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Author: News Desk

  • 2024: Famous cricketers who started new innings in life

    2024: Famous cricketers who started new innings in life

    The year 2024 is coming to an end, and in these 12 months, many names in the world of cricket were seen reach new heights in their careers, while some cricketers set important records, and others started a new chapter in their personal lives.

    Here is a list of eight famous cricketers who started their new lives and got married in 2024.

    Shoaib Malik
    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shoaib Malik, after separating from former tennis star Sania Mirza, married Pakistani TV actress Sana Javed on January 19, 2024, in a private ceremony that garnered a lot of media attention.

    Ollie Stone
    England player Ollie Stone married his fiancée Jessica on October 12, 2024. He had to leave the English team, which was on tour in Pakistan, for his wedding and return home. Immediately after the wedding, he returned and rejoined the team.

    Rashid Khan
    Afghanistan cricket team’s renowned all-rounder Rashid Khan got married on October 3, 2024, while his brothers Amir Khalil, Zakiullah, and Raza Khan also tied a knot.

    David Miller
    South African batsman David Miller married his long-time girlfriend, Camilla Harris, on March 10, 2024, in a lavish ceremony in Cape Town. Former Pakistan cricket team captain Wasim Akram revealed that Miller “moved up his wedding date because of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).”

    Miller’s stellar performance helped his team, Fortune Barisal, win the BPL trophy for the first time.

    Venkatesh Iyer
    The year 2024 was a year of immense happiness for Indian cricketer Venkatesh Iyer; first of all, the all-rounder gained a lot of attention with his performance while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, and his team was also successful in winning the trophy of the event.


    On June 2, 2024, he married his ‘love’ Shruti Ragunathan in a private ceremony.


    Pakistani Women Cricketers

    Alia Riaz
    Pakistan women’s cricket team player Alia Riaz married Ali Younis on April 12, 2024. Younis is a former banker and now a cricket commentator. He is also the younger brother of former Pakistan cricket team captain Waqar Younis.

    Javeria Khan
    Former Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team captain Javeria Khan married Waqas on February 5, 2024. Their grand wedding ceremony was held in Karachi and attended by their relatives and friends.

    Javeria represented the Pakistan Women’s Team in 228 international matches and retired in March 2024, a month after her wedding.

    Sidra Amin
    The last marriage of an international cricketer this year was Sidra Amin, another player of the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team. She tied the knot with Adil Masood on December 28 in a private housing society in Lahore.

  • 87-year-old attendance record broken during India-Australia Test

    87-year-old attendance record broken during India-Australia Test

    An 87-year-old record for the number of spectators during the Australia-India Boxing Day Test match has been broken.

    By the first session of the fifth day of the Australia and India Test match, 351,104 spectators had come to the arena to watch the match. 

    A Test match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1937 was watched by 350,034 spectators at the Australia-England Boxing Day Test.

    In addition, 90,293 spectators came to the Pakistan-India match at the MCG in the T20 World Cup 2022.

    The Boxing Day Test match is mostly popular in Australia, which traditionally begins on December 26 after Christmas, where the host team competes against the visiting team at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

    South Africa qualified for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) by defeating Pakistan in the Centurion Test, after which the other finalist team will face India and Australia.

    On Sunday, South Africa defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling match in the first Test of the two-match series to take a 1-0 lead in the series and also made it to the final of the World Test Championship for the first time.

    Before the start of the two-match series against Pakistan, South Africa needed to win only one match to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

    However, after defeating Pakistan in the first Test, the result of the second Test match of the series will not have any impact on South Africa as the Proteas have already qualified for the World Test Championship final to be held at Lord’s in June next year.

    South Africa is currently first on the World Test Championship points table, Australia is second, and India is third.

    After Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test, India and Australia are now in tough competition to make it to the final of the World Test Championship.

    What will India or Australia have to do to qualify for the WTC final?

    After the draw of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s points average has come down from 57.29 to 55.88, while Australia’s points average is 58.89.

    India has only one match left after the Melbourne Test, while Australia still has three games left.

    Australia also has to play a 2-Test series against Sri Lanka after the series against India.

    If India wins the Melbourne Test against Australia and the last Test of the series, which is to be held in Sydney, is won by Australia and the series is drawn 2-2, then India will complete its WTC cycle with 126 points and an average of 55.26 points.

    However, Australia can then overtake India by drawing both Tests against Sri Lanka or by winning at least one of them and qualifying for the World Test Championship final.

