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  • Same team for T20I World Cup 2026? Mike Hesson’s terms before becoming Pakistan’s white-ball coach revealed

    Same team for T20I World Cup 2026? Mike Hesson’s terms before becoming Pakistan’s white-ball coach revealed

    Mike Hesson set clear conditions before accepting the role of Pakistan’s white-ball head coach.

    Speaking to a private news channel, senior sports analyst Abdul Majid Bhatti said Hesson told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he would work only on his own terms.

    Hesson made it clear that he does not believe in changing players after every one or two series. He also insisted that he would choose his own captain and team management.

    He asked PCB to keep the same captain and team combination until the T20 World Cup next year, and the Board agreed.

    In recent days, social media was rife with unverified reports about Salman Ali Agha losing his captaincy and Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan returning to the T20 team.

    Abdul Majid Bhatti rejected the rumors, saying the selection committee, head coach, and captain plan to continue with the same combination until the T20 World Cup.

    Pakistan’s performance in the recent T20 Asia Cup 2025 added pressure on the team’s batting lineup, especially the middle order. In the final against India at the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan seemed in control after a strong 84-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. But once the openers fell, the middle order collapsed dramatically, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs. From 113 for 1, Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs, handing India a comfortable victory.

    The defeat sparked widespread criticism from fans and former cricketers. Many questioned the team’s inability to handle pressure in crucial moments and the lack of stability in the middle order. 

    Virender Sehwag said Pakistan “destroyed themselves” despite a solid start, while Shoaib Akhtar slammed the team management for failing to fix the middle-order issues before the tournament. 

    Captain Salman Ali Agha admitted after the match that poor shot selection and the inability to rotate strike led to their downfall in the final.

    The Asia Cup loss has put the spotlight back on Pakistan’s batting structure, making Hesson’s demand for consistency in selection even more significant as the team builds toward the T20 World Cup 2026.

  • Here’s Pakistan’s likely playing XI for first Test against South Africa

    Here’s Pakistan’s likely playing XI for first Test against South Africa

    Pakistan’s likely squad for the first Test against South Africa has been revealed ahead of the series opener starting on October 12. 

    Both teams will hold training sessions this afternoon at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

    According to reports, the team management is finalizing the playing XI and is considering a combination of two regular fast bowlers and two spinners for the first Test.

    Interim head coach Azhar Mahmood is reportedly impressed with spinner Asif Afridi’s performance in the nets and is in favor of handing him a Test debut.

    As per reports, the names under consideration for the playing XI include Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, and Babar Azam. Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Sajid Khan are also being discussed. Among the bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Nauman Ali, and Khurram Shehzad are likely to be part of the final lineup.

  • Jama Taqseem’s latest episode leaves viewers shaken with harrowing depiction of abuse

    Jama Taqseem’s latest episode leaves viewers shaken with harrowing depiction of abuse

    The hit series Jama Taqseem used to be all about a girl married to a person who lives with a joint family. But the latest episode has switched gears, leaving audiences heartbroken with its intense and emotional portrayal of harassment within a joint family system.

    The drama, featuring Mawra Hocane as Laila and Talha Chahour as Qais, follows a newlywed couple trying to navigate life under one roof with Qais’ extended family. While the show began with a focus on Laila’s struggle to adjust to her new traditional environment, the narrative took a gut-wrenching turn in episode nine.

    The long-hinted storyline about Sidra, a young girl in the household, being harassed by her cousin Zeeshan came to a head when she was left alone at home with him. The disturbing scene ends with Qais walking in just in time to stop Zeeshan’s assault.

    Fans took to social media to praise the cast’s powerful performances, especially the younger actors. But beyond acting, the episode also sparked a wider discussion about the dangers young girls face within families and how often their voices are silenced.

    “Such a gut-wrenching episode! Heart goes out to all the girls who are brought up in the shadows of silence and suffocation & who are never told that there’s a way out,” one user wrote on X.

    Another one commented on the video on Instagram, “Apni Ankhein khulli rakhni chahiay bachon ki saath communication gap nai rakhna chahiay.”

