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Author: News Desk

  • ‘Only one spinner’; Here’s how social media is reacting to Pakistan’s squad

    ‘Only one spinner’; Here’s how social media is reacting to Pakistan’s squad

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy on Friday, surprising not only Pakistani but also Indian cricket fans.

    Pakistan has been performing well at home by taking advantage of spin-friendly conditions. However, the squad for the Champions Trophy includes only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed. Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah have been included as part-time spinners.

    Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf have returned to the squad despite not being part of the team for a long time. Meanwhile, some players who travelled to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa have been left out of the team.

    Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel have replaced Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufiyan Muqeem in the squad.

    Khushdil Shah last played an ODI for Pakistan in 2022. Usman Khan, who has never played an ODI for Pakistan, has also been included in the squad.

    An Indian sports journalist expressed concern on social media about Pakistan’s squad, highlighting that the team is going ahead with only one specialist spinner.

    On the Sports Tak platform, a journalist analyzed the squad and questioned, “Why is Pakistan relying on just one regular spinner, Abrar Ahmed? While Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah can also bowl, they are not specialist spinners. Spinners usually play a key role on pitches in Dubai and Pakistan.”

    He also pointed out, “Several players in the squad are returning after a long time away from ODI cricket. Usman Khan’s recent performances have not been impressive.” Overall, he found Pakistan’s squad selection confusing.

    Social media users have also raised concerns over the squad for the mega event.

    Here’s how social media is reacting:

  • FBI, Netherlands police shut down Pakistani cybercrime network

    FBI, Netherlands police shut down Pakistani cybercrime network

    America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Netherlands Police have shut down 39 websites and their connected servers in Pakistan that were used to sell hacking and fraud tools as part of a joint operation to fight cybercrime.

    According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI, a man named Saim Raza, also known as “Heart Sender,” was running the cybercrime network.

    The U.S. authorities submitted documents showing that Saim Raza had been running these “cybercrime websites” since at least 2020. These websites were selling hacking tools that criminals used to commit fraud and cyberattacks.

    The network sold the tools to international criminal groups, who then used them to scam people in the United States, causing financial losses of at least $3 million.

    U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei commented that almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by computer hacking. The frauds not only target businesses but also harm ordinary people, causing them stress and financial trouble.

    Regarding Saim Raza’s network, he added that even though these people were based in another country, they were easily spreading hacking tools for money through their website. But today, authorities have significantly reduced their ability to harm others.

    How Did the Investigation Start?

    In 2022, Dutch police found a fraud software on a suspect’s computer during a separate investigation. This led to a deeper probe into the network. The Netherlands Police revealed that this network was already under investigation in the United States. The criminals ran ‘web shops’ where they advertised these hacking tools on YouTube to attract buyers.

    The network was selling hacking tools such as scampages, which are fake websites used to steal personal data, senders, which are tools for sending mass fraudulent emails, and cookie grabbers, which are tools that steal login details.

    The Netherlands Police explained that these tools allowed criminals to send mass scam emails or steal people’s IDs and passwords. The U.S. Department of Justice also stated that Saim Raza’s network not only sold hacking tools but also uploaded YouTube tutorials on how to use them.

    The Netherlands Police confirmed that some buyers of these tools were from their own country, and investigations into them are going on. 

    How Did Criminals Use These Tools?

    The U.S. Department of Justice has said that international criminal groups used the tools for business email fraud, tricking companies into transferring money to third-party accounts, which actually belonged to the criminals. This led to huge financial losses for the victims.

    During the investigation, Netherlands Police discovered that Heart Sender had stored a database of nearly 100,000 stolen usernames and passwords. These were likely used for fraudulent activities.

    Past Cybercrime Activities

    This is not the first time Saim Raza or the Heart Sender group have been linked to hacking and fraud.

    Brian Krebs, a former American journalist and digital security expert, has been investigating the network for nearly a decade. He wrote on his website that the cybercriminal group in Pakistan is also known as ‘DomManipulators.’

    Krebs first reported about the group in 2015, claiming they ran hundreds of websites selling hacking tools designed to steal people’s personal information.

    How to Protect Yourself?

    To avoid falling victim to cyber fraud, do not download unknown apps from untrusted sources. Do not click on links from unknown emails or messages. Be cautious of free software or financial offers that seem too good to be true.

