facebook

Lucknow News

...Text view

Homeless get Ganj police protection against biting cold

The Times of India 24 Dec 2025 7:22 am

Man beats bro to death over property dispute

The Times of India 24 Dec 2025 7:21 am

Naughty boys of past batches reunite to relive joys, pranks

The Times of India 24 Dec 2025 7:21 am

Society can move forward by learning from history: Yogi

The Times of India 24 Dec 2025 7:21 am

Samtamulak, Nishatganjroute opens tomorrow

The Times of India 24 Dec 2025 7:21 am

Passenger found unresponsive mid-flight,declared dead

The Times of India 24 Dec 2025 7:21 am

2 killed, 16 injured as fog triggers pile-up in Amethi

Dense fog led to a massive pile-up on the Lucknow-Varanasi National Highway in Amethi, claiming the lives of two truck drivers and injuring at least 16 others. The accident involved multiple trucks, a bus, and a car, causing significant traffic disruption.

The Times of India 24 Dec 2025 3:14 am

PMLA Court takes cognisance of ED charges against Louise Khurshid

A Lucknow court has taken note of a money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate filed charges against the Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust and others. This involves alleged misuse of government funds for artificial limbs. The case dates back to 2009-10.

The Economic Times 24 Dec 2025 12:15 am

Where are the sympathizers of Palestine when Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh?

Ajay Kumar, Lucknow There is no shortage in India of leaders and political parties who do not hesitate to stand with Muslims in any corner of the world. When Israel takes action against Hamas terrorists in Gaza, leaders of many parties and Muslim organizations here start beating their chests and even turn violent in [] The post Where are the sympathizers of Palestine when Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh? appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 23 Dec 2025 10:09 pm

Imran Masood Changes His Tone, Demands Priyanka as Prime Minister

By Sanjay Saxena, Lucknow Congress MP Imran Masood has suddenly thrown his partys leadership into a fresh storm of debate. Until yesterday, he spoke of making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister, but now his tone has changed. In an interview to a news agency, Imran openly advocated making Priyanka Vadra the Prime Minister. He said, [] The post Imran Masood Changes His Tone, Demands Priyanka as Prime Minister appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 23 Dec 2025 10:07 pm

Worlds Shameless Silence on the Massacre of Hindus in Bangladesh

Sanjay Saxena, Lucknow Senior Journalist skslko28@gmail.com 9454105568, 8299050585 After the forced removal of Sheikh Hasinas government in Bangladesh, the brutality being inflicted on the Hindu community there has drawn global attention. In matters of atrocities against Hindus, Bangladesh now appears to be moving along the same path as Pakistan. Since Hasinas government fell, nearly two [] The post Worlds Shameless Silence on the Massacre of Hindus in Bangladesh appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 23 Dec 2025 10:05 pm

'Progress of UP visible through its Annadata': Yogi Adityanath on Kisan Samman Diwas

Addressing the gathering, Yogi Adityanath said the presence of farmers and their families reflected growing confidence and prosperity in the agricultural sector. Today, we have distributed tractors to proud farmers who had come to this event with their families. Today, you all can witness the progress of the state due to the hard work of our 'annadata' farmers, he said.

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:10 pm

Cough syrup racket: Varanasi police issue lookout circular against prime accused, three others

