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Author: News Desk

  • Ross Taylor set to return to international cricket

    Ross Taylor set to return to international cricket

    New Zealand star Ross Taylor is ready to make a comeback to international cricket, this time representing Samoa in the upcoming Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Oman.

    Officials named Taylor in Samoa’s squad on Friday morning, marking his return to the international stage after more than two years.

    Taylor shared his excitement on Instagram, saying, “It is a huge honour for me to represent my heritage, culture, village and family.”

    Taylor qualifies to play for Samoa through his mother, who hails from the island nation. Alongside his New Zealand citizenship, he also holds Samoan nationality. After his final game for New Zealand in April 2022, Taylor completed the required three-year stand-down period, which cleared him to switch allegiance.

    Over 16 years with the Black Caps, Taylor scored 7,683 runs in 112 Tests, 8,607 runs in 236 ODIs and 1,909 runs in 102 T20Is, totaling 18,199 runs across all formats.

  • Tears and Triumph: Palestinian girl’s story earns unforgettable standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

    Tears and Triumph: Palestinian girl’s story earns unforgettable standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

    A powerful film depicting the heartbreaking final moments of a young Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, has received a record-breaking standing ovation at the prestigious Venice Film Festival.

    Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, “The Voice of Hind Rajab” was met with a standing ovation that lasted an astonishing 23 minutes and 50 seconds — the longest in the festival’s history.

    The film centers on the tragic story of 5-year-old Hind, whose final pleas for help during an Israeli attack deeply moved global audiences earlier this year. Her voice, heard from beneath the rubble, became a symbol of unheard suffering in Gaza.

    “This is not just a film,” said Ben Hania during the post-screening Q&A. “It is the voice buried under the rubble. The voice the world refused to hear.”

    The film has already been hailed by international critics as “the most important film of the year”, and clips from the screening have gone viral across social media platforms, resonating deeply with audiences around the world.

    “The Voice of Hind Rajab” is being praised not only for its raw emotional power but also for shining a light on the human cost of conflict and the voices that are too often silenced.

    The film is expected to become a major contender in upcoming international awards circuit.

    Meanwhile, the story of Hind Rajab is Tunisian — it’s Tunisia’s entry to the Academy Awards this year — but also has Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara as executive producers alongside filmmakers Alfonso Cuarón and Jonathan Glazer. The American connection did not sit well with many, who called out Hollywood for its complacency.

    Rajab’s mother hoped that the genocide in Gaza would end after the release of the film but the Israeli Defence Forces continue their killing spree in Gaza.

  • Punjab by-elections postponed due to floods, damaged infrastructure

    Punjab by-elections postponed due to floods, damaged infrastructure

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the postponement of by-elections in Punjab due to heavy rains and floods that have devastated infrastructure and disrupted administrative functions across the province.

    As per the details, NA-66 Wazirabad, NA-96 Faisalabad, NA-104 Faisalabad, NA-129 Lahore and NA-143 Sahiwal are among the constituencies of the National Assembly where elections have been postponed. In the provincial assembly, the by-polls were postponed in PP-73 Sargodha, PP-87 Mianwali, PP-98 Faisalabad and PP-203 Sahiwal constituencies.

    In an official notification, the ECP noted that floods have destroyed both public and private infrastructure, including school buildings that are typically used for polling stations and storage of election material.

    The commission added that district returning officers (DROs) had reported that polling staff, mostly drawn from government departments, was currently engaged in rescue and relief operations, making it impossible to conduct elections.

    “The decision to postpone the elections is in the public interest,” it said and added that polling would resume once the situation stabilises to ensure that elections are conducted with optimum security and full voter participation.

    Meanwhile, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that several rivers in the province remain in spate with substantial water inflows being observed at key headworks.

    According to the PDMA, the flow of water in the River Chenab at Marala Headworks has reached 117,000 cusecs, while at Khanki Headworks, it has risen to 248,000 cusecs. The discharge at Qadirabad Headworks stands at 385,000 cusecs and 554,000 cusecs at Chiniot Bridge.