    The same situation will happen if Australia wins the Melbourne Test but loses in Sydney. The series must be tied 2-2 at the end.

    If India draws the Melbourne Test and wins in Sydney, they will finish the WTC cycle with 130 points and an average of 57.01 points.

    In this case, Australia will have to beat Sri Lanka 0-2 to qualify for the WTC final.

    If India loses the Melbourne Test but manages to draw the Sydney Test, the Indian team will end its WTC cycle with 118 points. However, Australia can overtake them by the end of the series against Sri Lanka and go to the final.

    If India draws both the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, they will finish the WTC cycle with 122 points and an average of 53.50 points.

    In this case, Australia will have to win at least one match against Sri Lanka to surpass India and qualify for the final.

    Given the current situation, Australia has a better chance than India to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, easily get out of the if-but situation and play the final of the World Test Championship once again.

  • South African tail ender crushes Pakistani bowling, wins Centurian Test by two wickets

    South African tail ender crushes Pakistani bowling, wins Centurian Test by two wickets

    South Africa defeated Pakistan by two wickets on Sunday in a thrilling contest to win the Centurian Test.

    South Africa lost eight wickets on 98 runs, but Maraco Jasnen and Kagiso Rabad took Pakistani bowlers head on. Rabada scored 31, and Jansen scored 16 runs to win the first Test by two wickets.

    When play began on the fourth day of the first Test match of the series being played in Centurion, South Africa scored 27 runs in pursuit of 147 runs, losing three wickets.

    Tony de Zorzi scored two, Kelly Warren two, David Bedingham 14, Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosh 0, while Tristan Stubbs returned to the pavilion after scoring one run.

    Aiden Markram and captain Timba Bawuma formed a partnership of 43 runs, but Markram lost his wicket after scoring 37 runs. Timba Bawuma played a resistant innings of 40 runs with the help of 4 fours and a six.

    For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas took six while Naseem Shah and Khurram Shahzad took one wicket each.

  • Iqra Aziz, Yasir Hussain celebrate five years of love in style

    Iqra Aziz, Yasir Hussain celebrate five years of love in style

    Some love stories are written in the stars, while others are captured in beachside selfies.


    Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain are one of the most beloved showbiz couples in Pakistan. Known for never shying away from expressing their love, Iqra and Yasir quickly became fan favorites. Their marriage and family have received immense love and support from their fans.


    Today marks five years of their marriage. To celebrate, the couple had a cute beachside photoshoot and shared heartfelt messages about their journey together. Here are some of their sweet pictures:


    On Instagram, Yasir Hussain posted pictures and wrote a caption: “Iqra Aziz, meri zindagi badalny ka shukriya. Warna is se pehly mai sırf khush tha . Aap ne mujhy sochna sikhaya. Pehly mai mu utha k doston k sath nikal jata tha ab mai sochta hun . Aap ne mujhy sabar karna sikhaya ghussa peena sikhaya. Jin baton pe kişi bhi insaan k mu se gali nikal jae un pe ‘baby how cute’ kehna sikhaya. Kişi Aur ki ghalti pe khud sorry kehna aur dil se feel karna sikhaya. You are not a wife, you are my teacher. Guru dev aap mahaan hain meri jaan hain . Jokes apart, I really think you’ve changed my life in a good way. Roses are red and violets are blue. But I don’t care about these flowers. I only care about you.


    5 Years of Love ❤️ Fun laughter travel enjoyment care and respect. Aap mery liye aisy hain jesy machli k liye pani aur juwari k liye rani . Jesy bhooky k liye khana aur mechanic k liye pana . Aap k hony se is gher mai ronak hai. You are kind, respectful, and humble. I have never seen a superstar like you. 5 saal pehly aaj hi k din mai ne apni life ka best decision lia tha. Love you my best selfie partner ♥️”


    After seeing this post, Iqra Aziz replied: “Main haar gayi apki lafzon k agay ↕️ I love you so much❤️ thank you for being my rock and jhelofying me.”


    Check the pictures below:

  • Here is how Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father sacrificed for his son

    Here is how Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father sacrificed for his son

    Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s newest Test centurion, owes his success to his father’s sacrifices. 

    Nitish scored a century against Australia in the fourth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy on Saturday. Mutyala Reddy, Nitish’s father, was at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and saw his son score his first international and Test century. 