LUCKNOW: Varanasi Police has issued a lookout circular against Shubham Jaiswal, the prime accused in multi-crore codeine cough syrup case on Tuesday. Police also announced a reward of Rs 50,000 upon receiving information regarding the accused. According to Varanasi Police sources, lookout circulars were issued against three other accused including Divesh Jaiswal, Amit Jaiswal and Akash Pathak, all Shubham Jaiswals accomplices. Additionally, Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said that a reward of Rs 50,000 has been announced for anyone providing information leading to Jaiswals arrest. As per the intelligence inputs, Jaiswal had fled the country and is suspected to be in Dubai. Sources claimed that the three other accusedAkash, Divesh and Amitwere entrusted with different responsibilities in running the racket of smuggling and illegal diversion of the syrup. While Akash was given the responsibility of taking care of the bank transactions of the rime accused, Divesh and Amit got the fake firms registered. A comprehensive verification exercise is also underway, wherein, the land records, building approvals and transaction histories associated with Jaiswal are under the scrutiny of the authorities concerned. Even the source of Jaiswals funds used to acquire assets are on the radar of probe agencies as they suspect that the proceeds may be linked to the racket. Responding to queries on whether properties worth Rs 40 crore linked to the accused had been identified in the city, Varanasi Police Commissioner said the verification process was on and that the value of the assets under scrutiny could increase as the investigation would progress. He did not rule out coercive action against the properties saying it would be initiated only after documentary evidence and ownership records were fully verified. Sources said that the police authorities had shared details of the properties with the registry office and the tehsil administration for the ownership verification and transaction records. While confirmations were received for some properties, verification in several others was pending, said the informed sources. The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has also been roped in, with officials asked to examine whether the construction of the identified properties conforms to the maps and approvals granted by the authority, sources added. As per the official information, in all 78 persons have been arrested so far across the state in connection with the cough syrup racket and action has been initiated against 134 firms. It may be recalled that in the wake of the magnitude of the racket spanning multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh and other states, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Inspector General rank, was established by the UP government to oversee the probe into the illegal storage, sale and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup and other narcotic medicines. According to an official, the SIT will also examine illegal financial transactions linked to the trafficking of codeine syrup, including diversion of consignments, inter-state syndicates and suspected money laundering. The team has further been tasked with initiating extradition proceedings against accused persons who have fled the country to evade arrest. Coldrif cough syrup racket rocks Uttar Pradesh Assembly; CM denies deaths due to fake medicine

The New Indian Express 23 Dec 2025 7:50 pm

Trouble mounts for Salman Khurshids wife as Lucknow court takes cognisance of money laundering case

NEW DELHI: Trouble mounts for Congress leader and former Union minister Salman Khurshids wife, Louise Khurshid, as the Lucknow court has taken cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint seeking confiscation of Rs 45.92 lakh and conviction in the money laundering case related to the distribution of artificial limbs. The agency, on August 11, 2025, had sought confiscation of properties worth Rs 45.92 lakh and conviction of the accused persons, Louise Khurshid, Mohammad Athar and Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, involved in money Laundering. The case was related to the misuse of government funds in the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment by the trust for their personal gains. The federal investigation agency had initiated an investigation based on 17 FIRs registered by the Uttar Pradesh Polices Economic Offences Wing against Pratyush Shukla, a representative of Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, and others. The police have filed charge sheets in all 17 cases against Athar Farooqui, alias Mohammed Athar, as the then Secretary of the Trust, and the then project director, Louise Khurshid. The federal agency found that the grant-in-aid of Rs 71.50 Lakh received by the Trust was not used for holding camps as sanctioned by the Central Government. The funds were instead allegedly diverted by Pratyush Shukla, Mohammad Athar, and Louise Khurshid for the interest of the Trust and their personal gain. The case pertained to 2009-10, when a programme for the distribution of artificial limbs and equipment was organised by Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust for Disabled Persons, run by Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust of Louise Khurshid in the Bhojipura area of the district. The government got the matter investigated after receiving allegations of discrepancies. It was found that government funds were misused by using fake seals and signatures in the programme. ED had earlier provisionally attached 15 immovable properties worth Rs 29.51 lakh, in the form of agricultural land in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh and Rs 16.41 lakh lying in the four bank accounts linked to the Trust. Last year, the agency had questioned Louise Khurshid for alleged misuse of government funds.

The New Indian Express 23 Dec 2025 6:56 pm

I am not a manipulative neta: New UP BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary vows inclusive leadership; slams opposition 'Parivarik Dal Alliance'

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary has outlined his leadership style. He stated he is not a manipulative leader and prefers a straightforward approach. Chaudhary aims to involve everyone in party decisions. He also described the opposition's poll narrative as a 'Parivarik Dal Alliance'. His focus is on consensus and working with party workers.

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 2:51 pm

Cold wave in Lucknow: All pre-primary, nursery schools closed until Dec 27; classes 18th to run 10 am3 pm from Dec 24

Lucknow district administration has ordered the closure of all pre-primary and nursery schools until December 27 due to severe cold and dense fog. Classes for students from Grade 1 to 8 will now operate between 10 am and 3 pm, starting December 24, to protect children from harsh weather conditions.

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 2:36 pm

From false starts to fashion wins: A lively day at the races

Lucknow's race course buzzed with excitement for the Millennium Cup. Burak clinched the Indian-bred horse race trophy, while a false start briefly halted the Thoroughbred race. The event also celebrated style with fashion awards, recognizing best-dressed individuals and couples, adding a glamorous touch to the day's equestrian thrills.

