As a record number of devotees return to the Amarnath cave shrine to seek the blessings of the naturally formed ice lingam, also called Baba Barfani, concerning details have emerged. According to several reports, the ice lingam has melted by over 90% and has almost disappeared just days into the 57-day yatra. 

While the melting of the lingam itself isn't the only story, deep concerns loom over the unprecedented speed at which it has vanished.

#Watch | Amarnath ice Shiva lingam melts 6 days into Yatra, leaves devotees disappointed

NDTV's @deepduttajourno brings this ground report pic.twitter.com/nbnaCy7mag

— NDTV (@ndtv) July 10, 2026

Experts point out that this phenomenon is the result of various intersecting factors. The melting of the ice lingam raises alarms that point straight toward the Himalayas and their complex equation with climate change.

The Himalayas And Climate Change

As details of the ice lingam melting emerge, scientists and glaciologists are pointing toward repeated studies analysing the heating of the Himalayas. Experts have frequently warned and documented that the Himalayan mountain system is warming at a faster rate than the global average.

The Amarnath cave sits at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 feet). Unusually warm summer conditions around the cave and nearby glaciers have raised local temperatures past the threshold needed to maintain ice. Beyond rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns also contribute to how large the stalagmite can grow before the summer season starts and exposes it to premature heatwaves.

Dr Eklabya Sharma, Strategic Advisor & Director of The Himalaya Initiative at ATREE, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2024 for his work on environmental science, notes that the "unusually rapid melting" of the Amarnath ice lingam this year has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of the Himalayan cryosphere.

He states, "While no single event should be attributed to climate change alone, it is entirely consistent with the long-term warming trends that scientists have been documenting across the Himalaya for decades. The Himalaya is warming faster than the global average because temperatures increase more rapidly at higher elevations, a phenomenon known as elevation-dependent warming."

Warning against the compounding risks, Dr Sharma cautioned that in some high-altitude parts of the region, temperatures could rise by as much as 5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions remain high. He further explained that this accelerated warming is already driving widespread glacier retreat, declining snow cover, earlier snowmelt, and more frequent extreme warm events.

Citing his work on the Himalayas, Dr Sharma adds, "Our recent study found that Himalayan snow and glacier cover declined by over 23% between 2000 and 2022, with the rate of loss accelerating markedly after 2010. The western Himalaya, where the Amarnath cave is located at nearly 3,900 meters, is among the regions experiencing particularly rapid warming. Whether viewed through the retreat of glaciers, shrinking seasonal snow, or changes in iconic natural ice formations, the message is the same: the Himalayan climate is changing at an unprecedented pace."

Expanding on how these shifts translate on the ground, professor BW Pandey, director of the Centre for Himalayan Studies at the University of Delhi, notes, "Earlier, the melting of the shrine occurred over a month. But this time, it has almost vanished in less than half that time, within even 15 days. This is all because of global warming and the climate change that is impacting the Himalayas. This is a phase of climate change in which the entire Himalayas, from east to west, are being affected. There is a direct impact on both the snow line and the tree line, as temperature alters the snow and the overall hydrological cycle in the region."

Expressing deep distress, professor Pandey warns, "The altitude of Amarnath is no longer a permanent base for the snow line. Already, the snow line has receded beyond 500 meters, and the flora and fauna that were previously restricted to a height of 3,888 meters are now moving beyond 4,500 meters."

Global Weather Links

While studying climate, one must also note that the localised distress in the Himalayas is not a phenomenon that occurs in a vacuum. Rather, it is deeply tied to macro-scale atmospheric shifts.

Explaining these links, professor BW Pandey says, "In the summer, the heatwave from the Atlantic affects the Mediterranean and Europe and travels all the way to the north-western Himalayas. The Atlantic heatwave, along with global warming-induced climate change, has resulted in the early melting of the lingam at the Amarnath shrine. The temperatures in the Himalayas are directly impacted by both the temperature of the Atlantic and the overarching force of global warming."

Micro-Climate Drivers And Social-Ecological Approach

The cave itself has a delicate micro-climate that must stay at or below freezing to keep the ice from melting. The introduction of external heat sources severely disrupts this balance. 

A year after the Pahalgam terror attack, the yatra is seeing a massive surge in the number of devotees, with over 93,000 pilgrims visiting in the first four days alone. Every individual releases body heat, raises humidity levels inside the enclosed cave, and alters the air temperature, thereby causing the ice to melt. This surge in pilgrims has strained the cave's infrastructure and led to the neglect of the daily caps recommended to protect the site.

Professor Sarmistha Pattanaik, who teaches at IIT Bombay, argues that one must look beyond just meteorological data to understand the problem fully. She states, "While scientists frequently frame the melting of the lingam purely around climate change and environmental impact, I view this crisis through other dimensions as well, from rising temperatures and reduced snowfall to diminishing winter days. This is not just a case of isolated environmental factors. Ecological processes and human activities are the deeply intertwined causes of the problem."

Flagging the tremendous growth in pilgrim numbers, professor Pattanaik argues that the influx of thousands of pilgrims, coupled with heavy infrastructure induces immense pressure on fragile mountain ecosystems, leading to habitat disturbance, ecological degradation, in addition to this, the contributing factors of degradation in the area could be the deforestation of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem which has further caused for global warming and the melting of ice Shivling.