    “This drama has explained it so well how mothers are over burdened with work, household chores that they neglect their own kids because they’re tired, because they have been working all day just to fulfill their duties,” a comment read.

    Another fan wrote on X: “They are really showing the horrors of joint family and what happens when you don’t listen to your kids and overlook the things that are troubling them! Also the breakdown scenes of the girl and her mother blaming herself was good!”

    “Man when Rashida cried, I cried with her,” one user wrote while adding the makers should have run trigger warning graphics before airing the scene.

    “Just finished watching the latest episode of Jama Taqseem, and felt so sad for Sidra, I wish no girl has to experience this ever. This scene is a reminder that danger doesn’t always come from strangers, it can live quietly behind familiar faces.”

    Viewers were particularly struck by how Sidra’s earlier attempt to speak up was ignored by her mother, a sadly common experience for many.

    “LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS,” one user wrote on X. While one added: “The episode was already tear-jerking, and now that I’ve noticed Sidra cried herself to sleep, got even sadder.”

    The show subtly pointed out how other characters, like Qais’ nephew and even Laila, had sensed something was wrong with Zeeshan but their concerns were brushed off.

    One viewer noted that if Laila had been the one to catch Zeeshan in the act, no one would have believed her, underscoring the pervasive culture of disbelief around such claims.

    The episode resonated deeply with audiences, many of whom said it brought them to tears. It also opened up conversations about the importance of educating boys, listening to children, and creating safe spaces at home. While viewers are applauding the show’s thoughtful handling of the topic.

  • Omar Saeed claim’s Fahad Mustafa’s ‘second wife’ runs his production house

    Omar Saeed claim’s Fahad Mustafa’s ‘second wife’ runs his production house

    Photographer Omar Saeed Ahmed has publicly alleged that Hina Amaan has taken complete control over Big Bang Entertainment, the production house co-founded by actor and host Fahad Mustafa.

    In a viral video interview making rounds on social media, Omar Saeed did not mince words, claiming that Hina Amaan has effectively “taken over everything” at Big Bang, and that no decision is made without her approval. “Hina Amaan has taken over everything. Fahad Mustafa’s production house is taken over by her. Everything is done there on her order,” Omar declared in the interview.

    Omar further alleged that those in the industry who fail to maintain a good rapport with Hina Amaan are quickly sidelined or removed altogether. Even veteran directors with major drama hits under their belts, he claimed, have faced professional consequences simply because of a fallout with her.

    “She is the Queen, and a Queen has huge influence,” he said.

    The strong language referring to Hina as “Queen” of the production house has fueled public debate online, with many netizens questioning whether Fahad Mustafa still has creative control at Big Bang or whether he has handed the reins entirely to Hina.

    The bold claims have ignited intense discussion across platforms like Instagram and Reddit.

    Hina Amaan is known to be involved in the production world, and has previously worked as a producer. She has been linked professionally to various entertainment projects and also runs Backseat Films.

    Adding to the controversy are long-standing rumours that Fahad Mustafa and Hina Amaan may be secretly married, although no evidence has ever been presented publicly. Neither Fahad nor Hina have confirmed or denied such rumors.

    However, sources privy to the matter have told The Current that the allegations are not true.

    They alleged that Omar was “taking out old grudges” and had no proof of his accusations.

    Earlier, actor and TV host Fiza Ali bashed rumor-mongers in a blatant statement to look at their “own matters” and “give privacy” to the actor.

    She criticized the culture of gossip, saying, “Before commenting on Fahad Mustafa’s life, take a look at your own homes, your relationships, your health, and your families. Fix your own issues first.”

    “Let Fahad live his life,” she said firmly. “If he chooses to share something publicly, he will. Until then, people need to mind their own business.”

  • South Africa suffers setback ahead of Pakistan series

    South Africa suffers setback ahead of Pakistan series

    South African fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan and the lone T20I against Namibia due to a hamstring injury.

    Cricket South Africa confirmed that Maphaka sustained the injury during a four-day domestic match last week. The left-arm pacer bowled 5.5 overs in the first innings before leaving the field after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.