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 2:16 pm

Good news for Uttar Pradesh residents: Lucknow to Kanpur in just 45 minutes, THIS 8 lane expressway to cut time between two cities, set to open by...; Check details here

The expressway, spanning 67-75 km, is designed to accommodate speeds of up to 160 km/h, making it a game-changer for commuters. REda here to know details.

DNA India 23 Dec 2025 2:05 pm

UP money laundering case: CBI court takes cognisance of ED complaint against ex-MLA Vijay Mishra

A Lucknow CBI court has taken cognizance of a money laundering complaint against former MLA Vijay Mishra and former MLC Ram Lali Mishra. The Enforcement Directorate alleges they used a real estate firm to launder 36.07 crore in disproportionate assets. Assets worth 25.46 crore have been attached, with the probe ongoing.

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 2:00 pm

This city has largest number of CBSE schools in India, not Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, it is...

This city has the highest number of CBSE board schools in India, surpassing Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

DNA India 23 Dec 2025 10:56 am

SP govt turned hosps into cattle sheds

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:52 am

Vande Mataram beyond religion: Shivpal

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:52 am

3.4 crore for restoration of Chhatar Manzil

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:51 am

Govt urged to rebuild Sanjay Setu soon

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:51 am

3,500 cr to strengthenmed infra

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:51 am

1,246cr for linking Jewar airport, e-way

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:51 am

PCL seeks 3.7kcr to cover losses

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:51 am

Grant for LU study on Himalayas

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:51 am

500cr for PM Surya Ghar Yojana

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:49 am

Rajnath in city on Dec 24, 25

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:49 am

Robotic event for students held

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 9:49 am

Ram Temple 2nd anniv celebrations from Dec 27-Jan 2

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 6:52 am

Miss International India 2025 Roosh Sindhu poses while interacting with and inspiring students

Miss International India 2025 Roosh Sindhu poses while interacting with and inspiring students during a session at Lakme Academy, in Hazratganj, Lucknow, on Monday. (PTI)

The Shillong Times 23 Dec 2025 6:44 am

Fog triggers e-way crash in Sultanpur, 3 die

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 6:36 am

Barabanki girls innovation bags her Bal Puruskar

The Times of India 23 Dec 2025 6:36 am

UP presents Rs 24,497 crore supplementary budget for 202526; boosts infra, welfare spending

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday presented a supplementary budget of Rs 24,496.98 crore for the financial year 202526 during the second day of the five-day winter session of the state legislature. The budget was presented in the Assembly by State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, who said it was aimed at sustaining the momentum of development, providing additional resources to essential sectors, and fast-tracking welfare schemes in response to emerging needs. Khanna said the original budget for the current fiscal stood at Rs 8,08,736.06 crore, with the supplementary budget accounting for 3.03 per cent of the total. With the inclusion of the supplementary provisions, the overall budget outlay for the fiscal has now risen to Rs 8,33,233.04 crore. According to the Finance Minister, the supplementary budget focuses on strengthening the states development priorities. It includes a provision of Rs 18,369.30 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs 6,127.68 crore for capital expenditure. He said the emphasis of the supplementary provisions was on meeting revenue requirements while simultaneously reinforcing infrastructure through enhanced capital investment. Major allocations in the supplementary budget include Rs 4,874 crore for industrial development, Rs 4,521 crore for the power sector, Rs 3,500 crore for health and family welfare, and Rs 1,758.56 crore for urban development. In addition, Rs 639.96 crore has been allocated for the technical education sector, Rs 535 crore for women and child development, Rs 500 crore for the New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (NEDA), and Rs 423 crore for medical education. The state government has also made a provision of Rs 400 crore for cane and sugar mills. Among infrastructure projects, the ambitious Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Prayagraj has been allocated Rs 1,835 crore. Another Rs 1,246 crore has been earmarked for the Greenfield Expressway link road connecting Jewar International Airport with the Ganga Expressway. Reiterating the Yogi governments commitment to fiscal discipline under the FRBM Act, Khanna cited Government of India estimates to say that Uttar Pradeshs Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected at Rs 31.14 lakh crore, indicating that the state is moving towards becoming a revenue surplus state.

