Author: News Desk

  • Pakistani, Indian cricketers unite in one team

    Pakistani, Indian cricketers unite in one team

    Players from arch-rivals Pakistan and India have once again come together in the same team.

    Pakistani pacer Mohammad Abbas and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan have come together to play for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship.

    Ishan Kishan is making his County debut, having signed a short-term two-match deal with Nottinghamshire. Mohammad Abbas, meanwhile, continues his consistent run in county cricket. Previously, Mohammad Rizwan and Cheteshwar Pujara had also played together for Sussex, creating headlines for their unique pairing.

    More Indian and Pakistani players may be seen together later this season. Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to join Yorkshire in July, while Abdullah Shafique is likely to arrive later due to visa delays.

    The current Nottinghamshire XI includes Haseeb Hameed (captain), Ben Slater, Freddie McCann, Joe Clarke, Jack Haynes, Ishan Kishan, Lyndon James, Liam Patterson-White, Farhan Ahmed, Dillon Pennington, and Mohammad Abbas.

  • Pakistan will go to war if India attempts to build dams, canals: Bilawal Bhutto

    Pakistan will go to war if India attempts to build dams, canals: Bilawal Bhutto

    Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Monday that Pakistan will go to war if India does not abide by the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which New Delhi put in “abeyance” following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in held Kashmir.

    “If India does not abide by the Indus Water Treaty and attempts to build canals and dams [on Pakistan’s share of water], then Pakistan will go to war,” he said, speaking at the National Assembly session, adding, “We will secure the waters of all six rivers for our nation.”

    Bhutto’s warning came days after Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that New Delhi will never restore the IWT with Islamabad, and the water flowing to Pakistan will be diverted for internal use.

    In an interview with the Times of India on Saturday, the Indian home minister said, “No, it [IWT] will never be restored,” adding, “We will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably.”


     
    According to the treaty, three eastern rivers, Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, were awarded to India, while Pakistan received the three Western rivers, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum, which account for the majority (almost 80 percent) of the shared basin’s water.


    Bhutto, citing the global silence on Israeli aggression against neighbouring Iran, warned that “if we don’t speak out for Iranians, there will be no one left when they come for us.”

    “First, they came for the Palestinians, but the world did not speak out because they weren’t Palestinian. Then they came for the Lebanese, but we did not speak out because we were not Lebanese. And then they came for the Yemenis, but we did not speak out because we’re not from Yemen,” Bilawal highlighted. 

    “Now, they’ve come for Iran. If we do not speak out, there will be no one left when they come for us. The Israeli regime’s aggression across the region must be stopped,” he added.

    Chairman PPP’s key remarks followed Israel’s illegitimate attacks on Iran on June 13. Israel said that it wanted to remove any chance of Tehran developing nuclear weapons. Israel itself is widely assumed to have nuclear weapons, which it neither confirms nor denies.

    Iran claims its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they do not plan to develop nuclear weapons but will pursue their right to nuclear energy and research.

    The tension further intensified after the US carried out attacks in Iran’s three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, directly entering into the conflict. The illegitimate attack has Iran vowing revenge.

  • Canada qualify for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

    Canada qualify for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

    Canada have secured their spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding victory over the Bahamas in the Americas Regional Qualifier.

    Hosts Canada bowled out the Bahamas for just 57 runs, thanks to impressive bowling performances by Kaleem Sana and Shreyas Sharma, who both took three wickets each. In reply, Dilpreet Bajwa smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 14 balls, helping Canada chase down the target in only 5.3 overs.

    Canada remained unbeaten throughout the qualifier, winning all five of their matches. Their campaign included dominant victories over Bermuda by 110 runs, the Cayman Islands by 59 runs, and an earlier 10-wicket win against the Bahamas. In the second round, they also beat the Cayman Islands in a rain-affected five-over match by 42 runs.

    Under the captaincy of Nicholas Kirton, Canada had also participated in the previous T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies in 2024.

    With this win, Canada join 11 teams that have already qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup: India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

    The remaining seven spots will be decided through regional qualifiers in Europe, Africa, and Asia-East Pacific. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.

  • Russia to sell nuclear weapons to Iran?

    Russia to sell nuclear weapons to Iran?

    Social media has been rife with claims that Russia is ready to sell its nuclear weapons to Iran, after the United States (US) bombing of key Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday.

    Taking to Truth Social on Sunday, US President Donald Trump wrote, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan,” adding that the military planes were now on their way home.

    In retaliation, Tehran launched two volleys of 27 missiles, targeting Israel’s main Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, research facilities in the city, and command centres, an Iranian state news agency reported on Sunday.

