September 30, 2025

CWC25: Will Harmanpreet Kaur have to shake hands with the Pakistani captain?

 During the Asia Cup, Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistani players, and captain Suryakumar Yadav did the same during the toss. The last three matches were played between India and Pakistan. Now, next Sunday, India and Pakistan will face each other in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. This will be an ICC tournament (ODI World Cup 2025), not an ACC tournament. So, will Harmanpreet Kaur do the same, or can she?

The Indian Express, citing sources, reported that the BCCI is considering options to prevent the Indian women's team from shaking hands with Pakistani players. However, a BCCI official also stated in the report that the board will follow protocol.

BCCI official said This is an ICC tournament (Women's ODI World Cup 2025), so the team will have to follow certain protocols.

IND vs PAK Women's ODI World Cup 2025

ind vs pak women's odi world cup 2025

The same thing happened in the final of the Asia Cup 2025. The Indian team neither shook hands with the Pakistani players nor accepted the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. Instead of handing the trophy to Team India, Naqvi sent it back, which sparked considerable controversy. All eyes are now on Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana, who will face each other on October 5th. The India Women vs. Pakistan Women match will take place in Colombo on October 5th.

What is the discussion going on in the cricket world?

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, while talking to ARY News, said, We should call back the team. We should not play cricket with them, we have to take a decision.

Speaking to The Indian Express, former Indian women cricketers said the decision rests with Harmanpreet Kaur. Shobha Pandit, who played in the 1978 ODI World Cup, said, The situation and reality of the conflict, as well as the politics that has entered the game, will put pressure on the game and the players. But I will support Team India and Harmanpreet, whether they shake hands, hug or don't talk.

he said: The Pakistani team is also human, they also play the same game as we play, so maintain patience and respect.

Sandhya Agarwal said: Harmanpreet Kaur should do the same as Suryakumar. A similar situation is likely to arise. Harmanpreet should do the same against Pakistan as Suryakumar did, but I don't want to add to the pressure.

Harmanpreet Kaur said: All we can control is playing cricket, and we're not thinking about anything else. But I have no control over the rest of the things, and I'm not even thinking about them. We don't discuss these things in the dressing room; we're just here to play cricket.

Are there any rules regarding players shaking hands in cricket?

There is no clear rule requiring a player to shake hands with a player from the other team, but in the spirit of the game, it is followed in almost all matches. After the Pahalgam attack, the Indian team captain and players angrily refused to shake hands with Pakistani players, even though it was an ACC tournament and the World Cup is an ICC tournament. Because of this, the ICC did not take much action in that case, but if it had happened at an ICC event, ICC protocol would have been applied.

September 26, 2025

Top 5 players with most sixes in the Men T20 Asia Cup

 The Asia Cup has always been the biggest platform for prestige and excitement in Asian cricket. Batsmen are always under pressure, but there are some players who can change the course of a game with their explosive shots. Hitting sixes in the T20 format is a testament to both batting strength and confidence. Let's take a look at the players who have hit the most sixes in the T20 Asia Cup so far.

1. Abhishek Sharma - India

abhishek sharma asia cup

Young Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma tops the list. He hit 17 sixes in just five matches in the Asia Cup 2025 this year. His 248 runs and strike rate of 206.66 reflect his aggressive approach against every bowler. His innings include several match-winning knocks, including brilliant knocks against Pakistan and Oman.

2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz - Afghanistan

rahmanullah gurbaz afghanistan

Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz. In eight matches played between 2022 and 2025, Gurbaz hit 15 sixes. His strike rate during this period was 152.55 and his best score was 84. Gurbaz's quick starts have often put Afghanistan in strong positions.

3. Babar Hayat - Hong Kong

babar hayat hong kong

Babar Hayat has hit a total of 14 sixes in the Asia Cup, making him one of the most successful players in the tournament's history. His most memorable performance came against Oman in the 2016 Asia Cup Qualifier, where he scored 122 runs off just 60 balls. In this explosive innings, he hit seven sixes, which is the record for the most sixes in an Asia Cup T20 innings.

