By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

In a bizarre yet IPL-historic moment, Mumbai Indians’ batter Tilak Varma walked off the pitch mid-innings during a tense chase against LSG. As MI needed 24 runs off 7 balls, Tilak, batting on 25 off 23 balls, casually retired out and made way for Mitchell Santner. The decision sparked conversation across cricket circles, as Tilak struggled to accelerate at a critical juncture.

This made Tilak only the fourth batter in IPL history to voluntarily exit stage left, and left fans wondering whether he had dinner plans or just didn’t want to deal with Digvesh Rathi.

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has broken his silence on Tilak Varma’s rare ‘retired out’ decision, calling it an obvious and tactical move made in the dying stages of the run chase. Speaking after the game, Pandya said, “It was obvious (on Tilak being retired out). We needed some hits. In cricket, some of those days come. When you try but it doesn’t come off.”

Despite Pandya’s maiden T20 five-wicket haul, MI fell short by 12 runs, marking their third loss in four games.

While the retired out decision made headlines, Hardik, showcasing his leadership, didn’t blame anyone—except everyone. The MI skipper took responsibility for the broader batting collapse, highlighting the collective failure of the team’s top and middle order. “We win as a team. We lose as a team. Don’t want to point someone out. The ownership has to be taken by the whole batting unit. I take full ownership,” he said.

Rathi’s economical spell ruins MI’s party,

One of the biggest challenges for MI’s batters was the disciplined bowling from LSG’s young leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi. The spinner gave away only 21 runs in his four overs and dismissed the in-form Naman Dhir for 46, playing a key role in restricting MI during the middle overs.

Hardik’s fifer in vain as MI struggles continue

Despite delivering his best T20 figures, Pandya’s five-wicket haul couldn’t prevent defeat. Reflecting on his bowling, he said, “I have always enjoyed my bowling. I try to read the wicket and try some smart options. I don’t try to go for wickets. I try to bowl dot balls and let the batters take risks.”

Looking ahead, Pandya stressed the importance of smarter decision-making across departments. “Just play good cricket. I like to keep it simple. Take better calls. Be smart in bowling. Take chances in batting. Play simple cricket with some aggression. As it is a long tournament, couple of wins and we might get into the rhythm.”

At Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration in Redmond, Washington, the company’s AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman was interrupted by an employee protesting the tech giant’s alleged involvement in military activities linked to Israel. The protest, which unfolded during Suleyman’s speech about Microsoft’s AI assistant, highlighted growing internal dissent over the company’s partnerships amid the Israel Gaza conflict.

Protester disrupts speech, accuses Microsoft of complicity

The protesting pro-Palestinian employee, Ibtihal Aboussad, interrupted Suleyman’s presentation with strong allegations, shouting, “You are a war profiteer. Stop using AI for genocide.” In response, Suleyman calmly replied, “I hear your protest, thank you,” before the employee was escorted away from the event.

AI use in military targeting raises ethical concerns

Earlier this year, an investigation by The Associated Press reported that AI models developed by Microsoft and OpenAI had been used in Israeli military operations to identify bombing targets in Gaza and Lebanon. These revelations have added fuel to ongoing global debates about the role of tech firms in armed conflicts.

The protest also comes amid a broader wave of dissent across corporations and academic institutions, with students, employees, and civil society groups voicing concern over affiliations with Israel during its military campaign in Gaza.

Gaza crisis and mounting accusations

The latest round of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began in October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel that resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza has reportedly led to over 50,000 Palestinian casualties, widespread internal displacement, and severe hunger, according to Gazan health officials. Israel has denied accusations of genocide and war crimes.

In a recent report, the United Nations has revealed that at least 100 children are being killed or injured every day since Israel resumed its military operations on March 18.

Microsoft employee says accounts locked after protest

Following the incident, The Verge cited an internal email from Aboussad justifying her actions to fellow employees. She reportedly stated that she and another participant in the protest lost access to their work accounts afterward.

In a statement, Microsoft emphasized that it supports open expression but expects employees to raise concerns through non-disruptive channels: “We provide many avenues for all voices to be heard in a way that does not cause business interruption.”

A tragic incident unfolded in Noida’s Sector 15 area on Friday, where a 55-year-old man allegedly killed his wife with a hammer, suspecting her of having an extramarital affair. The accused, Nurullah Haider, was taken into custody shortly after the couple’s son reported the crime to the police.

Argument turns fatal at family home

According to police officials, the accused struck his 42-year-old wife, Asma Khan, on the head during a heated argument. The impact proved fatal and she succumbed to her injuries on the spot.

Haider, currently unemployed, is an engineering graduate from Bihar. His wife, a software engineer, was employed at a private firm in Noida’s Sector 62. A graduate of Jamia Millia Islamia University, Asma had previously lived in Delhi before moving to Noida.

The couple had been married since 2005 and shared two children—a son, who is pursuing engineering, and a daughter studying in Class 8.

Son alerts police, father taken into custody

Authorities stated that the family’s son dialed the emergency helpline 112 to report the incident. A team of police officials and forensic experts arrived at the scene shortly after and confirmed the woman’s death. The body was sent for post-mortem.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rambadan Singh confirmed the arrest and stated, “We have taken the accused into custody and initiated an investigation. The forensic team has collected evidence from the scene.”

Family reveals ongoing tensions

The victim’s brother-in-law disclosed that the couple had been involved in regular disputes, but the family had not anticipated such a violent outcome. “Their daughter informed me about the incident. They had been arguing for several days, but no one expected this,” he said.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are examining the history of the domestic conflict and any additional evidence that may clarify the circumstances leading to the brutal act.