Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt a significant blow with the news that their legendary player MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of the IPL 2026 season due to a calf strain. Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and it is expected that he will be sidelined for the early stages of the tournament. In light of Dhoni’s absence, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, who has represented CSK in the past, picked his strongest pl

In today’s IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), RCB players will wear black armbands to honor the memory of the 11 fans who tragically died in a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium last year during celebrations for the franchise's first IPL title. This heartfelt gesture highlights the emotional connection between the team and its supporters. As the match kicks off, both teams will be looking to m

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations on March 28, 2026, called for an immediate halt to attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure in the ongoing Iran war, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce humanitarian and economic fallout. The appeal came in a joint statement issued during a high-level meeting in France, where leaders highlighted growing concerns over civilian safety and regional stability. The ministers stressed that protecting civilian populations remains a top priority, noting that continued attacks on infrastructure and non-combatants risk deepening the crisis. They underscored the importance of coordinated international efforts to limit the conflict’s broader consequences, including disruptions to global supply chains, energy markets, and economic stability that could directly affect citizens worldwide. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the G7 remains firmly committed to minimizing the war’s impact, reiterating that no justification exists for targeting civilians. He emphasized that safeguarding human life must remain central to any military or political response, as tensions continue to escalate in the region. A key focus of the discussions was the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route critical to global energy supplies. The G7 ministers called for the restoration of safe and unrestricted navigation through the passage, warning that instability in the corridor could significantly disrupt international oil and trade flows. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to coordinate closely with European counterparts, including briefing the European Union’s Council of Foreign Affairs, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and address the standoff in the region. Separately, European Union energy ministers are set to convene an emergency virtual meeting to assess the conflict’s impact on energy security across Europe. The meeting, organized under Cyprus’ rotating EU presidency, will focus on safeguarding supply stability amid rising uncertainty linked to the Iran war.

​The United States has initiated indirect diplomatic engagement with Iran through Pakistan, according to Steve Witkoff, a special envoy serving under President Donald Trump. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Witkoff confirmed that a structured 15-point peace proposal has been conveyed to Iranian authorities via Pakistan’s government, marking a renewed attempt to address ongoing tensions through diplomatic channels. Witkoff described the framework as a comprehensive ef

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has released the full schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026, with matches set to be played across 13 venues. The tournament will begin on March 28, 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match. The league stage will feature 70 matches, leading into the playoffs and final, which are scheduled to take place in late May 2026. The complete timetable, including all fixtures, venues, and match timin

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said Iran had sent multiple oil shipments as a goodwill gesture to demonstrate seriousness in ongoing indirect talks, describing the move as a significant signal amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Speaking as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, Trump claimed that Iran provided what he characterised as “10 boats of oil,” framing the shipments as a gesture intended to advance negotiations. He suggested the tankers were operatin

NEW DELHI, India, March 26, 2026 — Narendra Modi on Thursday warned that ongoing global conflicts could trigger a prolonged energy crisis, posing significant risks to economies worldwide, including India. Addressing Parliament, Modi struck a balanced yet firm tone, cautioning that continued geopolitical tensions may disrupt global energy markets and supply chains. He sai

WASHINGTON — March 26, 2026: President Donald Trump on Thursday cast renewed doubt on the likelihood of reaching a peace agreement with Iran, indicating that any meaningful progress would depend on Tehran’s willingness to shift its current stance amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump emphasized that Iran must take the first step if a deal is to materialize. He expressed uncertainty over wheth

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, but made it clear that this does not signify formal negotiations with Washington. In an interview with state television, Araghchi emphasized that while messages have been exchanged through intermediaries, they do not equate to talks with the US government. "There are no talks with the US," Araghchi bluntly stated, reiterating Iran's stance of no direct engagement wit

