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  • Schedule for World Test Championship 2025-27 revealed

    Schedule for World Test Championship 2025-27 revealed

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the complete schedule for the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

     A total of 71 Test matches will be played over two years, with nine teams competing for the title.

    This announcement comes after South Africa won their first WTC title by beating Australia in the final at Lord’s.

    The new cycle will begin on June 17 with a match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle. Australia will play the most matches in this cycle, with 22 games lined up. England will play 21 matches, while India is set to play 18.

    India will begin their campaign with a five-match away series against England starting June 20 at Headingley. Under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill, India will also host the West Indies, South Africa, and Australia while touring Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

    South Africa, which has remained unbeaten since August 2024 under captain Temba Bavuma, will start their title defence with a two-Test series in Pakistan in October. South African fans will have to wait until September 2026 to see their team play at home when they host Australia.

    The historic Ashes series between Australia and England will take place later this year in Australia. Pakistan will play 13 Tests, including a home series against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.

    While the number of matches varies, the ICC has tried to keep the number of series balanced for each team. The top teams like Australia, England, and India have a heavier schedule due to their strong Test cricket depth and global following.

    Here is the team-wise match breakdown for the 2025–27 WTC cycle:

    Team Matches Home Series Away Series
    Australia 22 England (5), New Zealand (4), Bangladesh (2) West Indies (3), South Africa (3), India (5)
    Bangladesh 12 Pakistan (2), West Indies (2), England (2) Sri Lanka (2), South Africa (2), Australia (2)
    England 21 India (5), New Zealand (3), Pakistan (3) Australia (5), South Africa (3), Bangladesh (2)
    India 18 West Indies (2), South Africa (2), Australia (5) England (5), Sri Lanka (2), New Zealand (2)
    New Zealand 16 West Indies (3), India (2), Sri Lanka (2) England (3), Australia (4), Pakistan (2)
    Pakistan 13 South Africa (2), Sri Lanka (2), New Zealand (2) Bangladesh (2), West Indies (2), England (3)
    South Africa 14 Australia (3), Bangladesh (2), England (3) Pakistan (2), India (2), Sri Lanka (2)
    Sri Lanka 12 Bangladesh (2), India (2), South Africa (2) West Indies (2), Pakistan (2), New Zealand (2)
    West Indies 14 Australia (3), Sri Lanka (2), Pakistan (2) India (2), New Zealand (3), Bangladesh (2)

    With new captains, team changes, and matches in different conditions, this WTC cycle will test every team’s skills and consistency.

    The final of this WTC edition is expected to take place in mid-2027. The venue has not been confirmed yet.

  • Petrol prices jacked up by whopping Rs7.95 per litre

    Petrol prices jacked up by whopping Rs7.95 per litre

    Prices for petroleum products have been raised for the next two weeks by up to Rs7.95 per litre. Islamabad has attributed the spike in prices to rising oil prices in the international market.

    According to reports, escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have led to a jump in oil prices. Data from the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) suggests that Brent Crude Oil Futures have shot up by 8.26 percent in the last five days. Analysts fear a second wave of attacks from Israel, which could result in the destruction of Iran’s oil facilities, resulting in subdued production levels.

    Reports indicate that Iran pumps out 3.3 million barrels per day, exporting over 60 percent of its total production. Moreover, the war could spread to the Strait of Hormuz, which witnesses the transport of 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, including exports from non-belligerent countries such as Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The aforementioned developments pushed the ex-depot price of petrol by Rs4.8 per litre in the domestic market. Moreover, high-speed diesel (HSD) prices witnessed a more liberal increase, rising by a liberal Rs7.95 per litre. 

    The ex-depot price of petrol will sit at Rs258.43 for the upcoming fortnight after the increase. Similarly, HSD prices have shot up too, coming to settle at Rs262.59 per litre.

    Aside from the base price of the fuel itself, Islamabad charges approximately Rs78 per litre petroleum development levy (PDL) on high octane and petrol. However, the PDL on HSD sits at a slightly lower Rs77.01 per litre.

    The federal government extracts an additional Rs16 per litre from the sale of petroleum products by levying customs duty on petrol and HSD. Put together, the PDL and customs duty raise the federal government’s revenues to Rs94 per litre from petrol and HSD sales. 

