The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday suspended Cricket Canada’s membership with immediate effect after finding serious violations of its membership obligations following board meetings held in Ahmedabad on Monday.

The decision was one of a series of measures approved by the ICC Board aimed at strengthening governance, supporting women’s cricket, reforming global competition structures and encouraging innovation across the game.

Despite the suspension, the ICC said it is committed to protecting Canadian players from the impact of governance issues affecting the national governing body. As a result, Canada’s national representative teams will remain eligible to participate in ICC events during the suspension period.

To ensure the continued development and participation of national teams, Cricket Canada will maintain access to ICC funding through a controlled mechanism under the oversight of ICC management. Funding will be limited to approved national team programs.

The ICC will also provide Cricket Canada with a set of conditions for reinstatement, which will focus on addressing governance and administrative concerns identified by the Board. Progress on those requirements will be monitored by the ICC Normalization Committee supported by ICC management, with membership reinstatement subject to the Board’s satisfaction that all conditions have been met.

The Board also approved several recommendations of the Chief Executive Committee. One of them was a trial that allowed the use of a pink ball in Test matches, subject to agreement between both teams, in order to maximize playing time in conditions where bad light might otherwise disrupt play. The ICC will also research lighting technology for match officials and venues in partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), while match officials will be allowed access to Hawk-Eye data when considering reports of illegal bowling action.

Other changes to playing conditions include allowing head coaches or their nominees to consult teams during scheduled drinks breaks, the introduction of mandatory 15-minute intervals in T20 internationals and requiring batsmen to be ready when play resumes. The ICC has also permanently adopted the leg-side wide trial and approved changes to all remaining MCC Laws of Cricket from October 1, 2026.

In women’s cricket, ICC has changed the window of Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 from June-July to February 14-28, 2027. The governing body will also launch the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026 as a 10-team tournament, with five full members and five associate members. The board also supported the qualification pathway for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, with India’s matches being played at neutral venues.

For Associate Members, the ICC approved plans to establish a global qualifier for a future men’s T20 World Cup and tasked management with finalizing the structure for a 16-team qualifying tournament.

The Board also reviewed governance matters in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. ICC representatives are scheduled to visit Bangladesh to engage with stakeholders regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s electoral process, while ICC vice-presidents Imran Khawaja and Devjit Saikia have already met stakeholders to assess developments in Sri Lanka.

The ICC also expressed concern over the growing influence of franchise cricket and agreed to set up a committee to examine how franchise leagues could be better aligned with the international calendar.

ICC President Jay Shah said the discussions in Ahmedabad reflected the governing body’s commitment to governance, administration and the global development of the game.

Shah said, “Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, governance and the development of cricket globally. From women’s cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, today’s discussions and decisions are aimed at ensuring that cricket remains fair, competitive and exciting for fans around the world.”