4. Najibullah Zadran - Afghanistan

najibullah zadran afghanistan

Najibullah Zadran is one of the most successful players in the T20 Asia Cup. He has played many crucial innings for Afghanistan with his explosive batting. Najibullah Zadran has hit a total of 13 sixes in the Asia Cup. One of the most memorable innings of his career came against Sri Lanka in the 2022 Asia Cup. In that match, he scored 42 runs off 17 balls and helped his team to a high score.

5. Rohit Sharma - India

rohit sharma india

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is not far behind on this list. In nine matches played between 2016 and 2022, Rohit hit 12 sixes. His best score was 83, and he also scored two half-centuries. Rohit's innings have always been crucial in providing solid starts for the Indian team.

Highest match totals in Asia Cup T20 history

 The T20 format of the Asia Cup has always been high-scoring and exciting. Batsmen often unleash their fire, and spectators are treated to a barrage of fours and sixes. There have been numerous occasions when matches between two teams have turned into run-fests, with scores of runs being added to the scoreboard. Let's take a look at the matches that recorded the highest match aggregates in the history of the Asia Cup T20.

1. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Dubai 2022

bangladesh vs sri lanka, dubai 2022

On September 1, 2022, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played a match that fans will remember for a long time. In this match, the two teams combined to score 367 runs. A total of 15 wickets fell during this period, and the run rate was 9.33. In this match, the batsmen played big shots in every over, keeping the score steadily rising.

2. India vs Pakistan, Dubai 2022

india vs pakistan, dubai 2022

The Asia Cup's biggest rivalry has also seen a barrage of runs. In the T20 match between India and Pakistan in Dubai on September 4, 2022, both teams combined to score 363 runs. This mammoth total was achieved in just 39.5 overs, keeping the match thrilling until the last ball. For fans, it was a perfect blend of emotions and fours and sixes.

3. India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi 2025

india vs oman, abu dhabi 2025

A mountain of 355 runs was raised in the match between India and Oman played in Abu Dhabi on 19 September 2025. Batting first, India posted a mammoth total of 188 for 8 in 20 overs. The highlight of the Indian innings was Sanju Samson's brilliant 56, putting the team in a strong position. Abhishek Sharma also played a quickfire knock of 38 runs off 15 balls to complete the visitors' innings.

In reply, Oman scored 167 for 4 in 20 overs, giving India a 21-run victory. Aamir Kaleem (64) and Hammad Mirza (51) gave the Oman bowlers a tough fight, but they could not lead their team to victory. In this match, Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh set a new record by taking his 100th T20I wicket. The match between India and Oman ended with a mammoth total of 355 runs.

4. Hong Kong vs Oman, Fatullah 2016

hong kong vs oman, fatullah 2016

In a match between Hong Kong and Oman in Fatullah on February 19, 2016, the two teams combined to score 355 runs. Oman, batting first, scored 180 for 5 in 20 overs. Jatinder Singh (42 runs) and Amir Ali (32 runs) played brilliant innings for Oman, helping the team to a strong total. In response, Hong Kong chased down the target and scored 175 for 7 in 20 overs. However, Hong Kong lost the match by 5 runs.

5. Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah 2022

 afghanistan vs sri lanka, sharjah 2022

On September 3, 2022, a thrilling match was played between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in Sharjah, with a total of 354 runs being scored. This match was also a high-scoring affair, and the batsmen from both teams thoroughly entertained the spectators with their aggressive batting.

This match, played on September 3, 2022, was the first Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2022. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 175 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. In response, Sri Lanka scored 179 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 19.1 overs, winning the match by 4 wickets.

September 25, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin joined Sydney Thunder ahead of the 15th season of the BBL

 Indian spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has officially signed with Sydney Thunder for the 15th season of the BBL, surprising the global cricketing world. This isn't just another player signing; it's a historic moment for both the Big Bash League and Indian cricket, as Ashwin becomes the first major Indian international to play in the Australian T20 tournament. His decision to join the Thunder comes after retiring from international cricket and the Indian Premier League, allowing him to play in other T20 leagues around the world.

