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Author: News Desk

  • Cummins, Head reject IPL millions to stay loyal to their country

    Cummins, Head reject IPL millions to stay loyal to their country

    Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises reportedly approached Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins and vice-captain Travis Head with lucrative full-time T20 league contracts worth around USD 10 million annually, but both players turned down the offers to remain committed to their country, Australian media has reported.

    An IPL team group reportedly invited the two stars to quit national duties and play full-time in overseas T20 leagues. However, Cummins and Head declined, saying their priority was to serve Australia.

    Australian media revealed that the offer came to light during a recent meeting about the possible privatization of the Big Bash League, where Cricket Australia’s financial challenges were discussed. 

    The rejected offers were cited as an example of the strong international competition for top Australian talent.

    Reports also noted that top Australian cricketers earn around USD 1.5 million annually under national contracts, with Cummins receiving up to USD 3 million including captaincy allowances.

    This is not the first time such offers have surfaced. In 2023, England pacer Jofra Archer was also offered USD 7.5 million by an IPL team for a one-year contract, which he declined.

  • No Babar, Rizwan; Selection committee backs Agha Salman for South Africa T20 series

    No Babar, Rizwan; Selection committee backs Agha Salman for South Africa T20 series

    Pakistan’s T20 captain Agha Salman is set to continue leading the side in the upcoming home series against South Africa, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and head coach Mike Hesson showing full confidence in his leadership, according to media reports.

    Reports added that Agha Salman and coach Mike Hesson have already discussed plans for the South Africa series and the ICC T20 World Cup. Both are focused on building a stable and well-balanced squad for the mega event.

    Reports suggest that team management’s think tank is likely to meet the selection committee soon. A white-ball training camp could begin during the Test series against South Africa, with a list of potential players expected to be announced in the coming days.

    Early indications suggest that former captains Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan are unlikely to make a return to the T20 squad. The management reportedly has no concerns about Agha Salman’s captaincy, and he is expected to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming series.

    Agha Salman, who has scored 561 runs in 32 T20Is at a strike rate of 110.21, faced criticism for his poor performance in the recent Asia Cup, where he managed just 72 runs in seven matches. 

    Despite the criticism, both the PCB and Hesson are not considering any captaincy change before the T20 World Cup.

    Meanwhile, reports add that opener Saim Ayub, who was dropped from the Test squad after scoring four ducks in seven Asia Cup matches, will retain his place in white-ball cricket. 

    Wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris also remains safe, while selectors are considering giving new pacers a chance in place of Haris Rauf.

    Reports added that Agha Salman and Hesson were disappointed with the Asia Cup final defeat but believe in giving the current squad consistent opportunities, making a recall for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan highly unlikely for the South Africa T20 series.

  • Wasim Akram slams Indian media for using his photo with arrested ‘spy’

    Wasim Akram slams Indian media for using his photo with arrested ‘spy’

    Former Pakistan captain and Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram has taken a strong swipe at Indian media after it used his picture in reports about a man named Wasim Akram who was recently arrested in Haryana on charges of espionage.

    Sharing a video message on Instagram, the legendary cricketer criticized Indian outlets for their carelessness in reporting and not verifying facts. “If you’re that clever, at least verify the news before posting it,” Akram said, calling out journalists who used his image to represent the arrested individual.

    Akram also appealed to social media users to avoid spreading misinformation without confirmation. “I would advise everyone who uses social media to always check before commenting. Not every Wasim Akram on social media is me. There are fake or parody accounts, so please verify first,” he requested. 

    The former Pakistan captain expressed disbelief over how Indian media could make such an error. “A man named Wasim Akram has been caught in India, and their media is using my photo. Don’t make your life miserable, stay calm and check first,” he remarked with sarcasm.

    According to reports, Indian media last week claimed that a YouTuber named Wasim Akram had been arrested in Haryana on spying charges. However, instead of using the actual YouTuber’s image, several outlets used photos of Pakistan’s former cricket legend, apparently in a bid to get clicks.

  • Pakistan may get walkover as Afghan team fails to secure visas

    Pakistan may get walkover as Afghan team fails to secure visas

    Pakistan’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match against Afghanistan, scheduled for Thursday in Islamabad, is unlikely to take place.

    According to media reports, the Afghan team failed to secure visas for all players and officials due to technical errors in their applications. 

    While Pakistan had completed all necessary preparations for the match at Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium, the visiting side’s visa issues have put the fixture in jeopardy.

    Reports indicate that only three Afghan players and ten officials have received Pakistani visas so far, while several players residing abroad are still awaiting approval. 

    The delay reportedly occurred because foreign-based Afghan footballers listed Afghanistan as their place of residence on visa forms, creating technical discrepancies.

    Under tournament regulations, teams are required to obtain visas at least 30 days before participation in an international event.

    The Pakistan Football Federation has informed the government and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the latest situation. 

    According to the rules, Pakistan could be awarded a walkover if the match is not held due to Afghanistan’s administrative mistakes.

