After his match-winning unbeaten 97 that sent India into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, Sanju Samson sparked debate by throwing his helmet in celebration, an act now under scrutiny by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct bars “abuse of cricket equipment,” and such actions can attract fines, demerit points, or, in rare cases, suspension. While some reports suggested a possible ban before India’s India vs England semi-final, experts say sanctions are more likely to be limited to fines or reprimands given the celebratory context and past precedents like George Munsey’s one demerit point for a similar act. (PC: X)

The Iran women’s national football team remained silent during their national anthem before their AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 opener against South Korea in Gold Coast, Australia, amid heightened tensions following US strikes that killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. While no official statement was issued, the gesture was widely viewed as a possible protest against the Islamic regime. Reports said some fans waved pre-Islamic regime flags in the stands. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari also declined to comment and stood silent during the anthem. On the field, Iran suffered a 0-3 defeat to South Korea, with goals from Choe Yu-ri, Kim Hye-ri and Ko Yoo-jin.

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was forced to withdraw from the All England Championships in Birmingham after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating Middle East tensions. Sindhu and her team were in transit through Dubai when Gulf airspace was suspended following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Her Indonesian coach Irwansyah faced the most harrowing experience, hearing a massive explosion just 100 metres away, with thick smoke visible, forcing evacuation to another hotel. Sindhu described Dubai Airport as overwhelmingly crowded with panicked travellers. She praised airline staff and the Indian Consulate for their support. The team eventually returned safely to India, abandoning the prestigious tournament entirely. (PC: BAI)

Cristiano Ronaldo's private jet reportedly departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid at 8 PM, landing in the Spanish capital shortly before 1 AM, amid escalating West Asia tensions. The US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury" on February 28, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with regional missile strikes disrupting Gulf infrastructure and halting commercial air traffic. Ronaldo, 41, has been based in Riyadh since December 2022 but is currently sidelined through injury. His luxury jet flew over Egypt and the Mediterranean before landing in Madrid, where he owns a mansion in La Finca, Pozuelo de Alarcón. (PC: X)

The Iran women’s football team did not sing their national anthem before their opening match at the AFC Women's Asian Cup on the Gold Coast. The players stood still as the anthem played at Cbus Super Stadium. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari also stayed silent. The gesture was seen as a protest amid the war involving Iran, the US and Israel, days after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes. After the 3-0 defeat to South Korea, captain Zahra Ghanbari and Jafari avoided questions on the issue. An AFC official asked media to focus on football. Jafari said, “We knew that we would have a tough game ahead.”

PV Sindhu confirmed she is back home safely to Bangalore after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating Middle East tensions. She expressed gratitude to the ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, Emirates, and the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their tireless efforts and care. Sindhu described the ordeal as intense and uncertain, emphasizing the importance of a united, calm team. She thanked her coaches and supporters nearby, noted the need to rest and reset, and shared appreciation for the safety coordination that helped her reach a secure location. 

West Indies players and support staff remain stranded in Kolkata following their five-wicket Super 8 defeat to India at Eden Gardens on Sunday, as Middle East airspace disruptions halt their return home. Zimbabwe's squad faces identical problems in Delhi, having been eliminated earlier after losing to India. Both teams relied on Dubai as a key transit hub. Cricket West Indies confirmed it is working closely with the ICC to arrange safe travel, prioritising player safety. The ICC activated contingency plans acknowledging that players, match officials, broadcast teams and event staff depend heavily on Gulf hub airports. Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed its squad remains safe while administrators seek alternative travel arrangements to Harare. (PC: X)

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.

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 national cricket team must chase 196 runs to beat West Indies cricket team in a must-win Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata. West Indies scored 195/4 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Shai Hope and Roston Chase added 68 runs for the first wicket. Rovman Powell and Jason Holder built an unbeaten 76-run stand at the end. Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets in one over. India dropped two catches. The winner will reach the semi-finals. The loser will be knocked out.