Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India selectors to pick squad for WI tour this week, no clarity on Dhoni's future yet

The Indian team for next month's tour of West Indies will be announced on July 19 but there is no clarity over the future of Mahendra Singh Dhoni ahead of the limited-overs leg beginning August 3.

Dhoni's future has been widely speculated ever since India lost to New Zealand in the World Cup semifinal on July 9. The 38-year-old is expected to make an announcement on it in the coming few days.


"The selectors will meet in Mumbai on July 19. We have not heard from Dhoni but what is relevant is the communication between the player and selectors. If you ask me, Dhoni did well in the Word Cup but he is his own man. Only he can decide whether he wants to carry on or not," a BCCI official said after the Committee of Administrators' meeting in New Delhi.

Skipper Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be rested for the limited-overs leg comprising three T20s and as many ODIs before returning for the two-Test series starting August 22. The five-day matches will be part of the inaugural World Test Championship.

There is also no official word on the availability of opener Shikhar Dhawan who is recovering from a thumb injury that cut short his World Cup campaign.

It was CoA's first meeting since India's heartbreaking loss at Manchester but the Vinod Rai-led committee did not discuss the team's performance.

However, the three-member panel and CEO Rahul Johri, who joined in via video conferencing as he remains in London for the ICC meetings, did discuss the issue of players picking and choosing games.

Former greats like Sunil Gavaskar had questioned the BCCI for allowing the likes of Dhoni and Shikhar Dhawan to skip domestic cricket in the run-up to the World Cup.

"The question arises that who is allowing the players to pick and choose? Are they taking the call themselves or are they duly informing the selectors? The general feeling is that there needs to better communication on this issue," said another BCCI official.

"You can't pick and choose. Most World Cup-bound players played all games of the IPL and did not ask for rest back then," he added.

More For You

Rohit-Sharma-BCCI

Rohit brought up his 32nd ODI hundred with a six off Rashid but was dismissed soon after, caught by Rashid off a Livingstone full toss. (Photo: BCCI)

Rohit’s century powers India to ODI series win over England

INDIA secured the ODI series against England with a four-wicket win in the second match on Sunday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead ahead of the Champions Trophy. Captain Rohit Sharma led the chase with a 90-ball 119, helping India reach the 305-run target in 44.3 overs.

A floodlight failure delayed India’s innings for 30 minutes, but it did not affect Rohit, who struck seven sixes and 12 fours. Earlier, England posted 304 all out with one ball remaining, opting to bat first at Barabati Stadium.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi-Macron

Modi and Macron will also hold discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats and address the India-France CEO’s Forum. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)

Modi meets Macron and JD Vance in Paris

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by French president Emmanuel Macron at a dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris. Macron greeted Modi with a hug as they met on Monday.

"Delighted to meet my friend, President Macron in Paris," Modi posted on X.

Keep ReadingShow less
Saif Ali Khan’s first interview since home invasion: What he revealed amid controversy & conspiracy theories

Saif Ali Khan opens up about the harrowing night he fought off an armed intruder in his Mumbai home

Saif Ali Khan’s first interview since home invasion: What he revealed amid controversy & conspiracy theories

In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan found himself in a real-life thriller when an armed intruder broke into his Mumbai residence in the dead of night. What was supposed to be just another peaceful evening in the Khan household turned into a night of horror, leaving Saif with multiple injuries and raising serious questions about celebrity security in India.

It all began when Saif, in his kurta-pyjama, heard unusual noises near his son Jeh’s room. What followed was a violent struggle with an intruder armed with two knives. “I didn’t realise it was a knife at first,” Saif recalled. “There was too much adrenaline. He was slashing at my neck, and I was blocking it with my hands. My palms, wrists, and arms were cut, but I didn’t feel the pain immediately.”

Speaking to Times of India, the actor shared how his quick reflexes and the sharp presence of mind of his househelp, Geeta, saved the day. “I was praying someone would get him off me,” Saif admitted. “Geeta was incredible. She shoved him away, and we managed to close the door.”

Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan sprang into action, ensuring their children, Taimur and Jeh, were safe. “Kareena was shouting, ‘Take the kid out!’” Saif shared. “She got Jeh out of harm’s way while I was still grappling with the intruder.”