    However, later in the day, after PCB Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took notice of the issue, visas were issued to the Afghanistan football team. In a post on social media platform X, Naqvi confirmed that the visas for the Afghan team had been released, clearing the way for the match to take place.

     
     
     
     
  • Madiha Imam once almost got arrested in Türkiye over fake currency

    Madiha Imam once almost got arrested in Türkiye over fake currency

    Pakistani actress Madiha Imam, known for her grace and on-screen innocence, recently shared a rather unexpected and humorous story from her past while appearing on Tabish Hashmi’s talk show.

    The actress revealed how her first solo international trip almost led to her arrest in Türkiye.

    Madiha said it happened during her first-ever flight and work trip abroad. After completing a shoot in Türkiye, she decided to explore the local culture and enjoy a famous Turkish fruit plate from a street vendor.

    “I had just finished my shoot and thought I should explore a bit. I heard about the famous Turkish fruit plates and went to try one,” she said. After eating, she paid the street hawker. “As soon as I handed him the money, he looked at me in a strange way. Turkish people are so good-looking that even when they’re making a weird face, they still look beautiful,” she joked. “I thought maybe he was happy that I gave him a good tip.”

    However, the situation quickly took a serious turn. The vendor returned with a police officer, both of whom began yelling at her. Madiha, who described herself as young and scared at the time, was confused and frightened.

    “I kept saying, ‘I just had a fruit plate!’” she recalled. It turned out that the currency she used to pay for the fruit was fake. “Can you believe it? The fake money came from Pakistan. I had no idea,” she said with a laugh.

    While she shared that she was saved by a kind-hearted Turkish driver who paid for her as he noticed Madiha was no fraud and a “good, frightened little girl”.

    In another lighter story shared during the same show, Madiha talked about an adorable moment from her early career. During a live show years ago, while discussing general needs during Karachi’s rainy season and donation drives, she casually mentioned that she needed a microwave, but her parents weren’t buying one.

    Soon after, a ticker ran across the screen during the live show, reading: ‘We’ve transferred Rs. 20,000 to your account, please buy the microwave.’ She added, smiling, “Let me be clear, I never got that money. But it was so sweet. Fans like that are truly heartwarming.”

    Madiha Imam started her career as a VJ and gradually moved into acting. She made her drama debut in Ishq Mein Teray in 2013, and her natural acting and girl-next-door charm quickly won her a dedicated fan following. With roles in hit serials like Ishq Jalebi, Dushman-e-Jaan, and Muqaddar, and performances that balance emotional depth with relatability, she continues to be one of Pakistan’s most beloved television stars.

  • Pakistan’s Sidra Amin nominated for ICC Player of the Month

    Pakistan’s Sidra Amin nominated for ICC Player of the Month

    After her brilliant performance in the ODI series against South Africa, Pakistani opener Sidra Amin has been nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September.

    Amin dominated the three-match series, scoring 293 runs at a stunning average of 293 to finish as the top run-scorer. She hit unbeaten innings of 121 and 122 in the first two matches, helping Pakistan post competitive totals.

    In the last ODI, she guided the chase with a steady half-century to secure a consolation win and end South Africa’s winning streak.

    Her consistent form also pushed her into the top 10 of the ICC ODI batting rankings for the first time, climbing three places to reach the tenth slot.

    India’s Smriti Mandhana and South Africa’s Tazmin Brits have also been shortlisted for the monthly honour.

    Mandhana scored 308 runs in four ODIs at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68 during the series against Australia. Her centuries of 117 and 125, including a record-breaking 50-ball hundred, highlighted her dominance with the bat.

    Brits played a key role in South Africa’s 2-1 series win over Pakistan, scoring 272 runs. She hit unbeaten knocks of 101 and 171 to earn the Player of the Series award and steer her side to victory.

  • OpenAI to integrate Canva, Spotify, other apps into ChatGPT

    OpenAI to integrate Canva, Spotify, other apps into ChatGPT

    OpenAI has started transforming ChatGPT into a platform that integrates multiple third-party apps, aiming to make the AI chatbot a fully conversational app store.

    The company is adding popular services such as Booking.com, Canva, Expedia and Spotify to ChatGPT, which means users will be able complete tasks using these services without leaving the chat or clicking external links.

    For example, users will be able to create a new Spotify playlist, plan a trip through Booking.com or design content on Canva directly within ChatGPT through a single prompt.

    OpenAI says it plans to expand the list of third-party partners in the coming months and help developers build their own apps for ChatGPT. However, the company has not yet clarified how developers will earn revenue through the platform.

    Each time users connect a new app, ChatGPT will request permission and inform them about what data will be shared. 

    In some cases, users may also need to link their app accounts for access.

  • Ex-Tamasha contestant Zainab Raja slams Junaid Niazi for misogyny

    Ex-Tamasha contestant Zainab Raja slams Junaid Niazi for misogyny

    The controversial reality show Tamasha Season 4 finds itself embroiled in yet another social media fight. Former contestant Zainab Raja, who was recently eliminated from the show, has publicly called out Tamasha Season 2 participant Junaid Niazi for making derogatory and misogynistic remarks about fellow contestant Maham Mirza in his reaction vlogs.

