The Indian Premier League (IPL) delivered another dramatic contest on Wednesday, April 8, as Gujarat Titans narrowly defeated Delhi Capitals in a high-scoring encounter in Delhi.

In a match that went down to the final ball, Gujarat held their nerve to secure a thrilling one-run victory. The game featured standout batting performances, including a commanding innings from Delhi’s top order, while Gujarat’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, produced crucial breakthroughs at key moments to seal the win.

The result adds important points for Gujarat as the competition intensifies, while Delhi will look to bounce back after falling just short in one of the closest matches of the season so far.

Attention now turns to Thursday’s clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants.

Kolkata will be aiming to build momentum with a strong all-round performance, while Lucknow will look to capitalise on their balanced squad and secure a key win in the early stages of the tournament. With both teams boasting explosive batting line-ups and quality bowling attacks, fans can expect another competitive and entertaining contest.

Broadcast Information

Cricket fans in Afghanistan can watch all the action live, as Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) holds exclusive rights to broadcast the IPL matches.

Games are being aired nationwide on Ariana Television, bringing the excitement of the tournament directly to viewers at home.

More than 1,100 Afghans who previously worked with U.S. forces remain stranded in Qatar, as Washington seeks alternative countries to resettle them following delays in relocation programmes.

The group is currently housed at Camp As Sayliyah, a former U.S. military facility in Qatar, where they have been awaiting visa processing and relocation decisions for months.

A report by The Wall Street Journal said U.S. officials are now in discussions with several countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to take in the Afghanistan nationals. The efforts come after a March 31 deadline to close the facility passed without a clear resolution.

The camp reportedly costs more than $10 million per month to operate, and Qatari authorities have urged the United States to move forward with resettlement plans and shut down the site.

Conditions at the facility have become increasingly difficult, with morale among residents declining as uncertainty over their future grows. Many of those staying at the camp say they fear returning to Afghanistan due to potential reprisals.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the prolonged delays. Shawn VanDiver, head of Afghan Evac, said many of the individuals feel stuck in limbo after deadlines passed without clear communication, describing the situation as deeply frustrating for those affected.

U.S. lawmakers have also urged action. Jeanne Shaheen said Washington has a responsibility toward these individuals, warning that they could face serious risks if forced to return home.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has pointed to earlier policy decisions as contributing to the current situation, citing challenges stemming from the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The situation highlights ongoing difficulties in resettling Afghan allies years after the end of the U.S. military presence, as thousands remain in temporary locations awaiting permanent relocation.

Officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan have concluded a new round of talks in China, with both sides describing the discussions as constructive and agreeing to work toward a comprehensive resolution of their disputes.

The talks were held in the city of Urumqi under the mediation of China, which has increasingly taken on a diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue between the two  neighbours.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the talks covered a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, security concerns, and broader regional stability.

According to Balkhi, the discussions were held in a “constructive atmosphere,” with both sides engaging in comprehensive exchanges. He added that Afghan officials expressed appreciation for China’s hospitality and efforts in hosting the talks, and voiced hope that the process would lead to stronger confidence-building, improved mutual understanding, and more effective cooperation.

In a separate statement, China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that both Afghanistan and Pakistan had agreed to seek a “comprehensive solution” to their ongoing disputes. It said the talks were conducted in a “constructive, practical and sincere” environment, with in-depth discussions on key areas of concern.

The statement further noted that both sides committed to avoiding actions that could escalate tensions or worsen the situation, instead emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding as the primary path forward.

China highlighted its role as an active mediator, noting its close relations with both countries and its continued commitment to supporting stability in the region. Beijing said it would maintain its efforts to promote confidence-building measures and encourage continued engagement between Kabul and Islamabad.

The talks come amid ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with security issues and cross-Durand Line attacks remaining key challenges. Observers say China’s involvement reflects its growing interest in regional stability and its willingness to play a more prominent diplomatic role in South and Central Asia.