Pakistan spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq sparked controversy by jokingly referring to the ICC as the "Indian Cricket Council," suggesting the world body might prepare pitches favoring India ahead of their T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against West Indies. The comment drew sharp backlash on social media. On the field, Sanju Samson silenced critics with a match-winning unbeaten 97, steering India to a five-wicket victory over West Indies at a packed Eden Gardens. West Indies posted 195/4 on the back of Powell and Holder's late blitz. India chased it down in 19.2 overs, reaching 199/5. India now face England in the semifinal at Wankhede Stadium on March 5.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an emergency Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess the escalating West Asia crisis following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. With an estimated 9.6 million Indian nationals across the region including 10,000 in Iran, the CCS expressed serious concern over their safety. The panel reviewed stranded travelers, students facing disrupted exams, and broader economic implications. All departments were directed to assist affected Indians. New Delhi is not immediately considering evacuations due to airspace closures. The MEA has issued advisories and activated embassy helplines across Tehran, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Damascus, while EAM Jaishankar urged both Iran and Israel to exercise restraint. (PC: PMO)

Protests erupted across Delhi following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a joint Israel-US airstrike on his compound in Tehran at age 86. Members of the All India Shia Council gathered at Jantar Mantar, while crowds assembled outside the Iran Cultural House. Protesters condemned the strike as a violation of the UN charter, with Delhi's Jama Masjid Imam calling Trump "against humanity." Security was significantly heightened citywide as additional police, paramilitary personnel, and barricades deployed near diplomatic missions and Shia-majority localities. Authorities confirmed the situation remained peaceful while monitoring social media and coordinating with community leaders closely.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions rose sharply in the Middle East. The call followed recent strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the region.   In a post on X, Modi said, “Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.”   Earlier, Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi. Senior ministers and officials attended. The panel reviewed the regional situation and discussed safety steps for Indians living in Iran, Israel and Gulf countries. Indian missions have activated helplines and remain in contact with nationals. (PC: India Today)

At least three oil tankers with ties to the United States and United Kingdom were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Iran conflict spreads, officials and maritime sources said.   The reported strikes occurred as tensions surged after recent US and Israeli military action against Iran. One vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged MKD Vyom, was hit and burned, and others including the US-sanctioned Skylight were targeted, according to maritime reports.   Shipping channels around the strategic Gulf passage have seen reduced traffic. Some tankers were damaged, insurers are pulling cover, and ships are rerouting or anchoring while warnings about safe navigation are in effect. (PC: BBC)

The Indian Army blocked several Pakistani drone attempts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Sunday morning.   Officials said 2-3 small quadcopters tried to enter Indian airspace between 5:45 am and 6:00 am. Troops on duty responded quickly.   “Swift counter-drone actions by vigilant Indian Army personnel successfully thwarted the attempt, forcing the quadcopters to return,” officials said.   They added that similar drone sightings have been reported along the LoC and the International Border in recent days. The Army has increased surveillance and monitoring to prevent further intrusions. (PC: X)

The United States used four B-2 stealth bombers to strike Iran’s underground ballistic missile sites, a US defence official said. The bombers flew from the US and dropped dozens of 2,000-pound bombs. The strikes targeted hidden missile facilities. Reports said bunker-buster bombs were also used in earlier attacks on nuclear sites. An Israeli official claimed the joint strikes caused heavy damage to Iran’s missile programme. Hundreds of missiles and launchers were destroyed, the official said. Iran responded by firing missiles at US bases and Israel. The conflict has damaged cities and disrupted oil shipments across the region.

India beat West Indies by five wickets to enter the T20 World Cup semi-final. Chasing 196, India reached 199/5 with four balls left. Sanju Samson led the charge with an unbeaten 97. He hit a six and a four in the final over to seal the win. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav also chipped in. Earlier, West Indies posted 195/4 in 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah took key wickets. The chase was tense, but Samson stayed calm under pressure. India will now face England in the semi-final. It was one of India’s best chases in T20 World Cup history.

India has enough oil to last 74 days if the Iran war disrupts supplies, officials said. Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz after US-Israel strikes killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strait handles a fifth of global oil trade. India’s oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri said reserves are stored in caverns and refineries across the country. Strategic reserves alone can last about 9.5 days. Oil companies hold stocks for around 67 days. Experts warned that higher global prices could raise India’s import bill. Economist Kirit Parekh suggested buying more oil from Russia if needed.

US President Donald Trump said 48 Iranian leaders were killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. He called the operation a big success and said it is moving faster than expected. Trump also claimed that Iran’s new leaders want talks with Washington and that he has agreed to speak with them. The strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has launched attacks in response across the Middle East. US Central Command said three American service members were killed and five were seriously injured. Major combat operations are still ongoing, officials said. (PC: Reuters)