When a massive influx of visitors crowds the cave, it creates severe resource strain. Furthermore, the cave's immediate micro-climate is severely impacted when large numbers of visitors enter, their body heat and the introduction of artificial lighting inside the cave can further degrade the cave ecosystem."

She adds, "India is a deeply religious country; completely controlling or restricting pilgrims is incredibly difficult. The true answer lies in governance: how effectively can we manage and regulate such tourism?"

Structural And Infrastructure Changes

Over the past few decades, major infrastructure changes have been introduced to make the high-altitude trek safer and more accessible. However, these changes inevitably trap or generate heat close to the cave.

From installation of heavy machinery to expanded temporary accommodations, electricity, solar lighting, and community kitchens moving closer to the shrine all contribute to localised ambient warming. While the solutions may fix the problem of mobility, they add another one to the list.

Professor Sarmistha Pattanaik explains how infrastructural development often overlooks the delicate internal workings of the shrine itself. "Altering the mountains to carve out roads does not just leave an ecological footprint; it directly impacts the cave's micro-climate. The heat generated by heavy machinery, generators, and support equipment close to the shrine disrupts the native thermal insulation of the cave and disturbs the local topography. accelerating the melting from within."

Moving Forward

Environmental experts stress that protecting the shrine means striking a fine balance between faith and ecology. Restoring the micro-climate and protecting the local environment may come at the cost of stricter policing, controlling entry and exit points, and regulating the activities of the pilgrims within and around the cave.

From enforcing daily pilgrim caps to limiting permanent structures near the cave mouth and regulating the proximity of high-emission infrastructure, the big test remains balancing the spiritual and scientific worlds.

As professor Sarmistha Pattanaik points out, a successful approach requires collaborating with local institutions and recognizing socio-economic realities. "We must remember that local communities depend entirely on this pilgrimage for their livelihoods, such as providing pony services. Restricting activities arbitrarily harms their survival. Therefore, we need strong environmental regulations paired with robust local institutions to effectively govern the resource system."

Ultimately, the survival of the Amarnath cryosphere relies on successfully balancing mass tourism with mitigation of the global climate threat. Dr Eklabya Sharma concludes, "Protecting this fragile mountain system is not only essential for preserving its ecological and cultural heritage, but also for safeguarding the biodiversity, water security, and livelihoods of millions of people who depend on its rivers downstream."

Julian Alvarez sent defending champions Argentina back into the semi-finals with a stunning long-range strike in the 112th minute against Switzerland. A late goal from Lautaro Martinez, scored with seconds remaining in extra time, only made the 3-1 victory appear more comfortable than it actually was on Saturday night. Alexis Mac Allister had earlier opened the scoring from a Lionel Messi corner, helping La Albiceleste survive another tense encounter and set up a semi-final clash against England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Although Messi's nine-match World Cup scoring streak came to an end, his pursuit of a second World Cup title remains alive. With Argentina and England joining France and Spain in the last four, it marks the first time that the top four teams in the FIFA rankings have all reached the World Cup semi-finals.

Let's have a look at the semi-final fixtures, along with the schedule and time: 

FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Schedule:

France vs Spain

Date & Time: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 12:30 AM IST | Venue: Dallas Stadium

England vs Argentina

Date & Time: Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 12:30 AM IST | Venue: Atlanta Stadium

FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Live Streaming And Telecast

Fans can watch the matches live on Unite8 Sports channels. For live streaming, the entire tournament is available on ZEE5.

(With AP Inputs)

The incident occurred moments before a Switzerland free kick. Messi, who was forming part of Argentina's defensive wall, took issue when Pinheiro instructed him to step back to the required distance. Infuriated by the Portuguese referee's tone, the Argentine captain snapped back: "Speak to me properly."

As one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game, Messi was in no mood to let the official get under his skin while Argentina fought to break down a tactically astute Swiss side.

"Speak to me properly. Don't disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly," Messi reportedly told the referee.

“HABLA BIEN, NO FALTES EL RESPETO. A MI HABLAME BIEN”.

Lionel #Messi, al arbitro portugues. pic.twitter.com/fxMHSPMvLe

— treintaytres (@GRUPOTRESTRES) July 12, 2026

The referee also came in the line of fire for an incident in the second half of the game when he sent off Switzerland's Breel Embolo for diving, following a VAR intervention.

Who is Joao Pinheiro? The referee for Argentina vs Switzerland match

Born in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal, 38-year-old Joao Pedro Pinheiro is widely regarded as one of Europe's most promising referees. Following his debut in the Portuguese top flight in 2015, he earned his FIFA international badge just one year later.

His steady rise through the ranks of European football has seen him officiating in major competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League, and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup. These impressive credentials ultimately secured his selection as one of the match officials for the global stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Embolo also had received a yellow card earlier in the match, so he was sent off and the Swiss were left to play with 10 men the rest of the way.

Switzerland managed to get the game to extra time, and was trying to survive to a shootout. But then Julian Alvarez scored from long range in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martinez added another goal a few minutes later, sending Argentina to a 3-1 victory.

"We were punished because of a rule that in my opinion is completely unacceptable," Swiss coach Murat Yakin said. "It's very painful that we were eliminated that way. I don't think we deserve that today, and in my opinion, my boys are the real heroes. They put all their heart and their passion into their performance. I am very proud. They are very proud."

