Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • ‘Well-known property tycoon’ tells Imran Khan to trust Mohsin Naqvi: report

    ‘Well-known property tycoon’ tells Imran Khan to trust Mohsin Naqvi: report

    A well-known property tycoon, currently residing outside Pakistan, has reportedly sent a message to incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, urging him to place his trust in Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, The News reported on Wednesday, without naming the tycoon.

    According to the news report, the message has been relayed to former premier Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where both are incarcerated.

    Despite Imran Khan and the former First Lady being aware that the Interior Minister has been facilitating PTI leaders behind the scenes, Imran Khan has repeatedly voiced criticism against Naqvi.

    He previously expressed anger over the recent cordial meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur and the Interior Minister in Peshawar.

    In December 2024, following deadly clashes between warring tribes in the Kurram district, Gandapur held a meeting with the Interior Minister in Peshawar. The discussion focused on the law and order situation in KP, with an emphasis on restoring peace in Kurram.

    During the meeting at the CM’s office, Mohsin Naqvi assured full cooperation in improving security across the province. He pledged support to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in KP.

    PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and CM KP, who have been engaged in backdoor talks in recent months, are also aware of Naqvi’s role in assisting PTI leaders, The News claimed.

    News reports claim that despite being informed about Naqvi’s positive contributions, Khan was apparently unwilling to reconsider his stance.

    Imran Khan has been vocal in criticising Naqvi since his appointment as Punjab’s caretaker CM, accusing him of bias and political favouritism. Khan also opposed Naqvi’s appointment as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    Following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 Cricket World Cup in June 2024, Naqvi hinted at major changes in the national team.

    In response, Khan called for action against him, claiming Naqvi was benefiting from favouritism.

    Additionally, after India defeated Pakistan on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Champions Trophy group stage — hosted Pakistan — Imran Khan blamed Naqvi for the cricket team’s downfall.

    Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail last month, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, reportedly quoted her brother as saying that appointing individuals based on recommendations instead of merit would lead to the downfall of cricket in the country.

    Aleema Khan added that Imran Khan had also pointed out Naqvi’s extensive hold on key positions, saying, “No one in Pakistan holds as many positions as Mohsin Naqvi does.”

    According to news reports, she further stated that Khan remarked that under such poor leadership, a respectable person would have resigned by now, but the Interior Minister had not done so.

  • Steven Smith bids farewell to ODI cricket

    Steven Smith bids farewell to ODI cricket

    Australian batter Steven Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket with immediate effect after Australia’s semi-final defeat in Champions Trophy 2025. However, he will continue playing Test and T20I cricket.

    The 35-year-old informed his teammates right after the loss to India that the semi-final was his last ODI match. This means he won’t be part of Australia’s squad for the 2027 World Cup, even though he led the team in the Champions Trophy in Pat Cummins’ absence.

    “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said. “There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight, along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey.

    “Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way.

    “Test cricket remains a priority, and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”

    India defeated Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday.

  • Salman Khan out, Allu Arjun in; Atlee’s upcoming action film goes through casting upheaval

    Salman Khan out, Allu Arjun in; Atlee’s upcoming action film goes through casting upheaval

    In a major development for Bollywood and South Indian cinema fans, superstar Allu Arjun has replaced Salman Khan in director Atlee’s highly anticipated action film.

    According to reports, the Pushpa 2 star has been finalized for the lead role in the big-budget action drama.

    Initially, the film was planned with Salman Khan in the lead. However, due to concerns over his recent box office performances, the producers, Sun Pictures, reportedly opted for Allu Arjun instead. The film, which revolves around a reincarnation theme, requires a massive budget, and the producers were hesitant to proceed with Salman Khan following his recent box office setbacks.

    With Pushpa 2 generating immense buzz and Allu Arjun’s popularity expanding beyond the South Indian market, the makers believed he was the ideal choice for the role.

    Indian media outlet Peeping Moon reported that Atlee also faced certain creative challenges with Salman Khan, leading him to approach Allu Arjun.

    While legal formalities are still being finalized, Allu Arjun has reportedly given his verbal approval for the project. The film’s shooting is expected to begin in April or May.