  • Here are squads of all teams participating in Champions Trophy

    Here are squads of all teams participating in Champions Trophy

    The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is back after eight years and will be held in Pakistan from February 19. Pakistan will compete against seven top teams to defend its title.  

    The tournament will start with eight teams divided into two groups. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, and the top two teams from each group will move on to the semi-finals.

    Group A includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B has Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

    The first match of the tournament will take place on February 19 in Karachi, where Pakistan will face New Zealand.

    Champions Trophy 2025 Squads

    Pakistan:
    Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain.

    India:
    Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant.

    Bangladesh:
    Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, MD Mahmud Ullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.

    New Zealand:
    Mitchell Santner (c), Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Nathan Smith, Ben Sears, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Will Young.

    Afghanistan:
    Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sediqullah Atal, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

    Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami.

    England:
    Jos Buttler (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, Jamie Overton, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Ben Duckett, Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith.

    Australia:
    Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Matt Short, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Aaron Hardie, Adam Zampa (one more player to be added).

    South Africa:
    Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi.

    The Champions Trophy is scheduled in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.

  • Babar Azam to open with Fakhar in Tri-Series, Champions Trophy

    Babar Azam to open with Fakhar in Tri-Series, Champions Trophy

    Pakistan cricket team has finalized its opening pair for the upcoming tri-series and International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy, with star batter Babar Azam set to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman.

    According to reports, team management has given Babar the agreement to take on the challenge and will now open the innings in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

    Pakistan recently announced the names of the players included in its 15-member squad, with Fakhar Zaman slotted as the only regular opener. Chief selector Asad Shafiq had earlier mentioned that the second opener would be decided before the match.

    Reports said that opener Saim Ayub’s injury influenced the decision. During the Cape Town Test, Saim suffered an ankle injury serious enough for the coaching staff to immediately realize that his recovery would take around two to two-and-a-half months.

    This led to several discussions between team management, head coach Aaqib Javed, batting coach Shahid Aslam, and senior players, including Mohammad Rizwan. They convinced Babar Azam to take up the role of an opener in both Test and ODI formats.

    Babar was told that the selectors wanted him to play a role similar to Sachin Tendulkar, who started as a middle-order batter but became a regular opener in 1994-95. His move to the top order played a key role in India’s ODI success.

    Babar has been advised to aim to play through the full 50 overs in ODIs. After careful consideration, he has agreed to open the innings in the upcoming tri-series and Champions Trophy.

    The 30-year-old has played 123 ODIs for Pakistan, scoring 5,957 runs at an impressive average of 56. He has hit 19 centuries and 23 half-centuries. While he has been a regular opener in T20s, he has mostly played at No. 3 or No. 4 in ODIs.

    The last time Babar opened in ODIs was in 2015 against England, where he played two matches as an opener. However, in recent years, he has been Pakistan’s key batter at the No. 3 position.

    With this change, Pakistan’s management believes Babar can become the backbone of the ODI squad, just like Tendulkar was for India. His performance at the top will be crucial in Pakistan’s upcoming international campaigns.

    Yesterday, Pakistan revealed its squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

    Squad:

    Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir,  Faheem Asharf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Rizwan, Usman Khan,  Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sheheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hasnain.

  • Firing in Upper Kurram injures assistant commissioner

    Firing in Upper Kurram injures assistant commissioner

    Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Saeed Manan Khan was reportedly injured in a firing incident in the volatile Upper Kurram tehsil on Friday.

    Dawn quotes sources at Parachinar District Headquarters Hospital saying, “The Kurram AC was visiting the Boshehra area for [implementing] the ceasefire and was accompanied by police.”

    Reports suggest the firing incident occurred in the Boshehra area of Upper Kurram.

    Shafique Hussain, one of the tribal leaders, was also quoted as saying that he was accompanying AC Manan and that they were “busy in implementing the ceasefire” when the incident occurred.

    After getting shot in the stomach, the injured assistant commissioner was taken to the DHQ hospital and underwent an operation.

    Along with AC Manan, three more individuals were injured in the firing.

    The AC Revenue Department was later airlifted to the provincial capital, Peshawar, via helicopter following his operation.

    Background


    The current wave of clashes in Kurram started after an attack on a convoy in Lower Kurram’s Bagan area, killing over 40 people in November. At least 130 lives have been lost since then.

