Nepal Premier League Final! Janakpur Bolts clinched the inaugural Nepal Premier League title by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in a thrilling final. The Bolts showcased remarkable resilience, chasing down a target of 187 runs with five wickets in hand at the TU International Cricket Ground.

Sudurpaschim Royals, batting first, set a competitive total of 184 for nine wickets, led by Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari. Zaib scored a solid 69 runs, while Bhandari added a crucial 41. However, their middle order failed to capitalize on a strong start, succumbing to disciplined bowling from Janakpur’s attack.

Kishor Mahato and Mohammad Mohisin starred with the ball for Janakpur, each claiming three wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi bowled an exceptional spell, conceding just 15 runs, including a maiden over. Their efforts restricted Sudurpaschim from posting a more imposing total.

In response, Janakpur’s Lahiru Milantha led the charge with a stunning 87 runs off 49 balls, including six fours and as many sixes. His innings anchored the chase, despite early pressure from Sudurpaschim’s bowlers. Aasif Sheikh, the Janakpur captain, played a vital supporting role, ensuring a composed finish.

This victory is a milestone for Nepali cricket, highlighting the league’s competitiveness and its potential to elevate local talent. Fans celebrated the intense final, hopeful for the league’s promising future.

Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat and TV actor Pooja Banerjee were recently questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case involving Magicwin. This betting platform, reportedly operated by Pakistani nationals, was allegedly linked to illegal activities, including streaming cricket matches and diverting funds through shell companies.

Sherawat and Banerjee were summoned for their promotional associations with the portal. While Sherawat emailed her statement, Banerjee appeared in person at the ED office. The investigation revealed that Magicwin misused bettors’ funds, routing them offshore or investing in cryptocurrency. However, no direct involvement of the actors in illegal activities has been established.

The probe also highlighted how the platform leveraged celebrities for endorsements to attract users. The ED suspects several other Bollywood and television personalities might be connected to Magicwin through promotional engagements. These associations are scrutinized to determine their awareness or participation in illicit operations.

Magicwin’s operators, allegedly based in Pakistan, used complex financial routes to launder money. Indian nationals in Dubai are believed to have played key roles in facilitating transactions. The ED is expanding its inquiry to uncover the full extent of the betting syndicate and its money laundering networks in the Mallika Sherawat and Pooja Banerjee case.

The case has brought attention to the role of celebrity endorsements in promoting such platforms, raising questions about accountability. Both Sherawat and Banerjee maintain their innocence, stating they were unaware of any illegal activities associated with the platform.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the BJP orchestrated distractions to avoid discussing the Adani Group’s indictment in the United States. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he accused the ruling party of creating diversions to shield “Narendra Modi’s friend Gautam Adani.”

Gandhi referred to a scuffle between MPs outside Parliament, blaming BJP MPs for blocking their path. “This is a new way of creating a distraction. The main issue they are trying to hide is the legal proceedings against Adani in the United States. Modi is selling India to Adani, and the BJP doesn’t want a discussion on this,” he said.

The controversy began after allegations surfaced in the U.S. Department of Justice and SEC indictments against Gautam Adani and his associates for bribery and misleading investors. The Adani Group has denied the charges, calling them “baseless.”

Simultaneously, BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi pushed and injured its MP Pratap Sarangi during protests. Congress countered, accusing BJP MPs of manhandling LoP Mallikarjun Kharge. Both parties filed police complaints following the scuffle.

Gandhi also criticized BJP for its alleged anti-Constitutional mindset, citing Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament that appeared to downplay Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned these comments, calling them a reflection of BJP’s mindset.

The Adani issue has fueled a broader narrative about crony capitalism under the Modi government, with Gandhi consistently linking the conglomerate to the ruling party. Protests and debates in Parliament continue to highlight opposition demands for transparency.