    The high-profile action drama will feature a two-hero storyline and will be produced by Sun Pictures. While the second male lead and the female protagonist are yet to be confirmed, reports suggest that Janhvi Kapoor is a strong contender for the heroine’s role. However, no official announcement has been made yet.

  • PTA chief meets Starlink team for Pakistan launch plan

    PTA chief meets Starlink team for Pakistan launch plan

    Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman met with a Starlink team in Barcelona, Spain, to discuss opportunities for enhancing digital connectivity in Pakistan.

    According to a press release issued by PTA, the meeting took place during the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. Discussions revolved around improving digital connectivity in Pakistan, particularly focusing on providing affordable and high-quality broadband access in remote and underserved areas.

    The PTA chairman expressed his commitment to leveraging modern technologies to bridge the digital divide. He also mentioned that Starlink is currently being registered with Pakistan’s Satellite Regulatory Body. 

    During the meeting, the Starlink team briefed PTA officials on satellite internet solutions and their potential impact on mobile phone services and connectivity in remote areas. Both sides also explored strategies for an effective regulatory framework and seamless integration of satellite services in the country.

    On January 23, 2025, the PTA confirmed that Starlink intends to establish two to three ground stations in Pakistan. 

    The telecommunication authority had submitted a written response to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, stating that Starlink aims to provide direct internet services to Pakistani users through LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites.

    Earlier, on January 4, Elon Musk confirmed in a tweet posted on Saturday that the internet satellite is waiting for government approvals to launch its services in Pakistan.

    Read more about Starlink packages price in Pakistan

  • Millie Bobby Brown Addresses the Media for Targeting Young Women Regarding Their Appearance

    Millie Bobby Brown Addresses the Media for Targeting Young Women Regarding Their Appearance

    Millie Bobby Brown, famously known for her role in Stranger Things, has spoken out against the intense public scrutiny she has been facing as a young woman in the spotlight. In a recent Instagram video, she addressed how media and online discussions often focus on criticising her appearance rather than recognising her growth.

    Brown, who began acting at just ten years old, noted how people, particularly news outlets, struggle to accept that she has matured. She called out reporters by their names and their headlines that speculated about changes in her face, compared her to a mother, and amplified negative comments from others. She condemned this behaviour as bullying, highlighting the unsettling reality that even adult journalists — including women — participate in such scrutiny.

    She called out specific headlines that questioned her appearance, including one that read, “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?” and another that inquired, “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?” She also criticised a piece that amplified a negative comment from actor Matt Lucas, questioning why a grown man was mocking a young woman’s looks.

    Following her statement, Matt Lucas apologised, clarifying that his words were misrepresented. He stated, “I thought you looked terrific and I was mortified when the press wrote that I ‘slammed’ you, firstly because that’s not my style, and secondly because I think you’re brilliant. I would not have posted it if I had thought it would have upset you but I realise it has and for that I apologise.”

    In her statement, Brown firmly stated that she will not apologise for growing up. She challenged the notion that young women should remain frozen in time to meet unrealistic expectations. She also questioned why criticism is always the natural response, highlighting how society often degrades young women instead of uplifting them.

    Her statements sparked widespread praise from fans and celebrities like actor Louis Partridge, her Enola Holmes co-star, who stated, “Well said Millie, handled with grace.”

    Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad complimented her for standing up for herself, calling her “a beautiful example of grace and maturity.”

    Fans also quickly rallied around her, with many highlighting the larger issue of women continually being evaluated by their beauty.

  • Shagufta Ejaz ‘can’t believe’ Ariha Razi is a mommy

    Shagufta Ejaz ‘can’t believe’ Ariha Razi is a mommy

    Renowned senior actress Shagufta Ijaz had an interesting reaction to actress Arisha Razi Khan becoming a mother, and her comment quickly went viral on social media.

    Arisha Razi Khan recently announced the birth of her son through an Instagram post. Sharing a heartwarming picture of her son’s tiny hands and feet alongside her husband, she revealed that they have named him Abdul Dayan.

    Expressing her joy, Arisha wrote, “Our hearts are filled with love, Alhamdulillah! Our little blessing has come into the world, making us a family of three.”

