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  • PCB announces squad for Champions Cup; Babar included in Stallions

    PCB announces squad for Champions Cup; Babar included in Stallions

    The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the squad for the ODI Champions Cup, which will include five teams: the Stallions, Wolves, Lions, Dolphins, and Panthers.

    Each team have some contracted players. These are

    Stallions:  Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Haris Rauf, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan

    Wolves: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha and Shahnawaz Dahani

    Dolphins: Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf and Sarfaraz Ahmed

    Lions: Abdullah Shafique, Aamir Jamal, Imam-ul-Haq and Shaheen Shah Afridi

    Panthers: Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Usama Mir

    Muhammad Haris will lead the Stallions, Muhammad Rizwan Wolves, Saud Shakeel Dolphins, Shaheen Shah Afridi Lions and Shadab Khan will lead the Panthers.

    The five team mentors appoint the captains.

    Mentors:

    Misbah-ul-Haq (Wolves), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Dolphins), Shoaib Malik (Stallions) and Waqar Younis (Lions).

    Here is the list of all teams.

    1-Stallions

    • Mohammad Haris (Peshawar) (C)
    • Abrar Ahmed (Karachi)
    • Adil Amin (Peshawar)
    • Azam Khan (Peshawar)
    • Babar Azam (Lahore)
    • Haris Rauf (Islamabad)
    • Hussain Talat (Lahore)
    • Jahandad Khan (Rawalpindi)
    • Junaid Ali (Lahore)
    • Maaz Ahmad Sadaqat (Peshawar)
    • Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi)
    • Mohammad Ali (Sialkot)
    • Mohammad Amir Khan (Swat)
    • Saad Khan (Hyderabad)
    • Shamyl Hussain (Islamabad)
    • Shan Masood (Karachi)
    • Tayyab Tahir (Sarai Alangir)
    • Ubaid Shah (Lahore)
    • Yasir Khan (Rawalpindi)
    • Zaman Khan (Mirpur)

    2-Wolves

    • Mohammad Rizwan (Peshawar) (C)
    • Fakhar Zaman (Abbottabad)
    • Abdul Samad (Faisalabad)
    • Akif Javed (FATA)
    • Ali Usman (Multan)
    • Bilawal Bhatti (Muridke)
    • Haseebullah (Pishin)
    • Iftikhar Ahmed (Peshawar)
    • Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar)
    • Mohammad Faizan (Faisalabad)
    • Mohammad Imran Jnr (Peshawar)
    • Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (FATA)
    • Muhammad Imran (Khanewal)
    • Naseem Shah (Lahore)
    • Nisar Ahmed (Lahore)
    • Salman Ali Agha (Lahore)
    • Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana)
    • Zahid Mehmood (Dadu)
    • Zain Abbas (Multan)

    3-Dolphins

    • Saud Shakeel (Karachi) (C)
    • Aftab Ibrahim (Karachi)
    • Asif Ali (Faisalabad)
    • Awais Ali (Gujranwala)
    • Faheem Ashraf (Kasur)
    • Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi)
    • Mir Hamza (Karachi)
    • Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot)
    • Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Peshawar)
    • Muhammad Akhlaq (Kamoki)
    • Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi)
    • Muhammad Riazullah (Peshawar)
    • Noman Ali (Hyderabad)
    • Qasim Akram (Lahore)
    • Sameen Gul (Jamrud)
    • Sarfaraz Ahmed (Karachi)
    • Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar)
    • Sufiyan Moqim (Kotli)
    • Umar Amin (Rawalpindi)
    • Usman Qadir (Lahore)

    4-Lions

    • Shaheen Shah Afridi (Peshawar) (C)
    • Abdullah Shafique (Sialkot)
    • Aamir Jamal (Islamabad)
    • Aamer Yamin (Multan)
    • Faisal Akram (Multan)
    • Hassan Nawaz (Islamabad)
    • Hunain Shah (Lahore)
    • Imam-ul-Haq (Lahore)
    • Imran Butt (Lahore)
    • Khushdil Shah (Bannu)
    • Mohammad Asghar (Karachi)
    • Muhammad Irfan Khan (Mianwali)
    • Mohammad Taha (Karachi)
    • Omair Bin Yousuf (Karachi)
    • Rohail Nazir (Islamabad)
    • Shahab Khan (Mardan)
    • Sharoon Siraj (Sahiwal)
    • Sirajuddin (Bajaur)
    • Waqar Hussain (Okara)

