Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • India ditches Danish Kaneria despite anti-Pak rants; removes photo from Jaipur Stadium

    India ditches Danish Kaneria despite anti-Pak rants; removes photo from Jaipur Stadium

    Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria, known for his anti-Pakistan remarks and open support for India, has been snubbed by the very country he frequently praises. Despite his pro-India stance, authorities in Jaipur have removed his photograph from the gallery of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

    According to media reports, following Pakistan’s strong response to recent Indian aggression, the Modi government has come under global criticism. As diplomatic tensions rise between the two countries, symbolic actions are being taken on both sides, including the quiet removal of Kaneria’s image from the stadium’s gallery.

    The move followed protests by right-wing Hindu groups against the presence of Kaneria’s photo in the gallery. Although stadium officials had initially defended the image, stating it was part of a tribute to notable cricketers, pressure from extremist groups ultimately led to its removal.

    The decision has surprised many, as Kaneria has repeatedly voiced support for India and criticised Pakistan on various platforms. Despite his clear alignment, his image could not withstand the climate of rising nationalism and political pressure.

    Danish Kaneria, a Hindu and only the second to represent Pakistan after Anil Dalpat, played for the national team from 2000 to 2012. He featured in 61 Test matches and 18 ODIs, taking 261 Test wickets. His performances against India were particularly impressive, claiming 44 wickets in 11 Tests and two ODIs against the arch-rivals.

    However, Kaneria’s career ended in controversy after he was handed a lifetime ban in 2012 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal during his time with Essex County.

  • ‘Let Dhinchak Pooja re-dub Abida Parveen’: Twinkle Khanna takes dig at erasure of Pakistani artists

    ‘Let Dhinchak Pooja re-dub Abida Parveen’: Twinkle Khanna takes dig at erasure of Pakistani artists

    Author and former Bollywood star Twinkle Khanna, known for her sharp humour and bold writing, has strongly criticised the removal of Pakistani artists from Indian entertainment platforms. 

    In her latest column for The Times of India, the former Bollywood actress and bestselling writer highlighted how Pakistani actors are being erased from film posters and music covers without any official announcement.

    Khanna mentioned that while she was enjoying Sanam Teri Kasam’s songs on Spotify, she noticed something strange. 

    “After the recent re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam, I have been listening to the songs on repeat. While browsing Spotify, I realised actor Mawra Hocane had been edited out from the album cover. Further digging reveals that other Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan have been similarly erased from their online posters,” she wrote in her column. 

    Khanna didn’t stop there. She used her signature satire to take a bold jab at cultural bans.

    “Not wanting to be left behind in doing my duty as a good citizen, I propose that we get all of Abida Parveen and Farida Khanum’s songs re-dubbed by our very own Dhinchak Pooja. That will really teach the Pakistanis a lesson,” she wrote.

    Her remarks come amid growing cross-border tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam incident. Since then, films and songs featuring Pakistani artists have quietly disappeared from Indian platforms. Digital posters of movies like Kapoor & Sons and Raees no longer show Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan despite their lead roles.

    The issue has also sparked controversy between Sanam Teri Kasam co-stars Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane. Rane recently claimed that Hocane had called India’s military action “cowardly” on social media and said he would not be part of the sequel if she is involved.

    Hocane fired back, calling his reaction a “PR strategy.” In response, Rane wrote on Instagram, “I simply offered to step down from Part 2. I am fully within my rights to choose not to work with individuals who label my country’s actions as ‘cowardly’… An Indian farmer would pluck out the unwanted weed from his crop. It’s called WEEDING.”

    Meanwhile, Abir Gulaal, an upcoming romantic drama featuring Pakistani star Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has been banned in both India and Pakistan. Songs from the film have also been removed from YouTube India.

  • David Warner wants to play golf at this unique Lahore course

    David Warner wants to play golf at this unique Lahore course

    Australian cricket star and Karachi Kings captain David Warner has taken to social media to make an unusual request ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 playoffs; not for team strategy tips, but for a round of golf.

    In a light-hearted post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Warner tagged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Karachi Kings while asking, “Anyone got a contact for Raya in Lahore for golf, please? We’ve heard amazing things about it. Thank you! Been trying for weeks to play there.”

    Warner’s post quickly gained attention from fans, many of whom praised his interest in exploring Lahore beyond the cricket field. The Australian opener is known for his off-field charisma, and his attempt to fit in a round of golf has only added to his popularity among PSL followers.