    A rise in HSD rates could adversely impact the transport sector, given its reliance on the fuel. The increase in prices is also likely to stifle economic activity across multiple sectors.

    For instance, the transportation sector has diesel as a primary input and thus requires vast quantities of the commodity. With a rise in HSD prices, these businesses could witness a rise in operational costs and, ultimately, a drop in profit margins.

    As per analysts, bus fares tend to be sticky when diesel rates drop after an increase. As such, future drops in the price of diesel might not result in a proportional decrease in fares.

  • Pakistani cyberwarriors turned off stadium lights during IPL match: defence minister

    Pakistani cyberwarriors turned off stadium lights during IPL match: defence minister

    Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has linked a recent power outage during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match to a retaliatory cyberattack carried out by Pakistani hackers.

    Speaking in the National Assembly on June 14, Khawaja Asif stated, “After the Indian government and military showed aggression, our children (referring to young hackers) launched a cyberattack in response.” He claimed that the hackers managed to disrupt the IPL by shutting down the stadium lights mid-match.

    “Our cyber warriors did a remarkable job by switching off the floodlights during an IPL match,” he added, applauding the alleged cyber operation.

    Khawaja Asif further stated that Pakistani hackers targeted key Indian installations, including control systems of cricket stadiums and even dams. “They also hit sensitive Indian infrastructure,” he noted.

    The incident he referred to took place on May 8 during a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Dharamshala stadium. The floodlights suddenly went off in the middle of the game, causing panic among franchise officials, team owners, and the stadium administration. The match was halted, and the crowd was instructed to evacuate for safety.

    Despite this alleged cyberattack, Asif emphasised that Pakistan, even in response to Indian aggression, did not target innocent civilians.

    Meanwhile, Khawaja Asif criticised India for blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without conducting any investigation. He termed it a failed attempt by India to justify a botched operation, which led to the tragic deaths of several innocent people.

  • Faysal Quraishi claps back after Nadia Afgan criticises his grammar

    Faysal Quraishi claps back after Nadia Afgan criticises his grammar

    Renowned actor Faysal Quraishi has responded strongly to recent criticism from actress Nadia Afgan, who questioned his English pronunciation in the ongoing drama Behroopia.

    Faysal plays Mikael, a man with Dissociative Identity Disorder, in a story praised for its complex characters and layered storytelling. While his performance has been praised, it has also drawn criticism from some, including Nadia Afghan.

    While appearing on the talk show Kya Drama Hai, Nadia criticised the English spoken by Faysal’s character Kabir, specifically his repeated use of the word “gottcha.”

    “What kind of a word is that?” she asked, adding that “It should be ‘got you’ instead.”

    Faysal didn’t let the remark go unanswered. In a video shared on social media alongside Behroopia director Shaquielle Khan, he clarified the creative intent behind Kabir’s dialogue.

    “In the US, some people do say ‘gottcha’ instead of ‘got you.’ Kabir imitates that kind of English because that’s how his friend talks,” the director explained.

    Faysal then asked Shaquielle directly, “And this ‘Gocha Gocha’ that Kabir is saying, why is Kabir using this American version of ‘Gotcha’? Why is he speaking English?”

    To which Shaquielle replied, “Kabir is actually an alter [ego] of his friend who was a UK-returned guy.”

    Diving deeper into Kabir’s character, he explains that when Kabir asks Mikhael why he’s giving away his paintings for free, it reflects that Kabir is someone “relatively close to him [Mikhael]”, someone who helps him realise that “money can give value to better things.”

    The director also defended the character’s speech pattern by highlighting the nature of Dissociative Identity Disorder, “To all the critics who are saying English shouldn’t be spoken, it’s not about English. The point is that these are alters, and every alter has a different language. Some speak pure Urdu, some speak Punjabi, and some speak like an Anglo-Indian, like Sneha’s character. If you’re creating different personalities, there should be a proper 60% change or shift in those personalities.”

    Challenging Nadia’s claim directly, Faysal added, “But Nadia ji said incorrect English was spoken. Where? Tell me, what incorrect English?”

    He also took a subtle dig at those offering surface-level critiques, “These days, you know, the focus is more on chest hair in previews. If you personally don’t like someone, don’t comment on them.”

