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.
EXCLUSIVE: Rahul Dravid on iconic Eden Gardens win against Australia in 2001
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.
Veteran writer Salim Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital on February 17 after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The veteran screenwriter is still under medical observation, and fans continue to pray for his speedy recovery. In a recent interaction with the paparazzi, Arbaaz Khan shared an update on his father’s health.
Arbaaz Khan gives update about Salim Khan’s health.
Arbaaz Khan gives update on Salim Khan’s health
Arbaaz was recently spotted attending an Iftar party in Mumbai. As he left the gathering, the actor was surrounded by paparazzi. While interacting with them, Arbaaz spoke about his father’s health and said, “He is better now, he’s improving now. Dad is better.” When another paparazzo asked him about Salim Khan’s discharge from the hospital, he replied, “Soon. Inshallah.”
Salim Khan’s hospitalisation
The veteran writer was admitted to the ICU of Lilavati Hospital on February 17 by his personal doctor. Soon after the news broke, Salman Khan was seen rushing to the hospital to visit his father.
A day later, the doctor treating the veteran writer shared that Salim Khan had undergone a small procedure after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Speaking to the media, Dr Jalil Parkar revealed that Salim had experienced a minor haemorrhage.
“There was minimal brain haemorrhage. A small procedure was done this morning, and it was accomplished. He is fine and stable, but is still on a ventilator. By tomorrow, hopefully, we will take him off the ventilator. All in all, he’s doing quite well. Keeping his age in mind, the recovery time is longer,” he said.
The doctor also stated that Salim Khan’s blood pressure was “high” when he was admitted and that he was experiencing some “jerks”. “He was given immediate care at the hospital,” he added.
Several stars, including Sanjay Dutt, Aamir Khan and Malaika Arora, visited the veteran writer in hospital. However, the family has not released an official statement regarding his health so far. Fans are now awaiting news of his discharge.
About Arbaaz Khan’s recent work
Arbaaz Khan was most recently seen in the 2026 action drama film Bihu Attack. Helmed by Suzad Iqbal Khan, the film was produced by Prabir Kanta Saha and Dev Menaria. It also featured Daisy Shah, Rahul Dev, Raza Murad, Yukti Kapoor and Hiten Tejwani. The film received mixed reviews upon its release. The actor is yet to announce his next project.
On the personal front, Arbaaz embraced fatherhood again when he welcomed his first child, a baby girl, with Sshura Khan in 2025. The couple named their daughter Sipaara Khan. Previously, Arbaaz was married to Malaika Arora, and the former couple share a son, Arhaan Khan.
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.
Riding high on a solitary strike by Hrihaan Jagtap, Campion School (Colaba) edged Ascend International School (BKC) 1-0 to win the boys U-10 Dream Sports Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) inter-school football Super Cup at Azad Maidan on Tuesday.
Ascend started on the front foot and dominated the early exchanges. Their first chance came in the fourth minute when Aveer Kothari found himself in a promising position close to goal, but Campion goalkeeper Arjun Talwar Khiani reacted swiftly to produce a fine save.
Ascend continued to press and looked the more attacking side in the opening half. In the 12th minute, Aushim Sagar attempted to break the deadlock with a well-struck free-kick from outside the box, but custodian Arjun was alert again to gather the ball comfortably, ensuring the first half ended goalless. After the break, Campion gradually began to find their rhythm. Their persistence paid off in the 17th minute when Hrihaan stepped up to take a free-kick from just outside the penalty area. The youngster delivered a superb strike that curled into the top right corner of the net, giving Campion the crucial lead.
Ascend pushed hard for the equaliser and earned a final opportunity in the form of a late corner kick. Aveer rose well to meet Aushim’s cross with a firm header, but goalie Arjun once again came to his team’s rescue with another brilliant save to ensure the score remained unchanged and in favour of Campion. This was the second title for Campion School in the U-10 category after they won the MSSA boys U-10 Division I title, beating Bombay Scottish (Mahim) 1-0 in the final in February.
Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, Bombay Scottish (Mahim) defeated Sacred Heart (Santacruz) 4-0. Nivaan Sohal scored a brace, while Ayushman Singh and Nirhaad Singh added a goal each.
Mumbai woke up to a thick layer of smog across several parts of the city on Thursday, reducing visibility. Bollywood star Deepika Padukone raised serious concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai and urged authorities to take urgent action for the health of its citizens.
Deepika Padukone reacts to Mumbai’s Poor AQI.
Deepika Padukone expresses concern over Mumbai’s poor AQI
Taking to Instagram Stories, the actor shared a screenshot of the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) map, which showed alarming pollution levels across several parts of the metropolitan region.