    At Trimmu Headworks, the flow is measured at 239,000 cusecs, whereas in Ravi, the flow at Jassar is 80,000 cusecs. The same stands at 110,000 cusecs at Ravi Siphon and 108,000 cusecs at Shahdara. The flow at Balloki Headworks has reached 138,000 cusecs.

    In Sutlej, water discharge at Ganda Singh Wala is reported at 319,000 cusecs while at Islam Headworks, it stands at 102,000 cusecs. At Panjnad Headworks, the inflow has reached 224,000 cusecs.

  • Matthew Breetzke creates history with five consecutive fifties on ODI debut

    Matthew Breetzke creates history with five consecutive fifties on ODI debut

    South African batter Matthew Breetzke has written his name into history books as the first player to score fifty or more in each of his first five One Day Internationals.

    The 25-year-old continued his remarkable run of form on Thursday, smashing 85 against England in the second ODI. With that knock, he set a unique record that no other batter had managed on debut in ODI cricket.

    Breetzke announced himself in February this year with a stunning 150 against New Zealand on debut. He followed it with 83 against Pakistan in his second match, 57 in his third, and 88 in his fourth. With his latest 85, the right-hander has piled up 463 runs in just five ODIs.

    Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu held the previous record, scoring four consecutive half-centuries after his ODI debut in 1987. Breetzke has now surpassed that mark to stand alone in cricket’s record books.

    South Africa also edged past England in a thriller to seal the series. The Proteas posted 330 for eight, then restricted the hosts to 325 for nine to clinch a five-run win and take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

  • Rahim Pardesi reveals why he didn’t throw final punch after defeating Amadeusz Ferrari

    Rahim Pardesi reveals why he didn’t throw final punch after defeating Amadeusz Ferrari

    Rahim Pardesi stepped into the ring on August 30 at Misfits Boxing Masters 22 and secured a fourth-round victory over Amadeusz Ferrari. But what had fans talking wasn’t just the win, it was the moment Rahim chose not to land a final punch when his opponent was already falling.

    Fans quickly began asking why, and Rahim addressed the question in a video. “Everyone’s asking me the same question, why didn’t I throw the last punch when my opponent was falling down. Although there were things said by him that crossed the line, I thought if I dig that last punch, then there’s no difference between me and him. And that’s not how true champions behave,” he explained.

    Rahim continued, “As a Scottish Pakistani, we are warriors but at the same time, we have a heart of gold. You may hear negativity about Pakistanis in the media, but let me tell you, Pakistanis are humble, loving, peaceful people. Whatever happens in the ring will stay in the ring.” He thanked Misfits’ team, KSI, his sponsors, and his boxing coaches Cham and Adam from Mosley Boxing before promising fans he’ll be back with another “bang.”

    The reaction online was overwhelming. Singer Bilal Saeed praised him, writing, “Perdesi, a man with many talents ✌ .” 

    Another user commented, “True sportsmanship indeed ❤.” One fan cheered, “Our CHAMP ,” while another wrote, “That’s what boxing is about, go to war and love and respect after. Well done on an amazing win on the big stage @rahimpardesi ❤ .” Messages of pride poured in, with one fan saying, “Thanks to you for making our country proud in the international boxing competition, may God bless you❤,” while another added, “More power to you my brother ❤ .”

    Rahim Pardesi is a Pakistani-Scottish content creator, and YouTuber who became a household name through his iconic character Nasreen. His comedy sketches about desi life earned him over 3.3 million subscribers and more than a billion views on YouTube. 

    Always evolving, Rahim stepped into the boxing world in 2025, first defeating actor Feroze Khan and now Amadeusz Ferrari. 

    On the personal front, Rahim first tied the knot with Sumera Amer on 21 February 2010, and the couple had three children together: two sons, Subhan and Ahil, and a daughter, Habana. Later, he married his second wife, Somia, an otolaryngologist, with whom he has another son, Zayaan.