The New Indian Express 22 Dec 2025 8:00 pm

Krishnappa Gowtham Retires From All Forms Of Cricket

Karnataka State Cricket Association: Former India all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has called time on his professional cricket career, announcing his retirement from all formats on Monday. The 37-year-old shared the news at a special press conference held at the KSCA Media Lounge, attended by Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad, vice-president Sujith Somasundar, and secretary Santosh Menon. Gowtham featured once for India at the international level, making his lone ODI appearance against Sri Lanka on July 23, 2021. His only international wicket came in that match, when he dismissed wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka. He rose to prominence in the Indian Premier League when he became the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the IPL 2021 auction, after being snapped up by Chennai Super Kings for INR 9.25 crore. That record later changed hands, first with Avesh Khan and more recently with Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Across his IPL career, Gowtham has turned out for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His final appearance in the league came in May 2024, representing Lucknow Super Giants against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 36 IPL matches, the spin-bowling all-rounder scored 247 runs at a strike rate of 166.90, while also taking 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.24. Beyond the IPL, he enjoyed solid returns in domestic cricket, finishing with 737 runs and 116 wickets from 32 first-class games. In List A cricket, he scored 400 runs and claimed 51 wickets in 32 matches, while his T20 career saw him amass 454 runs and take 32 wickets across 49 appearances. Across his IPL career, Gowtham has turned out for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His final appearance in the league came in May 2024, representing Lucknow Super Giants against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gowtham also represented India A on multiple occasions and came close to earning further international caps in other formats. Known for his resilience and fierce competitiveness, he carved out a career built on grit and determination, leaving behind a reputation as a cricketer who consistently punched above his weight against elite opposition. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 22 Dec 2025 6:00 pm

ISWAI Launches National Movement - 'I-pledge to Never-Drink-and-Drive'

The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), a key advocate for the Indian Premium Alcoholic Beverage Industry, announced a nationwide digital movement, I-pledge to Never-Drink-and-Drive (I-Pledge NDAD), reinforcing its continued commitment to community well-being. The I-Pledge NDAD initiative is aimed at engaging the public to promote a culture of never to drink and drive, and encourage responsible consumption across India. Starting with an impactful Never-Drink-and-Drive campaign in Lucknow and Chandigarh earlier this year, the movement now expands its national footprint, leveraging digital media to drive a sustained behavioural change. pledge.iswai.in ), the campaign enables citizens to take a simple online pledge and receive a personalized certificate acknowledging their commitment to this important cause. A real-time pledge counter highlights growing public participation, while social sharing with #NeverDrinkAndDrive helps amplify the message nationwide. Speaking on the roll-out, Sanjit Padhi, CEO, ISWAI, said, The I-pledge movement is not just a digital initiative, it is a collective call for responsible behaviour. By empowering individuals to make a conscious commitment to never drink and drive, we aim to build a culture where safety is prioritised. The power of I-pledge reinforces the fact that change begins with you. Sanjit Padhi further added, Driving under the influence continues to be a leading cause of road accidents in India. Through the I-pledge platform, we encourage citizens to choose safer alternatives, such as a designated driver, a cab, or not driving after drinking at all. With over 1,800 citizens already committed, the campaign calls on many more to take the pledge, spread awareness, and help make our roads safer for everyone. As a responsible industry body, ISWAI continues to create awareness among the public on safe consumption and safe driving through various campaigns, especially during festive seasons and celebrations, when socialising is common. ISWAI calls upon citizens across India to take the I-Pledge and be part of this important movement.

News Voir 22 Dec 2025 5:27 pm

Akhilesh Yadav hits back at Yogi Adityanaths two namoone remark, cites BJP internal discord

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav countered CM Yogi Adityanath's 'two namoone' jibe, interpreting it as an admission of internal BJP discord. Adityanath had targeted unnamed leaders in Delhi and Lucknow, implying they flee discussions. Yadav urged the BJP to resolve internal conflicts privately, not publicly.

