The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, is set to face a formidable challenge against South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship winners, in a two-match series commencing Friday at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. The series has already seen significant adjustments, including a venue change from New Delhi to Kolkata due to severe air pollution in the capital. Additionally, the second Test, scheduled for November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, will feature altered session timings to maximize daylight in northeastern India, where the sun sets earlier. The Barsapara Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, will make its debut as a men’s Test venue. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shifted the second Test’s start time to 9 a.m. local time, with the tea break at 11 a.m. and lunch at 1:20 p.m., concluding at 4 p.m. The first Test in Kolkata will follow regular session timings. The series is expected to highlight pace bowling, deviating from India’s recent preference for spin-friendly pitches. South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj anticipates traditional Test wickets that deteriorate over time, reflecting a shift in India’s approach. India, fresh from a 2-0 series win against the West Indies, will rely on a mix of spin and pace, with Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj leading the bowling attack. South Africa, coming off a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, will pose a significant spin threat, with Simon Harmer and Maharaj in top form. This series marks a new chapter for India, with a young squad under Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir aiming to build momentum for the 2027 World Test Championship. The return of Rishabh Pant strengthens India’s batting lineup, while South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma seeks to secure the Proteas’ first Test series win in India in 25 years. Dewald Brevis, a rising star from the Indian Premier League, will also be in the spotlight as he dons the white jersey for South Africa.
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Sri Lanka cricketers leave Pakistan after bomb blast
In a dramatic turn of events, at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers have decided to return home without participating in the ongoing tri-nation white-ball cricket series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe. This decision comes in the wake of a devastating suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday, which claimed 12 lives and left 27 injured outside a court. The players expressed deep concerns over their safety, prompting their abrupt departure. A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that substitute players would be sent to continue the series. The second One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan, scheduled for Thursday, is now in doubt. SLC President Shammi Silva mentioned that a formal statement regarding the team’s continued participation in the tournament is being prepared, though no further details were provided. This incident has reignited memories of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which left six players injured and led to international teams avoiding Pakistan for nearly a decade. Despite the heightened security measures announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the players’ fears have overshadowed the series. Pakistan had previously defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a match that proceeded despite the attack in Islamabad. The remaining matches are set to take place on Thursday and Saturday, also in Rawalpindi.
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Prost, Gullit, Leconte lead sporting icons at DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am
The DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am witnessed an extraordinary gathering of sporting icons at Jumeirah Golf Estates, marking a historic moment as spectators were invited to the event for the first time. The star-studded lineup included four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, and former World No. 5 tennis player Henri Leconte, who joined DP World Tour professionals for a thrilling day on the Earth course. Prost, paired with professional golfer Laurie Canter, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the course, reflecting on his journey back to the game after a long hiatus. ‘I’ve been playing a lot more golf in recent years, and it’s been a joy to improve and enjoy the atmosphere here,’ Prost remarked. Gullit, playing alongside Joost Luiten, shared his excitement about his Pro-Am debut, humorously noting the abundance of bunkers on the course. The event also featured padel star Paquito Navarro, cricket’s Liam Livingstone, tennis player Alexei Popyrin, and Premier League veteran James Milner, all adding their competitive spirit to the prestigious tournament. In collaboration with Dubai Premier Padel, attendees were treated to free padel lessons and activations throughout the four-day event, further enhancing the experience for fans and participants alike.
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The fallout from Nigeria’s spectacular $25m museum and the Benin Bronzes
The much-anticipated opening of Nigeria’s Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City has been marred by political disputes and protests, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of regional creativity. The six-hectare campus, designed by renowned British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, was envisioned as a cultural hub to honor the legacy of the Benin Bronzes and foster contemporary African art. However, tensions escalated when the Edo state government revoked the museum’s land use rights, citing a name change from ‘Edo Museum of West African Art’ to simply ‘Mowaa.’ This decision followed protests demanding the museum be renamed the Benin Royal Museum and placed under the control of the local traditional ruler, Oba Ewuare II. The controversy highlights deeper political rivalries, with the new governor’s administration seeking greater influence over the project, which was championed by the previous governor, Godwin Obaseki. The museum, a $25 million initiative funded by international donors and the Edo state government, aims to create over 30,000 jobs and contribute $80 million annually to the regional creative economy. Despite its ambitious goals, the absence of the Benin Bronzes—looted by British soldiers in 1897 and now scattered across Western museums—remains a contentious issue. Mowaa’s executive director, Phillip Ihenacho, emphasized the museum’s broader vision to inspire contemporary African creativity across various art forms, rather than focusing solely on historical artifacts. As the government works to resolve the dispute, Mowaa’s staff remain committed to redefining the role of a modern African museum, even in the face of political and logistical challenges.
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France wary of enemy that never went away, 10 years after Bataclan attacks
As France commemorates the 10th anniversary of the devastating Bataclan massacre, the nation is reminded of the persistent threat of jihadist violence. The arrest of Maëva B, a 27-year-old French convert to Islam and former associate of Salah Abdeslam, underscores the enduring danger. Abdeslam, the sole surviving jihadist from the 2015 attacks, is serving a life sentence. Investigations revealed that Maëva B had been in contact with Abdeslam and was allegedly planning her own jihadist attack, leading to her arrest alongside two associates. The Bataclan attacks, which claimed 130 lives and left hundreds injured, remain a symbol of extreme Islamist violence in France. Despite the decline of the Islamic State (IS) as a major force, the threat has evolved into what experts term ‘ambient jihadism,’ fueled by social networks and geopolitical tensions. France’s political instability further exacerbates the risk, as extremists gain influence. Commemorations include the lighting of the Eiffel Tower in the French tricolor and the opening of a memorial garden. Meanwhile, Abdeslam’s offer to participate in ‘restorative justice’ has sparked controversy, with some survivors rejecting the notion that terrorism can be equated with common crimes.
