The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stopped preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 amid uncertainty over Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament, scheduled to be held next month in India and Sri Lanka. The move follows Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh’s demand that its matches be shifted out of India.According to a report by Pakistani news outlet Geo News, the PCB halted preparations after Pakistan backed Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for its World Cup matches. Pakistan has indicated that it could reconsider its own participation if the issue remains unresolved.
After T20 World Cup Move, Bangladesh Now Bans IPL 2026 Broadcast Amid Mustafizur Rahman Row
The development followed talks between officials from Dhaka and Islamabad on Saturday, during which Pakistan expressed full support for Bangladesh’s stance, citing security concerns. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister and a Senator, was involved in the discussions.Geo News reported, quoting sources, that Pakistan would review its participation in the tournament if Bangladesh’s concerns are not addressed.The crisis began after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the 2026 Indian Premier League on the BCCI’s instructions, citing unspecified “developments all around.” Since then, discussions between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have failed to produce a resolution.The BCB has stated that Bangladesh will not travel to India for its group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, citing “security concerns”.With the tournament schedule already finalised, the ICC has shown reluctance to move Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, the co-host nation, where the India-Pakistan match is scheduled to be held under the existing agreement for ICC events until 2027.If Bangladesh does not take part in the tournament, Scotland is likely to be named as the replacement team based on current rankings. Bangladesh are scheduled to play three league matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.The BCB has insisted on either a venue change or a group change so that its matches can be played in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh are currently placed in Group C along with West Indies, Italy, England and Nepal.In its last meeting with ICC officials in Dhaka, the BCB proposed swapping places with Ireland in Group B, which includes Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe. This would allow Bangladesh to play all its league matches in Sri Lanka.“…the possibility of moving Bangladesh to a different group as a means of facilitating the matter with minimum logistical adjustments was discussed,” the BCB said after the meeting on Saturday.While the BCB has said it considers travel to India unsafe for its players, the ICC’s risk assessment report has not identified any specific or direct threat to the Bangladesh team’s participation in the tournament.
Let the energy of January 20 illuminate your path with wisdom, intuition, and a deeper connection to your inner self. Discover what the Tarot cards reveal for your sun sign today as Deepali Rawtani, Tarot Mentor & Chakra Healer, shares insights on it.
Aries — The Emperor
Aries, today calls you into a position of authority and responsibility. The Emperor urges you to take control of a situation that requires firm structure and disciplined action. Whether in career, family, or personal goals, your leadership skills are highlighted. Success comes not from force, but from clear boundaries, strategic planning, and steady confidence. Trust your ability to lead wisely.
Taurus — Ten of Pentacles
Taurus, stability and long-term security take center stage. The Ten of Pentacles brings themes of family support, financial comfort, and lasting abundance. You may feel grounded by loved ones or reassured by progress toward a stable future. This is a favorable day for planning investments, strengthening family bonds, or appreciating the security you’ve worked hard to build.
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Gemini — Six of Pentacles
Gemini, balance in giving and receiving flows smoothly today. The Six of Pentacles suggests financial assistance, emotional support, or acts of generosity—either offered by you or received. This card reminds you that healthy exchanges are mutual. Stay open to help without guilt, and give without expectation. Fairness restores harmony.
Cancer — Page of Pentacles
Cancer, a fresh opportunity presents itself in the realm of learning, career, or finances. The Page of Pentacles signals curiosity, growth, and the beginning of something practical and promising. You may receive news related to studies, skill development, or a small financial opening that holds long-term potential. Approach it with patience and dedication.
Leo — Six of Wands
Leo, recognition and success follow your efforts today. The Six of Wands indicates victory, appreciation, or public acknowledgment for work well done. Your confidence grows as others validate your achievements. Enjoy the praise, but remain humble—this win is a stepping stone toward even greater accomplishments.
Virgo — Justice
Virgo, clarity and fairness shape your day. Justice highlights truth, accountability, and balanced decisions. Legal matters, contracts, or important choices may surface, requiring honesty and integrity. Karma is active now—what you put out returns. Stay aligned with your values, and trust that fairness will prevail.
Libra — The Star
Libra, hope and healing gently guide you forward. The Star brings renewed faith, emotional calm, and spiritual reassurance. Even if recent times felt uncertain, today restores optimism and trust in the future. This is a beautiful day for self-care, manifestation, and reconnecting with your inner light.
