Month: March 2025

Mark Carney, who was recently elected as the leader of the Liberal Party, will take oath as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister along with his cabinet on Friday, CTV News reported.

He will be taking the reins from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after securing a win in the Liberal leadership on the first ballot held on Sunday.

Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon’s office has said the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and members of the Canadian ministry will take place in the Rideau Hall ballroom at 11 am EDT.

On his first day as Liberal leader, Carney met Trudeau at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss about how long of a transition period would be needed. By the end of the day, Carney stated the changeover would be “seamless” and “quick,” according to the CTV News report.

In the days since, Carney has been holding meetings with key officials in Ottawa and beyond and work has been done behind the scenes to execute the transition of power, both from a bureaucratic and a security standpoint.

The report stated citing a spokesperson, that the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England has divested all his assets into a blind trust. Trudeau would visit the governor general on Friday and officially tender his resignation. Then, Carney would take oaths of office and allegiance.

Canada’s new PM would unveil his new ministry, which comprises all his cabinet picks. Many of the main players who hold portfolios central to managing US President Donald Trump’s tariffs backed Carney during the leadership race, CTV News reported.

Carney will be assuming office at a time when polling shows the Conservatives and Liberals neck-in-neck, amid Canadians’ rising concerns over ties between Canada and the US. The same polling indicates Trudeau will be officially ending his tenure as Canada’s PM with his favorability at a 12-month high.

In his final speech as Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau highlighted the ‘achievements’ of the Liberal Party over the past decade while looking towards the future, hours ahead of the announcement of his successor as the leader of his party, as reported by CBC News.

In his speech at the Liberal Leadership Convention, Trudeau said, “I am damn proud of what we’ve done over these past 10 years for the middle class and the people working hard to join it.”

Trudeau told the crowd that “there is a responsibility to ensure that Canada stays the best country on Earth! In one of his last speeches as Liberal leader and Canada’s PM, he urged his supporters to keep fighting for Canada as hard as they can.

He said, “Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given.” He said, “None of those happened by accident. None of them will continue without effort,” CBC News reported.

After resigning as Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau was captured exiting Parliament in a playful style — carrying a chair and with his tongue sticking out.

As per convention, Canadian lawmakers are allowed to take their chairs with them when they leave Parliament, Brian Lilley, Political columnist for the Toronto Sun noted in a post on X.

“When any MP leaves the Commons, they are allowed to take their chair, their seat with them. I find it a great tradition, one that I support. That said, this is a weird photo of Trudeau leaving with his. Also, perhaps another sign of a looming election”, he wrote on X. (ANI)

Amid row over his ‘Gaza Plan’, US President Donald Trump asserted that no one would be “expelled” from the strip, The Jerusalem Post reported.

He made the remarks before his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House on Wednesday (local time).

In his statement alongside Martin, Trump said, “No one is expelling anyone from Gaza.”

During his meeting with Martin, he even called the US Senate’s minority leader Chuck Schumer “a Palestinian.”

Trump said, “Schumer is a Palestinian as far as I’m concerned. He’s become a Palestinian. He used to be Jewish. He’s not Jewish anymore. He’s a Palestinian.” He made a similar statement regarding Schumer in a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social in February.

In his remarks, Martin said aid needed to be increased into Gaza and called for a ceasefire as well as the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, according to The Jerusalem Post report.

Earlier in December, Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland, citing the country’s “anti-Israel policies.” The decision came a week after Ireland expressed support for South Africa’s action against Israel in the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide, The Jerusalem Post reported.

US President’s remarks on Gaza come after his statement in February, where he said that the US will take over the Gaza Strip, dismantle dangerous weapons, get rid of the destroyed buildings and work for the economic development of the area.

While addressing a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.”

Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers on Wednesday agreed to continue talks and coordinate with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff on Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt during a meeting in Doha, according to a joint statement. The joint statement said that consultations will continue on the plan with Witkoff, as a “basis for the reconstruction efforts” in the Gaza Strip. (ANI)

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has threatened to execute ten Pakistani hostages in retaliation for drone strikes and artillery shelling by Pakistani forces and also issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Pakistan to release forcibly disappeared activist, amidst the ongoing hostage situation in Balochistan’s Bolan district, as reported by the Balochistan Post.

In a media statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch accused Pakistan’s military of executing “irresponsible and foolish military aggression”, claiming that drone strikes and artillery shelling targeted BLA positions near the hijacked Jaffar Express train.

According to the Balochistan Post, he further stated that the attacks demonstrated Pakistan’s inability to make responsible decisions about a prisoner exchange and accused the authorities of being motivated only by “war madness and stubbornness.”

However, he asserted that none of the BLA fighters were injured thanks to their “superior defensive strategies and full control of the battlefield.”

Jeeyand Baloch warned,” In response to today’s reckless bombardment, we are forced to execute ten more hostages immediately. If Pakistani forces launch another attack–even a single bullet–ten additional hostages will be executed immediately.”

Earlier, Pakistani military sources reported that at least 13 insurgents involved in the attack had been killed, with several others wounded. Military officials also stated that intense gunfire exchanges were ongoing as the insurgents broke into smaller groups.

However, these claims have not been independently confirmed, and the BLA strongly denied them, calling the Pakistani military’s statements “outright fabrications meant to deceive the public and cover up the army’s defeat.”

Jeeyand Baloch further claimed, “Pakistani state institutions are attempting to hide their failure by claiming successes they have not achieved.”

The hostage crisis began Tuesday afternoon when BLA fighters seized control of the Jaffar Express near Machh in Balochistan’s Bolan district, taking over 200 Pakistani military, paramilitary, police, and intelligence personnel as hostages.

The BLA initially issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate release of detained Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared activists, and captured resistance fighters.

BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch also stated that the group had repelled Pakistani ground and aerial reinforcements after intense fighting that lasted over eight hours, the Balochistan Post cited.

In its most recent statement, the BLA renewed its ultimatum, which now has less than 40 hours left, as reported by the Balochistan Post.

Jeeyand Baloch cautioned, “If our demands are not met within the remaining time, or if Pakistani forces attempt any further military intervention, all prisoners of war will be executed, and the seized train will be completely destroyed.”

Pakistani authorities have yet to officially respond to the BLA’s ultimatum or recent threats. The situation remains tense and unpredictable, with additional updates expected. (ANI)

DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday expressed concerns over the state’s declining birth rate and its potential impact on parliamentary seat allocation, urging newlyweds to prioritize childbirth.

Attending a marriage function, after wishing the newlyweds, Udhayanidhi said, “We will win 200-plus seats in Tamil Nadu in the 2026 elections. I request the couples who are getting married to be concerned about childbirth as soon as possible. Our state implemented birth control first, and due to this, we are now facing issues. If delimitation comes, we will lose eight parliamentary constituencies, while northern states will gain more than 100 seats.”

He further urged people to “Keep Tamil names for their children,” emphasizing the importance of preserving Tamil identity.

His remarks come amid ongoing debates over the impact of delimitation on southern states, with political leaders voicing concerns over potential representation imbalances.

Meanwhile in Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu Forest Minister, K Ponmudi and RS MP MM Abdulla met with Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumat to discuss the necessary steps to be taken regarding the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies by the BJP government. The DMK Minister also invited the Karnataka Deputy CM to participate in the meeting of representatives from South Indian states, being organized by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin in Chennai on March 22.

Earlier March 3, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged couples in the state to “give birth to a child immediately” to ensure greater representation in Parliament.

This move is a direct response to the Centre’s plans for constituency delimitation on a ‘pro-rata’ basis, which Stalin believes will unfairly limit southern states’ representation.

Addressing the marriage ceremony of a party worker’s son, Stalin said that MPs count depends on population, adding that now he won’t say don’t rush to give birth to child.

