India Archives - FutureSoch

Mandana Karimi announces decision to leave India and return to Iran

May 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

Famous Actress Mandana Karimi has announced that she is leaving India and returning to Iran after living in the country for 16 years.

The actress, who rose to fame after appearing in Bigg Boss 9, said she made the decision following the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

In a statement shared on her Instagram account, Mandana claimed that she lost many friends after participating in a protest in Mumbai and said she felt deeply disappointed.

Responding to a fan on social media who asked whether she was leaving Mumbai and whether she would miss it, the actress posted a video from the airport and said she never imagined she would have to leave India in this way.

“Goodbye, India,” she said in the recorded message.

Mandana Karimi described the decision as emotionally difficult, noting that she had spent 16 years building her life in India.

However, she said she felt unsupported by many of her friends during the recent developments involving Iran and admitted that she had never felt as lonely in Mumbai as she had over the past two months.

She added that while India had been home to her for many years, she now believes it is time to move forward.

New Zealand ready to ‘Break a Few Hearts’ in T20 World Cup final: Santner

March 7, 2026 by Newsdesk

AHMEDABAD: Mitchell Santner says New Zealand would not mind “breaking a few hearts” when they face defending champions and hosts India national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the title clash in Ahmedabad, the New Zealand captain acknowledged that his side will enter the match as underdogs but said the team is eager to seize the opportunity to lift the trophy.

More than 100,000 fans are expected to pack the Narendra Modi Stadium for the high-stakes final.

New Zealand reached the final of the tournament in 2021 but lost to Australia national cricket team and are still chasing their first white-ball World Cup title.

“I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy,” Santner said. “Everyone knows we’re probably not the favourites, but I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once.”

New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament has been mixed. They delivered a dominant performance in the semi-final, thrashing South Africa national cricket team by nine wickets after Finn Allen smashed the fastest century of the competition.

However, the Black Caps also suffered defeats to South Africa and England national cricket team earlier in the tournament.

Santner pointed to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, saying one strong performance can turn the tide. “We saw South Africa playing very good cricket throughout, but they had one hiccup against us and were out,” he noted.

Meanwhile, India come into the final in formidable form with three consecutive wins and are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups as well as the first to lift the title on home soil. A victory would also give them a record third T20 World Cup triumph.

Santner admitted that playing before a packed stadium and millions watching worldwide could put extra pressure on the hosts.

“With such huge expectations, there’s always added pressure,” he said. “If we can go out there and apply that pressure on them, we’ll see what happens.”

India change hotel ahead of T20 World Cup final amid superstition claims

March 7, 2026 by Newsdesk

AHMEDABAD: The India national cricket team has reportedly changed its hotel in Ahmedabad ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, with Indian media linking the move to superstition following past defeats.

According to Indian media reports, the team chose not to stay at the same hotel where it had lodged during the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where India suffered a defeat against the Australia national cricket team.

Reports suggest that the decision may have been influenced by the team’s desire to avoid repeating the circumstances associated with that loss. However, no official statement has been issued regarding the change of accommodation.

Indian media also reported that a member of the team’s support staff regularly offers prayers at every venue for the team’s success, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is providing all possible facilities to support the squad.

Earlier, ahead of the semi-final in Mumbai, India reportedly delayed a training session by about 45 minutes to avoid the effects of a lunar eclipse.

Meanwhile, the final in Ahmedabad is expected to be played on a red-soil pitch. India had earlier lost to the South Africa national cricket team on a black-soil pitch at the same venue two weeks ago. The stadium offers a variety of pitches, including red soil, black soil, and mixed surfaces.

Indian media further reported that India may also consider using the visiting team’s dressing room instead of the home dressing room at the venue in an apparent attempt to change their fortunes.

The T20 World Cup final between India and the New Zealand national cricket team is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India beat England by 7 runs to reach T20 World Cup final

March 5, 2026 by Newsdesk

Mumbai: India national cricket team defeated England national cricket team by 7 runs in a thrilling second semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to secure a place in the final.

Chasing a massive 254-run target, England fought hard but managed 246 runs, falling just short of victory.

Earlier, England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field first. Batting first, India posted a formidable 253 for 7 in 20 overs.