Scorpio — Temperance
Scorpio, balance is returning after emotional extremes. Temperance encourages patience, moderation, and inner harmony. You may find emotional wounds beginning to heal as you blend logic with intuition. This is not a day for rushing—gentle adjustments and calm communication bring lasting peace.
Sagittarius — The World
Sagittarius, a meaningful cycle reaches completion. The World signifies achievement, fulfillment, and closure. You may feel proud of how far you’ve come, whether emotionally, professionally, or spiritually. Celebrate this milestone—something new will soon begin, but first, honor what you’ve successfully finished.
Capricorn — The Hermit
Capricorn, solitude offers clarity today. The Hermit invites you to step back, reflect, and listen to your inner wisdom. You may crave quiet time away from noise or obligations. Answers you seek won’t come from outside sources—trust your inner guidance and allow insight to unfold naturally.
Aquarius — Ace of Swords
Aquarius, mental clarity and truth cut through confusion. The Ace of Swords brings breakthroughs, honest conversations, and sharp decision-making. A new idea or realization helps you see a situation clearly. Speak your truth confidently, but with awareness—your words carry power today.
Pisces — Nine of Pentacles
Pisces, self-worth and independence shine brightly. The Nine of Pentacles reflects personal success earned through patience and dedication. You may enjoy financial comfort, emotional confidence, or the satisfaction of standing on your own. This is a reminder to appreciate your growth and honor your journey.
US weather forecasters warn of extremely cold temperatures, potential for winter storms across several states.
Published On 20 Jan 202620 Jan 2026
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More than 100 vehicles smashed into each other or slid off the interstate highway in Michigan as a snowstorm made conditions “treacherous” for road travel in the US state.
The huge pile-up on Monday prompted the Michigan State Police to close both directions of Interstate 196 highway just southwest of Grand Rapids, while officials worked to remove all the vehicles, including more than 30 trailer trucks.
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Michigan State Police said there were numerous injuries from the crashes, but none were “believed to be fatal”.
Still images and videos posted on social media and published by local publications showed trucks and other vehicles piled up along a stretch of snow-covered highway.
The crash is just the latest impact from a severe winter storm moving across the country.
The US National Weather Service has issued warnings about either extremely cold temperatures or the potential for winter storms across several states, starting in northern Minnesota and stretching south and east into Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
Pedro Mata Jr, a motorist, told The Associated Press news agency that he could barely see the cars in front of him as the snow blew across the road, while driving 32-40 km/h (20-25 mph), before the pile-up.
He was able to stop his pick-up truck safely, but then decided to pull off the road into the median to avoid being hit from behind.
“It was a little scary just listening to everything, the bangs and booms behind you. I saw what was in front of me. I couldn’t see what was behind me, exactly,” Mata said.
Officials urged motorists to slow down in the “treacherous” conditions, with the winter storm continuing to dump snow on the region and temperatures expected to fall to -22 degrees Celsius (-8 degrees Fahrenheit) including wind chill.
Forecasters have also warned that freezing temperatures are possible overnight into Tuesday across much of north-central Florida and southeast Georgia.
Madison Keys makes a roaring comeback in the first set against Oleksandra Olinykova. The defending was two breaks down, trailing 0-4 at one stage but made a sensational comeback to take the game into a tie break, where she was again trailing 0-4. However, Keys held her nerve to take the first set.
Madison Keys beats Oleksandra Olinykova 7-6 (8-6) in first set
Harshit Rana’s journey in Indian cricket over the past year has been remarkable. The right-arm pacer earned his first call-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2023-24 and later surprised many when he was chosen ahead of Mohammed Siraj for the Champions Trophy squad. His stock rose further under Gautam Gambhir, who became India’s coach after a successful stint mentoring Kolkata Knight Riders, where he had worked closely with Rana. His inclusion across all formats raised some eyebrows. Rana is categorised as one of the few all-format players in the current Indian setup – an ace that even players like Shubman Gill, Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer are still striving to achieve.
Harshit Rana was one of the positives for India in the New Zealand ODIs. (AP)
Though Harshit has yet to make a big impact in Test cricket, he has steadily made his mark in the white-ball formats, becoming a regular in India’s playing XI. His ability to bat lower down the order has helped him move up the pecking order, adding more depth to the team beyond his pace bowling. Rana first showed his batting under pressure in T20Is at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, scoring a crucial 35 runs and demonstrating the extra firepower he brings. India has long struggled to find a lower-order batter who can support a top-order player and keep the innings alive. Rana’s recent performances suggest he could finally fill that gap and give the team a reliable option in the lower middle order.
