Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Former Australian cricketer sentenced in domestic violence case

    Former Australian cricketer sentenced in domestic violence case

    Former Australian Test cricketer Michael Slater has been sentenced to a four-year partially suspended prison term after being found guilty of domestic violence. However, having already served over a year in custody following a bail denial in 2024, Slater is now expected to be released.

    A partially suspended sentence means the convicted individual serves part of their jail term behind bars, with the remainder suspended under certain conditions.

    As per the details of Slater’s case, he faced seven charges, including two counts of choking a woman and sending her offensive messages. The court found him guilty on all counts.

    During the sentencing, Judge Glenn Cash noted Slater’s struggle with alcohol addiction, calling it a significant part of his life. “It is clear that you are dealing with a serious drinking problem, and addressing it won’t be easy,” the judge remarked.

    In April 2024, Slater collapsed in court after a Queensland judge denied him bail. Officers had to assist him in standing, after which he was taken into custody and remained behind bars for more than a year.

    During his cricketing career, Slater scored over 5,000 runs for Australia, including 14 centuries and 21 half-centuries. He also played county cricket for Derbyshire in England and later became a prominent cricket commentator.

  • PESF breaks silence after i8 says was ‘ignored’ for Asian Showdown

    PESF breaks silence after i8 says was ‘ignored’ for Asian Showdown

    The Pakistan eSports Federation (PESF) is once again in hot water as controversy brews over the exclusion of Team i8 eSports from the upcoming Esan Asian PUBG Mobile Showdown, which it says was done with national representation in mind and not affiliations.

    As per the details, the uproar began when PESF selected 4Thrives – a new team that includes former i8 players – over i8 eSports – a squad widely regarded as one of the most consistent and accomplished PUBG Mobile teams in the country.

    Team i8’s owner Shehbaz Mengal (Trynda) didn’t hold back and took to Instagram to voice his frustration. He said that PESF had “once again ignored” i8’s achievements and provided “no reasonable explanation”. Trynda also claimed that in the past, PESF had demanded sponsorship in exchange for tournament slots and even threatened to hand over i8’s spot to another team when refused.

    “Now, there was an invited event for Pakistan, and based on achievements, our team deserves to get the invite. If the players are changed, it doesn’t mean giving the slot to another team… PESF is very unprofessional. If it’s us today, it will happen to other teams tomorrow, and we will stay quiet no more.”

    Joining the protest, another top-tier team, 141 eSports, announced an official boycott of PESF. In a statement, the team accused the federation of “unethical behaviour” and “lack of transparency”.

    “Last year, PESF approached our owner for sponsorship in exchange for tournament privileges, threatening to revoke our slot upon refusal. This year, despite consistent performance and no roster changes, we were unfairly denied entry to a national event,” it said.

    Amid all the backlash, The Current reached out to PESF for an official response.

    “Just to clarify… the slot was officially allocated to PESF. After thoughtful consideration and discussions, a decision was made to form a lineup that we believe could best represent Pakistan on an international level,” a spokesperson told this scribe.

    “This team wasn’t selected based on club affiliations but with the broader vision of national representation in mind,” he added.

    The spokesperson also said that Team i8 must provide evidence that the slot was awarded to them and also substantiate the claims they have made on social media. “Team i8 should prove that this slot was indeed awarded to Asi8 and that PESF communicated to Esan that the team should be changed. If they can demonstrate this, we will allow them to participate in the event. However, they must prove the authenticity of the claims they have made on social media.”

    “Secondly, PESF is a sole entity, and after extensive discussions, we concluded that since this is a third-party tournament, we should select the team based on recent performances. The players announced were deemed the best at that time. It’s also important to note that this slot was allocated two weeks ago. Many things can be misrepresented on social media, and any manipulations will be addressed accordingly,” he added.

    This isn’t the first time PESF has faced such allegations. In 2024, Team i8 won both the national and regional qualifiers for the World eSports Championship (WEC), but PESF replaced them with 52 eSports without initially offering any explanation.

    Later, PESF claimed that i8 had a scheduling conflict with the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), but critics said the federation should have waited for PMGC group draws or allowed i8 to send a backup lineup. Trynda also alleged that PESF had attempted to limit i8’s branding and demanded sponsorships just for logo usage, raising serious questions about the federation’s conduct.

