MS Dhoni Achieves Historic Record, Becomes First Player In The IPL To...

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni added another feather to his cap in his illustrious career and further cemented his legacy in the world of cricket by becoming the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to complete 200 fielding dismissals. Dhoni achieved the feat during the Chennai Super Kings encounter against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Following his heroics behind the stumps in Lucknow in the 14th over, the seasoned wicketkeeper became the first player to script the feat to his name. Ayush Badoni, who was trying to increase the run flow in the middle overs, strolled out of the crease while trying to take on Ravindra Jadeja.

But Jadeja, with his experience, used his pace and line to beat Badoni's bat. Dhoni, with lightning-quick speed, collected the ball and ignited the bails in a flash by dislodging them off the stumps.

In his 271st IPL appearance, Dhoni breached the 200-dismissal mark by successfully completing his counterpart Rishabh Pant's catch in the final over as LSG packed their innings on 166/7. The seasoned wicketkeeper batter boasts 201 dismissals, consisting of 155 catches and 46 stumpings.

Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik occupies the second spot with 182 dismissals under his belt. Royal Challengers Bengaluru icon AB de Villiers sits in the third spot with 126 dismissals to his name.

In his record-shattering fixture, Dhoni won the toss and decided to put Lucknow to bat. Apart from a 50-run stand between Mitchell Marsh (30 in 25 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and skipper Pant, there was nothing much standing out for LSG in the first half.

Pant came good with a half-century, scoring 63 in 49 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes. Pant had a 53-run stand with Abdul Samad (20 in 11 balls, with two sixes) towards the end, which took LSG to 166/7 in their 20 overs. Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/45) were the top bowlers for CSK.



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Watch: Dhoni Slams 1-Hand 6 In CSK's Win. Internet Says, "Still Greatest"

MS Dhoni the finisher is back. The legendary Chennai Super Kings captain led from the front as Chennai Super Kings ended a five-match losing streak with a five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Monday. With CSK on 111/5 in 15 overs chasing 167, MS Dhoni walked out to a loud roar of CSK supporters at the Ekana Stadium. Right in the first over he showed intent as he hit Avesh Khan for two straight fours. And then, in the 17th over Dhoni hit a one-handed six off Shardul Thakur and smoked the ball over the mid-wicket. Dhoni ultimately stayed unbeaten on 26* off 11 balls as CSK reached the target in 19.3 overs with five wickets to spare. 

Talking about the match, Chennai Super Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets to break their run of losses in the Indian Premier League on Monday. Asked to bat first, Lucknow Super Giants scored 166 for seven. Skipper Rishabh Pant top-scored for LSG with 63 off 49 balls, while opener Mitchell Marsh made 30 in 25 deliveries.

In reply, CSK chased down the target of 167 with three balls to spare with the legendary MS Dhoni contributing a vital 26 off 11 balls after opener Rachin Ravindra made 37 in 22 balls. This was CSK's first win in their last six matches.

Shivam Dube struck an unbeaten 43 in 37 deliveries, while young debutant Shaik Rasheed impressed with a 19-ball 27.

Earlier, LSG lost two wickets in the powerplay thanks to some fine bowling by seamers Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj, who picked up a wicket each in the first six overs.

Senior spinner Ravindra Jadeja finished with figures of 2/24 in three overs.

Brief scores: Lucknow Super Giants: 166/7 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 63; Ravindra Jadeja 2/24).

Chennai Super Kings: 168/5 in 19.3 overs (Rachin Ravindra 37, MS Dhoni 26 not out, Shivam Dube 43 not out; Ravi Bishnoi 2/18)

With IANS inputs



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Gang Sold Babies To Rich Families In Delhi-NCR, Busted; Mastermind On Run

The Delhi Police have busted a human trafficking network that sold newborns to rich families in the national capital and nearby cities.

Three members of the gang were arrested in Delhi's Dwarka, the police said. The gang was active in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

A four-day-old newborn was also rescued, the police said, adding the mastermind of the gang is on the run and police teams are looking for her.