He took his game to the next level in the recent ODI series against New Zealand. In Vadodara, during a tricky chase, Rana scored a vital 29, striking a couple of boundaries and sixes to inject momentum into the innings. But his defining moment came in the series decider, where he truly unleashed his batting prowess on the big stage. With India’s back against the wall, he crafted a brilliant maiden half-century, scoring 52 off 43 balls, including four sixes and four fours. His innings was instrumental in stitching a 99-run partnership with Virat Kohli, giving India a fighting chance.
Unfortunately, Rana’s dismissal triggered a lower-order collapse, and India fell short, suffering a heavy defeat. Yet, the innings firmly established Rana as a force to be reckoned with in limited-overs cricket, proving that he can turn games and thrive under pressure.
India may have lost the series, but Harshit Rana’s batting emerged as a major positive, earning praise from fans and critics alike. Gambhir also received recognition for backing the young pacer when most were questioning his place. Even as former cricketers like Krishnamachari Srikkanth openly criticised Rana, Gambhir stood firmly behind his player, publicly defending him and calling out the critics.
“It’s shameful that someone wanting to run his YouTube channel is targeting a 23-year-old. If you want to target me, do it. I can handle it, but trolling a 23-year-old kid for YouTube views is shameful,” said Gambhir in a press conference. “His (Rana’s) father is not a selector. He has played cricket on his own merit. Don’t target these young boys.”
Beyond his batting, Harshit has established himself as a genuine wicket-taking option for India in ODIs, particularly with the new ball. In just 14 matches, he has already picked up 26 wickets, the third-highest by an Indian bowler over the same number of games.
Most wickets for India after the first 14 ODIs
32 – Ajit Agarkar
27 – Irfan Pathan
26 – Harshit Rana*
25 – Prasidh Krishna
24 – Ravi Ashwin
24 – Jasprit Bumrah
Even with his many positives, Harshit still has a long way to go in his death bowling. In the third ODI against New Zealand, he gave away 26 runs in the two overs he bowled at the death. Under pressure, he struggled to maintain a consistent line, and while trying to use slower deliveries, he often bowled them in predictable areas. Improving this part of his game is crucial if he wants to secure a regular place in the Indian team. At this stage, fans and critics are quick to turn if mistakes continue. Getting his plans right at the death will be key for Rana to establish himself as a reliable, all-format performer for India.
Warner Bros may be for sale, but the studio’s acclaimed hits “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” are expected to dominate the Oscar nominations when the Academy announces its final contenders Thursday.
Warner hits ‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle’ tipped for Oscar nominations
Both are tipped to rack up a dozen or more nods for Hollywood’s grandest awards ceremony from best picture and best actor to the new best casting prize.
The rare and enviable position of a single Hollywood studio boasting the two clear Oscars frontrunners ironically comes in what could be Warner Bros’ swansong year as an independent distributor.
Warner Bros is the target of a fierce bidding war between Paramount Skydance and Netflix.
Yet despite the struggles of its parent company Warner Bros Discovery, the storied movie studio has enjoyed a banner year, bucking Tinseltown’s obsession with sequels and backing original fare from auteur filmmakers.
“Sinners,” a blues-inflected period horror film about the segregated US South, comes from “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler.
It is expected to land a best actor nomination for Michael B. Jordan, who plays two twins battling vampires and racists in 1930s Mississippi, plus everything from screenplay to score.
According to Variety awards expert Clayton Davis, “Sinners” could break the all-time record for most nominations by a single film currently 14, by “All About Eve,” “Titanic” and “La La Land.”
Coogler is “rewriting the math entirely,” and could enter “a statistical stratosphere no filmmaker has ever touched,” Davis wrote.
But so far this awards season, Paul Thomas Anderson whose formidable, eclectic filmography runs from “Boogie Nights” to “There Will Be Blood” has won almost every prize going for “One Battle After Another.”
A zany thriller about a retired revolutionary looking for his teen daughter against a wild backdrop of radical violence, immigration raids and white supremacists, it broke the all-time record for nominations by Hollywood’s actors guild.
Former best actor Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio is all but certain to secure his seventh acting nomination from the Academy.
Netflix has its own hopefuls in Guillermo del Toro’s monster horror flick “Frankenstein,” tragic Western pioneer drama “Train Dreams” and animated musical sensation “KPop Demon Hunters.”
By contrast, rival Paramount’s awards hopefuls shelf is noticeably bare.
– Best casting –
“Hamnet,” a tragic literary adaptation that imagines William Shakespeare coping with the death of his son, is likely to land a bagful of nominations.
