The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has seen Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer maintaining his impressive form, leading the team to the top of the points table. Iyer has been scoring runs at an average of 70 and a strike rate of 186 in the season. According to a report by the Indian media, Iyer revealed that he has been criticized in the past for his weakness against short-pitched deliveries, which has motivated him to work harder.
Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not following the home-and-away format, claiming that the league is missing out on approximately 2,400 crore rupees in additional revenue. Modi also stated that critics have repeatedly questioned Iyer’s ability to manage short-pitched deliveries, but Iyer has used these comments to motivate himself to improve.
In a recent match, Iyer silenced his critics by hitting a six against Mumbai’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Iyer has revealed that he has shifted his strategy from defensive to aggressive, and credits his hard work and mental toughness for his success. He claims to practice for hours every day, facing over 300 balls and working on his technique to counter the bowlers.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has criticized the BCCI, stating that the packed schedule is causing undue pressure on players, which is taking a toll on their health. Modi claimed that even during his injury, he was told to perform at the same level as before, but he used this as a challenge to improve himself. Iyer advises players to ignore negative comments and focus on their abilities, working hard to achieve success.
Meanwhile, the Asian Beach Games in China’s city of Sanya have seen Pakistan’s wrestlers put on an impressive display, securing two medals and qualifying for the final. The wrestling events are being held at the Karachi National Stadium, and the winning team will qualify for the final.
Pakistani cricketer David Warner has been advised by a fan to switch from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Warner is set to take up the role of CEO of New Zealand Cricket from July 1.
The ticket sales for the PSL’s qualifier match have been suspended due to a technical glitch. The match between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars will take place on April 29.
The Asian Beach Games have also seen Pakistan’s athletes impress in the Iron Man Challenge, a grueling competition that includes a 42.2-kilometer run, 180-kilometer cycling, and 3.8-kilometer swimming. For the first time in its 11-year history, the PSL will feature a commentary in Pashto language.
In other news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the prime minister has allowed spectators to attend the three playoff matches, including the final. The PCB has also planned to hold a closing ceremony on the final match day.
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has requested the Punjab government to increase the timings for fitness and health programs. In a separate development, the Iranian government has demanded the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Pakistani military’s public relations wing, the missile system is equipped with the latest Avionics and Navigation Technology. The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC Plus, with the decision taking effect from May 1, 2026.
US President Donald Trump faces a critical deadline on May 1, 2026, as he cannot extend the military operation against Iran beyond 60 days without congressional approval under the War Powers Act. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett has made a significant claim about Iran’s oil reserves. Former US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has stated that Trump wants Iran to surrender its nuclear weapons, which is unlikely to happen.
