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Author: News Desk

  • PCB responds to Ali Tareen’s PSL remarks

    PCB responds to Ali Tareen’s PSL remarks

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Multan Sultans franchise have found themselves in a heated exchange ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    According to media reports, the PCB stated, “A franchise owner’s statements ahead of the PSL are an attempt to create controversy around the tournament. The PSL Code of Conduct grants us the authority to take disciplinary action against franchise owners, but doing so at this stage could damage the league.”

    A senior PCB official added, “If anyone has complaints, they should reach out to us. Unfortunately, the person making these complaints does not even attend meetings. If he were present, these issues wouldn’t arise. The PCB does not wish to engage in this dispute. Our decisions to elevate the league are transparent.”

    He further said, “We do not want to boast about our achievements, but for the first time, PSL commentary will be available in Urdu. We’ve also introduced advanced umpiring technology and made several other improvements. There is another league happening in our neighbouring country, and taking strict action at this time could harm the PSL’s reputation.”

    Commenting on the recent controversy surrounding Ali Zafar’s inclusion in the PSL anthem, the official remarked, “As soon as Ali Zafar’s name was mentioned, statements were made without even waiting for the announcement of the remaining three names. The court has already dismissed the case against Ali Zafar, yet it was made controversial again.


    Ali Tareen’s Concerns and Criticism

    Ali Tareen, the youngest PSL franchise owner, has raised serious questions about the PCB’s league management, expressing his frustration.

    He said, “We keep hearing that this is the biggest and best PSL ever. I am tired of these repeated claims. The current PSL management lacks seriousness. We, as team owners, have no long-term control over our teams. Before adding new teams, there needs to be a clear policy. Otherwise, the league’s future will be at risk. The same six teams and four stadiums continue to host matches. Even last year, the final was decided on the last ball. I am not trying to disrespect anyone, but if they have a plan to expand the PSL, I would like to know about it.”

    Ali Tareen also questioned the PCB’s approach to innovation. “It is disappointing to see how our most successful brand is being handled. Tell us what new things are being introduced this year compared to previous seasons. How is the PSL going to be bigger and more historic? At least make an effort, like the Big Bash League, which has made the game more exciting and attractive. The Big Bash introduced a four-over powerplay at the start, with the remaining two overs of the powerplay available for teams to take at any point. If there is no intention to introduce innovations, please stop making false claims.”

    Ali Tareen also criticised the current franchise model of the PSL, stating, “All franchises are currently operating on a ‘rental model’, where team owners do not have actual ownership rights. Every year, franchise owners pay a fee to retain their teams, but they do not own them. Unlike the Indian Premier League (IPL), we do not have opportunities for foreign investment.”

    Furthermore, he raised concerns about the league’s expansion plans. “The PCB has yet to present a clear plan for expanding to eight teams for the 11th edition of the PSL. Similarly, if revenue-sharing issues arise, it will create an awkward situation. IPL team owners can sell their teams to anyone, with the board only assessing financial capability and management plans. We, however, do not even have that option,” Ali said.

    With PSL 2024 just around the corner, this public disagreement between the PCB and one of its franchise owners raises questions about the governance and long-term vision of the league. While the PSL continues to grow, the concerns highlighted by Ali Tareen suggest that significant structural and policy changes may be needed to ensure its sustainable success.

  • ‘Please go home’: Imran Khan’s detained sisters refuse to leave even after police set them free

    ‘Please go home’: Imran Khan’s detained sisters refuse to leave even after police set them free

    Sisters of former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan, and at least two top Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, were briefly detained by the police for holding a sit-in outside Adiala Jail, saying they won’t leave until permitted to see the jailed party founder.

    Sources, however, told The Current that Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, as well as PTI’s Aliya Hamza and Sahibzada Hamid Raza, were later set free when the police stopped the prisoner van at a distance from the jail and asked the detainees to go home.

    “You’re not being taken to a police station… please go back to your homes,” sources quoted the police as saying, over which, they added, Khan’s sisters and Hamza refused to leave.

    “If you have taken us into custody, then take us to the police station,” they reportedly told the police. The cops then dropped the detainees in front of a wedding hall, reports said, adding that after exiting the police van, the women sat on the lawn and refused to leave.

