Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 during the 2026 auction of The Hundred, sparking criticism from several Indian cricket fans. The franchise, owned by the same group as Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced online calls for boycott after the signing. Many fans questioned the move because Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since 2009. The England and Wales Cricket Board earlier clarified that selections must be based on performance, not nationality. Despite the controversy, the signing highlights growing international participation in the league ahead of the 2026 season. (PC: Getty Images)

The war between Iran and Israel continues to intensify across West Asia, drawing in regional actors and disrupting global energy markets. The conflict began after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in late February 2026, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran and its allies. Fighting has spread to Lebanon, the Gulf, and key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies. Hezbollah rockets, Israeli airstrikes, and attacks on tankers have caused heavy casualties and displacement. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, while world powers including Russia and the UN urge immediate de-escalation. (PC: ANI)

The India national cricket team has answered years of criticism by winning three ICC titles in less than two years, ending a long trophy drought that followed the 2013 Champions Trophy. India’s resurgence began with the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, followed by victory in the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Earlier near-misses including the 2014 T20 World Cup final and the 2019 Cricket World Cup semifinal had led critics in Western media to label the team “frauds” or “chokers.” Former captain Virat Kohli faced intense scrutiny during that barren period. With the recent titles, India has firmly re-established itself as one of the most dominant white-ball teams in world cricket. (PC: BCCI)

India is negotiating with Iran to secure safe passage for over 20 oil and gas tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict. According to reports, the discussions are being handled by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The vital waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and carries about one-fifth of global crude shipments, has seen major disruptions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reportedly spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India’s fuel supply remains stable despite the crisis. (PC: India Today)

Ali Larijani, a senior security official in Iran, warned that Iranian forces could “hunt down” American troops if the United States targets Iran’s electricity infrastructure. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s electric capacity within an hour if the conflict escalates. Posting on X, Larijani said any such strike would plunge the region into darkness within 30 minutes and create opportunities to attack US servicemen. He also warned that Iran could retaliate by targeting regional power grids. The exchange marks another escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran amid the ongoing war involving Iran, the US and Israel.

Donald Trump said Iran’s national football team would be welcome to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but questioned whether it would be “appropriate” for them to attend amid the ongoing conflict. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the team could participate but raised concerns about their safety. However, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country would not send its team under any circumstances, citing the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US strikes. Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, confirmed that Iran remains officially eligible to compete. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, has issued his first public remarks since taking power, adopting a hardline stance amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the strategic Strait of Hormuz should remain closed and used as leverage in the conflict. He also warned that American military bases across the region could be attacked if they remain operational. The remarks come after the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli strikes on February 28. The new leader vowed to seek reparations for war damages and retaliate for civilian casualties, including victims of a missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab. Khamenei also thanked allied groups in the region and said Iran would continue its resistance against its adversaries while maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is “doing everything possible” to safeguard India’s energy security amid a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia involving Iran and the United States. Speaking at the NXT Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said the crisis has affected countries worldwide but India has taken steps to strengthen its energy resilience. He highlighted the expansion of strategic petroleum reserves, noting that before 2014 India had minimal storage capacity but now possesses significant reserves. Modi added that the government’s push toward energy self-reliance and diversified supply sources is helping the country manage global fuel shocks and protect domestic consumers. (PC: ANI)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Parliament that India faces no fuel or energy shortage despite the ongoing Middle East tensions and disruptions in global oil markets. He assured that the government has taken measures to secure crude supplies and maintain stable fuel availability for consumers. However, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioned why India appeared to need approval from Donald Trump to purchase Russian oil. Gandhi raised concerns about India’s energy independence during the debate. The exchange comes amid global uncertainty triggered by the Iran-related conflict affecting oil routes and supplies. (PC: X)

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first public message since assuming power amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. In a strongly worded statement broadcast on state television, he vowed to avenge Iranian casualties and continue resistance against both countries. Khamenei warned that Iran would keep pressure on its enemies, including threatening to keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed and targeting US military bases in the region. His remarks signal a hardline stance and suggest the war could continue, further escalating tensions and deepening the regional crisis affecting global oil supplies. (PC: Reuters)