“Before it is used to say don’t give birth to child immediately, no need to rush. But now it is not necessary, we shouldn’t say that also.. Because it is being said that the number of MPs would be decided based on population. The situation created is more population, more MPs. But we have achieved success by focusing on family planning. Now I won’t say don’t rush to give birth to child, give birth to child immediately.”

Stalin emphasised that the number of MPs is directly tied to population, saying, “With 39 MPs, we are fighting for rights, with more MPs, we can achieve our thoughts” (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius saw the inking of various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

The MoUs centered upon currency settlement system, water, sharing of shipping information, among others.

MoU between the Central Bank of Mauritius and the Reserve Bank of India on Local Currency Settlement System, Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of Mauritius and the State Bank of India to finance Projects being implemented by the Central Water Authority, under the Pipe Replacement Programme, were signed to enhance the strategic partnership between the countries.

MoU between the Institute of Foreign Service of India, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius on Training Programme for Diplomats, Technical Agreement on the Sharing of White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the Mauritius Police Force was signed between the leaders.

MoU between Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius and ED of India was signed, with MoU between the Ministry of Industry SMEs and Cooperatives of Mauritius, and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of Indis, on Cooperation in the Field of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

MoU between the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms of Mauritius, and the National Centre for Good Governance, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances of India, on Training of Public Officers, MoU between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Ministry of Earth Sciences of India, and the Department for Continental shelf, Maritime Zones Administration and Exploration, Prime Minister’s Office of Mauritius was signed for enchancing administrative efficiency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized India’s role as a strong development partner to various countries, supporting infrastructure, healthcare, education, and connectivity projects worldwide.

In Mauritius this will mark another milestone, as he will inaugurate the Civil Service College and an Area Health Centre, both built with India’s grant assistance. These projects reflect India’s efforts to strengthen Mauritius’ administrative and healthcare capabilities, fostering long-term growth and capacity building.

PM Modi’s commitment for prosperity for all is visible in multiple key development projects undertaken across multiple nations with India’s assistance.

Under PM Modi’s leadership, India financed and developed the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in Bhutan, with the first phase completed in 2019 and the second in 2024. The hospital provides specialized maternal and child healthcare services and was inaugurated by PM Modi and Bhutanese PM in 2024.

In 2023, PM Modi with the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh jointly inaugurated three projects including Akhaura – Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link; Khulna – Mongla Port Rail Line; and Unit – II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant developed under India’s assistance.

Strengthening cross-border ties, PM Modi and the Nepali Prime Minister flagged off the Jayanagar-Kurtha railway in 2022, marking the first broad-gauge passenger railway link between India and Nepal, built with Indian grant assistance.

In 2021, PM Modi and Seychelles President Ramkalawan inaugurated the Magistrates’ Court building in Victoria, Seychelles, via video conferencing. This was the first Indian-assisted infrastructure project in the country, built with a USD 3.5 million Indian grant.

In 2020, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the new Supreme Court building in Mauritius through video conference. Also in 2019, both the leaders jointly inaugurated the Metro Express project and the New ENT Hospital in Mauritius via video conferencing.

In 2016, Prime Minister Modi and the then Afghan President inaugurated Afghan-India Friendship Dam also known as Salma Dam in western Afghanistan.

Strengthening his vision of neighbourhood first, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of Jaffna Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka in 2015, which was inaugurated in 2022 boosting the socio-cultural ties.

In 2015, the construction of Afghan Parliament Building was completed, which was inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and Afghanistan’s then-President. The project was part of India’s efforts to support the reconstruction in Afghanistan under India-Afghanistan development cooperation.

Under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s approach to global development has focused on mutual respect, sustainability, and capacity building, rather than conditional assistance. By investing in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security projects across different nations, India continues to reinforce its role as a reliable development partner. (ANI)

The wait for ‘Metro In Dino’ has finally been over. Aditya Roy Kapur and Sara Ali Khan starrer has finally got a release date.