    Initial scans suggested a minor issue, but further medical tests revealed a Grade 1 to 2 hamstring strain. According to Cricket South Africa, Maphaka will undergo a four-week rehabilitation program.

    Ottniel Baartman has been named as Maphaka’s replacement for the T20I against Namibia on October 11 and the three-match T20I series against Pakistan. 

    Meanwhile, Lizaad Williams, who was already part of the T20 squad, has also been added to the ODI squad for the Pakistan series.

    South Africa’s tour of Pakistan begins on October 12 with a two-match Test series, followed by three T20Is starting on October 28 and a three-match ODI series running until November 8.

  • Rs130 million in damages, legal costs as UK court rules against YouTuber Adil Raja in defamation case

    Rs130 million in damages, legal costs as UK court rules against YouTuber Adil Raja in defamation case

    The London High Court has ruled against Pakistani YouTuber Adil Raja in the defamation case filed by Brigadier (r) Rashid Naseer, ordering the self-proclaimed analyst to pay damages and legal costs amounting to approximately Rs130 million.

    According to reports, UK High Court’s Judge Richard Spearman said that Raja had defamed Brig (r) Rashid Naseer by making false and damaging allegations. He ruled that the publications had harmed the former military officer’s reputation, and that Raja failed to substantiate his claims in court.

    The court subsequently directed the YouTuber to pay £50,000 in damages and nearly £300,000 in legal expenses. It also mandated that Raja publicly acknowledged the verdict across all his social media platforms, confirming that Brig (r) Naseer had won the case.

    The lawsuit stemmed from nine media items that Brig (r) Naseer deemed defamatory. In earlier proceedings, the court had already ruled that Raja’s social media statements lacked a factual basis.

    The judge found that Raja had made the remarks “as matters of fact, not opinion”, and had failed to provide any credible evidence to support them. Raja’s attempts to halt the trial and his claims that Pakistan’s judiciary and intelligence agencies controlled the proceedings were also dismissed by the court.

    The verdict marks the latest development in a long-running legal and reputational battle for Raja, who has previously faced reports of arrest in London for inciting hatred against state institutions and property seizure orders by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad for provoking violence through online content.

    Brig (r) Naseer was represented by Barrister David Lemer of Doughty Street Chambers and Ushrat Sultana and Sadia Qureshi of Stone White Solicitors. Raja, on the other hand, was represented by Barrister Simon Harding.

  • Mentally ill 74-year-old blasphemy accused released after 23 years on death row

    Mentally ill 74-year-old blasphemy accused released after 23 years on death row

    A mentally ill 74-year-old Christian blasphemy accused has been released by the Supreme Court after 23 years, it has emerged.

    The Supreme Court, after setting the judgements of the high court and trial court aside, observed that the appellant was more than 74 years of age, not of sound mind, and had spent around 23 years in prison, most of which was in a death cell.

    “The opinion of the Medical Board raises doubt regarding the culpability of the appellant and its benefit cannot be withheld in the facts and circumstances of this case. The benefit of doubt is, therefore, extended in favor of the appellant and consequently he is acquitted from the charge framed against him,” read the nine-page judgement of the apex court, penned by Justice Athar Minallah.

    “The conduct of the appellant during the investigation and the trial was not that of a normal and sane person. The contents of the letter reflected signs of grandeur, hallucination and delusional flight of ideas. Though the abnormality was obvious from the conduct and contents of the letter, neither the prosecution nor the trial court had the appellant medically examined by specialists in the field of psychiatry,” the judgement added.

    The court said if the man was not required to remain in prison on any other charge, he was free to go, and that it expected for the individual’s medical treatment to continue even after release.

    It merits a mention that the case in question had been pending before the top court since 2014 and was heard by several benches more than a dozen times since 2017, but no decision was taken.

    The case pertained to a complaint lodged against the man at Lahore’ Gawalmandi Police Station in September 2001, under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

    The appellant was subsequently arrested, and after completion of the investigation, a report was filed in court. The appellant had pleaded guilty to the charge framed against him on June 28, 2002.

    The trial court, upon conclusion of trial, had convicted the appellant for commission of the alleged offence and sentenced him to death. He was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs500,000, which, in case of default, was to be recovered as arrears of land revenue.

