Flawed by design, exclusionary in impact
The Gyanesh Kumar-led Election Commission of India, emboldened by a deferential Supreme Court judgment, has already disenfranchised lakhs of genuine electors through its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and risks excluding many more
Dew could come into play as Kishan preps for homecoming
The second T20I between India and West Indies in Ranchi is expected to be heavily influenced by dew, making the toss crucial, while the pitch is set to favour batsmen. Local fans are also eagerly anticipating the performance of Jharkhand's own Ishan Kishan.
APL Season 2: Defending champions Rajputana Royals beat Prithviraaj Yodhas in Season 2 opener
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Rajputana Royals laid down the marker early on in the second edition of the Archery Premier League (APL) as they beat Prithviraaj Yodhas 5-3 in the opening match in Hyderabad on Wednesday. With compound archers Ojas Deotale and World No. 1 Ella Gibson leading the way with high-scoring arrows at the start, Royals also had Tokyo Olympic recurve champion Mete Gazoz to thank, as he repeatedly closed out the sets with the 120-second countdown winding down. The Abhishek Verma-led Yodhas bounced back from a slow start and could have taken the match into a hit-or-miss shootoff with the final arrow too, but Mexico's Mathias Grande shot a costly 8 in the end. Archery Premier League (APL), the world's first franchise-based archery league, is initiated by the Archery Association of India and comprises six teams and a total of 48 archers, with 36 Indians and 12 elite international stars. The league, taking place at People's Plaza in Hyderabad, will culminate on October 18 with the grand finale featuring the top four teams in the semifinal, followed by the title clash. The Royals won the first set 73-69, as Grande's 7 with his first arrow put Yodhas on the back foot and playing catch-up. Deotale, who was the source of the Royals' high energy just as he was last season, set the tone for the Royals along with Gibson, while India's Ankita Bhakat played able support to Gazoz. Verma started the second set with a 10 as it was a good start from all four archers, with the score tied 37-37 halfway through. Grande then bounced back with a sensational 10 off the final arrow with the clock winding down. Gazoz could have won the set for Royals with a 10, but his 9 meant both teams would have split points for the set. But one of the arrows was corrected after the end of the set, which saw the Yodhas bounce back into the match to make it 2-2. Before the third set, Yodhas made a change as Andrea Becerra came in to replace Raj Kaur. The compound stars of each team were on fire Deotale and Verma started with superb X-ring 10s, then Gibson and Becerra followed that up with 10s too, as the teams were locked in a tight battle. With their final arrows, Gazoz and Grande were both up against the clock but released the arrows in time. The Mexican had to hit a 10 to split the set, and he responded with just that for Yodhas. A really quality set was tied 77-77. Royals started the fourth set superbly with three 10s and opened up a 39-37 lead halfway through to stand on the cusp of a win. Gatha Anandrao Khadake, 16, had an up-and-down match but shot a 10 with her final arrow to give her side a chance to force a shootoff. While Gazoz managed a superb X with his final shot, Grande could manage only an 8. On the second day of action, the first match will feature Kakatiya Knights and Chola Chiefs. The defending champions Rajputana Royals resume their campaign against Chero Archers in the second match, and in the final encounter, Mighty Marathas take on Prithviraaj Yodhas.
Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College OPDs to shift to campus by Jan 2027
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Excited to work with Harmanpreet, admired her from afar, says MI head coach Williams
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 8 (IANS) Newly appointed Mumbai Indians head coach Luke Williams expressed his delight at getting an opportunity to be a part of the Womens Premier League (WPL) franchise, adding that he was excited to work with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, after having admired her from afar. Obviously, Ive had the pleasure of coaching against Harman in several leagues all over the world and have seen her fabulous talent and brilliant captaincy and leadership qualities and have been able to admire her from afar. So Im absolutely thrilled to be able to work with Harman and work together to really get the best out of the team for this season, said Williams in a video on the franchises YouTube channel on Thursday. He had coached Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a WPL 2024 triumph, and Williams said he was thrilled to get a chance to be a coach in the competition again. I was absolutely delighted when I found out that I was going to be offered the position. To be part of such a prestigious franchise is an absolute honour. Obviously, the WPL team has already achieved so much, having won the competition twice, and Im just so thrilled to be able to get started and meet the playing and support staff to get going. MI is playing an exciting brand of cricket. Quite intimidating as a team with a fantastic fan base as well as players who can take the game away from you very, very quickly. So again, thats the style of cricket that we want to play: to be able to put pressure on the opposition and to never give up. The MI side are going to play a relentless and aggressive style of cricket, and we will definitely continue that this year, which is one of the most exciting things about taking on this role, he added. Commenting on preparations for the upcoming season, with the auction happening in Kochi on October 28, Williams stated that he does not think there needs to be a complete overhaul of the squad considering the depth and balance that MI possess in all departments. Thats one of the most exciting things about being able to come into this particular team is that it has such a strong core. So I dont think that there needs to be a huge amount of changes necessarily. Obviously, were looking at the finer details and making sure that we get the balance right for different conditions that we might come up against. But at the moment I think the squad that we have got is a really good combination of players with the right mix of batting and bowling and seam and spin. Having been here before and also played in the WPL and seen the game grow, the passion of the fans is absolutely phenomenal. So its a really special time to be a part of Mumbai Indians, added Williams. He further pointed out that Indian womens cricket is going through an exciting phase and wants MI to be at the forefront of it all by continuing to play fearless and entertaining cricket. I think that the Indian team is playing some really special cricket at the moment and obviously have had so much success on the international stage. The future for both WPL and Indian cricket is incredibly bright. So we want Mumbai Indians to lead the way in terms of being fearless and taking the game on and playing a brand of cricket that is entertaining for the supporters and something that our fans can be really excited about and proud of, he said. Speaking about his own strengths as a coach, Williams credited his ability to communicate effectively with his players and staff as his main strength. I think obviously the ability to stay calm is always a good quality. As a coach, being able to communicate with different people, players, and staff. I probably take a bit of pride in my communication with people and making sure that they understand the demands clearly and that they feel empowered to do their jobs. So I think thats probably my strength as a coach, he said. Williams signed off by saying about the incredible support that MI gets from its fans and said that he looks forward to seeing them at the matches when WPL 2027 happens from January 14 to February 7. I cant wait to see you all at the games because, as you said, you are simply the heart and soul of the franchise. So it's really exciting to meet everyone and see that fantastic support and know that it plays such a big part in the teams success for the coming season and in the future ahead, said Williams.
Ishan Kishans Maturity Praised by Indias Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak Ahead of T20 Match
Sitanshu Kotak commends Ishan Kishans growth as a player ahead of the T20 match against West Indies in Ranchi. Ishan Kishans Maturity Praised by Indias Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak Ahead of T20 Match
Xbox Wants To Be More Than A Gaming Company, And Its New XP Division Explains Why
New XP division will take Xbox franchises into films, merchandise, live experiences and strategic partnerships as the company seeks to build a broader entertainment empire.