The gang has sold over 30 children to rich families in Delhi-NCR so far, the police said. The gang members often kidnapped children from poor families from the Gujarat and Rajasthan border.

The three arrested people have been identified as Yasmin, Anjali, and Jitendra.

The police said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) earlier arrested Anjali in another human trafficking case. She returned to the criminal world after coming out on bail, the police said.

During the investigation, the Delhi Police team analysed the call detail records (CDRs) of over 20 suspicious mobile numbers.

"The team worked on classified information for 20 consecutive days after which they arrested the three people in Uttam Nagar on April 8," Dwarka DCP Ankit Chauhan said.

During interrogation, they said they brought newborns from Rajasthan and Gujarat on the instructions of a 40-year-old woman named Saroj, the gang leader, and sold the babies to rich families in Delhi-NCR for Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakh per child.

Saroj allegedly dealt directly with the rich families.

Most of the children were stolen from the tribal community in Pali, an area on Gujarat and Rajasthan border.

Saroj gave the task of stealing children to Yasmeen, after which she used to steal children from the Gujarat-Rajasthan border. After the children reached Saroj, she would tell Anjali the location of the 'delivery'.

Saroj would then collect money directly and everyone would be given their share. Anjali and Yasmeen have previously donated their eggs illegally. The families to whom the children were sold are also being identified, Delhi Police said, adding legal action will be taken against them.



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"Don't Play Victim": UK-Based Gangster Says He Gave Hit Order On Delhi Man

A gangster living in London has taken responsibility for the killing of a 52-year-old property dealer in Delhi. Rajkumar Dalal was driving his Toyota Fortuner when two cars approached from the side and opened fire at outer Delhi's Paschim Vihar (East) on Friday.

The police's suspicion of a gang war behind the killing came true when the London-based gangster, Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu, in a post on Facebook said he gave the hit order on the property dealer because he was doing the bidding of Manjeet Mahal, a Delhi-based gangster.

"I got the murder done. He used to occupy a plot for my enemy Manjeet Mahal. When out on parole, I met Manjeet Mahal and told him that whoever supports him would become my enemy," Nandu said in the post written in Hindi.

"Don't play this victim card. You started it. I am going to finish it," Nandu said.

Nandu, who is hiding in London, faces an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN). Interpol issues an RCN at the request of a member country to seek the location and arrest of wanted people globally.

A police officer said the case is likely to be transferred to the Delhi Police's Crime Branch.

The killers fired some 15 rounds at the property dealer. It is suspected they scanned the area and observed the target before striking.

Rajkumar Dalal was going from Paschim Vihar to his gym in Punjabi Bagh when the attack happened.

"We are checking CCTV camera footage from the crime scene to identify the attackers. A case has been registered and multiple teams have been formed to crack the case," a police officer said.

The property dealer is survived by his wife Sujata, and their son, who is a doctor. Police sources said Rajkumar Dalal's family were not aware of any enmity that he may have had.



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"We Cannot Turn A Blind Eye": Calcutta High Court On Bengal Waqf Violence

Underlining that constitutional courts cannot be a mute spectator, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central forces in Bengal's Murshidabad where anti-Waqf protests have resulted in the death of three people.

Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were thrown at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence erupted in Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts during protests over the new legislation yesterday.

The High Court underlined that every citizen has right to life and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that the life and property of every citizen is secured.

"Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are at danger. The deployment of Central Armed forces earlier could have escalated the situation as it appears adequate measures have not been taken in time," said the court.

The court noted that the situation is "grave and volatile", underlining that action is to be taken against the culprits to arrest the atrocities committed on innocent citizens on "war footing".

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie show vandalism in few districts of the state of West Bengal. The purpose of deployment of the para-military forces or Central Armed Police Force is only for the purpose of facilitating the state administration to ensure the safety and security of the population in this State," said the court, adding it cannot be denied that "there is an internal disturbance" in some of the districts in the state.

