Afghanistan Premier League T20 Reveals 3 Teams And New 'Koh-E-Zafar' Trophy

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), along with team owners and league partners, hosted a launch ceremony in Dubai to announce the debut of the Afghanistan Premier League T20 (APL T20). During the event, officials revealed the league's first three teams, their official identities, and the main championship trophy. The three founding franchises taking part in the inaugural season are Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan, and Kandahar Warriors. Each team aims to represent the passion of local cricket fans across different regions of Afghanistan. Team owners shared their vision for the league, focusing on building professional organizations, developing young local talent, and delivering an exciting, competitive style of play.

The league also unveiled its championship trophy, named 'Koh-E-Zafar'. The design is inspired by Afghanistan's famous mountain ranges, symbolizing strength, endurance, and top-level sporting achievement. ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf noted that the name reflects the ongoing journey of building a strong cricketing tradition for future generations.

In addition to the team and trophy reveals, officials announced key dates for the upcoming season. Player registration for the APL T20 Draft opens on August 30, 2026, on the official website (www.apl-t20.com), followed by the official Player Draft on September 27, 2026. The tournament is scheduled to begin on December 27, 2026, with further details regarding host venues and full match schedules to be released in the coming weeks.

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'It Hit Me In Ways I Didn't See Coming': Rashmika Reviews Ravi Teja's Irumudi

Rashmika Mandanna has praised Ravi Teja's latest film Irumudi. The actor said the film unexpectedly touched her and praised the team for telling a story that she believes needs to be discussed.

Irumudi released in theatres on August 21 and has been doing well at the box office. Sharing her thoughts on X, Rashmika said that people growing up in small towns often turn to their elders when something troubles them. 

Rashmika wrote, "Yesterday I had the opportunity to watch Irumudi.. What a beautiful film it is.. it hit me in ways I didn't see coming.. Generally when we grow up in small towns something happens to us or something bothers us our first response will be to tell our elders what happened because that's the innocence in us.. and then the reality hits us.. and we are then told to keep quiet.. no matter what.."

She went on to praise the film and its cast and crew. Rashmika wrote, "This film was such a wonderful surprise and speaks of something that should be spoken about. Congratulations @RaviTeja_offl sir. I am so so happy for you for this success.. congratulations to Nakshathra.. you were the sunshine in the film, your smile made me smile.. congratulations sweetie @ShivaNirvana you deserve this success and how.. so so happy for you. Congratulations to the whole team - Thankyou for making a beautiful film like this."

Yesterday I had the opportunity to watch Irumudi.. ❤️

What a beautiful film it is.. ❤️ it hit me in ways I didn't see coming.. ❤️
Generally when we grow up in small towns something happens to us or something bothers us our first response will be to tell our elders what happened… pic.twitter.com/lyntnD3bm3

— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) August 25, 2026

Irumudi Box Office Update

According to Sacnilk, the film has earned Rs 73 crore in India gross so far, while its India net collection stands at Rs 62.85 crore.

The film collected Rs 1.50 crore on Day 4, taking the worldwide gross collection to Rs 88 crore.

About The Film

Ravi Teja-starrer Irumudi is a family drama that revolves around the relationship between a father and his daughter.

Ravi Teja plays a man who has faced several difficulties in his past. He now leads a simple life with his daughter and tries to build a stable future for both of them. The story takes a turn when his daughter asks him to take Ayyappa Deeksha. He agrees to undertake the 41-day spiritual journey.

The film follows how he deals with these difficulties while continuing his spiritual journey. His relationship with his daughter remains an important part of the story.

Helmed by Shiva Nirvana and backed by Mythri Movie Makers and T-Series Films, the film's cast includes Priya Bhavani Shankar, Baby Nakshathra, Sai Kumar, Ajay Ghosh and Swasika Vijay. 

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"Canada Ripping Off US": Trump Escalates Trade War With 50% Tariffs From 2027

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would raise tariffs up to 50 per cent on a range of Canadian products in the auto sector from 2027 after trade talks between the neighbouring countries collapsed. Trump threatened Canada and said that it will no longer be treated like a US "state".

"On January first, 2027, tariffs on all cars, trucks, both large and small, automotive parts, and steel, will be increased to 50%. Build in the U.S. And there are zero tariffs," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The current US tariff on autos stands at 25 per cent for non-US content, while imported steel to the United States generally faces a 50-per cent duty.

The White House had alleged "discriminatory treatment" by Canada against US alcohol, automobile and dairy products in rolling out the duties.

Last week, Trump delayed the implementation of the tariffs by three days last week after the two countries had stepped up talks towards a trade deal.

The tariffs came into effect on Saturday after the negotiations collapsed, and it hits about 5.5 per cent of Canadian goods entering the US. The tariffs will affect about $20 billion worth of products ranging from hockey sticks to cement.