    Director Shaquielle Khan backed Faysal’s explanation, stating, “If there is a genuine mistake, we’re open to correcting it, but this isn’t one of those cases.”

    Social media users also rallied behind Faysal. Many labelled Nadia’s comments as baseless and unnecessary.

    One user wrote, “These actors sit in drawing rooms and critique work they don’t understand.”

    As of now, Nadia Afgan has not responded to the backlash or to the explanations given by Faysal and Shaquielle.

  • Fact Check: Viral video of Donald Trump saying ‘Pakistan will destroy Israel if Iran attacked again’ is FAKE

    Fact Check: Viral video of Donald Trump saying ‘Pakistan will destroy Israel if Iran attacked again’ is FAKE

    A video of US President Donald Trump saying that if Israel attacks Iran again, “Pakistan will totally destroy Israel” has gone viral across social media platforms. 

    However, is the video real? The Current has taken a deeper look at the clips being shared on social media. 

    The audio in the viral video is not real, and it has been generated with the help of Artificial intelligence (AI). 

    Upon close examination, using the InVID Verification Plug-in tool, The Current noticed visual distortions and noticeable lip-sync issues around Trump’s mouth, indicating possible cloning. 

    Trump is further heard saying in the video that Pakistan had also threatened the US of an attack, along with Israel.

    “Pakistan has also warned Israel and the US, because Isarel has mistakenly said that Pakistan is number 2 after Iran [in its hit list]. Pakistan is fully alert with its air, land, and marine forces. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said if Israel attacks Iran again, Pakistan will totally destroy Israel. When I say Pakistan should not do that, Pakistan has no problem with us; their army is already on very high alert.

    In my opinion, Pakistan should not get involved. This is Israel and Iran’s war. We need peace in the region, we need to stop the fighting, not get in the middle that’s a truth that is the smart move (sic)”

    Many social media users shared Trump’s fake video, which can be seen here, here, here and here.

    The claim attributed to the Pakistani defence minister that Pakistan will destroy Israel if Iran is attacked again is also fabricated. 

    Speaking during a session in the National Assembly on Saturday, Asif actually said, “[…] we will protect Iran’s interests at the international level in whatever way they need. Iranians are our brothers and neighbours… their sorrow and joy, their pain and happiness is ours.” 

    Conclusion: The Current found in its investigation that the entire US president’s audio in the viral video is fake and that it was created with the help of AI.

  • Atif Butt defeats ULSAN to win Tekken 8 title at CEO 2025

    Atif Butt defeats ULSAN to win Tekken 8 title at CEO 2025

    Pakistan’s Tekken star Atif Butt has secured a major victory at CEO 2025 by defeating South Korea’s ULSAN in a thrilling grand final.

    Atif won the Tekken 8 championship title and a prize of $6,195 after a hard-fought 3-2 win, once again proving Pakistan’s strength in the international Tekken scene.

    Representing Team Falcons, Atif remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, staying strong in the upper bracket. In the final, he used Anna Williams (Game Character) to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five match. ULSAN made a strong comeback to level the score at 2-2, but Atif kept his calm and secured the final round to take home the title.

    The win earned Atif 560 EWC points, adding to his ranking for the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025, for which he had already qualified. 

    Arslan Ash also impressed fans. He was knocked into the lower bracket after losing to ULSAN earlier in the tournament, but fought back by eliminating fellow Pakistani player Farzeen and then South Korea’s JeonDDing. In a rematch with ULSAN, however, Arslan lost 3-0, ending his run just short of the final.

    Despite the loss, Pakistan’s players left a strong mark. Three out of four Pakistani participants, Atif, Arslan Ash, and Farzeen, finished in the top six. Bilal, the fourth representative, also showed great skill in the tournament.

    With CEO 2025 now over, all eyes are on the Esports World Cup, where Atif, Arslan Ash, ULSAN, and Farzeen are already confirmed to compete.

  • Another prestigious honour for Arshad Nadeem

    Another prestigious honour for Arshad Nadeem

    Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem has earned a spot in the prestigious Forbes Asia 30 under 30 list, making the nation proud once again. 

    His inclusion comes after a series of historic performances that have reshaped the country’s sporting legacy. Most notably, Arshad Nadeem won Pakistan its first-ever Olympic gold medal in an individual sport at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His record-breaking 92.97m throw not only secured the top podium spot but also set a new Olympic record.