UP man held in Ranchi city for ATM card cloning fraud
2nd T20I: 'You can't beat experience' - Sitanshu Kotak decodes Bhuvneshwar Kumars T20I comeback
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 8 (IANS) Highlighting that one can't beat experience in international cricket, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumars sustained form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and rich experience of playing in overseas conditions were potentially behind his being given a call-up for the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand. Bhuvneshwar earned his India T20I recall on the back of a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, where he spearheaded Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful title defence with a 28-wicket haul. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026 and missed the Purple Cap to Kagiso Rabada by just a solitary scalp. Bhuvneshwars last appearance in international cricket came during a T20I in New Zealand in November 2022. Across 87 T20Is for India, Bhuvneshwar has bagged 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.96. See, one thing obviously is selectors picked it, but still I can give you an answer on what I think because in England, I also personally felt that with Bumrah not being around and all the new bowlers - like young bowlers were playing, and we all know that you can't beat experience. You see, they also are good and performing well and getting selected. But at some stage you also need some experience. So, I am just thinking that might be one reason. Another thing is Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in IPL for the last two seasons. So, selectors must have thought that for New Zealand conditions and all, and obviously he has been doing well and we need some experience. They must have picked him. That's what I can think of unless you can think something different, Kotak said in a press conference on the eve of the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi. Reiterating that the selection doors for the senior squad remain open for any player, including senior pacer Mohammed Shami, Kotak said, First of all, I am not a selector. So, it is difficult for me to tell you that. But Shami is also playing, and he is also doing well. If selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected. Commenting on the Centre of Excellence (CoE), head VVS Laxman, set to be a regular fixture in senior mens selection committee meetings, Kotak gave a sneak peek into the meticulous efforts of him stepping up for the senior team's requirements. See, I honestly don't know. I also came to know what you just said: that any injury-related update will be sent by Laxman sir. So, I believe that the decision taken by BCCI is done purposefully. I have worked with VVS Laxman in CoE for 3 years. He is so particular that whenever I was there, he used to tell us that if the Indian team has any requirement, then our first duty is to do it. It's a different thing, but sometimes we used to take leave to go home. At such a time, if any Indian player is important and the Indian team wants him immediately, then he used to say, 'Kotak yaar, leave this week or for 1-2 weeks, as we have to get him ready. Leave after the player is ready.' So, this is how committed he is. So, whatever role he will be in, I am sure that he will think of the best for Indian cricket. Moreover, Kotak refuted any notion of disassociation between the senior team management and the development unit, saying that the head coach Gautam Gambhir and Laxman remain in constant touch. See, I personally have no idea. But I have this much idea that Gautam and Laxman always stay in touch. So, I have this much idea about them. Rest of the other things, I don't know. If there is any need, then Gautam speaks to Laxman. If anything is left from there, that is a normal procedure, which I have always seen. So, there is nothing new in that, he concluded.
BJP trying to take away votes of those who turned against it: Revanth Reddy
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was afraid of poor people who had turned against it and, therefore, wanted to deprive them of their right to vote. For a second consecutive day, the Chief Minister participated in the INDIA bloc's protest in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He alleged that the BJP had tried to divide Indians based on religion, caste, region and language. They have also misused Central agencies as a threat to weaken the Opposition and stifle institutions. Now that defeat is imminent, the country is being divided into two major camps: those who have the right to vote and those whose votes they want to steal, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) quoted him as saying. The BJP is afraid of the poor people who have turned against it, including Dalits, tribals, OBCs and minorities. Hence, they want to take away their votes, said Revanth Reddy, who joined Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other Congress and INDIA bloc leaders in the sit-in protest at Raj Ghat. The Chief Minister stated that if the votes of 13 crore or more citizens were taken away, it would amount to the single largest disenfranchisement exercise on the planet. He said this figure was greater than the population of many countries. We are setting up a strange situation where, after the number of voters increased in every election in India since 1952, including the last three General Elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, the total number of voters in India will decline in the next polls, he said. However, he asserted that the people of India would not allow this. He remarked that the issue was not a fight of the Congress alone or even the INDIA alliance, but one concerning the future of the country. CM Revanth Reddy alleged that PM Modi had always sought to capture power through divisive tactics drawn from what he described as the imperialist British playbook. Our party was formed to secure Independence for India, not to gain power. We ensured India became free and that every Indian got a vote. Today, if the government can illegally take away people's votes, tomorrow all their rights, including reservations and fundamental rights, will also be taken away, he said. India will stand for the right of every citizen to vote. No force on earth can stop that. Either the BJP removes CEC Gyanesh Kumar, reverses the SIR exercise and restores the vote of every citizen, or it will be consigned to the dustbin of Indian political history, Revanth Reddy added.
2nd T20: 'Now Much More Mature', Says Kotak As He Backs Kishan To Deliver On Home Turf In Ranchi
T20 World Cup: Having worked closely with Ishan Kishan for a long period, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak appreciated the local lad's growth as a much more mature and tactical match-winner ahead of India's second T20I against West Indies, set to happen at the JSCA Ground in Ranchi on Friday. Originally from Patna, Kishan plays domestic cricket for Jharkhand and is having a dream run in the shortest format leading the run-making charts by amassing 1042 runs in 30 innings and becoming a T20 World Cup winner. As a batting coach, whichever ground Ishan plays in, he considers it his home ground. Actually, when he came back after the World Cup, he has been doing really well for the Indian team in any situation. When he was young, I saw him when I worked in the IPL, where he was in the Gujarat Lions setup. But even then, he used to play aggressively. If anything, I would say that he is much more mature now. So, he plays according to the needs of the team and the situation of the team, and he has been doing really well. So, we just hope that he does well on his home ground, Kotak said in the pre-match press conference. Reiterating India's approach of an unrelenting and high-intensity version of playing the game, Kotak said that the pitch conditions in Ranchi will not impact the team's attacking approach. I think the way we are approaching with the fearless and team-first approach - that's the same way we'll go. No matter, it might be a different wicket also, but in T20s generally we get a good wicket. So, that'll be the same thing; the way we want to approach the T20s, we'll continue. I think it's a good batting wicket. So, it should be a high-scoring pitch. The team has not decided yet. So, I don't know. Chances are for everyone in 15 to be in the 11, he added. On managing the workload and rotation of stars such as Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested from the series, Kotak said that while it does impact results, overall the team's strong bench strength helps to ensure that a balanced squad is maintained at all times to prepare for multiple international events. Obviously, because, see, some games we are not playing, and Bumrah has been given a rest. In some games, some other senior players are also not playing. So, obviously any team in the world will require bench strength, and somewhere and somewhere you have to give them chances. So, sometimes results do suffer, but normally I think we have enough strong bench strength that our results also don't suffer as much, he added. Commenting on the issues raised regarding young pace bowler Mayank Yadav's performance in the first game, where his batting returns were expensive, Kotak felt he will bounce back strongly. See, Mayank also played here after playing in Zimbabwe. Any bowler will feel that it will take certain matches to get rhythm. Obviously, any bowler or bowling coach and team management will think about where they gave runs or where the runs go or in which particular bowls did the runs go and then think of how they can cut off, whether it is length or pace or change of pace. So, that is a non-stop work that is going on, he said. Expanding on the issue of balancing the need for victories with nurturing young talent, Kotak praised the healthy pool of competitive players available for selection across multiple squads. To tell you the truth, when you test players and if you win, then it continues. If you lose, there is a very thin line between keeping that balance. But obviously, we try to do that because of the promising players that we have, the way the BCCI and CoE run, our bench strength; if two or three of our teams go, it looks strong. Expanding on the issue of balancing the need for victories with nurturing young talent, Kotak praised the healthy pool of competitive players available for selection across multiple squads. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wows onlookers in Ranchi with explosive net session
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wows onlookers in Ranchi with explosive net session
Ranchi girl spins her way into Guinness World Records with 80 nose hula-hoop rotations
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 8 (IANS) What began as a playful childhood pastime four or five years ago has taken 11-year-old Aashvi Vashishtha of Ranchi into the Guinness World Records. The Class 6 student of DAV Kapildev School has achieved a Guinness World Record by completing 80 hula-hoop rotations around her nose in just one minute. The achievement became an especially memorable moment for her family when the record certificate and medal arrived at her home on Thursday. Aashvi accomplished the feat on May 3 this year with her record attempt filmed on the school premises. Maintaining the hula hoop's speed and rhythm while keeping it balanced around the nose makes the feat particularly challenging. Speaking to IANS, Aashvi said she started practising with a hula hoop about four or five years ago. Initially, it was simply something she enjoyed doing, and people at home and in her neighbourhood would often appreciate her speed and rhythm. Gradually, however, the pastime turned into dedicated practice. Around six months ago, Aashvi began thinking about attempting a hula-hoop record. Once she set the goal, she started training with greater focus, turning years of casual practice into preparation for a world-record attempt. And the Guinness achievement is not her only record. Aashvi has also found a place in the Asia Book of Records after completing 397 anti-clockwise hula-hoop rotations around her nose in 6 minutes and 40 seconds while wearing inline skates. She also holds an India Book of Records feat for completing 226 hula-hoop rotations in 3 minutes and 46 seconds while balancing on skates. Born on September 23, 2015, Aashvi is the daughter of Rahul Vashishtha and Kavita Vashishtha, residents of Ranchi's Upper Bazaar area. She credits her family for encouraging her throughout her journey and said her grandfather Ashok Sharma has always motivated her. For Aashvi, the record is more than a personal milestone. She has dedicated her Guinness World Record to her grandfather, mother, and father.