Yakin wasn't done with his criticism of Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro, though.

"The referee made the wrong decision," Yakin said. "It was in my opinion a harmless foul, if it even was a foul. I know they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed our game today, and it's very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that "luck was on our side because one of their players was sent off."

It was the second time a yellow card was overturned using the "mistaken identity" protocol at the World Cup. The relatively obscure rule allows the video assistant referee to intervene when an incorrect player is shown a yellow or red card.

"I think the red card changed our game," Swiss captain Granit Xhaka said. "This decision was difficult to accept now after the game because the dressing room was very quiet, disappointed."

Embolo sera recordado por la actuacion teatral mas lamentable de todos los mundiales.pic.twitter.com/AkMeCS8uhz

— Zona Blaugrana (@Zona_Blaugrana) July 12, 2026

Earlier this week, the Egyptian Football Association said it "cannot remain silent" after what it believed was biased officiating in its 3-2 loss to Argentina in the Round of 16. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and several players had criticized the officiating after the defending champion scored three unanswered goals to pull off one of the biggest comebacks in World Cup history.

"Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials," FIFA's chief of refereeing Pierluigi Collina said in response Wednesday. "When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right."

Yakin stopped short of saying Argentina was being favored by World Cup referees. But he also did not hold back about an incident that he believes changed the complexion of Saturday night's match.

"We were punished by a referee's mistake," he said. "I didn't know this rule before. It was a very harmless situation, and then a yellow card was awarded. The VAR interfered. It was a very meaningful moment for us, and it was decisive in the outcome of the match."

New Zealand leaned again on allrounder Daryl Mitchell to reach 267 after losing the toss and being sent in. Mitchell, whose gritty century in the recent third test against England secured a series victory, top-scored with 65 in an insipid New Zealand batting effort.

Will Young made 49 in an 80-run opening partnership with Henry Nicholls (27) but Michael Bracewell (29), Mark Chapman (27), Tom Latham (25) and Mitchell Santner (21) all failed to capitalize on good starts.

New Zealand was in a position to exceed 300 when it reached the 40th over at 216-4 but its last six wickets fell for 33 runs as it fell short of a total to test West Indies' batters in home conditions.

Vitel Lawes dismissed Nicholls, Chapman and Bracewell, finishing with 3-54 on debut.

Carty and Hope came together with the West Indies solidly placed at 92-2 in the 19th over after opener Akeem Auguste made 38 from 58 balls. The third-wicket pair then paced the innings at between five and six runs an over, keeping the run rate required at less than a run a ball, to guide West Indies to a comfortable win.

There were no signs of hurry or concern at any stage of the run chase. Even with five overs remaining and 37 runs needed, Hope and Rutherford looked under no pressure.

West Indies needed 25 from 24 balls, 19 from 18 and 13 from the last two overs. Hope hit a six from the first ball of the 49th over, took a single and Rutherford hit a six from the fifth ball of the same over to end the chase.

Earlier, Carty reached his half century from 67 balls and Hope followed him to that milestone from 52 balls with four fours and two sixes.

At 64, Carty appeared to have hit his wicket while hitting a six from the bowling of Jacob Duffy. But the umpires ruled the shot was complete before the bails were dislodged and Carty was not out.

He took full advantage of the let-off and reached 95 from 112 deliveries before holing out to Nathan Smith off Bracewell's bowling.

The next match of the five-game series is at the same venue on Monday.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

According to a lawsuit filed Friday, Liu departed with three things: a company-issued MacBook he never returned, a close relationship with an Apple employee who continued sharing internal information, and, most significantly, knowledge of a software bug that gave him ongoing access to internal file servers.

"LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny," Liu wrote to his former Apple colleague, Alyssa Peng. He then, Apple alleges, used that access to download presentations, hardware designs, manufacturing details and testing procedures - all while already working at OpenAI.

When Liu discovered the bug, Peng stepped in to help, according to the suit. She replied, "I'm ready," and eventually helped obtain more information through her own laptop. A few months later, in April, Peng herself left for OpenAI's growing hardware division.

She joined more than 400 other former Apple employees drawn by the opportunity to work on next-generation devices designed to replace the two-decade-old iPhone - with salaries and stock options that trumped Apple's less dazzling pay packages.

The episode is one of many that Apple says illustrate a "systematic effort to acquire, retain and use" its confidential information to help OpenAI replicate its decades of work building the world's most successful consumer electronics business.

The 40-page lawsuit alleges that OpenAI encouraged prospective employees still at Apple to study confidential materials before interviews and brazenly bring hardware components and prototypes to so-called show-and-tell sessions at OpenAI's offices.

In response to the lawsuit, OpenAI said it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets."

"We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere," a spokesperson for the San Francisco-based company said.

The lawsuit was filed after months of simmering tension between Apple and OpenAI - partners that have increasingly become rivals. Both companies are gunning for the nascent AI device market, a category that's poised to reinvent the way consumers use technology.

At the center of the rift is Tang Tan, a former Apple executive who had overseen the design of the iPhone, smartwatch and several other products. He told his bosses in late 2023 that he was leaving for a new gig - an opportunity that eventually became the chief hardware officer job at OpenAI.

