Stuart Binny announces retirement from first class and International cricket
New Delhi(PTI): India all-rounder Stuart Binny, who owns the record of the best bowling figures in ODI format, on Monday announced his retirement from first class and international cricket.
The 37-year-old Binny began his career with his state Karnataka and represented India in six Tests, 14 ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals.
"I would like to inform you that I have decided to retire from first class and international cricket," Binny, whose father Roger also represented India, said in a statement.
"It has given me tremendous joy and pride to have represented my country at the highest international level."
While he did not get many international runs under his belt, Binny returned exceptional bowling figures against Bangladesh when he took six wickets for just four runs in an ODI in June 2014 in Dhaka.
It remains the best bowling performance in the ODIs till date. He had bettered the record of his compatriot Anil Kumble, who had also taken a six-wicket haul against the West Indies in 1993 but had conceded 12 runs.
A handy all-rounder, with experience of 95 first class matches, iconic skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni tried him out in a few Tests with reasonable success.
In his debut Test against England in July 2014, he scored 78 in his second innings and that remained his only fifty in his six Tests.
A 31-run over in a T20 game against the West Indies in Florida effectively ended his international career where Evin Lewis hit him for five sixes. He was viciously trolled.
Once the conflict of interest became a catch phrase in Indian cricket, his father Roger was forced to relinquish his selection committee post.
With advent of Hardik Pandya as an explosive batting all rounder, Binny's chances of national comeback dwindled and he played a season of first class cricket in the North East.
He will be remembered as a player who punched above his weight and did his best as per his abilities.
Binny thanked the BCCI, his various teams, fellow players and coaches for the role played in his growth as a cricketer.
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.
Supreme Court hears batch of petitions challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
_vb_09.jpeg)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India today began hearing a large batch of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, commenced the hearing at 2 PM.
Over seventy petitioners have approached the Court, including prominent political leaders such as AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MP Md Jawed, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, and SP MP Zia Ur Rehman. Religious and civil society bodies like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, and the Imam of Jama Masjid Bengaluru have also joined the challenge. Political parties such as DMK, IUML, YSRC Party, CPI, and even Tamil actor Vijay, representing TVK, are among the petitioners.
Several state governments — including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh — have filed intervention applications in support of the Amendment. The Central Government has filed a caveat to participate in the proceedings.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan outlined two aspects.
"There are two aspects we want to ask both the sides to address. Firstly, whether we should entertain or relegate it to the high court? Secondly, point out in brief what you are really urging and wanting to argue?" the CJI said.
"The second point may help us in deciding the first issue to some extent," the CJI added.
The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners' side, making submissions.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the Amendment abolishes the concept of "waqf by user", which he described as integral to the Islamic tradition and recognized in the Ram Janmabhoomi judgment. He also expressed concern over new limitations introduced by the law, saying they would prevent rightful claims on unregistered waqf properties, especially those that are centuries old.
CJI Khanna responded, stating that while limitation periods serve a legal purpose, their impact would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Sibal also raised objections to changes in the composition and appointment processes of Waqf Boards, alleging that they now amount to a “complete takeover” through nomination, violating Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
Senior Advocate CU Singh emphasized the charitable and religious character of waqf institutions and stated that the focus should not be limited to essential religious practices alone under Article 26.
Justice Viswanathan remarked that administration of property, even religious in origin, could be subject to regulation, while cautioning against overuse of the "essential religious practice" doctrine.
CJI Khanna made an informal remark noting concerns over the extent of waqf claims, pointing out that there were reports that the Delhi High Court building itself stands on waqf land. He added that while not all waqf by user claims are invalid, a balance must be struck.
The hearing is ongoing, with arguments expected to continue.
The Centre recently notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which got the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 after its passage from Parliament following heated debates in both houses.
The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was cleared by the Lok Sabha with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
_vb_93.jpeg)