    5-Panthers

    • Shadab Khan (Islamabad) (C)
    • Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta)
    • Ahmed Bashir (Lahore)
    • Ali Asfand (Faisalabad)
    • Ali Raza (Sheikhupura)
    • Amad Butt (Sialkot)
    • Arafat Minhas (Multan)
    • Azan Awais (Sialkot)
    • Haider Ali (Attock)
    • Mohammad Hasnain (Hyderabad)
    • Mohammad Umar (Karachi)
    • Mohammad Zeeshan (Faisalabad)
    • Mubasir Khan (Rawalpindi)
    • Rehan Afridi (Khyber)
    • Rizwan Mehmood (Hyderabad)
    • Saim Ayub (Karachi)
    • Umar Siddiq (Lahore)
    • Usama Mir (Sialkot)
    • Usman Khan (Karachi)
    • Usman Salahuddin (Lahore)

    The event will start on September 12, and the finals will by played on Spetember 29.

  • Pak-England Test likely to be relocated from Pakistan

    Pak-England Test likely to be relocated from Pakistan

    The three-match Test series between Pakistan and England is likely to be shifted to the UAE or Sri Lanka.

    Due to the construction work at the proposed grounds for the Test series, the schedule of the 3-Test series starting next month may change.

    England is scheduled to play the first Test match in Multan on October 7, followed by matches in Karachi and Rawalpindi. However, due to the start of renovations before the Champions Trophy in 2025, playing on these grounds is impossible.

    England coach Brendon McCullum commented on the Pakistan-England series in a conversation with journalists before the third test against Sri Lanka, saying, We do not know anything about what is happening in Pakistan. We can only choose a team once we know where we are playing. It will be perfect to know about this in the next few days; when we know, then we will meet so that, according to the conditions, we can build a good team against the rival team.”

    On the other hand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources say the series is expected to be rescheduled next week. PCB is planning to conduct two tests in Rawalpindi and one test in Multan. Holding a Test series at any other venue would present logistical, operational, and financial challenges.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo hits 900 career goals

    Cristiano Ronaldo hits 900 career goals

    Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal during a Nations League match against Croatia.

    He scored this goal in the 34th minute to lead his team, Portugal, to a 2-0 win against Croatia at the Estadio da Luz.

    The 39-year-old looked emotional after crossing this new milestone in his football career.

    So far, he has scored 131 goals for the Portuguese national team, 450 for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus FC, 68 for his current club Al Nasr, and 5 for his first club, Sporting Lisbon.

    Argentina’s Lionel Messi is the second-highest goalscorer in football history, with 859 goals.

  • Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja joins BJP

    Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja joins BJP

    Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has followed in his wife’s footsteps and entered politics, starting a new journey by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    BJP is the right-wing ruling party currently led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    His wife, Rivaba Jadeja, announced his entry into politics on X (formerly Twitter). She is a BJP Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jamnagar in Gujarat. She joined BJP in 2019 and became an MP in 2022.

    Jadeja scored over 3,000 runs and took 294 wickets in 72 Test matches. He played 197 ODI matches for India, in which he scored 2,756 runs and took 220 wickets. In T20 Internationals, Jadeja scored 515 runs and 54 wickets in 74 games.

    After India won the T20 World Cup this year, Jadeja announced retirement from the T20 format.

  • Waheed Murad’s son shares strong opinions on biopic about his father

    Waheed Murad’s son shares strong opinions on biopic about his father

    Film producer and actor Adil Murad, son of the iconic actor Waheed Murad, has expressed that he does not wish to make a film about his father’s life.During a phone interview on ‘ZAH Entertainment’s YouTube show,’

    Murad discussed his father, the late Waheed

    Murad.Adil said, “Even if I agreed to make a film about Waheed Murad’s life, an actor would have to portray him on screen. Can we truly accept anyone in the role of Waheed Murad? Is there an actor who can do justice to his role?”The host asked, “Even if a biopic were made, couldn’t you use his name to earn royalties and contribute in some way? To me, however, his respect and legacy are far more valuable than money.”

