The Pakistan Cricket Board may change its stand on a possible boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma said. The PCB has not yet given the ICC a final reply on whether it will play the group match. Sharma predicted a reversal after February 12. He said the board is expected to confirm participation and added, “Pakistan will play India.” His comment comes as the ICC waits for official clarity on the fixture. There has been no formal response from the PCB so far on his claim or the reported boycott plan. (PC: HT)

A new white paper released in London says the Indian diaspora has played a major role in building modern Britain, from post-war recovery to today’s digital economy. The report was launched by Here & Now 365 founder Manish Tiwari with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It maps four waves of Indian migration to the UK since Independence, covering labour, business, public services, and technology sectors. The study says Indian-born professionals now make up about 15% of the UK’s technology workforce. It adds that Britain’s tech industry ranks second globally after the US and China, with strong Indian participation. Manish Tiwari said, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis.” Aston University noted the diaspora “supports public services and powers innovation” while strengthening UK–India economic links.  

At least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad on Friday. The blast took place at Tarlai Imambargah in the Shehzad Town area while worshippers were offering Friday prayers. Police said early findings point to a suicide attacker. One officer told Reuters, “We have shifted several people to hospitals. I can’t say how many are dead at this moment, but yes people have died.” Emergency services reached the site soon after the explosion. An emergency was declared at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. The wounded were moved to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals for treatment. (PC: X)

India’s 14-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit a record 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England in Harare. It is the highest score by an Indian player in any ICC limited-overs final across men’s, women’s and youth levels. He reached his hundred in 55 balls, one of the fastest in tournament history. His innings included 15 fours and 15 sixes. The 15 sixes are the most in a single Under-19 World Cup innings. This is also the highest individual score in an Under-19 World Cup final. His knock put India in a strong position in the title match. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Assembly that Kashmir “will become a part of Pakistan.” He spoke in Muzaffarabad on Kashmir Solidarity Day. He said the dispute should be resolved by “honouring the wishes of the people of Kashmir” and following U.N. Security Council resolutions. Sharif said he stood with “our brothers in Kashmir” on behalf of Pakistan’s people and leadership. He also accused India of backing proxy terrorism and said Pakistan wants peace based on “equality and justice.” Pakistan’s President and top military leaders repeated their support for Kashmir. India has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. (PC: The Hindu)

Indian teacher and activist Rouble Nagi has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her work bringing education to children in slum communities. She received the award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Her foundation has set up over 800 learning centres across India for children with little or no access to school. She also paints learning murals that teach basic literacy, science, math and history. Prize founder Sunny Varkey said she shows “courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child's potential.” Nagi said the prize money will be used to build a free vocational training institute. (PC: X)

A senior Russian military general was shot several times and injured in an attack in Moscow, officials said. Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was targeted inside a residential building in the city’s north-west area. He was taken to hospital and his condition is not known. Russia’s Investigations Committee said it has opened a criminal case for attempted murder. Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said, “The victim has been hospitalised at one of the city's hospitals.” Alexeyev is a senior officer in Russia’s military intelligence directorate, the GRU. He has been involved in Ukraine war talks and past negotiations during the Wagner mutiny. Authorities have not named any suspects yet. (PC: BBC)

CCTV footage shows a masked man in a black hoodie walking up to AAP leader Lucky Oberoi’s car and firing multiple shots at close range in Jalandhar’s Model Town area. The incident took place outside a gurdwara on Friday morning. Police said Oberoi, 38, was sitting in his SUV when the attacker opened fire and then fled. Window glass of the vehicle was shattered. Another parked car was also damaged. Oberoi was taken to hospital in critical condition and later declared dead. An ACP said he had “sustained critical injuries and could not be revived.” Police secured the area and started an investigation.

A 25-year-old bank employee died after falling into an open pit in west Delhi’s Janakpuri while riding his motorcycle late at night, police said. The pit was dug by the Delhi Jal Board on Joginder Singh Marg. Police received a call at 8:03 am and recovered the man and the bike from the site. He was taken to hospital and declared dead. He was identified as Kamal Dhayani, a Vikaspuri resident. A case has been registered under BNS sections. Minister Ashish Sood said, “Instructions for investigation of the incident have been issued, and the guilty will be given strict punishment.” The Delhi government has ordered a probe. (PC: HT)

A new white paper released in London says the Indian diaspora has played a major role in building modern Britain, from post-war recovery to today’s digital economy. The report was launched by Here & Now 365 founder Manish Tiwari with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It maps four waves of Indian migration to the UK since Independence, covering labour, business, public services, and technology sectors. The study says Indian-born professionals now make up about 15% of the UK’s technology workforce. It adds that Britain’s tech industry ranks second globally after the US and China, with strong Indian participation. Manish Tiwari said, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis.” Aston University noted the diaspora “supports public services and powers innovation” while strengthening UK–India economic links.