NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing leadership crisis in Karnataka over the chief ministerial post, veteran Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Friday launched a broadside against the party high command, saying that “discipline” has to be brought into the party.Talking to news agency IANS, the former Union minister said that the high command representatives should have foreseen some of these developments in the state.“If you want to turn it into a political turmoil, yes, it can happen, but the leaders of the Congress party who are in responsible positions, and also our high command representatives, whoever they may be, should have foreseen some of these developments. It’s not a sudden development,” Moily said.“I will not comment on who should continue, whether he should continue or whether a new Chief Minister will come or not. I am not on that. First, discipline has to be brought into the party,” he added.This comes amid the ongoing tussle between Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar over the top job in the state.The deliberation over the issue has now shifted to Delhi, as both DKS and Siddaramaiah are likely to meet Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi on November 30.Earlier, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge played down the “internal conflict” within the party and said that the “high command” will sit together and deliberate on the issue.“Only the people there can say what the government is doing. But I would like to say that we will resolve such issues,” Kharge said.“People in the high command — Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and I — will sit together and deliberate on this… We will give the medicine when required,” he added.This was the first acknowledgment by Kharge that there is indeed a power struggle between Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar in Karnataka.As soon as the Congress government in Karnataka completed its halfway mark on November 20, reports quoting Congress sources suggested that MLAs and MLCs from Shivakumar’s faction had camped in Delhi to push the party high command to make him the next chief minister.DK Shivakumar added to the speculations after he claimed that there had indeed been “a confidential understanding on leadership transition among five-six leaders” soon after Congress won a landslide in the 2023 elections.The deputy chief minister made the first reference to the power pact but stopped short of divulging more details. “This is confidential. I don’t want to speak publicly on this,” he said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, appointing Mumbai-born opening batter Ayush Mhatre as captain for the tournament scheduled from December 12 to 21 in Dubai.

India has been placed in a challenging group featuring arch-rivals Pakistan and two qualifier teams, setting the stage for high-intensity youth cricket.

The newly unveiled 15-member squad blends emerging stars with seasoned junior-level performers. Key names include Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain), and Abhigyan Kundu, all of whom bring match experience from domestic and India age-group tours.

Ayush Mhatre: Calm leader trusted to continue India’s youth legacy

18-year-old Ayush Mhatre, regarded as one of the most technically reliable openers in youth cricket, steps into the leadership role after a string of consistent performances. Hailing from Mumbai’s robust cricketing structure, Mhatre has delivered impactful knocks across domestic U19 tournaments and showcased IPL-level temperament in age-group development programs.

Coaches credit his calm personality, tactical maturity, and ability to anchor innings as major reasons behind his elevation. His appointment mirrors India’s long-standing focus on grooming strong leaders early – an approach that previously shaped future seniors like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Supporting him is vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, a wicketkeeper-batter admired for his middle-order stability, sharp glovework, and game awareness.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi and others strengthen India’s balanced core

Among the standout players in the squad is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a stylish left-hander known for his match-winning innings at both junior and India-A youth levels. His performances in the Asia Cup Rising Stars competition have earned him widespread praise, and his ability to adapt under pressure makes him a major asset in India’s top order.

The squad features a well-rounded unit with strong support roles. Vedant Trivedi adds power and balance as a dependable all-rounder, while wicketkeeper Harvansh Singh acts as a reliable backup option. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Henil Patel and Khilan A. Patel, both recognized for their disciplined spells and wicket-taking abilities.

Promising names such as Naman Pushpak, Aaron George and Udhav Mohan further deepen the bench strength. Kishan Kumar Singh remains under fitness monitoring, and four standby players – Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, and Aditya Rawat – have been placed on alert for any late changes.

Also READ: “Kuch pressure nahi feel hota…” – Vaibhav Suryavanshi after smashing 32-ball century for India A vs UAE in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

India set for Pakistan clash on December 14

India will kick off their U19 Asia Cup campaign on December 12 against a qualifier at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. However, the marquee fixture arrives two days later when India face Pakistan on December 14, a clash that traditionally draws massive fan attention at both senior and junior levels.

With the semi-finals set for December 19 and the final scheduled on December 21, the tournament is viewed as a key preparatory platform ahead of the 2025 Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Talent scouts and national selectors will closely monitor performances as India looks to identify the next generation of stars.

India squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025

Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh*, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.

Also READ: Here’s how India head coaches have fared in home Tests since 2000/01

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/former-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-vs-asim-munir-the-feud-that-began-in-2019-9715381” on this server.

Reference #18.2ef63717.1764327590.7512dd8

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.2ef63717.1764327590.7512dd8

India reaches ‘major power’ status in Asia Power Index 2025

NEW DELHI: India has secured third rank in the Asia Power Index, giving it the status of ‘major power’. India has secured this ranking in the Lowy Institute study based on its performance in Operation Sindoor.The first two ranks of ‘superpowers’ were retained by the United States and China, respectively.In 2024, India was ranked among the ‘middle powers’, with a comprehensive score of 38.1, whereas in this year’s reports, India scored 40 out of 100. It stands ahead of Japan and Russia, which hold the fourth and fifth positions, scoring 38.8 and 32.1, respectively. However, the nation still sees a large aspirational gap as compared to China, which has 73.7 points on the index. The US topped the rankings with 80.5 points.

