News India Times

Entertainment - Continued On Page 26 www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Cricket: England To Host New Zealand, Pakistan In Test Series In 2026; India To Play T20s In UK E ngland will host New Zealand and Pakistan in test series next year, and India and Sri Lanka will visit for white-ball tours, the country’s cricket governing body (ECB) said on Thursday. England will play three tests against New Zealand in June, starting at Lord’s, and Paki- stan will arrive in mid-August for three tests. India and Sri Lanka, who are jointly host- ing the Twenty20World Cup early next year, will play one-day and T20 internationals in England. “It’s terrific to see so many different nations coming over to compete and we can expect another summer of big crowds and fantastic cricket,” ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould said in a statement. -Reuters Cricket – International Test Match Series – Fourth Test – England v India – Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester, Britain – July 23, 2025 England’s Ben Stokes celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of India’s Sai Sudharsan. Olympics-India Sets House In Order, Targets Doping Menace To Boost 2036 Bid T he usually fractious Indian Olympic Association (IOA) put on a united front and declared a war against doping on Thursday to boost the country’s bid to host the 2036 Games in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. The world’s most populous nation, which staged the 2010 Commonwealth Games in its capital New Delhi, has confirmed bidding for the 2036 edition of “the greatest show on earth”. Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile are also bidding for the 2036 Olympics, and Qatar on Tuesday became the latest country to show interest in hosting the Games. An Indian delegation visited the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne this month and media reports said the IOA was told to put its house in order and address the threat of doping. IOA President P.T. Usha spoke to media on Thursday, accompanied by several executive council members, who discussed a no-confidence motion to oust her last year. “What came out (in the media) was probably exag- gerated,” executive council member Harpal Singh told reporters. “In the interest of the nation, we have resolved all those minor differences within ourselves. “I assure you that going forward, we will strongly stand united and bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.” The IOA has decided to address the country’s dismal doping record in recent years. Rohit Rajpal, another IOA executive council member, said India had made “significant strides” but an “organ- ised racket” stood in the way of cleaning up sports. “All these areas are going to be attacked by all of us in a very aggressive manner, and hopefully we’ll have a free-and-fair sport,” Rajpal said after announcing a new anti-doping education programme. IOA chief executive Raghuram Iyer was upbeat about India’s chances of getting the 2036 Games. “We are in the stage of continuous dialogue with the IOC,” said Iyer. “It’s a lot about sustainability, athlete-cen- tric work and the legacy that you’re going to leave.” With new IOC President Kirsty Coventry pausing the venue selection process, Iyer is expecting more countries to enter the race to host the 2036 Games. “I think in the next couple of years is when we will re- ally get to know which direction it is going to,” Iyer said. “It was a very positive meeting with the IOC top brass. The follow-up would be, at some point in time, they would look at coming down to India very soon.” India is also bidding to host the Commonwealth Games again in 2030. -Reuters By Amlan Chakraborty PHOTO:@gidfoundation.org PHOTO:Action Imagesvia Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo Olympic rings are pictured outside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ahead of newly elected President Kirsty Coventry first Executive Board meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 25, 2025. Tusshar Kapoor Joins Masti 4, His Third Comic Franchise T usshar Kapoor has officially joined the ensemble cast of Masti 4, marking an exciting new addition to the beloved comedy franchise. On stepping into this new role, Tusshar says, “Masti is a successful brand in the comic genre, my role is an interesting new addition and I wanted to collaborate with Indra Kumar-ji and Amar Jhunjhunwala (co-produc- er) for a long time for something worthwhile! Plus, Milap Zaveri and I have worked earlier, but this time around it’s much bigger and better too!” He adds, “I readily accepted this film after hearing a brief narration of the story and my role in it! I can’t reveal much about my character now, but it’s something you’ve never seen me do before! I had to watch a few regional as well as foreign language films to prepare for it!” When asked about the on-set chemistry with the origi- nal trio, Tusshar reflects, “I’ve worked with all the three actors separately before, and with Aftab in a similar zone for Kyaa Kool Hai Hum 3! Therefore, there was no reason to be concerned about the chemistry between us and, most importantly, they welcomed me with open arms when I reached the outdoor venue where the film was be- ing shot! We were all excited and in sync with each other from the very first day. I’m sure the camaraderie and fun off-screen will reflect on-screen, too.” Addressing the film’s tone, which balances bold content with wider appeal, Tusshar says, “Masti 4 is an adult but family (!!) comedy and has been written keeping the sensibilities of the wider audience in mind. My job as an actor is to do my job with sincerity and conviction! Regarding the boldness, my director is more concerned than me about the limits of the Masti universe and he’d be best able to explain further!” With Milap Zaveri making his directorial debut for the Masti franchise, the film promises a fresh take—one that blends the signature Masti-style adult humor with a stronger story arc. Tusshar has been a significant part of the 4-film Gol- maal franchise, and the 3-film Kyaa Kool Hain Hum series Sports News India Times (July 26, 2025 - August 1, 2025) August 1, 2025 18 By RajivVijayakar