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Concerted efforts must to streamline traffic mgmt.: DGP
Previous govts ruined coop sector, says CM
Man kills paramour after she refuses to elope; ends life later
BJPs secret agenda is one nation, one bizman: Akhilesh
5L bond notice to Sumaiya Rana
Cyber fraud accused flees after locking up Hrypolice team in dhaba room; held again 5 hrs later
Decision To Leave Out Gill Tough But Necessary In Interest Of Indian Team: Sources
T20 World Cup: Its already been more than 24 hours since BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia repeated Indias squad for the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, where he again called Axar Patel as the sides vice-captain. That also confirmed that Shubman Gill, Indias Test and ODI captain, was axed from the T20I team with less than 50 days to go for the mega event to begin. Gills omission capped weeks of speculation on whether his return unsettled the established opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Despite making just 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25 and strike rate of 137.26, many felt Gills place in the squad was all but certain until Saturdays late twist happened. Multiple sources familiar with the matter told IANS on Sunday that the call to exclude Gill, backed to be Indias all-format leader, was tough, but necessary in the teams interest for winning the competition, where the Suryakumar Yadav-led side are entering as defending champions. To leave out Gill, it was a tough but necessary decision. It was taken in the interest of the team. The people in charge of the T20I team had realised a while back that their plan with Gill in it wasnt working. It was about when do they change and this course correction was done on the squads selection day, further said sources. This agency also understands that a strong feeling within the think-tank to get Samson return to the opening slot and bring back Rinku Singh came around the fog abandoned T20I against South Africa in Lucknow, a day after Gill suffered a toe injury while batting in a practice session. The pragmatic call to drop Gill, who again fell short of featuring in the T20 World Cup, has drawn largely positive response, but it carries a sharper message: no player is immune to poor returns, and that the people who matter will back combinations they believe offers the best chance of winning a global trophy. This agency also understands that a strong feeling within the think-tank to get Samson return to the opening slot and bring back Rinku Singh came around the fog abandoned T20I against South Africa in Lucknow, a day after Gill suffered a toe injury while batting in a practice session. Also Read: Live Cricket Score More than a day on, the announcement of Patels elevation as vice-captain and Gills exclusion continues to reverberate. But it is worth remembering that in the last three ICC mens events, India lost just one game and won two titles 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. Now, come 2026, all eyes will be fixed on how Yadav and his team chart their plans for India to defend their T20 World Cup title. Article Source: IANS
Snail mail to smart services: IIM Lucknow opens UPs first Gen-Z post office
IIM Lucknow inaugurated Uttar Pradesh's first Gen-Z post office, a modern facility designed for digitally fluent youth. This innovative space offers QR code payments, automated packaging, and high-speed Wi-Fi, aiming to make postal services more relevant and accessible to the younger generation.
Varanasi Range Police have launched 'Police Satark Mitra', an advanced WhatsApp bot enabling citizens to anonymously report illegal activities. This technology-driven initiative ensures complete confidentiality, allowing residents to share crucial information via text, audio, photos, or videos directly to district SPs and the DIG for prompt action and feedback.
Healthcare has now reached the poorest in India, says Nadda
Bihar CM should show remorse over hijab issue: Mayawati
IIML alumni meet: Different batches, but united in legacy
Dad booked after girl reports sexual abuse to Mission Shakti team
Akhilesh says govt protecting codeine syrup case accused, seeks stern action
BJP meeting discusses poll strategies, reviews campaigns, upcoming events
CM for strict traffic norms, orders action against violators
Why no bulldozer action against cough syrup accused?
Three working womens hostels in Lko likely to be ready by next year
Recharge smart meters today or face disconnection
Congress leader accuses Union govt of weakening MNREGA, misusing agencies
Deputy registrar cancels registration of RWA
Follow 4E approach during Road Safety Month: CM
Bites of Unesco acclaimed popular Awadhi delights
Prerna Sthal will be symbol of natl consciousness: Yogi
Eclectic mix of styles in Art Odyssey at Kala Srot
Expansion of med colleges will boost healthcare services, say toppers
Drama, comedy share centrestage
BJP to review SIR progress in state amid concerns over missing voters
ED to book Ponzi scheme kingpin in PMLA case
Cons duping people in name of fake jobs abroad to face action: CM Yogi
A three-year-old girl in Lucknow sustained a stray bullet injury to her head while playing on her rooftop. Doctors successfully removed the projectile after a lengthy surgery, and the child is now out of danger. Police are investigating the incident, with preliminary inquiries suggesting no licensed firearms nearby.
