Pakistan boycotted a T20 World Cup match against India while simultaneously giving World Bank President Ajay Banga, an India-born executive, a lavish reception. The contradictory diplomacy reflects Pakistan's economic desperation, as it seeks $20 billion in World Bank assistance over the next decade. Banga's visit to his ancestral Khushab home featured horse-mounted escorts, marching bands, and banners alongside Punjab's Chief Minister. Pakistan owes roughly $27 billion of its $135 billion external debt to the World Bank. The timing is crucial as India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam attack, threatening Pakistan's agriculture sector. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted feeling "ashamed" seeking international financial assistance. (PC: X)

A suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad's Shehzad Town killed at least 31 people and injured 169 during Friday prayers. The explosion at Tarlai Imambargah scattered severed limbs across the prayer area as desperate families searched for loved ones. Emergency services rapidly transported victims to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic hospitals, which declared emergencies. The attack coincides with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's state visit and follows recent deadly clashes between Pakistani forces and the Balochistan Liberation Army. This marks Islamabad's second major bombing in six months, after November's court complex suicide attack killed 12. Videos showed security personnel cordoning off the site as forensic teams and medical staff flooded the area.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a stunning 175 off 80 balls to power India to a record 411/9 against England in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare. The 14-year-old opener set the tone with aggressive stroke play from the start. His knock is the fastest century in an U19 World Cup final. He also became the first player to score 150 or more in a title clash. The total is the highest ever in a knockout match in the tournament. Captain Ayush Mhatre made 53 off 51 balls. Abhigyan Kundu scored 40, and Kanishk Chouhan added 37 late runs. (PC: X)

The Pakistan Cricket Board may change its stand on a possible boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma said. The PCB has not yet given the ICC a final reply on whether it will play the group match. Sharma predicted a reversal after February 12. He said the board is expected to confirm participation and added, “Pakistan will play India.” His comment comes as the ICC waits for official clarity on the fixture. There has been no formal response from the PCB so far on his claim or the reported boycott plan. (PC: HT)

A new white paper released in London says the Indian diaspora has played a major role in building modern Britain, from post-war recovery to today’s digital economy. The report was launched by Here & Now 365 founder Manish Tiwari with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It maps four waves of Indian migration to the UK since Independence, covering labour, business, public services, and technology sectors. The study says Indian-born professionals now make up about 15% of the UK’s technology workforce. It adds that Britain’s tech industry ranks second globally after the US and China, with strong Indian participation. Manish Tiwari said, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis.” Aston University noted the diaspora “supports public services and powers innovation” while strengthening UK–India economic links.  

At least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad on Friday. The blast took place at Tarlai Imambargah in the Shehzad Town area while worshippers were offering Friday prayers. Police said early findings point to a suicide attacker. One officer told Reuters, “We have shifted several people to hospitals. I can’t say how many are dead at this moment, but yes people have died.” Emergency services reached the site soon after the explosion. An emergency was declared at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. The wounded were moved to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals for treatment. (PC: X)

India’s 14-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit a record 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England in Harare. It is the highest score by an Indian player in any ICC limited-overs final across men’s, women’s and youth levels. He reached his hundred in 55 balls, one of the fastest in tournament history. His innings included 15 fours and 15 sixes. The 15 sixes are the most in a single Under-19 World Cup innings. This is also the highest individual score in an Under-19 World Cup final. His knock put India in a strong position in the title match. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Assembly that Kashmir “will become a part of Pakistan.” He spoke in Muzaffarabad on Kashmir Solidarity Day. He said the dispute should be resolved by “honouring the wishes of the people of Kashmir” and following U.N. Security Council resolutions. Sharif said he stood with “our brothers in Kashmir” on behalf of Pakistan’s people and leadership. He also accused India of backing proxy terrorism and said Pakistan wants peace based on “equality and justice.” Pakistan’s President and top military leaders repeated their support for Kashmir. India has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. (PC: The Hindu)

Indian teacher and activist Rouble Nagi has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her work bringing education to children in slum communities. She received the award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Her foundation has set up over 800 learning centres across India for children with little or no access to school. She also paints learning murals that teach basic literacy, science, math and history. Prize founder Sunny Varkey said she shows “courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child's potential.” Nagi said the prize money will be used to build a free vocational training institute. (PC: X)

A senior Russian military general was shot several times and injured in an attack in Moscow, officials said. Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was targeted inside a residential building in the city’s north-west area. He was taken to hospital and his condition is not known. Russia’s Investigations Committee said it has opened a criminal case for attempted murder. Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said, “The victim has been hospitalised at one of the city's hospitals.” Alexeyev is a senior officer in Russia’s military intelligence directorate, the GRU. He has been involved in Ukraine war talks and past negotiations during the Wagner mutiny. Authorities have not named any suspects yet. (PC: BBC)