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  • ICC creates history with all-female match officials at Women’s World Cup 2025

    ICC creates history with all-female match officials at Women’s World Cup 2025

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken another big step to promote women in cricket by naming an all-female panel of match officials for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. 

    This will be the first time in the history of the tournament that only women will officiate in a tournament. 

    The Women’s World Cup will be played in India and Sri Lanka from September 30, with the panel comprising of 14 umpires and four match referees.

    Claire Polosak, Jacquline Williams, and Sue Redfern will return for their third Women’s World Cup, while Lauren Agenbag and Kim Cotton will appear in their second after officiating in Australia’s title win in 2022.

    The referee panel features Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michelle Pereira, who bring a mix of experience to the 13th edition of the tournament.

    Full list of match officials:

    Match Referees: Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michelle Pereira


    Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Candace la Borde, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Gayathri Venugopalan, Jacquline Williams

    The ICC said this historic move reflects its commitment to supporting, elevating, and empowering women in cricket.

  • ‘I was under a lot of stress and pressure’: Fawad Khan on working in Abir Gulaal

    ‘I was under a lot of stress and pressure’: Fawad Khan on working in Abir Gulaal

    Fawad Khan, one of Pakistan’s most beloved stars, is stepping back into the world of romance with Abir Gulaal, his latest romantic comedy co-starring Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor.

    In an interview with Gulf News, Fawad said cinema was begging for such a film because everything is now very intense, dark or dramatic – a thriller or too much of blood and gore. “This is more like a palate cleanser. The best foods are the ones with the simplest ingredients where you can taste everything individually. And that only happens when there’s no complication in it. So, this is that kind of a meal.”

    Fawad candidly admitted he was concerned about whether the film would even reach audiences, “I was very worried. There was a lot of pressure around the film’s release,” he shared. “But my belief in the story and its message helped me push forward.”

    He also opened up about relationships and the idea of “the one”. “Having a relationship is a journey in life,” he said.

    “Over the course of time, you come to that equilibrium point. It may feel like love at first sight and it can work out, but you have to accept people with their flaws. That’s what we’re becoming more intolerant of… we just feel everything has to serve one’s own purpose. If something bothers you about your partner, you have to take it in your stride and make it work. That is a very big part of commitment. If you keep waiting forever, you might just wait forever.”

    To a question about the viral teaser that showed Fawad serenading Vaani with Kumar Sanu’s Kuch Na Kaho from the Bollywood film ‘1942: A Love Story’, which drew widespread reactions and a flood of memes online, Vaani said, “The world is healing is what I’ve heard.”

    But even that heart-melting moment wasn’t without nerves. “I was definitely under a lot of stress and pressure,” Fawad revealed. “I don’t sing very often. I think of myself as a bathroom singer. But it’s such an iconic song, so I was nervous.”

    Vaani also said she got lucky to be selected as co-star opposite Fawad.

    Abir Gulaal is set to be released in Pakistan and other global territories on September 12. The film will not be released in India.

  • Indian mom puts 15-day-old baby in fridge for crying constantly

    Indian mom puts 15-day-old baby in fridge for crying constantly

    A shocking incident unfolded in the Indian city of Moradabad where a 23-year-old mother put her 15-day-old son inside a refrigerator because she felt frustrated with his constant crying.

    Indian media reported that the woman lives with her husband and in-laws in Jabbar Colony in the Uttar Pradesh city. On September 5, she took the crying baby to the kitchen, placed him inside the fridge, and then returned to her room to sleep.

    Moments later, the baby’s cries woke up his grandmother. She rushed to the kitchen, pulled the infant out of the fridge, and took him to a hospital where doctors declared him out of danger.

    When the family questioned the mother about what she had done, she calmly replied, “He was not sleeping, so I kept him in the fridge.” The in-laws were left stunned.

    Initially, the family believed she was under the influence of some evil spirit and arranged treatment for that. But her behavior did not improve. Doctors later conducted a psychological evaluation and diagnosed her with postpartum depression.

    Experts explain that postpartum depression affects some new mothers after childbirth. It goes beyond temporary sadness, causing persistent emotional, physical, and behavioral changes. The condition can affect daily life and make it difficult for mothers to care for themselves and their newborns.

  • FACT CHECK: Did martyred Maj Adnan Aslam’s father chant ‘Imran Khan Zindabad’?

    FACT CHECK: Did martyred Maj Adnan Aslam’s father chant ‘Imran Khan Zindabad’?

    Two days after the funeral of martyred Major Adnan Aslam, a viral video from the ceremony has been shared with the claim that it shows his father chanting incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s name.

