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  • PAK v IND: Ahmed Shehzad promises free food, Amir says will take back retirement if Babar hits winning knock

    PAK v IND: Ahmed Shehzad promises free food, Amir says will take back retirement if Babar hits winning knock

    Pakistani star batter Babar Azam faces an unusual challenge from his former teammates as Pakistan prepares for their crucial T20 World Cup encounter against India in Colombo on February 15.

    During a TV program, Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Amir set specific conditions they would fulfill if Babar delivers a match-winning performance against India. The stakes came with precise numbers attached to the former captain’s potential innings.

    Shehzad promised to provide free food for the entire crowd gathered at the show if Babar plays a decisive knock against India. “The crowd coordinator won’t have to get food that day. The whole team will get food,” Shehzad said during the program.

    The conversation took an interesting turn when the show’s anchor, speaking on behalf of Amir, raised the bar further. The anchor suggested that the left-arm pacer would reverse his retirement decision if Babar scores big with a strike rate of 160. “If Babar, let’s say, with a strike rate of 160… Yes. Keep it like that. If he plays innings with a strike rate of 160 and helps Pakistan win, Amir will take his retirement back. If he plays big innings with a strike rate of 160, then,” the anchor stated.

    Shehzad intervened to adjust the conditions to more realistic terms. “Let’s be realistic. If he plays a match-winning inning with a strike rate of 150 and scores 50 plus, then all these conditions are on,” the former opener proposed. Amir quickly agreed to the revised challenge.

    Former cricketer Rashid Latif added a humorous twist to the discussion, questioning whether Babar typically bats long enough to meet those conditions. “He never bats that long anyway, so change all these bets,” Latif remarked, drawing laughter from everyone present.

    Babar’s record against India in T20 Internationals shows five matches with 105 runs at an average of 26.25 and a strike rate of 128.05. 

    His best performance came in the 2021 World Cup when he scored 68 runs, helping Pakistan secure their only World Cup victory over India across both ODI and T20I formats with a 10-wicket win.

  • Abhishek Sharma could ‘miss one or two games’, Suryakumar Yadav says

    Abhishek Sharma could ‘miss one or two games’, Suryakumar Yadav says

    Indian opener Abhishek Sharma will sit out at least one or two matches after a stomach infection landed him in hospital for several days, captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed ahead of the clash against Namibia.

    As per the details, food poisoning has derailed Abhishek’s campaign at a crucial juncture as he also struggled in India’s opening match against USA, where he fell for a duck after getting dismissed on the first ball.

    While the team management has called up Sanju Samson to replace Abhishek at the top of the order alongside Ishan Kishan for the match, the youngster’s appearance against Pakistan on Feb 15 is also not yet confirmed.

    “Abhishek is still not fine, he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive. Bumrah comes in for Siraj,” Yadav said at the toss on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, uncertainty also faces the much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India due to weather concerns, with forecasts predicting thundery showers and rain throughout the day.

    Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah returned to the playing XI after recovering from a brief fever. According to Indian media reports, the star pacer dealt with the illness recently but has now fully recovered and is available for selection.

  • Here is the weather update on Pak-India match on Feb 15

    Here is the weather update on Pak-India match on Feb 15

    The highly anticipated T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and India on February 15 now faces a potential washout as weather forecasts predict rain and thunderstorms in Colombo.

    According to the hourly forecast for Sunday, Colombo will experience scattered thunderstorms with rain chances peaking between 55 percent and 60 percent during the afternoon and evening hours. The forecast shows temperatures reaching a high of 31 degrees Celsius and a low of 22 degrees, with thundery showers and light winds expected throughout the day.

    The most critical period appears to be from 1:30 PM onwards, with rain probability ranging from 55 percent to 59 percent between 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM. This timing coincides directly with the scheduled match hours at Premadasa Stadium.

    Pakistan confirmed their participation in the match after initially refusing to play against India in solidarity with Bangladesh. The Government of Pakistan released an official statement saying the Men in Green will honor the fixture, ending days of uncertainty around the clash.

    However, the unpredictable Sri Lankan weather has now emerged as the latest challenge threatening the encounter. Pakistan has already experienced weather disruptions during their warm-up games in the tournament.

    Under the current point system, both teams would share one point each if the match gets washed out. 

    Fans from both nations are anxiously monitoring the weather updates, hoping conditions improve in time for what promises to be one of the most watched matches of the tournament.

  • SC forms medical team to examine Imran Khan’s eye after ‘only 15% vision left’

    SC forms medical team to examine Imran Khan’s eye after ‘only 15% vision left’

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday directed the formation of a medical team to examine former prime minister Imran Khan’s eye after a report submitted in court quoted the PTI founder as saying he had “only 15 per cent” vision remaining in his right eye.