Sanju Samson led the charge with a brilliant 89 runs, while Shivam Dube contributed 43, Ishan Kishan scored 39, Hardik Pandya added 27, and Tilak Varma made 21 runs. Suryakumar Yadav scored 11.

For England, Will Jacks and Adil Rashid picked up two wickets each.

In the first semifinal, New Zealand national cricket team defeated South Africa national cricket team to book their place in the final.

The T20 World Cup 2026 final will be played on Sunday in Ahmedabad, where India will face New Zealand for the title. 🏏

India crush Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Super 8 match

February 26, 2026 by Newsdesk

In the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India registered a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai, strengthening their bid for a semifinal spot.

Chasing a daunting 257-run target, Zimbabwe managed 184 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

After being invited to bat first, India’s batters dismantled the Zimbabwe bowling attack, smashing boundaries and sixes at will to post one of the biggest totals in tournament history.

India piled up a massive 256 for 4 in 20 overs, hitting a total of 17 sixes during the innings.

Sanju Samson scored 24, Abhishek Sharma made 55, Ishan Kishan added 38, while captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 33 runs. In the death overs, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma unleashed a brutal assault on the bowlers. Pandya smashed 53 off 23 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 44 off just 16 deliveries.

India’s 256 is the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. The highest remains Sri Lanka’s 260 against Kenya in the inaugural 2007 edition. It is also the highest score of the 2026 tournament so far, surpassing West Indies’ 254 against Zimbabwe earlier in the competition. Notably, it is India’s highest-ever total against any team in T20 World Cup history.

In response, Zimbabwe posted 184 for 6 in 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett played a valiant unbeaten knock of 97, while captain Sikandar Raza scored 31.

Following the defeat, Zimbabwe were eliminated from the semifinal race. From Super 8 Group 1, South Africa have already secured qualification for the semifinals.

The second semifinalist from the group will be decided after Sunday’s crucial clash between India and West Indies. The winner of that encounter will advance to the next stage.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play their final Super 8 match against South Africa.

India to purchase additional 31 Rafale fighter jets from France

February 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

India is set to expand its fleet of Rafale fighter jets by acquiring 31 more carrier-based aircraft from France, according to a report by Militarni.

Under the existing MRFA program, India had already planned 114 Rafale jets.

With the new order, the total number of Rafale jets in India’s fleet will rise to 145.

Reliance Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will manufacture the airframe domestically, while France will provide certain components and the production rights for advanced AASM weapons.

In 2016, India signed an intergovernmental deal with France for 36 Rafale jets worth €7.87 billion, which have already been fully delivered.

In 2025, India ordered 26 Rafale M jets specifically for the Indian Navy.

The latest expansion demonstrates India’s continued focus on modernizing its air power and strengthening its defense capabilities in the region.

Salman Agha calls Usman Tariq ‘trump aard’ ahead of clash against India

February 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

Colombo: Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has termed spinner Usman Tariq as the team’s “trump card” ahead of the much-anticipated match against India, stressing that his side must focus on playing quality cricket.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Salman said all players in the squad are equally important, but Usman Tariq holds special value for the team. “You all have made him what he is today; for us, he is a trump card,” he remarked.

Responding to questions regarding concerns over Usman Tariq’s bowling action, the captain clarified that the spinner has already been cleared twice. “I don’t know why the issue is being discussed again. It does not affect Usman at all. We cannot stop people from expressing opinions; everyone has that right,” he added.

Looking ahead to the high-profile encounter, Salman emphasized that the team is fully prepared. “It will be another big-level match tomorrow. We are ready and need to play good cricket. We are familiar with the conditions and understand the pitch. Rain is beyond our control, but we also have plans in place if overs are reduced,” he said.

The skipper reiterated that all 15 squad members are important and that the playing XI will be selected based on match conditions. He also backed Babar Azam, expressing confidence in his form. “Babar is scoring runs. There is no concern from our side, and we hope he continues to perform tomorrow as well.”

On Pakistan’s World Cup record against India, Salman admitted that history has not been in Pakistan’s favor but insisted the team has learned from past experiences. “We have prepared plans for India’s entire playing XI and will aim to deliver a strong performance,” he stated.