    He had appealed the sentence in the high court, but the same was dismissed on June 30, 2014. 

    After examining the accused’s record, the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) in Lahore had constituted a board to evaluate him, resulting in a Bipolar Affective Disorder diagnosis.

    He was later admitted to a hospital for treatment.

  • ‘Disrespect’: Former cricketer bashes Gautam Gambhir, others for pushing Kohli, Rohit into retirement

    ‘Disrespect’: Former cricketer bashes Gautam Gambhir, others for pushing Kohli, Rohit into retirement

    Former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary has said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could soon retire from international cricket, saying the two legends had been treated with disrespect despite their immense contributions to Indian cricket.

    Speaking to an Indian cricketing website, Tiwary said that the recent decisions made by the Indian team management, including the appointment of Shubman Gill as ODI and Test captain, had left the senior players feeling unwanted.

    “Why would Virat have left Test cricket? He had already started preparing for the England series. But the environment made him feel unwanted. When a player feels he is not needed or respected, a player with self-respect will never continue,” he said.

    Tiwary added that Rohit might also consider walking away if the situation persists. “If things continue this way, I think there’s a possibility that Rohit might also take that step, not because he wants to, but because no great player should be made to stay where he feels disrespected.”

    The former cricketer also questioned the timing of Gill’s promotion as captain. “They clearly want one captain across all formats. But why now? Rohit was already winning matches and leading the team well. After what both Virat and Rohit have done for Indian cricket, treating them like this is nothing short of disrespectful,” he added.

    Kohli retired from T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph and from Test cricket in September 2025. Rohit, on the other hand, retired from T20Is after the same tournament in 2024, but continues to play ODI cricket.

  • Wahaj Ali, Nadia Jamil tease Mukarram Kaleem in light-hearted video

    Wahaj Ali, Nadia Jamil tease Mukarram Kaleem in light-hearted video

    A light-hearted video making rounds on social media shows actors Wahaj Ali and Nadia Jamil jokingly teasing television host Mukarram Kaleem about his physique, particularly his muscles.

    The humorous clip features Wahaj and Nadia poking fun at Kaleem’s gym-honed body. Wahaj is heard saying, “A few of your muscles seem to have fallen off. Two are still in your vest.” Meanwhile, Nadia chimes in with mock admiration, “Your muscles are beautiful don’t let them fall to the ground. What a back. What a beauty.” Wahaj humorously adds, “That’s a 350-rupee back,” to which Nadia warns, “You’ll catch the evil eye, don’t show off your back to the whole world by posting it on stories.”

    In response, Mukarram Kaleem tagged the two actors and wrote, “What every gym-goer’s siblings say behind their back,” keeping the tone light and playful.

    However, the video has sparked mixed reactions online. While many understood the friendly banter, some users questioned the teasing. “Why are you trolling him so badly?” one comment read, while another asked if the trio were actually siblings. Others criticized the tone, writing, “You both don’t look good while trolling like this.”

    Wahaj and Mukarram share the same gym and they have posted pictures together in the past.

    Mukarram Kaleem, a gym enthusiast, is the host of Kya Drama Hai on 24 News. A popular show known for its candid commentary on Pakistani dramas. The panel features industry veterans Nadia Khan, Atiqa Odho, and Marina Khan.

  • PHF clears pending dues of players, officials

    PHF clears pending dues of players, officials

    Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has cleared all outstanding dues of players and officials, addressing one of its long-standing financial issues.

    According to PHF President Tariq Bugti, payments for senior, junior, and under-18 teams have been finalised. 

    He confirmed that daily allowances and other payments have been settled, with special attention given to the junior team preparing for the Sultan Johor Cup in Malaysia.

    The federation stated that payments were made through Habib Bank Limited (HBL). Players with HBL accounts have already received their funds, while those using other banks may face brief delays due to inter-bank processes.

    This step comes as the PHF looks to restore players’ trust and strengthen the organization ahead of a busy international schedule. 

    The junior team is currently in camp and will soon depart for Malaysia to participate in the Sultan Johor Cup.