    The court also instructed that Imran be allowed to speak to his children. Both the eye examination and the phone calls were ordered to be conducted before February 16.

    The directives came as a two-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and including Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, resumed hearing a case concerning Imran’s living conditions in Adiala jail.

    Imran underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on the night of January 24.

    CJP Afridi noted, “The issue of Imran’s health is most important. Intervention was necessary.” He added, “We want to know the government’s stance on the matter of his health.” Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan responded, “It is the state’s responsibility to provide medical facilities. If the prisoner is not satisfied, then the state will take measures.”

    The chief justice also highlighted the importance of the former premier’s phone calls with his children, saying, “We are trusting the government. The government is in a good mood today.”

    PTI counsel Advocate Salman Safdar, appointed amicus curiae, submitted a seven-page report to the court after meeting Imran at Adiala jail on Tuesday. According to the report, Imran told Safdar that “despite the treatment administered (including an injection), he has been left with only 15 per cent vision in his right eye.” He added that until October 2025, he had normal 6 x 6 vision in both eyes and began experiencing blurred vision thereafter, which was repeatedly reported to the jail superintendent without action.

    The report stated, “Imran suffered a sudden and complete loss of vision in his right eye. An ophthalmologist from PIMS Hospital, Dr Muhammad Arif, examined him. He was diagnosed with a blood clot that caused severe damage, and despite treatment, only 15 per cent vision remains.” Safdar observed that Imran appeared “visibly perturbed and deeply distressed” during the meeting.

    Safdar’s report also noted that personal physicians Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yusuf had not been allowed access during a period of deteriorating vision and that no regular blood tests were conducted. Imran told Safdar that “for nearly three months, the only treatment administered consisted of eye drops, which resulted in no improvement and was followed by major impairment of vision in his right eye.”

    A separate medical report dated February 6, signed by PIMS Executive Director Dr Rana Imran Sikander, confirmed a diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion and stated that hospital-based follow-up treatment was recommended.

  • Cloth on ground in viral Epstein image does not match Kaaba’s Kiswah

    Cloth on ground in viral Epstein image does not match Kaaba’s Kiswah

    A photo circulating online claims to show the Kaaba Kiswah laid on the ground.The image has been widely shared and generated reactions on social media. According to details referenced in Epstein files, the image shows Jeffrey Epstein with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chief executive of DP World, looking at a textile that resembles the Kiswah. Posts suggest that the sacred covering of the Kaaba was placed on the floor.

    The Kiswah, the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Makkah, is considered sacred in Islam. Scholars and followers emphasize the importance of verifying information before sharing it.

    Inside the Haramain, a group that studies the Kiswah and maintains records of its authentic design, reviewed the viral image. Experts compared the textile shown with verified references of the Kiswah and identified multiple inconsistencies.

    The size of the textile does not align with authentic Kiswah panels. Panels of this type typically require seven to eight people to hold or move due to their width. In the viral image, the cloth appears narrower, visually covering space for only three to four people.

    Second, the material does not behave like the original Kiswah. Authentic Kiswah has weight and stiffness because of its fabric and embroidery. In the image, the textile folds and creases like a lighter material, inconsistent with the structure and density of the verified Kiswah.

    The outlining and contrast in the image do not matches authentic designs. The Kiswah’s calligraphy and motifs are framed by defined black outlines. The circulated photo shows areas dominated by lighter tones with minimal black outlining, unlike the consistent structure seen in verified panels.

    The borders and edges in the viral image differ from standard Kiswah references. Verified panels have clear framing and finishing along the edges, while the viral image does not reflect the same border logic.

    The patterns and motifs in the image do not match authentic Kiswah. Junction points, medallions, and panel corners were compared with verified examples. Mismatches in motif placement, medallion structure, and border flow indicate that the textile is not genuine.

     
    Based on these comparisons, experts conclude that the textile shown in the viral image is not the Kaaba Kiswah. The inconsistencies in size, material, visual structure, border treatment, and motif placement provide evidence that the photo does not depict the authentic covering.

  • Islamabad United drops Shemar Joseph from squad amid sexual assault allegations: reports

    Islamabad United drops Shemar Joseph from squad amid sexual assault allegations: reports

    Islamabad United has removed Shemar Joseph from their squad, after picking the West Indies fast bowler in the PSL player auction held on Wednesday in Lahore.

    The franchise posted their official squad on social media, and Joseph’s name was notably absent from the list. 

    Neither the player nor Islamabad United has publicly commented on the decision, but social media reports suggest the move came after strong backlash from fans over his selection.