    The security situation led to the closure of a main road for weeks, resulting in a massive shortage of essential goods and medicines in the Parachinar region.

    Although a ceasefire deal was signed between warring tribes on January 1, attacks on an aid convoy this month put peace efforts on hold.

    A convoy on January 4 was attacked near the same Bagan area, injuring former DC Javedullah Mehsud and leaving the aid mission stranded.

    Then, on January 16, an attack on a convoy in Lower Kurram’s Bagan area killed two security officials and injured five.

    A retaliatory attack by local security forces left six attackers dead and 10 injured.

    Bodies of four drivers with their hands tied were recovered by the police; however, five were still missing. Only two out of 35 trucks made it back to Thall, while more than 10 trucks were looted and set on fire.

    The government also started a limited “counter-terrorism operation” in the Lower Kurram tehsil on January 19, but it was concluded after four days.

    It merits mention that despite the peace agreement, the main transportation routes in Kurram have been closed for four months, causing great trouble for the local population. As per official records, only six aid convoys carrying essential supplies and medicines have reached the district.

  • Pakistan reveals squad for Tri-Series and Champions Trophy 2025

    Pakistan reveals squad for Tri-Series and Champions Trophy 2025

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national squad for the upcoming tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

    Chief selector Asad Shafiq revealed that the squad includes the return of Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saud Shakeel, and Faheem Ashraf. He stated, “We have selected players who have performed well in home conditions.”

    A crucial decision for Pakistan will be selecting Fakhar Zaman’s opening partner, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel being the primary contenders for the role.

    Commenting on the omission of young batter Saim Ayub, Asad Shafiq acknowledged, “We understand how painful it is for Saim to miss out on the Champions Trophy, but we do not want to make any hasty decisions.”

    Pakistan will begin its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against New Zealand on February 19 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

    Squad:

    Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir,  Faheem Asharf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Rizwan, Usman Khan,  Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sheheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hasnain.

    چیمپئنز ٹرافی کیلئے قومی ٹیم کا اعلان کردیا گیا

  • Zarrar Khan got role in Baarwan Khiladi with help from a superstar

    Zarrar Khan got role in Baarwan Khiladi with help from a superstar

    Zarrar Khan got role in Baarwan Khiladi with help from a superstar

    Appearing as a guest on Fuchsia Magazine, the Meem Se Mohabbat actor shared the story of how he got a chance in Baarwan Khiladi.

    “Are you interested in acting?” That one question from superstar Mahira Khan changed everything for the young actor, setting him on a path to stardom.

    Appearing as a guest on Fuchsia Magazine, the Meem Se Mohabbat actor shared how Mahira Khan recognised his talent and gave him the opportunity to step into the world of acting.

    Zarrar first met Mahira on the set of Neelofar, where he had a small role. Later, during his college days, he got another chance to work with her in Baarwan Khiladi.

    The host, Rabia Mughni, asked, “How did the opportunity for acting come your way?”

    The young actor recalled that he got a chance to act during his college days.

    “I did a project called Baarhwan Khiladi, in which I got to work with Mahira Khan. Even before that, I had done a commercial,” he said.

    When the host asked if he had worked with Pakistan’s star actress before, the Jafaa actor said, “Yes, it was a small role, but I got to meet Mahira there. And that’s how Baarhwan Khiladi happened. I spent two or three days working alongside her, and that’s when she asked me, ‘Zarrar, are you interested in acting?’ I said, ‘Yes.’”

    Zarrar Khan has starred in dramas such as College Gate and Jafaa and is currently appearing in Meem Se Mohabbat. 

    Baarwan Khiladi, a sports drama web series produced by Mahira Khan and Nina Kashif under Soul Fry Films, marked Zarrar’s official acting debut. Directed by Adnan Sarwar and written by Shahid Dogar, the series featured him as Sohail, a role that earned him recognition.

  • PCB to monetise passes as stadium renovations wrap up: Mohsin Naqvi

    PCB to monetise passes as stadium renovations wrap up: Mohsin Naqvi

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has provided key updates on stadium upgrades and the upcoming Champions Trophy.  

    Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Friday, Mohsin Naqvi said, “Additional costs were incurred during the stadium upgrades, and to cover these expenses, the PCB will generate revenue by monetising passes instead of offering free ICC tickets as part of the financial strategy.”  