    While PESF has made its stance clear, it continues to face public backlash for not establishing transparent qualification criteria.

  • VIDEO: Obaid Shah slaps teammate Usman Khan

    VIDEO: Obaid Shah slaps teammate Usman Khan

    Multan Sultans’ fast bowler Obaid Shah accidentally slapped his wicketkeeper, Usman Khan, in a moment of emotional celebration during the 12th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025.

    The incident took place at Multan Cricket Stadium, where the home team posted an imposing total of 228 runs in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Lahore Qalandars could only manage 195 for 9, handing Multan Sultans a comfortable 33-run victory.

    The unusual moment unfolded in the 14.5th over when Obaid Shah dismissed Lahore’s batter Kamran Ghulam. Overcome with excitement, Obaid turned to celebrate and, in a burst of enthusiasm, unintentionally struck Usman Khan in the face. The force of the slap knocked the wicketkeeper to the ground, leaving players and fans momentarily stunned.

    Footage of the incident quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking a mix of amusement and concern among cricket fans. While it was evident the act wasn’t deliberate, many viewers noted the importance of players maintaining composure during high-intensity moments.

    Obaid Shah’s passionate celebration was likely meant to fire up his teammates, but it unexpectedly became one of the most talked-about moments of the match.

    Despite the mishap, Multan Sultans secured a convincing win, continuing their strong run in the tournament.

  • Pahalgam attack: Pakistan expresses concern over loss of lives in held Kashmir

    Pahalgam attack: Pakistan expresses concern over loss of lives in held Kashmir

    Pakistan has expressed concern over the loss of lives in Tuesday’s attack in the tourist hotspot of the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed the lives of 26 people.

    Media reports quoted police as saying that the attack, which left dozens wounded, occurred in the well-known summer tourist spot, Pahalgam, located about 90 kilometres from Srinagar.

    In response to media inquiries, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan was saddened by the incident and expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased.

    “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” Shafqat Ali Khan said, adding, “We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

    As per media reports, among the dead are an Indian Navy officer and a Nepalese national. Some of the victims were from distant parts of India, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The attack is the worst of its kind in the region in nearly two decades.

    Pahalgam lies on the route of a Hindu pilgrimage to a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the annual Amarnath Yatra, making it one of the most heavily protected regions of Indian-held Jammu and Kashmir.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the incident, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting Saudi Arabia at the time, said that those behind the heinous act would be brought to justice.

    “…Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” he added.

    Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, while calling the attack “extremely condemnable and heartbreaking,” urged the government to move beyond what he termed “hollow claims” of peace in held-Jammu and Kashmir. “The whole country is united against terrorism,” he said.

    “Instead of making hollow claims of the situation being normal in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should now take accountability and take concrete steps so that such barbaric incidents do not happen in the future and innocent Indians do not lose their lives like this.”

    Meanwhile, in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that India has the full support of the United States.

    “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies,” he wrote.

  • Five litres of milk a day? Dhoni addresses claims about his diet

    Five litres of milk a day? Dhoni addresses claims about his diet

    Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket a few years ago, is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings. He has also cleared up some funny myths behind his brilliant performances during a conversation with the media.

    Following an injury to the regular captain this season, Dhoni has once again taken on the team’s leadership responsibilities. He recently attended a promotional event where he made some interesting revelations about himself. When asked about the weirdest rumour he had ever heard, he responded with a smile: “That I drink five litres of milk every day.” The anchor, clearly surprised, clarified that it was indeed a false rumour.

    He went on to explain, “I might drink one litre throughout the day, but saying I drink five litres is way too much.”

    In a lighter moment, the anchor brought up another rumour claiming the star cricketer used to make lassi in a washing machine. He laughed and quickly replied, “No, I don’t even drink lassi.”

    According to reports, when Dhoni made his international debut in 2004-05, it was widely believed that his incredible energy came from drinking five litres of milk daily, a myth the cricketer has now officially debunked.

    Dhoni enjoys a massive fan following in India, with many still considering him a lucky and successful captain. Fans hope to see him lead CSK to more victories, just as he did in the past. However, this season has been challenging for the franchise, with the team currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, having secured just one win from eight matches.

    Renowned for his leadership skills, he has led India to numerous prestigious titles, including the World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Under his captaincy, Chennai Super Kings have also won the IPL title five times, cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest leaders.

