India will play Test matches in Centurion, Johannesburg and Cape Town on their tour of South Africa which starts later this month, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Monday.
The first world championship Test will start at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 26.
The second Test will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from January 3-7 with the final Test scheduled for Newlands in Cape Town from January 11-15.
The Test series will be followed by three one-day internationals, the first two in Paarl on January 19 and 21 and the third at Newlands on January 23.
The one-day matches were originally part of the International Cricket Council's World Cup Super League, but the CSA said in a separate announcement that was no longer the case.
With South Africa hit by travel restrictions following the discovery of the fast-spreading Omicron variant of coronavirus, CSA announced last week the tour will be played under strict bio-secure conditions.
India, who earlier on Monday completed a Test series win against New Zealand in Mumbai, will travel to South Africa by chartered flight and will go straight into bio-secure accommodation in the Gauteng region for the first two Tests.
They will then travel to Cape Town for the remaining fixtures. Boland Park in Paarl is about 50km from Cape Town.
The tour was originally scheduled to start on December 17 and continue until January 26, with four Twenty20 internationals to be played after the one-day games.
It was announced last week the tour would be delayed and shortened because of the coronavirus situation.
The T20 internationals will be played later in 2022.
The discovery of the Omicron variant led to travel bans to and from South Africa by many countries and also disrupted sports fixtures, including a tour by the Netherlands cricket team which was cut short after the first of three one-day matches.
But South Africa praised India for their "solidarity" in continuing with an ongoing three-match four-day series between the A teams of the two countries, currently being played in Bloemfontein, and for standing by their commitment to the Test tour.
Fixtures:
December 26-30, first Test, Centurion
January 3-7, second Test, Johannesburg
January 11-15, third Test, Cape Town
January 19, first one-day international, Paarl
January 21, second one-day international, Paarl
January 23, third one-day international, Cape Town
Comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan has opened up about his long-term mental health challenges, describing how he has found effective ways to manage his wellbeing and now feels he is in “one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Ranganathan discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past and the steps he has taken to improve his mental health. He also reflected on his Sri Lankan heritage, his upbringing, and the difficulties his family faced during his youth.
Managing mental health with daily routines
Ranganathan said he uses running, reading and breathing exercises to help maintain his mental wellbeing. These habits have become an important part of his routine.
“One of the things I’ve noticed when it comes to mental health is you do stuff that works… and then for some reason you just stop doing it,” he said. “You go, ‘Oh, I’ve done that every day for a week, I’m really feeling better, shall I just stop? Yeah!’ And then a few weeks later, wonder why I feel much worse.”
He described recognising when his mental health dips as “half the battle”, explaining that he is now better equipped to respond to difficult periods. “Sometimes I just go through a dark period and I know that I’ve got to do something about it,” he said.
Sharing mental health experiences responsibly
The 47-year-old broadcaster also reflected on the challenges of discussing mental health publicly, particularly when such conversations might affect others.
“You’ve got to be careful because it’s triggering [for other people],” he told presenter Lauren Laverne. “The way that I try and tackle that is to talk about it… I’m trying to destigmatise it to make the conversation normal.”
Mental health should be something people feel able to talk about openlyBBC Radio 4
However, Ranganathan acknowledged the fine line involved in public disclosures. “You do also have to be mindful of the fact that people may have been affected by that,” he said. “You don’t always get it right, but I think the rewards outweigh the risks.”
He explained that, like physical illness, mental health should be something people feel able to talk about openly. But he also emphasised the importance of being sensitive to those who may have personal experiences with suicide or depression.
Personal losses and long-term challenges
Ranganathan revealed that his struggles with mental health date back to his teenage years. He recalled particularly difficult moments during his A-levels, when his father was imprisoned for fraud, and the wider financial difficulties the family faced at the time.
“I’ve been through in my life a number of periods of suicide ideation,” he said. Despite these challenges, he said he currently feels mentally strong and positive. “As I speak now, this is running close to one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life mentally.”
His father died in 2011, but Ranganathan continues to reflect on his parents' lives and the lasting impact they’ve had on him.
Honouring his mother’s strength
During the interview, Ranganathan spoke warmly about his mother, Shanthi, and described her as “one of my heroes”. He shared how his parents moved to the UK from Sri Lanka in 1970, eight years before he was born.
While his father embraced British culture, socialising and working, Ranganathan said his mother had a very different experience. “That’s a 19-year-old girl who had kids in a foreign country,” he said. “My dad was going off to work… my mum is at home and going to the shops, but… there’s a strong argument he should’ve implemented more boundaries than he did.”
