NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on Monday after experiencing cough and difficulty in breathing. The 85-year-old leader was brought from his residence in Baramati to the medical facility in the afternoon.

Doctors conducted a CT scan after his arrival, which revealed a chest infection. According to the hospital’s chief cardiologist and managing trustee, Pawar is currently undergoing medical evaluation, and doctors are considering keeping him under observation for at least a day.

A team of specialists is monitoring his condition, and further treatment decisions will be taken based on the test results and clinical assessment.

Sharad Pawar was accompanied to the hospital by his daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule and her husband, Sadanand Sule. After reaching the hospital, Pawar stepped out of the vehicle on his own before being taken inside in a wheelchair.

Party sources said Pawar, an oral cancer survivor, has been suffering from a throat infection along with persistent cough and chest congestion.

The standoff surrounding Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup group-stage match against India appears to be entering its final phase, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejecting several key demands raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during negotiations.

Senior officials from the PCB, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the ICC recently held discussions aimed at resolving the deadlock over what is widely considered the most commercially significant fixture of the tournament. Estimates suggest the India–Pakistan clash alone could be worth more than Rs 4,000 crore when broadcast, sponsorship, and commercial factors are taken into account.

According to sources, while some proposals received partial consideration, the ICC firmly declined requests that involved bilateral cricketing arrangements.

What Pakistan asked for and how the ICC responded

One of the PCB’s demands was that Bangladesh should not face any financial penalty despite not playing the T20 World Cup. The ICC clarified that this had already been decided, confirming that Bangladesh would receive its full revenue share.

The PCB also sought an additional ICC event for Bangladesh in the next cycle as compensation. In response, the ICC indicated that hosting an Under-19 World Cup during the upcoming cycle is under consideration.

However, Pakistan’s more politically sensitive proposals were rejected. The PCB urged the ICC to intervene in facilitating a bilateral series between India and Pakistan. The ICC declined, stating that bilateral series fall outside its jurisdiction, including within the framework of the World Test Championship.

A proposal for a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh also met a similar fate, with the ICC reiterating that it has no authority to mandate such tournaments. Likewise, a request for ICC involvement in ensuring an India tour of Bangladesh in 2026 was turned down, with the council maintaining that international tours are decided directly between cricket boards.

Deadline given, decision awaited

Sources said the ICC has granted the PCB a 24-hour window after chairman Mohsin Naqvi requested time to consult Pakistan’s Prime Minister. A follow-up meeting is expected soon, and an official announcement from the ICC is likely within the next day.

With commercial stakes high and the tournament schedule looming, the coming hours could determine whether Pakistan formally reverses its boycott stance or allows the issue to escalate further.

Several schools across Delhi received bomb threat emails on Monday morning, prompting immediate security action by authorities. According to the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), the first distress call was received at around 8:33 am, following which fire tenders and bomb disposal teams were rushed to the affected locations.

At least nine schools across different parts of the city reported receiving similar threat messages. Security checks were carried out as a precautionary measure, and students and staff were kept under close supervision.

The schools that received the bomb threats include Loreto Convent School in Delhi Cantonment, Cambridge School in Srinivaspuri, Venkateshwar School in Rohini, CM School in Rohini, Bal Bharati School in Rohini, Cambridge School in New Friends Colony, The Indian School in Sadiq Nagar, and DTA School in the INA area.

Threatening emails contain provocative messages

The emails reportedly carried disturbing and provocative content, claiming that “Delhi will become Khalistan” and referring to “Punjab as Khalistan” while invoking the memory of Afzal Guru. The messages also alleged that a blast would take place inside Parliament on February 13 at 1:11 pm.

Authorities treated the threats seriously and initiated standard operating procedures to ensure safety. More schools were reported to be receiving similar emails as the day progressed.

Further details are awaited as investigations continue.