  • Quratulain Balouch injured in rare bear attack in Deosai

    Quratulain Balouch injured in rare bear attack in Deosai

    Singing maestro Quratulain Balouch, popularly known as QB, has been injured in a rare bear attack while camping in Deosai National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan.

    According to a post shared on social media, the singer was immediately shifted to the Regional Hospital in Skardu, where doctors stated that while both her arms were wounded in the attack, she is currently stable and out of danger.

    Balouch, who rose to fame with her soulful rendition of Woh Humsafar Tha in the TV serial Humsafar, is currently touring Skardu to explore its breathtaking natural landscapes.

    Deosai National Park, spanning over 3,000 square kilometers, is known for its rolling plains, sparkling streams, and vibrant wildflowers. Located in the western Himalayas near Nanga Parbat, the name Deosai is believed to be derived from the words Deo (giant) and Sai (shadow), hinting at the mystical aura of the plateau. The park, sitting at an elevation of 3,500 to 5,200 meters, forms part of Conservation International’s Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.

    QB gained early recognition in 2011 with her cover of Reshma’s Ankhian Nu Ren De, and later collaborated with Jal for Panchi on Coke Studio. She also lent her voice to the Bollywood film Pink with the track Kaari Kaari, and is known for other Coke Studio hits like Sammi Meri Waar, Laung Gawacha, and Thagyan.

  • Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals he was slapped by his mother for gifting THIS actor a luxury car

    Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals he was slapped by his mother for gifting THIS actor a luxury car

    In a tale straight out of a Bollywood script, renowned Indian film director Vidhu Vinod has revealed that he once gifted a INR4.5 crore (PKR14 Crore) luxury car to legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, only to be slapped by his own mother as consequence.

    During an interview packed with revelations, the filmmaker, known for his big-budget productions and artistic sensibilities, recalled the unusual incident from the sets of one of his most ambitious films – Eklavya. As a token of appreciation for a cinema icon who had gone above and beyond for the project — including refusing any perks or star treatment — the director decided to splurge on a lavish automobile as a thank-you gesture.

    But the surprise didn’t go as planned.

    “I will never forget this incident. I took my mother with me when I was gifting the car to Amitabh. She handed him the keys. She came back, sat in my car, which was a blue Maruti van. She called Big B ‘Lamboo’. I didn’t have a driver at the time, so I was driving. She told me, ‘Tu Lamboo nu gaadi dedi [You gave the car to Lamboo?]’ I said, ‘Haan [Yes].’ She replied, ‘Tu khud kyun nahi leta gaadi [Why don’t you get a car yourself]?’ I told her I would buy a car when it was time. She responded, saying, ‘11 lakh ki toh hogi [Must at least be 11 lacs]’. And I laughed because she didn’t know that it was Rs 4.5 crores. I told her the cost, and she slapped me, calling me bewakoof [stupid]. I will never forget that because what is money if it can’t give you joy,” he said.

    Eklavya wasn’t a major hit but the period drama was selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Chopra’s biggest success stories are Munna Bhai MBBS, PK and 3 Idiots, all of which were directed by Rajkumar Hirani.

  • A steaming cup of tea, a violent fight and romance; Durefishan’s new drama trailer is a slam dunk

    A steaming cup of tea, a violent fight and romance; Durefishan’s new drama trailer is a slam dunk

    With its intense trailer already turning heads, Sanwal Yaar Piya is set to be aired soon with Dur-e-Fishan Saleem returning to the small screen in the upcoming romance-thriller, opposite acclaimed actors Ahmed Ali Akbar and Feroze Khan.

    The story of the drama seems to be based on a love triangle, including violent fights, struggles and sacrifice.

    Originally, the drama was reported to feature Iqra Aziz and Imran Ashraf, but the casting changed, reportedly due to off-screen controversies involving Feroze Khan. Eventually, Dur-e-Fishan and Ahmed Ali Akbar stepped into the lead roles, with Feroze Khan retained as a central figure.