The central forces will operate in coordination with the state administration. The court also instructed both the state government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation.

A special bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury was constituted by the Chief Justice to urgently hear a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, seeking the deployment of central forces in the district.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday night welcomed the Calcutta High Court's directive for the deployment of central forces in violence-hit areas of Murshidabad district.

"I have been told about the deployment of CAPF in the riot-affected areas of Bengal, including Murshidabad. I am glad that the Calcutta High Court stepped in and given the appropriate decision in appropriate time," the Governor said in a video message released by Raj Bhavan.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that her state would not implement the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act and appealed for peace and harmony.

"We have made our position clear on this matter - we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?" she said in a post on X.

Ms Banerjee cautioned against political misuse of religion and warned of legal action against those inciting riots.

"Remember, we did not make the law that many are agitating against. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government," the Chief Minister added.

Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar cautioned the agitators that the state police will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt law and order in the name of the protests.



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Watch: Shreyas Iyer Left Fuming At Punjab Kings Teammate Over DRS Call vs SRH

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer was left fuming during their IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). PBKS' Glenn Maxwell thought he had dismissed Travis Head caught behind by wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh. However, upon seeing the umpire giving it not out, signalled for a DRS review straight away. Moments later, though, Shreyas Iyer was shown to be angry at one of his teammates. Iyer pointed at himself, with his teammates vying for a review. Eventually, Iyer decided to go up with a DRS review upon Maxwell's insistance.

As it turned out, Travis Head remained not out after the whole saga. NDTV could not verify which teammate Iyer seemed to be frustrated on. While what Iyer said was not audible, It was quite apparent that he said: "Pehle merese puch na (Ask me first)"

Watch: Shreyas Iyer angry after DRS saga

Earlierm Punjab Kings unleashed an all-out assault against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, riding on a blazing half-century from Shreyas Iyer (82) and late fireworks from Marcus Stoinis, who scored 34 in eleven deliveries to reach 245/6 in 20 overs, here at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

While the innings had contributions across the board, it was Iyer's calculated aggression that stood out, giving PBKS the perfect launchpad for a mammoth total.

Stoinis finally announced his arrival in IPL 2025 with a sensational finish, smashing four consecutive sixes to close out Punjab Kings' innings in stunning fashion. The Australian all-rounder, who had struggled to make an impact with the bat so far this season, turned on the heat in the final over, propelling PBKS to a commanding total of 245.

Unfortunately for Mohammed Shami, it was a night to forget as the seasoned pacer bore the brunt of Stoinis' onslaught. Shami's final over went for 27 runs, capping off a rough spell that read 4-0-75-0 — second most expensive in IPL history.

After electing to bat, PBKS came out swinging from the very first over. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with a flurry of boundaries off Mohammed Shami, charging at the veteran seamer and carving him through mid-off and cover with disdain. He was in no mood to show respect and gave PBKS a flying start.

Harshal Patel bowled a game-changing over in the 18th, conceding just five runs and removing both Shreyas Iyer and Maxwell in quick succession. Iyer's 82 off 36 had anchored PBKS' innings but his departure meant PBKS had to rebuild in the final overs and Stoinis did it perfectly.



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ICC Eyes Big Changes In ODI Rule That Faced Massive Criticism From Sachin

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering altering the rules with the use of two new balls in ODI cricket in a bit to balance the game for bowlers. While this isn't a complete reversal of the current Playing Conditions (PCs), the potential change is designed to give bowlers an edge by reintroducing the possibility of reverse swing. Additionally, the ICC is exploring the introduction of in-game clocks for Test matches to help regulate over rates and is also evaluating the idea of transitioning the men's Under-19 World Cup to a T20 format, Cricbuzz reported.

The recommendation is set to be reviewed during the ongoing ICC meetings in Zimbabwe.