    While fans and fellow celebrities showered her with congratulations, Shagufta Ijaz’s comment caught attention. She wrote, “MashaAllah, I can’t believe you have become a mother.”

    Arisha replied, “I also can’t believe it, but thank God.”

    Arisha Razi Khan married Abdullah Farrukh in 2022 but parted ways early last year after nearly three years of marriage.

  • Champions Trophy: SA vs NZ live stream & match details

    Champions Trophy: SA vs NZ live stream & match details

    New Zealand and South Africa are all set to face off in Semi-Final 2 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5.


    Teams Overview

    New Zealand has displayed tactical brilliance in the tournament, securing two wins in the group stage against Pakistan and Bangladesh before losing to India. The Kiwis will be eager to bounce back, especially after their recent victory over South Africa in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series at the same venue.

    South Africa, on the other hand, advanced confidently with two wins and a no-result against Australia. However, injuries remain a concern as Aiden Markram’s participation is in doubt due to a hamstring injury, while Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi have recovered in time for the crucial clash.

     

    Head-to-Head in ODIs

    Total Matches: 73
    New Zealand won: 43
    South Africa Wins: 25
    Tied: 0
    No Result: 5

    Probable Playing XI


    New Zealand is expected to field Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, and Kyle Jamieson.

    South Africa’s lineup is likely to include Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen, Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.

    Pitch Report

    Gaddafi Stadium has produced high-scoring encounters in this tournament, with an average first-innings total of 338. The pitch offers even bounce, favouring batters who spend time at the crease. Bowlers will have minimal margin for error, making early wickets crucial. 

    The toss-winning team may opt to field first to exploit any early movement.

    TV Broadcast & Live Streaming

    Pakistan – TV: PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Live Streaming: Myco, Tamasha
    India – TV: Star Sports, Sports18 | Live Streaming: JioHotstar
    Bangladesh – TV: Nagorik TV, T Sports | Live Streaming: Toffee
    UAE – TV: CricLife MAX, CricLife MAX2 | Live Streaming: STARZPLAY
    UK – TV: Sky Sports | Live Streaming: SkyGo Now, Sky Sports App
    USA & Canada – TV: Willow TV
    Australia – TV: Amazon
    New Zealand – TV: Sky Sport NZ
    Sri Lanka – TV: Maharaja TV | Live Streaming: Sirasa
    Caribbean – TV: ESPN Caribbean | Live Streaming: ESPN Play

  • President’s Trophy final: State Bank loses four wickets in three balls

    President’s Trophy final: State Bank loses four wickets in three balls

    State Bank suffered a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets in just three balls against PTV on the first day of the President’s Trophy Grade One final in Rawalpindi.  

    PTV’s fast bowler Muhammad Shehzad resulted in the collapse after dismissing Umar Amin on the third delivery in the 27th over of the innings. On the very next ball, veteran batter Fawad Alam was also sent back to the pavilion.  

    Before the fifth ball could be bowled, Saud Shakeel was declared timed out for failing to reach the crease within the allotted time. Shehzad then completed his hat-trick by dismissing Irfan Niazi on the fifth delivery, reducing State Bank to a shocking position.  

    According to cricket laws, a new batter must reach the crease within three minutes after a wicket falls or a player retires, failing which they can be given out.

  • Donald Trump thanks Pakistan govt for help in apprehending terrorism suspect

    Donald Trump thanks Pakistan govt for help in apprehending terrorism suspect

    In a historic joint speech to Congress on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has captured the mastermind behind the deadly 2021 Kabul airport Abbey Gate attack and thanked the Pakistani government for assisting in the apprehension.

    The recently elected 47th president revealed that the suspect, Mohammad Sharifullah, had been apprehended and was being extradited to the U.S. to face justice.

    “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity,” Trump declared, adding that “he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.”

    He thanked the Government of Pakistan for assisting in apprehending the “monster” and added that it was a huge day for the affected families.

    “This was a very momentous day for those 13 families, whom I actually got to know very well, whose children were murdered. What a horrible day,” he added, acknowledging the grief of the victims’ families.

