Pioneer in short
India-Pak Handshake question looms
Tension and anticipation are building ahead of Sunday’s T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in Colombo, with uncertainty over whether the teams will shake hands before the match. India captain Suryakumar Yadav, speaking on Saturday, said with a grin, “Wait for 24 hours… Eat well and go to sleep,” deflecting questions about the handshake. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha echoed the cryptic response, adding that the “Spirit of the Game” should be upheld regardless. Players have not shaken hands since last year’s Asia Cup, following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, leaving the gesture highly sensitive. The Indian camp is reportedly cautious of public sentiment on social media, while decisions on protocol will be taken by higher officials. Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed he will attend the match to observe proceedings and engage with BCCI representatives. From India, BCCI president Mithun Manhas, secretary Devajit Saikia, and vice-president Rajeev Shukla are expected. ICC officials invited representatives from five Asian countries to attend, signaling efforts to maintain decorum and dialogue at the high-profile encounter.
Mumbai metro collapse kills one
A 35-year-old man was killed and three others injured on Saturday after a parapet segment of the under-construction Metro Line 4 collapsed onto vehicles in Mulund, Mumbai. The accident occurred around 12.15 pm near the Johnson & Johnson factory on LBS Road when the concrete segment fell from an elevated stretch, crushing an autorickshaw and a car. Ramdhan Yadav, who was travelling to a wedding with family members, died. Three others were injured, one critically, officials said. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which is executing the project, said the segment fell near pier 196 close to the Mulund Fire Station. Line 4 connects Wadala to Thane. CM Devendra Fadnavis announced `5 lakh compensation.