What makes this story even more astonishing is the extent of Saif’s injuries. A knife had penetrated his back, nicking his spinal cord and causing spinal fluid to leak. “The doctors said it was a millimetre away from paralysis,” Saif revealed. “It’s a miracle I can walk.”

Despite the severity of his wounds, Saif remained remarkably composed. “I told Kareena, ‘I’m fine. I’m not going to die.’ Taimur asked me the same thing, and I reassured him too,” he said. The family’s decision to take an autorickshaw to the hospital made the situation feel all the more unreal. “The rickshaw driver saw the blood but stayed calm. He even took shortcuts to avoid bumps,” Saif recalled with a laugh.

While the physical scars are healing, the emotional impact lingers. Saif’s children have reacted in their own ways. “Jeh gave me a plastic sword and said, ‘Keep this by your bed for the next time the chor comes,’” Saif shared with a chuckle. Taimur, ever the composed one, has shown concern about security but remains unfazed.

As for the intruder, Saif harbours no hatred. “Taimur said he should be forgiven because he might have been hungry,” Saif said. “I understand desperation, but he crossed a line when he tried to kill me.”

Saif’s ordeal has sparked debates about celebrity security and urban safety. Yet, the actor remains unfazed. “I don’t believe in walking around with bodyguards. This wasn’t a targeted attack; it was a burglary gone wrong,” he insisted.

“It’s brought us closer as a family,” he admitted. “Kareena has been incredibly strong, and the kids have shown maturity beyond their years.”

This horrifying incident is more than just a celebrity scare rather, it’s a wake-up call. If someone as high-profile as Saif Ali Khan can be targeted in his own home, what does that say about the safety of the common citizen? The conversation around home security, particularly for public figures, is one that can no longer be ignored.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s this: never underestimate a man in a kurta-pyjama. Especially if his name is Saif Ali Khan!

Keep ReadingShow less
Harshita Brella

The body of the 24-year-old was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on November 14 last year.

Harshita Brella’s family seeks answers as fundraiser launched

AN ASIAN solicitor and businessman has set up a fund in memory of Harshita Brella, who was found murdered in east London in November last year.

The Harshita Brella Memorial Fund, organised by Amrit S Maan OBE JP, aims to support her family as they seek answers about her death.

Keep ReadingShow less
Squid Game season 3 episode leak shocks fans as finale length disappoints viewers

Fans eagerly await Squid Game Season 3 as leaked episode count sparks debate and disappointment

Instagram/squidgamenetflix 

Squid Game season 3 episode leak shocks fans as finale length disappoints viewers

A recent leak has stirred up mixed reactions among Squid Game fans, revealing a possible episode count for the highly anticipated third season. While excitement for the final chapter of the hit series is palpable, disappointment is brewing over reports that the concluding season may only have six episodes.

According to a recent post on the fan forum Instiz, Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3 were filmed back-to-back, with a combined total of 13 episodes. Since Season 2, released in December 2024, consisted of seven episodes, this leaves Season 3 with just six episodes to wrap up the intricate storyline. Fans are worried that such a limited number of episodes might not do justice to the narrative, especially considering the complexity of the plot and characters. Some fans are hopeful that Netflix or director Hwang Dong Hyuk might announce additional episodes, but so far, no official confirmation has been given.

On the brighter side, reports about the show’s massive production budget have sparked excitement. Media outlets revealed that Seasons 2 and 3 were produced with a combined budget of ₩100 billion KRW (approximately £54.3 million GBP). This massive budget hints at high-quality production, elaborate sets, and intense action sequences.

Despite the budget news, some fans expressed shock at the cost, with one commenting, “That’s too expensive for just six episodes.” Others, however, remain confident that the show’s global popularity will ensure profitability. “Season 1 was a worldwide hit, so even if Seasons 2 and 3 don’t perform as well, it will still be profitable,” a fan noted.

With just a few months between the release of Season 2 in December 2024 and the arrival of Season 3 in June 2025, the wait feels long for eager fans. Amid the debates over episode count and budget, fans are also speculating about the storyline. Will Seong Gi Hun survive? Could a new winner emerge? Stills from the series have also fuelled theories, showcasing high-tension moments, the return of the enigmatic Front Man, and a potential escape plan by a pink soldier.

As the countdown to Season 3 begins, fans remain divided but undeniably eager to see how this gripping tale will conclude. Whether six episodes will suffice or leave fans wanting more, we'd have to wait and find that out!

Keep ReadingShow less