As per the detailed assessments, India’s rank is backed by its growth in terms of economic and military capabilities. Notably, India rose to ninth place in economic relationships, driven by increases in inward investment.The Lowy Institute said the modest advances in India’s geopolitical relevance were measured through international connectivity, leverage, and technological development. It also highlighted India’s military capabilities to have grown steadily.“For the most part, these gains were from improved expert appraisals of its capability, which were likely influenced by India’s performance in Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, which added to India’s recent combat experience,” the institute said.India saw its sharpest decline in terms of defence networks, dropping its rank to 11th position. It dropped two ranks lower as compared to the 2024 rankings, which were overtaken by the Philippines and Thailand.According to the index, India overtook China as the country attracting the most inward investment after the United States, an indicator capturing 10-year cumulative flows. Overall, the institute concludes that India’s recent military experience and economic momentum have strengthened its regional standing, even as challenges persist in building defence partnerships.The Australia-based think tank study assesses a nation’s ability to influence its external environment among the power states in Asia.

The finance ministry on Thursday said the Indian economy entered the second half of the fiscal year on a “firm foundation,” supported by easing inflation, resilient domestic demand and recent tax reforms. The rationalisation of goods and services tax (GST) rates has given a “measurable boost” to consumption, strengthening the growth outlook, it added.In its October monthly economic review, the ministry noted that easing inflation and recent GST changes have improved household disposable income. Retail inflation dropped sharply to 0.25% in October, from 1.44% in September, helped by GST cuts, a favourable base effect and softer food prices.“Overall, the economy enters the second half of FY26 on a stable footing, anchored by well-contained inflation, resilient domestic demand and supportive policy dynamics, even as global uncertainties warrant continued vigilance,” the report said.India’s GDP growth had risen to a five-quarter high of 7.8% in Q1, while the Q2 growth official numbers are expected at 7.3% The GST Council’s new two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, effective September 22, has reduced rates on several household goods.The ministry said that, “rationalisation of GST rates has provided a measurable boost to consumption, as reflected in the strengthening of high-frequency indicators, including higher e-way bill generation, record festive-season automobile sales, robust UPI transaction values, and a notable rise in tractor sales.”These trends suggest strengthening demand across both rural and urban markets. The full impact will be clearer over the next two quarters, it noted. On external conditions, the report flagged that global trade policy uncertainty remains high, ET reported.India’s merchandise exports fell 11.8% in October, while imports rose 16.6% due to higher gold and silver inflows. Services exports, however, hit a record $38.5 billion.The ministry also highlighted the impact of the 50% tariff imposed by the US, including a 25% penalty for importing Russian oil, warning that shifting trade policies, geopolitical tensions and financial market volatility could affect exports and investment flows.

Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty on Friday penned a heartfelt note praising World Cup-winning star Jemimah Rodrigues for opting out of the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) to be with her close friend and teammate Smriti Mandhana during a difficult personal phase. Mandhana’s wedding, scheduled earlier this month, had to be postponed due to a sudden health complication involving her father — an emotional setback that prompted Jemimah to quietly stay back in India instead of rejoining her WBBL franchise, Brisbane Heat.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Suniel Shetty, who is also the father-in-law of India cricketer KL Rahul, spotlighted the gesture on X, calling it the purest form of camaraderie. “Bumped into this article first thing in the morning and my heart felt full. Jemimah leaving the WBBL to be by Smriti’s side. No big statements, just quiet solidarity. This is what real teammates do. Simple. Straight. Genuine,” Shetty wrote, posting a newspaper clipping that reported Jemimah’s withdrawal.

Jemimah had travelled to India after Brisbane Heat’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes for what was initially a brief, pre-planned visit to attend Mandhana’s wedding. She was due to fly back for the final stretch of the WBBL season. But when the ceremony was called off owing to Mandhana’s father’s health issue, she requested to remain in India — a decision the Heat immediately supported.

“The Brisbane Heat have agreed to a request to release Jemimah Rodrigues from the remainder of the Women’s Big Bash League,” the club said in its statement, noting she would stay back to support her friend. CEO Terry Svenson acknowledged it as a “challenging time” for the 24-year-old and said the team wished the Mandhana family well.The decision comes at a time when Jemimah’s stock in world cricket is soaring. Brisbane Heat’s No.1 pick in this year’s International Player Draft, she had been in strong form before her departure. Her unbeaten century in the Women’s World Cup semifinal against Australia remains one of India’s greatest modern knocks.