Expressing worry over the situation, Deepika wrote, “The citizens of this city and its children are choking! How is this okay!?” She also tagged the city’s civic authorities, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and its health department, urging them to take immediate action. Mumbai’s AQI has been recorded at 159, which falls under the ‘unhealthy’ air quality category.
Before Deepika, actors Saiyami Kher and Richa Chadha had also raised concerns about Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality. Saiyami wrote on Instagram, “I started running a decade ago. Every morning, I’d find myself on Carter Road, chasing the ocean breeze. That wind is what made me fall in love with this city and running. I want to feel it again. And dystopian as it is, I put on a mask before lacing my shoes. It took me back to the pandemic. Except there’s no virus in the air endangering our life. The air itself could kill us.”
Richa, meanwhile, called the poor AQI a “manmade tragedy” and expressed disappointment over the lack of prominent voices speaking up about the issue. Mumbai’s AQI levels have been concerning since February.
About Deepika Padukone’s upcoming work
Deepika Padukone will next be seen in Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film King. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role along with Suhana Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Saurabh Shukla and Abhishek Bachchan in key roles. The film will mark Shah Rukh and Deepika’s sixth collaboration after blockbusters such as Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Jawan and Pathaan. One of the most anticipated films of the year, King is scheduled to release in theatres on December 24.
Deepika also has Atlee’s upcoming project AA22 A6 in the pipeline. The yet-untitled film is said to be a sci-fi actioner and stars Allu Arjun in the lead role. It is currently under production and is expected to release in 2027.
Deepika was also earlier attached to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit but reportedly exited the project after her alleged demand for an eight-hour work shift and a share in the profits did not sit well with the makers. She will also not be part of the ongoing shoot for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, which is currently under production.
Naga Chaitanya has unveiled a dramatic six-pack transformation for his upcoming adventure thriller, ‘Vrusha Karma.’ The actor shared a gym photo as his character Arjun, showcasing a muscular physique and rugged beard. This intense physical makeover for the treasure hunter role has generated significant excitement among fans, who are eager to see his powerful new avatar.
Naga Chaitanya has set social media buzzing after sharing a new gym photo from his upcoming film ‘Vrusha Karma.’The actor posted the picture on Instagram with the caption “Being Arjun,” referring to his character in the film. The photo went viral and attracted significant attention. Real and fictional Hollywood figures alike whispered in awe about the actor’s muscular physique. In the image, Naga Chaitanya is working out with dumbbells, showing his intense physical transformation for the role.
In the viral picture, Naga Chaitanya has a well-built body with washboard abs. The actor also sports a beard, giving him a more rugged and powerful appearance. Fans accustomed to seeing him in soft romantic roles were excited by this new avatar. Many users flooded the comment section with fire emojis and messages praising his transformation. Some fans even said this could be the most powerful physical makeover of his career so far.
Transformation for the adventurous role of Arjun
The upcoming film ‘Vrusha Karma’ is an adventure thriller where Naga Chaitanya plays a treasure hunter named Arjun. He dedicated countless hours working out at the gym for the strenuous role. Contrary to his past films, where he mainly changed his appearance through hair and costumes, this time he is concentrating on his physique. The fierceness evident in his eyes and body language in the picture suggests the movie will feature many intense scenes and action-packed moments.
Film directed by Karthik Dandu with Meenakshi Chaudhary
‘Vrusha Karma’ is directed by Karthik Dandu, who earlier gained attention with the hit film ‘Virupaksha.’ Actress Meenakshi Chaudhary plays the female lead opposite Naga Chaitanya. With a unique story about mysteries and ancient secrets, the film is already generating curiosity among fans. Though the viral gym picture recently hit the news, the project concept has already created the desired hype. More details about the film are expected to be announced soon.
India`s top doubles player Yuki Bhambri and his partner Goran Goransson advanced to the quarterfinals of the men`s doubles event at the Indian Wells Masters after registering a straight-set win over the pair of Sander Arends and Jiri Lehecka.
Bhambri and Goransson produced a solid performance to defeat Arends and Lehecka 6-4 6-4 in the pre-quarterfinal clash that lasted one hour and 14 minutes. They did not face any break point in the match and broke their rivals twice.
The Indo-Swedish pair maintained control through most of the match, securing a crucial break in each set to seal the contest in straight sets.
Bhambri and Goransson will take on Alexander Erler of Austria and Andrea Vavassori from Italy in the last-eight stage of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
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The joint US-Israeli attack on Iran and the Iranian counter-attack have pushed West Asia into another cycle of conflict. The theater of conflict changes, but the conflict in West Asia does not end. Fragility increases. Clouds of uncertainty are looming on the West Asian horizon. What is more important is the export of energy. The supply chain has been seriously affected. The Strait of Hormuz is the most affected. Iran exerts its geopolitical influence around the strait. The supply chain chokepoint is under Iranian control. Iran makes it a weapon. The Strait of Hormuz reportedly sees more action and reaction, as it controls oil exports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly closed the strait to ship traffic, particularly from the US, Israel, Europe and other Western allies. The movement of commercial ships has been halted due to fears of a possible attack by the IRGC. The impact of this shutdown has affected the energy market and increased energy prices. The Global South will suffer an energy shock. The global recession is soon going to hit the common people. Symptoms are visible. If the shutdown continues, energy prices could rise to between $145 and $185 per barrel of crude oil. Market instability will continue.