When asked about India’s aggressive batter Abhishek Sharma, the Pakistan captain said he hoped the player’s recovery was going well and that he would be available for his side.

Speaking about leadership pressure, Salman concluded, “When you are captain, there is added responsibility and pressure. You represent your country, and all eyes are on you. Our job is to play good cricket on the field.”

Colombo weather poses risk to Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup showdown

February 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

Colombo: The highly anticipated Group A clash between Pakistan and India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for tomorrow in Colombo, may be affected by rain.

Meteorologists from the Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology have warned that a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal could bring heavy showers during the evening match.

The weather is expected to start warm and humid, with temperatures reaching 30–31°C during the day. However, thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall are predicted in the afternoon, with a 50–70% chance of precipitation.

The match is set to begin at 7:00 PM local time, but some weather models indicate that heavy rain could occur before the toss, potentially causing delays or a reduction in overs. While forecasts suggest slight improvement after 8:00 PM, intermittent rain is likely throughout the night.

In case the match is washed out, both Pakistan and India will be awarded one point each. Fans are eagerly hoping that weather does not dampen this high-voltage encounter.

Indian cricket team had to cut short their training session in Colombo due to a light drizzle, ahead of the much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan.

The unexpected rain forced the players to leave the ground earlier than planned, as preparation ramps up for the high-profile Group A encounter scheduled for February 15. Officials confirmed that the team will monitor the weather conditions closely and adjust training sessions accordingly.

Fans and analysts are keeping a close watch on Colombo’s unpredictable weather, as showers could impact match timing or even reduce overs for the Pakistan-India showdown.

Pakistan to play India in T20 World Cup after Sri Lanka President’s appeal

February 9, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to play its scheduled ICC T20 World Cup match against India on February 15.

According to sources, both Pakistan and India will participate in the T20 World Cup fixture as per the original schedule.

The decision comes following a request from the President of Sri Lanka, after which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved holding the match against India.

In a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara, the Sri Lankan President requested that Pakistan play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India in Sri Lanka.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, President Kumara emphasized the importance of the match and requested Pakistan’s participation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the sentiments, recalling Sri Lanka’s strong support for Pakistan during challenging times, including ensuring cricket continued in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister also noted Sri Lanka’s recent commendable gesture of not canceling their team’s tour of Pakistan, calling it an unforgettable action.

PM Shehbaz Sharif informed the Sri Lankan President that Pakistan would finalize its decision regarding the Pakistan-India match after consultations and provide updates accordingly.

President Kumara highlighted that even during times of terrorism, Pakistan supported Sri Lankan cricket and prioritized the long-standing bilateral relations by continuing cricket tours in Sri Lanka despite security challenges.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested Pakistan to participate in the scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15.

The request comes amid ongoing preparations for the tournament, emphasizing the importance of honoring the original match schedule to ensure a smooth and competitive event.

India faces $1.4 billion loss as Pakistan skips T20 World Cup clash

February 2, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Pakistan’s announcement to not play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup has caused a stir in India and across the cricketing world, largely due to the massive commercial value associated with the high-profile clash.

In modern cricket, certain matches outweigh the tournament itself in significance, and a Pakistan-India T20 match is not just a game—it is a major commercial event.

Reports indicate that the match generates roughly $50 million (around PKR 140 billion) in revenue, including broadcast rights, advertising premiums, sponsorship activations, ticket sales, and legal betting activities.

The fixture injects energy into the tournament, with broadcasters paying premium prices for rights, while the ICC financially supports boards that may otherwise not generate such revenue.

The match is often referred to as the “golden goose” for broadcasters. A 10-second ad slot during a Pakistan-India T20 match can cost between INR 2.5–4 million (PKR 7.6–12.2 lakh), significantly higher than ad rates for India’s other matches.

According to Indian media, the primary financial loss from the cancellation will fall on the rights holders. During a Pakistan-India match, advertising alone typically generates an estimated INR 300 crore (PKR 9.2 billion).

If the match does not take place, broadcasters may seek compensation from the ICC, creating a ripple effect that impacts payments not only to Pakistan and India but also to other full and associate member boards, posing significant challenges for the ICC’s financial framework.