    Although the official airing date has not been confirmed, reports suggest that Sanwal Yaar Piya is slated to premiere soon on Geo Entertainment. It is written by Hashim Nadeem Khan, directed by Danish Nawaz, produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi.

    Other than the main leads, Yasir Nawaz, Zainab Qayoom, Deepak Perwani, Ali Tahir, Erum Akhtar, Sidra Niazi, Nayyer Ejaz and others will be seen in important roles.

    This marks Dur-e-Fishan’s first television project since the phenomenal success of Ishq Murshid, which turned into a blockbuster and solidified her as a leading actress of her generation. Her return to television with such a dynamic narrative and high-profile cast has raised expectations across the board.

    Meanwhile, the much-anticipated drama has already generated significant buzz following the release of its official teaser, which hints at a gripping narrative layered with romance, emotional conflict, and suspense.

  • Djed Spence eyes history as first Muslim man in England’s senior football team

    Djed Spence eyes history as first Muslim man in England’s senior football team

    Tottenham defender Djed Spence is on the verge of making history as he prepares for a possible debut with England’s senior football team, becoming the first publicly identified Muslim man to represent the Three Lions.

    The 25-year-old full-back earned his first senior call-up when Thomas Tuchel named him in the squad for matches against Andorra and Serbia in the World Cup Qualifiers.

    “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I did see something like that. I was surprised, really, first ever. It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really,” Spence said at England’s training base.

    He said he feels no extra pressure despite the moment’s significance. “I just play football with a smile on my face.”

    Faith has been central to Spence’s journey. “First things first, God is the greatest,” he said. “I pray a lot. I give gratitude to God. In the toughest moments of my life… the darkest moments… I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side. When I’m winning, when I’m in a good moment, I promote God as well because he’s always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”

    Spence worked his way through the Championship with Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest before joining Tottenham in 2022. His early spell at Spurs included loan moves to Rennes, Leeds and Genoa, but he broke through last season, making his full debut in December and helping the club to Europa League success.

    “Without [a strong] mentality, you won’t make it to the top,” Spence said. “I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges. I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong.”

    The defender hopes his story can motivate others. “If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”

    England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before meeting Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.

  • All countries’ squads for Asia Cup 2025

    All countries’ squads for Asia Cup 2025

    The countdown to the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 has officially begun with all eight participating teams confirming their squads. The hosts, United Arab Emirates (UAE), were the last to unveil their lineup on Thursday.

    The tournament will take place from September 9 to 28 across two venues in the UAE. Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will share the matches. Abu Dhabi will host eight fixtures, including one Super Four clash on September 23, while Dubai will stage the majority of games, including the highly-anticipated Pakistan-India encounter.

    The tournament opener will feature Afghanistan facing Hong Kong on September 9. All matches will start at 6 PM Gulf Standard Time, except the September 15 clash between UAE and Oman.

    The teams are divided into two groups:

    Group A

    Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

    India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

    UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Saghir Khan

    Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Vinayak Shukla, Sufyan Yousuf, Ashish Odedera, Aamir Kaleem, Mohammad Nadeem, Sufyan Mehmood, Aryan Bisht, Karan Sonavale, Zikriya Islam, Hassnain Ali Shah, Faisal Shah, Mohammad Imran, Nadeem Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, Samay Shrivastava

    Group B

    Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana

    Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

    Bangladesh: Litton Das (c, wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin

    Hong Kong: Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat (vc), Zeeshan Ali (wk), Shahid Wasif (wk), Niazakat Khan Mohammad, Nasrulla Rana, Martin Coetzee, Anshuman Rath, Ehsan Khan, Kalhan Marc Challu, Ayush Ashish Shukla, Mohammad Aizaz Khan, Ateeq Ul Rehman Iqbal, Kinchit Shah, Adil Mehmood, Anas Khan, Haroon Mohammad Arshad, Ali-Hassan, Ghazanfar Mohammad, Mohammad Waheed

    With squads finalised and fixtures set, the stage is set for a thrilling tournament.