File photo: The Luojiashan tanker sits anchored in Muscat, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman March 7, 2026, as Iran vowed to close the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters/Benoit Tessier/File photo (Reuters)
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea channel that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Its length is about 100 miles and width is 21 miles. The coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz are Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. It is an important transit route for oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf. It is an oil chokepoint that determines the global economy. The global economy is dependent on energy. The military increase in the Strait of Hormuz has made the situation critical. Shipping chokepoints have once again gained importance. It has been placed at the center of turbulent geopolitics through vital shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s Trojan horse. It allows passage of shipments of up to 20 million barrels per day. This accounts for about one-fifth of global petroleum consumption. About 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar passes through the strait. Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s bypass pipelines cannot handle the load in the event of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The lack of strong alternatives raises fears of a potential escalation of conflict, which could lead to supply chain and energy crises. Iran understands the geopolitics of the Strait. This is a fertile field for psychological pressure tactics. Suppressing the supply chain is the IRGC’s main objective and a means of taking revenge on its adversaries.
Asian energy vulnerabilities may increase as 80% of oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Energy is transported through the strait to Asia’s major powers and energy dependent countries, China, India, Japan and South Korea. Oil prices are projected to rise if the conflict continues beyond a certain point. There are already signs of a bounce back. Prolonged conflict could lead to an energy crisis and global recession.
The Gulf countries that depend on the strait to export oil and gas to the global market are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia exports 5.3 million barrels a day through this sea route, although it has an east-west pipeline to the Red Sea. But this pipeline cannot be completely trusted. It uses the strait for effective supply and easy access. Iraq’s southern exports depend on the strait, although there are pipelines through Türkiye to northern areas. The UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah pipeline is at capacity limits. It relies on the strait for exports of 1.8 million barrels per day. Kuwait has no option. Its dependence is entirely on the strait. Qatar is also mostly dependent on waterways. Iran most needs the strait to supply China with 1.5-1.6 million barrels of oil per day. Iran, which is facing sanctions, considers China as the only source of its energy exports. Therefore, Iran’s dependence on the strait is irreplaceable. Bahrain also has no option. Sea route is its only export route. 50 percent of China’s oil imports come through this route. 60 percent of India’s LNG and 30 to 50 percent of crude imports pass through this route. There will be rapid loss in crude. If the quarrel continues for a long time, there will be more sorrow. South Korea depends on the strait for 80% of its energy needs. As the conflict escalates, their vulnerabilities increase. Major companies such as Maersk, MSC and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended transit. They re-route via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit time and costs. Marine insurance premiums have started increasing. The cost of super tankers has also increased rapidly. This complicates the ground situation.
The Strait is Iran’s weapon of asymmetric warfare. Iran cannot win through conventional war. It cannot compete with the technologically sophisticated and powerful American-Israeli military. This will play a psychological game to prolong the war. America is impatient to end the war. Iran understands America’s impatience. This will prolong the war through asymmetric means. Iran will use this chokepoint to exert psychological pressure. This soft weapon is called psychological erosion. Iran’s IRGC reportedly announced no ship movements in the strait. Critical energy corridors pose a security threat and the potential for sudden bursts of kinetic action. Permanent closure of the strait would also harm Iran and its economy. Its oil supply to China will be affected. The blockade will impose restrictions and hardship. But if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, Iran’s poor economy will collapse. This will be unfavorable for Iran. He is left with no option. Its only alternative is to adopt asymmetric means. Economic coercion through blockade of the strait will harm Iran and the world. This reportedly allows Chinese and Russian ships to transit the waterways of the strait. This selective route complicates the matter. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) states that no coastal state can unilaterally block international transit routes. The United States maintains a free navigation approach to ensure uninterrupted energy supply. Selective entry of Chinese and Russian ships as well as restrictions on other ships will increase tensions. The US targets Iranian assets along the strait to prevent the IRGC from completely disabling the transit route.
