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The future of the LIV Golf series hangs in the balance after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) signaled a possible withdrawal of its multi‑billion‑dollar support. Executives were summoned to a high‑stakes meeting in New York this week, a development that follows growing speculation that the rebel tour could be shut down. While the fifth season’s sixth event in Mexico City is set to proceed on Thursday, the tournament is being eclipsed by reports that PIF intends to cut the tour’s funding. The tour has already faced challenges securing a merger with the PGA Tour despite a three‑year “framework agreement,” and the funding pull would exacerbate its financial strain. According to the PIF’s newly released five‑year economic strategy, the fund is prioritising sustainable domestic investments and has omitted sport from its seven key focus areas. This shift signals a move away from the “free‑spending, disruptive internationalism” that characterised the launch of LIV Golf in 2021. Since its inception, PIF has poured over $5 bn into the tour, but this year prize money and bonus payouts have already been slashed. High‑profile players such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Sergio García and Bryson DeChambeau initially defected from the PGA and DP World Tours, yet recent defections back to the PGA—including Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed—highlight the tour’s precarious position. DeChambeau has yet to sign a new contract. A source familiar with the Saudi Ministry of Sports confirmed that the fund is redirecting its sports budget toward football and esports, with golf no longer a priority. The same source noted that PIF is ending its partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association, and the three‑year WTA Finals deal in Riyadh will not be renewed after its November expiry. The rumours ignited on Tuesday after journalist Ryan French posted on X that multiple sources warned of a “bombshell announcement” on LIV’s future, later suggesting the tour might be shutting down. LIV officials and players have not received any formal update. In Mexico, Sergio García told reporters they have only heard the same message from PIF chief Yasir al‑Rumayyan at the start of the year: that the project is a long‑term commitment, and that rumours are inevitable. Technical glitches, including an alleged power failure at the venue, forced the cancellation of pre‑tournament press conferences on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the pro‑am competition resumed on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. local time, indicating that day‑to‑day operations continue despite the uncertainty. The outcome of the New York meeting could determine whether LIV Golf survives as a viable alternative to traditional tours or becomes another casualty of shifting Saudi investment priorities.

Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been banned from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years after he abandoned a pre‑agreed deal with Islamabad United to play for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.The 29‑year‑old was initially signed by Islamabad United despite going unsold in both the IPL and PSL auctions. However, when Kolkata Knight Riders needed a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman – who was released under BCCI instructions – Muzarabani opted to join the IPL side instead.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials condemned the move, stating that the player “disregarded his obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement” and violated the contractual principles that underpin professional sport.The IPL and PSL now run almost concurrently, making it practically impossible for an international player to feature in both competitions within the same season.Similar disciplinary action has been taken before: South African bowler Corbin Bosch received a one‑year PSL ban after he chose to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, turning down a contract with Peshawar Zalmi.Pakistani cricketers have been absent from the IPL since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, when geopolitical tensions led Indian franchises to stop selecting players from across the western border.Recent concerns about Indian‑owned teams in other leagues, such as England’s The Hundred, have also surfaced. Those worries were eased when Pakistani pacer Abrar Ahmed was signed by the Indian‑owned Sunrisers Leeds, though the move sparked a social‑media backlash and drew criticism from former India star Sunil Gavaskar, who claimed the signing “indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians”.

Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, a renowned UK-based publication and the 'bible' of cricket, has strongly criticized what it describes as Indian political interference in global cricket administration. The criticism comes as the sport's governance is increasingly described as 'Orwellian', suggesting a dystopian level of control and manipulation. In its 163rd annual edition, Wisden editor Lawrence Booth emphasized the unhealthy and politicized dominance of India in the global game. A significant point of contention is the current leadership of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which includes an Indian chief executive, Sanjog Gupta, and an Indian chairman, Jay Shah. Jay Shah is the son of Amit Shah, India's minister of home affairs and a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wisden described the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which Shah led before taking over at the ICC, as 'the sporting adjunct of India's ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)'. This close relationship between Indian cricket administration and the country's ruling party has raised concerns about the politicization of the sport. The situation was further highlighted during the 2025 Asia Cup, which took place against the backdrop of a brief war between India and Pakistan. The tensions led to players from the two countries refusing to shake hands during their matches. Booth pointed out that Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, 'politics and sport can't go together', yet Naqvi himself was also his country's interior minister, illustrating the blurred lines between politics and sports administration. India's dominance in cricket has also been showcased through symbolic actions, such as when India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated a victory over Pakistan to the armed forces. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used cricket as a metaphor for military operations, stating after India's victory over Pakistan in the final: 'Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins!' This rhetoric drew parallels between sports victories and military successes, further underscoring the intertwining of sports and politics. The influence of Indian cricket administration has also had ripple effects on other cricketing nations. For example, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from a $1m deal with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh. This led to a chain of events that resulted in Bangladesh's removal from this year's men's T20 World Cup after their government refused to let them travel to India. Wisden's criticism concludes that the governance of cricket is becoming increasingly 'Orwellian', where Indian exceptionalism is asserted without acknowledging the consequences, and those affected by these actions are blamed. The publication calls for a clearer recognition of the problems caused by the politicization of cricket and a move towards a more independent and fair governance structure.