Alia Bhatt recently took some time away from her busy professional schedule for a getaway to Mallorca with close friend Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and their circle. The group stayed at a private Moritz Luxe Residence during their Mediterranean trip, opting for a residence-style holiday rather than a conventional hotel stay. Akansha shared glimpses of the getaway on Instagram, offering followers a look at the picturesque surroundings, blue waters, quaint streets and greenery across Mallorca. She also posted several candid photographs with her friends. The first set of pictures was shared with the caption, this and nothing else, while another post featured the caption, somewhere between our dream villa @moritzluxeresidences and Mallorcas little hidden gems. The groups stay included private chef and butler services, chauffeured transportation and a private yacht charter. Unlike a traditional hotel itinerary, the private residence allowed the group to spend time together in a more secluded setting while having access to customised services during their stay. The Mallorca trip comes as Alia continues to balance a busy professional line-up. The actor is currently associated with Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in January 2027. Alia is also set to return to the world of Tumbbad with Tumbbad 2. The project brings her into the expanding universe of the acclaimed folk-horror franchise, adding another genre project to her upcoming slate. Meanwhile, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor has continued to share glimpses of her personal life and travels with her social media followers. Her latest Mallorca posts have offered a glimpse into the holiday she shared with Alia and their close group of friends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kanchi (@akansharanjan) The private-residence stay was facilitated by A51 Collective, the India representation partner for Moritz Luxe Residences. The company represents the residence brand in the Indian market and works with luxury travel advisors and travellers seeking private accommodation and personalised travel experiences. Moritz Luxe Residences has properties across destinations including Mallorca, St. Moritz, Mauritius, Mykonos and the French Riviera. The Mallorca getaway reflects the growing preference among affluent travellers for private residences that combine accommodation with services such as chefs, butlers, chauffeurs and curated excursions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kanchi (@akansharanjan) For Alia and her friends, however, the trip appeared to be centred primarily around spending time together and enjoying Mallorca away from their professional commitments, with Akanshas social media posts giving fans a glimpse into their holiday. Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Alia Bhatt planning to revive Inshallah after Love And War: REPORT
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India vs West Indies: A Look at Team Indias T20 Record in Ranchi Ahead of the Second Match
Team India aims to extend their lead in the T20 series against West Indies, with a strong record in Ranchi. India vs West Indies: A Look at Team Indias T20 Record in Ranchi Ahead of the Second Match
India vs West Indies second T20I: Men in Blue hope to extend winning run at Ranchi
Shreyas & Co. cant take things lightly against a power-packed West Indies battling line-up; the bowling, though, remains a big worry for the visiting side
Sooryavanshi, Kishan Set Chilly Ranchi Nets Alight
Ahead of the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi, local player Ishan Kishan and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showcased their attacking batting in India's practice session. Kishan, returning to the national setup after a disciplinary issue, impressed assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak with his maturity. Sooryavanshi, a young talent, also drew significant attention with his powerful hitting. The team, having won the first T20I, plans to maintain its fearless approach for the upcoming match.
Graeme Smith Makes Bold Claim As SA20 Challenges Global T20 Giants
Graeme Smith, who is now the SA20 League Commissioner, declared on Thursday that the franchise league has gradually established itself as a primary choice for players during the January-February window
IND vs WI 2nd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs
IND vs WI 2nd T20I, Cricket Tips: Team India hammered West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series. Captain Shreyas Iyer slammed an unbeaten century and scored 102 off 43 balls to take his team home. India have been tremendous with the bat, and they will be looking to take a 2-0 lead going into the second game. The second ODI will start at 7 PM IST on Friday at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. West Indies have a strong batting unit, but they need contribution from their top order. Their bowling unit has been below-par, and they have struggled under pressure. Can they stop the Indian juggernaut? IND vs WI: Match Details Date : October 09, 2026 (Friday) Time : 7 PM IST Venue : JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi IND vs WI: Live Streaming Details Star Sports Networks will televise the live telecast of the second T20I in Ranchi. The live stream of the game will be streamed live on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs WI: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches: 32 India : 21 West Indies : 10 No-result: 1 IND vs WI: Ground Pitch Report JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi is an excellent venue for the batters. There is very little help here for the bowing side, and the dew will also make it difficult for the bowlers. Hence, the team that will bowl first will have an edge. IND vs WI: Possible XIs India : Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph IND vs WI: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Abhishek Sharma has been in tremendous form, and he can change the game within the first six overs. Shai Hope has scored two centuries and one fifty in the last three innings. He is in great form. Probable Best Bowler Arshdeep Singh and Akeal Hosein are two smart bowlers who have some good variations. Today Match Prediction: India are in great form and they are doing pretty well. Hence, we predict Team India to beat West Indies in the second game. IND vs WI Match 2nd T20I, Today Match IND vs WI, IND vs WI Prediction, IND vs WI Predicted XIs, Injury Update for India vs West Indies Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
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Highveld Conditions And Backup To Jansen Drove Our Fast-bowling Buys, Says SEC Head Coach Birrell
Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Excelling in highveld conditions and securing quality backup for star all-rounder Marco Jansen were the primary drivers behind Sunrisers Eastern Capes fast-bowling buys at the SA20 season five auction, said head coach Adrian Birrell. In the auction, three-time champions and current trophy holders Sunrisers Eastern Cape bolstered their seam bowling by acquiring powerplay specialist Craig Overton and left-arm quick Nandre Burger. While Burger will make his debut for the franchise, Overton previously featured in six matches for SEC in previous editions of SA20. The duo joins an already lethal fast-bowling arsenal featuring Jansen, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje, and Lutho Sipamla. We were always looking to bolster our bowling line-up to have backup for what we have. The success we've had every time, we've had three out of the top five fast bowlers from our team. So I really like those fast bowlers. I want them to bowl fast and swing it up front. We know we've had Craig Overton before, and he's very good in the highveld. He's also done very well in this last year for Somerset. They were always in contention to win the Blast in England, and we've got the captain, Lewis Gregory, in our squad as well as now Craig Overton. So I like sort of looking at winning teams and taking their best players. But Craig also gives us that batter who can bat at seven or eight. As that all-rounder, he's also backup for Jansen, who's played every single game for us. Marco has never got injured, and you hope that he never does get injured, but you always have to have backup in case. So we've got him. Then Nandre Berger is coming back from injury. He should be fit for the SA20, but he gives us another left-arm option. When he's fit, he bowls quick. So we wanted him as an option and also to get him on our books, Birrell told IANS in an interaction facilitated by the SA20 post-season five auction. The story of the auction, though, belonged to Joburg Super Kings as they went through a fierce bidding battle against MI Cape Town to secure 18-year-old all-rounder Jason Rowles for a staggering R 2.9 million, the highest buy of the day. Rowles was the leading run-getter for South Africa in this years Under-19 World Cup, amassing 280 runs in five innings at an excellent average of 70 and a strike rate of 112. JSK head coach Albie Morkel revealed that despite a higher-than-expected price tag, Rowles had been a long-term desire of the franchise's scouting network. Auctions are very funny things. Obviously, Robbie (Robin Peterson of MI Cape Town) and his crew saw the same talent that we saw in Jason. He is a local boy from Joburg that we've tracked for a long time. We had a talent scout camp a year ago, which he attended. So he was someone on our radar. Did I think he was going to go for that amount of money? No, definitely not. But he's someone that we really wanted. I