– ends

John Care dies aged 71, rugby league pays tribute / Image: File

Rugby league has lost one of its most admired and influential figures with the death of John Kear at the age of 71.Known for his tactical brilliance, infectious enthusiasm and ability to motivate weaker teams, Carey spent more than four decades serving the game as a coach, mentor, broadcaster and ambassador. News of his death prompted tributes from clubs, players, supporters and fellow coaches across Britain, with many describing him as one of rugby league’s true gentlemen.While Carey’s career included memorable wins and major trophies, his greatest legacy may be the respect he earned throughout the game and influencing countless people along the way.Born in Castleford, West Yorkshire in 1954, Carey’s entry into professional rugby league was different from that of many of his contemporaries.Before becoming a full-time coach, he worked as a teacher, developing communication and leadership skills that would later define his coaching career. Those who knew him often said that his education background helped him connect with players and build a strong team culture.His passion for rugby league eventually led him into coaching, where his reputation as a thoughtful strategist and motivator continued to grow.Care’s name was permanently etched in rugby league history in 1998.As head coach of the Sheffield Eagles, he guided one of the game’s biggest underdogs to an extraordinary Challenge Cup victory over Wigan Warriors at Wembley Stadium.At the time, Wigan were the dominant force in rugby league and favorites to win. Few gave Sheffield any real chance.Instead, Care achieved a stunning 17–8 victory, one of the biggest upsets in Challenge Cup history. Almost three decades later, the result is still regarded as one of rugby league’s most famous giant-killing moments.Care’s coaching journey took him to many of Britain’s biggest clubs.He managed Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls, earning a reputation for turning around struggling teams and getting the best from limited resources. His spell at Wakefield was particularly praised. Despite working with one of the competition’s smaller budgets, Care repeatedly kept the club competitive against wealthier rivals.Players often talked about his ability to boost confidence and instill a strong sense of trust within the team. For many, this was his greatest strength.Even after moving away from coaching, Care remained a familiar face in rugby league. He moved into broadcasting and media work and became a respected commentator and pundit. His keen understanding of the game, his warmth and humor made him popular with the audience.Whether analyzing Super League fixtures or discussing grassroots rugby league, Carey brings the same passion and knowledge that has defined his coaching career.He also continued to mentor youth coaches and support community rugby league initiatives, ensuring that his influence extended far beyond the professional game. Following confirmation of his death, tributes poured in from all corners of the sport.Former players recalled a coach who believed in them when others did not believe in him. Clubs praised his contribution to rugby league, while fellow coaches highlighted his generosity, professionalism and love of the game.Many supporters reflect on his memorable moments throughout his career, particularly Sheffield’s famous Wembley victory and his achievements with Wakefield.For a game built on loyalty, resilience and community, Carey embodied those values ​​throughout his life.Few individuals have made a mark on rugby league in so many different roles like John Carey.He was a teacher who became a coach, a coach who became a broadcaster and a broadcaster who was a lifelong ambassador for the game.His achievements may be measured in trophies and famous victories, but his true legacy lies in the respect he earned from players, colleagues and supporters over more than four decades.As rugby league reflects on the loss of one of its most beloved personalities, John Carey will be remembered not only for his achievements, but also for his passion, kindness and dedication to the game he loved.

New Delhi: Newly appointed West Bengal Cabinet Minister Swapan Dasgupta made a scathing attack on Monday. Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that the party has left the state in a “completely devastated” state. He said the immediate priority of the newly formed BJP-led government was to remove the “garbage” left by the previous administration and begin the process of rebuilding the state.After taking oath as minister, Dasgupta said the administration’s priorities would focus on education, industry, infrastructure and restoring law and order.“TMC has left Bengal a completely devastated area. Our first task is to remove the ‘garbage’ and start the process of reconstruction and planning. Priorities have been set in education, industrial sector, establishment of infrastructure and bringing back law and order,” he said.Dasgupta also highlighted the challenge of restoring investor confidence and improving governance and alleged that many sectors of public life had become badly corrupt during the TMC tenure in the state. “We also have to bring back the confidence of the entire investor community. Trying to bring back a degree of honesty in the system will be a big challenge because there are many areas of public life that have become badly corrupt,” he said.On the possibility of opposition leaders joining the BJP, Dasgupta said the party has decided not to include TMC members for the foreseeable future.“Our policy in BJP in Bengal is that we will not take any person from TMC in the near future,” he said.Responding to questions about the alleged forgery of signatures of MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly, which is being investigated by a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CID, Dasgupta said the case should be handled through established procedures.“It is for the Speaker to find out whether there is any forgery in the signatures. Let the law take its course,” he said.West Bengal on Monday expanded its cabinet and 35 new ministers took oath at Lok Bhawan in Kolkata. Governor RN Ravi administered the oath, taking the strength of the Council of Ministers under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to 41.