    Major Adnan succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday after being critically injured while protecting a fallen comrade from gunfire during an operation in Bannu on Sept 2. Drone footage of the encounter had also gone viral over the internet, highlighting Major Adnan’s bravery and commitment, drawing praise from all quarters.

    With visuals from his funeral taking over the internet by storm, it was claimed that one of the videos showed his father chanting ‘Imran Khan Zindabad’. It was first shared on X by a user named ‘ZEShan’, who has more than 63,000 followers. “Breaking News. The father of martyred Major Adnan Aslam also raised the slogan of Long Live Imran Khan [sic],” he wrote.

    By the filing of this report, the post had garnered 175,000 views and had been retweeted over 4,900 times.

    As thousands of other social media users share the video with the same caption here, here, here and here, The Current conducted a thorough investigation, concluding that the claim was false.

    The video actually showed Maj Adnan’s father chanting “Adnan [Aslam] Khan Zindabad” along with other slogans, including Naraa-e-Takbeer and Pakistan Zindabad.

    The misleading caption resulted in the creation of an auditory illusion, which is a false perception of sound where the brain misinterprets it due to conflicting information.

  • ‘It is just a match’: Indian Supreme Court dismisses plea to ban Pak-India Asia Cup match

    ‘It is just a match’: Indian Supreme Court dismisses plea to ban Pak-India Asia Cup match

    The Indian Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea to ban the Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and India, observing it was “just a match”.

    A bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi gave the remarks after activist Ketan Tirodkar approached the court, demanding that the September 14 clash in Dubai be declared unconstitutional. 

    Tirodkar argued that given the recent hostilities between the two countries, cricket ties should not continue. He also claimed the match violated Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

    The judges dismissed the plea and made it clear they would not hear the matter.

    Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reiterated its stance that it follows the central government’s policy. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said India’s current policy did not restrict the team from participating in international or multi-nation tournaments.

    Pakistan and India are both in Group A of the Asia Cup. The two sides are set to meet on September 14 in Dubai.

  • Security forces killed 19 terrorists in three operations across KP

    Security forces killed 19 terrorists in three operations across KP

    Security forces have killed 19 terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij in three separate operations carried out between September 9-10 across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said in a statement on Thursday.

    According to the military’s media wing, an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) was conducted by the security forces in the general area of Guluno, Mohmand District, on the reported presence of terrorists. 

    “During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, fourteen Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell,” said the ISPR.

    Military’s media wing further stated that another IBO was conducted in the general area Datta Khel, North Waziristan District and in the ensuing fire exchange, “four more Khwarij were neutralized” by the security forces.

    “In another encounter that took place in Bannu District, one more Khwarij was neutralized by the security forces. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from Indian sponsored killed Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in these areas,” it added.

    Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country.

    Pakistan has been experiencing a surge in terrorist incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan. After withdrawing from a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensified assaults on security forces, police, and other law enforcement personnel.

    Fitna al Khwarij is being used to refer to terrorists belonging to the outlawed TTP, while Balochistan-based groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

    Last week, six soldiers embraced martyrdom while security forces killed five militants in repelling an attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Bannu district. In August, security forces eliminated 50 militants during a four-day counterterrorism operation in Balochistan.

  • Ushna Shah slammed for condoling death of right-wing hate monger Charlie Kirk

    Ushna Shah slammed for condoling death of right-wing hate monger Charlie Kirk

    Actor Ushna Shah is facing online backlash after expressing condolences over the death of American right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while speaking at a university event in Utah. While Shah acknowledged her disagreement with many of Kirk’s views, particularly on Palestine, she condemned the brutal nature of his death and extended sympathies to his family.

    In an Instagram story, Shah wrote that although she found Kirk’s stance on Palestine to be deeply troubling, she was “heartbroken” to witness “a man in his early thirties, a husband, a son, a father of two, be shot in cold blood.”

    “The children and families of Palestine will always remain my priority to defend,” she added, “yet today I pause in grief at this awful murder. A loss of life this cruel and senseless is devastating, and it is in acknowledging all human suffering that we hold on to our own humanity.”

    Her remarks sparked a fierce reaction online, with critics accusing her of sympathising with someone whose rhetoric, they say, contributed to hate and division.

    The Balaa actress also shared a series of Instagram stories on how Kirk’s views had changed to reflect a fear that he would be killed by Israel if he “stepped out of line”.

    Charlie Kirk, 31, was a controversial yet influential voice in American conservative politics. A staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, he was known for his Islamophobic views and hatred for Muslims.

    Kirk was reportedly answering a question about mass shootings in the US when he was gunned down by a distant assailant. A nationwide manhunt is underway to locate the shooter.