think that initially the rookie and now the under-23 spot, every franchise is looking for that guy who's going to be the next Lhuan-dre or the next Brevis. Whether he will be that, time will tell. But he's a really talented guy. If you just follow his under-19 performances, the last year, they were great. Then he's got a very good management team around him. So I'm sure as a cricketer, with this money tag around his head now or over his head, they will manage it well. From our side, from a coaching and franchise point of view, we'll give him every opportunity to sort of grow into the player that we hope he will develop into, he explained. JSK also delivered one of the major surprises of the day by signing T20 batting giant Kieron Pollard, with the absence of a counter-bid from his long-time team MI Cape Town. Morkel was thrilled to add the explosive batter's leadership and firepower to the Super Kings setup. Obviously, I was really surprised to see him in the auction first up. From the information that we gathered, he was still very keen to play. It's not like we asked him to come out of retirement. He's really keen to play in the tournament and what it brings to our team: the leadership, that winning mentality, that hardness on the field, and that West Indian flair, if you want to call it that. I think that's something that we can really use. He makes our middle to lower batting order look really strong. So he was a no-brainer for us. I do understand the history behind the Mumbai and the Super Kings franchises very well. I've been a part of it. So obviously a lot of disappointed Mumbai fans, but I'm sure, with him joining Joburg Super Kings, he's going to have a big support base in Johannesburg. The switch from a rookie draft system to a structured Under-23 slot has had a huge impact on the franchise scouting departments. On the challenge of adding young blood to the fray without getting too deep into the under-23 talent pool, Pretoria Capitals assistant coach Shaun Pollock outlined the balance that needs to be struck in evaluating domestic prodigies compared to other global talent. Obviously, the different age groups, the scouting is formidable about how everyone goes and finds out and watches the different levels of cricket. I suppose it's trying to work out the balance and how high a standard the cricket is. So it's not just as easy as identifying someone and making sure that they get a chance. You don't want to stunt their growth by knocking their confidence. So there's a lot of balance in that. But I think everyone's very conscious. I think all the coaches would agree we're very conscious about trying to find some young talent. For example, I suppose Sooryavanshi has brought a different dimension to the way people think about the younger guys and whether they can do it. Obviously, the different age groups, the scouting is formidable about how everyone goes and finds out and watches the different levels of cricket. I suppose it's trying to work out the balance and how high a standard the cricket is. So it's not just as easy as identifying someone and making sure that they get a chance. You don't want to stunt their growth by knocking their confidence. So there's a lot of balance in that. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Cyber awareness drive planned in Bokaro over APK complaints
PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu mourn the death of Jharkhand CMs mother
PSL 2027 to clash with IPL for third straight year, set for March 18-May 2
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the third consecutive year, with its 12th edition scheduled to take place from March 18 to May 2, 2027, as per Cricinfo. The tournament was traditionally held in February and March from its inaugural edition in 2016 through 2024. However, the PSL was shifted to the April-May window from 2025 onwards due to clashes with ICC events, including the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. The PCB and the PSL franchises discussed the possibility of moving the 12th edition to the January-February window during a governing council meeting last month. The proposal came after Walee Technologies, which holds the league
Hazaribag woman found dead, 3 detained for questioning
'Our vision is to get better every year': Graeme Smith on SA20s next five-year plan
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) With SA20 set to enter its fifth season, league commissioner Graeme Smith said his vision for the next five years of the tournament is centred on continuous improvement year after year, while the aim is for strengthening its standing in a busy global franchise T20 world. In a fast-paced mini-auction held on Wednesday, the six SA20 franchises fine-tuned their set-ups, with the highlight being the acquisition of ex-South Africa U19 players Jason Rowles by Joburg Super Kings for a staggering R 2.9 million, besides veteran Kieron Pollard, who has forever been a part of MI setups worldwide. A total of 789 players had registered for the recently concluded auction before the list was trimmed down to 156 players. The list comprised 95 South Africans and 61 overseas stars competing for just 19 available slots. I think, look, our vision is to get better and better every year. I think firstly you need to be a league of choice and I was really excited just for 19 slots to see how many players put their name on the auction list to be a part of it. So, that shows that players want to be here, want to play in the SA20. I think cricket will always be the number one core of our product. So that's exciting that the players want to be here, Smith told IANS in an interaction facilitated by SA20 post-season five auction. He also acknowledged that expansion talks of adding new leagues and window extensions were inevitable to discuss as the league grows. The league has been highly competitive. So, I just want to see it go from strength to strength. Obviously, as we grow, there will always be conversations around when do you add new franchises? How do you add new franchises? How long is the window going to be? But I think that you'll take it year by year. I think you'll see the developments of franchise cricket still progress over the next sort of year or two or three. Certainly with this new cycle of the four-year cycle of the FTP, I think there's going to be, you know, developments. I think for us, I still believe there'll be kind of four or five high-profile leagues every year. For us, we want to make sure that in the Southern Hemisphere, along with IPL and maybe the Hundred and so on, that we're up there with the top leagues in the world, which we've managed to do for the first five years, added Smith. Talking about how IPL-owned franchises have adapted to the local ecosystem, Smith said the teams management and scouting networks have got a more profound understanding of the South African system, especially of scouting players in the Under-23 category. I think if you look at the squads, there's balance throughout between investing in top international talent and youth. I think the difference is over the four and a half years, and with the coaches' inputs, certainly they've got a better understanding of the system, ability to scout behind the scenes in the South African talent pool system. So I think four or five years, the IPL franchises have learned a lot about South Africa, in business and cricket as well. So I think that really does help in terms of the investment into the U23 program. Obviously, the highlight of yesterday's story everyone's talking about is Jason Rowles. I think there's a few players in that U23 category that can prove to be exciting. Last year we had Nqobani Mokoena, who really came out of nowhere and had a superb season with the Paarl Royals. So I'm looking forward to see how that goes, to see the opportunities for young players now. I think the growth of franchise cricket is enormous. South Africa last year had the most international players at the IPL - it was over 21. So just seeing that South African talent and the opportunity that they've been given every year is super exciting. So, credit to the coaches and the franchises for the scouting behind the scenes. If he gets his opportunity, it will be great to see how he goes, he explained. Reflecting on the SA20's contribution to the overall revival of South Africa's cricket ecosystem, Smith felt the league had delivered on its mandate of improving standard of the domestic game, reviving interest across the country and bringing back fans to the stadiums, as well as providing greater competitive depth to the national team. Just before SA20 started, South African cricket was in a challenging space. I think the national team was struggling. There was a lot of administration issues. I think fans were getting disgruntled with the game. So I think, for us, besides lifting the standard of cricket, giving a high profile tournament that players could be a part of and seeing talent grow over the years and get competitive - that obviously benefits the national team's performance. But I think we really wanted to bring fans back to the game in South Africa and introduce new fans. Last year walking around the stadium, the amount of people that I've met in stadium that are coming to cricket for the first time and the growth of the fan base, and the support for our game certainly is one of the key goals that we wanted to achieve. I think over the first few years, we've achieved all those things. Now, it's about doubling down and making sure it goes from strength to strength, that in the next five years people are really still wanting to be a part of SA20 and seeing it grow from strength to strength, he concluded.