He admitted that one of his biggest regrets is “not having enough empathy or understanding” of his mother’s situation when he was growing up.
Family challenges and early life
Ranganathan recalled a difficult period when he was 12, and his father lost his job and struggled financially. “He was trying to make money in his sort of Sri Lankan Del Boy way, and it wasn’t working out,” he said. “He couldn’t keep up the mortgage repayments on their house.”
His father was later arrested and sentenced to two years in prison for fraud, an event that deeply affected Ranganathan during his teenage years.
Despite these hardships, Ranganathan eventually found success in comedy in the early 2010s and has since become a household name in the UK. He now hosts a weekend show on BBC Radio 2 and has fronted numerous popular television programmes.
Music and reflections
As part of his Desert Island Discs appearance, Ranganathan selected songs from artists including Kanye West, Eminem, and Huey Lewis and the News. His musical choices reflected different stages of his life and emotional journey.
The interview provided a rare and honest glimpse into the comedian’s personal experiences and mental health journey, offering encouragement to others who may be facing similar struggles.
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Lokesh Kanagaraj set to direct Aamir Khan in a high-octane superhero film
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan has officially revealed that he will be teaming up with Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj for a large-scale superhero action film. The project, which is still in its early stages, is expected to begin production in the second half of 2026.
A rare early reveal from Aamir Khan
Aamir is known for picking his projects carefully, usually choosing one at a time, often after his latest release has had its run. But this time, ahead of the 20 June release of Sitaare Zameen Par, he decided to open up about what’s coming next. In a media interaction in Mumbai, he confirmed that he and Lokesh Kanagaraj have signed on to create a superhero film. “It’s a big-scale action film,” Aamir said, adding that while production is still more than a year away, the plan is firmly in place.
Lokesh, known for action-packed Tamil hits like Kaithi, Master, Vikram, and Leo, has built a reputation for combining stylish action with grounded storytelling. Aamir, who has dabbled in the action genre with films like Ghulam, Ghajini, and Dhoom 3, is expected to bring emotional weight and mainstream appeal to this pairing.
When asked for more details, Aamir smiled and declined to say more, simply stating that the full picture would emerge in time. For now, both actors and fans will have to wait as the film moves towards pre-production.
No PK sequel, but a Dadasaheb Phalke biopic is in the works
During the same interaction, Aamir also addressed speculation about a sequel to PK. “That’s just a rumour,” he said plainly. “I don’t know where that came from.” Instead, he confirmed he will reunite with director Rajkumar Hirani for a biopic on Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual follow-up to his acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, will see Aamir play a basketball coach working with a team of individuals with special needs. Directed by RS Prasanna and co-starring Genelia D’Souza, the film also introduces ten new actors.
Aamir Khan dismisses PK 2 rumours and confirms biopic on Dadasaheb PhalkeGetty Images
With multiple ambitious projects lined up, including a superhero film, a historical biopic, and the epic mythological saga, Aamir Khan is entering a creatively fertile phase of his career, balancing scale with substance.
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Habibur Masum pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)
A MAN has admitted killing his wife as she pushed their baby in a pram through Bradford city centre, but has denied her murder.
Habibur Masum, 26, pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article. He denied the charge of murder. The victim, 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter, was stabbed multiple times on 6 April last year. The baby was unharmed.
Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, was remanded in custody by Justice Cotter and is due to stand trial for murder on Monday.
He also denied two charges of assault, one count of making threats to kill and one charge of stalking. During a previous hearing, the court was told those charges relate to incidents over two days in November 2023.
The stalking charge alleges Masum tracked Akter between November and April, found her location at a safe house, sent threatening messages including photos and videos, loitered near her temporary residence, and caused her alarm or distress and fear of violence.
Akter was attacked at around 15:20 BST on Westgate near Drewton Road. She later died in hospital. Masum was arrested in Aylesbury after a three-day manhunt by West Yorkshire Police.
Her mother, Monwara Begum, speaking from Bangladesh last year, said: "I am in shock. She was my youngest daughter and I adored her greatly... The only day I didn't hear from her was the day she was attacked."
Music has inspired every aspect of Rick Ram’s life. The massively popular chutney soca star grew up surrounded by songs that shaped him as both an artist and individual. That journey led him to become an award-winning singer with a string of hits.
When Eastern Eye asked him to select his favourite songs, he chose ones filled with magic, meaning and cherished memories.
Tu by Sonu Nigam: When I was about 11, my mother Camla Ramoutar sang with a band called Melody Express and rehearsed at our home. One night, the lead singer did not show up, and they were practising this song. Jerry Beharry overheard me singing along and told me to perform it on stage. It became the first song I ever sang live.