Madhuri Dixit Nene remains one of the most famous stars of Bollywood, making it almost impossible for her to go unnoticed in public. However, she left the industry at the peak of her stardom and settled in America after marrying Dr. Sriram Nene. After several years of marriage and having two children, the actress returned to India and resumed her career. During a recent interview, Madhuri talked about her life after marriage and how she was just Mrs. Nene there and not a superstar. “In Denver, it was comfortable and nice because there were less Indians. Where I lived, it was mostly Americans. For a long time, they didn’t know who I was, I was Mrs. Nene there,” she said in an interview with HT City. I had kids (Arin and Ryan), I used to drop them to school. One day I saw that a car would stop at our house, then take a round and come back. My neighbors called me…there is a fear that someone may try to rob us, so people should be careful. The neighbor asked ‘should I call the police?’; I said ‘Please don’t!’ I had to tell them that I was a celebrity and the people in the car were trying to get a glimpse of me.The actress described those years away from fame as one of the most fulfilling periods of her life. Enjoying the freedom of remaining largely unknown, she was able to focus on family and spend quality time with her children.Describing the experience as “liberating”, she said, “I was free to do anything at any time. I enjoyed a lot of ‘me time’ with my kids. That was a big part of my dream in life… that I have a husband I love, along with kids.” I was living my dream there.”Madhuri also revealed that when she met Dr. Nene, she was unaware of the scale of his stardom in India. Reflecting on how he adapted after coming to India, he revealed that he is now deeply connected to the film fraternity.“We have been here in India since 2011. She has more friends than me now with people from the industry! She has even said in interviews that ‘I knew she was an actress, I just didn’t know how big an actress she was!’ When he initially came here, he was in great shock. Today everything is good, our children are growing up, I enjoyed playing Rekha in Maa Behen. I am in a good place.”

Hundreds of youth marched to Kenya’s Laikipia Air Base on Monday to protest against plans to set up an Ebola quarantine center for US citizens exposed to the virus.The demonstration took place in the central city of Nanyuki, two days after Kenya’s High Court suspended the establishment of the facility and barred the arrival of any foreign patients pending the hearing of a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog, the AP reported.The petitioners argued that Kenya’s healthcare system remains too fragile to accommodate foreign Ebola patients. The court order comes after reports that the United States planned to send Americans exposed to Ebola abroad to a new quarantine facility in Kenya rather than sending them back to the US.According to US officials, the facility was to be located at Laikipia Air Base and was expected to be operational with 50 quarantine beds. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity discussing the administration’s plans.On Monday, protesters marched to the airport gates, chanting anti-Ebola slogans and opposing the proposed facility.Kenya’s health minister, Adan Duale, said on Sunday that the quarantine center was for “everyone” and was not being set up specifically for US citizens.Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington planned to contribute $13.5 million to Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.This proposal has also faced opposition from local leaders. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said he opposed the establishment of the quarantine centre, warning that it could expose local residents to the virus.“This will expose our people to Ebola,” he said. He said many residents work inside the air base and may face potential exposure.There have been no reported cases of Ebola in Kenya. However, neighboring Uganda has recorded nine cases and closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.According to reports, there have been at least 282 confirmed cases of Ebola in Congo and more than 1,000 suspected cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. There is no approved treatment or vaccine for the current strain.

Image Source: CJP Website

New Delhi: Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijit Dubke on Monday announced that he will return to India on June 6 to launch peaceful protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam-related glitches.In a video posted on Twitter and Instagram, Dupke called on supporters and students to join him in Delhi.He said, “The time has come that we all come together following the path of the Constitution of India and peacefully raise our voice to demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. If we raise our voice together, he will definitely have to listen to us.”Dubke linked his demand to repeated failures in the country’s examination system, citing controversies related to NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSCGD.He said, “Today, there are 22 lakh NEET students, 17 lakh CBSE students, 16 lakh CUET students and 40 lakh SSCGD students – more than 1 crore students whose lives have been made a mockery of the system. Because of this, students are very worried and worried about their future. Someone has to take responsibility for this.”“If the Education Minister does not resign even after such a big mistake, it means that there is no accountability left in this country. It seems that the system can make as many mistakes as it wants and there are no consequences. The entire consequence falls on the students.”Deepke urged supporters to join him at the airport on June 6. “I have decided that I will come to Delhi on Saturday morning, June 6. Please join me at the airport and together we will go to the Sansad Marg police station to seek permission to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.”He said the movement would remain non-violent and focus on raising concerns through democratic channels rather than confrontation.He said, “The Constitution of India gives us the right to raise our voice against wrongdoings in a peaceful manner. We will raise our voice only according to that Constitution.”Addressing concerns about his return, Dipke said that his family members, particularly his parents, were concerned that he could face legal action or be arrested after landing in the country. Despite those concerns, he said he was committed to returning and hoped authorities would allow the protests to proceed peacefully in accordance with democratic norms.

