An exiled Afghan sportswoman has urged India to reconsider supporting Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team, arguing it normalizes the Taliban’s oppression of women. Since the Taliban’s return in 2021, Afghan women have been banned from sports, yet the Afghanistan Cricket Board retains ICC membership. Critics say backing the men's team without addressing gender discrimination legitimizes the regime. They call on India to use its influence to advocate for Afghan women's rights, stressing that their dignity should outweigh sporting interests.    

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry delivered a match-winning spell against India in their final ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A clash in Dubai, taking 5 for 42. His stunning performance surpassed Shoaib Akhtar’s 4/36 record, making him the first bowler to claim a five-wicket haul against India in Champions Trophy history. Henry struck early, dismissing Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, crippling India's top order and restricting them to 249 all out. This latest achievement continues Henry’s dominance over India in ICC events, reinforcing his reputation as a key match-winner for New Zealand.  

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohsin Khan has sparked controversy by claiming Virat Kohli is "nothing compared to Babar Azam" and labeling Kohli as "zero." This statement is surprising, especially since Kohli recently scored an unbeaten century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025, amassing 133 runs in the tournament so far. In contrast, Babar Azam struggled, scoring only 87 runs in two matches, leading to Pakistan's early exit. Additionally, former Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam criticized the decision to promote Babar to the opening position, arguing that his strength lies at number three, a pivotal spot in the batting lineup. He emphasized that such strategic missteps, coupled with a lack of planning and accountability, have adversely affected Pakistan cricket.

Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, 2025, due to double pneumonia. Despite an isolated respiratory crisis on February 22, his condition has stabilized. The Vatican reports he remains vigilant, continues to eat, and engages in routine activities within his hospital room. In a written message, the Pope expressed gratitude for the global prayers and support, stating he feels "supported by all God's people." He also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, and his deputy during his hospitalization. This marks the third consecutive week Pope Francis has been unable to lead the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer. The Vatican continues to monitor his health closely, with updates anticipated as he progresses in his recovery. 

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Their bodies, along with one of their dogs, were discovered by maintenance workers who alerted authorities. Preliminary autopsy reports indicate no external trauma, and carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out. Hackman was found in a mudroom near the kitchen, while Arakawa was in a bathroom beside a space heater, with prescription pills scattered nearby, a detail investigators deem significant. The couple had been dead for several days; Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17. Investigations continue, with authorities consulting family members to reconstruct the couple's final days.

India set a target of 250 for New Zealand in their Group A clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Batting first, India struggled early at 30/3 but recovered with a 98-run stand between Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42). Hardik Pandya added a crucial 45, but India could not reach 250. New Zealand's Matt Henry starred with 5/42, dismantling India's batting lineup. Captain Mitchell Santner had opted to bowl first after winning the toss. New Zealand now requires 250 to secure victory.

Israel announced the suspension of all aid and supplies into Gaza, warning of "additional consequences" if Hamas rejects a U.S.-proposed ceasefire extension. The initial truce, which allowed increased humanitarian aid, expired Saturday. Israel claims the U.S. plan, supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, extends the ceasefire until April 20, covering Ramadan and Passover. It requires Hamas to release half the hostages immediately and the rest upon a permanent ceasefire agreement. Mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have not commented, and Hamas has yet to respond. The blockade’s full impact remains unclear.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is spearheading efforts to rejuvenate peace negotiations for Ukraine. Following a contentious exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump—where Trump threatened to withdraw support over perceived ingratitude—Zelenskiy received a warm reception in London from Starmer. In response to escalating tensions, Starmer has initiated urgent discussions with Trump, Zelenskiy, and French President Emmanuel Macron to form a proactive European coalition. This coalition aims to swiftly develop a peace proposal to present to the U.S., emphasizing the necessity for European nations, particularly the UK and France, to enhance defense initiatives. Starmer and Macron are collaborating on a plan involving peacekeeping forces, with ongoing dialogues on bolstering support for Kyiv prior to any peace talks.

In the Champions Trophy match between India and New Zealand on March 2, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, New Zealand's Glenn Phillips executed a remarkable one-handed diving catch to dismiss Virat Kohli, who was playing his 300th ODI. Kohli, aiming to cut a short, wide delivery from Matt Henry, appeared stunned as Phillips leaped to his right, clutching the ball mid-air. The stadium fell silent, with spectators, including Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, visibly astonished. This dismissal left India at 30/3 after 7 overs, with Kohli departing for 11 runs. Phillips has a reputation for such spectacular fielding feats, often drawing comparisons to Superman for his agility and reflexes.

In the final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, won the toss and opted to bowl against India at the Dubai International Stadium. Both teams, having secured semifinal berths, aim to maintain momentum. New Zealand made one change: Daryl Mitchell replaced Devon Conway. India introduced spinner Varun Chakravarthy, resting Harshit Rana. The match's outcome will influence semifinal pairings, with South Africa and Australia awaiting as Group B's top teams. The Dubai pitch is expected to favor batsmen, making early bowling crucial. India's batting lineup, led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, faces New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack. This encounter not only offers a preview of potential finals but also underscores both teams' strategies ahead of the knockout stages.