Jessie Buckley, who plays the Bard’s long-suffering wife Agnes, appears a lock for a best actress nomination.
She is likely to be joined by Emma Stone playing an alien or is she? in conspiracy theorist drama “Bugonia,” and Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve in arthouse darling “Sentimental Value.”
With the Academy’s overseas voter base rapidly expanding, “Sentimental Value” is one of a trio of non-English-language films that could contend for best picture.
Along with Persian-language Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just An Accident,” there is also Brazil’s “The Secret Agent,” though “space feels limited” for all three to make the list, wrote Davis.
“The Secret Agent” star Wagner Moura, playing a scientist on the run from Brazil’s 1970s dictatorship, is expected to vie with DiCaprio and Jordan for best actor.
But that category’s frontrunner is Timothee Chalamet, whose turn as a bratty, talented and fiercely ambitious ping pong player in 1950s New York in “Marty Supreme,” has already won a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award and more.
This year sees the introduction of a new Oscar for best casting, honoring the experts who attach actors to projects long before future blockbusters or indie hits begin production.
With no precedent, it is unclear what exactly voters will be looking for.
“Is it star power? Ensemble cohesion? Finding a discovery?” asked Davis.
The nominations will be unveiled Thursday at 5:30am in Los Angeles, with the 98th Oscars ceremony to follow on March 15.
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Washington: The International Monetary Fund on Monday raised India’s economic growth projection for 2025 by a sharp 0.7 percentage point to 7.3 per cent, citing stronger-than-expected performance in the second half of the year, even as it expects growth to moderate in the coming years.
In its World Economic Outlook Update, the IMF said the upward revision reflects a “better-than-expected outturn in the third quarter of the year and strong momentum in the fourth quarter,” underscoring India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.
The IMF projected that India’s growth would ease to 6.4 per cent in 2026 and 2027 as cyclical and temporary factors wane.
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Despite the expected moderation, India remains a key driver of growth among emerging market and developing economies, which the IMF said are projected to expand at just over 4 per cent in 2026 and 2027.
Emerging and developing Asia continues to benefit from strong technology-related investment and trade, even as global momentum becomes uneven.
The update noted that global growth is projected to hold steady at 3.3 per cent in 2026, supported by easing trade tensions, accommodative financial conditions and a surge in investment linked to technology, particularly artificial intelligence.
Inflation trends were also favourable for India. The IMF said inflation in India “is expected to go back to near target levels after a marked decline in 2025, driven by subdued food prices,” offering additional support to domestic demand.
However, the IMF cautioned that risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside. A reassessment of expectations around AI-driven productivity gains could lead to a pullback in investment and tighter global financial conditions, with spillover effects for emerging economies.
On the upside, the Fund said faster adoption of artificial intelligence could lift global growth, provided productivity gains materialise, and financial risks are contained.
Actor Varun Dhawan is currently gearing up for the release of the war drama Border 2. Ahead of the film’s release, he has gone viral on social media for his smile and has also been subjected to trolling over his performance in the Border 2 song Ghar Kab Jaoge. Amid this, Suniel Shetty has come out in support of Varun and expressed his faith in the actor’s performance in the film. He also slammed premature trolling against the young actor.
Suniel Shetty defends Varun Dhawan
In an interview with Bombay Times, Suniel Shetty said, “Has anybody seen the film (Border 2)? Nobody has seen the film. We’ve only seen glimpses. Varun Dhawan will kill it in the film, he’s outstanding. Varun is not playing himself; he is playing a decorated officer who has given his life for the country. I think we should think a little before going out there and saying these things. Today, it’s very easy to trash someone and run them down.”
In the same conversation, Shetty spoke about failure in the film industry, saying, “We always want our kids to be happy, and I am not talking about success. I’m scared of failure in this industry, not success. In other fields, when you fall, you get up and start walking. Here, when you fall, the whole world watches and makes you feel like you’re nothing. People feel Hindi film actors are illiterate and don’t know anything. We know a lot and we are smart. In today’s times, failure is sometimes more celebrated than success, and that’s a fact.”
Varun Dhawan on his trending smile
Last week, Varun Dhawan went live on Instagram to interact with fans while travelling to the Karwar Naval Base for promotions of his upcoming film Border 2. He was accompanied by singer Vishal Mishra.
