Rajkot: Ahead of the India vs England third Test at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, an emotional and heartwarming moment unfolded as Sarfaraz Khan received his Test cap from legendary cricketer Anil Kumble. The scenes were poignant as Sarfaraz's father, Naushad, standing on the sidelines, couldn't contain his emotions.

Kumble, accompanied by the Indian team, handed the Test cap to Sarfaraz, who, in an emotional exchange, immediately ran towards his father. With tears streaming down Naushad's cheeks, he accepted the cap from his son, kissing the badge on it. The touching moment was a culmination of a dream nurtured by the father and fulfilled by the son through years of dedication and outstanding performances.

Sarfaraz wiped away tears from his father's face and shared a heartfelt hug, creating a scene that resonated with cricket fans globally.

Sarfaraz's journey to the Test arena was marked by remarkable performances in three outstanding Ranji Trophy seasons, where he consistently scored centuries and even challenged Don Bradman's first-class average for a brief period. Despite his stellar domestic record, he was initially overlooked for national selection.

The turning point came when KL Rahul's injury paved the way for Sarfaraz's maiden call-up as a replacement for the third Test against England. Slotted to bat at No.5, a position he has dominated in first-class cricket for Mumbai, Sarfaraz finally made his Test debut.

While the emotional exchange with his father added a personal touch to the debut, Sarfaraz's performance on the field will be keenly watched as he aims to make his mark in international cricket.

In addition to Sarfaraz, another debutant for India in the third Test was Dhruv Jurel, who took over wicketkeeping duties from KS Bharat. The Indian XI also witnessed changes in the bowling department, with Ravindra Jadeja returning in place of Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj replacing Mukesh Kumar in the pace bowling attack.

As the video of Sarfaraz consoling his crying father circulates on the internet, fans are eagerly awaiting his performance in the prestigious Test format.

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New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.

The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.

In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.

In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.

Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.

"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.

He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.

Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.

"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.

He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.

"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.

According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.

As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.

A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.

The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.

It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.

The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.

It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.