31 July 2026

Latest:

Excited to lead Purani Dilli 6 in DPL season three, focus is on playing positive cricket: Rawat

31 July 2026 colorsnews.in

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) Wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat has expressed excitement over leading Purani Dilli 6 in Delhi Premier League (DPL) season three, starting on Friday, adding the side is eager to start their campaign on a winning note and that they have left no stone unturned in its preparations leading up to their tournament opener against Central Delhi Kings.

Purani Dilli 6 will take on Central Delhi Kings in the opening match of the league at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Friday evening. “We have had around 15 to 16 practice sessions leading up to the tournament, and the intensity and commitment shown by every player has been outstanding.

“The squad has prepared really well, and everyone is looking forward to stepping onto the field. It is a proud moment for me to lead Purani Dilli 6, and I am ready for the responsibility. We have a talented group with the right mix of experience and youth, and our focus is on playing positive cricket, giving our best in every game, and starting the tournament with a victory,” said Rawat in a statement by the franchise.

After weeks of rigorous preparation, the franchise enters the third edition of the league boasting a balanced squad that blends seasoned domestic performers with emerging young talent. Purani Dilli 6 also has wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi and young pacer Udhav Mohan, who won the U19 World Cup earlier this year with the Indian team, in their ranks.

Backing the team to make an impact right from the opening clash, Purani Dilli 6 owner Akash Nangia expressed complete faith in the squad’s readiness, especially after they finished at the bottom of the points table in the 2025 season.

“The wait is finally over, and everyone associated with Purani Dilli 6 is excited to get the season underway. We have worked hard over the past few weeks to build a strong and balanced squad, and the players have shown tremendous commitment during our preparations. We are confident that the team is ready for the challenge ahead. Our goal is to play fearless, competitive cricket and make our supporters proud,” he said.

–IANS

nr/bc

INDIA TOP STORIES

Another fund scam jolts CPI(M)’s Kannur bastion

31 July 2026 colorsnews.in

Kannur, July 31 (IANS) The Kerala CPI(M) has been rocked by yet another financial scandal, this time from its ideological and organisational nerve centre, Kannur.

Allegations that nearly Rs 1 crore collected for a memorial building in the name of late former State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan remains unaccounted for have triggered fresh turmoil within the party, exposing deepening fissures in what has long been regarded as the CPI(M)’s most impregnable fortress.

The controversy comes close on the heels of unresolved allegations over party fund collections in Payyannur suggesting that financial irregularities are no longer isolated incidents but a recurring challenge confronting the Kannur unit.

Kannur occupies a unique place in the CPI(M).

It is the home district of many of the party’s most influential leaders in Kerala, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, State Secretary M.V. Govindan, senior leaders P. Jayarajan, E.P. Jayarajan and M.V. Jayarajan, besides former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja.

The emergence of repeated financial controversies from a district that has traditionally projected itself as the party’s organisational model has, therefore, become a source of considerable embarrassment for the leadership.

The latest allegations centre on the purchase of land and a building for a proposed local committee office to be named after Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

The property, bought for around Rs 70 lakh, was allegedly registered in the name of the then local secretary instead of the party, in violation of organisational norms.

It is further alleged that the property was subsequently mortgaged to raise Rs 30 lakh, while another Rs 20 lakh was borrowed from party workers and employees of cooperative institutions.

Fund-raising drives, including public exhibitions and coupon sales, reportedly generated substantial collections, but no comprehensive accounts were placed before party committees.

Following mounting pressure from grassroots workers, the party removed the local secretary and ordered an internal enquiry.

The former office-bearer has reportedly maintained that every major decision was taken with the knowledge of the leadership, a claim that has intensified demands for accountability beyond the local level.

With successive fund controversies surfacing from Kannur, the district that has long been the CPI(M)’s political showcase now finds itself confronting uncomfortable questions over transparency, internal oversight and organisational discipline.

–IANS

sg/rad

INDIA TOP STORIES

BJP MP urges Centre to expand flight connectivity from Khajuraho

31 July 2026 colorsnews.in

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

AYUSH ministry partners with IndiaAI to accelerate innovation, research

31 July 2026 colorsnews.in

Imtiaz Ali: The impetus is on us filmmakers to make wonderful films

31 July 2026 colorsnews.in