow the B-2 to operate in highly contested airspace, providing the United States with a unique strategic advantage. The aircraft’s unrefueled range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles (9600 kms) allows it to strike distant targets without reliance on forward bases, while its ability to carry up to 40,000 pounds of ordnance ensures a high level of firepower, according to US Air Force website. The bomber’s operational history is extensive and notable. From its first combat deployment in Operation Allied Force, where it destroyed a third of Serbian targets in the opening weeks, to long-range missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the B-2 has repeatedly demonstrated its global strike capability. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the B-2 flew dozens of sorties from both Whiteman Air Force Base and forward operating locations, releasing more than 1.5 million pounds of munitions. Its effectiveness in these missions cemented its reputation as a critical asset for precision strikes in heavily defended environments.

.

As the B-2 enters the later stages of its operational career, upgrades derived from the B-21 Raider program are being applied to maintain its relevance. These enhancements may include improvements to coatings and materials, new sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and advanced communications systems, ensuring that the aircraft can operate effectively in increasingly complex battlespaces. Despite the passage of decades, the B-2 remains one of the most sophisticated and valuable components of American airpower, a symbol of technological foresight and enduring capability.The B-2 Spirit continues to represent a combination of innovation, precision and strategic reach. Its ability to deliver punishing blows while remaining nearly invisible to advanced defense systems underscores its importance in the current Middle East conflict.

GHAZIABAD: A 38-year-old man shot dead his wife and a close friend at his home in Tronica City’s Rampark Colony after he came to know that the two were having an affair for the past two years and his wife was planning to leave him.The accused had allegedly invited the friend over for dinner on Monday evening. The three ate together and smoked before a heated argument broke out, ending in the fatal shooting.According to police, the couple’s seven-year-old son was an eyewitness to the double murder. While police are yet to record his statement, the minor is said to have told police that his father, Rashid (38), took out a gun from an almirah in their bedroom around midnightand first shot his friend, also a colleague of several years at his furniture shop, Faheem (32), before turning the gun towards his wife, Shabnam (36).After the murders, Rashid apparently turned towards his son and said, ‘ab sab thik ho jayega’ (now everything will be fine) and left the house.An FIR has been registered against Rashid under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, based on a complaint filed by Faheem’s father. Police teams are conducting raids to trace the accused. They are also trying to locate the weapon used in the murder and ascertain how and when Rashid got his hands on it, which could reveal if the murder was premeditated.Police have also found that both Rashid and Faheem had prior criminal records. Multiple cases, including attempt to murder, theft and violations of the Arms Act, were registered against Faheem at local police stations. Rashid had previously been arrested in a theft case in 2023.DCP (rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari said the two were shot in the head, possibly from close range, and were declared dead on being taken to a hospital by neighbours. The bodies were sent for autopsy, but the reports are awaited, police said.The couple, police said, were married for several years and had seven children, aged 1.5 to 20. During the initial rounds of inquiry, family members and neighbours told cops that Shabnam and Faheem had been in a relationship for more than two years. Tensions in the household had escalated in recent months, particularly after Rashid learned of the alleged affair around the time of their eldest son’s wedding six months ago. Officers said Rashid had objected to the relationship and asked his wife to end it, but the dispute persisted.

About a week before the killings, Rashid and Faheem were involved in a confrontation over the issue, police said. On Monday evening, Rashid allegedly called Faheem to the house for dinner and confronted him and Shabnam after he thought all his children had retired to bed.Loni ACP Siddharth Gautam said Rashid had already concealed a pistol inside the home. After the meal, an argument broke out between the three. The seven-year-old, who had been watching television, entered the room on hearing raised voices and witnessed the shooting.A senior police officer added that Shabnam had wanted a divorce and intended to sell the house, which she owned. It may have also led to the murders, police said.

In a clinical display of modern T20 cricket, the New Zealand Women’s team (White Ferns) delivered a masterclass at home, securing a massive 92-run victory over South Africa Women in the 5th T20I on March 25, 2026. While the series has been a hard-fought contest, this encounter belonged entirely to the hosts, who utilized the familiar conditions of Christchurch to overwhelm the visiting Proteas. The win was anchored by a historic batting performance that left the South African bowlers with few answers and the spectators in awe of the sheer talent on display.

Amelia Kerr stars with a blazing hundred against South Africa

The headline of the day was undoubtedly the captain’s knock from Amelia Kerr. After the early loss of Isabella Gaze for just 1, Kerr walked to the crease with intent, transforming the momentum of the innings instantly. She played a sensational innings of 105 runs off just 55 deliveries, striking at a phenomenal rate of 190.90. Her knock was a textbook example of gap-finding and power-hitting, featuring 19 fours and a towering six.

Kerr found a steady partner in Georgia Plimmer (27), and later Brooke Halliday (26), building the platform for a daunting total. Despite a mid-innings wobble where Tumi Sekhukhune (3/32) and Ayabonga Khaka (3/32) managed to pick up key wickets, including the dangerous Sophie Devine for a golden duck, Kerr remained immovable. She reached her century in just 52 balls, guiding New Zealand to a formidable 194/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The South African death bowling struggled to contain the late-innings surge, as Jess Kerr and Izzy Sharp added quick runs to put the target well beyond the psychological reach of the visitors.

Also READ: Jess Kerr, Sophie Devine power New Zealand to series-clinching win over South Africa in 4th T20I

New Zealand’s disciplined bowling falter South African chase

Facing a target of 195, South Africa needed a flying start, but the New Zealand bowling attack, led by the veteran Lea Tahuhu, had other plans. Tahuhu struck in the very second over, removing Chloe Tryon for 1, and the Proteas’ chase never recovered from the early shock. The New Zealand bowlers remained incredibly disciplined, stifling the scoring rate and forcing errors from the South African top order.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (9) and Anneke Bosch (9) both fell cheaply within the Powerplay as the score slumped to 40/4. Tahuhu finished with impressive figures of 3/15, while the spin duo of Nensi Patel and Amelia Kerr kept the pressure high. Kerr proved her all-round worth by bagging 2/6 in a suffocating three-over spell.

South Africa’s middle order offered little resistance; Annerie Dercksen (23) was the only batter to cross the 20-run mark. The New Zealand fielders were equally sharp, supporting their bowlers with clean catches and athletic ground fielding. As the required run rate climbed toward 15 per over, the Proteas opted for survival over aggression, eventually finishing their 20 overs at a dismal 102/9. The 92-run margin of victory underscores a dominant day for New Zealand, fuelled by a captain’s century and a collective bowling effort that left South Africa searching for answers ahead of the next ODI fixtures coming their way.

New Zealand finishes off the series in style 🔥#NZvsSA #AmeliaKerr pic.twitter.com/PCmTN0uANy

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 25, 2026

Also READ: Kashvee Gautam earns maiden call-up as India announce Women’s T20I squad for South Africa tour

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