387 Graduates Honored at Birsa Agricultural University Convocation in Ranchi
Birsa Agricultural University celebrates its 9th convocation, awarding degrees to 387 students and highlighting the importance of agricultural innovation. 387 Graduates Honored at Birsa Agricultural University Convocation in Ranchi
There Shouldn't Be Any Questions Around Samson Being Part Of The Playing Eleven, Says Pujara
New Delhi: Ahead of India's second T20I against West Indies, to be played in Ranchi, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has jumped to the aid of under-fire wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, saying that the team management should not doubt his place in the playing eleven after a couple of low scores. In the first T20I against the West Indies in Lucknow, Samson's lean patch continued as he was dismissed for just 11. The low score adds to a concerning string of single-digit outings for Samson, whose recent Asian Games campaign yielded scores of 9, 7, and 2, respectively. I hope that there is no pressure on him, because there shouldn't be. He has won a World Cup for the Indian team and performed exceptionally well there. He's a quality player. So there shouldn't be any questions around him being part of the playing XI, Pujara said to JioHotstar. Further speaking in Samsons favour, Pujara expressed confidence in him coming good in upcoming matches. Yes, you might have one or two bad games, and then if he has that, that's the time when the team management has to step in, to give him the right message that, 'You are an important part of this team and will be part of this playing XI, so just go out there, express yourself, play your natural game. And in a T20 format, there'll be some failures in between. But that's the time when you talk to a player, give him the right message. Yes, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is there, he will get his opportunity when the right time comes, but you don't make too many changes. If Sanju plays another two or three innings, I'm sure he will perform exceptionally well, he added. Talking about opener Abhishek Sharma's early dismissal against off-spinner Roston Chase in the first T20I, which India won by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-game series, Pujara opined that the youngster will be back on top of his game in no time after a miscalculated shot selection. Abhishek got off to a good start against seamers, but Shai Hope quickly realised that on that Lucknow pitch there was enough assistance for the spinners. Abhishek's record against off-spinners hasn't been great, though he's improved that number significantly. But at Lucknow again, it looked like he wasn't in the best frame of mind against spinners. His options, especially against Roston Chase, could have been slightly better. He wanted to hit that ball over covers, but eventually it ended up going to long-off. Abhishek got off to a good start against seamers, but Shai Hope quickly realised that on that Lucknow pitch there was enough assistance for the spinners. Abhishek's record against off-spinners hasn't been great, though he's improved that number significantly. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Highlights Kamal Haasan is set to return as the iconic freedom fighter Senapathy in Indian 3 S Shankar is returning to direct the next chapter of the long-running franchise The announcement follows the release of Indian 2 in 2024 The franchise began with the 1996 classic Indian , which introduced Senapathy to audiences The next film is expected to continue the story of the vigilante character Kamal Haasan is set to return as Senapathy in Indian 3 , giving audiences another chapter in one of Tamil cinema's most recognisable vigilante franchises. The announcement comes after Indian 2 , which reunited Haasan with director S Shankar nearly three decades after the original Indian . With Senapathy now returning once again, attention has turned to where the story could go next. How the Indian journey began Released in 1996, Indian introduced Haasan as Senapathy, a former freedom fighter who takes the law into his own hands while targeting corruption. The film became known for its socially relevant storyline, Shankar's ambitious direction and Haasan's performance in multiple roles. Senapathy's distinctive appearance and uncompromising approach to corruption helped make the character an enduring part of Tamil cinema. The film also earned Haasan the National Film Award for Best Actor. What happened in Indian 2 ? The 2024 sequel brought Senapathy back after a long gap, with Haasan reprising the character while Shankar returned to the director's chair. The story once again centred on corruption, with Senapathy returning to confront wrongdoing in a changing India. The sequel expanded the world established by the original while introducing a new generation of characters around Haasan's veteran vigilante. Indian 2 also set the stage for another chapter, leaving audiences with the expectation that Senapathy's journey was not yet over. What could Indian 3 explore? With Indian 3 now confirmed, the biggest question is what comes next for Senapathy. The announcement has renewed interest in the character's continuing battle against corruption and the direction Shankar will take the franchise. Details of the plot are still awaited, but Haasan's return suggests that Senapathy will remain at the centre of the story. For audiences who have followed the franchise since 1996, the third film also offers a chance to see how the character has evolved across different eras while retaining the qualities that made him so memorable. More details about the cast, storyline and release plans are expected as the project moves forward.
Bengaluru protests: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accuses PM Modi of 'murdering democracy, vote theft'
Abhijit Dipke, the founder of Cockroach Janta Party, expressed criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions. He accused the government of attempting to disenfranchise voters who oppose the BJP through voter deletions. Dipke stated that protests will persist until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns from his position. A civil society group and CJP organised the protests at Bengalurus Freedom Park to voice their concerns.
2nd T20I: India's winning formula faces stern test as Windies look to bounce back (Preview)
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 8 (IANS) India will look to turn their early advantage into a 2-0 lead when they face West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Friday, but the focus before the five-match series moves to a couple of selection calls that could test an otherwise settled side. The hosts made a commanding start in Lucknow, chasing down West Indies 171 in just 14.4 overs after Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls. The result leaves India with room to experiment, but Sanju Samsons prolonged lack of runs and an expensive outing for Mayank Yadav could force the management to consider changes. Samson has made only 9, 7, 2 and 11 in his last four innings, increasing the attention on the opening combination. With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi already part of Indias T20I squad, the teenager is an obvious option if the team decides to alter the top order. The BCCIs squad for the series includes both Samson and Sooryavanshi, along with Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Sooryavanshis appeal lies in the attacking style he brings to the powerplay. A change at the top would also give India an opportunity to assess another combination while retaining Abhishek Sharma, whose aggressive approach has been central to their T20 plans. For now, however, the management must decide whether one poor phase is enough to move away from Samson or whether the experienced wicketkeeper-batter gets another opportunity to turn things around. On the other end of the batting order, India have far fewer concerns. Iyer's first T20I century has provided the middle order with an important boost, while his unbeaten 102 in the opener ensured India were never under pressure in the chase. The bowling combination presents another decision. Mayank conceded 16 runs in his first over in Lucknow and had an expensive outing overall, although he eventually removed Sherfane Rutherford, who had top-scored for the West Indies with 56. Naman Dhir was Indias standout bowler with 3-31, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each. India could therefore look at an alternative pace-bowling combination, with Nitish Kumar Reddy among the players who can provide an additional option. But the management will also be aware that using him with the new ball has not always produced the desired results. Spin, meanwhile, gave India control in the opening game. Kuldeep and Axar operated in tandem and kept the West Indies batting line-up from building sustained momentum, while Dhir added another dimension with his off-spin. West Indies will need considerably more from their batting if they are to prevent India from extending their lead. Shai Hope and Rutherford both made half-centuries in Lucknow, but the visitors lost three wickets inside the powerplay before the pair helped rebuild the innings. The challenge becomes sharper in Ranchi, where the venue has historically rewarded teams chasing. Of the seven T20 matches played at the ground, four have been won by the side batting second and three by teams setting a target. The average first-innings score is 138, while the second-innings average is 111. The ground has nevertheless witnessed sizeable totals. Indias 196/6 against Sri Lanka remains the highest T20 score at the venue, while New Zealands 155/3 against India is the highest successful chase. The pitch is expected to offer a firm surface with an even covering of grass, potentially allowing the ball to come onto the bat while giving the new-ball bowlers some assistance early. For India, the broader picture remains encouraging. The squad was officially named with Iyer as captain and includes a mix of established T20 players and younger options such as Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav. But with a 1-0 lead already secured, Fridays contest could reveal just as much about Indias thinking for the rest of the series as it does about the immediate result. The decisions surrounding Samson and Mayank may provide the clearest indication of how much patience the team management is prepared to show as it builds towards the longer T20I season. When: October 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM Where: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Where to watch: The match will be shown live on the Star Sports Network channels and live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Squads: India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav. West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer
Nana Patekar Death | Nana Patekar's Journey Through His Cinema | Nana Patekar Movies
He was only 13 then. After school, he would walk eight kilometres to Chunabhatti (eastern Mumbai) to paint film posters, earning Rs 35 per month and getting one meal a day. One of their relatives betrayed his father and usurped their property. Life was tough. Nana Patekar didn't have to go to any acting school. He learnt acting through hardships in real life. I was in Class IX, but that humiliation and hunger taught me so much that I didn't need to go to any acting school, the actor told The Times of India in an interview in 2015. Nana Patekar was unpredictable as an actor. With films like Parinda (1989), Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991) and Krantiveer (1994) establishing him as a bankable star, Nana Patekar switched to comedies, such as the Welcome franchise, smoothly later in his life. Nana, who once said I don't have the fear of death from the beginning, died on Thursday morning (October 8) at his Goa home. According to hospital sources, doctors tried to revive him for almost 45 minutes after he was brought in, but there was no response.