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin is set to create history by becoming the first Indian international male cricketer to join a team in the Big Bash League (BBL). On Thursday, Sydney Thunder confirmed Ashwin's signing for the upcoming 15th season of the BBL. Welcoming Ashwin to its squad, BBL's official handle X wrote: "Confirmed: @ThunderBBL have secured one of the biggest signings in BBL history, with @ashwinravi99 set to play in #BBL15."

Ravichandran Ashwin's T20 performance

Ashwin has taken 72 wickets in his T20I career. He is one of India's leading wicket-takers in T20Is. Ashwin has taken 187 wickets in the IPL, making him among the tournament's top 5 all-time wicket-takers. Ashwin has consistently performed well for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Sydney Thunder performance in the BBL

The Thunder's BBL journey began with great difficulty. They finished bottom in the first three seasons and second bottom in the fourth. Despite the presence of star players, this period was marked by consistently poor performances. The 2015–16 season was nothing short of a fairy tale for the Sydney Thunder. Players like Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, Usman Khawaja, and Jacques Kallis emerged as champions. They finished fourth in the league, but won their first and only title by winning the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

India Test squad announced for West Indies tour

The Indian team has been announced for the Test series against the West Indies, starting next month. The first match of the series will be played on October 2nd. The second Test will be played on October 10th. Earlier, the BCCI announced the Indian Test team, which saw several major changes.

Shubman Gill has been appointed captain of the Indian Test team, while Ravindra Jadeja will be the vice-captain. Axar Patel, who was not part of the team on the England tour, has returned for this series. Karun Nair has been dropped from the team. Regarding Shreyas Iyer, he was not selected for this series because he has taken a six-month break from red-ball cricket from the BCCI.

Indian team

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has dropped Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur, who were part of the team on the England tour, from the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies (IND vs WI Test 2025). Abhimanyu Easwaran has also not been included in the squad.

Ajit Agarkar revealed that all-rounder Axar Patel and top-order batsman Devdutt Padikkal have been dropped from the squad. Axar last played a Test for India in February 2024, while Padikkal last played a Test for the team in November 2024.

Devdutt Padikkal has been selected in the Indian squad, with N. Jagadeesan also selected as a potential backup wicketkeeper. Dhruv Jurel has been chosen to keep the wicketkeeping role as Rishabh Pant was unavailable for selection for this series due to injury.

Indian Test squad announced for West Indies tour

Shubman Gill (captain), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Narayan Jagadeesan

Venue - Narendra Modi Stadium

IND IND
WI WI
UpcomingMatch starts at - Thu 02-Oct-2025 09:30 AM

Venue - Narendra Modi Stadium

IND IND
WI WI
UpcomingMatch starts at - Fri 10-Oct-2025 09:30 AM

BCCI announces India A and Rest of India squads

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squad for the ODI series against Australia A. The Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup has also been announced.

In addition, middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain of the India A team. The BCCI also provided an update on Shreyas's extended break from red-ball cricket. The BCCI stated that Shreyas will be away from red-ball cricket for the next six months and will focus entirely on white-ball cricket.

The BCCI announced the India A squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia A and the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup in a tweet on X. The India A squad will play its matches in Kanpur from September 30th, while the Irani Cup match between Ranji Trophy 2024-25 champions Vidarbha and Rest of India will be played in Nagpur from October 1st. Shreyas Iyer will captain the India A squad, while Rajat Patidar will be named captain for the Rest of India (Irani Cup).

Shreyas Iyer fitness Update

Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer has informed the BCCI that he will be away from red-ball cricket for the next six months. He underwent back surgery in England and has recovered, but has been experiencing recurring spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format. Iyer wants to use this time to improve his fitness, stamina, and flexibility. This is why he was not selected for the Irani Cup.