    A peaceful sit-in, led by Imran Khan’s sisters, continued at the location by the time this report was filed.

    Earlier, a clash broke out between PTI workers and police near Adiala Jail, leading to multiple arrests and a brief standoff.

    The confrontation occurred at the Gorakhpur checkpoint, where PTI workers had gathered and chanted slogans after the party leaders were denied permission to meet the jailed party founder.

    In response, police resorted to baton charging the protesters, while PTI supporters pelted stones at law enforcement personnel. Several PTI leaders and workers were taken into custody during the altercation.

    The situation was defused after Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub intervened and assured police of cooperation.

    PTI chief Barrister Gohar strongly condemned the arrests, saying that the court has clearly ordered that the family be allowed to meet the PTI founder, a private media outlet reported.

    Barrister Gohar termed the detention of the PTI founder’s sisters “illegal and unconstitutional,” and asserted that no court order imposed conditional terms for such meetings.

    “We did not pelt stones at police nor did we make any call for protest. We only came here to show support for the PTI founder’s sisters,” reports quoted him as saying.

  • VIDEO: Travis Head refuses selfie with Indian fans

    VIDEO: Travis Head refuses selfie with Indian fans

    Australian opener Travis Head, who is currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has gone viral on social media after a video surfaced online, showing him shopping in a store.

    In the video, fans can be seen insisting on taking pictures with Head, but he refuses. The person recording the video commented, “People in Hyderabad love you. At least, you should respond to them.” However, the cricketer walked away without saying anything.

    The video has sparked mixed reactions online. While some criticized Head for ignoring fans, many defended him, arguing that players deserve privacy. 

    One user wrote, “Sunrisers Hyderabad fans are harassing Travis Head. They should be ashamed. They think every foreign player should be like David Warner, who always flatters India.”

    Another user on X remarked, “Indians do not respect other people’s privacy.”

    One comment took a dig at Indian fans, stating, “This is why Virat Kohli is leaving India.”

    Many users defended Head, stating that he politely declined the request for pictures. “People think that just because they are fans, celebrities owe them something,” one comment read.

    Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad have struggled in IPL 2025. After finishing as runners-up last season, they currently sit at the bottom of the table with just two points. The team has suffered consecutive defeats against Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

  • Danish couple leaves 158 barrels of human poop at their eco-retreat

    Danish couple leaves 158 barrels of human poop at their eco-retreat

    A Danish couple has ran off to Guatemala after their Swedish eco-retreat became the focus of a tax investigation by authorities. 

    Chefs Flemming Hensen and Mette Helbaek abandoned their south Sweden eco-retreat named Stedsans, leaving 158 barrels of human waste at their hotel which is now seeping into a nearby forest. 

    Staff at the retreat have told media that several ducks died after the couple left them outside in the night while other animals were also abandoned.

    The couple operated a successful restaurant in Copenhagen before claiming to have felt “the call of the wild”, leading to the establishment of their hotel in Halland, Sweden. 

    They opened Stedsans, spreading over 16 wooden cabins, in 2016 to much fanfare. By then the two already owed millions of kroner to Danish government in taxes. 

    The couple have now established a retreat in Guatemala. 

    On their website, they wrote: “When you read this we have probably been declared bankrupt by the Swedish tax authorities. All we ever wanted was to be a part of creating a more beautiful planet.” 

    Swedish officials are less flattering. Daniel Helsing, who leads the county’s construction and environment department, said, “Voila. Over 150 barrels of human shit.”

  • USEFP announces ending Global UGRAD-Pakistan

    USEFP announces ending Global UGRAD-Pakistan

    Hours after it was reported that United States (US) visas of over 400 students, including Pakistanis, had been revoked, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) on Tuesday announced that the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) had been terminated for the country.

    In a statement, USEFP said it regretted to inform that the programme, which provided one semester of US-based academic and cultural exchange to students from Pakistan, had come to an end after 15 years.

    “We understand that this news may be disappointing, especially for those who applied this year and were looking forward to this opportunity. Over the years, the Global UGRAD Program has provided life-changing experiences to thousands of students, fostering academic growth, cultural exchange and leadership development,” it said.