    After the US attack, which escalated tensions in the Middle East, claims spread on the internet that Moscow was set to sell Tehran its nuclear warheads, provided its strategic partnership with the latter.

    The confusion stems from the former Russian Prime Minister (PM) and Deputy Chair of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev’s 10-part threads on X (formerly Twitter). In one of his tweets, Medvedev wrote, “A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.” 

    The tweet was taken out of context to assert that Russia will sell its nuclear warheads to Iran, despite Medvedev’s tweet explicitly indicating that Russia has not named any country nor mentioned its own name. 

    Hence, the claim of nukes being given to Iran is false and highly improbable.

    It should be mentioned here that Russia is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and one of recognized nuclear-armed states. The treaty prohibits nuclear- states from transferring nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, or control over such weapons or explosive devices, to any non-nuclear-weapon state. 

    Transferring nukes would be a catastrophic violation of international law and would have immense, immediate consequences for Russia, including severe global isolation and sanctions far beyond anything they currently face.

    While Russia is a strong critic of US foreign policy, officially, Russia maintains its commitment to the NPT.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin had repeatedly stated in the past that Iran has a right to a civilian nuclear energy program; however, he has also emphasized Russia’s opposition to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 

    Transferring nuclear warheads is an incredibly complex and risky undertaking, requiring immense security, transport, and integration into a delivery system. It would be virtually impossible to keep it secret.

  • No India release, but all eyes on Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 trailer

    No India release, but all eyes on Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 trailer

    The much-awaited trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 just dropped online and fans can finally relax. Hania Aamir is indeed a part of the film, ending all rumours about her exit after the recent India–Pakistan military clashes. 

    Diljit Dosanjh shared the trailer on Sunday, officially confirming that Hania is still the film’s leading lady.

    On her Instagram, Hania also shared the trailer and wrote, “Main taa darr gai!


    SARDAAR JI 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only!”

    Yes, that’s right, the movie is only releasing overseas. It will not release in India. In fact, the trailer is geo-blocked in India on YouTube. While the teaser and songs are still visible there, the full trailer which features Hania in every frame isn’t available for Indian viewers. The move says a lot about how the team is handling the political pressure.

    The film comes after a tense few months between India and Pakistan, from the Pahalgam attack to India’s Operation Sindoor. Calls to ban Pakistani artists got louder, and even FWICE asked the CBFC not to allow the film’s release in India. Instead of stirring controversy, the makers played it safe with an international release. 

    For those who got to see it, the trailer promises another fun and fantasy-filled ride, packed with Diljit’s classic humour and action. Hania blends perfectly into this colourful world her Punjabi accent sounding natural, her sarees looking gorgeous, and her screen presence shining through. 

    Despite some backlash from Indian social media users over her inclusion, the excitement is clearly louder than the hate.

    Pakistani stars and fans couldn’t stop praising Hania.

    Actress Kinza Hashmi commented: “This is wild @haniaheheofficial ”

    Mehwish Hayat wrote: “Ay hui naa gal! ”

    Mahira Khan, Hareem Farooq, Komal Meer and many others also praised her performance and wished her the best.

    Fans also poured in love, “You deserve all the success and biggest stages! Can’t wait to see the magic on the screen ⭐”

    “Ufff dil khush hogaya! Ab hui na baat @haniaheheofficial, can’t wait wowww ”

    One even wrote: “I’m straight as a dancing pole but can’t take my eyes off Hania Girl, you ATE all Bollywood actresses for breakfast ”

  • Rohit Sharma’s wife slammed for calling Yuzvendra Chahal ‘cartoon’

    Rohit Sharma’s wife slammed for calling Yuzvendra Chahal ‘cartoon’

    Ritika Sajdeh, wife of former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, is being slammed  on social media after she referred to cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal as a “cartoon” during a YouTube show.

    The comment was made during a segment on Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra’s YouTube show. The hosts displayed pictures of various cricketers and asked Rohit and Ritika to share their first thoughts upon seeing them.

    The first image shown was of Shikhar Dhawan, to which Rohit reacted by calling him “Jatt.” However, when Chahal’s photo appeared, Rohit remained silent but Ritika immediately said, “Cartoon,” and added, “He’s usually like a cartoon.”

    The clip quickly went viral on social media and sparked a wave of outrage. Many users called the comment disrespectful, especially since Chahal is known for his cheerful nature and contributions to Indian cricket.

    Several users lashed out in the comments. One wrote, “Horrible.” Another said, “Such a shame, she herself looks like a cartoon.” Others called her remarks inappropriate and unnecessary.

    Critics argue that public figures should be more careful with their words, especially when speaking about fellow athletes on a public platform.