The proposal to phase out the second new ball in ODIs reportedly stems from the ICC Cricket Committee. As per the suggested change, teams would start with two new balls but would have to choose one to continue with from the 25-over mark onward. This means that while the rule isn't being entirely scrapped, it would help reintroduce reverse swing - a feature that's been missing due to the prolonged shine on two newer balls.

The two-ball rule has faced significant criticism, with legends like Sachin Tendulkar labelling it detrimental to the game. Tendulkar argued that using two new balls prevents them from ageing enough to allow reverse swing, a crucial skill especially during the final overs. He has long advocated for a better balance between bat and ball in ODIs.

"Having two new balls in one day cricket is a perfect recipe for disaster as each ball is not given the time to get old enough to reverse. We haven't seen reverse swing, an integral part of the death overs, for a long time," Tendulkar had famously said in a social media comment some years ago.

Former fast bowler Brett Lee has also publicly backed Tendulkar's stance on the matter.

Led by Sourav Ganguly, the Cricket Committee seems to have conducted a thorough evaluation. In the past, the white ball would often deteriorate or lose its colour by the 35th over, prompting umpires to replace it. Under the proposed system, a single ball could be used for up to 37-38 overs by the end of an innings, as opposed to the current setup where each of the two balls is used for only 25 overs.

Another significant rule under discussion is the use of countdown clocks in Test cricket, setting a 60-second limit between overs. These clocks are already in use in limited-overs formats and have helped speed up matches. The ICC Cricket Committee aims to ensure that 90 overs are bowled each day in Test matches through this move.

The ICC is also considering a shift in format for the men's Under-19 World Cup, potentially converting it to a T20 tournament. While some officials prefer to retain the traditional 50-over format, others point to the success of the Women's Under-19 World Cup, which is already held in the T20 format. The two editions played so far - in 2023 (South Africa) and 2025 (Malaysia) - have both used the shorter format. Any format change for the men's edition would only take effect from the 2028 broadcast cycle.



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MS Dhoni Achieves Historic Record, Becomes First Player In The IPL To...

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni added another feather to his cap in his illustrious career and further cemented his legacy in the world of cricket by becoming the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to complete 200 fielding dismissals. Dhoni achieved the feat during the Chennai Super Kings encounter against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Following his heroics behind the stumps in Lucknow in the 14th over, the seasoned wicketkeeper became the first player to script the feat to his name. Ayush Badoni, who was trying to increase the run flow in the middle overs, strolled out of the crease while trying to take on Ravindra Jadeja.

But Jadeja, with his experience, used his pace and line to beat Badoni's bat. Dhoni, with lightning-quick speed, collected the ball and ignited the bails in a flash by dislodging them off the stumps.

In his 271st IPL appearance, Dhoni breached the 200-dismissal mark by successfully completing his counterpart Rishabh Pant's catch in the final over as LSG packed their innings on 166/7. The seasoned wicketkeeper batter boasts 201 dismissals, consisting of 155 catches and 46 stumpings.

Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik occupies the second spot with 182 dismissals under his belt. Royal Challengers Bengaluru icon AB de Villiers sits in the third spot with 126 dismissals to his name.

In his record-shattering fixture, Dhoni won the toss and decided to put Lucknow to bat. Apart from a 50-run stand between Mitchell Marsh (30 in 25 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and skipper Pant, there was nothing much standing out for LSG in the first half.

Pant came good with a half-century, scoring 63 in 49 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes. Pant had a 53-run stand with Abdul Samad (20 in 11 balls, with two sixes) towards the end, which took LSG to 166/7 in their 20 overs. Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/45) were the top bowlers for CSK.