IND A squad for ODI against AUS A

1st ODI (India A squad): Shreyas Iyer (captain), Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (wicketkeeper), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh

2nd and 3rd ODIs (India A squad): Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (wicketkeeper), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh

Australia A tour of India, 2025, schedule

Venue - Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium4

IND-A IND-A
AU-A AU-A

Match starts at - Tue 23-Sep-2025 09:00 AM

Venue - Green Park Stadium3

IND-A IND-A
AU-A AU-A
UpcomingMatch starts at - Tue 30-Sep-2025 09:00 AM

Venue - Green Park Stadium3

IND-A IND-A
AU-A AU-A
UpcomingMatch starts at - Fri 03-Oct-2025 09:00 AM

Venue - Green Park Stadium3

IND-A IND-A
AU-A AU-A
UpcomingMatch starts at - Sun 05-Oct-2025 09:00 AM

Rest of India (Irani Cup) team

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Vice-Captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (Wicketkeeper), Yash Dhull, Sheikh Rashid, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnur Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain


September 24, 2025

England has announced a 16-member squad for the Ashes 2025-26

England has announced its 16-member squad for the Ashes. This team features a surprise change. The selectors have appointed Harry Brook as the team's new vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. Pope served as vice-captain during the series against India and also captained the team in the absence of Ben Stokes in the final match of the series. However, England lost that Test match. Following this, several cricketers, including Michael Vaughan, called for Brook to be given the Test vice-captaincy. Pope's poor form was a major reason for his demotion.

Ben Stokes was injured during the series against India. However, he will continue to captain the team and is expected to be fit for the opening Test of the Ashes series. Stokes is recovering from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the final Test of the home series against India.

The Ashes

The first Ashes Test will be played in Perth from November 21st. Brook, who was recently appointed England's limited-overs captain, is also being considered as a future England Test captain. However, Pope managed to retain his place in the team.

Fast bowlers include Mark Wood, who has returned to the team after recovering from a left knee injury. Fast bowler Matthew Potts, who last played a Test match against New Zealand in December, has also been included in the squad. Shoaib Bashir has recovered from a finger injury sustained during the series against India and is the only specialist spinner selected in the squad.

Will Jacks injury update

Batting all-rounder Will Jacks, who plays for England's limited-overs team, has also been included in the Test squad. Jacks will miss next month's limited-overs tour of New Zealand, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs, due to a fractured finger. However, England have stated that he is expected to be fit before the Ashes.

England squad for the Ashes

Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Bryden Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Ton

The Ashes, 2025-26 Schedule

Venue - Perth Stadium

AUS AUS
ENG ENG
UpcomingMatch starts at - Fri 21-Nov-2025 08:00 AM

Venue - The Gabba

AUS AUS
ENG ENG
UpcomingMatch starts at - Thu 04-Dec-2025 09:30 AM

Venue - Adelaide Oval

AUS AUS
ENG ENG
UpcomingMatch starts at - Wed 17-Dec-2025 05:30 AM

Venue - Melbourne Cricket Ground

AUS AUS
ENG ENG
UpcomingMatch starts at - Fri 26-Dec-2025 05:30 AM

Venue - Sydney Cricket Ground

AUS AUS
ENG ENG
UpcomingMatch starts at - Sun 04-Jan-2026 05:30 AM

Who is the highest wicket-taker in T20Is against Pakistan?

 In the cricket world, the India-Pakistan match is seen not just as a match, but as a war of words. While everyone has witnessed the batting prowess in this high-voltage contest, there are also some bowlers who have made the Pakistani batsmen sweat with their stellar performances. When it comes to the most wickets taken against Pakistan in T20 Internationals, a New Zealand bowler tops the list, proving his supremacy in this thrilling contest. But do you know who tops this list among bowlers from all countries? Let's find out.

