Brendan Lynch visits India for crucial talks on US tariff waivers and bilateral trade agreements, amid Trump's reciprocal tariff strategies.

Brendan Lynch's India Visit: Tariffs 

Assistant US Trade Rep Brendan Lynch visits India for talks on temporary tariff waivers and bilateral trade agreements amidst global trade tension.

Brendan Lynch's India visit focuses on temporary tariff waivers and strengthening bilateral trade ties amidst Trump's upcoming tariffs.

Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days before US President Donald Trump's tit-for-tat tariff kicks in.
The senior US trade official is expected to hold talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal besides meeting a number of senior Indian officials.
It is learnt that Indian officials are also hoping to discuss with Lynch the possibility of a waiver for India from the reciprocal tariff temporarily.
It will come into effect on April 2.
The two sides are also expected to hold negotiations to firm up a framework for a bilateral trade pact that would address issues relating to levies and market access.
"Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, along with a team of US government officials, will be in India from March 25-29 for meetings with Indian interlocutors as part of ongoing bilateral trade discussions," said a US official.
"This visit reflects the United States' continued commitment to advancing a productive and balanced trade relationship with India.
"We value our ongoing engagement with the Government of India on trade and investment matters and look forward to continuing these discussions in a constructive, equitable and forward-looking manner," the official said.
India on Friday said its negotiations with Washington are underway to firm up a framework for a bilateral trade pact that would address issues relating to levies and market access.
India remains engaged with the US Administration at "various levels" to arrive at a mutually beneficial trade agreement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The US president's tariff tussle has stoked fears of a global trade war with many countries already announcing counter-measures to deal with it.
Following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump in Washington DC last month, the two sides announced the negotiations for the first tranche of the BTA by the fall of 2025.
In line with his "America First" policy, Trump earlier this month announced reciprocal tariffs on its partners and other nations that impose higher levies on imports from the US.
India has reduced its average applied tariffs significantly for key developed countries like Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Norway under recently concluded bilateral trade agreements.
Similar negotiations are currently underway with the European Union and the United Kingdom, among other partners.
The ongoing discussions with the United States should be seen in this context, Indian government sources said a few weeks back.
In its Union budget for 2025-26, India announced its decision to lower tariffs on Bourbon whiskey, wines, and Electronic Vehicle (EV) segments.
The decisions were seen as an attempt to send a signal to the Trump administration that New Delhi is open to bringing down tariffs in specific sectors.
Washington is also pushing New Delhi to buy more American oil, gas and military platforms to bring down the trade deficit that stands at around USD 45 billion in India's favour.
The US was the largest trading partner of India with overall bilateral trade in goods and services amounting to USD 190 billion for the calendar year 2023.
In the financial year 2023-24, the US was the third largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India with inflows of USD 4.99 billion accounting for almost per cent of total FDI equity inflows.

Yuki Bhambri clinches top Indian doubles spot with Miami Open win, overtaking Rohan Bopanna's long-held ranking.

Yuki Bhambri: India's Top Doubles Tennis Player

Yuki Bhambri claims the title of India's premier doubles tennis player after triumphing at the Miami Open. His recent climb in the ATP rankings, overtaking Rohan Bopanna, emphasizes his impressive transition from singles to doubles, highlighting his successful journey.

Yuki Bhambri ascends to India's top doubles player with a Miami Open win over Rohan Bopanna. Now ranked 29th, Bhambri continues to impress with recent victories, highlighting his transition from singles to doubles.

Yuki Bhambri has ascended to the pinnacle of Indian doubles tennis following a memorable victory at the Miami Open, where he and his partner Nuno Borges from Portugal triumphed over compatriot Rohan Bopanna and Croatia's Ivan Dodig in a gripping round of 32 match.
The duo clinched the victory with a 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 scoreline, paving Bhambri's way to the top spot in Indian doubles as per the latest ATP rankings, according to Olympics.com.
This victory, engineered in Florida, has propelled the 32-year-old Bhambri to 29th in the live ATP doubles rankings, subsequently demoting the former top Indian player Rohan Bopanna to 43rd.
Bopanna, a seasoned stalwart who boasts two Grand Slam titles and 26 tour-level victories, had held India's doubles crown for an enduring 286 weeks since October 2019. Sunday&rsquo;s win signifies not only a shift in rankings but Bhambri's rise to form.
Bhambri, alongside Borges, is set to face off against Czech Adam Pavlasek and Britain's Jamie Murray in the impending round of 16.
This comes amid Bhambri&rsquo;s sterling performance in recent months, notably including his first ATP 500 title at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where he and Australia&rsquo;s Alexei Popyrin overcame the reigning US and Australian Open doubles champions, Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten, in an electrifying comeback.
Bhambri's versatility on the court extends back to his 2009 Australian Open junior boys&rsquo; championship victory and earlier success as India&rsquo;s singles number one, with a career-high singles ranking of 83 in April 2018.
Transitioning to doubles in 2023 has proven rewarding, highlighted by victories over formidable opponents including top-seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic at last month's Qatar Open.
This recent surge adds to Bhambri's collection of titles, with three ATP 250 level victories underscoring his growing legacy in the doubles domain.

Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany showcased skill in thrilling matches to reach the Nations League semi-finals.

Nations League Semi-Finals: Spain, France Advance

In thrilling matches, Spain and France advanced from penalty shoot-outs, while Portugal and Germany secured their semi-final spots.

Spain and France advance after thrilling shoot-outs; Portugal and Germany also reach Nations League semi-finals.

Holders Spain beat the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic quarter-final second leg in Valencia finished 3-3 on Sunday to set up a Nations League last-four clash with France, who edged Croatia in a shoot-out after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
On a dramatic night, Portugal battled past Denmark in extra time and will next face Finals hosts Germany after their tense 5-4 aggregate victory over Italy. European champions Spain took the lead in the tie, after Thursday's 2-2 first-leg draw, when Mikel Oyarzabal picked himself up after being fouled in the box to slot home an early penalty.
The Netherlands equalised nine minutes into the second half as Memphis Depay also won and then netted a spot-kick.
Oyarzabal grabbed his second in the 67th minute after a strong run forward by Nico Williams, only for the Dutch to level again with 11 minutes remaining through Ian Maatsen's fierce strike.
Lamine Yamal struck shortly before the interval in extra time, though, curling the ball into the far corner after a couple of superb touches.
There was yet another twist as Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon brought down Xavi Simons, who picked himself up to score.
Spain edged home 5-4 in the shoot-out despite a miss from Yamal, as Simon saved from Netherlands winger Donyell Malen and Pedri struck the winning penalty.
"We're Spain and we don't have to fear anyone," Pedri told TVE of facing 2021 Nations League winners France in the semi-finals in Stuttgart on June 5.
France wiped out a two-goal deficit against Croatia at the Stade de France.
Michael Olise's brilliant free-kick broke the deadlock on the night in the 52nd minute, before Ousmane Dembele swept Olise's cutback into the bottom corner to send the quarter-final to extra time.
Theo Hernandez missed a penalty to win it for France in an eventful shoot-out, but Dayot Upamecano eventually secured a 5-4 success on penalties in sudden death.
"We woke up thinking it could be a great night," Kylian Mbappe told TF1. "We were convinced we were going to do something great."
Trincao fires Portugal through
Portugal, inspired by substitute Francisco Trincao, battled back after losing the first game 1-0 to win a thrilling last-eight encounter with Denmark 5-3 on aggregate.
Cristiano Ronaldo, after a stuttering run-up, produced the tamest of early penalties which was comfortably held by Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Portugal were gifted the lead on the night when Joachim Andersen put through his own net.
But the Danes restored their aggregate advantage 11 minutes into the second half through Rasmus Kristensen's excellent header.
Ronaldo did get his 136th international goal, though, turning the ball in after Schmeichel tipped Fernandes' shot against the post.
But Portugal were caught out in the 76th minute when Christian Eriksen tapped home.
The hosts managed to force an added half-hour when Schmeichel's weak punch fell to Mendes, who teed up Trincao to drill a shot into the bottom corner.
Trincao netted his second in the first minute of extra time and Goncalo Ramos secured a meeting with Germany in Munich on June 4.
Germany hold off Italy fightback
Julian Nagelsmann's Germans survived an Italy comeback to win 5-4 on aggregate after a 3-3 draw in Dortmund.
Germany extended their overall advantage on the half-hour mark when Joshua Kimmich tucked home a spot-kick before playing a key role in a bizarre second goal.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma left his goal after making a save to complain at the referee and Kimmich took a quickly-taken corner which was flicked into an empty net by Jamal Musiala.
Tim Kleindienst nodded in Kimmich's clipped cross on the stroke of half-time, but Moise Kean scored twice to give Italy a glimmer of hope heading into the last 20 minutes.
Giacomo Raspadori converted a penalty in injury time to equalise on the night, but there was not long enough left for the Azzurri.
"A football game is never perfect, but it was some unbelievable football, and the best I've seen us play," Germany coach Nagelsmann said.
Elsewhere, Belgium narrowly avoided relegation to League B as two late goals from Romelu Lukaku helped them overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Ukraine with a 3-0 victory.

MS Dhoni questions IPL's new Impact Player rule's necessity, hinting it doesn’t significantly boost scores. Highlights Ruturaj Gaikwad's independent leadership as CSK captain.

Dhoni Critiques IPL's Impact Player Rule

MS Dhoni opines on the IPL's Impact Player rule, questioning its need and timing. Emphasizes that increased scores are due to better conditions, not the rule. Praises Ruturaj Gaikwad's aptitude as CSK's captain.

MS Dhoni critiques IPL's Impact Player rule, questioning its timing and necessity. He stresses the rule's lesser role in high scores. Trusts Ruturaj Gaikwad&rsquo;s leadership as CSK captain.