    Nitish reached the milestone by hitting Scott Boland for a four. His father was moved to tears while Nitish kneeled on the field, placed his helmet on the bat, and looked up to thank God. Captain Rohit Sharma and his teammates applauded as Nitish walked off the field at 105, not out.

    Nitish said, “I wasn’t serious about cricket in my early days. My father’s decision to leave his job and the financial struggles they faced motivated me.”


     
    He dedicated his first jersey to his father, who was overjoyed. Nitish first showcased his talent in Andhra Pradesh’s age-group tournaments, catching the eye of former India wicketkeeper MSK Prasad. He made headlines with a 441-run knock against Nagaland in the 2016-17 Vijay Merchant Trophy.

    Despite doubts about Nitish’s abilities, his father supported his dream by providing better training facilities. Nitish made his first-class debut three years later and was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for 20 lakh Indian rupees in 2023. 

    Nitish debuted internationally in a T20I against Bangladesh in October 2024 and later signed a six crore INR contract with SRH. His consistent performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have silenced critics, with 284 runs in six innings at an average of 71, making him India’s top scorer in the series.

    Nitish’s century not only secured his place in Indian cricket but also helped India out of a tough spot. His family, who travelled from India to Melbourne, expressed their pride. His sister talked about their tense but confident hope, while his father called it a special day, especially against a strong team like Australia.

  • 15 killed as Pakistan foils joint infiltration bid by Afghan Taliban, Khawarij

    15 killed as Pakistan foils joint infiltration bid by Afghan Taliban, Khawarij

    Pakistani security forces on Saturday morning successfully foiled a joint infiltration attempts by Fitna al Khawarij (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) and the Afghan Taliban through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Kurram district and North Waziristan regions.

    According to reports, 25 Khawarij, in coordination with Afghan Taliban, initiated an unprovoked attack on Pakistani posts using heavy weaponry. They were met with a strong response from the Pakistani side, resulting in the killing of 15 infiltrators. Multiple others were wounded.

    The operation compelled the Afghan Taliban to abandon six posts along the border, reports said, adding that no fatalities were reported on the Pakistan side but at least three paramilitary personnel were injured.

    Pakistan has witnessed a spike in terrorist attacks since the Afghan Taliban-led administration took control in Kabul.

    After repeatedly urging Taliban authorities in Kabul to not allow the use of Afghan soil for terrorism in Pakistan, Islamabad on Tuesday night launched an intelligence-based operation (IBO) targeting Khawarij camps in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.

    Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday confirmed that Pakistan had conducted the operations in border areas to protect the people of Pakistan from terrorist groups.

    “Our security and law enforcement personnel conduct operations in border areas to protect the people of Pakistan from terrorist groups. These counterterrorism operations are carefully selected and based on accurate intelligence,” the FO spokesperson said in a statement.

    The FO reiterated that there were “threats posed by terrorist elements to Pakistan and its citizens”.

    This is Pakistan’s second airstrike in Afghanistan since March of this year, when similar attacks targeted Khawarij hideouts in the border region.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing a cabinet meeting on Friday, also addressed the issue pertaining to cross-border terrorism. “We desire good ties with them [Kabul], but Fitna al Khawarij should be stopped from killing our innocent people [….] This is our red line,” he said.

    Separately, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in a media briefing also said that the country was resolute in eliminating threats to its citizens.

    “Networks operating from Afghan soil continue to target Pakistan, and we are resolute in eliminating them,” the chief of military’s media wing said. He added that Pakistan had fought a long war against terrorism and the same was still ongoing.

    “Pakistan has rendered highly valued sacrifices in this fight,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said.

  • Vasan Bala reveals what happens when you work with Alia Bhatt

    Vasan Bala reveals what happens when you work with Alia Bhatt

    Working with Alia Bhatt is nothing short of magic, says filmmaker Vasan Bala.  

     

    In a recent interview with Mashable India, the Jigra director revealed the exceptional qualities that made Alia a joy to work with.

    Bala blamed Karan Johar’s incomplete script for the film’s box-office struggles but praised Alia Bhatt’s impressive work ethic.

    The Monica, O My Darling director highlighted Alia Bhatt’s exceptional ability to adapt effortlessly on set.

    “Alia stands out because she is always prepared and quickly understands a director’s needs without lengthy explanations”, he said.

    Vasan Bala praised Alia Bhatt’s simplicity and professionalism on set saying, “She has no entourage, nothing, she’s always ready.”