    Karachi Kings recently suffered a tough loss against Islamabad United in a high-scoring encounter during the group stage of PSL 10. Chasing a mammoth 252-run target, Karachi were bowled out for 172 in 18.2 overs.

    Warner led from the front with a solid knock of 43 off 28 balls, hitting two sixes and four boundaries. However, the rest of the batting line-up couldn’t keep up with the required run rate. Islamabad’s captain, Shadab Khan, was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets.

    Alex Hales was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings of 88 off just 35 balls, which featured eight sixes and six fours. His knock helped Islamabad climb to second place on the points table, tying with Karachi Kings on 12 points but ahead on Net Run Rate (NRR).

    Despite the defeat, Karachi Kings have qualified for the playoffs and are set to face arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the eliminator on May 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

    Speaking after the match, Warner remained optimistic and called for a reset ahead of the knockout stage.

    “We can let this one go and focus on winning the remaining three games to secure the silverware. We have a couple of days to regroup, and we must bounce back stronger,” he said during the post-match presentation.

    He also broke down what went wrong during the game: “The target was big, but we were confident about chasing it. We aimed to show intent in the first six overs, and our priority was to win the game. We did well until around the 8th or 9th over, but then it slipped out of our hands. Our performance fell short in all three departments: batting, fielding, and bowling.”

    With the eliminator just days away, Warner will be hoping his team regroups and regains its momentum. And who knows, a peaceful round of golf at Raya could be just what the skipper needs to clear his mind before the high-pressure knockout.

  • 12 terrorists of Indian proxy outfits killed in KP, Balochistan: ISPR

    12 terrorists of Indian proxy outfits killed in KP, Balochistan: ISPR

    Twelve terrorists of Indian proxy outfits were killed by security forces while two personnel were martyred in separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release issued on Monday.

    The military’s media wing said the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted on Saturday and Sunday against the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group in KP and the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) in Balochistan.

    The ISPR said an IBO was conducted in Lakki Marwat district during which troops engaged the enemy at its location and sent “five Indian sponsored” terrorists to “hell”.

    In a second IBO in Bannu district, two “Indian sponsored Khawarij were successfully neutralised” by the security forces.

    It added that terrorists ambushed a security forces convoy in another incident in North Waziristan district’s general area of Mir Ali, adding that two “Indian sponsored” terrorists were “sent to hell” after the effective response of troops.

    “However, during the intense fire exchange, two brave sons of soil, Sepoy Farhad Ali Turi (age: 29 years, resident of Kurram district) and Lance Naik Sabir Afridi (age: 32 years, resident of Kohat district), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.”

    The military media wing said sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian abetted and prosecuted terrorism perpetrated through their proxies, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it said.

    Troops engaged the terrorists during the Balochistan operation at their location in Awaran district’s general area of Gishkur and killed “Indian-sponsored terrorist Younas” in an intense fire exchange, while two more were wounded.

    “In another engagement in Turbat City, Kech district, security forces successfully neutralised two Indian-sponsored terrorists; terrorist ring leader Sabr Ullah and terrorist Amjad alias Bichoo,” the ISPR said.

    It added that weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the terrorists, who were actively involved in multiple activities against law enforcement agencies and target killing of innocent civilians.

    “Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts by Indian proxies at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.”

  • Gary Lineker leaves BBC following Pro-Palestinian post

    Gary Lineker leaves BBC following Pro-Palestinian post

    Gary Lineker is set to step away from the BBC amid controversy, after hosting Match of the Day for 25 years.

    This development follows the 64-year-old sharing an online post in support of Palestine, which included an image of a rat. The photo was viewed by many as having anti-Semitic connotations because of its historical context.

    While Lineker deleted the post and apologised, stating it was unintentional, the BBC is reportedly under significant pressure.

    According to media reports, senior officials argued that Lineker had breached the corporation’s impartiality rules, even though the content was shared via his personal social media account.

    The former England footballer is now expected to leave after the Premier League season ends on Sunday.

    He had previously planned to remain with the broadcaster until the 2026 World Cup, but the current controversy has altered the circumstances of his departure.

    Many believe he is being penalised for expressing support for Palestinian rights. Similar cases have emerged in other countries, where individuals have lost jobs or faced backlash for speaking out in favour of Palestine.