Since its introduction in 2023, the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the subject of extensive debate.
This regulation allows teams to substitute a player strategically, such as replacing a bowler with a batsman after bowling innings, supposedly granting an advantageous edge. However, this rule is not applicable in international cricket formats.
Critics, including former players, argue against this rule on several grounds. Some contend that it diminishes the element of surprise crucial to the game, while others feel it potentially hinders the development of versatile allrounders.
Among the high-profile voices of dissent is cricketing legend MS Dhoni. During an interaction on Jio Hotstar, Dhoni expressed his skepticism about the necessity of this rule.
"When it first came out, I felt the IPL was already in a strong position; there was no need to add more 'spice' to it," Dhoni remarked. He emphasized that the games were already high-scoring, competitive, and engaging.
Dhoni observed that in the T20 format, matches can effectively end prematurely if a team loses early wickets, tilting the balance drastically in favor of the opposition.
Given the healthy TV ratings and the emergence of talented players, Dhoni questioned the timing of the rule&rsquo;s implementation.
"In a way, it benefits me, but not entirely, as I'm fully involved with my wicketkeeping and can't be an impact player myself," he noted.&nbsp;
He also addressed claims that the rule has led to higher scores, attributing increased runs more to favorable playing conditions rather than the impact substitution. "The extra batter might provide comfort, but it's not the sole reason for higher scores," Dhoni clarified.
The seasoned cricketer, who led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles, passed on the leadership baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season.
Dhoni, now 43, expressed his trust in Gaikwad's calm demeanor and cricketing acumen, which influenced the decision to appoint him as captain.
Dhoni discussed his approach to mentoring Gaikwad. "I told him, 'If I offer advice, you&rsquo;re not obligated to follow it.' I tried to keep my involvement minimal," Dhoni stated.
He addressed rumors that he was making decisions behind the scenes, clarifying that Gaikwad independently made the majority of tactical calls, including crucial bowling changes and field placements. "Ruturaj did a brilliant job managing the team," Dhoni praised, highlighting the young captain's competence in his new role.

Despite a modest start in IPL, Arjun Tendulkar is seen by Yograj Singh as a future batting star. Discover how his training may unlock Arjun's potential.

Arjun Tendulkar & Yograj Singh: A Cricket Transformation

Despite a modest IPL start, Arjun Tendulkar is poised for success with Yograj Singh's guidance. Discover the potential vision of making Arjun a cricket legend through focused training and mentorship, as urged by coach Yograj.

Arjun Tendulkar struggles in IPL, with guidance from Yograj Singh highlighting his batting potential. Despite a slow IPL start, Yograj's belief in Arjun remains strong.

Arjun Tendulkar's induction into the Indian Premier League (IPL) hasn't yet turned heads. The young left-arm pace allrounder, carrying the heavy legacy of his father, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, managed to claim three wickets over four games in the 2023 season for the Mumbai Indians.
However, his performance dipped in the IPL 2024, as he couldn't secure any wickets in the lone match he played.&nbsp;
A key figure in Arjun's training journey has been Yograj Singh, a former Indian cricketer and father of celebrated cricketer Yuvraj Singh.
Having coached Arjun briefly, Yograj is convinced of the potential that Arjun holds with the bat&mdash;a conviction that was reaffirmed when Arjun hit a century in his Ranji Trophy debut after training under Yograj's guidance.
In a revealing conversation with former IPL player Taruwar Kohli, Yograj Singh expressed his belief in Arjun's batting prowess. "If Arjun Tendulkar comes to me now, I will make him the world's greatest batter in six months.
Nobody truly knows the potential he has as a batsman. He trained with me for just 12 days and went on to score a century in his Ranji Trophy debut. Was that noticed?" Yograj said on Kohli's YouTube channel.
Yograj reflected on the time when Goa's team visited, and both Sachin and Yuvraj prompted Arjun to train with him.
"I saw immense potential: 'He's such a great batter, why is he being focused only on bowling?' As a batting all-rounder, he'd thrive," Yograj remarked.
Yograj Singh also revealed in another interview his thoughts on why Arjun ceased training with him, citing potential reputational concerns.
"When Arjun scored that hundred and returned to the IPL, there was apprehension about him being linked to me. People are wary of having certain tags," he said on 'Unfiltered by Samdish'.
Yograj urged Sachin, through Yuvraj, to trust him with Arjun's development for a year, promising significant improvement. "I told Yuvi&mdash;convey to Sachin&mdash;leave him with me for a year, and see the transformation," Yograj added.
Since debuting in the IPL in 2023, Arjun has played five matches for the Mumbai Indians, securing a base price of Rs 30 lakhs in the IPL 2025 mega auctions, despite a challenging initial phase.
Reflecting on Yograj Singh's cricketing background, one finds a brief international career&mdash;comprising one Test and six ODIs for India, with his last appearance dating back to 1981.
Arjun Tendulkar's journey continues, and with guidance, he might yet carve out a legacy of his own in the cricketing world.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 clash, CSK defeated MI with stellar performances from Gaikwad and Ravindra at Chepauk. Chahar's debut impressed.

CSK vs MI: Gaikwad Stars in Chepauk Thriller

In IPL 2025, CSK outplayed MI at Chepauk. Despite Deepak Chahar's impactful debut, Gaikwad and Ravindra led CSK to a four-wicket victory.

In IPL 2025, Deepak Chahar impressed for MI, but CSK defeated them at Chepauk, with Gaikwad and Ravindra outstanding.

