KKR’s Shah Rukh Khan and PKBS’s Ness Wadia clash over IPL auction plans: Reports
Mumbai: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan reportedly engaged in a heated argument with Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings, during a meeting of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners on Wednesday in Mumbai.
According to reports, Khan and Wadia disagreed over the number of retentions that should be allowed during the mega auctions ahead of IPL 2025. While the Bollywood star favoured major retentions, Wadia opposed the idea, as reported by Cricbuzz. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s co-owner Kavya Maran sided with Khan, expressing her franchise’s preference for a mini auction rather than a mega auction.
However, Wadia denied any claims of a dispute with Khan, stating that he has known the Bollywood star for over 25 years and there is no animosity between them. He added that everyone shared their opinions during the meeting, and ultimately, the focus is on considering all stakeholders and doing what is best for everyone.
Following the meeting, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah released a statement highlighting that a “constructive dialogue” took place among the owners of the 10 franchises. He mentioned that feedback was shared on player regulations and other commercial aspects, including central merchandising, licensing, and gaming. “The BCCI will now take these recommendations to the IPL Governing Council for further deliberation and evaluation before formulating the IPL player regulations,” Shah added.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
