Developments off the field are drawing growing attention ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with two franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals — formally up for sale and attracting interest from high-profile domestic and international investors.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the league’s most recognisable teams, has been put on the market by its current owner, Diageo’s United Spirits Ltd, following a strategic review. The sale process is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. Market estimates suggest the franchise could be valued at around $2 billion, reflecting the soaring commercial value of the IPL.

Several bidders have been shortlisted for RCB, including investment groups led by Indian industrialists, private equity firms and overseas sports owners. Among those reported to have shown interest is a consortium linked to the Glazer family, co-owners of English Premier League club Manchester United. Non-binding bids have already been submitted, with binding offers expected in the coming weeks.

Rajasthan Royals (RR), winners of the inaugural IPL title in 2008, are also in the process of being sold. A shortlist of potential buyers has been finalised, featuring a mix of Indian and international investors, including private equity firms, entrepreneurs and media-linked groups. The franchise is expected to attract a valuation of more than $1 billion, according to market estimates.

Final bids for Rajasthan Royals are anticipated in early March, while the RCB transaction is expected to move into its final phase later this month. Any change in ownership will require approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The potential sales mark one of the most significant ownership shake-ups in IPL history and underline the league’s growing appeal as a global sports investment as preparations continue for the 2026 season.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has met with a delegation led by Joulan Vakhabov, head of Uzbekistan’s International Institute of Central Asia and adviser to the country’s deputy president.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen political and economic cooperation, as well as key regional issues.

Muttaqi said Uzbekistan has adopted a positive and goodwill-based policy toward Afghanistan, expressing hope that bilateral relations and cooperation would continue to expand.

He also underscored the important role of research institutions in promoting mutual understanding, enhancing cooperation, and developing a realistic assessment of regional dynamics.

For his part, Vakhabov praised the progress and stability in Afghanistan and voiced optimism that trade between the two countries would increase further in the current year.

Pakistan will repatriate nearly 20,000 Afghan nationals currently awaiting resettlement in the United States, The Nation reported, citing official sources.

The move affects 19,973 Afghans living across Pakistan.

A federal directive will instruct provincial chief secretaries and police chiefs in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory to begin the repatriation process immediately.

Authorities will also share verified data of the affected individuals with relevant departments to support implementation.

Following the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in 2021, more than 100,000 Afghans fled to Pakistan, many of whom had worked with the US and UK governments, international organizations, or aid agencies.

Thousands have remained stranded in Pakistan for over four years while awaiting US resettlement clearance.

Prospects for relocation have dimmed amid a suspension of case processing by the US administration, according to The Nation.

Under Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), all Afghan nationals still awaiting US relocation will now be returned to Afghanistan.