    USEFP went on to state that it was immensely proud of the impact the programme has had on its participants and the communities it had touched.

    “We sincerely appreciate your interest in the program [sic] and the commitment to personal and academic growth. While this chapter is closing, we encourage you to explore other exchange and scholarship opportunities that may align with your aspirations,” it concluded, which aspirants the best for their academic and professional journeys.

    While an official reason behind the termination of the programme has not yet been reported, the statement comes hours after the US abruptly cancelled the visas of more than 400 international students, including Pakistanis and Muslims from other countries, without prior notice or legal proceedings. 

    According to media reports, while there could be several reasons behind the cancellations, officials associated with colleges and universities suggested that the government was taking the action quietly as the Donald Trump administration was reportedly targeting students who had participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

    However, reports added, some students had their visas cancelled despite not taking part in any protest.

    Among the affected students are those pursuing an education at Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Colorado State University, Minnesota State University and several others institutions.

    The majority of the visa cancellations reportedly occurred during an audit of the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), reports said, adding that universities were currently providing legal assistance and support to affected students.

    Student organisations have also raised questions about violations of due process.

  • Kubra Khan, Gohar Rasheed’s dream vacation: Love, laughs and penguins

    Kubra Khan, Gohar Rasheed’s dream vacation: Love, laughs and penguins

    After a month-long wedding celebration in February this year, Pakistani celebrity couple Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed are now in Dubai for some much-needed relaxation.

    The two tied the knot in a heartwarming ceremony in Makkah this February, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey together. The Nikah ceremony in Saudi Arabia was followed by a series of fun-filled celebrations in Pakistan.

    The duo has been sharing glimpses of their delightful getaway, with Gohar recently posting adorable pictures and videos from their trip on Instagram.

    He captioned one post, “Just two besties bestie-ing around away from the resties ,” giving fans a peek into their carefree and loving bond.

    The couple looked gorgeous, sharing a cosy breakfast, enjoying lunch together, and even spending some time with penguins at Ski Dubai.

    Fans couldn’t get enough of their love and chemistry, flooding Gohar’s posts with comments like, “Gohar is glowing!” and “When I went to Ski Dubai and saw these penguins, you were the first person that came to my mind <3." One fan even expressed their admiration, saying, "Awww, this is cute MashaAllah" and added, "One of my favorite couples from Pakistan, sending immense love from Mumbai, India."

  • Will remain outside Adiala Jail until allowed to meet Imran Khan: Aleema Khan

    Will remain outside Adiala Jail until allowed to meet Imran Khan: Aleema Khan

    The sister of incarcerated former premier Imran Khan, Aleema Khan, has stated that she will peacefully remain outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi until she is allowed to meet her brother. 


    Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail today, Aleema, who was accompanied by her sisters,  said that she was expected to meet Imran Khan in jail at 2 pm. She vowed to hold a protest if denied a meeting with her incarcerated brother. 

     
    In response to a question from a reporter, Aleema said that she had not been allowed to meet Imran Khan since March 20, adding that authorities did not reveal the reason for her being denied access to visit Adiala Jail.

    However, Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Zaheer Abbas, and other lawyers were allowed to enter the jail, media reports claims.

    Aleema further said that a police force had been deployed so that they could not meet her brother. “Why aren’t they letting us meet,” she inquired.

    Meanwhile, as per media reports, Aleema’s statement has prompted Rawalpindi police to implement extraordinary security measures around the prison.

    Viewing the law and order situation, comprehensive security arrangements have been finalized, and special security teams have been formed under the supervision of Superintendent Police (SP) Saddar Division to secure the jail and surrounding areas.

    Checkpoints have been established on seven entry routes leading to the jail. Elite Force personnel are stationed in the vicinity, and a large contingent of female police officers has been deployed at the Adiala Police Post. 

    Meanwhile, media reports claimed that traffic police would be positioned outside the jail to ensure smooth traffic flow during the protest.

  • Saif, Siddharth lead Race 4 but where is Salman?

    Saif, Siddharth lead Race 4 but where is Salman?