  • Multan Sultans down Lahore Qalandars to claim first win of the season

    Multan Sultans down Lahore Qalandars to claim first win of the season

    Multan Sultans on Tuesday registered their first win of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

    Sultans, playing this season’s first game at home, bounced back after losing their three opening matches over the past two weeks. Yasir Khan’s explosive batting and Ubaid Shah’s brilliant bowling were the standout performances of the night.

    After winning the toss, Multan opted to bat first and posted an imposing total of 228 in their 20 overs. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan got the team off to a flying start, putting up a record 89-run partnership for the first wicket – the highest opening stand in this year’s PSL.

    Rizwan scored 32 runs off 24 balls with a six and four 4s before being bowled by Asif Afridi. Yasir Khan was the top scorer with a scintillating 87 off 44 deliveries, smashing six 6s and six 4s before being caught by Abdullah Shafique off Sikandar Raza.

    Usman Khan contributed 39 runs, sharing a 70-run stand with Yasir for the second wicket. Iftikhar Ahmed added late fireworks with an unbeaten 40 off just 18 balls, including three 6s and three 4s.

    Rishad Hossain was the pick of Lahore’s bowlers, claiming two wickets for 45 runs.

    In response, Qalandars could only manage to score 195 runs in their 20 overs with one wicket remaining.

    Fakhar Zaman looked dangerous early on with 32 off 22 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours, but Ubaid Shah struck to dismiss him at a crucial time. Earlier, Mohammad Naeem fell cheaply for 11 runs to Michael Bracewell.

    Bracewell further dented Lahore’s chase by removing Abdullah Shafique for 18, ending a promising 36-run stand with Daryl Mitchell. Ubaid Shah returned to remove both Sam Billings and Mitchell, crushing any hopes of a late comeback.

    Despite Sikandar Raza’s valiant 50* off 34 balls, Lahore fell short. 

    Ubaid Shah ended with figures of 3 for 37, while Bracewell and Usama Mir picked up two wickets apiece.

    Multan now move to their next game against Islamabad United, which will also be played in Multan today (Wednesday).

  • Sajal Malik breaks silence after leaks claim, approaches FIA over fake videos

    Sajal Malik breaks silence after leaks claim, approaches FIA over fake videos

    As the series of alleged leaks targeting prominent social media personalities continues, TikToker and TV host Sajal Malik has broken silence, denying all claims regarding a video that netizens believed showed her along with an unidentified man.

    As per the details, Sajal, who is known for her roadshows on a Lahore-based TV channel and has garnered millions of views on her social media, has filed a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), saying that the videos being linked to her were fake.

    “Those videos are not mine. I haven’t done anything wrong, which is why I have come forward to clarify things,” she said in an interview with a digital media outlet.

    Sajal revealed that the campaign against her had caused her severe mental distress, and also criticised media outlets as well as social media pages spreading unverified content. “Please don’t attach fake videos to my name. At least verify the facts before sharing such serious claims.”

    A day earlier, TikToker Samia Hijab also denied connection to videos that were claimed to show her sharing an intimate moment with a man, stating that the clips were fake and AI-generated.

    Previously, compromising videos allegedly linked to Minahil Malik, Mathira and Amsha Rehman have also gone viral online, sparking conversations about digital safety and deepfake abuse in Pakistan’s entertainment scene.

  • ‘No thanks’: Iffat Omar turns down Punjab govt’s cultural adviser offer

    ‘No thanks’: Iffat Omar turns down Punjab govt’s cultural adviser offer

    Former model and actor Iffat Omar has turned down the Punjab government’s offer to take on the role of cultural adviser to Information Minister Azma Bokhari.

    “I’ve humbly declined the offer,” Iffat confirmed while speaking to Images.

    This statement comes after several news outlets and social media pages reported that Iffat had accepted the position and would be working on cultural programmes for Punjab.

    Iffat Omar now hosts a YouTube podcast, Say It All With Iffat Omar, where she engages with experts from various fields.

    In 2022, Iffat announced that she was stepping away from acting, stating that the work in the industry no longer appealed to her.

    “I have decided to quit showbiz because the work is so bad, and I criticise it myself. To do the work and then critique it doesn’t feel right,” she said at the time.