Anurag Basu directorial anthology film Metro In Dino is set to hit the theatres on July 4. The anthology film also stars Anupam Kher, Konkana Sen, Neena Gupta, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Sheikh and Pankaj Kaooor in prominent roles.

T-Series, the film’s official distributor, shared a poster and announced the release date on Instagram. The post read, “When love, fate and city life collide magic is bound to happen!#Metro… In Dino brings the stories of heart from the cities that you love! Experience it on #July4th in cinemas near you”

‘Metro…In Dino’ marks Aditya and Basu’s second collaboration. The duo first worked together in ‘Ludo’.

‘Metro In Dino,’ a film that apparently draws its title from the popular song ‘In Dino’ from ‘Life in a… Metro’, will showcase bittersweet tales of human relationships based in contemporary times.

Sharing more details about the film, Basu had earlier said, “Metro In Dino is a tale of the people and for the people! It has been a while since I am working on this one and I am glad to be collaborating with a powerhouse like Bhushan Kumar yet again who has always been like a pillar to me!”

“The storyline is very fresh and relevant as I look forward to collaborating with amazing artists who bring that essence of contemporary aura with them. As music plays a very important role in any film, I couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with my dear friend Pritam who has literally added life to the characters and story with his work,” he added.

Basu is known for his films like ‘Barfi’, ‘Life In a Metro’, ‘Ludo’, and ‘Jagga Jasoos’.

Sara is set to share the screen with Ayushmann Khurrana for the first time in an upcoming action-comedy.

The film will be produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment. They are uniting once again for their third theatrical collaboration. (ANI)

The Bihar Assembly witnessed high drama on Wednesday as Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, demanding his resignation.

The uproar led to RJD MLAs walking out of the session, alleging that the CM and the ruling NDA had disrespected women, including Rabri Devi.

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi hit out at Nitish Kumar, alleging that he disrespects women. “Nitish Kumar consumes ‘bhaang’ and comes to the Assembly. He disrespects women, including me… He should see the kind of work we did when we were in power. What the people around him say, he speaks the same. His own party members and some BJP leaders are asking him to say such things,” she said.

Addressing the Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav also said, “Nitish Kumar should resign himself… Even before him, my father (Lalu Yadav) became an MP. He could not have become CM without us giving the ‘Samarthan Patra’… He should go to an ashram, as he cannot run the government. What is he doing with the future of 14 crore people? Nitish Kumar’s condition is not stable.”

A political row erupted during the Assembly session on March 7 after Nitish Kumar accused RJD of dynastic politics.

The Bihar CM attacked Lalu Prasad Yadav for appointing his wife, Rabri Devi, as CM when he was jailed in 1997 in connection with the fodder scam.

“You (RJD leaders) are from the party in which a husband made his wife the CM. They (RJD) have made you (women MLAs of RJD) the MLA, but have you done any work for women? How much work have we done for women? Do you people (RJD) understand that? You people are in the party which has done nothing for women,” Nitish Kumar had said in the Assembly.

In 1997, Lalu Prasad Yadav made his wife the Chief Minister when he was forced to resign as the CM after an arrest warrant was issued against him in a fodder scam case. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to the participants of the historic Dandi March on its 95th anniversary. He added that the courage, sacrifice, and commitment to truth and non-violence of the Dandi March participants continue to inspire generations.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Today, we pay homage to all those who participated in the historic Dandi March, a defining chapter in India’s freedom struggle. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this March ignited a nationwide movement for self-reliance and independence. The courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to truth and non-violence of all those who took part in the Dandi March continues to inspire generations.”

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also took to X to honor the Dandi March, calling it historic.

“On this Dandi March Day, we honor Mahatma Gandhi’s fearless stand against colonial rule. His historic Salt March sparked a movement that strengthened India’s fight for freedom and self-reliance,” Joshi said on X.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the 93rd anniversary of the Dandi March and called it “one of the strongest stances against” British oppression.