    Lineker has long been praised for making football shows relatable and engaging, but his sudden departure has upset many.

    Support for him is growing online. Fans, former players, and journalists have used hashtags like #IStandWithLineker and #LetLinekerSpeak to express solidarity and condemn what is being perceived as a crackdown on free expression.

  • No DRS in PSL playoffs raises serious concerns

    No DRS in PSL playoffs raises serious concerns

    As PSL X heads into the playoffs after an exciting group stage, fans and experts are raising concerns over the absence of the Decision Review System (DRS). The technology, which helps ensure fair and accurate decisions in cricket, has not been available since the league resumed and is not expected to return for the remaining matches.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t officially explained the reason, but many believe the recent Pakistan-India tensions may have affected the broadcast crew. Likely, the team responsible for operating DRS didn’t travel to Pakistan when the tournament restarted.

    This is a major blow for a league that was once known for leading in innovation. PSL became the first T20 franchise league to introduce DRS in the 2017 playoffs, even before the Indian Premier League adopted it in 2018.

    With teams scoring high and matches being decided by very small margins, not having DRS could lead to costly umpiring errors. The lack of technology puts extra pressure on umpires and could affect match outcomes.

    As the playoffs approach, players, fans, and experts are urging the PCB to find a last-minute fix. Otherwise, match results will depend entirely on human judgment, which DRS was designed to support and improve.

    The issue adds unnecessary tension to an already high-stakes tournament and leaves many hoping for a quick solution.

  • This awesome Twitter thread corrects Indian historians’ false claims about women in Pakistan army

    This awesome Twitter thread corrects Indian historians’ false claims about women in Pakistan army

    Indian historian and columnist Ramachandra Guha used an appearance on The Wire on Saturday to propagate falsehoods about Pakistan Army. 

    He said that during the recent military clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbouring countries, the Indian military brought forth two women officers in their press briefing, which Pakistan can never do. 

    He further said that Pakistan’s armed forces would never include Hindu male or female officers in significant roles.

    Guha’s remarks were contested by author and technologist Amir Husain. He wrote a thread on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday against the “false” claims, backing it with examples of women and Hindus serving in the Pakistan military.

    Husain asked whether Guha was aware of three-star Lieutenant General Nigar Johar who had served at the highest rank after the Chief of Army Staff himself.

    In 2021, retired Lt. Gen. Johar also became the first-ever female general to be appointed the colonel commandant of the Army Medical Corps (AMC).

    The author further asked, “Has he [Guha] seen pictures of the successful PAF pilots who returned after downing five Indian jets? Does he see the brave female pilot in the centre of this picture?” 

    He went on to remind the historian further about the units of the Pakistan Army where women serve with distinction and have been serving for decades, questioning, “Does he know women paratroopers exist in the Pakistan Army?”

    Husain further inquired, “Has he seen Pakistan Army women soldiers fiercely guarding bases, events and operational centres?”

    In Guha’s second argument that Pakistan can never have a Hindu officer, Husain wrote that the Pakistan army has been recruiting Hindu officers for more than 25 years.

    “Have you heard of Lt. Col. Kelash Kumar? Pakistanis were overjoyed at his promotion a few years ago wishing him to become General. You can probably find those posts right here on Twitter. Have you heard of Maj. Aneel Kumar,” he asked.

    Concluding his rebuttal, the author stated, “Most who pretend to be experts on Pakistan DON’T KNOW PAKISTAN. In India, many are motivated by hatred, as in the case of the BJP/RSS. Or at best, by ignorance, as is hopefully the case with Mr. Guha. Will the Pakistan Army get Mr. Guha’s apology?”

  • India denies Asia Cup pull-out after Pakistan says ‘we don’t care’

    India denies Asia Cup pull-out after Pakistan says ‘we don’t care’

    Rumours began circulating earlier on Monday, May 19, that India might skip this year’s Asia Cup, reportedly after recent tensions with Pakistan, potentially resulting in the tournament’s cancellation.

    Indian media claimed that, following the escalation of tensions with Pakistan, India had decided to boycott the Asia Cup. Some outlets also reported that India would skip the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup.

    However, according to media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia has since responded, rejecting all such claims. In his statement, Saikia clarified that no decision has been made regarding withdrawal from any Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

    “We are aware of the reports that started this morning, suggesting India has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Asia Cup. But no such discussions have taken place so far,” he said.