In a highly anticipated IPL 2025 clash, Deepak Chahar made his debut for the Mumbai Indians (MI) against his former team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the iconic Chepauk Stadium. Despite Chahar's commendable performance with both bat and ball, MI fell short as CSK clinched a four-wicket victory with five balls to spare.
Chasing a target of 156, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front with a fiery knock of 53 runs, complemented by Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten 65 off 45 deliveries.
Gaikwad showcased brilliant aggression, reaching his quickest fifty in the IPL with a well-crafted innings featuring six boundaries and three maximums.
For Mumbai, Chahar contributed significantly, taking a crucial wicket and impressively scoring 28 runs off just 15 balls. Nonetheless, his efforts were in vain as CSK emerged victorious.
Adding a light-hearted twist to proceedings, Chahar's sister, Malti, celebrated his MI debut by sharing a humorous meme on social media, comparing Chahar's situation to a famed "Baahubali" scene.
Mumbai's bowling attack, however, offered a glimpse of optimism with debutant Vignesh Puthur delivering an impactful spell of 3-32. CSK owed their successful defense primarily to Noor Ahmad's remarkable figures of 4-18 and Khaleel Ahmed, who claimed 3-29, effectively limiting MI to 155/9.
Post-match, Gaikwad expressed satisfaction with the result but acknowledged room for improvement in their performance. He noted the strategic move to bat at number three enhanced team balance.
Gaikwad also praised the team's spinners, highlighting their vital role and synergy on the Chepauk track, emphasizing Noor's X-factor and Khaleel's experience.
Overall, the match provided a thrilling start to the IPL season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more such exciting encounters.

Tamim Iqbal, former Bangladesh cricket captain, suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier Division match. He underwent an emergency angioplasty and is under observation. The BCB has canceled a meeting to support his recovery.

Tamim Iqbal's Emergency Angioplasty Update

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal experienced a heart attack during a cricket match and has undergone angioplasty. He remains under medical care, and the cricket world is rallying around him. His legacy includes a stellar international career.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal suffered a heart attack during a match and underwent angioplasty. He remains under observation with support from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. His cricket career includes notable achievements in Tests and ODIs.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal on Monday underwent angioplasty after suffering a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match in Dhaka.
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the incident occurred in the first innings of the 50-over-a-side contest between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club when the 36-year-old Iqbal felt pain in his chest.
Tamim, who was leading Mohammedan, fielded for just one over before being rushed to a nearby hospital.
"Initially, a helicopter was arranged for Tamim's movement to the hospital, but he could not be flown from the BKSP ground in Savar. He was later taken to the Fazilatunnesa Hospital," the report quoted match referee Debabrata Paul as saying.
The treating doctors later issued an official medical bulletin.
"He returned to us in a critical condition. We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram and angioplasty to remove the blockage.
The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation.
"The swift coordination between the medical staff at BKSP and the hospital ensured Tamim was treated quickly," the bulletin read.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board had cancelled a scheduled board meeting this afternoon after the development.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed is at the hospital, along with other members.
Iqbal had announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time in January this year.
Earlier, in July 2023, he had made a similar announcement during an emotional press conference but reversed his decision within 24 hours following an intervention from then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Iqbal, who last featured for the national team in 2023, has played 70 Tests and 243 ODIs, scoring 5,134 runs and 8,357 runs respectively for Bangladesh. He has also accumulated 1,758 runs in 78 T20Is.

Harbhajan Singh's comment on Jofra Archer during IPL 2025 match sparks social media debate over sensitivity. The clash saw Sunrisers Hyderabad reaching the second-highest total in history, highlighting Archer's struggle.

Harbhajan Singh's Controversial IPL Comment

During an IPL clash, Harbhajan Singh's comment on Jofra Archer drew criticism for insensitivity. Sunrisers Hyderabad set a significant target, with Archer struggling. The incident adds to ongoing discussions about commentary in cricket.

Harbhajan Singh's commentary comparing Jofra Archer to London's taxi meters during an IPL match ignited online criticism due to perceived insensitivity.&nbsp;

In a controversial incident during the Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Rajasthan Royals match in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, now part of the commentary team, stirred a social media uproar.
Harbhajan, while discussing English pacer Jofra Archer's performance, made an offhand remark that sparked allegations of insensitivity.
During the match commentary, Harbhajan metaphorically compared Archer to the rapid fare meters of London&rsquo;s iconic black taxis, saying, "London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai," implying that Archer's performance was costly in terms of runs.
The statement, viewed by some as insensitive given Harbhajan's own past experiences with racial undertones in cricket, quickly drew criticism online, with many fans demanding an apology or clarification from the former Indian spinner.
As of now, Harbhajan has not issued any response regarding the incident.
In the match itself, the Sunrisers Hyderabad set a formidable target, amassing 286 runs, marking the second-highest total in IPL history, spurred by splendid innings from Ishan Kishan and Travis Head.
The Rajasthan Royals, despite their best efforts, fell short, managing to score 242 runs. Jofra Archer struggled with the ball, conceding 76 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket, which brought his bowling performance under the microscope.

Dhoni's lightning-fast 0.12s stumping in IPL dazzled fans, aiding CSK's victory over Mumbai Indians with remarkable skill and strategy.

