The administration of US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, escalating tensions with the international judicial body and potentially straining relations with European allies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures aim to prevent the ICC from prosecuting American citizens and restrict the court’s resources and operations.

Washington has criticised the ICC over arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, as well as its past investigation into alleged crimes by US personnel in Afghanistan.

The ICC condemned the sanctions as an “assault on the rule of law” and vowed to continue its investigations and prosecutions. It also urged its 125 member states to defend the court’s independence.

The announcement came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, with the Nobel committee highlighting the importance of international justice amid political pressure on legal institutions.

The sanctions threaten to deepen the dispute between Washington and the ICC, raising concerns about international judicial cooperation and the court’s ability to carry out its work.

South African jurist Navi Pillay, a former judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC), won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her efforts to promote peace and international law, as international justice institutions face growing political pressure.

The Nobel Committee announced the award hours before the United States imposed sanctions on the ICC, saying the recognition highlighted the importance of preserving an international order based on law and justice.

Pillay, 85, has served as a judge on several international courts, including the ICC and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. She also chaired a United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded last year that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejected the report as “scandalous.”

The Nobel Committee warned that international law and its institutions were under significant pressure, cautioning that a shift towards power politics at the expense of legal frameworks threatened stability and peaceful coexistence.

The award comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and the ICC. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the court, particularly over its arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister.

Netanyahu’s office condemned the Nobel decision, accusing the committee of awarding its highest honour to someone it said had promoted allegations against Israel.

The award and the US sanctions have renewed international debate over the role of legal institutions in addressing alleged war crimes and protecting accountability under international law.

Bangladesh finished the opening day of their Test match against Afghanistan at 317 for 8 after 84 overs at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Friday.

Tanzid Hasan top-scored for Bangladesh with 83 runs, while Shadman Islam contributed 67, helping the team establish a solid foundation in their first innings.

Afghanistan’s bowlers fought back to take eight wickets before the close of play, preventing Bangladesh from building an even bigger total. Mohammad Saleem led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with figures of 3 for 70, while Ismat Alam claimed 2 for 20.

Bangladesh will resume their first innings on the second day with two wickets remaining, looking to add valuable runs to the total. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will aim to dismiss the remaining batters early and begin their reply.

The second day will be important for both sides as Bangladesh seek to strengthen their position with the bat, while Afghanistan look to carry their bowling momentum into their first innings.

For cricket fans across Afghanistan, Ariana Television Network (ATN) is broadcasting this Test match, along with the other series listed in the schedule below, live and exclusively.

Stay tuned to Ariana Television Network for the latest news, updates, and live coverage of these exciting cricket events.