“On this day in 1930, Pujya Bapu started the Dandi March as a mark of protest against the oppressive salt tax imposed by the British. This brave act, which eventually galvanized thousands of people, will always be remembered as one of the strongest stances against the oppressors,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said on X.

Congress President Malllikarjun Kharge also paid Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and all freedom fighters.

“Exactly 95 years ago today, Mahatma Gandhi started the historic Dandi March and shook the foundations of British rule with a handful of salt. The nationwide movement of civil disobedience starting with the Salt Satyagraha was an important step towards fulfilling the Indian National Congress’s pledge of “Purna Swaraj”. The Congress party is still living the principles of Bapuji. Bapuji’s teachings and Satyagraha are as relevant today as they were in 1930. Protecting people’s rights by doing “padayatra” has been and will remain the aim of the Congress. On this occasion, we pay our tributes to all the freedom fighters for their incomparable contribution, struggle and sacrifice,” he said.

Congress also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the anniversary of the Dandi March.

In a post on X, Congress said, “On this day, Mahatma Gandhi led the famous Dandi March also known as the Salt Satyagraha beginning from the Sabarmati Ashram up to Dandi in Gujarat. The march was a major milestone in the Freedom Movement, symbolic of Indians attaining self-reliance based on truth and non-violence.”

The Dandi March, or Salt Satyagraha, was organised by Mahatma Gandhi from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to the coastal village of Dandi. The Salt Satyagraha was part of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movement against British rule.

The movement started on March 12, 1930, and ended on April 5, 1930. (ANI)

Following an intense political brawl in the Parliament between the treasury and Opposition benches over the National Education Policy, delimitation and other issues, DMK MP Kanimozhi criticised the Union Government, alleging that the centre has “made it a habit” to insult Tamil Nadu every day.

“Union Government has made it a habit to insult Tamil Nadu every day. Yesterday, it was the Education Minister. The Finance Minister has taken it upon herself to insult the Tamil Nadu govt. They make it look like they are doing some charity by giving schemes to Tamil Nadu. Every day, you can’t just insult,” the DMK MP told reporters on Tuesday.

Earlier today, showcasing their opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP), and Delimitation among other things, DMK MPs, including Kanimozhi held a protest on the premises of Parliament.

The party was also opposing the three-language formula in the NEP, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s earlier remarks.

“The Union Govt is withholding the money that has to be given to Tamil Nadu, saying that we have to sign the three-language policy and the NEP. They are ruining the future of the children of Tamil Nadu,” Kanomozhi said.

“They have no right to withhold the funds which have to come to the children of Tamil Nadu. Yesterday, he (Dharmendra Pradhan) responded in a very abusive way, saying that we are dishonest and that the people of Tamil Nadu are uncivilised. This is not the language we expect him to be speaking. This is totally undemocratic. We expect an apology,” she said.

Congress MP K Suresh slammed the central government over the National Education Policy (NEP), accusing it of pushing the policy without consulting state governments and academicians. He alleged that the government’s real intention is to “saffronise the entire education system.”

Speaking to ANI, K Suresh said, “Education policy change is a very serious issue. Without consulting state governments and academicians, they (central govt) brought in a new education policy. They want to saffronise the entire education system.”

Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) MP N K Premachandran also voiced his party’s stance on key issues impacting the people, emphasizing cooperation with the government while raising important concerns for the public.

“We will protest for the genuine interest of the people and we will raise their issues in the Parliament. But at the same time, we will cooperate with the government to run the House properly,” Premachandran stated.

One of the major issues Premachandran addressed was the delimitation issue. He stressed that states that have adhered to the Government of India’s family planning programs should not be penalized in the delimitation process. (ANI)

Former New Zealand pacer and ex-Mumbai Indians (MI) bowling coach said that another injury at the same spot where Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had his surgery could be a career-ender and added that in future, he would not like to see him play more than two Test matches in one go, ESPNCricinfo reported.