Dhoni's Stumping Steals the Show at IPL

In an IPL spectacle, Dhoni's swift 0.12s stumping helped CSK secure victory over Mumbai, showcasing his timeless agility and skill.

Dhoni's 0.12s stumping in IPL impresses, leading CSK to victory. His agility and preparation, praised by experts, remain world-class.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's lightning-quick reflexes behind the stumps to get rid of Suryakumar Yadav during an IPL match here have left former Australian opener Matthew Hayden gushing about the former Indian captain's abilities, despite not being in his prime. Dhoni, 43, is nearing the end of his career, having hung up his international boots five years ago and playing just as a player for the Chennai Super Kings after leading the team to five IPL titles.
However, Dhoni showcased his brilliance once again on Sunday when he whipped off the bails in an instant off Noor Ahmad's delivery, sending Suryakumar back to the pavilion.
"He (Dhoni) was on fire," Hayden, the former Australia batter and Dhoni's team-mate at CSK till 2010, said on ESPNcricinfo's T20 Time Out.
"I mean Noor Ahmad was firing down the leg side and it was just a movement across the ball. They're difficult when you're sitting there sort of partially obscured by the batsman.
"Then the stumping was just superb, just such quick timing, great hands, good vision. He's still got it." The stumping of Suryakumar (29) was a crucial moment in the game as CSK broke a 51-run stand and eventually restricted Mumbai Indians to 155/9. CSK chased down the target with four wickets in hand and five balls to spare at Chepauk.
"The stumping from MSD (MS Dhoni) was out of the world," said Noor during the post-match presentation.
"It feels great to have someone like Mahi Bhai behind the stumps, it is a great support for me." As per Star Sports, the stumping was executed in just 0.12 seconds.
Piyush Chawla, former India and CSK spinner, believes Dhoni must have practiced with Noor during pre-season camp to perfect the stumping.
"It does happen, it is a challenge if you have not kept against somebody," he said.
"But I'm sure in the camp, he must have kept a lot of balls because if he's keeping for somebody new, he especially takes that person to the stumps and says, you bowl a few balls.
"(It has) not (happened) with me because I have bowled against him so many times and bowled to him in the nets also. But whenever somebody new comes, especially a wristspinner, he just makes sure he's keeping 10-12 balls so that he gets used to the wrist position."

The 18th IPL edition opens in Kolkata with dazzling star performances. BCCI plans ceremonies at all venues, featuring Bollywood celebs.

IPL 2025 Launch: Cricket 

IPL 18th edition launches on March 22 in Kolkata with Bollywood performances. BCCI introduces opening ceremonies at all venues, featuring stars like Salman Khan and Shreya Ghoshal.

IPL's 18th edition kicks off in Kolkata on March 22 with star performances. BCCI plans unique opening ceremonies across all venues, featuring top Bollywood stars.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for an exciting new chapter as the 18th edition of this thrilling T20 league kicks off on March 22 in Kolkata.
Fans can expect a spectacular start to the season with Bollywood diva Disha Patani set to perform at the opening ceremony, just before the first match featuring Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Acclaimed singer Shreya Ghoshal will also grace the event with a performance at the venue, where ICC chairman Jay Shah is expected to attend.
In a departure from tradition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ambitious plans to host opening ceremonies at all 13 venues staging IPL matches this year.
This move marks a significant shift from previous seasons.
A wide ensemble of Bollywood celebrities is being lined up to perform across various venues, with stars such as Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Katrina Kaif, Triptii Dimri, Ananya Panday, Madhuri Dixit, and Janhvi Kapoor among those expected to dazzle the audiences throughout the league.
"The plan is to have a diverse range of Bollywood performers featured across all events, with the possibility of including two to three artists in the limited time between innings," a source revealed to Sportstar.
Organizing such a large-scale series of events does bring logistical challenges.
However, the BCCI is collaborating closely with State associations to ensure smooth execution without interrupting the matches, as noted in the report.
Besides the traditional venues of the 10 IPL franchises, a few teams will play some of their matches at alternative locations, including Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Dharamshala, and Mullanpur. These venues will host home games for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings throughout the season, contributing to a diverse and exciting cricketing festival across India.

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World number 7 PV Sindhu&nbsp;continued her impressive run at the Tokyo Olympics as she comfortably beat&nbsp;Mia Blichfeldlt of Denmark&nbsp;21-15, 21-13 in just 41 minutes, to storm into the quarterfinals.&nbsp;
With that, she took her head-to-head lead over the World number 12 to 5-1. Sindhu, who has been unbeaten at the Games so far, will next play on Friday.
Also read:&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics 2020: boxer Pooja Rani storms into Women's Middleweight QF

Tokyo Olympics 2020: PV Sindhu storms into quarterfinals

After beating&nbsp;Mia Blichfeldlt&nbsp;in straight games,&nbsp;Sindhu took her head-to-head lead over the World number 12 to 5-1.

World number 7 PV Sindhu&nbsp;continued her impressive run at the Tokyo Olympics as she comfortably beat&nbsp;Mia Blichfeldlt of Denmark&nbsp;21-15, 21-13 in just 41 minutes, to storm into the quarterfinals.&nbsp;
With that, she took her head-to-head lead over the World number 12 to 5-1. Sindhu, who has been unbeaten at the Games so far, will next play on Friday.