Lawyer held in Nuh for spying for Pakistan

GURGAON: A lawyer was arrested in Nuh on Wednesday on charges of spying for Pakistan. Officials said Rizwan was practising law in Gurgaon and Nuh courts.Sources said the accused was in touch with a few people in Pakistan and also exchanged some messages, which are now under scrutiny. His trips to Pakistan and his digital transactions are under investigation. This is the third espionage-related arrest from the Mewat region this year.

Officials said that the accused was arrested by Nuh police following a tip-off by National Investigation Agency from Kharkhari village in the Tauru subdivision. Police are tight-lipped about the developments.The accused, according to the sources, was detained on Monday from his in-laws’ village Pipaka in Nuh. Delhi Police, along with the local police, then raided the house of the suspect on Wednesday and recovered some documents.A case was registered against him at the Tauru Sadar police station under sections related to anti-national activities.However, his family, talking to the media in Nuh, ridiculed all the allegations, claiming that Rizwan was only in touch with his relatives in Pakistan and “was not part of any anti-national activities”.Before Rizwan’s arrest, Haryana police had detained two other residents of Nuh on similar charges. In May, police arrested Mohammad Tarif, a quack in Kangarka in Tauru Sadar, for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with Pakistani handlers and supplying Indian SIM cards to operatives linked to the Pakistan High Commission (HC) in Delhi. He was allegedly sharing sensitive details of the Indian Air Force with people in Pakistan in exchange for money. Tarif, in his confession video, said he was in touch with Pakistan HC officials Asim Baloch and Zafar.He allegedly shared the location, videos and photos of the IAF station in Sirsa with Zafar, who sent those details to people in Pakistan. He went to Pakistan thrice.Two days before Tarif’s arrest, police had arrested Arman (26) from Rajaka village in Nuh for allegedly sharing information with Pakistani contacts. The police recovered a mobile phone from him.According to police, he was in touch with Pakistani operatives in India since 2023 and used more than 15 mobile phones and was in contact with around 70 Pakistan-based numbers saved under coded aliases such as “Ashan Don” and “G”. The repeated arrests have heightened concerns among intelligence agencies about the emergence of an alleged ISI-linked espionage network operating from parts of Nuh/Mewat. More arrests and digital forensic leads are expected as the probe continues.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Player Auction, held in New Delhi on Thursday, delivered one of the most competitive bidding days in the league’s young history. All five franchises aggressively pursued top-tier talent as they completed their squads, eventually signing 67 players by the end of the event.

The auction witnessed multiple seven-figure deals, reflecting the growing commercial value and popularity of women’s cricket in India. Teams entered the auction with clear strategies – some targeting experienced internationals, others focusing on emerging talent – and bidding wars quickly pushed prices well beyond base values.

Deepti Sharma tops the charts as franchises push prices higher

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the most expensive buy of the WPL 2026 Auction. The UP Warriorz secured her for a massive ₹3.2 crore, far above her base price of ₹50 lakh. Her ability to control the middle overs, contribute with the bat and bring leadership experience made her a must-have pick for the franchise.

Close behind was New Zealand star Amelia Kerr, snapped up by the Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore. One of the world’s best all-rounders, Kerr has consistently been a match-winner in both league and international cricket, making her one of the day’s most anticipated signings.

UP Warriorz dominate big signings with multiple high-value picks

The UP Warriorz were among the most active teams at the top end of the auction. Along with Deepti Sharma, they bolstered their lineup by signing seasoned pacer Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 crore, making her the third-costliest buy of the day. Her experience and reliability with the new ball made her a prized acquisition.

The team also secured Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore, adding a world-class leader and one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket history. In addition, rising talent Phoebe Litchfield joined their squad for ₹1.2 crore, giving the Warriorz a strong blend of youth and experience.

Delhi Capitals strengthen middle order and bowling depth

The Delhi Capitals also made headline-worthy moves with two value-equivalent signings. They roped in Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani, each for ₹1.3 crore, strengthening both their middle-order batting and seam-bowling options.

South African opener and captain Laura Wolvaardt, known for her consistency in top-order roles across formats, was added for ₹1.1 crore. Her reliability in high-pressure chases and tournament experience makes her a key addition for Delhi.

Gujarat Giants add power with Sophie Devine’s purchase

The Gujarat Giants made one of the most strategic moves of the auction by securing explosive New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore. With her power-hitting ability and knack for producing breakthroughs, Devine’s signing was one of the day’s most celebrated buys.

Also READ: Fans stunned as Australia captain Alyssa Healy goes unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction

Top 10 costliest player buys in WPL 2026 Auction

1. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹3.2 Cr
2. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹3 Cr
3. Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹40 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹2.4 Cr
4. Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹2 Cr
5. Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.9 Cr
6. Chinelle Henry (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.3 Cr
7. Shree Charani (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.3 Cr
8. Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.2 Cr
9. Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.1 Cr
10. Asha Sobhana (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.1 Cr

Also READ: WPL 2026 Auction – Complete squads of all 5 teams

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