1. Tim Southee (New Zealand)

tim southee (new zealand)

Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee tops the list. He has taken 38 wickets in 23 matches against Pakistan. His bowling average is 17.05, reflecting his impressive bowling. Southee has consistently troubled Pakistani batsmen with his swing and accurate line and length. In 2010, in Auckland, he produced the most impressive performance of his career, taking 5 wickets against Pakistan, including a hat-trick. Southee achieved this record with his clever variations and ability to take wickets under pressure.

2. Ish Sodhi (New Zealand)

ish sodhi vs pakistan

New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi is second on this list. He has taken 29 wickets in 33 matches, with a bowling average of 29.27. Sodhi is known for deceiving batsmen with his googlies and flighted deliveries. He has taken wickets in several crucial innings against Pakistan, helping his team win. His bowling becomes even more dangerous on slow pitches, where he prevents batsmen from playing big shots.

3. Adam Milne (New Zealand)

adam milne vs pakistan

Another New Zealand fast bowler, Adam Milne, is third on this list. He has taken 26 wickets in 17 matches against Pakistan at an average of 20.61. Milne has been a significant threat to Pakistan due to his ability to surprise batsmen with his fast pace and bounce. He has often put pressure on the opposition by taking wickets in the middle order.

4. Adil Rashid (England)

adil rashid vs pakistan

England's legendary leg-spinner Adil Rashid is fourth on this list. He has taken 22 wickets in 21 matches. Rashid is renowned for his excellent flight and googly. Pakistani batsmen have always had difficulty scoring runs against him. His most memorable performance came in Manchester in 2021, where he took four wickets and devastated Pakistan's batting.

5. Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand)

jimmy neesham vs pakistan

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is fifth on this list. He has taken 20 wickets in 23 matches at an average of 18.45. Neesham deceives batsmen with his medium pace and slower deliveries. In 2025, in Wellington, he took his career-best five-wicket haul against Pakistan. Despite being an all-rounder, his inclusion on this list reflects his versatility.

5 major controversies that took place during the India vs Bangladesh match

 Today is a crucial match between India and Bangladesh in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025. A win will secure India a place in the final. Bangladesh also defeated Sri Lanka, considered the second-strongest team in the tournament. So expect an exciting match today, likely featuring high-voltage drama.

Like the Pakistan cricket team, Bangladesh has clashed with India on numerous occasions. Whenever the two teams have faced each other, heated exchanges between their players have often occurred. In the Under-19 World Cup final, the two teams even came to blows.

1. World Cup 2015 Quarter-Finals

no ball

A controversial umpiring decision occurred in this crucial match against Bangladesh. Indian batsman Rohit Sharma was given out caught behind on 90, but the umpire ruled it a no-ball because the ball was above waist level. However, replays showed the ball was legal. Rohit scored a century, and India won the match. This decision was widely protested and criticized by Bangladeshi fans and the cricket board.

2. Asia Cup 2016 Final fan controversy

asia cup 2016 final fan controversy

Before the final, some Bangladeshi fans shared a photoshopped image on social media showing Bangladeshi bowler Taskin Ahmed holding a "severed" head of Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. The controversial post further inflamed the rivalry and sparked widespread controversy, resulting in emotional confrontations between fans of both teams.

3. T20 World Cup 2022

on field altercations between virat kohli and rubel hossain

There have been several instances of on-field altercations between Virat Kohli and Rubel Hossain. On one occasion, Rubel even gestured to Kohli to leave the field. During the 2022 T20 World Cup, Nurul Hasan accused Virat Kohli of fake fielding. If proven, India would have been penalized 5 runs. India won the match by just 5 runs, further fueling the controversy.

4. Under-19 World Cup 2020 Final

under 19 world cup 2020 final

The rivalry between the two countries reached a new level during the final of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Following Bangladesh's historic victory, players from both teams engaged in heated arguments and scuffles. The on-field clashes resulted in the ICC fining several players.

False fielding allegation (2022)

nurul hasan accused virat kohli of misfielding

During the 2022 T20 World Cup, Bangladesh's Nurul Hasan accused Virat Kohli of misfielding, an act that could have resulted in five penalty runs for India under ICC rules. Although no action was taken on the complaint, it sparked debate around the world.