    President Trump, along with former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, condemned the killing and expressed condolences to Kirk’s family. Trump also ordered flags flown at half-mast, calling Kirk “a true patriot who fought for America’s future.”

    Kirk’s final words, caught on a livestream just moments before the shooting, were: “We must address violence, but without losing our freedom. That’s the real challenge.”

  • ‘Traces of blood, absent organs’: Final report raises alarming questions about Humaira Asghar’s mysterious death

    ‘Traces of blood, absent organs’: Final report raises alarming questions about Humaira Asghar’s mysterious death

    The final medico-legal report into the death of model and actor Humaira Asghar has deepened an already puzzling investigation, bringing forth revelations that have left many shocked.

    According to the report, traces of blood were found on Humaira’s T-shirt and trousers. However, due to the limited presence of human DNA in the samples, experts were unable to identify the source of the blood. This inconclusive detail raises serious concerns about what may have occurred in the final moments of her life.

    Even more unsettling is the condition in which the body was found. Only skeletal remains were recovered — no soft tissue or vital organs were present. While the bones were largely intact, the complete absence of internal organs made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death. Although, the organs were absent so this cannot be specified as if it was a result of the decomposition or they were removed pre or post-mortem. Toxicology tests also revealed no traces of intoxicants or poisons.

    This case also highlights a significant gap in forensic capability in the country: the absence of a national blood and DNA database. Authorities and forensic officials have acknowledged that such a resource could have potentially led to a breakthrough, possibly identifying the blood or even those involved.

    Humaira Asghar, aged 42, had been living alone in a third-floor apartment in the commercial area of DHA Phase VI, Karachi, since 2018. She reportedly stopped paying rent in early 2024, which eventually led to a court-ordered eviction.

    Her body was discovered months later when the landlord arrived with court bailiff and police to execute the eviction. The apartment door was locked from the inside, forcing authorities to break it open. Inside, they found the actor’s body in an advanced stage of decomposition.

  • Man handed death sentence for raping, blackmailing university students in Vehari

    Man handed death sentence for raping, blackmailing university students in Vehari

    Vehari Additional Sessions Judge Yasir Hayat on Wednesday sentenced a man to death on two counts and fined him Rs500,000 for raping and blackmailing two female university students. 

    The court also awarded a two-year jail term and Rs200,000 fine to his accomplice.

    The prosecution said Hamid Rasool lured the two students, identified as F and S, last year with the help of his co-accused Asif Tarar by offering them an online job. Hamid raped both victims, recorded videos and blackmailed them.

    On the complaint of the victims, Vehari police registered two separate FIRs, 427/24 and 428/24, and arrested both men. Investigators later submitted the challan in court.

    Announcing the verdict, the judge ordered that the fine be paid to the victims. In case of default, the convicts will face an additional six-month imprisonment.

  • Astonishing number of prisoners escape from jail during Nepal protests

    Astonishing number of prisoners escape from jail during Nepal protests

    Nepal descended into chaos on Tuesday as a Gen Z-led protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign while violent clashes triggered the escape of more than 13,500 prisoners from jails across the country.

    Police have confirmed that inmates broke out of multiple prisons during unrest, leaving three officers dead in clashes. Viral videos showed hundreds of prisoners fleeing from Kathmandu’s Dilli Bazaar jail as soldiers struggled to stop them.

    Authorities said police pulled back to their headquarters in most areas while the army began patrolling the capital. Soldiers announced curfew orders through loudspeakers as the crisis deepened.

    Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel urged protesters to end the violence and choose dialogue, but the anger on the streets showed no signs of fading.

    The protests erupted after Oli’s government banned social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube, accusing them of refusing to register under new regulations. Police fired on demonstrators in Kathmandu on Monday, killing 19 people. Although the government lifted the ban later that night, the protests exploded into a nationwide movement against corruption and political privilege.

    Protesters set fire to the parliament building, Oli’s residence and the homes of senior leaders. In one of the deadliest incidents, demonstrators stormed the Dallu residence of former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, trapping his wife Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar inside before setting the house ablaze. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, where she is being treated. 

    Videos showed Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, being chased and beaten in the streets. Kathmandu airport suspended operations as army helicopters evacuated ministers to secure locations.

    Facing mounting pressure, Oli resigned on Tuesday.

    Young protesters accuse Nepal’s leaders of corruption and highlight the lavish lifestyles of their children, branded ‘Nepo Kids’, while most youth struggle to find jobs.

    The uprising, now known as the ‘protest of Gen Z’, has shaken the Himalayan nation.