The Economic Times 22 Dec 2025 5:23 pm

Yogis do namune jibe backfires as Akhilesh calls remark a BJP self-goal

Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Monday sought to turn Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths do namune jibe into a political gotcha moment, claiming the remark was a self-goal that amounted to an open admission of an alleged rift within the Bharatiya Janata Party, particularly between its Delhi and Lucknow power centres. The sharp exchange unfolded amid a political slugfest over the alleged illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup, with Adityanath taking potshots at opposition leaders Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi while speaking in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Monday. Replying to allegations raised by the Samajwadi Party during the second day of the Vidhan Sabhas winter session, the chief minister dismissed the charges as politically motivated and said the uproar created by the opposition reflected a case of chor ki dadhi mein tinka (a guilty conscience). There are two namune in the country, Adityanath said. One sits in Delhi and the other in Lucknow. Whenever there is any discussion on any issue in the country, these individuals immediately flee abroad. ... , , ... pic.twitter.com/vv0eabVu2S Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 22, 2025 He went on to add, I think the same thing is happening with your Babua. He will also leave the country again for a trip to England, and you people will keep shouting here, using a term he frequently employs to target Akhilesh Yadav during political rallies. The chief ministers barbed remarks came amid an escalating war of words over the alleged codeine cough syrup smuggling case. Last week, Akhilesh Yadav had claimed at a press conference that the racket originated from the Prime Ministers parliamentary constituency, a charge that drew sharp pushback from the BJP and the state government. Strongly rejecting the Samajwadi Partys allegations that the illegal trade had run into thousands of crores of rupees and had allegedly claimed the lives of hundreds of children, Adityanath said the matter was under investigation and asserted that the trail could eventually point towards the opposition party itself. I think if you delve deeper into this matter, it will all boil down to the same thing that some leader or individual associated with the Samajwadi Party is involved, he said. Adityanath further claimed that financial transactions linked to the alleged syrup racket had passed through the account of an office-bearer of the Samajwadi Partys Lohia Vahini. The transaction in this syrup case also went through the account of an office-bearer of the Samajwadi Partys Lohia Vahini. The Special Task Force is investigating the matter, he told the House. Citing legal developments, the chief minister said the High Court had ruled that the entire case should be prosecuted under the NDPS Act. The Uttar Pradesh government has fought this battle and won, he said. Laying out figures to underline the scale of action taken so far, Adityanath said 79 cases had been registered, 225 accused named and 78 people arrested. He added that raids had been conducted on 134 firms in connection with the alleged racket. Warning that the government would not go soft on anyone involved, the chief minister said the racket was far bigger than what had surfaced so far and vowed bulldozer-style action against all mafias, even if they belonged to the Samajwadi Party. No accused in this case will escape. And dont worry, when the time comes, preparations will also be made for bulldozer action. Dont complain then, he said. Reacting sharply, Akhilesh Yadav said the chief ministers do namune remark amounted to a self-admission and exposed the internal discord within the BJP. In a post on X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the statement showed that the DelhiLucknow tussle within the ruling party had reached an unexpected level. Self-admission. No one had expected that the DelhiLucknow fight would reach this point. People holding constitutional positions should maintain at least some sense of propriety and not cross the limits of decorum, Yadav said. He also took a swipe at the ruling party for airing its internal differences in public. BJP leaders should not bring their partys internal infighting to the crossroads. If someone takes offence, they may have to retreat, Yadav added. (With inputs from PTI)

The New Indian Express 22 Dec 2025 4:20 pm

Yogi jibes at Rahul, Akhilesh, says two namoone flee the country during crisis

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, without taking names, took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying there are two namoone who flee the country whenever a serious matter comes up in the nation. He made these remarks while replying to SPs allegations over Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 22 Dec 2025 4:12 pm

'Do namoone' who flee when serious matter comes up, says Yogi Adityanath; Akhilesh Yadav hits back

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, calling them individuals who leave the country during national issues. Adityanath linked Samajwadi Party office-bearers to an illegal codeine cough syrup trade. Akhilesh Yadav responded by calling Adityanath's remarks an admission of internal BJP conflict between Delhi and Lucknow.

The Economic Times 22 Dec 2025 2:47 pm

Connolly Eyes IPL 2026 Stint With PBKS As A Platform To Sharpen Spin Bowling Skills