September 23, 2025

Sourav Ganguly elected President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has been elected president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). He held the position until 2019 and has been reappointed after six years. Ganguly also served as BCCI president from 2019 to 2022. After becoming CAB president, he on Monday called for increasing the capacity of the Eden Gardens stadium to 100,000. He also stated hosting important matches of the T20 World Cup as one of his priorities.

Sourav Ganguly was elected unopposed as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CBA) at its 94th annual general meeting on Monday. He served as president of the CAB from 2015 to 2019, a position he left before becoming BCCI president. Avishek Dalmiya subsequently became the new president.

Sourav Ganguly CAB President

Ganguly has promised to ensure a smooth return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens. Bengal will play two Ranji Trophy matches against Uttarakhand and Gujarat in October. India and South Africa will play a Test match here in November. Following his appointment, Ganguly said his first responsibility would be to prepare for the India vs South Africa Test. This will be the first Test here since the pink ball Test against Bangladesh in 2019. Day-night Tests with the pink ball in India were introduced during Sourav Ganguly's tenure as president.

Ganguly said, It will be a good Test as South Africa recently became the World Test Champions after defeating Australia in the final. Eden Gardens Stadium has everything. Good pitches, good fans and good infrastructure. Both India and South Africa are good teams, so I am sure it will be a good Test.

Ganguly will represent CAB in BCCI meeting

Sourav Ganguly stated that he would soon discuss this with the new BCCI team members. Ganguly said, "I will speak to the BCCI. They are also new members. I wish the new BCCI president all the best. I am confident he will do a good job. It's not just Mithun Manhas; there are several other new office bearers, including Raghuram Bhatt. The BCCI's Annual General Meeting will be held on September 28th. Ganguly will represent the CAB at the meeting. Regarding increasing the capacity of the Eden Gardens Stadium, Ganguly said it would only happen after next year's T20 World Cup. It will take time.

America Visa: L1 and O1, Fees and Who Can Apply

 A major decision by US President Donald Trump has shocked professionals around the world. A hefty fee of $100,000 (approximately Rs 88 lakh) has been imposed on new H-1B visa applications from September 21. This fee applies only to applicants from outside the US, while existing visa holders and those seeking renewal or extension are exempted. The H-1B visa is an employer-sponsored visa for specific occupations. It is valid for 3 to 6 years.

Indian professionals account for over 70% of H-1B visa holders. Due to this increased cost, they are now seeking alternative ways to enter the US employment market. These options include the L-1 visa (company internal transfer), O-1 visa (exceptional talent), EB-5 visa (investor), and OPT (optional practical training).

L-1 visa: Internal transfer within the company

The L-1 visa is for employees who transfer from a multinational company's overseas office to its US office. There are two types: L-1A (manager/executive) and L-1B (specialty employees). The cost includes a USCIS filing fee of $1,055 (approximately Rs 92,000), $2,805 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh) for optional premium processing, and legal fees ranging from Rs 4.4 lakh to ₹2.2 million. To be eligible, applicants must have worked for the company abroad for at least one year in the last three years, and the company must have offices in the US and abroad.

O-1 Visa: A Visa for Exceptional Talent

The O-1 visa is for those who have achieved extraordinary achievements in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or sports. It requires national or international recognition and meeting at least three of eight criteria, such as awards, publications, or significant contributions to the field.

The cost includes a USCIS fee of $1,055 (approximately Rs 92,000), a premium processing fee of $2,805 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh), legal fees ranging from ₹4.8 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, and a visa integrity fee of $250 (approximately Rs 22,000), effective 2025. It requires extensive documentation.