    “Construction work, which began in October with a completion target of January 31, has been successfully finished. Media personnel visited the stadium more often than I did, keeping an eye on the progress every day. Pakistan is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy,” he said.  

    “The tournament’s opening ceremony will be held in Lahore on February 16. The stadiums have been upgraded with better seating arrangements, improved viewing experiences, and new facilities. President Asif Ali Zardari will inaugurate Karachi’s National Stadium on February 11,” he added.  

    Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan’s squad for the tournament will be announced later today.  

    Addressing concerns about external scrutiny, Naqvi said, “All preparations are being closely monitored, and no negative issues will be found.”  

    He also mentioned that the new seats installed in the stadium were imported from China and come with a 20-year warranty.  

    The Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 8 in Pakistan and the UAE.

  • Audio leak features TTP chief telling militants to not use mobile phones

    Audio leak features TTP chief telling militants to not use mobile phones

    An alleged leaked telephonic conversation has revealed new instructions for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, barring them from using mobile phones to avoid getting caught.

    As per the details, TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud can allegedly be heard in the leaked audio, directing militants to not use their mobile phones continuously to avoid detection.

    “Inform all fighters that there is using a mobile phone continuously is not allowed… use your phones occasionally, but turn them off immediately afterwards as we are under surveillance and are being investigated,” he can allegedly be heard as saying.

    The audio comes to light a day after security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan, killing six militants.

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement issued Thursday, said that the IBO was conducted on the night of January 29-30 after reports of presence of terrorists in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) North Waziristan district.

    Major Hamza Israr, 29, who was leading his troops from the front and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, 26, embraced martyrdom during exchange of fire with Khawarij, the military’s media wing said. “The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.

    It merits a mention that in July 2024, another leaked audio allegedly featured Mehsud as instructing his henchmen to attack in educational institutions, healthcare facilities and the homes of military and police officers within Pakistan.

    The telephonic conversation revolved around Mehsud’ directives on challenging the security situation in the country, outlining methods for disrupting peace and order. He was also heard as ordering his men to carry out a couple of attacks without claiming responsibility for them, causing panic.

    In the audio, Mehsud could also be heard as instructing his lieutenants to keep the conversation confidential and ensure that no one else was aware of the plan.

    Ambush In another shootout, two security personnel were martyred, and seven terrorists were killed in North Waziristan, Dawn News reported while citing local sources.

    The shootout took place after the terrorists ambushed a security forces’ convoy, which was going from Datta Khel camp to Ghundi post.

    No official statement was issued by the ISPR about the attack till the filing of this report.

    Since the start of this month, security forces have conducted numerous operations in KP, which has seen a sharp uptick in terror attacks in the past two years.

  • ‘You won’t be my bride, but…’ Dodi Khan’s surprising message to Rakhi Sawant

    ‘You won’t be my bride, but…’ Dodi Khan’s surprising message to Rakhi Sawant

    Pakistani actor Dodi Khan, who recently proposed to Bollywood actress Rakhi Sawant, has taken a U-turn.

    In a new video message shared on Instagram, he explains his decision and refers to his previous video where he proposed to her.

    “You all saw my video in which I proposed to Rakhi Sawant? I have known Rakhi Sawant for a long time, I proposed to her because I found her to be a God-fearing and loving person,” he said.

    He recognised the hardships she had faced in her life. “Rakhi Sawant has seen many ups and downs in her life. She lost her parents and stayed with them during their illness, which is rare in today’s era. What the person who came into her life did to her is not hidden from anyone,” he stated.

    He also mentioned that Rakhi Sawant converted to Islam, changed her name to Fatima, and performed Umrah. “That’s why I proposed to her, but people didn’t like it. I received messages from people and was severely criticized, which I cannot bear,” he added.

    The Pakistani actor, however, apologised to Rakhi Sawant. “I am sorry Rakhi ji! You are a very good friend of mine and will remain so. You may not be able to become my bride, but I promise you that you will become the daughter-in-law of Pakistan. I will get you married to one of my friends or brothers,” he said.

    Since the new video message was posted on social media, Dodi Khan has faced severe criticism from users who have accused him of seeking cheap fame with his initial proposal.