    “Sometimes, all it took was a simple gesture from me for Alia to grasp exactly what I envisioned for a scene,” Vasan Bala added.

    Jigra, starring Vedang Raina and Alia Bhatt, released on October 10, 2024, and earned only INR 55 crores at the box office.  

    The film’s cast includes Vedang Raina, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Yuvraj Vijan, Manoj Pahwa, Dheer Hira, and Jasan Shah.

    However, despite the film’s commercial failure, Vasan Bala’s remarks reflect Alia Bhatt’s remarkable ability to deliver her best on screen, making her an exceptional actor to work with.

     

     

    Earlier, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt is back with an intense, thrilling role in her upcoming film Jigra.

    The short trailer released yesterday shows Bhatt in all her intensity as she takes off on a rescue mission to free her brother. The teaser is set to a cover of the old classic song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaro Ka’ and promises intense action and emotional depth.

    After their parents’ deaths, Bhatt and her brother, played by Vedang Raina, had to survive on their own. Due to their father’s suicide leaving a long shadow over their lives, Alia Bhatt’s character is determined to save her brother from everybody.

    The film, produced by Karan Johar and written and directed by Vasan Bala Jigra, will be released in cinemas on October 11.

    Earlier, actress Divya shared a story on her Instagram on Saturday, saying, “Went to Citi Mall PVR for Jigra show. Theatre was totally empty, all theatres going empty everywhere.”

    She continued, stating, “Alia Bhatt me sach mein Bahut Jigra hai.. khud hi tickets karide aur fake collections announce kar diye. Wonder why paid media is silent.”

    The official Instagram account of Dharma Movies posted a picture of Jigra’s box office collection during its opening.

  • Guard guns down colleague in Karachi

    Guard guns down colleague in Karachi

    A security guard was killed on Thursday in a shooting incident in Karachi’s North Nazimabad area during a heated argument with his colleague.  

    The incident occurred in the jurisdiction of Shahrah-i-Noor Jehan police station, where a private security guard, identified as Ali Abbas, was gunned down in North Nazimabad’s Block-J near Rainbow Bakery over a personal dispute.


    Central Senior Superintendent of Police Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqi told Dawn that two guards of the bakery fought with each other before one of them opened fire on the other.


    The suspect, named Rafiq, fatally shot Ali and managed to escape from the crime scene. 


    The victim’s body was taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for autopsy and fulfilling medicolegal formalities.


    Police have recovered the weapon used in the crime, and raids are being conducted to find Rafaqat. 


    Further investigations are underway.

    Simultaneously, a person died after being shot in the Jat Land Bhangipara area of Karachi.


    The victim’s father told the police that the victim, named Jagdesh, opened the door of the house, entered and fell immediately.


    His brother took him to the hospital, where it was found out that Jagdesh was shot in the heart.


    Speaking of the incident, the police said that the matter is mysterious as to how the victim was shot. However, according to witnesses, the sound of a gunshot was heard.


    The police have started an investigation into the mysterious murder, and efforts are being made to find out the real reason behind it. 


    Earlier in June this year, a security guard killed a young TikToker in Karachi, making headlines across the country.


    CCTV footage of the incident went viral.


    Saad Ahmed, 24, who used to create content on TikTok, was making a video near Serena Mobile Mall in the city’s Buffer Zone area when a guard, identified as Ahmed Gul, 35, opened fire on him, causing him to fall to the ground.


    In Karachi, where the population exceeds 20.3 million, the crime rate is high. A report by ARY News suggested that there have been more than 66 thousand incidents of street crime reported in the city. As a result, the residents heavily rely on security guards to safeguard their businesses, malls, and residential areas, yet they are not paid well.


    They are often both underpaid and not trained enough but are required to fulfil demanding shifts of at least 12 hours without any break.

  • ‘Love You Kareena Kapoor,’ says Khaqan Shahnawaz after controversy

    ‘Love You Kareena Kapoor,’ says Khaqan Shahnawaz after controversy

    Some comments hit like a sleigh ride; others crash harder than a reindeer with a bad landing especially when Bollywood royalty is involved.


    Rising star Khaqan Shahnawaz recently posted a video and picture on his Instagram, celebrating Christmas with celebrity friends like Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed. 

    In the video, he said, “You guys take too much tension, I just post and let it be.” 
    In the caption, he wrote, “Love you @kareenakapoorkhan, don’t believe the haters. I meant no disrespect.”