EB-5 Visa: Visa for Permanent Residence Through Investment

The EB-5 visa is for investors seeking permanent residence by making a significant investment in the United States. A minimum investment of $800,000 (approximately ₹7.04 lakh) in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or $1,050,000 (approximately ₹9.2 lakh) in a non-TEA project is required. At least 10 full-time jobs must be created or preserved. Costs include administrative fees (10% of the investment, approximately Rs 7 lakh), legal fees (Rs 2.2 lakh to Rs 3.08 lakh), and USCIS fees ($12,160 or approximately Rs 10.6 lakh for an I-829 and $9,525 or approximately Rs 8.3 lakh for an I-829). The investment must be risky and have the potential for loss.

OPT: Students for Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is for F-1 student visa holders who wish to gain experience in a job related to their field of study after completing their studies. Completion of at least one academic year is required, and the employment must be related to the student's major field of study. OPT costs include an application fee of $520 (approximately Rs 45,500) and an optional legal assistance fee. It is valid for 12 months, with an additional 24-month extension available for STEM graduates.

September 22, 2025

India highest successful T20I run chase against Pakistan

 Team India easily demolished Pakistan's challenging total of 171 in the Asia Cup 2025. Opener Abhishek Sharma laid the foundation for the innings with a barrage of fours and sixes as Team India achieved their biggest success against their arch-rivals in T20I history. As Suryakumar Yadav celebrates India's historic win in the 2025 Asia Cup, let's take a look at his six biggest runs against Pakistan in T20I history.

1. India 174-4 vs Pakistan, Dubai (2025)

india 174 4 vs pakistan, dubai (2025)

India successfully chased down a target of 174 against Pakistan in a Super 4 match of the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai, their highest successful run chase against Pakistan in T20 Internationals. Pakistan had scored 171 runs in 20 overs. India achieved the target in 18.5 overs, losing just 4 wickets. The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill laid the foundation for victory with a brilliant 110-run partnership.

2. India 160-6 vs Pakistan, Melbourne Cricket Ground (2022)

india 160 6 vs pakistan, melbourne cricket ground (2022)

India successfully chased down 160 against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the 2022 T20 World Cup. The match, played on October 23, 2022, is one of the most memorable matches in Indian cricket history. Batting first, Pakistan scored 159 for 8 in 20 overs. India achieved this target with the loss of 6 wickets on the last ball. Virat Kohli played an unbeaten inning of 82 runs off 53 balls in this match, which included 6 fours and 4 sixes. His inning is considered one of the best innings in T20I history, especially when the team was in trouble at 31 for 4.

3. India 148-5 vs Pakistan, Dubai (2022)

india 148 5 vs pakistan, dubai (2022)

India successfully chased down a target of 148 against Pakistan in Dubai in the 2022 Asia Cup. The match was played on August 28, 2022. Pakistan batted first and scored 147 runs. India achieved this target in 19.4 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Hardik Pandya performed brilliantly for India with both bat and ball. He took 3 wickets and, along with Dinesh Karthik, scored an unbeaten 33 runs off 17 balls to lead the team to victory.

4. India 131-3 vs Pakistan, Mirpur (2014)

team india 131

India successfully chased a target of 131 against Pakistan in Mirpur in the 2014 T20 World Cup. The match was played on March 21, 2014. Pakistan, batting first, scored 130 for 7 in 20 overs. India achieved this target in 18.3 overs, losing only 3 wickets. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 36 for India, while Suresh Raina also scored 35. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra, and Ravindra Jadeja bowled economically to prevent Pakistan from scoring a big total.

5. India 131-3 vs Pakistan, Dubai (2025)

 india 131 3 vs pakistan, dubai (2025)

This match was part of the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025, in which India won resoundingly. Pakistan, batting first, scored 127 runs. In response, the Indian batsmen performed brilliantly, scoring 131 runs in 15.5 overs, losing just 3 wickets. Captain Suryakumar Yadav played an unbeaten inning of 47 runs in this match.

This match was also known for the excellent performance of India's spinners. Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets, while Axar Patel also took 2 wickets, as Pakistan's innings was restricted to 127 runs.

Pat Cummins out of the Ashes series, who will captain now?

  The Australian cricket team has been dealt a major blow as captain and star fast bowler   Pat Cummins   has been ruled out of the much-an...