<ul>
<li>Sindhu&nbsp;beats&nbsp;Mia Blichfeldlt&nbsp;in straight games in just 41 minutes</li>
<li>Sindhu&nbsp;unbeaten at the Tokyo Olympics so far, to play her quarterfinal match on Friday</li>
</ul>

World number 7 PV Sindhu&nbsp;continued her impressive run at the Tokyo Olympics as she comfortably beat&nbsp;Mia Blichfeldlt of Denmark&nbsp;21-15, 21-13 in just 41 minutes, to storm into the quarterfinals.&nbsp;
With that, she took her head-to-head lead over the World number 12 to 5-1. Sindhu, who has been unbeaten at the Games so far, will next play on Friday.
Also read:&nbsp;<a title="Tokyo Olympics 2020: boxer Pooja Rani storms into Women's Middleweight QF" href="https://www.editorji.com/story/tokyo-olympics-2020-boxer-pooja-rani-storms-into-women-s-middleweight-qf-1627468606581" target="_blank">Tokyo Olympics 2020: boxer Pooja Rani storms into Women's Middleweight QF</a>

England secured a 3-0 victory over Latvia in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. Jude Bellingham faced scrutiny for aggressive play, prompting his substitution by Phil Foden. Goals came from Reece James, Harry Kane, and Eberechi Eze, showcasing the team's strengths.

England Downs Latvia 3-0 in World Cup Qualifier

In a World Cup qualifier, England triumphed 3-0 against Latvia. Despite struggles, goals from Reece James, Harry Kane, and Eberechi Eze secured the win. Tuchel emphasizes team improvements as they prepare for the next match.

England defeats Latvia 3-0 in a tense World Cup qualifier. Bellingham's performance drew scrutiny, but goals from James, Kane, and Eze secured victory.

Thomas Tuchel admitted Jude Bellingham was "lucky" to escape a red card as England "struggled" to secure a 3-0 win against minnows Latvia on Monday. Just two days after claiming Bellingham can be "very emotional" and needed to control his mood on the pitch, the Real Madrid star was fortunate not to be sent off in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
After being booked in the first half, Bellingham avoided a second yellow yard despite crunching into a crude challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis soon after the interval. England boss Tuchel responded by sending on Phil Foden to replace the midfielder moments later to ensure he was not given his marching orders.
"A bit lucky. We took straight away the decision to not take the risk and take him off," Tuchel said.
Leading through Reece James's superb first half free-kick, England were struggling to kill off stubborn Latvia when Bellingham was substituted.
His lack of discipline could have hampered Tuchel's bid for a second successive win to start his reign.
Harry Kane netted moments after Bellingham's departure before Eberechi Eze wrapped up the points on the road to next year's World Cup.
Facing an unheralded Latvia team 136 places below them in FIFA's world rankings, Tuchel acknowledged England were far from convincing again after a lacklustre 2-0 win against Albania in his debut on Friday.
"It was not an easy match. We saw a lot of good things, created good chances. We needed a free-kick to unlock it. I'm happy with the attitude, energy and desire. We will get there," the German said.
"The second half we started to slow the game down and made little movement, which makes no sense. But the second goal was better as we showed acceleration from one of our sixes.
"We encourage everyone to have these late accelerations but we struggled a bit until the goal. I learn about the players and the game, so it is interesting."
'His quality is the highest level'
James's eye-catching first England start since September 2022 was the highlight of the evening for Tuchel.
The Chelsea right-back -- hampered by hamstring injuries for the last two seasons -- starred under Tuchel during the Blues' Champions League-winning campaign in 2021.
"I know Reece and the quality the boy has is amazing. He has every right to be proud and happy with his performance," Tuchel said.
"He is in excellent shape. He looks sharp and the quality there can be no doubt.
"If you play a dominant match like today, he can be a hybrid midfielder to help create an overload. His quality is at the highest level.&nbsp;
"We were in close contact in the last weeks. We knew he was in a good space mentally. That's what he proved. He was very positive throughout the camp."
Tuchel was also impressed by Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers in his first England start.
Rogers has become a key figure for Villa during their run to the Champions League quarter-finals this season and Tuchel saw signs that he can replicate that form on the international stage.
"I'm happy with him. He deserved to start. A match where we are so dominant could suit him more to play from the wings," said Tuchel, whose team return to action against Andorra in June.
"He felt more freedom when we played him there. There was more space. He did good."

Anticipation builds around BCCI men's contracts as retirements impact the A  category. Possible shifts include Axar Patel's rise.

BCCI Men's Central Contracts Updates

The upcoming BCCI central contracts list for men could see major shifts, influenced by retirements and rising talents. Speculation centers on the A  category's future composition.

BCCI central contracts for men are pending release, with anticipated changes due to senior players' T20 retirements.