At the time, there were few signs that his departure would end in a courtroom battle. In a rare move, Apple allowed him to stay on through February 2024, letting him manage a transition that required a revamp of the hardware division.

Behind the scenes, however, Tan had already begun working with former Apple design head Jony Ive and OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman on an ambitious new hardware venture. Their aim was to create a new category of AI devices that could one day challenge the iPhone itself.

Tan and Ive helped found io Products, a startup that OpenAI acquired last year for $6.5 billion. They teamed up on the venture with Evans Hankey, Ive's successor as Apple's industrial design chief, and Scott Cannon, a former manufacturing manager who left the tech giant in 2010.

Apple was quickly alarmed by OpenAI's recruiting drive, which included poaching senior hardware and design leaders and ravaging several teams across its engineering organizations.

The practice continued as recently as June, when OpenAI lured away Apple's smart glasses chief. That executive, Paul Meade, was quickly shown the door at Apple and not given the opportunity to stay on for a transition period, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

To Apple, the talent search looked like an attempt to recreate the iPhone maker's product-development machine inside OpenAI. "OpenAI's nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets," Apple said Friday.

Tan was famous for taking risks at Apple and "flying very close to the sun" during his 25-year career, according to someone who worked with him. "Tang is well known for moving fast, playing fast and loose and breaking things," said the person, who asked not to be identified while discussing former colleagues.

He made his name leading the design of early Mac laptops and iPods before taking charge of the product design function for the original iPhone. Tan oversaw the entire iPhone design team by 2011 and then led the Apple Watch design work. By the time he left, he was one of Apple's top executives.

OpenAI, meanwhile, had committed billions of dollars to its hardware effort and was racing toward an initial public offering. Nevertheless, the startup had little to show beyond concepts and early prototypes when io was acquired, according to people with knowledge of the matter. At the time, the company was still scrambling to settle on a compelling product strategy, they said.

These days, OpenAI is working on an AI-powered smartphone replacement, though its first product may be something simpler, the people said. The company has explored concepts ranging from earbuds and smart glasses to AI-enhanced speakers. Apple, for its part, is developing a new lineup of home devices, camera-equipped AirPods, glasses and other wearables.

Apple said that it tried to resolve the dispute before filing the suit, including by contacting the AI company in February. It said it told OpenAI of its concern that confidential Apple information had made its way there and asked the company to both investigate the issue and stop it from happening. The startup never responded, Apple alleges.

The key OpenAI employees named in the lawsuit, including Tan, didn't respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit also underscores Tan's strained relationship with John Ternus, his former boss and Apple's incoming chief executive officer. Most of OpenAI's Apple recruits came from Ternus' hardware engineering division, and some designers had backed Tan over Ternus for the top hardware job in 2021.

Tan, who Apple portrays as orchestrating the effort to obtain confidential information, is alleged to have used interviews with prospective employees as information-gathering sessions about upcoming Apple products.

In one instance, Apple says an employee acquired information about a project just hours before meeting with Tan for a job interview. "Then, in the interview, Mr. Tan solicited more information about that same Apple project. This has become an established pattern," according to the lawsuit.

Once employees sign on to work at OpenAI, they are encouraged to send information before resigning from their Apple devices to their personal email accounts to use later at the AI startup, the iPhone maker alleges. OpenAI, the complaint says, distributes "a checklist that Tang put together" that helps new employees evade detection from Apple's security teams.

Apple also alleges that Tan went as far as asking prospective hires to bring prototypes to job interviews. This included batteries, logic boards and other components, the complaint says.

At least one Apple worker who applied to OpenAI was concerned about the practice, saying he was "surprised people have brought" unreleased hardware to job interviews. He said he "didn't know we could take those from the office." In many cases, they couldn't.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

“We had Rohit Sharma as captain, and I remember him coming out after the Mumbai Test and saying in the press conference, 'It's okay. We've won so many series, we've lost this one, and I'll take responsibility for it.' That's who Rohit was. There was always that side of him that could lighten the mood and make sure the team was okay,” Nayar told JioStar.

“Of course, whenever India loses, it hurts everyone. But the one thing he did exceptionally well was look after his players. He would think about who had been affected the most, who hadn't scored runs, and how he could make them feel better. The quality I admired most about Rohit was that he always took responsibility. He would never come out and blame anyone by saying, 'You did this' or 'You did that.' Instead, he would put his hand up and say, 'I failed.' You would never hear him making excuses or throwing someone under the bus,” he added.

According to Nayar, Rohit's influence extended well beyond tactical decisions on the field. He credited the skipper's direct communication and genuine concern for his teammates as the foundation of the trust he enjoyed within the dressing room.

"I remember the Sydney Test when Rohit didn't play. He still came out, gave the interview, and said exactly what he had to say. He never sugar-coated anything. That's why the team trusted him. Ask any young cricketer, even today, and they'll speak very fondly about Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

“They'll tell you that even when he scolded them, they took it seriously because they knew it came from a place of trust and genuine care. As a captain, his communication was exceptional. Sanju Samson spoke about it too after he was left out of the T20 World Cup final in Barbados. Even though Sanju wasn't playing, Rohit made sure he spoke to him before the toss because he was concerned about how he was feeling. Those difficult phases were a little easier because Rohit Sharma was around,” Nayar stated.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

That run included eliminating Brazil in the last 16 as Haaland struck twice to knock out the five-time winners.