Nache Man Mora Magan by Mohammed Rafi: Known as one of the most difficult songs to sing, this track encouraged me to pursue a music career. It was my first entry into Mastana Bahar, a respected platform that launched the careers of many artists.
Pretty Woman from Kal Ho Naa Ho: This song brought me my love and life partner, Vanessa Ramoutar. I entered a major competition in Trinidad and Tobago for the best cover version of this song. I did two versions with Xsitaaz Band and Caribbean Vibrations Band. We performed on a live TV show called Indian Variety, and I needed a dancer. That is when the beautifully talented Vanessa walked into my life.
Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: This film track is a personal favourite to sing live. It remains one of the sweetest songs ever composed.
Sapano Main Pyardi by Ramdeo Chaitoo: This was the first traditional chutney song I covered. It will always hold a special place in my heart because it represents Caribbean music.
Ro Na Kabhi Nahin Rona from Apna Desh: I recorded a cover version of this song in 2007 and was blessed with a beautiful baby girl that same year. She brought such light into our lives, and the song became a huge success. To commemorate that moment, we named our daughter after the track – Varonah. For her sweet 16, we created a special remix of it just for her.
Ah Wish I Was Single by Rick Ram: I have many original hits in the chutney soca genre, but this one stands out. In 2012, I recorded the song and entered two competitions. I placed third in the Chutney Soca Monarch and won my first title as South Super Saturday Chutney Soca Monarch.
Nanda Baba by Anand Yankarran: This iconic song, originally sung by the late, great legend Anand Yankarran, remains one of the greatest traditional chutney tracks. I remember calling Mr Yankarran to ask his permission to do a cover, just before he passed away. He was so excited and said he had never heard anyone sing it the way I did. I recorded it with his blessings.
Luuuzzaarr by Rick Ram: This song was born out of a difficult time, when my wife and I were being bullied. Rather than retaliating, we channelled that experience into creating something positive. Luuuzzaarr made a huge impact – and helped me win two titles: the 2024 Chutney Soca Monarch and the 103.1FM Chutney Soca Road March competition.
Party Like This by Rick Ram: This original song is dedicated to my little prince, my son Rick Junior. He is full of energy and watches everything I do. A reflection of him, I am proud of this track just as I am proud of him and everything he is. It has become his anthem.
Instagram: @rick.ramoutar.75
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Tom Felton returns to the role of Draco Malfoy for the Broadway stage
For the first time since the final Harry Potter film wrapped over a decade ago, Tom Felton is returning to the wizarding world, but not on screen. Instead, the actor is headed to Broadway, where he’ll take on the role of an adult Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The stage production, which continues the story 19 years after the original books, will now feature one of its most iconic characters portrayed by the man who first brought him to life.
Felton will join the cast at New York’s Lyric Theatre beginning 11 November 2025, for a limited 19-week run until 22 March 2026. This also marks his Broadway debut, making the moment doubly significant. Not only is he the first actor from the original film series to step into the stage version of the Potter universe, but he’ll be playing Draco at the exact age the character is in the play, creating a rare full-circle moment for both the actor and the fans.
Unlike the sneering schoolboy we met in The Philosopher’s Stone, this Draco is a father now. Cursed Child picks up nearly two decades after the Battle of Hogwarts, with the next generation of witches and wizards, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco’s children starting their own journey at Hogwarts.
Speaking about the experience, Felton admitted that slipping back into Draco’s signature look affected him more deeply than expected. “The blond hair came back on, and I immediately started crying,” he said in an interview. “It felt like going back to school.” He reflected on how the role shaped his childhood and said stepping back into those robes was like “meeting Draco as an adult for the first time.”
Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender called Felton’s casting “a powerful moment of nostalgia and evolution,” acknowledging how his presence bridges the film legacy with the stage story in a way that resonates deeply with longtime fans.
Since his time in the films, Felton has explored a mix of stage and screen roles, from the sci-fi blockbuster Rise of the Planet of the Apes to his stage debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story and the recent A Child of Science. He also published a memoir, Beyond the Wand, sharing his experiences growing up in the spotlight.
But this latest role has stirred a different kind of emotion. “It’s surreal,” he said. “I let go of that character 16 years ago. Now I get to explore him again with new responsibilities, regrets, and maybe redemption.”
Tom Felton makes his Broadway debut in Cursed ChildGetty Images
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues to be one of the most successful plays in Broadway history, having sold over 10 million tickets worldwide. Felton’s involvement is expected to bring in a fresh wave of fans, especially those who grew up with the original films. Presale for tickets begins 10 June, with general sales opening on 12 June.