Mohammed Siraj back as number one bowler in ICC Men's ODI ranking
Dubai: After a scintillating performance in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, Mohammed Siraj has regained his position as the world's No. 1 ODI bowler. This marks his second stint at the top, having previously held the position from January to March 2023 before briefly being displaced by Josh Hazlewood.
Siraj's impressive showing in the Asia Cup, where he claimed ten wickets at an average of 12.20, propelled him eight places to the pinnacle of the rankings. The highlight of his performance was a remarkable spell of 6 for 21 that decimated the Sri Lankan batting lineup, resulting in their dismissal for a mere 50 runs in the final. Siraj's four-wicket over during this spell was a rare feat, achieved only three times in men's ODI history prior to this.
The Asia Cup also proved fruitful for Afghanistan's spin duo, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman (No. 4) and Rashid Khan (No. 5) both securing spots in the top five rankings. They each contributed with two wickets in the group stage. Josh Hazlewood (second) and Trent Boult (third) round out the top five ODI bowlers.
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav, who managed to secure five wickets at the Asia Cup with an average of 11.44, has slipped three places in the rankings from sixth to ninth. Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj has seen an impressive rise from 25th to 15th after his significant role in South Africa's remarkable comeback from a 0-2 deficit against Australia. Maharaj claimed eight wickets in the series at an average of 16.87, including a crucial 4 for 33 in the series decider.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