In a long post, he accused Canada of "ripping off" the United States for years and claimed that the country's "ridiculously high tariffs" on US farmers and their farm products have made life difficult for them. The US leader alleged that such tariffs have created a "60 billion dollar deficit" between the two countries.

Trump said that Canada is among the "worst" countries in the world to deal with. 

"They feel entitled, and yet, we don't need Canada, they need us! They do 95% of their business with the U.S., with us, the exact opposite!" Trump wrote.

Canada's Carney Says US Launched 'Trade War'

After the negotiations between Washington and Ottawa broke down on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he walked away because of a 'bad trade deal' and vowed to slap retaliatory tariffs on the US on Saturday.

Carney claimed that the US proposed new terms that were "uneconomic" and "unfair" and said that they undermined the net benefits for Canada.

He accused Trump of launching a trade "war" and said, "You're at war when you get attacked. We got attacked."

"We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked," Carney said.

New Canadian tariffs will notably target the US steel and dairy industries and take effect on September 8. Carney said further details would come next week.
 

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Which Place Is Known As The Butter Capital Of India?

Butter is something most of us keep in the fridge without giving it much thought. But in one small town in Tamil Nadu, butter is more than just a breakfast spread. It is a local speciality that has been made the traditional way for generations and has become closely tied to the town's identity. So, which place is known as the Butter Capital of India? Let's find out.

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Uthukuli Is Widely Regarded As The Butter Capital Of India

Photo: Unsplash

The answer is Uthukuli, a town in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district. For decades, Uthukuli has been associated with a traditional variety of butter called Uthukuli Vennai. Made using age-old churning methods, this butter has earned a loyal following for its distinctive taste and texture. Its popularity eventually gave the town a unique title: the Butter Capital of India.

What Makes Uthukuli Butter Special?

Unlike the glossy, factory-made butter commonly sold in supermarkets, Uthukuli butter has its own character. It is known for its soft texture, mildly sour flavour and natural appearance. The taste develops from the traditional way milk and cream are handled before the butter is churned. Many local producers continue to make it in small batches, helping preserve the qualities that make it different from commercial varieties.

How Is It Made?

The process begins with fresh milk. After the milk is boiled and cooled, the cream is collected over time. Once enough cream has been gathered, it is churned until the butter separates from the buttermilk. Traditionally, this churning is done using a wooden churner. The butter is then washed and worked into the desired consistency before it is ready to be used or sold. While modern production methods are faster, this labour-intensive process remains an important part of Uthukuli's dairy heritage.

A Tradition That Has Stood The Test Of Time

Photo: Unsplash

Butter-making has long been linked to dairy farming in the region. Over the years, local producers and dairy units have helped keep the tradition alive, turning Uthukuli butter into one of the town's most recognised products. Today, the butter is sold well beyond Uthukuli and can be found in different parts of Tamil Nadu. Efforts have also been made to promote and document its unique identity as a regional food speciality.

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Butter Capital Vs Butter City: What's The Difference?

The nickname can sometimes cause confusion because another Indian town is also associated with butter. Bardoli in Gujarat is popularly known as the Butter City of India, a title linked to its strong dairy industry and its role in the cooperative milk movement in South Gujarat. Uthukuli, meanwhile, is widely regarded as the Butter Capital of India because of its long-standing tradition of producing its famous local butter.

So, while Bardoli is known as the Butter City, Uthukuli remains the place most closely associated with India's traditional butter-making heritage.

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Treesa-Gayatri Lose Semi-Final, Clinch Maiden BWF World Championships Bronze

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand's extraordinary run ended with a fighting three-game loss to world No. 1 and defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in the women's doubles semifinals at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi on Saturday, as the Indian pair signed off with a maiden bronze medal. The unseeded Indians produced a sensational start to pocket the opening game but could not sustain the pressure against the mighty Chinese pair, going down 21-18, 13-21, 8-21 in an hour and 11 minutes. India last won a BWF World Championships medal in women's doubles in 2011, when Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa claimed bronze in London.

The Indian pair didn't have a favourable head-to-head record against the Chinese, having lost six times with just one to show in seven meetings so far.

However, Treesa and Gayatri raced to a 7-2 lead to put the Chinese pair under early pressure. Liu and Tan quickly fought their way back with a series of sharp rallies. Six straight points from the Chinese pair turned the match around as they moved ahead.

The Chinese made effective use of angled returns, forcing the Indians into errors, with several shots finding the net. A nine-point run took Liu and Tan to an 11-7 lead at the interval.

The rallies were generally short, averaging around 15 shots, but the Indians began to regain their rhythm after the resumption. Treesa ended the Chinese run with a well-executed point.

Another attack at the front court forced the Chinese long, before a 31-shot rally brought the Indians level at 12-12. A fabulous exchange followed, ending with a cross-court winner from Treesa as India moved ahead.

The Indians' attack was becoming sharper. Gayatri, however, was punished for a short lift as the Chinese regained the advantage at 15-13. Treesa then produced a superb return of serve to leave the Chinese pair stretched, cutting the deficit to 14-16. A fired-up Treesa followed it with a jump smash and another aggressive play at the front court as India drew level again.