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Watch: Dhoni Slams 1-Hand 6 In CSK's Win. Internet Says, "Still Greatest"

MS Dhoni the finisher is back. The legendary Chennai Super Kings captain led from the front as Chennai Super Kings ended a five-match losing streak with a five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Monday. With CSK on 111/5 in 15 overs chasing 167, MS Dhoni walked out to a loud roar of CSK supporters at the Ekana Stadium. Right in the first over he showed intent as he hit Avesh Khan for two straight fours. And then, in the 17th over Dhoni hit a one-handed six off Shardul Thakur and smoked the ball over the mid-wicket. Dhoni ultimately stayed unbeaten on 26* off 11 balls as CSK reached the target in 19.3 overs with five wickets to spare. 

Talking about the match, Chennai Super Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets to break their run of losses in the Indian Premier League on Monday. Asked to bat first, Lucknow Super Giants scored 166 for seven. Skipper Rishabh Pant top-scored for LSG with 63 off 49 balls, while opener Mitchell Marsh made 30 in 25 deliveries.

In reply, CSK chased down the target of 167 with three balls to spare with the legendary MS Dhoni contributing a vital 26 off 11 balls after opener Rachin Ravindra made 37 in 22 balls. This was CSK's first win in their last six matches.

Shivam Dube struck an unbeaten 43 in 37 deliveries, while young debutant Shaik Rasheed impressed with a 19-ball 27.

Earlier, LSG lost two wickets in the powerplay thanks to some fine bowling by seamers Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj, who picked up a wicket each in the first six overs.

Senior spinner Ravindra Jadeja finished with figures of 2/24 in three overs.

Brief scores: Lucknow Super Giants: 166/7 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 63; Ravindra Jadeja 2/24).

Chennai Super Kings: 168/5 in 19.3 overs (Rachin Ravindra 37, MS Dhoni 26 not out, Shivam Dube 43 not out; Ravi Bishnoi 2/18)

With IANS inputs



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Gang Sold Babies To Rich Families In Delhi-NCR, Busted; Mastermind On Run

The Delhi Police have busted a human trafficking network that sold newborns to rich families in the national capital and nearby cities.

Three members of the gang were arrested in Delhi's Dwarka, the police said. The gang was active in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

A four-day-old newborn was also rescued, the police said, adding the mastermind of the gang is on the run and police teams are looking for her.

The gang has sold over 30 children to rich families in Delhi-NCR so far, the police said. The gang members often kidnapped children from poor families from the Gujarat and Rajasthan border.

The three arrested people have been identified as Yasmin, Anjali, and Jitendra.

The police said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) earlier arrested Anjali in another human trafficking case. She returned to the criminal world after coming out on bail, the police said.

During the investigation, the Delhi Police team analysed the call detail records (CDRs) of over 20 suspicious mobile numbers.

"The team worked on classified information for 20 consecutive days after which they arrested the three people in Uttam Nagar on April 8," Dwarka DCP Ankit Chauhan said.

During interrogation, they said they brought newborns from Rajasthan and Gujarat on the instructions of a 40-year-old woman named Saroj, the gang leader, and sold the babies to rich families in Delhi-NCR for Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakh per child.

Saroj allegedly dealt directly with the rich families.

Most of the children were stolen from the tribal community in Pali, an area on Gujarat and Rajasthan border.

Saroj gave the task of stealing children to Yasmeen, after which she used to steal children from the Gujarat-Rajasthan border. After the children reached Saroj, she would tell Anjali the location of the 'delivery'.

Saroj would then collect money directly and everyone would be given their share. Anjali and Yasmeen have previously donated their eggs illegally. The families to whom the children were sold are also being identified, Delhi Police said, adding legal action will be taken against them.



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"Don't Play Victim": UK-Based Gangster Says He Gave Hit Order On Delhi Man

A gangster living in London has taken responsibility for the killing of a 52-year-old property dealer in Delhi. Rajkumar Dalal was driving his Toyota Fortuner when two cars approached from the side and opened fire at outer Delhi's Paschim Vihar (East) on Friday.

The police's suspicion of a gang war behind the killing came true when the London-based gangster, Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu, in a post on Facebook said he gave the hit order on the property dealer because he was doing the bidding of Manjeet Mahal, a Delhi-based gangster.