After greeting fans, Varun said while looking at Vishal, “I know my smile is trending.” He then flashed his now-viral signature smile, leaving netizens amused. As Vishal burst into laughter, Varun asked him to mimic the smile, instructing him to “give a full smile and drop it from one side.” The duo soon broke into laughter, with Varun adding that he was happy the whole of India was smiling along with him.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday took steps to reduce the “stress and pressure” faced by common voters. west bengalSpecial Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR), issuing several binding directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to make the process transparent, accessible and voter-friendly and reiterating that the main objective of the exercise was to ensure that no eligible voter is left out.
A general view of the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi. (Shrikant Singh)
The move, welcomed by Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress, is likely to set a precedent for similar amendment exercises being carried out in other states.
In the 12 states and union territories where the exercise is being carried out, names of a little over 70 million people have been removed from the list, although an HT analysis found that most of the deletions were in areas that have seen significant growth over the past decade and a half, suggesting that the process of de-duplication is underway. Also, in the second phase of verification, wherever there are some discrepancies, the Election Commission is issuing notices – this process is underway in West Bengal – and the Supreme Court has directed that the names of all those to whom notices are issued be published.
“Look at the ongoing stress and tension for the common people. Notices have been issued to more than one crore (10 million) people… We are going to pass certain orders… Whatever reforms have to be done, they should be done in a transparent manner by giving a fair opportunity of being heard without causing any inconvenience to the people in the list,” a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant underlined, adding that although corrective measures in the electoral rolls were acceptable, they cannot come at the cost of fairness, due process and voter confidence.
The bench, also comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing petitions challenging the SIR process in the poll-bound state, amid a bitter political battle between the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and the ECI.
In a move that significantly strengthens the procedural safeguards for affected voters, the court order ensured that those issued notices on alleged discrepancies receive fair notice, adequate assistance and a meaningful opportunity to authenticate their credentials. Now that hearing venues have expanded significantly and written receipts for submissions have been made mandatory, the Court has sought to eliminate uncertainty and allegations of arbitrariness in the process.
Noting concerns over the notices citing vague “logical inconsistencies”, the court directed the ECI to publish the list of all persons to whom such notices have been issued. These lists should be displayed in panchayat and block offices to ensure transparency and public accountability, the bench said.
The bench recorded that around 1.25 crore (12.5 million) notices were issued flagging discrepancies such as spelling variations in names, short age difference between parents and children, and instances where parents were shown as having more than six children.
To reduce the difficulty and make the process truly accessible, the court further directed that the affected voters should be allowed to submit documents or objections with the assistance of a representative, who could be a relative, neighbor or even a booth level agent of a political party, provided a signed or thumb-printed authorization letter is presented. If the documents are found unsatisfactory, voters should be allowed a personal hearing, in which authorized representatives can also participate.
Responding to complaints of voters being forced to travel long distances, the bench ordered that offices for submitting claims and objections be set up in panchayat buildings or block offices. Importantly, election officials were directed to issue written receipts or certificates acknowledging the submission of documents or the conduct of the hearing, thereby providing voters with concrete evidence of compliance.
Addressing the ECI’s fears of possible violence during the hearing, the court placed the responsibility squarely on the state administration. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SP) were directed to deploy adequate staff and forces at the centres, while the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) was made personally responsible to ensure that “no law and order situation” arises and the entire process is completed smoothly.
“We must ensure that the exercise is timely and individuals are given a fair opportunity,” the bench said.
Under SIR practice, “logical anomalies” are classified into seven types, including cases of voters involving more than six offspring; Age difference with parents less than 15 years; Persons above 45 years of age are missing from the 2002 list; Mismatch in fathers’ names between the 2002 and 2005 lists; Age difference with grandparents less than 40 years; Age difference with parents more than 50 years; and gender mismatch with the 2002 list.
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for TMC leaders Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen, argued that minor spelling variations in surnames like “Ganguly” or “Datta” were being treated as anomalies, and notices were issued even where the age difference between parents and children was less than 15 years.
“Why is this a logical anomaly? How can an age difference of 15 years between mother and son be a logical anomaly?” the court asked the ECI, pointing out that child marriages are not uncommon in India.
Senior lawyers Rakesh Dwivedi and Maninder Singh, appearing for the ECI, said officials have been directed not to issue notices for spelling variations, but admitted that cases involving age difference of 15 years or less have been flagged. He also argued that booth level agents, being members of a political party, could not insist on attending every hearing, although a voter was free to authorize any representative, including BLAs.