    The producers of the Race franchise have confirmed that Saif Ali Khan and Sidharth Malhotra are currently the only actors being considered for the upcoming Race 4. This clarification comes amid speculation about the film’s casting.

    In an official statement on Saturday, Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films explained that the fourth film in the popular action-thriller series is still in the scripting stage. He further confirmed that no other actors, male or female, have been approached yet for the film.

    “We are currently in discussions only with Saif Ali Khan and Sidharth Malhotra for the next installment of the Race franchise (Race 4),” the statement read. Taurani also urged the media and social platforms to refrain from spreading false rumours and to wait for official updates from the PR team.

    This announcement comes as excitement around the Race franchise grows, following the success of the previous films. The original Race, released in 2008, and its 2013 sequel Race 2 both featured Saif Ali Khan and were praised for their thrilling plots and stylish production. However, Race 3, led by Salman Khan, received mixed reviews despite strong anticipation.

    If confirmed, Race 4 would mark Saif Ali Khan’s return to the franchise after more than a decade. Sidharth Malhotra’s potential casting could also bring a new dynamic to the series, introducing a generational shift.

    The Race films are known for their action-packed plots, betrayal-driven stories, and glamorous visuals. Although the director for Race 4 has not been revealed yet, fans are hoping for a return to the franchise’s original style.

    Taurani’s statement also puts to rest speculation about Salman Khan’s return to the franchise, emphasising that only Saif Ali Khan and Sidharth Malhotra are in talks for the film. No release date has been set, and the project is still in the early stages of development.

  • Virat Kohli creates history with T20 milestone

    Virat Kohli creates history with T20 milestone

    Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has once again etched his name in the history books.

    Kohli became the first Indian batter to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved this feat in his 386th T20 innings, making him the second-fastest player in the world to reach this landmark.

    During a match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Kohli’s team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), secured a crucial victory against the Mumbai Indians. With this win, RCB moved up to third place on the points table.

    Batting first, RCB posted a formidable total of 221/5, with Kohli playing a brilliant knock of 67 runs. However, the highlight of the match was Kohli reaching a remarkable milestone in T20 cricket.

    West Indian legend Chris Gayle remains the fastest, having crossed the 13,000-run mark in his 381st T20 innings.

    Fastest Batters to Reach 13,000 T20 Runs (By Innings)

    Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 381 innings

    Virat Kohli (India) – 386 innings

    Alex Hales (England) – 474 innings

    Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) – 487 innings

    Kieron Pollard (West Indies) – 594 innings

    To date, only five players in the history of T20 cricket have managed to surpass the 13,000-run mark.

  • Singer Salman Ahmad booked for hate campaign against state institutions

    Singer Salman Ahmad booked for hate campaign against state institutions

    Musician and former PTI member Salman Ahmad has been booked by Lahore police under the Cybercrime Law (PECA 2016) for allegedly posting “hateful” content on social media against national institutions and important personalities.

    A case was filed on April 4 at Lahore’s Defence A Police Station following a complaint from Sub-Inspector Ikram Hussain. The FIR includes several serious charges, such as hate speech, insulting others online, defaming others, and provoking people to create trouble or spread hate.

    According to the FIR, “false and hurtful” content is being spread online against state institutions by some individuals whose posts are based on fake news and baseless allegations aimed at confusing the public and eroding trust in national figures.

    The police claim to have identified a post on X (formerly Twitter) from Salman Ahmad’s account, which has over 265,000 followers. The FIR states that this post was “hateful and intended to provoke people” against national institutions.

    Salman Ahmad, who is currently living abroad, was removed from PTI in December 2024 after he criticised Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, online during the November 26 protests. His post received a great deal of backlash from PTI supporters.

    PECA 2016 has often been referred to as a “black law” by human rights groups, journalists, and political workers, who believe it is being used to silence dissent and target those who speak out.

    In fact, the law was recently amended in January this year, which prompted a walkout by PTI lawmakers and journalists during the National Assembly session.

    Earlier in 2025, another case under PECA was reported when the admin of a WhatsApp group in Pakpattan was arrested for allowing a post that allegedly insulted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.