India had only one AIIMS at the end of past century but now we have 23: J P Nadda
Nadda made the remark while addressing the 21st annual convocation ceremony of King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow.
Shardul Will Give MI A Different Structure With His Versatility & Experience: Jayawardene
Lucknow Super Giants: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakurs addition will lend the side a different structure in IPL 2026, citing his versatility and experience as key assets. Thakur, whos played 13 Tests, 47 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India, was traded to MI from Lucknow Super Giants, a side where he was a support bowler in 2010. In 105 IPL games, Thakur has taken 107 wickets, with a highest score of 68 as a batter. Thakur captains Mumbai in the domestic cricket circuit and also honed his cricketing skills in the city after coming from Palghar. Apart from him, MI also traded in Sherfane Rutherford and Mayank Markande. Were very pleased with the balance weve been able to build after the auction. Shardul (Thakur) gives us a different structure with his versatility, experience and all-round depth. Him being a Mumbai boy It's a great story from where he started and then became part of Mumbai Indians. Sherfane (Rutherford) is someone weve rated highly for a long time, and adding an overseas left-handed power-hitter gives us the flexibility we always look for. Weve also brought back players like Mayank (Markande), who not only understand the MI philosophy but have also previously made an impact here. That continuity and clarity of role is something we value deeply, even if players sometimes go away in big auctions, we always keep an eye on their progress and bring them back when the structure allows, said Jayawardene in a video posted by the franchise on their social media accounts on Saturday. MI had reached Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025, and Jayawardene said the five-time champions are hoping for Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar to make a difference with his mystery spin. Ghazanfar missed out on IPL 2025 due to a fracture in his vertebra. That continuity and clarity of role is something we value deeply, even if players sometimes go away in big auctions, we always keep an eye on their progress and bring them back when the structure allows, said Jayawardene in a video posted by the franchise on their social media accounts on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Were also really excited to finally have Allah Ghazanfar available in our set-up. Weve always known his talent and what a mystery spinner brings to our attack. Hes progressed really well after his injury, and were looking forward to helping him evolve within the MI environment, added Jayawardene. Article Source: IANS
Young doctors free to go abroad, but can no longer say facilities lacking in India: Nadda
Lucknow, Dec 20: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday said young doctors can no longer complain about a lack of facilities or infrastructure in the country, urging them to utilise the institutions and resources available instead of blaming deficiencies while opting to go abroad. Addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of King Georges Medical University (KGMU) here, Nadda said those who wish to go overseas are free to do so, but should not say that facilities or infrastructure are [] The post Young doctors free to go abroad, but can no longer say facilities lacking in India: Nadda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mayawati flags Bihar 'naqab' row; says CM Nitish should express regret, end controversy
LUCKNOW: Wading into the Nitish Kumar 'naqab' controversy, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday raised concerns over the Bihar chief minister recently pulling off the veil from a woman doctor's face , saying the JD-U chief should express regret and make effort to end the itterly growing controversy. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also flagged concerns over a controversial police parade incident in Bahraich, which she described as a failure of legislative sessions in the state and Parliament. In a long Hindi post on X, Mayawati said the 'naqqab' controversy was sad and unfortunate, which continued to escalate due to some statements made by ministers subsequently. The incident, a video clip of which has been circulated widely, took place on Monday at the chief minister's secretariat in Patna, where Ayush doctors gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Kumar saw her 'naqab', said what is this and then removed the veil, prompting the opposition parties to demand an unconditional apology from the chief minister. Mayawati said the matter, which is linked to women's safety and dignity, should have been resolved through the chief minister's direct intervention. It would be better if the chief minister views the incident in the right perspective, expresses regret and makes an effort to end this bitterly growing controversy, she said. Referring to Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati said the Bahraich district police, drawing criticism for deviating from the established rules by offering a salute to a religious preacher during a police parade, triggered a major controversy, putting the state government in the dock. Police parades and salutes have their own traditions, discipline and sanctity, which should not be tampered with, she said, adding that it was a positive step that the state's police chief sought an explanation from the district police chief. People are now waiting for action, she said, urging the state government to take the matter seriously to prevent a recurrence. Mayawati also criticised the rief Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, which began on December 19, saying it had, like previous sessions, been confined to debates between the ruling party and the opposition instead of focusing on issues of public interest and welfare. She said the government should have responded more seriously to matters such as fertiliser shortages faced by the farmers and other public welfare concerns. The BSP chief also took a swipe at the Winter Session of Parliament, which concluded on Friday, alleging that it ended without any meaningful discussions on the pressing national issues, including the severe air pollution in Delhi. The entire country was hoping for deliberations on the burning national problems that could have offered some ray of hope but that did not happen, which is unfortunate, she said. Mayawati also expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Bangladesh and what she termed a rise in anti-India activities, similar to Nepal. She urged the Centre to take cognisance of the developments and respond with a long-term policy approach. Bangladesh has been on the boil this week after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of the July Uprising of 2024, sparking violent protests and arson in the neighbouring country. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor
Man performs chin-ups hanging from bridge in UP's Hapur
A man performing a dangerous stunt from a railway bridge in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, has captured viral attention. The video depicts him suspended above moving traffic, repeatedly performing chin-up-like movements from the metal structure of the overbridge. Vehicles continued to pass underneath him during the entire stunt.