    Earlier, he has been slammed for passing disparaging remarks about Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan, sparking criticism from both Indian and Pakistani fans.


    During an appearance on a private TV show, a fan expressed interest in seeing Shahnawaz act alongside Kareena. He jokingly replied, “I can play her son. Yeah, I can play her son.” He added that the Jab We Met star is much older than him.


    The joke, such as it was, did not sit well with Kareena’s fans, who quickly voiced their disapproval on social media. 


    One fan commented, “Kareena wouldn’t even know who he is, I’ve never even seen a drama of his.” 


    Another labeled Shahnawaz as “full of himself.” The clip, shared widely on Instagram, received many angry comments, fueling the backlash.


    Meanwhile, Kareena Kapoor Khan recently posted heartwarming photos on Instagram, including one of Saif walking amid dried trees with a red heart emoji. Another photo showed Taimur in front of a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree with the caption “Mera Beta” (My Son) and a red heart emoji.


    Despite the controversy, Kareena seems unaffected, focusing on her family and festive celebrations.

  • Saim Ayub named among ICC’s ‘Emerging Cricketers’ of 2024

    Saim Ayub named among ICC’s ‘Emerging Cricketers’ of 2024

    Pakistani batter Saim Ayub has been listed by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) as one of its ‘Emerging Cricketers’ of 2024.

    While Saim has been nominated for the 515 runs he has scored in nine ODI matches with an average of 64.37, Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, West Indies’ Shamar Joseph and England’s Gus Atkinson have also been added to the list.

    Here’s all you need to know about these emerging players’ performance:

    Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
    515 runs in 9 ODIs | Average: 64.37

    Saim emerged as Pakistan’s dynamic new opener in 2024, delivering outstanding performances in ODIs. He made his mark during Pakistan’s historic away series wins against Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

    In South Africa, Ayub smashed two centuries in three matches, earning the ‘Player of the Series’ honour in a 3-0 sweep — the Proteas’ first-ever whitewash at home. He also starred in Pakistan’s first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years.

    Ayub contributed with the ball as well, taking five wickets at an economy of 4.63.

    In Paarl, Ayub was instrumental in Pakistan’s series-clinching win against South Africa. After dismissing Aiden Markram, he anchored a tricky chase of 240 with a composed 109 off 119 balls, sharing a crucial partnership with Salman Agha (82). His knock included 10 fours and three sixes.

    Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
    1451 runs in 32 matches | Average: 50.03

    Kamindu Mendis became a key player for Sri Lanka in 2024, matching Sir Don Bradman’s record by reaching 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings. He scored 1049 runs in nine Tests at an incredible average of 74.92, including five centuries and three fifties.

    He also led Sri Lanka’s scoring on England tour with 267 runs in three Tests, helping secure their first Test win in England in 10 years.

    His career-best 182 came during a 2-0 home series win against New Zealand, a crucial result for Sri Lanka’s ICC World Test Championship hopes. His marathon innings, featuring 16 fours and four sixes, earned him ‘Player of the Match’ honours.

    Gus Atkinson (England)
    52 wickets in 11 matches | Average: 22.15

    Gus Atkinson burst onto the Test scene in James Anderson’s farewell match, taking 52 wickets in 11 games this year. He shone at home with 34 wickets in three Tests and played a key role in England’s historic series win in New Zealand, claiming 12 dismissals in three matches.

    Atkinson also impressed everyone with the bat, smashing a 101-ball century against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

    During his Test debut at Lord’s, Atkinson claimed 7/45 in the first innings and 12/106 overall — the fourth-best figures by a debutant in men’s Tests — earning ‘Player of the Match’ as England triumphed by an innings and 114 runs.

    Shamar Joseph (West Indies)
    29 wickets in 8 Tests | Average: 26.75

    Shamar Joseph made an instant impact in his debut Test series in Australia, helping West Indies secure their first win there since 1997. He took 13 wickets in two matches, including two five-wicket hauls.

    Joseph continued his impressive form at home, taking 12 wickets in the series against Bangladesh and South Africa, solidifying his place as a key bowler for the Windies.

    Joseph’s heroics at the Gabba were unforgettable. After being hit while batting, he returned with the pink ball to deliver a match-winning 7/68. His efforts secured an eight-run victory, making West Indies only the second team to beat Australia at the Gabba since 1989. He was also named ‘Player of the Series’.