    Even before his Olympic triumph, Arshad had been steadily making his mark. He won gold at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Turkey and the Commonwealth Games in 2022. In 2023, he secured a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships, further proving his consistency on the global stage.

    Following his Olympic win, Arshad received national recognition. A road in Islamabad was named in his honour, and in a heartwarming gesture, his father-in-law gifted him a buffalo, as a gesture of expressing great pride that his family and the nation felt.

    In 2024, Arshad continued to dominate the field, winning gold at the Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea, with a powerful 86.40m throw.

    At just 28, Arshad Nadeem’s journey from Mian Channu to global stardom is now etched in history, and his spot in the Forbes list is a well-deserved milestone in a truly inspiring career.

  • Here’s how much Babar Azam is likely to earn from BBL 2025

    Here’s how much Babar Azam is likely to earn from BBL 2025

    Sydney Sixers have signed Pakistan star batter Babar Azam for the upcoming season, as preparations for the 2025 Big Bash League (BBL 15) are in full swing in Australia. 

    The Sixers have signed Babar as a pre-draft signing, which means he will play the full BBL season and make his Big Bash debut this year. Although his salary has not been revealed yet, there is strong speculation about how much he might earn.

    According to the BBL rules, each team can sign one international player before the draft. The highest-paid overseas player in the draft can get up to AUD 420,000. However, Babar’s deal is slightly different as he was signed before the draft.

    It’s expected that Babar will receive a salary close to but slightly less than AUD 420,000. In Pakistani rupees, this amount is around 7.7 crore. This is still a huge amount and reflects Babar’s high value as a top T20 cricketer.

    “It’s an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world’s best T20 leagues and to be a part of such a successful and respected franchise. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success, building a strong connection with the fans, and sharing this experience with my friends, family and supporters at home in Pakistan,” said Azam.

    By adding Babar to their squad, the Sydney Sixers have boosted their batting strength. With players like Steve Smith already in the team, their batting lineup looks strong and balanced. 

    Now, all eyes are on how Babar performs and how the Sixers play in BBL 2025.

  • Trump vetoed Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei: Reuters

    Trump vetoed Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei: Reuters

    President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported officials as saying.

    “Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do, we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership,” said the official on condition of anonymity. They went on to reveal that top US officials have been in constant communication with Israeli officials since after Israel launched a massive attack on Iran to halt its nuclear programme.

    Reuters quoted the official as saying that the Israelis reported that they had an opportunity to kill the top Iranian leader, but Trump waved them off of the plan.

    The officials would not say whether Trump delivered the message himself, but the US president has been in frequent communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    It merits a mention that Trump has been holding out hope for a resumption of US-Iranian negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Talks that had been scheduled for Sunday in Oman were cancelled as a result of the strikes.

    While the US has revealed knowing about Israel’s attack plans, it has clarified that it does not have to do anything with the same. Iranian officials, on the other hand, have hinted at possible evidence of US involvement.

  • Whitney Cummings: A Bold Voice in Comedy and Beyond

    Whitney Cummings: A Bold Voice in Comedy and Beyond

    Whitney Cummings is a name many Americans recognize for her fearless personality and creative talent. From stand-up comedy to TV shows, podcasts, and movies, she has made her mark in many areas of entertainment. But Whitney Cummings is more than just a comedian. She’s a writer, producer, director, and voice for women in the industry.

    This article dives deep into her life, career, and impact, using clear language that’s easy to understand and enjoyable to read. Whether you’re a fan or just learning about her, you’ll discover insights that go beyond what other websites offer.

     

    Early Life and Education

    Whitney Cummings was born on September 4, 1982, in Washington, D.C. She grew up in a complicated family environment that she often uses as inspiration in her comedy. Her upbringing wasn’t always smooth, but it shaped her honesty, wit, and unique view on life.

    She attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2004 with a degree in Communications. Whitney was interested in journalism and even interned at a TV station. But her passion for comedy pulled her in a different direction.

     

    The Move to Los Angeles

    Right after graduation, Cummings moved to Los Angeles. Like many aspiring entertainers, she started small. She appeared in the indie thriller EMR and later had a brief role on MTV’s prank show Punk’d. These early jobs didn’t make her famous, but they opened the door.