  • Iranian karate champion Helena Gholami killed in Israeli airstrikes

    Iranian karate champion Helena Gholami killed in Israeli airstrikes

    Helena Gholami, a renowned karate athlete from Iran’s Lorestan province, has been killed in the recent Israeli airstrikes.

    The Iranian Karate Federation confirmed her death and expressed deep sorrow and condolences. Helena was not only a skilled karate player but was also considered a role model for many young athletes across the country.

    Her death has led to widespread mourning in Iran’s sports community, with athletes and fans sharing heartfelt tributes.

    It merits mention that Israel launched attacks against Iran on June 13, 2025. These strikes occurred during ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding a new deal over Tehran’s nuclear program and uranium enrichment.

    According to the Iranian government spokesperson, at least 224 people have been killed in the attacks so far, including 74 women and children. The Ministry of Health has reported that more than 1,800 people have been injured.

  • US urges China to keep Iran from shutting key trade route

    US urges China to keep Iran from shutting key trade route

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China Sunday to help deter Iran from shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route, following American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

    “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said on Fox News.

    Analysts have said Iran may opt to retaliate to Washington’s early Sunday attack by shutting the Strait, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output passes.

    “If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they do it, and we retain options to deal with that,” Rubio added.

    “But other countries should be looking at that as well, it would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours. It would be, I think, a massive escalation that would merit a response. Not just by us but from others,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Iran has threatened bases used by the US military, with an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying they will be considered a “legitimate target for our armed forces.”

    However, it remains to be seen whether the US strikes will push Tehran to de-escalate the conflict or to widen it further.

    China has joined Russia and a chorus of Arab states in condemning the US attacks, saying that they “escalate tensions in the Middle East.”

  • 4Thrives makes history, qualifies for Esports WC without sponsor

    4Thrives makes history, qualifies for Esports WC without sponsor

    Pakistan’s PUBG Mobile team 4Thrives has made history by becoming the first team from the country to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025.

    They achieved this remarkable feat by finishing as the second runner-up in the PMSL CSA Spring 2025, competing against some of the best teams from Central and South Asia.

    The team was formed in December 2024 and features a group of determined and highly skilled players. The team includes five players: CAIRO, FALAK, IQ, NOCKi, and T24OP.

    4Thrives achieved this feat without a sponsor. Unlike most successful teams, which are backed by big organisations, these five young players fought their way to the top purely through talent, dedication, and teamwork.

    In less than a year, 4Thrive has gone from newcomers to international contenders. Their consistent rise through tournaments like the PMNC Pakistan and other regional events set the stage for their success at PMSL CSA.

    The PMSL CSA Spring 2025 had a total prize pool of $200,000. 4Thrives secured third place in the tournament, earning $18,750 for their impressive performance.

    Now, they are set to represent Pakistan on the global stage at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. 

    The Esports World Cup 2025 is one of the biggest global gaming events, featuring top teams from around the world across multiple titles. The total prize pool for the entire event is over $70 million, making it the largest in esports history. For PUBG Mobile, a dedicated prize pool of $2 million has been set, drawing fierce competition from every region.

  • Mawra Hocane, Talha Chahour team up for Sarwat Nazir’s new drama ‘Jama Taqseem’

    Mawra Hocane, Talha Chahour team up for Sarwat Nazir’s new drama ‘Jama Taqseem’

    Just when fans start getting tired of the same old drama stories, Sarwat Nazir steps in with something new and exciting. Known for her powerful storytelling, she always brings emotions, depth, and fresh characters to our screens and this time is no different.

    Her current drama Dastak is already creating buzz with its real and raw portrayal of sensitive topics, starring Sohai Ali Abro, Feroz Kadri, and Ali Raza. But that’s not the only surprise she has for her viewers.

    Up next is Jama Taqseem, featuring the never-seen-before pairing of Mawra Hocane and Talha Chahour. Talha, who took a break after Jannat Se Aagay, recently returned to the screens in an Eid telefilm with Sabeena Farooq. Meanwhile, Mawra can currently be seen in Agar Tum Saath Ho, which has received mixed feedback from audiences. 

    This new drama will air on HUM TV in a prime-time slot and is being directed by Ali Hassan, the man behind Fairytale and Meem Se Mohabbat. So, if you were a fan of dreamy weddings or romantic beach scenes from those dramas, then Jama Taqseem might just be your next favorite.

    Sarwat Nazir’s writing always carries deeper meanings whether it’s about family, love, or society and she does it in a way that doesn’t feel heavy or preachy. With a title like Jama Taqseem, which hints at division, sharing, or even justice, fans are expecting something meaningful once again.

    There’s no official release date or full cast announcement yet, but one thing is clear: this project has all the right names and all the right energy.