    However, she left the door slightly open for a return, saying, “If I’m ever offered a really great script, I’ll consider it; otherwise, I’m done.”

  • Talhah Yunus drops ‘Shikwa’: A dark, honest album that hits right in the feels

    Talhah Yunus drops ‘Shikwa’: A dark, honest album that hits right in the feels

    Talhah Yunus from Young Stunners just dropped his solo album Shikwa (Side A), and trust me, this one’s different. It’s not just rap; it’s poetry with pain, style with struggle. It feels like he’s sitting under a flickering streetlight in Karachi, cigarette in hand, telling his story, and you can’t help but listen.

    From the first track, Yunus sets the tone: moody, intense, raw. He teams up with Wazir Patar and Rap Demon to kick things off, and it sounds like a scene from a gangster movie. But right when you think the whole album will be full of attitude and fire, he switches gears and dives deep into emotions.

    The music is dark but smooth. No loud, flashy beats, just thoughtful production with icy vibes and beats that let Talhah’s voice stand out. He raps like he’s letting out years of thoughts, not showing off, but opening up.

    By the time you reach tracks like Shopping, you see another side of him. He’s not just flexing, he’s questioning the world around him. “Karachi is my home and my warzone,” he raps, turning the idea of luxury into survival.

    Talhah isn’t here to chase hits. He’s here to reclaim his story. There’s no nostalgia, just reflection. His collab with Talha Anjum in Dawgs is like two friends talking quietly after a storm. And Happen, with Faris Shafi, might just break you, it’s that emotional.

    100% brings a lo-fi vibe with Shareh, while Majaal, featuring Shamoon Ismail, feels like floating. But it all leads to the final track, Shikwa. It’s soft, poetic, and hits hard with the line, “Kya hi shikwa karein phir, teri ghalti nahi hai.” It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after it ends.

    Shikwa (Side A) connects to Side B, which dropped last year. Side B was all heartbreak. Side A? It’s the build-up: the denial, the confidence, the fall before the crash. Together, they tell a full story of love, loss, and self-discovery.

    This album isn’t just music, it’s Talhah Yunus laying it all out. Honest, raw, personal.

  • Could the next pope be Pakistani? Here’s what you need to know…

    Could the next pope be Pakistani? Here’s what you need to know…

    With the passing of Pope Francis, 88-year-old Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the election for his successor is to take place within the next 15 to 20 days. Among the contenders is Pakistan’s second cardinal, Joseph Coutts.

    The pope is the head of the Catholic Church who holds full authority over it and is considered a powerful and important figure, as well as a spiritual leader, for nearly 1.5 billion Catholics around the world.

    Pakistan’s Joseph Coutts qualifies to join the conclave – secret meeting where the cardinals gather to elect a new pope – because he was born on July 21, 1945, fulfilling the condition that cardinals, who are usually also bishops, must be under the age of 80. Joseph Coutts is three months short of 80 years, so he will be part of the election.

    Cardinal Coutts of Pakistan, if elected, will be the first pope from South Asia. However, it has been observed that usually cardinals from Europe are elected. But then there was also Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pontiff. 

    As for the rather secret process of choosing a new pope, cardinals gather under Michelangelo’s painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel in Rome to initiate deliberations regarding selection. In order to make the meeting secret, telephones and newspapers are removed, and the chapel is also swept for listening devices before and during the conclave.

    According to reports, there are 250 cardinals from more than 90 countries. However, there are only 135 cardinal electors due to the age restriction.

    Cardinals vote up to four times a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. During this time, no one is allowed to enter the cardinals’ quarters except for maintenance staff, doctors and priests who hear their confessions — and even these individuals are required to take an oath of secrecy.

    A two-thirds majority is needed to elect the new pope and this process continues until only one candidate remains for the position of the pope. The longest papal conclave was in 1992, when it took five days to choose a new leader.

    The ballot cards are burned after each round of voting with chemicals added to make the chimney smoke black or white. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been chosen so far whereas white smoke indicates that a new pope has been elected.

    After election, the new pope is dressed in papal garments, following which, cardinals pay homage to the him and pledge their obedience.

    Among the forerunners are Pietro Parolin of Italy, Luis Antonio of the Philippines, Peter Turkson of Ghana, Peter Erdo of Hungary, Matteo Zuppi of Italy, Jose Tolentino of Portugal and Mario Grech of Malta.