Kebabs, biryani and much more: Indian city on Unesco culinary list
Lucknow recently joined a select list of global cities recognised for their fine food.
HC rejects pleas, including kingpins, seeking stay on arrests, quashing of FIRs
Codeine racket accused havelinks with SP, alleges CM Yogi
Codeine drug racket flourished under govts patronage: SP chief
Centre must bear financial burden of national schemes, says Mayawati
Kids captivate audience at schools annual event
UP empowers housing authorities to change land use for projects
After release on bail, man ends life in Gonda
EOW arrests wanted accused in 2012 chit fund fraud case
Abbas, Devesh guide TOI to Media Cup win
CKM syndrome can lead to heart, kidney failure, stroke
A red-letter day for Gen Z on IIM-L campus
Decision on increasing honorarium of shiksha mitras will be taken soon: Min
Robotic joint replacement surgery can make life easier, say experts
Mins smart meter order may lead to hike in electricity bill
Music & mausam make a perfect setting for Bhatkhande centenary
Spellbinding presentations captivate all
Cleric arrested for rape of a 14-year-old madrassa student in Bahraich
Sar tan se juda slogan challengessovereignty, integrity of India: HC
8 killed in separate accidents in UP
BJPs politics on young shoulders, Congress dominated by nepotism and seniority
Ajay Kumar, Lucknow Whenever Rahul Gandhi speaks on public platforms, he gives the impression that becoming the next Prime Minister is now just a formality. But politics does not run on emotions; it runs on data and results. The three general elections of 2014, 2019, and 2024 have passed, and in all three, the [] The post BJPs politics on young shoulders, Congress dominated by nepotism and seniority appeared first on Northlines .
Political clash over thousands-Cr Codeine racket: Yogi vs Akhilesh in a poetic battle
Sanjay Saxena, Lucknow The politics of Uttar Pradesh has once again entered a phase of sharp statements and mutual accusations. Just ahead of the assemblys winter session, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav have come face-to-face over the illegal trafficking of cough syrup containing codeine phosphate. The issue has escalated [] The post Political clash over thousands-Cr Codeine racket: Yogi vs Akhilesh in a poetic battle appeared first on Northlines .