As anticipation builds around the release of the BCCI central contracts for men, speculation is rife about potential changes in the esteemed A+ category.
This follows the recent retirements of cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20 format.
While the women's central contract list, featuring 16 players across three categories, was unveiled on Monday, the men's list&mdash;which previously included 30 cricketers&mdash;is expected shortly.
In the central contracts hierarchy, those in the A+ category are awarded a retainership fee of INR 7 crore.
The A category follows with INR 5 crore, while Grade B and C players receive INR 3 crore and INR 1 crore, respectively.
The national selection committee, in collaboration with the head coach and secretary Devajit Saikia, crafts these contracts before presenting them to the Apex Council for approval.
Tensions reportedly simmer within the BCCI regarding the retention of senior players in the A+ bracket.
Last year, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja were among those awarded the highest-paying contracts. However, the retirements from T20 Internationals shift Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja to two-format players, leaving Bumrah as the sole all-format certainty and potential future Test captain.
Nonetheless, a significant faction within the BCCI is advocating for continuity in the A+ category's composition.
In the A category, the departure of Ravichandran Ashwin from international cricket opens a spot. Axar Patel, recently named vice-captain for the T20I series against England, is a strong candidate for elevation from Group B to A. Axar's consistent performances in both ODIs and T20Is, alongside his 14 Test appearances for India, bolster his case.
Shreyas Iyer, omitted from last season's contracts, is poised for a return, given his involvement in 11 ODIs this season. For inclusion in the central contract list, players must feature in either three Tests, eight ODIs, or 10 T20Is within a calendar year.
Rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal's promising performances across formats could see him advance from his Grade B contract. Meanwhile, Bengal pacer Akash Deep, with seven Tests under his belt, and Sarfaraz Khan, who has played in three, are expected to join Group C. Similarly, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who participated in the full Border-Gavaskar series (five Tests and four T20Is), meets the criteria for automatic inclusion.
Last year&rsquo;s listees, Shardul Thakur and Ruturaj Gaikwad, currently fall short of the requirements to stay on the list. However, exceptions can be made by the selection committee in conjunction with the head coach and secretary.
As the cricketing world awaits the men's central contracts list, all eyes remain on the decisions that could reshape India's cricketing landscape.

Explore the unique relationship between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Discover how they transitioned from a formal captain-newcomer dynamic to a deep friendship, rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared passion for excellence.

Dhoni on His Evolving Bond with Virat Kohli

MS Dhoni discusses his evolving friendship with Virat Kohli, emphasizing trust and respecting confidentiality. Praising Kohli's relentless drive, Dhoni reflects on their meaningful exchanges, post-captaincy roles, and enduring camaraderie.

MS Dhoni cherishes his evolving friendship with Virat Kohli, valuing trust and confidentiality while praising Kohli&rsquo;s drive to excel. Post-captaincy, they enjoy more leisure interactions, strengthening their camaraderie and respect.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, these two stalwarts of the game have shared a bond both on and off the field, a fact well-known to fans and cricketing circles alike. Kohli, whose career took off under Dhoni&rsquo;s captaincy, achieved numerous milestones, fueled by the mentorship of his predecessor. As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season unfolds, both players step into their roles devoid of captaincy responsibilities for their respective franchises.
In a candid interview with JioHotstar, Dhoni delved into the nuances of his relationship with Kohli, all the while maintaining discretion about a particular message sent to Kohli when he resigned as India's Test captain. Kohli has consistently cited Dhoni as the sole person from the cricketing fraternity who reached out to him during that pivotal moment.
On being probed about the message, Dhoni chose to veer the conversation toward the essence of their relationship. &ldquo;I prefer discussing our relationship rather than the specifics of the message. I keep such interactions private to encourage others to approach me confidently with any concerns,&rdquo; Dhoni remarked.
Dhoni elaborated on this approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of trust that players place in him. &ldquo;Players need to feel secure that our conversations remain confidential, ensuring they can seek guidance on cricket or personal matters without hesitation,&rdquo; he explained.
The admiration Dhoni holds for Kohli is palpable. He lauded Kohli's relentless drive to excel, noting how the young cricketer aspired for more than just satisfactory scores from the outset. &ldquo;Virat never settled for a mere 40 or 60 runs; he aimed for a century and to finish not out. This hunger to improve and perform, along with his commitment to fitness, defines him,&rdquo; Dhoni observed.
Recounting the numerous discussions they had, Dhoni highlighted Kohli's eagerness to receive feedback and grow as a player. &ldquo;Virat frequently sought my insights, reflecting on his game and seeking areas for improvement. Those dialogues were instrumental in strengthening our rapport.&rdquo;
Dhoni commented on the evolution of their relationship from a captain-newcomer dynamic to a genuine friendship. &ldquo;Over time, with frequent interactions, we transitioned from a formal relationship to friends.&rdquo;
Reflecting on their current camaraderie, Dhoni expressed that their roles, post-captaincy, afford them more leisure to connect. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s still that respectful line between a senior and a junior, yet our friendship prevails. Not being captains anymore offers us more moments to engage, especially before the toss,&rdquo; he concluded.

KKR and Rajasthan Royals look to bounce back from opening losses in a much-anticipated IPL contest in Guwahati. Focus is on improving both teams' bowling and batting lineups.

KKR vs RR: IPL Showdown in Guwahati

Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, seeking to recover from initial defeats, face off in a key IPL match. With crucial roles for spinners and both batting orders needing improvement, the Guwahati clash promises high stakes and thrilling action.