    Murad replied, “Waheed Murad had his own unique style, and that made him a famous actor. It’s difficult to capture that reality.”

    When discussing remakes of Waheed Murad’s films,

    Adil remarked, “Many people have approached me about making a film on Waheed Murad’s life, but I always ask them: where can we find actors like Waheed Murad or Zeba?”Someone would have to portray him on screen, but can we accept anyone else in that role? And would they be able to do justice to it as Waheed Murad Sahib did?”

    Adil Murad fondly recalled his father’s style, saying, “From the way he walked, sat, moved his hands, to even the movements of his eyes—everything was uniquely his. That’s what made him stand out. Every action he performed made him a complete actor.”

  • Analysts expect further 150 basis points cut in interest rate by SBP next week

    Analysts expect further 150 basis points cut in interest rate by SBP next week

    Analysts predict that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is likely to maintain its dovish stance, potentially implementing a third consecutive reduction in its key policy rate, supported by slowing inflation and improved macroeconomic indicators.

    The SBP is set to announce its key policy rate on Thursday, September 12. In its previous two meetings, the central bank has cumulatively reduced the rate by 250 basis points.

    Brokerage firm Arif Habib Limited (AHL) anticipates a 150 basis point cut, which would lower the policy rate to 18 per cent, a level last observed in February 2023 when the rate fell to 17 per cent.

    According to Business Recorder, AHL’s report, based on a recent poll, reveals that 93 per cent of respondents expect a rate reduction, while 7 per cent foresee no change.

    In July, the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had already cut the key policy rate by 100 basis points to 19.5 per cent. At that time, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad noted a downward trend in inflation.

    August 2024 saw Pakistan’s headline inflation decrease to 9.6 per cent year-on-year, down from 11.1 per cent in July, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

    This return to single-digit inflation for the first time in three years has resulted in a real interest rate of approximately 1,000 basis points, providing further room for a rate cut, AHL suggests.

    JS Global echoes this sentiment, predicting that the easing inflation supports the MPC’s case for another reduction in September, with a projected cut of 150 basis points, bringing the policy rate to 18 per cent.

    Topline Securities’ CEO, Mohammed Sohail, expects a rate cut between 100 and 200 basis points, while Abdullah Farhan, Head of Research at IGI Securities, foresees a reduction of 150 to 200 basis points, driven by the recent decline in inflation.

    Farhan also projects that inflation could rise to 13-14 per cent by year-end due to base effects, with the policy rate potentially declining to 16 per cent by December.

    Ismail Iqbal Securities also supports the view that real rates remain significantly positive, indicating potential for a further rate cut. The firm anticipates a 100 basis point reduction in the upcoming MPC meeting.

    Alongside the downward inflation trend, analysts note improvements in external indicators. The trade deficit narrowed slightly to $3.6 billion in the first two months of FY25. The current account deficit has significantly decreased to $162 million in July, largely due to a 48 per cent year-on-year increase in remittances, which has helped stabilise the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar.

  • Gold price climbs Rs2,000 to Rs262,100 per tola after two consecutive declines

    Gold price climbs Rs2,000 to Rs262,100 per tola after two consecutive declines

    Gold prices in Pakistan saw a significant rise on Thursday, with the rate of 24-karat gold increasing by Rs2,000, reaching Rs262,100 per tola, according to the Karachi Sarafa Association.

    The price for 10 grammes of 24-karat gold also climbed, standing at Rs224,708, an increase of Rs1,714.

    Meanwhile, 22-karat gold was priced higher at Rs205,983 per 10 grammes, reflecting the overall upward trend in the market.

    In contrast, silver prices remained stable, with 24-karat silver holding steady at Rs2,900 per tola and Rs2,486 per 10 grammes.

    On the international market, spot gold traded at $2,504 per ounce, marking an increase of $8.9, or 0.36 per cent, from the previous session.

  • PKR strengthens 9 paisa against US dollar, weakens 71 paisa versus British Pound

    PKR strengthens 9 paisa against US dollar, weakens 71 paisa versus British Pound

    The Pakistani rupee (PKR) saw a marginal gain against the US dollar (USD) in the inter-bank market on Thursday, appreciating by 0.03 per cent.