Russia on Monday strongly condemned France’s detention of a Russian-owned oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, calling the action illegal and warning that Moscow would take steps to protect its shipping operations.According to Reuters, reacting to France’s seizure of the tanker Tagore, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia considered the move illegal.“We consider such actions illegal,” Peskov said. He said detaining the ship “borders on international terrorism”.The Kremlin also said Russia is taking measures to ensure the safety of maritime cargo transportation and will continue to do so in light of the latest incident.

Tanker on suspected sanctions violation

The sharp reaction came after France announced the detention of a tanker, the Tagore, on suspicion of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war.French President Emmanuel Macron said the ship had been intercepted in international waters in the Atlantic with the support of Britain and other partners.According to French officials, the tanker had departed from Murmansk in northwestern Russia and was heading towards Cameroon when it was stopped 400 nautical miles west of Brittany.Authorities said the ship was sailing under a suspected false Cameroonian flag and was being escorted by the French Navy pending further investigation.The detention has also triggered a criminal investigation in France. The Brest prosecutor’s office said it had opened an investigation into the ship’s failure to prove its nationality, the absence of a flag and its refusal to follow authorities’ orders, according to news agency AFP.The prosecutor’s office said the tanker’s Russian captain refused to follow French Navy instructions during the interception, adding that “it proved necessary to take control of the ship”.“It is unacceptable for the ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea and finance the war that Russia has waged against Ukraine for more than 4 years,” Macron said.

Comprehensive action against Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’

The detention is the latest in a series of actions taken by France against ships allegedly linked to Russia’s sanctions-evasion network.According to AFP, French maritime authorities said Tagore was already under EU and US sanctions and had changed flags several times before, a practice known as “flawing the flag”.Since September France boarded several other suspected Russian-linked tankers, some of whom were later released after paying fines.Western countries have imposed sanctions on hundreds of ships believed to be helping Moscow continue oil exports despite sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.About 600 ships belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” are currently subject to EU sanctions.Russia has repeatedly criticized such actions. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously described the detention of ships belonging to Russia by Western countries as “theft”.

New Delhi: Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar praised India’s growing influence in West Asia, saying New Delhi has a “big role” in bringing stability to the region amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.Speaking about India’s role in the current West Asia crisis, Azar said India’s growing economic power and trade partnership could transform the region if stability is maintained and extremist threats are controlled.“India has a huge role to play in this because India is the fastest growing economy in our region and as a result of the agreements made with all the major trade blocs, we will see trillions of dollars of goods moving forward, a lot of investment moving forward and our region, West Asia, can enjoy that, if we have stability,” Azar said.“So we have to achieve stability, we have to neutralize the radical elements, and then I think both India and us and all the countries in the region will be able to enjoy the prosperity that is going to come from India to our region.”The comments come at a time when Israel is increasingly highlighting its strategic and diplomatic ties with India, while positioning New Delhi as an important economic and political partner in the broader Middle East region.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week underlined the strength of bilateral ties, saying Israel enjoys strong public support from India even as it faces criticism in other parts of the world.“We have a unique relationship with a great power called India. In India, there is support for Israel,” Netanyahu said during a public address.“We face illegalization in most parts of the world – but not in India,” he said.Netanyahu also commented on the widespread public affection for Israel among Indians, saying, “In India, there is absolutely crazy love for Israel, really crazy. I think I have more followers from India than anywhere else.”The Israeli leader’s comments reinforce the growing warmth between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, especially under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has steadily expanded cooperation with Israel in areas ranging from defense and technology to trade and agriculture.During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel earlier this year, Netanyahu also recalled his personal relationship with India while addressing a joint press conference.Netanyahu said, “I have to say at the end of this visit that I am indebted to India – I don’t know if I told you this or not, Narendra – but I owe a huge personal debt to India. You see, when I met Sara for the first time, I think our first or second date was in an Indian restaurant in Tel Aviv.”The visit further strengthened symbolic ties between the two countries, with Modi being awarded the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal”, considered Israel’s highest parliamentary honour.India and Israel have deepened engagement over the past decade, with both governments often emphasizing cooperation on security, innovation, connectivity and regional stability. Israel’s latest comments show that New Delhi is being viewed not only as a bilateral partner, but also as a potential stabilizing power in the broader West Asian region.