Times of India

Former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan claims India has an unfair advantage in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to less travel. India head coach Gautam Gambhir calls these claims baseless. India remains unbeaten in the tournament and will face New Zealand in the final match. New Zealand has a favorable record against India in knockout matches.

Elon Musk acknowledged International Women's Day with a tribute to mothers, emphasizing the importance of their role. Musk shared a heartfelt post featuring his mother, Maye Musk, highlighting their close relationship and her influence on his life and career.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav announced provisions for capital punishment for those involved in religious conversions. Congress leader Arif Masood demanded clarity on what constitutes forced conversion and criticized the CM for inadequate action on missing girls' cases. The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, criminalizes unlawful religious conversions with strict penalties.

In Dubai, Indian cricketers underwent a light practice session at the Dubai International Stadium, while captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill trained separately at the ICC Academy. As India prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy final, the focus remains on winning the title, with potential retirements of senior players like Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja and Shami looming.

Former cricketer Syed Kirmani advised Mohammed Shami to ignore criticism regarding not fasting during Ramadan in a match against Australia. Kirmani emphasized focusing on the game. Shami's cousin also defended him, stressing national duty. Shami has been vital in India's Champions Trophy run, being the second-highest wicket-taker with eight wickets.

A wedding in Panipat ended in chaos after a dispute over the bride's lehenga. The bride’s family objected to the lehenga brought by the groom’s side, escalating into heated accusations and leading to the marriage being called off. The situation turned violent, involving police intervention.

As the ICC Champions Trophy final approaches, the ICC has announced the 'Player of the Tournament' nominees, dominated by players from finalist teams India and New Zealand. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammed Shami from India, and Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Matt Henry from New Zealand, among others, are in contention, with Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai also making the list.

India's vice-captain Shubman Gill acknowledges the pressure of the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand but stresses India's capability to manage it and succeed. Gill emphasises the importance of handling pressure in knockout games and believes that India's recent ICC title win provides momentum and clarity for this match.

Bajrang Dal protested at Rishikul Ayurvedic College in Haridwar against an Iftar party organized by Muslim students, alleging it to be part of an 'Islamic Jihad' conspiracy in the religious city. The college administration is investigating the incident, with the Bajrang Dal demanding action within three days or threatening to escalate the protest.

Lalit Modi, Sushmita Sen’s ex-beau, will surrender his Indian passport after obtaining Vanuatu citizenship due to legal issues in India. Nana Patekar received court relief from Tanushree Dutta's 'Me Too' allegations. Additionally, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor's hug at an event rekindled fond memories for their fans.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the gangrape of an Israeli tourist and a homestay operator near Hampi's Sanapur Lake, with a third suspect still at large. The incident involved the attackers demanding money before assaulting the victims. One tourist's body was found in a canal, while the survivors are recovering in the hospital.

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill assured that the team is focused on winning and not retirement rumours. Praising India's batting strength, Gill highlighted contributions from key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He also noted pitch consistency despite the heat while dismissing any talk about Rohit's retirement.

A Russian mother who lost her son in the Ukraine war was given a meat grinder by officials in Murmansk, sparking criticism for its perceived insensitivity. The gift was part of a campaign by United Russia’s Murmansk branch and Mayor Maksim Chengayev. Critics highlighted the disturbing symbolism, while officials claimed the mother had requested the appliance.

Ravichandran Ashwin has clarified that a quote about the retirement plans of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma wrongly attributed to him is false. He sarcastically addressed the issue on X. Kohli and Rohit, who had retired from T20Is, are key players in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 final preparations against New Zealand. All focus is on the upcoming final.