In addition to economic pressure by closing the strait, Iran has reportedly targeted Israel (Beit Shemesh, Haifa and Tel Aviv), United Arab Emirates (Jebel Ali Port, Burj AI Arab Hotel and Palm Jumeirah), Saudi Arabia (US Embassy in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco Refinery), Bahrain (US Naval Base in Manama and the Port of Bahrain), Kuwait (Kuwait International Airport and US Embassy), Qatar (LNG operating facilities), Iraq (Erbil International Airport and America) is attacked. Consulates), Oman (Duqm and Salalah), Azerbaijan, Cyprus (British airbase) and Jordan are using drones and missiles after the joint US-Israeli strike. This led to costly interceptor operations, downing of Iranian drones, offensive attacks on Iranian facilities, airspace closures, formal condemnations, and mediation meltdowns. These countries can use Article 51 of the UN Charter to respond militarily. Despite retaliatory measures, Iran opts for shadow war and stealthy conduct. The conflict will be unfavorable. Anarchy is its measured strategy. This will lead to regional instability and economic and political costs for Iran’s adversaries. The cost asymmetry involves the use of low-cost Shaheed-136 drones and forces Israel and the US to deploy Arrow interceptors and Patriot systems. The latter cost $2 million to $4 million per shot, while the former cost $20,000 to $50,000. Iran targets digital infrastructure in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to disable digital services, causing disruption as a soft economic target. It attacks Qatari LNG facilities and Saudi Aramco refineries to paralyze energy. Iran’s launch platforms are protected by underground tunnel complexes. This maintains Iran’s retaliatory capability. Iran has decentralized command down to the rank and file to pursue asymmetric warfare. Its ideological indoctrination for more than four decades has created a fighting force that is invincible and adept at asymmetric warfare. Its objective is to trap the opponent in a maze of inconclusive war.
The Iran-US-Israel war impacts India, especially its trade and energy. Its largest diaspora is in West Asia and their security is India’s primary concern. The Strait of Hormuz is important for India, as it transits 50% of India’s crude oil imports and 60% of its LNG imports. The increase in fuel prices will impact Indians, Indian industry and other important sectors. India is an energy-dependent country. Energy and inflation are dependent on each other. The risk of inflation will fall on the poor. Freight costs impact the fertilizer industry. This will affect farming. Indian Rupee is falling because recession is in front of us. Shipments of basmati rice and electronic exports to GCC countries have been stuck due to supply chain disruptions. Shipping costs are skyrocketing. Fertilizer imports from the GCC, especially potash and nitrogen, are stuck due to supply chain issues. Operation Sindhu is underway to evacuate Indian migrants and citizens from conflict-torn areas. International flights are canceled due to airspace closure. Changing routes to avoid Iranian airspace comes at a higher cost. Increase in aviation fuel prices increases airfares. The aviation industry is facing challenges. However, uncertainty remains large. Given Iran’s ability to continue the war in an asymmetric manner, it is difficult to predict a formal end to the war.
This article is written by Jajati K Patnaik, Professor, Center for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and Chandan Panda, Professor, Central University of Karnataka, Karnataka.
Television actress Dipika Kakar recently opened up about her emotional recovery after undergoing surgery to remove a cyst from her liver. The actress shared that although she is gradually healing, the experience has left her feeling anxious about upcoming medical tests and follow-ups.
Dipika Kakar on her cyst surgery
Dipika, who previously faced a serious liver health issue, underwent surgery after doctors detected a cyst near her liver. Fortunately, the condition was identified in time and doctors were able to remove it successfully. She has since returned home and is now focusing on rest and recovery.
In a recent vlog shared by her husband Shoaib Ibrahim, the actress spoke candidly about how the entire experience has affected her emotionally. Shoaib revealed that Dipika has been following a careful routine during her recovery, which includes waking up early, taking gentle walks and maintaining a balanced diet to support her healing process.
Despite trying to remain positive, Dipika admitted that the previous health scare has left a lingering fear. Speaking about her current emotional state, she said, “I am yet to heal. After the last time, a fear has been instilled in me, and I get scared now.”
The actress also revealed that she feels anxious whenever conversations turn to upcoming medical tests, particularly the blood reports she has to undergo as part of her post-surgery follow-up. According to Shoaib, even mentioning these tests sometimes makes her emotional.
What scares her the most?
Sharing her thoughts on dealing with the uncertainty, Dipika said she continues to rely on faith to stay strong. “Everyone keeps saying to keep faith. I keep praying all the time that all stays well going forward,” she said.
Shoaib also acknowledged how such health challenges can leave a lasting emotional impact even after the surgery is over. “No matter how much we laugh and have fun, in the back of the mind these things stay,” he shared.
Dipika explained that recovery is not just about physical healing but also about dealing with the emotional aftermath of a health scare. Some days feel easier than others, while on certain days the memories of the experience make her feel more vulnerable.
However, the actress remains hopeful as she continues her recovery journey. Surrounded by the support of her family, friends and fans, Dipika is gradually returning to normal life while prioritising her health and well-being.