    The attack during the tense withdrawal from Afghanistan claimed the lives of approximately 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members.

    Trump also criticised his predecessor, Joe Biden, calling the Afghanistan withdrawal “disastrous and incompetent” and “perhaps the most embarrassing moment in our country’s history.”  

    The Biden administration had previously defended its actions, arguing that decisions made under Trump limited its options. It has also cited delays caused by the Afghan government and US intelligence assessments.  

    Trump asserted that capturing Sharifullah was a major breakthrough in holding those responsible accountable and bringing justice to the fallen soldiers and their families.

    “As President Trump just announced, I can report that tonight the FBI, DOJ, and CIA have extradited one of the terrorists responsible for the murder of the 13 American soldiers at Abbey Gate during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Trump’s announcement.


    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.  

    In a post on X, his official account stated:

    We thank US President Donald Trump for acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan’s role and support in counter terrorism efforts across the region, in the context of Pakistan Security Forces’ recent apprehension of ISKP’s top tier operational commander Shareefullah, who is an Afghanistan National. The wanted terrorist was apprehended in a successful operation conducted in Pakistan-Afghan border region. 

    As is well-known, Pakistan has always played a critical role in counter terrorism efforts aimed at denying safe havens to terrorists and militant groups the space to operate against any other country. We remain steadfast in our resolve and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. 

    In this effort, Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices, including the lives of over 80,000 of our brave soldiers and citizens. 

    The resolve of our leadership and our people remains unflinching, to eradicate the menace of terrorism from our country. We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability.

  • Key Indian cricket official arrives in Lahore with family to watch Champions Trophy semi-final

    Key Indian cricket official arrives in Lahore with family to watch Champions Trophy semi-final

    Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, has arrived in Lahore to witness the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy between South Africa and New Zealand.

    According to reports, Shukla, accompanied by his family, will attend the crucial match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 5.

    The semi-final will be between South Africa and New Zealand, with heads of the Bangladesh, New Zealand, South African, and Malaysian cricket boards also expected to attend.

    Reports state that Shukla will stay in Pakistan for two days before returning to India on March 6.

    During his visit, he held a private meeting with national cricketers at a local hotel in Lahore, where Pakistan’s star players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan were also present.

    Earlier on Tuesday, India defeated Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by four wickets, securing a place in the final.

    The second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa will take place today, March 5, at Gaddafi Stadium. The winner will face India in the final at Dubai Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9.

    Pakistan loses hosting rights for final as India defeat Australia in semi-final

    India qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final of the tournament on Tuesday.

    Australian skipper Steven Smith won the toss and decided to bat first, becoming the top scorer with a steady 73 (96), anchoring the innings, while Alex Carey played an aggressive knock of 61 (57). Travis Head provided a quick start with 39 (33), but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Marnus Labuschagne contributed 29 (36), and Josh Inglis added 11 (12). Glenn Maxwell played a brief cameo of 7 (5), while Ben Dwarshuis, 19 (29), Adam Zampa, 7 (12), and Nathan Ellis, 10 (7), chipped in with small contributions down the order. Tanveer Sangha remained unbeaten on 1 (1).

    Australia scored 264 runs in 49.3 overs, losing all wickets.

    For India, Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler, picking up three wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each, while Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya took one wicket each.

    India successfully chased down the target of 265, scoring 267/6 in 48.1 overs at a run rate of 5.54. 

    Virat Kohli was the star of the chase, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 84 (98), ensuring India stayed on course. Shreyas Iyer provided crucial support with 45 (62), while captain Rohit Sharma contributed 28 (29) at the top. Shubman Gill managed 8 (11) before falling early, and Axar Patel added a valuable 27 (30) in the middle order.

    KL Rahul played a composed yet aggressive knock of 42* (34), guiding India home, while Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 28 (24) helped accelerate the chase. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 2 (1) as India sealed the win with 11 balls to spare.

    For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis took two wickets each, while Cooper Connolly and Adam Zampa picked up one wicket apiece. 

    The second semi-final of the Champions Trophy will be played between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium on March 5.

    The winning team will compete against India in Dubai on March 9.