Indian Premier League: Australia's rising left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly said he is viewing his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) stint with Punjab Kings in 2026 as a crucial opportunity to sharpen his skills as a bowler by learning from elite spinners in the competition. I think I'm still developing my game with the ball. But it's super exciting. I think I'm just going to try to develop my bowling as much as I can. I think what's happened over sort of last three years is there's been a big factor in me trying to get my bowling up to speed. I feel like it's starting to slowly become a threat. It'll be nice to learn off, I guess, some guys there and watch how some guys go about it. But it's something I've been working hard and looking forward to sort of getting stuck in and challenging myself, Connolly told IANS in a virtual round table organised by the franchise on Monday. PBKS acquiring Connolly's services for Rs 3 crore in last weeks auction at Abu Dhabi, came after he hit a match-winning unbeaten 61 off 53 balls in Adelaide against a visiting Indian side in October, where he guided Australia from a precarious 132/4 to chasing 265 and grab a series win. This, though, wasnt Connollys first brush with anything related to India in his cricketing career. Connolly, who modelled his batting on former batter Shaun Marsh (who coincidentally turned out for PBKS from 2008 to 2017 in IPL) toured India with the Australia A side in September-October, where he excelled in the red-ball and white-ball games played in Lucknow and Kanpur. He also attended an intensive 12-day training camp organised by Cricket Australia at the MRF Academy in Chennai in 2023. Connolly agreed that his prior experience of being in Indian conditions should prove to be valuable when playing on different pitches and packed crowds in IPL 2026. It's very valuable. I think I've been to India a couple of times now and any chance we get to go over there is always a chance to sort of understand those conditions. I always take sort of a lot of learnings and obviously it's not as fast and bouncy as Australia, but just sort of the different sort of looking pitches and wickets that can spin. So I've taken a lot of learnings and obviously there's still going to be some time for me to learn a bit more about the conditions when I'm over there. But it's just sort of trying to understand it as quickly as I can so that I get the best out of myself when I'm out there in the middle, he added. For Connolly, who was captaining Australia in the 2022 ICC Under-19 Mens World Cup in the West Indies, his rapid ascent through international cricket has been dizzying. He remains grateful for all the chances coming his way and is keen to maximise the opportunities which can continue his impressive upward trajectory. While Connolly faces stiff competition for entering Australia's T20 World Cup squad given the team's depth, his all-round abilities and the tournament's location in India and Sri Lanka could work in his favour. Everything's happened fast over the last three years; it's been pretty surreal. I've sort of had a couple of moments recently where I've just looked back at what's happened over the last three years. But it's obviously an honour to represent your country in all three formats. I'm still 22, and there's still a lot of cricket for me to play. So, every opportunity I get at the moment, I'm just trying to make the most of it and just put my best foot forward. Connolly is particularly eager to work under PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, whom he briefly met during the Australia A tour of India. When I was over there for Australia vs India 'A' games, I spoke to him a little bit and just watching him go about his work, he's a world-class player and even watching him in Australia, he's a star. I'm still 22, and there's still a lot of cricket for me to play. So, every opportunity I get at the moment, I'm just trying to make the most of it and just put my best foot forward. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There's obviously some guys that I haven't met yet. So I'm looking forward to getting over there and meeting them all and trying to just pick up everyone's brains and how to play in Indian conditions. But it's going to be an unbelievable tournament, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

CNMSports 22 Dec 2025 2:02 pm

BrahMos and beyond: How UP is becoming Indias defence capital

India's supersonic prowess is taking flight from Lucknow with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility. This 200-acre complex is set to become the epicentre for producing the formidable BrahMos cruise missile, catering to surging domestic and international demand, including significant export orders.

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 10:56 am

2 wanted criminals killed, 5held in 3 encounters in UP

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 4:16 am

Cops bust Rs 1.5 cr fake degree racket run by PhD holder

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 3:35 am

Golden Boy, Angel in My Heart excel

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 3:05 am

Delhi Electronic Media lift cricket trophy

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 1:33 am

Education is meant to develop human potential

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 1:31 am

FIR filed against nine for beating stray dog to death

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 1:30 am

Bunch of awards for CSIR-CIMAP as flower show ends

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 1:28 am

Health awareness key to a strong nation

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 1:27 am

Jewellery heist exposes ineffective night patrols

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 1:27 am

Silent disco, rock band gig twin treat for music fans

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 1:21 am

Concerted efforts must to streamline traffic mgmt.: DGP

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:49 am

Previous govts ruined coop sector, says CM

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:49 am

BJPs secret agenda is one nation, one bizman: Akhilesh

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:48 am

5L bond notice to Sumaiya Rana

The Times of India 22 Dec 2025 12:48 am

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

CNMSports 21 Dec 2025 3:38 pm

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.

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 2:57 pm

IPS officer Vaibhav Krishna develops Police Satark Mitra WhatsApp bot for anonymous crime reporting in Varanasi range

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.

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 2:31 pm

Healthcare has now reached the poorest in India, says Nadda

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 5:20 am

Bihar CM should show remorse over hijab issue: Mayawati

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 5:00 am

IIML alumni meet: Different batches, but united in legacy

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 4:11 am

Why no bulldozer action against cough syrup accused?

The Times of India 21 Dec 2025 2:39 am