James Hopes and Brad Haddin leave Punjab Kings coaching staff; Franchise yet to confirm
James Hopes and Brad Haddin have reportedly left their coaching positions at Punjab Kings for opportunities in Australia. Hopes has been appointed head coach of Queensland and Brisbane Heat, while Haddin has taken charge of New South Wales men's team. Their departures follow the exit of spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who joined the Indian men's team.
Drishyam The Conclusion has crossed the Rs. 200 crores mark and is now certain to finish with a lifetime collection of more than Rs. 350 crores. In the process, it will break the six-and-a-half-year-old record held by Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior (2020) and emerge as Ajay Devgns highest-grossing film. The period entertainer had collected Rs. 279.55 crores at the box office. We spoke to trade experts about this remarkable feat. Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, Yes, this will be his biggest hit. The best part is that it doesnt have songs and action. And yet, it is making those numbers, which is a very positive sign for the industry. It shows that the audience is open to all kinds of cinema, provided it connects with them. Trade analyst Atul Mohan made an important point, This is going to be the biggest solo hit of Ajay Devgn. Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal opined, I always believe that when an actors last film works, it benefits his next release. Ajay Devgns last film, Dhamaal 4, was a huge hit. With Drishyam The Conclusion, almost everyone expected an opening of Rs. 35-40 crores. I didnt meet a single person in the trade who predicted an opening of Rs. 50 crores. However, the film went on to do Rs. 62 crores on day 1. He added, I spoke to Ajay Devgn two weeks before release and I told him, This would be your careers biggest film. He was like, Kya baat kar raha hai tu?! I remember even during Tanhaji, I had made a similar prediction. I predicted it after watching Tanhaji. With Drishyam The Conclusion, I had not even seen it and yet, I could predict that itll be the biggest hit of his career. And thats whats going to happen. He also added, Thanks to Drishyam The Conclusion, hell surely get a big opening for Golmaal 5. Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, agreed, Its already his biggest opener, biggest weekend, biggest overseas grosser and now itll have the biggest lifetime of his career. This also goes to prove that the combination of Ajay Devgn and a good franchise makes for a good commercial cinema! He continued, His originals open around Rs. 8-15 crore mark depending on the genre and content. The same goes for Akshay Kumars original films as well. Their franchise films, meanwhile, can go anywhere. So, I think the future for both Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar is to monetize their existing franchises. Theyll be much better off if they come more with franchises. They should also do original movies but 2 franchises a year is ideal. They should also try and build more franchises. I believe Bhooth Bangla is a fantastic film which can be built into a franchise. He further said, Golmaal 5 has both Ajay and Akshay. So, you can imagine the kind of numbers that film will do now. If Drishyam The Conclusion can collect Rs. 62 crores, then Golmaal 5 can collect Rs. 70-80 crores on day 1. Vishek then said, This holds true for Hollywood also. Tom Cruises Digger opened at $8-10 million, which was no way close to the first-day numbers of Top Gun and Mission Impossible. Perhaps people want to see the older stars in the franchises. Also Read: Trade stunned by Drishyam The Conclusions Rs. 174 cr opening weekend; predict a lifetime of Rs. 400-450 cr: It doesnt have any of the commercial trappings like hit music, romance, comedy etc
The month of September proved to be a healthy one for the exhibition sector, while October began with a bang, thanks to the phenomenal performance of Drishyam The Conclusion. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited, spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama about the strong box office performance, the success of Avengers Endgame: Encore, the innovative Drishyam Pav Bhaji offer, the excitement surrounding Ramayana, the expansion of IMAX screens and a lot more. How was the month of September and the first week of October for PVR INOX? September was very good, dominated by Hanuman Ansh, of course (smiles). No one expected it to become such a sleeper hit. It exploded at the box office and has done business of close to Rs. 400 crores. That's heartening for us, as it proves yet again that anything can happen in this business. Then, Mirzapur The Movie did very well, and towards the end of the month, The Vvaan also performed strongly in cinemas. These films gave us the desired footfalls and the results we were looking for. So, I am very happy with how September shaped up for us. October has started with a bang, thanks to Drishyam The Conclusion. It has already earned Rs. 162 crores over the weekend and is still going strong. What's amazing is that people have loved the film and are talking about it. This only means that it is going to sustain well and perform even better than we had expected. We also released the Japanese film Doraemon: Castle Of The Undersea Devil, which collected around Rs. 8 crores over the weekend. That was a pleasant surprise. Our weekend admissions stood at 30 lakhs, which is a huge number and among the highest we have ever recorded. Also, we have three more films coming up in October before Ramayana takes over in November Udta Teer, Prahaar and Nayyi Navelli. They belong to diverse genres and their trailers look promising. Hence, these films have the potential to add significantly to our admissions this month. PVR INOX came up with an interesting offer buy four tickets for Drishyam The Conclusion and get one Pav Bhaji free. The creative announcing the offer was widely shared on social media. How important is it to provide such incentives to moviegoers? We keep thinking of different offers, and this particular idea came from the producers, if I am not mistaken. It was quite different and innovative (laughs). We are not a passive brand that believes people will automatically flock to cinemas whenever a film releases. That's obviously not true. A lot goes into building and running cinemas. One of the things we actively focus on is promotions and marketing to make the moviegoing experience more attractive for our patrons. That's why we offer discounted ticket prices on Tuesdays and weekday mornings. We also have several offers in association with banks and credit card companies. Our marketing and promotions team constantly strives to come up with innovative offers that encourage people to visit our cinemas. The re-release of Avengers Endgame: Encore has also been very successful at the box office... That was another pleasant surprise. It was a re-release with some new footage, which enticed audiences to return to cinemas. It's also a great precursor to Avengers: Doomsday, which releases in December. The franchise has a massive following. Hollywood has been phenomenal this year. Spider-Man: Brand New Day did more than Rs. 400 crores, while The Odyssey collected around Rs. 200 crores. Obsession, a relatively small film that not many people had heard of, went on to do Rs. 100 crores. Films like The Devil Wears Prada 2, Michael and Project Hail Mary also attracted audiences to cinemas. This year, films across genres and languages have performed well at the box office. Our hypothesis is that people are getting bored of sitting at home and are increasingly enjoying the communal experience of watching a film together on the big screen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official) What are your expectations from Ramayana? I hope, for everyone's sake and ours too, that the film turns out to be a huge grosser. It has all the ingredients needed to become a massive blockbuster. So, I am very hopeful and optimistic about its box office prospects. The IMAX format has become increasingly popular among moviegoers. Is PVR INOX planning to open any new IMAX screens this year? We have one more IMAX screen coming up at Pacific Mall in Jaipur. The mall opens this Sunday, October 11, and we hope to have the cinema operational before Ramayana releases. We also have another IMAX screen planned for this financial year in Chennai. Also Read: Why India doesnt have more IMAX screens: PVR INOXs Sanjeev Kumar Bijli reveals each auditorium costs a WHOPPING Rs. 10-11 cr; says Hindi, Tamil and Telugu content can drive expansion
The film industry and the audience at large woke up today with the terrible news of the passing away of veteran actor Nana Patekar due to a sudden heart attack. Apart from giving some memorable performances, the late artiste was also known for speaking his mind during interviews. During one such group interview in 2015 for Trade Guide magazine before the release of his film Ab Tak Chhappan 2, involving this writer, Patekar spoke on a lot of things openly. During the course of the interview, Patekar was asked if he interferes in the direction of his films. He calmly said, Yes, I interfere a lot (smiles). At times I also scold. In fact, when the actor was asked if he would ever direct a film, he honestly said, I do it a lot unofficially. Its just that my name doesnt appear in the credits (laughs). But I will officially direct the third film in the Ab Tak Chhappan franchise. It will be shot in France and Istanbul. They might announce about this immediately. During that time, Patekars Marathi film Natsamrat (2016) was in the making. Expressing how fulfilling that role is, he said, I think after this film if I dont act ever, it wont make any difference to me as an artist. The role is that great! He also pointed out that a lot of actors who previously played that character have passed away. Shreeram Lagoo, who played the original Natsamrat is still alive (Lagoo passed away four years later in 2019) but whoever played the character after him is not. Satish Dubhashi, Chandrakant Gokhale, Madhusudhan Kolhatkar, Raja Gosavi, to name a few. It is the most gratifying role, which, at the same time, also sucks your blood, he said. Later in the same interview, Patekar openly expressed his dislike for The Kapil Sharma Show when he was asked whether he would promote Ab Tak Chhappan 2 on that show. I will never go to Kapil Sharmas show to promote my film, he said. If my film is supposed to do well after going to that show, it is better that it doesnt do well. If my film is doing well because of that show, why should I go? I personally dont like that show. If you need to insult someone to make people laugh, I dont prefer that. Also Read: Nana Patekars funeral to be held with full state honours, confirms Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
India vs West Indies in Ranchi brings back an Ajit Agarkar memory
In 2023, when India played New Zealand in a T20I at the same venue, Ajit Agarkar did the pitch report before the match. As part of the broadcast coverage, Agarkar assessed the playing conditions and pointed out the dimensions of the ground, the grass cover and the possible impact of dew.
