The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to ignite the cricketing world as it enters its fourth blockbuster season starting January 9. This edition promises a fresh competitive edge following a high-stakes mega auction and historic venue shifts to Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will launch the tournament in a high-octane opener against 2024 winners …

I’ve been fortunate enough to walk the cavernous halls of a fair few of the world’s biggest trade shows in Las Vegas, they  promised, and delivered, staggering innovation and energy. Days of relentless discovery: robots pouring cappuccinos, AI so intuitive it seemed clairvoyant, and founders who spoke about change not as a cliché but as a lived reality. These were …

The West End’s post-pandemic revival has delivered a multimillion-pound boost to one of Britain’s biggest theatre groups, with the return of Oliver! helping Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s company rebound to, and surpass, pre-Covid trading levels. Cameron Mackintosh Limited reported an 18 per cent jump in revenues to £234 million last year, overtaking its 2019 performance as audiences returned in force and …

Nearly a quarter of British workers say their job is actively making them unhappy, with one in ten planning to resign this month, according to new research that will intensify concerns about productivity, retention and morale across the UK workforce. The survey, conducted by international education group ACS, found that 9 per cent of employees expect to hand in their …

Britons turned to their credit cards at the fastest pace in almost two years in the run-up to Christmas and November’s Budget, even as signs emerged that households were becoming more cautious elsewhere. Data from the Bank of England shows that outstanding credit card balances rose to nearly £78bn in November, up 12.1 per cent on the same month last …

Legendary West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo appeared on the Beard Before Wicket podcast to discuss his transition from a global playing icon to his new high-profile mentoring role. During the wide-ranging conversation with hosts Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, the 42-year-old was asked to assemble a ‘dream team’ that he believes represents the absolute pinnacle of the shortest format. Bravo, …

The head of the world’s largest technology trade show has accused the UK government of failing to properly support British businesses on the global stage, warning that the country is falling behind its European peers when it comes to showcasing innovation. Gary Shapiro, chief executive of the Consumer Technology Association, which organises CES in Las Vegas, said Britain’s presence at …

Pretoria Capitals host Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the 14th match of SA20 2025-26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on January 5. Sunrisers hold a slight edge in recent form and head-to-head battles, but Capitals seek a home boost to climb the table.​ Sunrisers Eastern Cape sit second with 12 points from 4 matches (2 wins, 1 loss, 1 no result), boasting …

Business confidence showed a modest improvement in December, but employers continue to rein in hiring and delay investment amid ongoing cost pressures and regulatory uncertainty, according to new data from the Institute of Directors. The IoD’s Directors’ Economic Confidence Index, which tracks business leader optimism about the wider UK economy, rose to -66 in December, up from -73 in November, …

UK pubs and restaurants are significantly scaling back staffing levels as higher costs and weaker consumer demand continue to batter the hospitality sector. New data from Bristol-based hospitality recruitment platform Limber shows that average shift hours posted by hospitality businesses in 2025 are down 30% compared with 2022, underlining the depth of pressure facing operators across the industry. According to …

In a gripping low-scoring encounter at the International Sports Stadium in Coffs Harbour, Joel Davies emerged as the all-round hero, steering the Sydney Sixers to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat in the 24th match of BBL|15 on January 5, 2026. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Sixers restricted the Heat to a meagre 114/9, …

Farmers have staged a surprise overnight blockade of major supermarket distribution centres, escalating tensions over farmgate prices and the cost pressures facing UK food producers. Shortly after midnight on Sunday 4 January, around 32 farmers used tractors to block three supermarket depots in Northamptonshire, targeting two sites operated by Tesco and one run by Sainsbury’s in the Daventry area. The …

As India reflects on its historic Women’s World Cup 2025 triumph, the focus has swiftly shifted toward the future of the team’s leadership. With current captain Harmanpreet Kaur now 36 and entering the twilight of her illustrious career, the search for a long-term successor has intensified. While Smriti Mandhana has long been the frontrunner, South African legend Marizanne Kapp has …

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remains one of the most important barometers of the country’s economic health, investor confidence, and future growth prospects. Despite recurring macroeconomic challenges, political uncertainty, and external pressures, the PSX has repeatedly demonstrated resilience, delivering periods of strong returns and renewed investor interest. As Pakistan navigates economic reforms and structural adjustments, the role of PSX becomes …

The global halal food market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by rising Muslim populations, ethical consumerism, and international demand for high-quality, certified halal products. Pakistan, with its vast livestock resources and traditional halal practices, is emerging as a key player in this sector. With proper infrastructure, policy support, and global marketing strategies, Pakistan has the potential to become a major …