Senior advocates Shyam Dewan and Kalyan Banerjee supported the petitioners’ case. Diwan alleged that important field-level instructions were being given through WhatsApp messages instead of formal written orders, thereby reducing transparency, while Banerjee claimed that notices were also issued to prominent individuals, including Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and sitting MPs, raising concerns of voter profiling.
Dwivedi rejected the allegations, saying, “If there is to be distrust in the ECI, then the ECI should not conduct elections at all.”
The matter comes in the backdrop of escalating political confrontation between the ECI and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whose government has vehemently opposed the SIR exercise, alleging that it is a ploy to remove names of legitimate voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. “The factor of ‘logical inconsistency’ was not mentioned at the beginning of the SIR process. It was introduced later with the sole intention of removing names of genuine voters,” Banerjee has alleged.
After Monday’s hearing, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention, posting on Twitter: “We wholeheartedly welcome the Supreme Court’s historic direction to the Election Commission. This much-needed intervention has dealt a decisive blow to a cruel, politically motivated and deeply unjust process.”
“The Supreme Court has rightly ordered that the names of those who have been arbitrarily slapped with the vague, sinister label of ‘logical anomaly’ should be published publicly. The BJP-ECI alliance has been exposed as their anti-Bangla landlords,” he said.
The proceedings began with applications filed by TMC MPs, after which the Supreme Court on January 12 sought the ECI’s response on their plea seeking extension of the deadline for filing claims and objections by around 58 lakh (5.8 million) voters whose names were removed from the draft voter list.
The MPs alleged that West Bengal’s SIR process is completely different from the one followed in Bihar, claiming that an unknown software was used to identify anomalies instead of verification on the ground by booth level officials. They also reportedly objected to informal instructions issued through WhatsApp, restrictions on BLA participation and hearings being held at distant administrative centers instead of village level locations.
The draft electoral roll for West Bengal published on December 16, 2025, deleted 5.82 million names, reducing the number of voters from 76.6 million to 70.8 million after the 2025 special summary amendment.
Meanwhile, the ECI has extended the deadline for filing claims and objections under SIR from January 15 to January 19, while January 1, 2026 remains the last date. This extension applied to West Bengal, Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan and Puducherry. The ECI said the decision was taken after representations from Chief Electoral Officers and considering factors related to the ongoing vetting process. The state election machinery has been directed to publicize the revised timelines and strictly follow the updated schedule.
London Spirit have confirmed eight international signings as their first recruits ahead of the 2026 edition of The Hundred, underlining the franchise’s intent to build on recent success with proven T20 specialists. Three of the eight — Charlie Dean, Grace Harris and Jamie Overton — represented the side in 2025, while all signings bring extensive experience in the shortest format.South African prodigy Dewald Brevis will make his debut in The Hundred. Charlie Dean continues her long-standing association with London Spirit, having played for the franchise in every season since The Hundred’s launch in 2021. A member of the title-winning side in 2024, Dean captained Spirit in 2025, guiding the team to the Eliminator.
The making of Cooper Connolly: Australia’s 22-year-old star
Left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur joins from Manchester Originals. Grace Harris returns after a standout 2025 campaign in which she struck a match-winning 89 not out against Oval Invincibles in the season opener.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!All-rounder Marizanne Kapp arrives from Oval Invincibles, bringing vast experience and pedigree. England star Liam Livingstone adds explosive power and versatility. He was men’s Player of the Tournament in the inaugural 2021 season, during which he also smashed the fastest hundred by an Englishman, reaching the landmark in just 42 balls.Jamie Overton, another elite England all-rounder, returns after finishing as London Spirit’s leading wicket-taker in 2025. He was named Player of the Tournament in 2023.Completing the list is Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa, the leading wicket-taker in men’s T20 internationals for his country. Zampa has claimed 30 wickets in The Hundred at an exceptional average of 13.13.Men’s Head Coach Andy Flower and Women’s Head Coach Jon Lewis both praised the quality and balance of the group, highlighting the experience, match-winning ability and leadership the eight players bring as London Spirit begin shaping their 2026 squads.
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Which player are you most excited to see debut for London Spirit in 2026?
“I’m excited to start working with Dewald and Adam and renewing my working relationships with Liam and Jamie. Each player brings phenomenal experience in franchise cricket both in The Hundred and across the world,” said Flower.Women’s Head Coach Jon Lewis said:“It is brilliant to be able to call upon players of such calibre in the women’s game. I am delighted that London Spirit fans will see the return of two favourites in Charlie and Grace and I know Mahika and Marizanne will provide real skill and experience to our bowling attack.”