    He further added, “There is no truth in these reports at this moment. Our full focus right now is on the IPL and the upcoming series against England. These news reports are based on speculation and are imaginary. If any decision is made after discussions on ACC events, the board will make an official announcement.”

    Pakistani cricket fans flooded social media, responding to the news, showing little concern about India’s reported exit, saying, ‘We don’t care’. 

    One user commented, “Who cares ” while another said, “Nahi ana to na ayen, hum konsa maray ja rahay hain.” A third fan wrote, “Chalo acha hai, sukoon hua,” and another posted, “Asia Cup will happen with or without India.”

    For now, with the BCCI denying any such move, the Asia Cup appears to be on track, and fans across the region continue to wait for official updates.

  • Asif Raza Mir breaks silence on Sajal-Ahad split as he joins ex-daughter-in-law in new drama

    Asif Raza Mir breaks silence on Sajal-Ahad split as he joins ex-daughter-in-law in new drama

    Veteran actor Asif Raza Mir is set to return to television in Six Sigma Entertainment’s highly anticipated drama Main Manto Nahin Hoon, directed by Nadeem Baig and written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. The project stars Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly in lead roles, with Asif Raza Mir also featured in the cast.

    In a recent interview with host Maleeha Rehman, the senior actor shared his excitement about the project.

    “It’s a very interesting story, and it was a pleasure working with Nadeem Baig,” he said.

    “The story is set in androon [inner city] Lahore, and the writer has created an entire world of his own. It’s fascinating, and I am curious to see how the audience will respond. There will be a lot to enjoy in the drama beyond just the script,” he shared.

    What has caught everyone’s attention, however, is his on-screen relationship with Sajal Aly, who was previously married to his son, Ahad Raza Mir. In the drama, he plays her father-in-law, a casting choice that has naturally sparked conversation.

    When asked about any discomfort, he responded with calm confidence: “No. I was asked about this when the casting was being finalised, and I felt it didn’t matter. There is no animosity between us, and we are both professionals. Perhaps it required some courage on her part as well as mine, but ultimately life goes on, and we are mature enough to work together if needed.”

    He continued, “I think people need to understand this, too. We are all human, and sometimes human relationships don’t last. Life goes on, and people don’t need to keep pining over the past.”

    This marks the first time Asif Raza Mir has spoken publicly about Ahad and Sajal’s separation.


    “A relationship did not work, so it ended. There could be any number of reasons for that,” he said.

    Praising Sajal’s approach, he added, “Sajal’s step is a testament to courage and intelligence. We both have resolved to leave the past behind and follow the path of art through this project.”

    Speaking about a viral video showing Ahad and Sajal appearing at the same award event, he said, “There is so much maturity in our family that we do not take social media rumours and talk seriously.”

    “Forming and breaking relationships are part of life. The real greatness lies not in reopening old wounds, but in moving forward with dignity,” Asif Raza Mir believes.

    Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly got married in March 2020, and rumours of their divorce began circulating in March 2022. Although both stars have remained silent, this interview marks the first public confirmation of their split by a family member.

  • Javed Afridi promises ‘big changes’ after Zalmi’s PSL exit

    Javed Afridi promises ‘big changes’ after Zalmi’s PSL exit

    Peshawar Zalmi has failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, which is a tough blow for the team and its fans. Team owner Javed Afridi, however, has promised major changes ahead.

    Led by Babar Azam, Zalmi won only four out of ten matches in PSL 10. Their final chance to stay in the tournament ended with a loss to Lahore Qalandars in a rain-affected game in Rawalpindi. They lost by 26 runs, finishing their campaign with just 8 points and a negative net run rate of -0.293.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Javed Afridi expressed his disappointment but also shared hope for the future. He wrote, “To our passionate Zalmi fans: This season’s outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers. Major changes are coming. We’ll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah.”

    He also shared plans to connect more with fans in the upcoming seasons. He announced the launch of Fan Parks, a Zalmi fan zone inside stadiums, and exciting new marketing campaigns.

    “This is not just a team, it’s a movement,” Afridi added. “As a national product, let’s unite to support all PSL teams in the spirit of cricket.”

    Peshawar Zalmi has been one of the most consistent teams in PSL history, having won the title in 2017 and reached the final four times. Missing the playoffs for the first time marks a significant setback, but Afridi believes this is just a phase.