"How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most," said Haaland.

"Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it's possible to play a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt."

Haaland's brand as a global superstar has soared in recent weeks with waves of new American fans taking to his affable off-field personality as well as his goalscoring prowess.

He is hoping Norway can build on their success in the United States to become a powerhouse in the coming years.

"It's kind of difficult to take in this kind of a show or rollercoaster that we've been in now for the last six weeks," added the 25-year-old.

"I think this changes Norway, I think it changes me. I've said it many times, we're building on something in Norway.

"It's about maintaining this because again we've shown that it's possible to be one of the biggest football nations in the world."

Bellingham and Haaland spent two seasons together as teammates at Borussia Dortmund and remain close friends -- he said England were lucky to have the Real Madrid midfielder.

"We had so much fun together and I'm not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does," added Haaland.

"I think he's one of the best in the world and he's a midfielder. He still scores goals, he still manages to dribble every single player on the field.

"It's just praise for Jude, I think he's unbelievable. England is lucky because everybody would want a Jude in the team."

Despite Norway needing a goal, Haaland was substituted at half-time in extra-time as he struggled to cope with the searing Miami heat.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken said his only regret was possibly not taking off his talisman sooner.

"It was not a tough decision to take him out because he was finished and maybe I should take him out before," said Solbakken.

"We used all his energy and power for game after game. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue  -- he did everything he could.

"He scored seven goals in five games for us. A fantastic World Cup."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner produced a dominant display to defeat Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Friday, securing a place in the Wimbledon men's singles final for the second consecutive year. Sinner eased past the seven-time champion 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at the All England Club.

Gill revealed that tennis legend Roger Federer is his favourite sportsperson, praising the tennis legend's elegance and grace. He said Federer's effortless style was a result of immense hard work, something he relates to through his own cricketing journey.

"Roger Federer is my favourite. Growing up, a lot of people said he made everything look effortless. But when you play a sport yourself, you realise how much work goes into making it look that way. People have called me effortless in cricket too, but I know the effort behind it. The elegance and grace Federer played with was special, and that is why I admire him," Gill said.

Gill said Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz's drop shot reminds him of his own trademark short-arm jab in cricket, describing both as quick, deceptive and effective.

"The drop shot that Alcaraz plays, it reminds me of the short-arm jab in cricket. I play that shot too, it's my trademark shot. Quick, deceptive, and very effective," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India have already lost the series, with England taking an unassailable 3-0 lead after the first four T20Is. Iyer said they were sticking with the current combination as it was in the best interest of the team. "Yeah, we've got two changes. Suryansh Shedge comes in for Washington, and Sanju Samson comes in for Sooryavanshi. I feel this is the time we need to figure out what's best for us going forward as a team. Based on that, we decided this," he said.

Sunil Gavaskar, Nasser Hussain and Ravi Shastri were stunned by Sooryavanshi's omission from the playing XI.

The recent musical chairs of selection in the Indian team have left a lot to be desired. First, Sooryavanshi was not tried in the two T20Is against Ireland and the first T20I against England. In those matches, Samson scored 5, 0 and 1. Sooryavanshi was then given an opportunity, but he too failed to make an impact.

However, with the fifth T20I carrying little significance in determining the outcome of the series, which India have already lost, most experts expected Sooryavanshi to be given a longer run. During the broadcasters' pre-match show, Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Swann predicted that Ishan Kishan might not play, with visuals showing Gambhir and the wicketkeeper-batter engaged in a lengthy conversation.

Sooryavanshi is part of India's squad for the next T20I series in Zimbabwe, starting on July 23, unlike Samson. Even from the perspective of continuity, Sooryavanshi playing the fifth T20I appeared to be the more sensible choice.

"Today, based on the conditions, it's windy, and we had a chat before, and they said the wicket won't change that much, so we've elected to bowl first," Shreyas Iyer said after opting to bowl.

"I just want to give 100 per cent effort today, irrespective of the result. I just want them to have a solid state of mind where they go in and just try to get the best out of themselves, rather than sulking or being in a situation where they're a bit ahead of the game. Be in the moment and just stop thinking about what's happened and what could happen."

Here are the Highlights of India vs England 5th T20I match:

England spin great Graeme Swann was unhappy with the decision.

"The fact is that in the three games that he played, he showed glimpses of what he is capable of. If he had come here for three games and been completely blown away, with stumps everywhere, then fair enough. But you bring in Sanju, who has got lower scores. Because he is 15, you have to treat him carefully. Because he is not emotionally developed, he will be disappointed. That could knock him back three or four months. The shoulders will go down," Graeme Swann said on Sony Sports.

"There will be people who say that's international cricket. But when you have the potential of a 15-year-old who could be one of the best ever, you have to nurture that. I don't think he has been nurtured very well. I think he became the victim of the team's performance."

At the toss, India captain Shreyas Iyer said they opted for the combination as it was in the best interest of the team.

"Yeah, we've got two changes. Suryansh Shedge comes in for Washington, and Sanju Samson comes in for Sooryavanshi. I feel this is the time we need to figure out what's best for us going forward as a team. Based on that, we decided this," he said.

Even Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar wholly disagreed with the decision to drop Sooryavanshi.