5th T20I: Gill Unavailable For Selection After Sustaining Impact Injury To Right Foot
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: India vice-captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday after sustaining an impact injury to his right foot during a net session in Lucknow on December 16. Gill was replaced in the playing eleven by wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who will slot in as the opener alongside left-hander Abhishek Sharma. The move could have happened in the fourth T20I at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, but it was abandoned due to excessive fog. Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad, said the BCCI in its statement on Friday. The development comes at a time when Gills place in Indias T20I set-up is under scrutiny, with competition intensifying due to the presence of Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill, 25, has been Indias preferred opener alongside Abhishek since his elevation to vice-captaincy in T20I, a role he assumed after being appointed the Test captain and would later become the ODI skipper. Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad, said the BCCI in its statement on Friday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gill had come into the T20I series after recovering from a neck injury sustained in the first Test against the Proteas at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and went through rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS
UP DGP seeks explanation from Bahraich SP over offering guard of honour to religious preacher
LUCKNOW: UP DGP Rajeev Krishna has sought an explanation from a district superintendent after a video showing police recruits giving a ceremonial guard of honour to a religious preacher in Bahraich sparked a major political controversy and allegations of a constitutional breach. Taking to X, the UP police posted: It has been clarified that the police parade ground must be used strictly in accordance with prescribed norms, solely for police training, discipline, and official ceremonies. In view of the violation of these prescribed norms, an explanation has been sought from the Superintendent of Police concerned. Earlier in the day, the Bahraich police had issued a justification for the event. In its statement, the district police said that Acharya Pundreek Goswami was invited for counselling, holding meditation and Yoga workshops for recruits since 28 of them had resigned, citing depression caused by rigorous mental and physical stress while going through the police training. The Bahraich police authorities claimed that Goswamis discourse was helpful as it relieved the recruits from stress, and helped them building their confidence and devotion towards duty. , - (Guard of Honour) , pic.twitter.com/I3IiHeD73t Chandra Shekhar Aazad (@BhimArmyChief) December 18, 2025 The purported video showed the preacher being welcomed by Bahraich Superintendent of Police RN Singh and other policemen with a red carpet laid before him. The video also showed Goswami allegedly accepting a salute from the recruits with the SP standing beside him. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in a post on X said the government was busy in a game of salute amid rampant crime and flourishing mafia rule. He wondered if someone would take cognizance of this matter. Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad called that incident an attack on the Constitution, as salute and parade are symbols of sovereignty.
5th T20I: Samson Replaces Injured Gill; Bumrah, Washington Come In As SA Elect To Bowl
Narendra Modi Stadium: Sanju Samson has replaced an injured Shubman Gill, while Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar returned to Indias playing eleven, as South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first in the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday. India are currently leading the five-match series 2-1 after the fourth T20I in Lucknow was abandoned due to excessive fog. Meanwhile, Sundar comes in for Kuldeep Yadav, Bumrah is back at his home venue in place of Harshit Rana. A statement from the BCCI said Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on December 16 in Lucknow. Though Gill is improving, he was unavailable for selection for the fifth T20I. The wicket looks good, there won't be dew and we want to put runs on the board. It (the stadium) almost feels full. Let's see what we want from this game, yes the series is on the line, but it is about expressing yourself and enjoying the game, said India skipper Suryakumar Yadav. South Africa captain Aiden Markram said left-arm spinner George Linde comes in for fast bowler Anrich Nortje. The wicket looks quite dew, probably some dew later on and the ball comes on better. There's everything to play for, focus is on the World Cup and we have quite a few games here. Quite a few good signs with the ball in hand, looking to finish the tour on a positive note, he said. The playing surface for Fridays contest comes with short square boundaries 63m and 65m respectively, while the straight down the ground boundary is at 71m. The black soil pitch appears dry but firm despite visible cracks, suggesting some assistance for spin may be there. Playing XIs The playing surface for Fridays contest comes with short square boundaries 63m and 65m respectively, while the straight down the ground boundary is at 71m. The black soil pitch appears dry but firm despite visible cracks, suggesting some assistance for spin may be there. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottniel Baartman Article Source: IANS
CM Yogi alleges SP leaders have links to cough syrup racket culprits
LUCKNOW: The winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature began on Friday amid sharp political exchanges over the ongoing codeine cough syrup racket, with tensions between the state government and opposition marking the proceedings. Samajwadi Party (SP) MLAs attended the four-day session wearing symbols highlighting the issue, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the opposition of having links to the culprits involved in the racket. At around 11:30 am, the CM spoke to the media outside the Assembly, saying preliminary investigations revealed that those arrested in the case had connections with the SP. He added, in a poetic remark, that instead of focusing on facts, the SP chief was trying to clean his mirror while the dust was there on his face. Yogi further noted that if the issue was raised in the Legislative Council, the government would respond there as well. The CM said probe agencies, including the FSDA, UP Police, and STF, had tracked illegal smuggling, resulting in arrests. He explained that codeine phosphate, used in medicines, falls under the NDPS, and its quota and allotment are predefined by the Central Narcotics Bureau for medicinal purposes. The state governments action followed reports of misuse in cough syrup and complaints of smuggling. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav later retaliated, calling the allegations an old tactic and urging the government to come up with new approaches instead of repeating past strategies. During the session, SP MLA Brijesh Yadav brought a box of codeine syrup tied to his bicycle, highlighting the alleged dangers of the syrup, its political backing, and how accused individuals could escape abroad. Another SP MLA, Mukesh Verma, wore a poster claiming influential people were involved in the syrup scandal and demanded action against the trade. In response, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak presented a photograph showing Akhilesh Yadav with STF constable Alok Singh, accused in the codeine syrup case, alleging that the SPs reactions reflected the saying that a guilty person betrays himself. On the first day, the Assembly also passed a condolence motion on the demise of Ghosi MLA Sudhakar Singh before adjourning until Monday morning. It was announced that Finance Minister Suresh Khanna will present the second supplementary budget for 202526 on Monday, and the House will hold a four-hour discussion on Vande Mataram. Issues such as the SIR project and the codeine syrup racket are expected to be raised by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath scheduled to present his views on December 23 and 24.