The Chinese responded with relentless attacking play and moved to 18-16, but the Indians won a video referral to make it 17-18. Treesa then produced a crouching defensive return during a flat exchange to level the scores at 18-18.

Another superb rally ended with a scathing cross-court winner from Treesa as India moved to 19-18. The unseeded pair then earned two game points after Tan found the net. They converted on their first opportunity when the Chinese pair sent a shot long, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The ecstatic home crowd roared Treesa and Gayatri on.

After the change of ends, the Chinese opened up a 3-0 lead. A short serve gave India its first point, while a lucky net cord made it 4-1 before Liu found the net. The Indians responded with a cross-court, cross-body combination and excellent follow-up play. An effective flick serve and counter-attack helped them close the gap to 4-5.

Gayatri then went long to make it 6-4. The Indians tried to put pressure on the Chinese with pushes towards the backline, but a few errors crept in, with Treesa sending one long to make it 7-4. Gayatri's attacking shots from the back court began forcing the Chinese wide.

Treesa's cross-court drop made it 6-8, before a Chinese smash into the net reduced the deficit further to 7-8. Treesa found the net, but followed it with another tricky cross-net shot to make it 9-10. India drew level at 10-10 before taking the lead when the Chinese defence produced two errors.

However, Liu and Tan wrested the lead back at 12-11.

A 49-shot rally followed, but Treesa eventually found the net. A tumble serve set up the next point for the Chinese, who opened a 14-12 lead. The Indians then sent another shot wide, followed by two net errors from Gayatri, allowing China to move to 17-12.

Another precise shot onto the backline made it 18-12, before Gayatri's long lift gave the Chinese a 19-12 advantage. Treesa then found the net as the Chinese earned eight game points. Liu and Tan converted their second opportunity to take the match into a decider.

The third game began with intense rallies, with India winning a 56-shot exchange to make it 2-2. The Chinese then changed the pace effectively to move 4-2 ahead. The Indians appeared slightly passive in defence, and Liu targeted Treesa with a body return to make it 6-2.

The Indians continued to fight, but errors began to hurt them. A net shot stayed inside, leaving Treesa disappointed, before another Indian error and a shot wide allowed China to take an 11-5 lead at the interval.

Treesa and Gayatri didn't dial up the same intensity as the first game as the Chinese moved to 12-5 before a flick serve took them to 14-5. It was a one-way traffic as the Chinese moved to 17-7. Eventually a perfect cross-court winner gave Liu and Tan 12 match points, and they sealed the contest with a cross-court shot.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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BWF Championships: Treesa-Gayatri Enter Semi-Finals, Assure India Of A Medal

BWF World Championships Highlights: India's Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand assured themselves of a medal at the World Championships with a come-from-behind win over China's Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in the women's doubles quarterfinal in New Delhi on Friday. The Indian unseeded pair, which is on a comeback trail after Treesa recovered from an injury, toiled for one hour nine minutes to produce one of the biggest wins of their career, a 16-21 21-15 21-13 triumph to cruise to the last four stage and be assured of at least a bronze medal. India last claimed a BWF World Championships medal in women's doubles in 2011, when Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won the bronze in London.

BWF World Championships Highlights:

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Preparations Complete For Imran Khan's Transfer From Jail To Islamabad Hospital

Preparations have been completed for the possible transfer of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, with security tightened around the facility, according to local Pakistani media reports.

A heavy deployment of police and Rangers was reported outside the hospital as authorities finalised arrangements for Khan's possible transfer. Senior police officials also visited the facility to review the security plan.

Khan is expected to enter the hospital through Gate No. 1, according to the reports. Multiple media reports said that security was stepped up on Thursday night as the deadline approached for the transfer of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder for medical treatment under a Supreme Court order.

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Roads around the hospital were cleared of vehicles, while senior Islamabad police officials inspected the arrangements. Pakistani media reported that Khan's sister, Aleema Khanum, also reached Adiala Jail.

The Supreme Court had ordered Khan's transfer to a hospital for treatment for several days and directed the government to arrange weekly meetings between him and his family.

The government subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the scope of the order, arguing that some aspects could have wider implications for the prison healthcare system.

Pakistan Today reported that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the government had until midnight to implement the transfer order and that the Islamabad administration was working on the arrangements.

In the Senate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government would ensure that Khan received the treatment required under the court's directive. He said that if the necessary facilities were unavailable at a government hospital, treatment could be arranged at Shifa International Hospital or another better-equipped facility.

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“There is no intention to oppose or create hurdles in the provision of necessary medical treatment,” the minister said.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja claimed the government had withdrawn its review petition after objections from the court's filing branch and demanded immediate implementation of the order.

PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram, meanwhile, urged supporters not to create obstacles to Khan's treatment, saying his health should take priority over political activity or public gatherings.

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