Bumrah has been nursing a lower back injury, which ruled him out of India’s famous run to Champions Trophy victory on Sunday. The bowler who has been branded as a “national treasure” by star batter Virat Kohli, fought a lone battle for India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, taking 32 wickets in five matches, before breaking down in the final Test match at Sydney earlier this year in January, suffering what turned out to be a stress-related injury. He has not played any competitive cricket since then and also missed India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy campaign.

Bumrah is completing his rehab at Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and there is no clarity over his availability for Mumbai Indians (MI) during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) starting from March 22 onwards.

Bumrah has not suffered a back injury for the first time, as he had surgery for it in March 2023. Bond, who worked with MI in the past as a bowling coach and is currently Rajasthan Royals’ bowling coach, said that Bumrah’s workload needs careful management to avoid another injury.

Bond is also notably known for having a back-injury-affected career himself. He played just 120 matches and picked 259 scalps for Kiwis from 2001-10. Like Bumrah, he had his first back surgery at 29. Despite his persistent injuries, Bond played till the age of 34, first retiring from Tests, then from all formats within less than six months.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo about Bumrah, he said, “When he went off for scans, it was at Sydney, there was some messaging coming up around that he had sprains and stuff like that. I worried that it was not going to be a sprain, it might be a bony injury around that area [the back]. I thought he may struggle to make the Champions Trophy if it was.”

Bond highlighted that the danger zone lies in the the quick transition from T20 to Test cricket. The former pacer highlighted it as a challenge as India prepares for the England tour of five Test matches, barely a month after the IPL ends on May 25.

“Look, I think Booms will be fine, but it is just that [workload] management [matters],” Bond said.

“Looking at the tours and the schedule going forward, where are the opportunities to give him a break, but really where are the danger periods? And often it is that the [transition from] IPL to the Test championship will be a risk.”

“Anywhere you transition from, particularly T20 to a Test match, it is challenging. If you are playing a one-day series, it is generally not too bad. You will play three games a week, you will have a practice, you are sort of in around that 40 overs [range], that is pretty close to a Test match week anyway. But in T20, particularly in the IPL, when you might be playing three games in a week, there is two days of travel, you might get one training [session], you are sort of bowling 20 overs maybe if you are lucky. That’s sort of half of a Test match load or even under a half of, which then is a big jump and you are not bowling back-to-back days. That is a big jump when you transition out of that,” he concluded his point.

India’s tour to England will be a tight one, with five Tests between June 28 to August 3. Bond said that India should not give Bumrah the workload he endured on the Australia tour, bowling a total of 151.2 overs, including 52 during the fourth Test, a Boxing Day game at Melbourne, his most in a Test match.

“He is too valuable for the next World Cup and stuff. So you would be looking at five Tests in England, I would not want to be playing him in any more than two in a row. Coming out of the back end of the IPL into a Test match is going to be a huge risk. And so how do they manage that is going to be key.”

“They may say, look, it is four Test matches in total. Or three. If we can get him through the English summer and he is fit, we can probably then go with some confidence that we can carry him across the rest of the formats. So that is hard because he is your best bowler, but if he has another injury in the same spot, that could be a career-ender, potentially, because I am not sure you can have surgery on that spot again.”

With Indian domestic season over, IPL is the only competitive cricket Bumrah can play before England tour. Bond feels IPL is “maybe touch and go” for Bumrah and “there will be an element of risk depending on the intensity that he is bowling at by the time he gets back”.

Bond said that it is Bumrah’s responsibility to work with the decision-makers in Indian cricket to plan a safe path that would help him secure longevity. “So it is going to take some good management and just some open conversations with the player and say, look, we are doing this with your best interest in your career. Any player who has gone through that, and having myself [gone through it], you are desperate to play, but you also understand there are some risks at certain times and you have to make some compromises.” (ANI)