President Donald Trump asserted that a diplomatic path remains open for Tehran, even as the United States enforces a naval blockade of Iranian ports and Israel deepens its ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Iran’s leadership denounced the blockade as "piracy" and thousands gathered in Tehran to demonstrate against the restriction on maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Associated Press reported that diplomatic channels are still active; Pakistan has volunteered to host a second round of negotiations in Islamabad later this week. US blockade and protests: The enforcement of the maritime restrictions has provoked Iranian accusations of illegal action and sparked street protests in the capital. Tehran’s legal stance: Iran’s armed forces labeled the blockade unlawful, warning that targeting its ports could jeopardize broader Gulf shipping. IRGC warning: A Revolutionary Guard spokesperson hinted that Iran retains "unused capabilities" and may adopt new tactics if the confrontation escalates. Parliamentary support for the Pope: Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised Pope Leo XIV’s condemnation of the war, describing it as courageous. Russian nuclear staff pull‑out: Moscow has withdrawn most of its personnel from Iran’s sole nuclear power plant, a project built with Russian assistance. Qatar’s mediation call: Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged both Washington and Tehran to engage constructively in mediation. Pakistan’s ceasefire assessment: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the US‑Iran truce is holding, even as weekend talks failed to produce a breakthrough. Shipping disruption: A UN spokesperson warned that there is no military solution and noted that roughly 20,000 vessels are stranded, straining global supply chains, especially for fertiliser. UK push for Lebanese inclusion: London advocated adding Lebanon to the US‑Iran ceasefire framework, which currently omits Hezbollah‑related fighting. US‑Lebanon diplomatic talks: Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are slated to meet in Washington to discuss halting hostilities. Hezbollah’s rejection: Leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel the planned Washington meeting, reaffirming the group’s opposition to any direct dialogue with Israel. Russia’s uranium offer: The Kremlin reiterated its willingness to accept Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a broader US‑Iran settlement, echoing President Vladimir Putin’s statements. Trump on Iranian outreach: The former president claimed Iranian officials have expressed a strong desire to negotiate, though he did not identify the interlocutors. Trump’s stance on the Pope: He dismissed criticism of Pope Leo XIV as unwarranted, labeling the pontiff "weak" on key issues, including Iran. Threat to Iranian vessels: Trump warned that U.S. forces will neutralise any Iranian fast‑attack ships that approach the blockade zone. Domestic political pressure: Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are pushing for a new vote to limit the president’s war‑making powers, citing rising U.S. fuel prices. Protester arrests in New York: Approximately 90 demonstrators, including whistleblower Chelsea Manning and actor Hari Nef, were detained during a Manhattan traffic‑stop protest against the war and U.S. arms sales to Israel. Israel’s buffer‑zone push: Israeli forces continue ground and air operations in southern Lebanon, razing structures in border towns such as Naqoura to create a security buffer. Hezbollah retaliation: The group has intensified rocket and drone attacks on Israeli positions in locations like Bint Jbeil and Biyyada. Accusations of a "Greater Israel": Hezbollah chief Hassan Qassem accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing an expansionist agenda backed by the United States. Diplomatic tension with Italy: Israel summoned the Italian ambassador after Italy’s foreign minister condemned Israeli attacks on Beirut as "unacceptable". Casualties in Lebanon: Israeli operations have raised the death toll in southern Lebanon since March 2 to at least 2,089, including a recent drone strike that killed two civilians near Nabatieh. Public opinion in Lebanon: Lebanese citizens are divided, with some weary of the conflict and hopeful for diplomacy, while others distrust Israel’s intentions. Canadian casualty: Canada’s foreign minister confirmed that a Canadian national died in southern Lebanon, though details remain scarce. Energy implications: Reuters reported that a Chinese‑owned tanker, sanctioned by the United States, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade, underscoring the challenges of enforcement. Oil market outlook: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that oil prices could keep climbing until "meaningful ship traffic" resumes through the strait.