"I got the murder done. He used to occupy a plot for my enemy Manjeet Mahal. When out on parole, I met Manjeet Mahal and told him that whoever supports him would become my enemy," Nandu said in the post written in Hindi.

"Don't play this victim card. You started it. I am going to finish it," Nandu said.

Nandu, who is hiding in London, faces an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN). Interpol issues an RCN at the request of a member country to seek the location and arrest of wanted people globally.

A police officer said the case is likely to be transferred to the Delhi Police's Crime Branch.

The killers fired some 15 rounds at the property dealer. It is suspected they scanned the area and observed the target before striking.

Rajkumar Dalal was going from Paschim Vihar to his gym in Punjabi Bagh when the attack happened.

"We are checking CCTV camera footage from the crime scene to identify the attackers. A case has been registered and multiple teams have been formed to crack the case," a police officer said.

The property dealer is survived by his wife Sujata, and their son, who is a doctor. Police sources said Rajkumar Dalal's family were not aware of any enmity that he may have had.



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"We Cannot Turn A Blind Eye": Calcutta High Court On Bengal Waqf Violence

Underlining that constitutional courts cannot be a mute spectator, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central forces in Bengal's Murshidabad where anti-Waqf protests have resulted in the death of three people.

Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were thrown at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence erupted in Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts during protests over the new legislation yesterday.

The High Court underlined that every citizen has right to life and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that the life and property of every citizen is secured.

"Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are at danger. The deployment of Central Armed forces earlier could have escalated the situation as it appears adequate measures have not been taken in time," said the court.

The court noted that the situation is "grave and volatile", underlining that action is to be taken against the culprits to arrest the atrocities committed on innocent citizens on "war footing".

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie show vandalism in few districts of the state of West Bengal. The purpose of deployment of the para-military forces or Central Armed Police Force is only for the purpose of facilitating the state administration to ensure the safety and security of the population in this State," said the court, adding it cannot be denied that "there is an internal disturbance" in some of the districts in the state.

The central forces will operate in coordination with the state administration. The court also instructed both the state government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation.

A special bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury was constituted by the Chief Justice to urgently hear a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, seeking the deployment of central forces in the district.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday night welcomed the Calcutta High Court's directive for the deployment of central forces in violence-hit areas of Murshidabad district.

"I have been told about the deployment of CAPF in the riot-affected areas of Bengal, including Murshidabad. I am glad that the Calcutta High Court stepped in and given the appropriate decision in appropriate time," the Governor said in a video message released by Raj Bhavan.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that her state would not implement the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act and appealed for peace and harmony.

"We have made our position clear on this matter - we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?" she said in a post on X.

Ms Banerjee cautioned against political misuse of religion and warned of legal action against those inciting riots.

"Remember, we did not make the law that many are agitating against. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government," the Chief Minister added.

Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar cautioned the agitators that the state police will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt law and order in the name of the protests.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/IcZBrKf

Watch: Shreyas Iyer Left Fuming At Punjab Kings Teammate Over DRS Call vs SRH

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer was left fuming during their IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). PBKS' Glenn Maxwell thought he had dismissed Travis Head caught behind by wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh. However, upon seeing the umpire giving it not out, signalled for a DRS review straight away. Moments later, though, Shreyas Iyer was shown to be angry at one of his teammates. Iyer pointed at himself, with his teammates vying for a review. Eventually, Iyer decided to go up with a DRS review upon Maxwell's insistance.

As it turned out, Travis Head remained not out after the whole saga. NDTV could not verify which teammate Iyer seemed to be frustrated on. While what Iyer said was not audible, It was quite apparent that he said: "Pehle merese puch na (Ask me first)"

Watch: Shreyas Iyer angry after DRS saga

Earlierm Punjab Kings unleashed an all-out assault against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, riding on a blazing half-century from Shreyas Iyer (82) and late fireworks from Marcus Stoinis, who scored 34 in eleven deliveries to reach 245/6 in 20 overs, here at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

While the innings had contributions across the board, it was Iyer's calculated aggression that stood out, giving PBKS the perfect launchpad for a mammoth total.