    Taking to her official social media account, Zainab posted a video message in which she criticized Junaid’s commentary, accusing him of using her and Maham’s names for clout due to low viewership on his YouTube channel.

    “You’re clearly not getting views on YouTube, so you thought you’d take advantage of this trending situation. I get it,” she said. “But don’t stoop so low as to shame women just to get noticed. You’re saying Maham isn’t even matric pass and won’t get work. Who gave you the right to say that?”

    Zainab also reminded Junaid of his own controversial past during Tamasha Season 2, referring to an incident where he allegedly mocked a fellow contestant with dwarfism and used abusive language. “You’re not the same person who once grabbed someone by the collar and hurled abuse at them, are you? That’s the reason you didn’t win, Aruba did,” she added, referencing the finale of Season 2.

    She further stated, “We’re out here owning up to our mistakes in interviews. Meanwhile, you’ve become a street-level reviewer, judging people based on a heavily edited 1.5-hour episode out of a 14-hour shoot. How do you think you know what’s actually going on?”

    Addressing his support for fellow contestant Saif, Zainab clarified, “It’s fine to support Saif, a lot of people do but he’s not out here shaming others. Even he would be embarrassed by the kind of things you’re saying once he comes out.”

    Zainab also took a direct shot at Junaid’s character, saying, “If we’re the rude, loud ones, as you say, then what’s your excuse? Or maybe this is who you’ve always been. That’s why you were eliminated.”

    The video ended with Zainab warning him that once the show is over, no one in the industry will take his opinions seriously. “Directors and producers won’t care what you think. You’re dependent on them, not the other way around.”

    Junaid dismissed Maham as “no one” in a recent vlog and accused her of “making false allegations just to get content.” Speaking about another contestant, Kanwal, he stated that she “gives people opportunities to make accusations.”

    The feud has sparked fresh criticism of the show’s culture, with many netizens questioning the behavior of both current and former contestants, as well as the direction in which Tamasha as a brand is heading.

  • Free entry for Pakistan-South Africa Test matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi

    Free entry for Pakistan-South Africa Test matches in Lahore, Rawalpindi

    Tickets for the Pakistan-South Africa series will be available for sale from today (Tuesday).

    According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), ticket sales will begin online at 5pm through PCB’s official website. 

    Entry for the Test matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi will be free for all enclosures, including General, First Class, Premium, and VIP stands.

    Physical tickets for the Lahore and Rawalpindi Tests will be available from October 8 at TCS Express centres across the country.

    Tickets for the T20 International and One-Day International (ODI) series will go on sale from October 16. Each person can purchase up to five tickets using one CNIC.

    The minimum ticket price for the T20I matches is Rs400. Faisalabad will host the three ODIs on November 4, 6, and 8, with General Enclosure tickets priced at Rs400 and VIP tickets at Rs3,000.

  • ‘She is crazy’; Social media shocked at Fiza Ali’s confession of spiking her team’s food with medicine

    ‘She is crazy’; Social media shocked at Fiza Ali’s confession of spiking her team’s food with medicine

    Fiza Ali is finding out that social media is not very forgiving when it comes to questionable confessions, however old the statement may be.

    The outspoken television host has confessed that she once served paye (trotters) spiked with multiple medications to almost her entire TV team out of anger.

    A video clip of the confession has gone viral from an interview she gave to Ayesha Jahanzaib, which led to an outburst by social media users who have condemned her actions, demanding legal action be taken against her.

    In the now-viral video, Fiza revealed that she took the step in a fit of rage after a dispute with her show’s staff, which left her upset and angry at the team. “My team was repeatedly asking me to cook paye for them and I did but added a mix of medications to the dish.”

    She stated that the paye was spiked with painkillers like Panadol, anti-anxiety pills like Xanax, cough syrups, and other drugs, some of which she even sourced from outside.

    Fiza explained that she served the medicated paye to the entire team except for one or two individuals and left the venue as soon as they began eating.

    “Later, I received calls that several team members were vomiting and some were in a bad shape,” she added. Her ex-husband Fawad was also contacted and warned that a police case could be filed against his ex-wife.

    According to Fiza, people told Fawad that some individuals were in critical condition and had been put on oxygen in the hospital but she claims that nothing of the sort actually happened.

    Despite her confession of mixing numerous medications into the food, she said no one faced any serious health issues. Everyone recovered after resting for a few days.

    This video clip is from an interview she gave two years ago. After the clip resurfaced online, many on social media are demanding that action be taken against the TV host.

    “This is so messed up,” one user wrote, while another added: “Aggar koi mar jata to? (What if someone had died?)”

    “Where is the basic sense of humanity? This behavior reflects passive aggression and she is expressing it so openly with no sense of accountability,” one user wrote.

    One user wrote that the spiking of edibles is a  “criminal offence” and demanded that legal action be taken against her. Another netizen said: “Is she mentally unstable ho sakta kisi ka immune system bht weak ho ya kisi medicine se Allergy ho reaction hoskta kisi ki jan b sakti thi what’s funny somebody please check her she is crazy.”