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The case for and against counting castes in India
India’s caste system, a deeply entrenched social hierarchy, continues to shape the nation’s socio-political landscape. The upcoming 2027 national census will mark a historic shift by including a full enumeration of castes for the first time in nearly a century. This move, driven by political pressure and demands for equitable distribution of government benefits, aims to provide a clearer picture of who benefits from affirmative action and who remains marginalized. However, the initiative has sparked intense debate among scholars and activists. Anand Teltumbde, a prominent scholar-activist, warns that counting castes risks legitimizing and perpetuating the very system it seeks to address. In his provocative book, *The Caste Con Census*, Teltumbde argues that caste is inherently hierarchical and defies measurement, echoing B.R. Ambedkar’s call for the annihilation of caste rather than its management. Critics like Teltumbde fear that the census could be exploited by political parties to redraw quotas or fuel caste-based resentment, further entrenching inequality. On the other hand, proponents such as sociologist Satish Deshpande and economist Mary E John view the census as a necessary tool for achieving social justice. They argue that reliable caste data can expose both privilege and deprivation, enabling more targeted welfare policies. Political scientist Sudha Pai suggests that linking caste data to income and educational indicators could shift India from a caste-based to a rights-based welfare system. Yet, challenges abound, from the complexity of data collection to the risk of solidifying caste identities. As India prepares for this monumental exercise, the question remains: Will the caste census pave the way for social justice, or will it deepen the divisions it seeks to address?
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Fleetwood eyes ‘very special’ first DP World Tour Championship win
Tommy Fleetwood, the Dubai-based English golfer, is determined to secure his first-ever DP World Tour Championship win, a victory he describes as ‘very special.’ Having narrowly missed the title in 2019 and 2023, Fleetwood is eager to cap off an already remarkable 2025 season with this prestigious trophy. The world number four has been in exceptional form this year, clinching his maiden PGA TOUR title at the Tour Championship, contributing to Europe’s historic Ryder Cup victory, and winning the DP World India Championship. Despite a recent playoff loss at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Fleetwood remains optimistic and focused on finishing the season on a high note. ‘This is the last event I’m going to play this year. It has been a great year,’ Fleetwood remarked. ‘It would be very special to be on the 18th green having won.’ The DP World Tour Championship, held at a course familiar to Fleetwood and close to his home, holds significant personal and professional importance for him. Reflecting on his recent performances, Fleetwood highlighted the positives and expressed his determination to seize the opportunity this week. ‘I feel like I played so well and so consistently throughout the week,’ he said. ‘Now, one more week to go in the season.’
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Indian government terms Delhi car blast as ‘terrorist incident’
The Indian government has officially classified the devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort as a ‘terrorist incident.’ The tragic event, which occurred on November 11, 2025, claimed the lives of eight individuals and left at least 20 others injured. The declaration was made following a resolution by the country’s federal cabinet of ministers, as reported by Reuters. The blast, which took place on Monday, has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting immediate action from authorities. On Wednesday, the government issued directives to investigative agencies, urging them to handle the case with ‘utmost urgency and professionalism’ to ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors are swiftly brought to justice. The incident has raised concerns about security in the region, with officials emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance to prevent future attacks. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich history, has been a focal point of national pride, making the attack particularly significant. The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to addressing terrorism and ensuring public safety. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives and stands united in the face of this tragic event.
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Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to enter MLB posting process Nov. 19
LAS VEGAS — Tatsuya Imai, the standout Japanese pitcher, is set to enter the Major League Baseball (MLB) posting process starting November 19, as announced by his agent, Scott Boras, on Wednesday. This initiates a 45-day window for Imai to secure a contract with an MLB team. Boras, a prominent figure in baseball negotiations, drew comparisons between Imai and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the recent World Series MVP who played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over Toronto. Boras emphasized Imai’s durability and competitive spirit, stating, ‘He’s done everything Yamamoto’s done.’ Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander, boasts an impressive 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA this season for the Seibu Lions in Japan’s Pacific League. He struck out 178 batters in 163.2 innings, showcasing his dominance on the mound. Over his eight-year career with Seibu, Imai has accumulated a 58-45 record, a 3.15 ERA, and 907 strikeouts in 963.2 innings. His accolades include three All-Star selections and notable achievements such as pitching eight innings in a combined no-hitter and setting a team record with 17 strikeouts in a single game. Boras highlighted Imai’s preference for big markets and his desire to compete at the highest level, stating, ‘He loves big markets and wants to be on a winning team.’ Under MLB’s posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, the posting fee structure includes a 20% fee on the first $25 million of a contract, decreasing to 17.5% for the next $25 million and 15% for amounts exceeding $50 million. Additional fees apply for bonuses and options. Imai’s move to MLB is highly anticipated, with teams expected to vie for his talent.
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India asks UN wildlife body to not curb animal imports amid Ambani zoo uproar
India has appealed to the United Nations’ wildlife trade body, CITES, to refrain from imposing restrictions on its imports of endangered species. This comes amid allegations of improper animal shipments to Vantara, a sprawling 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat, operated by the philanthropic arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate. The zoo has faced scrutiny from authorities in Germany and the European Union over claims of irregular imports. Despite a Supreme Court-appointed panel clearing Vantara of wrongdoing in September, CITES recently urged India to review its import procedures, citing discrepancies in trade data and insufficient checks on animal origins. In a submission dated November 10, India argued that any restrictive measures would be premature and disproportionate, potentially destabilizing the CITES framework. The government emphasized that it has already tightened oversight, including enhanced due diligence for all future acquisitions. Vantara, home to 2,000 species, including exotic animals from South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, maintains that all imports comply with regulations. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation efforts and the operations of private zoos.