"I don't have a problem with Samson coming in. We had (predicted) Sooryavanshi at No. 3. You saw the way he walked. He is disappointed. We should have given him another opportunity in this game to see whether he has learnt. Twice he has got out playing the hook shot. Look at him. Dejected. Disappointed. I hope he only looks at this as a challenge now. Not being in the side is very disappointing," Sunil Gavaskar said on Sony Sports.

Gordon quickly picked out Bellingham in the center, and the Real Madrid midfielder skipped past a couple of defenders before beating Nyland with a crisp, left-footed shot.

Despite Nyland and the rest of the Norwegian players vehemently protesting to the referee that the ball had struck the camera cable, the goal stood, handing England a crucial equalizer just before the break.

Fans quickly took to social media to highlight the incident, with many suggesting that the VAR should've intervened. 

Norway informing match officials that England's goal was a result of the ball hitting the camera cable pic.twitter.com/ILkgjpPGKO

— The ANF Club (@adjorNfriends) July 11, 2026

The ball hit the camera cable for England's equaliser. pic.twitter.com/LyxZtLB5ub

— World Cup HQ (@WorldCup26HQ) July 11, 2026

England's goal was a result of the ball hitting the camera cable pic.twitter.com/mwX24yGShj

— MickLew (@MickLew) July 11, 2026

Norway just got robbed in broad daylight.

That ball hit the camera cable and VAR still gave the goal. What are we doing? #NORENG pic.twitter.com/L0xyI0JreO https://t.co/HUtG2jq24c

— XOLiD (@XolidCity) July 11, 2026

To add insult to injury, the Norwegians had a second-half goal disallowed following a VAR intervention, compounding their frustrations in Miami.

A corner from Norway captain Martin Odegaard deflected off a couple of bodies inside the box before reaching the far post, where Heggem side-footed the ball into the back of the net. While Norway thought they were in dreamland, VAR spoiled the party due to a foul in the build-up.

Replays showed that star striker Erling Haaland had pushed England's Elliot Anderson to the ground before Odegaard had even taken the corner. As a result, the referee penalised Haaland after being advised by the VAR team to review the incident.

Norway were visibly frustrated with the call, with several players protesting the decision to the referee.

Had the referee merely found Embolo guilty of simulation in the first place, he likely would not have issued a second yellow card. However, because a yellow card had already been shown to Leandro Paredes, it could not be rescinded; under the current regulations, it could only be transferred.

Embolo was ultimately shown a yellow card due to FIFA's new "mistaken identity" rule. The Switzerland striker had dived, but the caution was initially given to Paredes, as the referee had resolved to penalise the Argentinian midfielder for a foul. Seconds later, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, advising the referee to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. Upon realizing that Embolo had simulated the contact, the referee withdrew Paredes' booking.

The 'Mistaken Identity' Rule

According to the updated IFAB rules, which were amended just before the tournament began, a yellow card cannot be cancelled in this scenario-it can only be transferred, as it is treated as a case of "mistaken identity" where the disciplinary action itself must remain intact. The rule states:

"When the referee shows a yellow or red card but has clearly penalised the wrong player of either team for the offence in question; the offence itself cannot be reviewed except in the context of mistaken identity."

This was not the first time such a decision had been made during the tournament. Earlier, in a group-stage fixture between the USA and Paraguay, American defender Tim Ream saw his yellow card rescinded after VAR reviewed a dive by Miguel Almion, who was subsequently cautioned instead.

However, the true danger of this loophole was laid bare under the intense lights of the quarter-final. The Swiss had just wrestled their way back into the match against the defending champions, with Dan Ndoye scoring a brilliant equaliser in the 67th minute. Switzerland were on the ascendancy when tragedy struck five minutes later.

Breel Embolo may have cost Switzerland with one of the worst dives you'll ever see

What was he thinking going down like that while already on a yellow card?pic.twitter.com/tgoXwKG82z

—(@YanitedBruno) July 12, 2026

Crucially, the officials in Kansas City did not suffer from a mix-up of jerseys or player names; they were simply sold a dummy by Embolo's clever simulation. By framing a missed dive as a case of "mistaken identity," football's lawmakers have effectively allowed VAR to review standard, isolated yellow card incidents. This contradicts the very purpose of the technology, which was introduced solely to correct "clear and obvious errors".

READ | Switzerland Red Card Explained As Controversial VAR Rescues Argentina Again

Switzerland Blast Bizarre Rule

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the 'mistaken identity' rule after the game, saying the decision destroyed his team's chances to beat Argentina.

"We were punished because of a rule that in my opinion is completely unacceptable," Swiss coach Murat Yakin said. "It's very painful that we were eliminated that way. I don't think we deserve that today, and in my opinion, my boys are the real heroes. They put all their heart and their passion into their performance. I am very proud. They are very proud."

"The referee made the wrong decision," Yakin said. "It was, in my opinion, a harmless foul, if it even was a foul. I know they will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today, and it's very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot."

She was 88 years old.

According to sources, she developed breathing issues last night and was subsequently admitted to the hospital.

Known for her versatility, Janaki recorded over 48,000 songs in multiple languages, predominantly the South Indian languages of Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

Over a career spanning six decades, she sang for films, albums, television and radio in about 20 Indian languages, including Hindi, Odia, Tulu, Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali.

