After the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire and expressed hope for lasting peace, Pakistan took much of the credit for playing mediator between the two countries. However, Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies and former US Treasury counterterrorism analyst, said Pakistan is deeply indebted to China.
By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.
Riteish Deshmukh brings earnestness to the role, but the gravitas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj calls for a towering presence, resonant voice and sharp, piercing gaze, which are somewhat missing in Raja Shivaji, notes Mayur Sanap.
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are facing concerns about the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens as they prepare for their first home game of the IPL season. Despite a complete overhaul in coaching staff and squad, the team's think-tank and head coach Abhishek Nayar have expressed unease about the surfaces, which may not suit their spin strengths.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be optimistic about securing their second consecutive win in the IPL as they face Chennai Super Kings, who are struggling with Sanju Samson's form and a lack of strong bowling options.
Akshay Bhatia, a three-time PGA Tour winner, is set to make his debut at the Hero Indian Open, fulfilling a long-held ambition to play in his parents' home country. The tournament features a strong field, including defending champion Eugenio Chacarra and Ryder Cup hero Francesco Molinari.
As Iran heads into crucial peace talks with the United States of America, here are the six men who decide the Islamic Republic's course.
Analysts predict that the ongoing conflict in West Asia, crude oil prices, and global trends will significantly influence the Indian stock market in the upcoming holiday-shortened week. Foreign investor activity and rupee movement will also be crucial.
'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'
Form and familiarity favour India in T20 World Cup
Like the best crowd-pleasers, Project Hail Mary makes you laugh, it makes you weep a little, it keeps you riveted and then leaves you with a big smile by the end, notes Mayur Sanap.
Aakash Chopra backs Virat Kohli for a big IPL 2026 season, while Rohit Sharma's aggressive approach and MS Dhoni's tough role come under focus.
Ravichandran Ashwin praises Virat Kohli's energy and intensity in his return to T20 cricket, highlighting his impact on the game and Jacob Duffy's impressive IPL debut for RCB.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is adapting the 2026 Pakistan Super League due to a fuel shortage, with matches played without fans and at only two venues.
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene discusses the team's preparation for the IPL season opener and their strategy to break their long-standing losing streak on opening days.
Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar has acknowledged the significant role veteran Mohammed Shami plays in his ongoing development, highlighting Shami's constant guidance and support.
Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has joined the Indian senior men's team camp in Kochi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, pending FIFA clearance.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya discusses his journey from a 'pure batter' to a key player, crediting hard work and Mumbai Indians' scouting system for his success.
'This could well be a season where Rohit Sharma is going to bring back his T20 batting in the IPL.'
TransUnion Cibil CEO Bhavesh Jain highlights the improved retail portfolio quality in January but stresses the need for lenders to continuously engage with borrowers on credit usage and repayment, similar to the approach taken during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the impact of the Iran war on credit quality is still being assessed.
The United States, boosted by a win over the Netherlands, will face Namibia in a crucial Group A match, needing a victory to keep their Super Eight hopes alive in the T20 World Cup.
Bengaluru FC appoint former India coach Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development, aiming to strengthen its grassroots pathway and nurture local talent.
Police in Faridabad have arrested two individuals, including the son of a club owner, following a violent altercation at a birthday celebration in Omaxe World Street. The incident involved a dispute over music, resulting in injuries and allegations of assault and robbery.
The Lucknow Super Giants head into IPL 2026 with a simple goal -- fix what went wrong last season.
If there's one star who truly embodies the spirit of the full on desi girl, it's Priyamani.
Mumbai cricketers stole the spotlight in a thrilling IPL 2026 match, as Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube shone for Chennai Super Kings, while Shreyas Iyer guided Punjab Kings to victory.
Bengaluru FC has appointed Savio Medeira, former Indian national team coach, as their head of youth development, aiming to strengthen the pathway for young players to the first team.
Even the great Kohli could only watch in pure admiration as Devedutt Padikkal set the stage on fire to power RCB to an emphatic victory.
Defending champions India U20 will face Bhutan in the semi-finals of the SAFF U20 Championship, while Nepal will play Bangladesh in the other semi-final. India topped Group B after a win against Pakistan and a draw against Bangladesh. Coach Mahesh Gawli has praised his players' performance but stressed the need for more clinical finishing and defensive focus.
Pakistan have somehow survived the financial loss of not being able to play India bilaterally for two decades now, said former ICC Head of Communications Sami-ul-Hasan Burney.
The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.
India women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur stated that the ODI World Cup crown at home last year instilled the crucial confidence and self-belief needed to pursue more titles, including the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Anil Gurav, once hailed as Mumbai's 'Vivian Richards' and an Achrekar prodigy, dies at 61-his story a poignant tale of talent that never fulfilled its promise.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag emphasises the importance of allowing young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to develop without undue pressure, while coach Kumar Sangakkara focuses on the team's flexibility and depth for the upcoming IPL season.
Shardul Thakur and Jasprit Bumrah swung the momentum in Mumbai Indians' favour, restricting KKR after a blazing start in the IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede.
Cooper Connolly slammed a fine unbeaten fifty as Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by three wickets in their opening Indian Premier League match on Tuesday.
From sporty cloth bands to jewel-studded statement pieces, fashionistas are proving that this simple hair accessory can completely transform a look.
Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has criticised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for retaining head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key following England's Ashes defeat, questioning the lack of accountability.
With Income Tax Act 2025 in force, your tax choice can quietly cost you big money if you're not paying attention. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains how
Kolkata Knight Riders' high-profile acquisition Cameron Green has resumed bowling in the nets and is "not far away" from doing so in an IPL match, bowling coach Tim Southee said.
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