Eight teams, six-week window: PSL 12 set to run from March 18 to May 2
The 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League will be held from March 18 to May 2 next year, with the tournament retaining its expanded eight-team format for a second successive season. The dates were finalised at the PSL Governing Council meeting in London on September 1, attended by owners and representatives of all eight franchises. The eight-team format was introduced in PSL 11, which also marked the league's first players' auction, replacing the draft system. The final at Gaddafi Stadium drew 32,461 spectators, with Peshawar Zalmi ending a nine-year wait for the title by beating Hyderabad Kingsmen in May. The announcement of the dates will now set the ball rolling for a series of key events, including direct signings, retention announcements, the trade window and the players' auction. PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of -- thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts. PSL 12 will raise the bar further, said Paki
Hopes, Haddin Move On From Punjab Kings, Franchise To Search For Three Roles
Punjab Kings: Australian coaches James Hopes and Brad Haddin have moved on from IPL franchise Punjab Kings following Sairaj Bahutule's exit, IANS has learnt. Hopes served as the fast-bowling coach of the Ricky Ponting-led support staff, while Haddin was the fielding coach with the Kings. The two have landed jobs in state teams in Australia, and PBKS will now have to find three replacements before the next season after Bahutule also left his spin-bowling coach role to join the Indian team as spin coach under Gautam Gambhir. Yes, Haddin and Hopes have moved on from Punjab Kings. After IPL 2026, they joined local state teams in Australia as head coaches. Hopes has taken over as Queensland head coach and will hold the same position in BBL side Brisbane Heat. Haddin, meanwhile, has taken over as NSW men's head coach and could get a BBL coaching role, an IPL source told IANS. Meanwhile, the source added that the franchise will hunt for the coaches and a decision will be taken before the auction takes place in December. A call on three new PBKS coaches is expected to come before the IPL auction happens in December. They are looking at one Indian and two overseas coaches to complete their support staff for IPL 2027, it added. Hopes joined the PBKS set-up in late 2024 after Ponting was roped in as head coach. He was in Ponting's backroom staff in Delhi Capitals too. Meanwhile, Haddin was retained by the Kings when their support staff was changed. PBKS underwent a major coaching overhaul ahead of IPL 2025 as Ponting was appointed as the head coach, taking over from Trevor Bayliss. Hopes replaced Charl Langeveldt as the fast-bowling coach, while Bahutule was named the spin-bowling coach in place of Sunil Joshi, who went on to take up the role of spin-bowling coach at the BCCI CoE. Hopes joined the PBKS set-up in late 2024 after Ponting was roped in as head coach. He was in Ponting's backroom staff in Delhi Capitals too. Meanwhile, Haddin was retained by the Kings when their support staff was changed. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
PSL 12 To Run From March 18 To May 2
The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday confirmed the window for the 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League, announcing that the tournament will run from March 18 to May 2 next year. This came after extensive consultation with all key stakeholders after the PSL Governing Council meeting held in London on 1 September 2026. The meeting was attended by the owners and representatives of the PSL franchises. The League will once again clash with the highly lucrative Indian Premier League, as has been the case since 2025. Earlier, there were reports that the PSL could be brought forward to January due to the limited advertising revenue in April-May, which falls after Ramazan, by when companies have spent big amounts of their marketing and ad budgets. However, that wasn't the case with the PSL continuing March-May window, which will test the revenue and the player availability too with the IPL set to run in a similar window too. With the PSL window confirmed, there will be several notable milestones coming ahead, which include the Direct Signings, Retention announcements, the Trade window and the Player Auction. Speaking on the window announcement, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the organisers remain committed to delivering another strong season. HBL PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts. HBL PSL 12 will raise the bar further, Naqvi said. We are committed to delivering another outstanding season and look forward to seeing all eight franchises compete once again for the title, he added. Meanwhile, PSL CEO Salman Naseer also reflected on the window announcement. Last season changed what people expect from this league, and we intend to meet every one of those expectations in 2027. Todays announcement is only the first step; direct signings, retentions, the trade window and the auction will each bring their own excitement in the months ahead. Eight teams, eight squads hungry to go one better and millions of fans across Pakistan and the world already counting down the days. Naye Daur ka Aghaaz ho chuka hai. New Era, he said. The PSL was extended to eight teams last season with the introduction of Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. The other six teams are Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. Eight teams, eight squads hungry to go one better and millions of fans across Pakistan and the world already counting down the days. Naye Daur ka Aghaaz ho chuka hai. New Era, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
The IPL (Indian Premier League) 2027 season is on the horizon, and the various franchises are hard at work as they begin the process of finalising their squads ahead of the new season of the tournament. With the auction on the horizon, Punjab Kings are being reported to be undergoing a major shake-up in the coaching department as they look to put forth a display of some brilliant cricket once more in the IPL 2027.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passes away at 75, takes his last breath in Goa
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 8 (IANS) Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinemas most celebrated performers, has passed away at the age of 75 in Goa. An official confirmation from the Manipal hospital, Goa, confirmed that the actor was found unconscious at his Dona Paula - Goa residence and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors declared him brought dead. The acclaimed actor, known for his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, leaves behind a remarkable body of work spanning over four decades. Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar established himself as an actor known for his intensity, dialogue delivery and ability to portray complex and unconventional characters. For the uninitiated, he made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and went on to become one of the most respected performers of his generation. Nanas breakthrough came with films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda. He went on to deliver powerpack performances in films including Angaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti. The legendary actor was equally recognised for his work in Marathi cinema and theatre. He also ventured into filmmaking and made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991. His comic performance as Uday Shetty in the Welcome franchise went on to become a rage, especially amongst the younger generation of audiences. Among his other notable films are Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Wajood, Hu Tu Tu, Gang, Deewangee, Bhoot, Welcome, Welcome Back, Natsamrat and The Vaccine War, among several others. Nana Patekar was also a recipient of the Padma Shri, awarded to him in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. During his fine career, he won three National Film Awards and many other prestigious honours. Beyond cinema, the star was known for his association with social causes, particularly his efforts to support farmers and families affected by agrarian distress He maintained a relatively private life away despite being one of the industry's most recognisable faces.