Sharing the news on behalf of the family, her granddaughter Apsara Vydyula, in an Instagram post, said, "It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved grandmother and legendary singer, Smt S Janaki." "She left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music," she said.

"To the world, she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness and grace will remain with us forever. We kindly request that you respect our family's privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and come to terms with this loss," she said, thanking everyone for their love, prayers and understanding.

Janaki was born on April 23, 1938, in Pallapatla, Guntur, in Andhra Pradesh.

Fondly known as "Janaki amma" among her disciples and followers, she was regarded as the "Nightingale of South India".

Janaki began her singing career with the Tamil film 'Vidhiyin Vilayattu' (1957) at the age of 19.

Though she was highly popular in other South Indian languages, Janaki is said to have sung the most songs in her career in Kannada.

Her duets with legends such as P B Srinivas, S P Balasubrahmanyam and Dr Rajkumar are considered evergreen hits.

Fans in Karnataka called her "Gaana Kogile". She also sang in English, Japanese, German and Sinhala.

Janaki won four National Film Awards and 33 different state film awards.

She received an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore, the Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu government, and the Rajyotsava Prashasti from the Government of Karnataka.

In 2013, she refused to accept the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award of the Government of India, saying it came too late. Janaki had also expressed that she deserved the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, for her contributions to music.

Plain white or uncoloured sarees and a simple, elegant style remained her signature look for a long time, following the passing of her husband, V Ramprasad, in 1997.

Her son, Murali Krishna, passed away on January 22 this year.

Expressing shock over Janaki's death, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, in a post on X, said, "Through her golden voice, Janaki Amma had found a place in the hearts and homes of millions. With the demise of this multilingual singing legend, the world of music has fallen silent with the loss of one of its most melodious voices." "A mentor who encouraged and nurtured many singers, and the very embodiment of simplicity, Janaki Amma's unparalleled voice will remain immortal in the cultural heritage of Karnataka forever," he added.

According to the chief minister's office, Shivakumar spoke to Janaki's family members over the phone and expressed his condolences.

He directed that the singer's last rites be conducted with full state honours.

Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has been deputed to represent the Karnataka government at the funeral, it said.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra Siddaramaiah said he had spoken to officials and family members, and that Janaki's mortal remains would be placed at Maharaja's College Grounds in Mysuru city on Sunday morning for the public to pay their last respects.

Stating that Janaki had expressed a desire for her last rites to be held in Mysuru, he said that, according to the family, the rites would take place at a farm in Kaniyanahundi village in Mysuru, and all arrangements would be made there.

The family will decide the timing of the last rites.

A large number of members of the public, fans and some political leaders, including Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha and JD(S) MLA G T Deve Gowda, gathered at the hospital as news of Janaki's passing broke.

The likely departure of the staff member could kick off a coaching reset. The report states that another support staff member could also move on in the near future.

Gautam Gambhir's support staff, comprising Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel, joined Team India in July 2024. T Dilip also serves as India's fielding coach. Nayar parted ways with the team in 2025.

As per the report, the support staff member on verge of leaving signed a 2+1 contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With the two-year contract set to expire, the staff member has held talks with an IPL team.

The report further claims that the departure is not influenced by India's recent struggles in the T20I tour of Ireland and England, where the team has lost five consecutive matches.

The exact reason behind the staff member's departure is not clear, according to the report.

Under the management of Gambhir, ten Doeschate and Morkel, India have won two ICC trophies, first winning the Champions Trophy 2025 and then clinching T20 World Cup 2026 glory.

However, the unprecedented T20I series defeats to Ireland and England have thrown the Indian team management under the scanner, despite the 2027 Cricket World Cup being just over a year away.

"When you give someone the mantle of taking over from a champion side, you also want to give him the liberty of picking his side. The first time you become captain, you don't get the liberty of saying, 'This is where I want to take the team.' You first handle the team and then see what you need to do with it. Post these two series, he'll have time to reflect, understand what he requires from this team, how he needs them to play, and what he needs from the support staff. So, it would be harsh to say that Shreyas Iyer's future as a captain is in jeopardy," Nayar said during a chat with JioHotstar.

The tour was Iyer's first assignment as India's T20I captain. What arguably made the situation trickier for the skipper was the fact that he was also making his own comeback to the side in the shortest format. Nayar, therefore, urged the management to remain patient with a man who has led his franchises to two consecutive IPL finals, winning one of them.

"It's been a really hard series, and you can point fingers at Shreyas Iyer, but the more rational thing to do is to understand what he requires from this team. Give him the ownership to feel like this is his team-much like Harry Brook does right now, Ben Stokes did with the England Test team, Rohit Sharma did for India, or Virat Kohli did, especially with the Test side. Only then is it a better place to judge him. Even Shubman Gill, when he first became the ODI captain, didn't win his first few series. As you come into your own, you build confidence and the team you envision. It's still early days; there's no need to press the panic button, but there needs to be clarity as to where this team is going.

"This series has been an eye-opener for them. Whether playing in Ireland or England, it is rare to see a T20 format where teams have so relentlessly targeted you with short balls. Almost every batter was tested with that. It just tells you that England were better prepared than the Indian team, and most importantly, India failed to adapt. I think Australian conditions will be different. India have predominantly done well in Australia because the ball comes onto the bat. There is not as much spongy bounce as they experienced in England. It's a good wake-up call and a solid reflection of what this team needs to do to win abroad. Come the World Cup, you'll find a much better-equipped team. A lot of batters will go back and start working on the short ball immediately."