After the Lucknow washout, attention shifts to Ahmedabad as India face South Africa in the 5th T20I. Will fog or weather conditions affect play at the Narendra Modi Stadium? Here's the complete weather forecast, visibility update, and match-day outlook.
Amity University Lucknow Campus Confers Degrees on 1,730 Graduates at 21st Convocation
Josh Inglis' availability comes under scanner after LSG bags Aussie for Rs 8.6 crore
Australian batter Josh Inglis secured a large bid from Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026. This comes despite prior communication from the BCCI stating his limited availability due to marriage. The BCCI and IPL Governing Council are monitoring the situation. Inglis was released by Punjab Kings before the auction. The episode raises questions about potential exploitation of the situation.
Adani to Invest Rs 1 Lakh Cr in Airports; Eyes Aggressive Bids in Next Privatisation Round
In the previous round of privatisation in 2019, Adani Group won six airports - Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur and Mangaluru - and acquired Mumbai Airport from the GVK Group in 2021
Despite injury, Shubman Gill travels with team to Ahmedabad
Shubman Gill's participation in the series decider against South Africa is uncertain. The Indian vice-captain sustained the blow during a net session prior to the fourth match and was unlikely to feature in Wednesdays game in Lucknow, which was eventually washed out because of adverse weather.
Every penny of investors is safein UP, says CM
BJP hiding behind Vande Mataram, well raise codeine syrup racket issue in Assembly: Akhilesh
BCCI to reassess North India fixtures amid fog concerns: Shukla
New Delhi, Dec 18: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to review the scheduling of matches in North India between December 15 and January 15 following the abandonment of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa due to dense fog in Lucknow. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that []
Winter session fromtoday; suppl budget to be tabled on Dec 22
Govt approves Rs 10cr to strengthen bomb detection capabilities
CM: Culture soul of nation, Bhatkhande its key pioneer
Bahraich cops guard of honour to spiritual guru triggers row
UPERC meet sees heated talk on smart prepaid meters rate
PAC critical pillar of internal security: DGP at foundation day event
Amethi Med College to add 350 more beds
Leopard mauls 7-year-old girl in Bahraich
Out on bail for wifes murder, man tries to rape daughter; held
Making of the Mahatma depicted through pratik
Speed limits for buses, trucks reduced on e-ways due to fog
Atal Healthfair to be heldon Dec 20-21
Goods worth lakhs gutted in warehouse
Citys loud applause to Repertwahr
Legendary artists set tone for celebration
Rajasthan HC rejects plea for premature release of 1993 train blast case convicts
JAIPUR:The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has refused to grant premature release to life convicts sentenced under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in the 1993 serial train bomb blasts case. Delivering the verdict, a division bench of Justices Sudesh Bansal and Bhuvan Goyal held that granting early release to those convicted of terrorism-related offences would endanger societal safety and national security. The court underlined that such leniency could undermine public confidence and disturb public order. The pleas were filed by Asfaq Khan from Dausa, Fazlur Rahman Sufi of Mumbai, Abre Rahmat Ansari of Kabinagar in Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Aijaz Akbar from Gulbarga. Each of them has spent more than two decades in prison and sought relief citing advanced age and deteriorating health. The convicts relied on the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines, arguing that prisoners become eligible for consideration of premature release after completing 20 years of incarceration. They further claimed that their cases should be assessed in accordance with the remission policy prevailing at the time their sentences were awarded. Resisting the petitions, Additional Solicitor General Bharat Vyas and Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, representing the Centre and the Rajasthan government, argued that the Rajasthan Prisoners (Remission of Sentence) Rules, 2006, as well as the earlier 1958 rules, categorically prohibit early release of TADA convicts. They emphasised that Rule 9(5) specifically excludes such cases from being examined by the Advisory Board. The matter relates to the coordinated bomb attacks carried out on six long-distance trains passing through Mumbai, Surat, Lucknow, Kanpur and Hyderabad on the night of December 5, 1993. The blasts claimed two lives and left 22 people injured. The Central Bureau of Investigation probed the case, and upon completion of the trial on February 28, 2004, the accused were awarded life imprisonment.