    By the close of the trading day, the rupee settled at 278.68, marking an increase of Re0.09 compared to Wednesday’s closing value of 278.77, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

    Here is a comparison of the last two closing rates, detailing PKR’s performance against various currencies aside from the US dollar. Below are the closing rates for Thursday and Wednesday, highlighting the changes in value:

    CurrencyThursday’s closingDifferenceWednesday’s closing
    Saudi Riyal74.24-0.0374.27
    UAE Dirham75.90+0.0375.87
    Euro308.95+0.87308.08
    British Pound366.39+0.72365.67
    Swiss Franc329.15+0.74328.41
    Japanese Yen1.9402+0.021.9209
    Chinese Yuan39.25+0.0639.19
    Exchange rates comparison

    In terms of other currencies, the Saudi Riyal experienced a slight decline, closing at 74.24 after losing 3.63 paisa from its previous value of 74.27. Similarly, the UAE Dirham depreciated by 2.5 paisa, ending the day at 75.90 compared to 75.87 on Wednesday.

    Meanwhile, the rupee weakened against the Euro, losing 87.39 paisa to close at 308.95, compared to 308.08 in the previous session. The British Pound also saw a rise, becoming 71.57 paisa more expensive, closing at 366.39 from the previous day’s 365.67.

    The Swiss Franc appreciated by 74.5 paisa, closing at 329.15, up from 328.41. In contrast, the Japanese Yen saw the rupee weaken by 1.93 paisa, ending the day at 1.9402 compared to 1.9209.

    The Chinese Yuan strengthened against the PKR, gaining 5.58 paisa and closing at 39.25, up from 39.19.

    In recent months, the Pakistani rupee has fluctuated between 277 and 279, with traders closely monitoring developments related to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board decision on the $7-billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

    For the current financial year, the rupee has depreciated by 33.38 paisa or 0.12 per cent against the dollar. However, in the calendar year so far, it has appreciated by Rs3.19, or 1.14 per cent

  • ‘I love his work, he’s a phenomenal actor,’ Vaani Kapoor praises Fawad Khan

    ‘I love his work, he’s a phenomenal actor,’ Vaani Kapoor praises Fawad Khan

    Bollywood and Lollywood cinema fans have something exciting to look forward to, as heartthrob Fawad Khan will soon share the screen with Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor in a highly anticipated film.

    While details about the film remain hidden from the public, Vaani has spoken up about Fawad. During an interview with BBC Asian Network’s Haroon Rashid she was asked that several publications including film fare and deadline, have reported that she is doing a film with Fawad Khan. “I know you can’t speak about whether or not you’re doing this film. Hypothetically, if you were doing a film with Fawad, how exciting would that be for you? And how much of a fan are you of his work?”

    Vaani Kapoor replied, “I love his work. I’ve seen a couple of his shows on the streaming platforms. Back in the days, I used to watch it with my mom, and I love him. I think the audience here in India has loved him for the artist that he is, the craft that he possesses, and the fact that he is supremely talented.”

    The host followed up asking, “You mentioned you’re a fan of his OTT platform work. Are you team Humsafar or team Zindagi Gulzar Hai?”

    The Khel Khel Mein actress replied, “I love them both I do, I can’t differentiate, I think he is a phenomenal actor.”

    According to reports from Film Fare, Fawad will play a British chef in the film which will be directed by Aarti Bagdi, and will be shot in London and Dubai.

  • ‘Militants will be dealt with an iron hand,’ DG ISPR

    ‘Militants will be dealt with an iron hand,’ DG ISPR

    Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry has said that militants will be dealt with an iron hand.

    During a press conference at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the DG said, “There is no area where terrorists are active,” ruling out the presence of a no-go area in the country.

    He further said that factions that attempts to create a rift between Pakistan and Afghanistan, two brotherly nations, are “living in an imaginary world.”

    Commenting on former spymaster General Faiz Hameed’s military trial, Chaudhry remarked that if an individual from the Pakistan Army “works for personal gain or promotes a specific agenda,” the law will take its course.

    He clarified that no one is exempt from the law, and action will be taken against anyone who does not abide law.

    “Pakistan Army is neither against nor in favour of any political party,” he added.

    Speaking about security operations nationwide, Chaudhry claimed that security forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) carried out 32,173 Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) against terrorists in the first eight months of the ongoing year.