Chala Chala Nav Bala (Maze Baal, 1943) marks the debut of Asha Bhosle, who entered the film world at ten years old. Paired with her sister Lata Mangeshkar, her bright falsetto captures the youthful innocence of the Marathi romance, foreshadowing the emotive style that would define her career. Aaiye Meherbaan (Howrah Bridge, 1958) showcases Bhosle’s rise during Hindi cinema’s golden age, thanks to her partnership with composer O.P. Nayyar. The song’s sultry vibrato and lush orchestration set the tone for the film’s noir atmosphere, establishing her as a leading‑lady playback voice. Aao Huzoor Tumko (Kismat, 1968) became a chart‑topping hit, featuring intricate vocal runs over a flamenco‑style guitar. Bhosle’s lower‑register chorus broke the conventional shrillness of female playback, while her nuanced phrasing added depth to the on‑screen heroine’s drunken allure. Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, 1971) stands out as her most successful crossover, later sampled by Western rappers. The track, produced with R.D. Burman—her future husband—blends psychedelic Beatles‑inspired grooves with Hindi lyrics, demonstrating her ability to bridge Eastern and Western pop sensibilities. Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan, 1971) pushes the fusion further into jazz‑cabaret territory, with bold horn sections and cinematic guitar reverb. Bhosle’s breathy, suggestive delivery sparked controversy, yet the performance remains a masterclass in balancing sensuality with technical agility. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973) epitomises the “masala” film soundtrack, merging drama, romance, and crime. Over a gentle guitar backdrop, Bhosle’s tender humming conveys quiet longing, contrasting with the film’s high‑octane narrative. In Ankhon Ki Masti (Umrao Jaan, 1981) sees Bhoske venture into Urdu ghazals with composer Khayyam. Her lower, huskier timbre—adjusted a half‑step down—highlights her continued artistic experimentation even as she approached fifty. Bow Down Mister (1991) illustrates her early 1990s foray into international collaborations, lending wordless, soaring vocals to Boy George’s post‑Culture Club project. The track transforms into a rave‑infused anthem, underscoring Bhosle’s versatility across genres. Radha Kaise Na Jale (Lagaan, 2001) pairs Bhosle with a young A.R. Rahman, reaffirming her status as an elder stateswoman of Indian music. The duet with Udit Narayan blends tabla and flute with powerful vocal runs, marrying traditional Hindustani scales to contemporary film scoring. The Way You Dream (2002) features an unexpected partnership with REM frontman Michael Stipe on the 1 Giant Leap project. The eight‑minute piece weaves tabla rhythms, subtle guitar, and a dramatic breakbeat, proving that Bhosle’s voice can seamlessly inhabit New Age and electronic soundscapes.

Sergio García, the 2017 Masters winner, made the cut at Augusta National but saw his weekend marred by a heated outburst on the second hole. After a mis‑hit tee shot, he struck his club into the ground, snapped off its head, and tossed it into a nearby cooler.Masters officials responded swiftly, issuing García a code‑of‑conduct warning. Under tournament rules, a second breach would add a two‑stroke penalty, while a third could lead to disqualification.In the aftermath of the incident, García stepped in to assist his playing partner Jon Rahm, picking up and carrying Rahm’s clubs while Rahm’s caddie was occupied raking a bunker.The Masters has seen several disciplinary actions this year. Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre received a reprimand for flashing an obscene gesture toward spectators after a wayward shot landed in water.García entered the round 16 shots behind leaders Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young. Although he managed a par on the second hole, he recorded three bogeys in the first four holes, slipping further down the leaderboard.Known for a volatile temperament, García’s latest flare adds to a history of on‑course confrontations: at the 2023 Open Championship he broke his driver after a similar outburst, was disqualified from the 2019 Saudi International for damaging greens, and clashed with officials at the 2022 Wells Fargo Championship before departing the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.

The Masters 2026 final round has begun, with significant drama unfolding. Rory McIlroy's six-shot lead from the previous round has vanished, leaving him tied with Cameron Young at -11. McIlroy is not the only one in contention; other top golfers include Sam Burns at -10, Shane Lowry at -9, and Jason Day along with Justin Rose at -8. The current leaderboard standings are as follows: -11: Cameron Young, Rory McIlroy -10: Sam Burns -9: Shane Lowry -8: Jason Day, Justin Rose -7: Scottie Scheffler, Haotong Li Today's tee times have been announced, with notable pairings including: 1406 Aaron Rai (Eng), Charl Schwartzel (SA) 1417 Gary Woodland, Kurt Kitayama 1428 Jon Rahm (Spa), Sergio Garcia (Spa) Rory McIlroy expressed his mindset after losing the lead, stating he aims for a 'free' state of mind moving into the final round. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler has positioned himself strongly for the Green Jacket.