Stoinis finally announced his arrival in IPL 2025 with a sensational finish, smashing four consecutive sixes to close out Punjab Kings' innings in stunning fashion. The Australian all-rounder, who had struggled to make an impact with the bat so far this season, turned on the heat in the final over, propelling PBKS to a commanding total of 245.

Unfortunately for Mohammed Shami, it was a night to forget as the seasoned pacer bore the brunt of Stoinis' onslaught. Shami's final over went for 27 runs, capping off a rough spell that read 4-0-75-0 — second most expensive in IPL history.

After electing to bat, PBKS came out swinging from the very first over. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with a flurry of boundaries off Mohammed Shami, charging at the veteran seamer and carving him through mid-off and cover with disdain. He was in no mood to show respect and gave PBKS a flying start.

Harshal Patel bowled a game-changing over in the 18th, conceding just five runs and removing both Shreyas Iyer and Maxwell in quick succession. Iyer's 82 off 36 had anchored PBKS' innings but his departure meant PBKS had to rebuild in the final overs and Stoinis did it perfectly.



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ICC Eyes Big Changes In ODI Rule That Faced Massive Criticism From Sachin

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering altering the rules with the use of two new balls in ODI cricket in a bit to balance the game for bowlers. While this isn't a complete reversal of the current Playing Conditions (PCs), the potential change is designed to give bowlers an edge by reintroducing the possibility of reverse swing. Additionally, the ICC is exploring the introduction of in-game clocks for Test matches to help regulate over rates and is also evaluating the idea of transitioning the men's Under-19 World Cup to a T20 format, Cricbuzz reported.

The recommendation is set to be reviewed during the ongoing ICC meetings in Zimbabwe.

The proposal to phase out the second new ball in ODIs reportedly stems from the ICC Cricket Committee. As per the suggested change, teams would start with two new balls but would have to choose one to continue with from the 25-over mark onward. This means that while the rule isn't being entirely scrapped, it would help reintroduce reverse swing - a feature that's been missing due to the prolonged shine on two newer balls.

The two-ball rule has faced significant criticism, with legends like Sachin Tendulkar labelling it detrimental to the game. Tendulkar argued that using two new balls prevents them from ageing enough to allow reverse swing, a crucial skill especially during the final overs. He has long advocated for a better balance between bat and ball in ODIs.

"Having two new balls in one day cricket is a perfect recipe for disaster as each ball is not given the time to get old enough to reverse. We haven't seen reverse swing, an integral part of the death overs, for a long time," Tendulkar had famously said in a social media comment some years ago.

Former fast bowler Brett Lee has also publicly backed Tendulkar's stance on the matter.

Led by Sourav Ganguly, the Cricket Committee seems to have conducted a thorough evaluation. In the past, the white ball would often deteriorate or lose its colour by the 35th over, prompting umpires to replace it. Under the proposed system, a single ball could be used for up to 37-38 overs by the end of an innings, as opposed to the current setup where each of the two balls is used for only 25 overs.

Another significant rule under discussion is the use of countdown clocks in Test cricket, setting a 60-second limit between overs. These clocks are already in use in limited-overs formats and have helped speed up matches. The ICC Cricket Committee aims to ensure that 90 overs are bowled each day in Test matches through this move.

The ICC is also considering a shift in format for the men's Under-19 World Cup, potentially converting it to a T20 tournament. While some officials prefer to retain the traditional 50-over format, others point to the success of the Women's Under-19 World Cup, which is already held in the T20 format. The two editions played so far - in 2023 (South Africa) and 2025 (Malaysia) - have both used the shorter format. Any format change for the men's edition would only take effect from the 2028 broadcast cycle.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/ETS1v0G