    The controversy stems from serious allegations made against Joseph in June last year. At least 11 women accused him of rape, sexual assault, harassment and unwanted advances, including claims from a teenage relative of Joseph.

    The allegations surfaced during the West Indies’ first Test against Australia in 2025. According to reports, one victim, an 18-year-old woman, accused Joseph of assaulting her on March 3, 2023, at a residence in New Amsterdam, Berbice. She claimed he was taking her out to socialise and instead took her to a house where he allegedly raped her.

    Following the initial report, more women came forward with evidence including screenshots, voice notes, medical filings and text messages. One victim’s family revealed that Joseph offered money to settle the matter, but they refused. 

    An investigation followed, and prosecutors recommended charges, but the matter did not proceed further.

    Reports also indicated that Joseph was arrested on a sexual assault charge involving a teenage relative of his under the age of consent. However, the victim withdrew her statement, the case was closed, and no charges were filed.

    When contacted about the allegations last year, Cricket West Indies said, “Cricket West Indies is unaware of the circumstances and, therefore, is not in a position to comment at this time.”

    None of the allegations has resulted in formal charges against the fast bowler.

  • Russia moves to restrict WhatsApp, Meta claims

    Russia moves to restrict WhatsApp, Meta claims

    Russia is going to block Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp, the company said on Wednesday, as authorities increase control over foreign technology services and promote a state-backed alternative.

    A WhatsApp spokesperson said the move appeared aimed at directing users toward a “state-owned surveillance app.” Russian authorities are promoting a rival messaging service called MAX, which critics claim could enable monitoring of users. State media has rejected these claims as false.

    “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” WhatsApp said in a statement. The app has an estimated 100 million users in Russia and 3 billion monthly users globally.

    Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Meta could resume operations if it complies with Russian law and engages in dialogue with authorities. “Then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,” he said, adding that without such cooperation, there is “no chance.”

    The Financial Times reported that Russian authorities have removed WhatsApp from an online directory maintained by the communications regulator, Roskomnadzor.

    The dispute over WhatsApp is part of a broader tension between Moscow and foreign technology firms. Authorities have previously restricted services on messaging apps including Signal and Telegram, citing non-cooperation in investigations related to fraud and terrorism. In December, Apple’s FaceTime video calling service was also blocked.

    Reports on Tuesday indicated that Russian users of Telegram experienced slow traffic and lagging downloads. Roskomnadzor issued a warning over violations that had not been addressed.

    Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was born in Russia, responded to the pressure, stating the app “stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure.”

  • Punjab Police to wear body cams as part of new reforms

    Punjab Police to wear body cams as part of new reforms

    Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem announced on Wednesday that Punjab Police and traffic personnel will be provided body cameras in phases over the next two months.

    Chairing a meeting at the Central Police Office to review the implementation of reforms under the ‘Fast, Fearless, Transparent Justice’ initiative, the IGP said that panic buttons were being installed outside police stations to allow citizens to immediately lodge complaints in cases of misconduct or unresponsiveness.


    He ordered that at all police stations, offices, checkpoints, and Khidmat Marakaz, citizens should be addressed respectfully as “sir or madam” and “sahib or sahiba.” Counseling and training for officers and personnel would also be arranged to improve the public perception of Punjab Police.


    IGP Kareem emphasised strict accountability, stating that officials involved in corruption, abuse of authority, or misconduct would face immediate action. He also instructed that CCTV cameras in all police stations be kept fully operational, with backup systems ensured.

    A modern control and monitoring room at the Central Police Office is being activated for effective oversight of police stations. Through the Safe Cities mechanism, direct monitoring of police stations, SHOs (Station House Officer), moharrirs, and investigation rooms will also be carried out. 


    The IGP stressed enhancing core policing, supervision, and command systems for effective crime control, noting that Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz is personally overseeing police reforms.

    Traffic law enforcement will continue, and crackdowns on violations will be strictly implemented. The IGP said that the investigation process and citizens’ activities at police stations would be fully recorded, and practical implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) scorecards will be ensured. He revealed that he personally calls citizens from the Central Police Office to collect feedback.

    RPOs (Regional Province Officer) and DPOs (District Police Officer) were directed to maintain direct contact with citizens for grievance redressal. In cases involving abuse, harassment, or violence, investigations involving women and children must be conducted with civility and respect. 


    Priority will be given to cases involving women and children, with support from data collected at Virtual Women Police Stations and the Center for Child Safety.

    IGP Kareem also initiated direct contact with citizens through the 1787 Complaint Center, speaking to several individuals via phone to gather feedback on complaint resolution, police responsiveness, and conduct. Citizens shared their opinions on actions taken and responses provided by the police.