To conclude, Nayar cautioned the BCCI and selectors against excessive chopping and changing. Instead, he wants the Gautam Gambhir-led management to communicate clearly with the players and outline areas for improvement.

"Axar Patel has been highly successful for India because he could drift the ball back in. But T20 cricket is also about form. When you don't see that drift, it usually has something to do with his action or the volume of cricket he's played. Axar has bowled so many tough overs now that it was easy for England to target him. He will find his form shortly, but India have also not been very consistent with their spinners. Kuldeep Yadav picks up wickets but has been in and out, while Varun Chakaravarthy has had a rough couple of months with injuries. Sairaj Bahutule and the support staff need to work with these guys with the future in mind, rather than discarding them. Tell the players what you expect from them and where you want them to get better. When you lose, you need to create direction, not chaos."

Photo Credit: AFP

Adams played a key role in Mamelodi Sundowns' successful CAF Champions League campaign before earning his place in South Africa's World Cup squad. He featured during Bafana Bafana's historic run to the knockout stage, with South Africa eventually bowing out after a heartbreaking 1-0 Round of 32 defeat to Canada, decided by a stoppage-time winner.

His journey to football's biggest stage was marked by both triumph and personal loss. Just two weeks before South Africa's group-stage match against Czechia, Adams lost his grandmother, Marianna Adams. Despite the tragedy, he chose to represent his country on the world's biggest football stage, earning widespread respect for his professionalism and commitment. 

Brendine Johnson, Adams' mentor, said the midfielder's sudden death has left his family, friends and those closest to him in shock. Johnson revealed that Adams had returned from the FIFA World Cup in high spirits and was excited about the upcoming season after helping Mamelodi Sundowns win the CAF Champions League, making the tragedy even harder to comprehend.

"Things are still raw. The family wouldn't want to be contacted right now because they wouldn't be able to answer anyone. This passing has ripped everybody apart," Johnson told Soccer Laduma.

He said he had spoken to Adams just days before his death and recalled how optimistic the 25-year-old was about the future.

"I had a close conversation with him on Thursday. He was really positive after returning from the World Cup. He was a CAF champion and knew what lay ahead. He was prepared. He never wasted time away from football and loved being at home with his family," Johnson added.

Johnson urged the public to respect the family's privacy as they come to terms with the loss.

"At this moment, I don't even have words to say. We ask that the family's privacy be respected. I can confirm that he has passed away. Nobody expected this," he said.

The cause of Adams' death has not been made public. 

Just weeks after making his FIFA World Cup debut, one of South Africa's brightest football talents is gone. Jayden Adams leaves behind memories of a promising career that ended far too soon.

Argentina vs Switzerland | ARG vs SUI, FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights, straight from Kansas City Stadium:

After a thorough review, Pinheiro concluded that Paredes had committed no foul and rescinded his yellow card. Crucially, however, immediately after cancelling Paredes' booking, the Portuguese referee decided to issue a yellow card to Embolo for simulation.

Such a decision might have passed without major incident had the Swiss forward not already been booked for a challenge earlier in the game. The entire Switzerland team vehemently protested the decision, while a distraught Embolo seemed to beg the referee not to ruin the match by sending him off. Embolo was reduced to tears as he was eventually led off the pitch by his teammates so play could resume.

Booking a player for a second time in a match purely for simulation is an exceedingly rare sight. For many on social media, the decision was incredibly harsh, instantly reigniting the fierce online debate surrounding VAR decisions allegedly favouring Messi's Argentina.

Leandro Paredes NEVER touched Embolo.

Correct decision by the referee. Embolo already had a yellow card, and received a 2nd yellow card for diving: Red card.pic.twitter.com/nAQs1tVxdG

— GoalAlert HQ (@GoalAlertHQ) July 12, 2026

The IFAB Rule on Simulation

According to the IFAB (International Football Association Board) Laws of the Game, simulation falls strictly under the category of Unsporting Behaviour. The rule book dictates that a player must be cautioned (shown a yellow card) if they are found guilty of attempting to deceive the match officials.

Under Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct), Section 3: Disciplinary Action, the rules explicitly state that a caution for unsporting behaviour must be issued if a player: "...attempts to deceive the referee, e.g. by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation)."

Is a Second Yellow Card for Simulation Common?

Receiving a second yellow card strictly for simulation is highly uncommon in professional football. While the regulatory framework clearly marks diving as a cautionable offence, it rarely results in a second yellow and subsequent dismissal due to several tactical and structural factors.

Referees generally maintain a much higher threshold when issuing a second yellow card, fully aware that reducing a team to 10 men drastically alters the dynamic of the match. While an official might quickly brandish a standard caution for a reckless tackle or for breaking up a promising counter-attack, they are historically hesitant to dismiss a player for a subjective, non-violent infraction like diving.

However, as the fiery Argentina vs Switzerland quarter-final proved, historical leniency counted for nothing under the clinical eye of modern video review.

In fact, Embolo is the fourth player on record to receive a second yellow card for simulation in the FIFA World Cup history, and the first since Asamoah Gyan for Ghana vs Brazil in 2006.