    She soon began doing stand-up comedy. Her sharp, honest, and sometimes edgy humor quickly caught attention. Whitney Cummings talked openly about relationships, gender roles, and everyday struggles. Her voice was new and refreshing.

     

    Rise in Stand-Up Comedy

    Stand-up comedy is where Whitney Cummings truly found her power. She became known for being brutally honest, yet always funny. She didn’t shy away from topics like dating, feminism, or social pressure. Her performances were bold, fearless, and relatable.

    Her big break came when she was featured on Comedy Central Roasts, including the famous roast of David Hasselhoff. She held her own among the best comics in the business.

    Whitney went on to release multiple stand-up specials:

    • Money Shot (2010)

    • I Love You (2014)

    • Can I Touch It? (2019)

    • Jokes (2022)

    Each special showed her growth not just as a comic but as a storyteller and observer of human behavior.

     

    Creator and Star of “Whitney”

    In 2011, Whitney Cummings created and starred in her own NBC sitcom, Whitney. The show was semi-autobiographical and followed the ups and downs of a modern relationship. Although it only ran for two seasons, it helped Whitney Cummings reach a broader audience.

    The show wasn’t a huge ratings hit, but it proved her skill as a creator and producer. More importantly, it set the stage for an even bigger success.

     

    Co-Creator of “2 Broke Girls”

    One of Whitney’s biggest contributions to TV was co-creating the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, which aired from 2011 to 2017. The show, known for its edgy humor and strong female leads, was a major success. It ran for six seasons and helped Cummings become one of the top female comedy writers in Hollywood.

    Even though she left the show after the first season, her influence remained. 2 Broke Girls proved that comedy centered around women could be smart, successful, and long-lasting.

     

    Director, Producer, and Author

    Whitney Cummings hasn’t just stuck to stand-up or writing. She directed and starred in the 2017 film The Female Brain, a comedy based on a popular science book. The movie explored the differences between how men and women think. This is a topic Whitney has often tackled with humor and depth.

    She’s also written a bestselling book:

    I’m Fine…And Other Lies (2017) – In this memoir, Whitney shares her struggles with relationships, self-esteem, therapy, and personal growth. It’s honest, funny, and inspiring.

    As a producer, Whitney has worked on multiple shows and comedy specials. She is known for helping other talents rise, especially women in comedy.

     

    Podcasting and New Media

    In recent years, Whitney Cummings has become a powerful voice in podcasting. Her show, Good For You, features conversations with comedians, actors, authors, and experts. It blends humor with deep, honest talks about life, mental health, and the entertainment world.

    She uses her platform to challenge norms, ask bold questions, and bring important topics into the spotlight.

     

    Cummings and Mental Health

    Whitney is open about her experiences with anxiety, eating disorders, and therapy. She talks about these topics publicly to break the stigma around mental health. Her honesty has made many people feel seen and understood.

    Through her comedy and interviews, she helps others feel less alone in their struggles. This bravery is part of what makes Whitney Cummings so respected — she uses laughter to heal and connect.

     

    A Voice for Women in Comedy

    The world of comedy has not always been easy for women. Cummings has worked hard to change that. She speaks out about equality, abuse in the industry, and the need for more female voices in entertainment.

    Her success has opened doors for others. Whitney shows that women can be creators, producers, and leaders,not just performers.

     

    Net Worth and Career Achievements

    As of 2025, Whitney Cummings has an estimated net worth of around $30 million. She earned this through:

    • Stand-up specials

    • TV shows (Whitney, 2 Broke Girls)

    • Book sales

    • Movie projects

    • Podcast income

    • Live tours and appearances

    Her financial success reflects years of hard work, smart choices, and constant reinvention.

     

    Final Thoughts

    Whitney Cummings is a multi-talented entertainer who continues to evolve. From her early days in stand-up to becoming a top creator, director, and podcast host, she’s shown what it means to be fearless in comedy and life.

    She uses humor to highlight real issues and inspire change. Whether you’re laughing at her jokes or listening to her podcast, Cummings keeps it real — and that’s what makes her unforgettable.

    Also Read: ‘Doesn’t bother me’: Humayun Saeed on criticism about playing hero — the actor responds confidently to public opinions. Even stars like Humayun Saeed face criticism, but he knows how to handle it.