    He further instructed that complaints received via phone, SMS, email, and other channels be resolved promptly according to prescribed timelines and SOPs. Citizens were urged to report any irregularity or misconduct by the police through the 1787 helpline.

    During the briefing, Punjab Additional IG Imran Arshad, Additional IG (Internal Accountability) Imran Mehmood, Additional IG (Logistics) Fawad-ud-Din Qureshi, AIG Inspection, AIG Operations, and other senior officers were also present.

  • Kamran Akmal disappointed after brother Umar not included in PSL auction

    Kamran Akmal disappointed after brother Umar not included in PSL auction

    Kamran Akmal has voiced his frustration after his brother Umar Akmal’s name did not appear in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) player auction despite registering for the event.

    The former wicketkeeper batsman took to X and tagged the Pakistan Cricket Board, PSL, and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in his post. “Unfair system. Disappointed! Why was Umar Akmal’s name not in auction?” he wrote. 

    Former cricketer Basit Ali also criticised the decision during a television show, questioning the logic behind this. 

    “Umar Akmal’s name is not there, and honestly, that shocks me. I don’t know if we are wrong, or maybe we never really played cricket, because when you look at Pakistan’s middle order and the talent Allah has given to so many players, I just don’t see how Umar Akmal is being ignored,” Basit said.

    The omission sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some fans supported Kamran’s stance, saying Umar deserved a spot in the auction and had been working hard, others questioned his recent match activity. 

    “How many domestic games he played in last 1 year?” one user asked, while another commented, “Retired players are not allowed.”

    Umar Akmal has been regularly posting practice videos on social media but has not appeared in any domestic tournament recently. 

    The auction, held on Wednesday in Lahore, was the first of its kind for the PSL. 

    The league will feature eight teams for the first time, with new franchises Hyderabad Houston Kingsman and Sialkot Stallionz joining the competition. 

    Multan Sultans, sold for Rs 2.45 billion after previous owner Ali Tareen left the team, have been renamed Rawalpindi.

    The tournament will run from March 26 to May 3, 2026.

  • Pakistani brand FOUND came close to dressing Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl

    Pakistani brand FOUND came close to dressing Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl

    Lahore-based fashion label FOUND has revealed that it was in contention to dress Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny for his Super Bowl halftime performance before the final look was secured by Zara.

    Creative director Faraz Zaidi shared the update on Instagram, describing it as an “almost win.” He wrote, “‘Almost’ stories rarely matter. It only counts when you land it.” He added, “We custom-designed sets for Bad Bunny that almost made it to the Super Bowl stage.”

    According to the brand, FOUND created a series of custom accessories for the performance. Images shared online showed a white trapper hat, baseball cap and gloves featuring metal floral embroidery, along with leather trapper hats carrying similar detailing.

    The brand stated that it had prepared a press release in advance of the halftime show. “We had a press release locked and loaded. Ready to go the second the halftime show hit,” the post read. However, in the final days leading up to the performance, the direction shifted.

    FOUND described a tight production timeline, saying artisans in Lahore completed hand embroidery within days before dispatching the pieces internationally. “A box was DHL rushed from Lahore, Pakistan to Santa Clara, California,” the brand wrote. “Somewhere in the final days, the direction shifted. Ultimately, Zara won the bid for the full look. Apparently, they’re fast. Faster than most.”

    Bad Bunny appeared at the halftime show in a cream-toned outfit styled by longtime collaborators Storm Pablo and Marvin Douglas Linares. The look included a collared shirt and tie layered under a sports-inspired jersey bearing his family name, Ocasio, and the number 64, paired with chinos and sneakers. The performance marked the first time a halftime headliner delivered an entire set in Spanish. Vogue reported that the collaboration with Spain-based retailer Zara carried symbolic weight.

    Explaining why it chose to share the near selection, FOUND wrote, “We chose to share this because social media shouldn’t only be about the wins. There’s near misses that should be equally held. All of the attempts and countless moments that don’t land, but matter all the same. You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

    The brand also thanked the artist’s team for the opportunity, stating, “The world is watching what comes next from the artist of our generation who is shaping a global world and all that is possible when you dream it into existence.” Stylist Storm Pablo responded in the comments, thanking the label for the garments.

    FOUND has previously created custom pieces for Bad Bunny during his tour. In an earlier post, the brand described the collaboration as an “exchange of cultures, handmade in Lahore, Pakistan by our artisans, where craft carries memory and every stitch holds intention,” and thanked Pablo for the opportunity.

    The development comes as Pakistani fashion labels continue to feature in international projects. Raastah by Zain Ahmed has been worn by Anil Kapoor, Barry Keoghan and Justin Bieber, while Palve’s hand-embroidered trousers appeared in Indian rapper Honey Singh’s ‘6 AM’ music video.