Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer brought a delightful moment of levity to his press conference following the IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians. In the midst of discussing the game, a journalist’s phone began to ring, and Langer, displaying his good-natured humor, answered it.

He covered the phone and quipped, “Who is Ma? Who’s Mum ringing? Do you want me to answer? Hello. Mama, it’s 12:08. I’m at a press conference.” This lighthearted interaction was captured in a video shared on IPL’s social media channels, quickly garnering smiles from fans and reporters alike.

Langer’s upbeat demeanor was fitting, as he had just witnessed his team pull off a thrilling 12-run victory. The Super Giants, buoyed by impressive fifties from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, set a challenging target of 203/8. In response, the Mumbai Indians fought back valiantly but ultimately fell short, finishing at 191/5. The LSG bowlers demonstrated remarkable composure, particularly during crunch moments, to secure this much-needed win against a formidable opponent.

In addition to the game insights and his humorous phone call, Langer provided an encouraging update on fast bowler Mayank Yadav’s recovery. The coach confirmed that Yadav is making significant strides towards full fitness, estimating him to be at about 90-95% condition. Quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, Langer expressed optimism about Yadav’s progress, stating, “What I do know is he’s working very hard at the NCA, and I saw some video of him bowling yesterday [Thursday], and he was bowling at about 90 to 95%. So Mayank’s up and running, which is really great for Indian cricket and the IPL.”

He further underscored Yadav’s potential, noting, “We saw the impact he had last year. I don’t think there’s been a bowler in India who’s bowled faster than Mayank Yadav.” The excitement surrounding Yadav suggests that fans can look forward to his return and the explosive performances he brings to the game.

Overall, Langer’s combination of humour and optimism following the match not only entertained but also inspired confidence in LSG’s future prospects.

Jacqueline Fernandez is mourning the loss of her mother, Kim Fernandez, who passed away on Sunday in a Mumbai hospital. This heartbreaking news has been confirmed by Jacqueline’s team. Kim had been hospitalized at Lilavati Hospital for several weeks following a heart stroke, and she was placed in the ICU for recovery.

Throughout this difficult period, Jacqueline frequently visited her mother at the hospital. Her father, Elroy Fernandez, was also seen outside the hospital, supporting the family as they waited for updates from medical professionals.

During this time, Jacqueline made the tough decision to skip the IPL ceremony held in Guwahati, where she was expected to perform. A source close to Jacqueline disclosed to ANI that her mother’s health was the priority, stating, “Jacqueline’s mother is still in the ICU recovering. As the family awaits further updates from the doctors, Jacqueline has chosen to be by her mother’s side, and unfortunately will be missing performing at the IPL Ceremony.”

Earlier, Jacqueline once shared her deep admiration for her mother, calling her an “inspiration.” She reminisced about the strong bond they shared, saying, “My mom always supported me. I miss her a lot. I live here alone without my parents. There are these two people who have been so strong, and they have been such an inspiration for me, which always keeps me going.”

Jacqueline, who was born in Manama, Bahrain, grew up in a culturally diverse environment. Her mother, Kim, was of Malaysian and Canadian descent, while her father, Elroy Fernandez, is from Sri Lanka. The couple’s love story began in the 1980s when they met while Kim was working as an air hostess, showcasing a beautifully blended heritage.

As Jacqueline navigates this painful time, she is likely to reflect on the cherished memories and invaluable lessons imparted by her mother. The homage to Kim’s legacy will undoubtedly resonate with Jacqueline and inspire her as she continues her journey in the public eye.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly reacted after a tense on-field moment involving Khushdil Shah during the third ODI against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. The incident occurred after a group of Afghan-origin spectators allegedly hurled inappropriate and anti-Pakistan remarks, triggering a furious reaction from the cricketer.

Images and videos circulated online showed Khushdil Shah being restrained by security after charging toward a section of the crowd. The PCB later confirmed that Shah had intervened after hearing provocative chants and abusive language in Pashto.

“When anti-Pakistan slogans emerged, cricketer Khushdil Shah stepped in and urged the spectators to refrain. In response, the Afghan spectators escalated the situation,” the PCB said in an official statement.

Following the Pakistan team’s complaint, two Afghan-origin spectators were ejected from the ground.

Pakistan’s 43-run defeat in the third ODI not only resulted in a 0-3 series whitewash, but also marked the latest chapter in a string of spectator clashes involving Afghan fans. Past Pakistan vs Afghanistan encounters have often witnessed heated exchanges in the stands.

The PCB’s statement indirectly highlighted such precedents, including a controversial 2023 World Cup post-match comment by Afghan player Ibrahim Zadran, who used the stage to criticize Pakistan over deportation issues.

Meanwhile, the PCB also addressed concerns regarding Imam-ul-Haq, who retired hurt in the third over after being hit on the face by an accidental throw from a New Zealand fielder. A CT scan at Tauranga Hospital confirmed a mild concussion, but the opener was later declared fit to travel home with the squad.