Big update on ticket refunds after Lucknow T20I called off due to fog
The UPCA has announced a full refund for spectators after the fourth India-South Africa T20 International was abandoned due to dense fog and smog at Ekana Stadium. Online ticket holders will receive refunds via their original payment method, while offline ticket purchasers can collect theirs from the box office in person with original tickets and ID.
'Dont cheat cricket fans': Shashi Tharoor urges BCCI to shift winter matches to South India
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday urged authorities to avoid scheduling international matches in north India between mid-December and mid-January, citing persistent fog and poor visibility during the winter months. He suggested that matches during this period should instead be held in southern states, where weather conditions are more conducive to play, so that cricket fans do not feel cheated. Tharoors remarks came a day after the fourth T20 international between India and South Africa at Lucknows Ekana Stadium was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to dense smog and poor visibility. The match cancellation sparked criticism of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI )'s decision to host fixtures in north India during peak winter. Fourth India vs South Africa T20I called off due to fog in Lucknow, Gill set to miss last game with toe injury Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Tharoor said: My concern is that from the middle of December till the middle of January, every place in northern India is subject to fog, and you know perfectly well about it; it becomes impossible for cricketers to even see the ball. Describing the frustration among fans after the abandoned match, he added, Yesterday, the whole nation was frustrated that we could not have the match between South Africa and India. So, my argument simply is that during this period, schedule the matches in South India. During his interaction with the media, Tharoor also had a light-hearted exchange with BCCI Vice President and fellow Congress MP Rajeev Shukla, who happened to be passing by. Calling out to him, Tharoor remarked, Come and play in South India at this time. Highlighting Keralas readiness to host international cricket, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said: My Thiruvananthapuram has a wonderful stadium, we are ready to host people. Come and play. He pointed out that the Indian womens cricket team is already scheduled to play there towards the end of December. Tharoor stressed that weather conditions must be a key factor in planning fixtures. We should urge the BCCI to take the weather conditions into account when scheduling, he said. Kerala is ready, and I am sure other southern places are not going to have this kind of fog and poor visibility. So from mid-December to mid-January, no cricket matches in north India, please dont cheat cricket lovers. Earlier, Tharoor had also raised the issue in a post on X on Wednesday night, noting that cricket fans in Lucknow had been waiting in vain for the match to begin due to dense smog and an air quality index of 411, while Thiruvananthapuram, he said, had an AQI of around 68 at the same time.