Assam, India – Under the sweltering April sun, Akram Ali stood amid the rubble of his four‑room house, a home he had built over 45 years ago. The demolition, part of a government‑led bulldozing operation on March 14, turned his residence into a pile of debris.Bulldozers descended on Islampur, a Muslim‑majority neighbourhood on the outskirts of Guwahati, and for four hours razed homes across 177 hectares (437 acres). The sweep rendered 400 families homeless, including Ali, who now lives in a tarpaulin shanty a few kilometres from his former home.Ali, a daily‑wage worker, told Al Jazeera that despite identifying as Goriya – “son of the soil” – his house was destroyed. The Goriyas are an Assamese‑speaking Muslim community traditionally settled in the tea‑belt region. In 2022, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officially recognised the Goriya, along with four other Muslim sub‑groups, as “Indigenous” to Assam.While this designation has afforded the Indigenous Muslims a degree of cultural safety, it has not shielded them from the state’s aggressive land‑clearance drives. Ali questioned the distinction, asking, “Weren’t our homes demolished because we are Muslims?”Muslims make up more than a third of Assam’s 31 million residents, according to the 2011 census. Of these, roughly 6.3 million are Bengali‑speaking “miyas,” often labelled “outsiders,” while about 4 million belong to Indigenous groups like the Goriya.The BJP, led nationally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been courting the Indigenous Muslim vote ahead of the April 2026 state elections, where it seeks a third consecutive term after governing since 2016. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has spearheaded the party’s crackdown on “miyas” since 2021, claims the government will “never target” Indigenous Muslims.Political analyst Bonojit Hussain explains that the BJP’s outreach serves two purposes: softening its communal image and capturing decisive vote blocks in constituencies where Indigenous Muslims and Hindus together decide the outcome. In seats such as Nalbari, where Indigenous Muslims account for over 25 % of the electorate, and Barkhetri, with roughly 80,000 Muslim voters, the community’s support can swing the result.Upper Assam, a region with a strong Assamese‑speaking identity, is especially critical. Journalist Firoz Khan notes that Indigenous Muslims influence the outcome in seven or eight of the 39 seats there, prompting the BJP to temper its overtly anti‑Muslim rhetoric in the area.Despite the party’s overtures, many Indigenous Muslims remain skeptical. Moinul Islam, spokesperson for the rights group Sadou Asom Goria Jatiya Parishad, warned that the BJP’s broader anti‑Muslim policies—evictions, voter‑list objections, and alleged deportations—are unlikely to win their votes.Earlier in 2025, similar demolition drives displaced hundreds of Goriya families in Lakhimpur and Golaghat districts, and a systematic campaign to challenge Muslim names on electoral rolls further strained relations.BJP spokesman Kishore Upadhyay dismissed the allegations as “malicious, biased and politically motivated,” but Indigenous groups argue the pattern signals an attempt to erase their cultural legacy.Recent actions by the state government reinforce this perception. Chief Minister Sarma renamed the only medical college in Barpeta—previously bearing the name of Goriya freedom fighter Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed—arguing that institutions should reflect their geographic location. Critics view the move as symbolic of a broader effort to marginalise Muslim contributions to Assam’s history.In December 2025, Sarma also proposed dropping the hyphen in “Sankar‑Azan,” a name that celebrated the syncretic legacy of 15th‑century polymath Srimanta Sankardev and 17th‑century Sufi saint Azan Peer. Communist Party member Isfaqur Rahman warned that such revisions reflect a “slow erasure of Assamese Muslim heritage.”For Ali, the demolition has hardened his political stance. “After being evicted, the chief minister called us illegal immigrants and broke our backs by destroying our homes,” he said. “We are the new miyas.”

Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, has declared his commitment to representing Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup. This announcement is expected to boost Luke Donald’s confidence as he prepares to defend Europe’s title. Rahm has been embroiled in a dispute with the DP World Tour due to his participation in the LIV Tour without consent, resulting in substantial fines. Despite dropping his appeal against the sanctions, Rahm remains optimistic about finding a resolution. He revealed that he is in negotiations with the DP World Tour and is hopeful of securing a deal by September. “Yes,” Rahm stated when asked about his confidence in playing for Europe at Adare Manor. He emphasized that he did not think pursuing a legal route was beneficial for any party involved and expressed faith in reaching a mutually agreeable solution with the DP World Tour. Rahm mentioned that he has been making concessions in the negotiations and plans to support the DP World Tour, naming several events he would be interested in participating in, including the Irish Open, Wentworth, and the Spanish Open. “I’m not planning to play until September,” Rahm noted. “So that’s a bit of a positive. If I were unable right now, it doesn’t matter since I’m not planning to tee it up until after August like I have done in my career.”