India has firmly ruled out any role as a mediator in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stating that New Delhi does not engage in diplomatic brokerage. His remarks came during an all-party meeting convened to brief political leaders on the government’s approach to the escalating West Asia crisis and its implications for India’s strategic interests. Addressing concerns raised by opposition leaders, Jaishankar clarified that India’s foreign policy is guided by its national priorities rather than intermediary roles. He noted that attempts by countries such as Pakistan to position themselves as mediators are not new, adding that such efforts have historically aligned with external interests. Government sources emphasized that India has been actively responding to developments in the region and rejected claims that it has remained silent. The meeting also focused on India’s preparedness in ensuring energy security and safeguarding its citizens in the Gulf region. Officials highlighted that maintaining stable crude oil supplies remains a key priority, particularly as tensions threaten critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The government informed leaders that advance procurement measures have been taken and that India is currently sourcing oil and gas from a diversified network of 41 countries to mitigate risks. Participants were also briefed on maritime developments, including the safe passage of several India-bound vessels carrying petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz, while others remain in the vicinity awaiting clearance. The government described these developments as a reflection of effective coordination and diplomatic engagement. On diplomatic outreach, the government reiterated that India maintains balanced relations with all major stakeholders in the region, including the United States, Iran, and Israel. It also underscored steps taken to convey condolences following recent developments in Iran, indicating continued engagement at the diplomatic level. Despite these assurances, opposition leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s responses and called for a detailed discussion in Parliament. The government, however, maintained that the situation is under control and there is no immediate cause for concern, reiterating its commitment to protecting national interests amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

Iran has rejected a United States-backed proposal to pause the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, instead presenting its own set of conditions for ending hostilities, according to statements broadcast by the country’s state-run English-language network. The development comes amid continued military escalation, with Tehran reportedly launching further attacks targeting Israel and parts of the Gulf region. An unnamed Iranian official was quoted as confirming that Tehran had formally declin

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran has agreed to never develop nuclear weapons, describing the development as a sign of progress in ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries. His remarks come at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high, with regional conflict continuing to shape the broader geopolitical landscape. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump adopted an optimistic tone, indicating that backchannel communicati

In a groundbreaking transaction that highlights the soaring valuation of Indian cricket, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), reigning IPL champions, have been sold to a consortium led by Aditya Birla Group (ABG) for a record Rs 16,660 crore (USD 1.78 billion). This historic deal is the most expensive franchise acquisition in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The consortium, which is spearheaded by ABG’s Kumar Mangalam Birla, also includes The Times of India Group

In a significant development that has captured the world's attention, President Donald J. Trump has announced a five-day pause in military actions between the United States and Iran. This decision follows a series of "productive discussions" between both nations, which Trump described as "detailed and constructive." These talks are being viewed as a potential opening for de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, a region that has been marked by ongoing conflict and instability. Tru

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, as tensions continue to escalate across the West Asian region. The discussion focused on regional stability, recent developments in the Middle East crisis, and the importance of safeguarding critical global energy routes. During the call, both leaders underscored the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of

India has sharply criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of repeatedly fabricating narratives around Islamophobia to target neighbouring countries while diverting attention from its own domestic and regional record. The remarks were made during a session of the UN General Assembly marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, where India’s Permanent Representative Parvathaneni Harish delivered a firm and direct response to Pakistan’s allegations. Addressing

China on Tuesday announced that it will extend humanitarian assistance to several West Asia countries, including Iran and Lebanon, as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel enters its third week and continues to escalate. The move reflects Beijing’s growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation across the region, where sustained military operations have disrupted civilian life and critical infrastructure. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreig

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held extensive discussions with foreign ministers from the 27 member states of the European Union during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday. The talks focused on key global developments, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, tensions in West Asia, evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and the future trajectory of India-EU relations. Jaishankar attended the meeting at the invitation of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia, highlighting the growing impact of the conflict on civilian lives and infrastructure. During the discussion, Modi emphasized the need for restraint and reiterated India’s long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective path toward resolving regional disputes. According to the Prime

The relationship between Iran and India has long been defined by strategic patience, as Tehran maintains a nuanced and pragmatic approach to its ties with New Delhi. Despite India’s deepening defense relations with Israel and its comprehensive partnership with the United States, Iran has chosen to sustain its close relationship with India, recognizing the strategic value of energy ties and regional geopolitical balance. In a recent phone conversation between External Affairs Minis