Will Try To Make IPL 2026 The Turning Point Of My Life, Says LSGs New Recruit Raghuwanshi
Madhya Pradesh Premier League: Akshat Raghuwanshi's cricket career took off after the Covid-19 pandemic, when a century on debut in the Ranji Trophy made him one of the batting stars in Madhya Pradesh, helping them clinch the title for the first time. Now picked by Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 2.2 crore, the middle-order batter from Ashok Nagar is determined to make his first appearance in the ten-team tournament the biggest turning point of his playing career. A turning point came after Covid-19, when I was playing in the U-19. I played well in U-19, and then I was picked for the Ranji Trophy, where I played well and made a hundred in my debut game. After that, I think I scored fifty-plus scores in four straight matches, as we won the Ranji Trophy that year. Yes, this is the best opportunity for me. I will try to make this IPL the turning point of my life, said Raghuwanshi in an exclusive conversation with IANS. The middle-order batter was focused on IPL 2026 auction proceedings with his teammates in a division tournament, feeling every emotion as his name was called for bidding from tension, to jubilation, and then a congratulatory message from India pacer Avesh Khan. I was seeing the whole auction from the beginning itself. I was quite nervous. So, before my name was about to come, a few names were already running, then suddenly it was a bit like, what will happen, will anyone take me or not? As soon as my name came, the first bid was made. I had all my teammates with me and the boys started screaming. They got happy and started singing and dancing. After that, the TV turned off. So, I didn't even know what happened, and to which team I went? But then I got a call from Avesh bhaiya, as soon as the bidding was completed. He told me that Lucknow has taken me, as he's also in that team and congratulated me. That's when I got to know that I would be a part of LSG, he recalled. The selection to LSG fulfilled a long-standing family dream. My family was very happy. I mean, they had this dream from the beginning that I should do well in cricket. So, they are very happy and celebrated this feat very well, said Raghuwanshi. Growing up in Ashoknagar, a place known for producing Sharbati flour, Raghuwanshis father laid the foundation of his cricketing skills. I started playing cricket when I was 4-5 years old. My father used to make me play with a plastic or a rubber ball. I used to play all day long. But when I was 10-11 years old, I decided that I had to play cricket. Because they made me start playing very early, I started liking it a lot. It was a lot of fun to play, and so, it was a very quick decision in my life to play cricket (professionally). When I was 10 years old, I shifted to Indore, as playing facilities werent present in Ashoknagar. His coaching transition also came at the right time. My father was my coach when I was young. But when I was 10-11 years old, my coach was Amay Khurasiya sir. He was the head coach at the MPCA academy. So, he taught me the techniques and basics of the game. Since featuring in Madhya Pradeshs Ranji Trophy-winning campaign, Raghuwanshis career has experienced a lean period, but recent white-ball performances indicate a promising turnaround. In this years Madhya Pradesh Premier League, Raghuwanshi emerged as the most notable batter of the tournament despite not leading the run charts. His explosive 105 off 45 balls against the Bhopal Leopards drew the attention of talent scouts, as he scored 239 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 177. Raghuwanshi acknowledges the pressure of expectations but also sees it as validation of his talent and abilities. Yes, absolutely. If you get to know that people have their eyes on you, then there is a little bit of pressure. But it also increases your self-belief a lot when other people are talking positively about you everywhere. So, you get a lot of confidence that I deserve to be at that level. With everyone saying good things about me, it helps a lot, and it feels really good when someone talks like this about me. His strokeplay is a key element of his distinctive aggressive style in T20 cricket, refusing to wait until he is set before launching his onslaught against bowlers. My aim while batting is always the same in T20s. If I get a little chance, that I can hit this ball for a four or six, then I give it a proper crack - whether it is the first or second ball, I don't see if I have gone or if I am set or not. If I feel that there is a ball in my area, then I take a proper chance on it, and it works for me. His signature shot the no-look upper cut over the third man - has been perfected through rigorous practice. Not instinctively, but I have practised it a lot in the last one or two years, especially with plastic balls for facing the bouncer, because in T20s, the third man is always up. In any situation, that area is always empty. So, whenever a bouncer comes, I try to hit it. While practising, I got so used to it that even without looking at the ball, if I put the bat on the ball, it comes out. Now, with practice, it has come so much in my muscle memory that it automatically comes out, he said. Raghuwanshi credits fellow Madhya Pradesh batting stars Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer for shaping his mental approach towards pressure situations. I get to learn a lot from people like Patidar and Iyer because in any tough situation, they tell me how to stay calm and composed. They always say that no matter what the situation is, have faith in yourself and keep batting. Normally, just don't think that this is the situation I have to get out of it or not. They just say, just keep batting and the team will get out of the situation. If you try to get out of it, then nothing can be done. But if you keep playing, you will get out of the situation. So, just try to stay there on the wicket. As he prepares for his IPL debut after fulfilling his commitments in Madhya Pradesh, Raghuwanshi's main focus is on learning and developing the mental strength needed to excel at the highest level. They always say that no matter what the situation is, have faith in yourself and keep batting. Normally, just don't think that this is the situation I have to get out of it or not. They just say, just keep batting and the team will get out of the situation. If you try to get out of it, then nothing can be done. But if you keep playing, you will get out of the situation. So, just try to stay there on the wicket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He concluded by emphasising self-belief as the foundation of his success and regarded IPL 2026 as a pivotal moment in his career. I want to learn how to have self-confidence. The main thing in cricket these days is how good your self-belief is. The more self-belief you have, the better you can do in cricket. So, the main thing I want to learn is how to improve my self-belief. Article Source: IANS