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SA20 Season 5: Teenager Rowles Most Expensive Pick In Auction; Du Plessis, Pollard Head To JSK
SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith: Teenage cricketer Jason Rowles emerged as the standout buy with a price tag of $174,248 USD in the Player Auction for Season 5 of SA20, South Africa's domestic T20 competition, which will be held in January 2027. The Auction produced a captivating blend of proven international pedigree and exciting young talent as the four remaining franchises finalised their squads on Wednesday evening in Johannesburg. Leading the list of top signings was former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who sparked considerable interest before being secured by Joburg Super Kings for $162,286 USD, making him one of the biggest buys of the day. The 42-year-old was at the centre of a bidding war between Joburg Super Kings (JSK) and rivals MI Cape Town but ultimately returned to the Wanderers, where he has spent the past four SA20 seasons. Du Plessis will be joined at the Bullring by another highly experienced T20 veteran in West Indies superstar Kieron Pollard. The legendary T20 all-rounder, who is the all-time leading run-scorer in men's T20 cricket history, was snapped up by Joburg Super Kings for $90,162 USD. Pollard will bring his trademark power-hitting, game management and championship-winning pedigree to the Super Kings. MI Cape Town were not going to be outdone and invested heavily in Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, securing his services for $156,274 USD, while also adding West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer for $90,162 USD in the first purchase of the day. Former Proteas top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen will meanwhile continue his SA20 journey with the Pretoria Capitals after being secured for $30,053 USD, adding stability and experience to the Capitals' batting unit as they look to go one step further after finishing as runners-up for the second time last season to Sunrisers Eastern Cape. To help the Capitals get there, there will be Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma. The 36-year-old will be enjoying his third stint in SA20 after helping the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to their first two championships. While established stars dominated much of the conversation, the most dramatic moment of the auction belonged to 18-year-old Jason Rowles. The highly rated Under-23 prospect became the subject of an intense bidding battle between MI Cape Town and Joburg Super Kings, with both franchises recognising his long-term potential. After a spirited contest, JSK emerged victorious, securing Rowles for $174,248 USD, the standout purchase of the entire auction. The fierce competition for Rowles underlined the growing value being placed on emerging South African talent within the SA20 ecosystem. His acquisition not only represents a major investment in the future but also highlights the League's ongoing role in identifying and accelerating the development of the country's next generation of stars. Jason Rowles, new Joburg Super Kings signing, St David's Marist Inanda matriculant and rain Schools SA20 graduate, was the standout purchase of the 2026 Player Auction as Joburg Super Kings paid $174,248 USD to have his services in Season 5. This year's auction showed exactly what SA20 has become, SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said. Its become a home where world-class players like Faf du Plessis, Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult sit alongside South Africa's brightest young talent. Jason Rowles was the highlight of the day for me. Seeing an 18-year-old spark the biggest bidding battle of the day tells you how much the franchises believe in the next generation. It was only last year that he was participating in the Final of the rain-affected Schools SA20, and today he will get to be a part of a squad consisting of some of the worlds best T20 stars. That's the pathway we set out to build, and it's hugely encouraging to see it working, Smith said. Three-time champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape once again showed their shrewdness at the auction table by completing their 19-player squad with the addition of Proteas left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and England allrounder Craig Overton. They now form part of a formidable Sunrisers Eastern Cape pace attack that already includes Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Lutho Sipamla. MI Cape Town also strengthened their seam bowling stocks with the return signing of New Zealand fast-bowling great Trent Boult and 21-year-old Oliver Whitehead, while SA20s global appeal stretched to the USA and Zimbabwe with JSK acquiring Andries Gous and Blessing Muzarabani. It's also really pleasing to see so many Proteas players being picked up today, Smith added. A strong League and a strong national team go hand in hand, and today was a good example of that. MI Cape Town also strengthened their seam bowling stocks with the return signing of New Zealand fast-bowling great Trent Boult and 21-year-old Oliver Whitehead, while SA20s global appeal stretched to the USA and Zimbabwe with JSK acquiring Andries Gous and Blessing Muzarabani. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Canada's Weston family company agrees to buy UK's Boots
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APL Season 2: India's Archery Talent On Display
The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) is set to begin in Hyderabad on Thursday, featuring Olympic medallists and recent Asian Games stars. The six-team franchise competition will host leading recurve and compound archers from India and abroad, running from October 8 to 18 with a unique faster shooting format.
Kieron Pollards association with the MI family began in 2010. He has served the franchise for over a decade and is currently the batting coach of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. However, he...
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SA20 Auction 2027 LIVE Updates: Big Names To Go Under The Hammer As 4 Teams Aim To Complete Squad
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Hazaribag civic body warns against garbage dumping near martyr Capt Karamjeet Singh Bakshis memorial
On September 23, the nominations for the 54th International Emmy Awards were announced and, in a significant achievement for India, the SonyLIV series Real Kashmir Football Club bagged a nomination in the Best Drama Series category. The recognition came as a pleasant surprise for the team, who are understandably on cloud nine. Its lead writer and executive producer is Simaab Hashmi, who is also the writer and creative producer of Force 3. The much-awaited action film brings together John Abraham and Harshvardhan Rane for the first time. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Simaab Hashmi spoke about Force 3, which is all set to release on March 19, 2027. Simaab Hashmi said, Force 3 is bigger, better and badder than ever before! People are pumped up about the combination of John Abraham and Harshvardhan Rane. Seeing them together on the big screen will surely pack a punch (smiles). Simaab was all praise for both John Abraham and Harshvardhan Rane. He revealed, In our industry, there is a lot of lip service. A lot of filmmakers claim in interviews, We should support writers. But when you meet them or during narrations, you dont always feel that energy. I was on the set of Force 3 as I am also a creative producer, and I saw how collaborative both John Abraham and Harshvardhan Rane were. They are such nice people and genuinely care about what the director and writer have to say. I tell people, Both of them have spoilt me and director Bhav Dhulia! They were so welcoming and warm towards every idea we threw at them. He added, John Abraham has really been a leader who has led the film both as a producer and an actor. As for Harshvardhan Rane, we share such a bond that I call him Harsh bhai. Harshvardhan Rane has had a huge fan following, but box-office success had largely eluded him. That changed last year when Sanam Teri Kasam was re-released and amassed huge numbers. It also gave a boost to his Diwali release, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, which emerged as a sleeper hit last year. On this, Simaab smiled and said, It proves that you cant keep a good man down. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: From John Abrahams Force 3 to Ekta Kapoors action franchise: Harshvardhan Ranes recent choices suggest producers are beginning to explore the full range of his screen persona
SA20 Auction LIVE: Kieron Pollard, Faf du Plessis, Trent Boult among others set to go under hammer
The SA20 Season 5 auction is set to begin with four franchises still to fill 19 squad positions after the salary cap was raised to USD 2.54 million. Joburg Super Kings enter the auction with...
SA20 2027 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast
The stage is set for the SA20 Season 5 player auction as four franchises prepare to battle it out for 19 available squad slots with a total purse of USD 2.10 million.
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The stage is set for the SA20 Season 5 player auction as four franchises prepare to battle it out for 19 available squad slots with a total purse of USD 2.10 million.