KKR and RR aim to bounce back from initial defeats as they clash in an IPL match in Guwahati, focusing on improving bowling and batting performances, with key players under scrutiny.

Outmuscled in their previous matches, title-holders Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals will eye a quick course correction in ever aspect when they face each other in an IPL match in Guwahat on Wednesday.
The Knight Riders were beaten by seven wickets by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament-opener while the Royals were given a 44-run drubbing by Sunrisers Hyderabad. The common theme in those defeats was how the seemingly powerful batting and bowling units of KKR and RR failed to fire.
While the Rajasthan outfit might offer the excuse of playing on a Hyderabad shirtfront for the malfunction of their bowling unit, the Kolkata side do not have any such cover.
Apart from Sunil Narine, none of the KKR bowlers were able to contain free-flowing RCB batters, and in that the demystification of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy might just worry them a bit.
Even on an Eden Gardens pitch that had some grip, Chakravarthy was given a towelling by Phil Salt and Virat Kohli.
The KKR camp now hopes that the spinner will find his stride on a Guwahati pitch that generally has some bite.
They will also keep an eye on the fitness of Anrich Nortje, who is recovering from a back strain. If the South African gets a green signal from the physios, then he will walk in for Spencer Johnson.
Similarly, KKR's middle-order batting crumbled spectacularly after skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Narine gave them a blistering start, eventually settling for a sub-par score.
Their batting pivots such as Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell got out, playing pre-determined cross-batted shots, and KKR will hope that they will show more game awareness in Guwahati.
The Knight Riders will also hope that Rinku Singh regains his hitting prowess down the order. It is crucial in converting a good total into something more intimidating in nature.
His recent T20 form is not that encouraging and in his last five international outings, Rinku has logged scores of 11, 9, 8, 30, 9 along with a 12 in the IPL opener.
Rinku and his top-order colleagues in KKR will hope that the Rajasthan bowlers would once again struggle to find their groove here.
The likes of Jofra Archer, who bowled the most expensive spell in the history of IPL against SRH, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Maheesh Theekshana were rudderless against the onslaught of Travis Head and Ishan Kishan. Archer had leaked 76 runs from his overs at the Uppal.
But they have an opportunity in Guwahati to regain their form.
It will also be a blot on stand-in skipper Riyan Parag who, at times, looked perplexed on the field about the decisions to be made.
The Rahul Dravid-coached side will eye sharper and more intuitive leadership from Parag against KKR.

Delhi Capitals claimed a thrilling one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, thanks to Ashutosh Sharma's unbeaten 66. Despite early setbacks, DC achieved the target with three balls to spare.

Delhi Capitals Triumph in Thrilling IPL 2025 Encounter

Delhi Capitals pulled off a stunning win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, with Ashutosh Sharma's match-winning 66. The game showcased thrilling plays and intense competition, keeping fans at the edge of their seats.

Delhi Capitals secure a thrilling one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants, driven by Ashutosh Sharma's explosive batting display, crafting an unbeaten 66, setting a nail-biting finish in IPL 2025.

In a thrilling showdown at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Delhi Capitals clinched a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the fourth match of IPL 2025, thanks to Ashutosh Sharma's scintillating unbeaten 66 off 31 balls.
The late fireworks from Sharma, aided by his crucial partnership with Vipraj Nigam, turned the tables in Delhi's favour after a poor start to their daunting chase of 210.
Delhi's innings began disastrously, losing three wickets for a mere eight runs. Although Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel provided a semblance of stability, their dismissals left DC reeling at 85 for 5, with an ever-increasing required run rate that seemed insurmountable.
Captain Rishabh Pant, reflecting on the match, acknowledged the pressure his team faced, yet praised the pivotal contributions from Ashutosh and Nigam.
"The target on the board was challenging, and our opponents batted extraordinarily well. Despite losing momentum at times, I believe we can draw positives and learn from each match," said Pant. "Executing the basics consistently remains our focus."
Sharma found himself at 20 off 20 balls when the required rate surpassed 12 runs per over. In a dramatic shift in momentum, Sharma unleashed a blistering attack, hammering 46 from the next 11 deliveries.
Vipraj Nigam's cameo, scoring a quickfire 39 off 15 balls, played a crucial support role before his dismissal by Digvesh Rathi.
Sharma's relentless aggression kept DC in the hunt, culminating in a triumphant six off Shahbaz Ahmed in the final over, sealing the victory with three balls to spare.
Lucknow Super Giants, earlier batting first, piled up 209 for 8, courtesy of explosive innings from Nicholas Pooran (75 off 30) and Mitchell Marsh (72 off 36).
At one point, LSG seemed poised to cross 250, but a spirited fightback by DC's bowlers curtailed them to just 49 runs in the last seven overs while claiming seven wickets.
Pant noted the crucial partnerships formed by Stubbsy and Ashutosh, attributing DC's win to strategic execution under pressure. "Luck also played its part, especially during moments that could have swung the game either way," he added.&nbsp;
Although it's early days in the tournament, both teams are settling in, eager to refine their strategies and build momentum for the matches to come.

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