England's World Cup-winning captain Stratford announces pregnancy

England's World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford announces she is pregnant with her first child.

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'Only Simple Flag-Hoisting': Pak Cancels Republic Day Parade Amid Oil Crisis

Pakistan has cancelled its military parade and ceremonial events that were scheduled for March 23, the country's Republic Day. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office announced on Tuesday.

The decision has been taken in the backdrop of a crisis that has been triggered due to disruptions in oil supply because of the ongoing war between the US-Israel and Iran.

"In light of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the austerity measures announced by the government, it has been decided that the Pakistan Day parade scheduled for March 23 and all associated ceremonies will not be held," the statement read.

The statement mentioned that instead of an elaborate celebration, there will be a simple flag-hoisting ceremony.

"All ministries, divisions and departments are directed to observe the occasion with simplicity and dignity, so that despite limited ceremonies, the importance of the day and its true message remain preserved," the statement added.

In March, Sharif announced sweeping austerity measures to combat a severe fuel crisis and economic instability triggered by the US-Israel-Iran war. These emergency steps aim to drastically reduce government expenditure and conserve energy as global oil prices surge.

Since the war began more than two weeks ago, Iran has attacked several ships in the Gulf, in effect closing the strait, a conduit for a fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and driving up global energy prices.

Pakistan relies heavily on imported crude and refined fuels from Gulf producers, most of which come through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan has raised the price of kerosene and Light Diesel Oil (LDO), local media reported on Monday.

Meanwhile, a report has highlighted that the sharp increase in fuel prices in Pakistan is turning painful during Ramadan, when household budgets are already under strain because the rise in the prices of basic necessities disproportionately affects middle-class families.

"The timing of the increase has, therefore, intensified public anger. Ramadan is traditionally a period when governments are expected to provide relief through targeted support for essential goods. Instead, households are confronting a cost shock that is quickly eroding purchasing power just as families begin planning for Eid expenses," the Dawn reported.

The day carries deep historical weight, commemorating the 1940 Lahore Resolution, the moment the All-India Muslim League officially called for an independent Muslim homeland, a demand that would ultimately culminate in the 1947 Partition of India. 

The date holds a second layer of significance as well, as it was on March 23, 1956, nearly a decade after the nation came into existence, that Pakistan transitioned into a republic upon ratifying its inaugural constitution.
 

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(Another) Labour Leadership Challenge?

Angela Rayner sparks leadership speculation claiming Labour is “running out of time”.

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Starmer Turns His Attention To Ukraine (Or Tries To)

Zelenksy comes to parliament, as Trump hits out at Starmer (again).

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India Stars Face Big ICC Snub Despite T20 WC Triumph. Pakistan Star Rewarded

Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan, the USA's Shadley van Schalkwyk, and England's Will Jacks have been shortlisted for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Month award for February, following their exceptional performances in the recently concluded Men's T20 World Cup. Farhan emerged as the leading run-scorer at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, delivering a sensational batting display for Pakistan throughout February. The right-handed opener broke the record for most runs in a single edition of the tournament, surpassing Virat Kohli's previous mark of 319 runs in 2014. Farhan amassed 383 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160.25, averaging 76.60.

The Pakistan batter also recorded two centuries during the tournament, becoming the first player to score multiple tons in a single Men's T20 World Cup edition, with his hundreds coming against Namibia and Sri Lanka. His prolific run-scoring was instrumental in helping Pakistan reach the Super 8s, though they narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth.

Shadley van Schalkwyk was a key performer with the ball for the USA during their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The right-arm pacer claimed 13 wickets, ranking among the tournament's top wicket-takers.

Van Schalkwyk made an immediate impact, taking four wickets in the USA's opener against co-hosts India. He repeated his 4/25 figures in the group-stage clash against Pakistan at the Wankhede. Beyond his wicket-taking, he stood out for his disciplined bowling, conceding just 7.76 runs per over.

England's Will Jacks was a vital all-round contributor in their run to the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. He scored 194 crucial runs at a strike rate of 173.21 and took 11 wickets at an economy of just over eight.

Jacks became the first player to win four Player of the Match awards in a single Men's T20 World Cup edition. His standout performances in the Super 8s, including matches against co-hosts Sri Lanka and New Zealand, helped England finish at the top of Group 2.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Americanswers… on 5Live! Will Trump lose his MAGA base over Iran?

And should the US have been better prepared over the Strait of Hormuz?

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'Wake up... or be happy with Conference League'

Liverpool have been here far too often this season. Another late, late goal costing them points as they drew 1-1 with struggling Tottenham.

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