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  • Karachi Kings’ emerging star Fawad Ali aims to give his labourer father a comfortable life

    Karachi Kings’ emerging star Fawad Ali aims to give his labourer father a comfortable life

    Fawad Ali, the emerging player of the Karachi Kings, has expressed his heartfelt desire to provide a better and more comfortable life for his father, who works as a labourer.

    In an exclusive conversation with a private news channel, Fawad shared details of his journey. Hailing from Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he was discovered during the Swat Talent Hunt Program in 2023.

    Fawad revealed that basic cricket facilities were lacking in his hometown.

    “There were no proper cricket facilities in our area, so I only played tape-ball cricket. But after being selected, I was called to Karachi, where my skills were polished and improved,” he said.

    Fawad Ali made his PSL debut on 12 April at the National Stadium in Karachi during the Karachi Kings’ third match of the season against the Multan Sultans. Recalling the moment, he said, “I didn’t feel nervous during my debut match. Captain David Warner and Hasan Ali kept motivating me throughout.”

    The young bowling all-rounder considers his place in the Karachi Kings squad a huge honour.

    “It’s a privilege for me to be part of the Karachi Kings squad. I belong to Swat, and my father is a labourer,” Fawad shared.

    “My biggest wish is to give my parents a life of comfort, and I’m giving my best to perform well for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League,” he said.

    The rising star was also part of the Karachi Kings squad last season as a replacement for Tim Seifert, who was unavailable due to national team commitments.

  • Celeb spaceflight garners little praise, sparks lots of criticism

    Celeb spaceflight garners little praise, sparks lots of criticism

    A group of famous faces soared to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket on Monday morning, and while their flight was short, the internet’s reaction lasted all day.

    Pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, and other accomplished women like Amanda Nguyen and Aisha Bowe were part of an all-female crew that flew at Mach 3 and experienced weightlessness before returning safely to Earth.

    The moment was emotional for American host Oprah Winfrey, who watched her longtime friend Gayle King overcome her fear of flying and called the experience a powerful personal breakthrough.

    Katy Perry described the journey as “one of the most meaningful experiences” of her life and even sang a classic tune in space to celebrate love and unity. She and Gayle King both kissed the ground after landing, overwhelmed with emotion.

    While the celebrities basked in the glory of their milestone, X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to bring them back to Earth with sarcasm, memes, and plenty of jokes.

    One user wrote, “Please stop calling them astronauts. That is SO insulting to the brave men and women that train for space flight. They were space tourists lol.”

    Another added, “This is as silly as that forced girl power moment in Avengers Endgame.”

    Environmental concerns were also raised. “Space tourism isn’t progress. It’s privilege with a jetpack,” said one user. “This is climate vandalism, dressed as innovation.”

    Others questioned priorities: “If we can afford to send rich people to space for a 5-minute joy ride, we can afford to pay for school lunches and house our veterans,” one viral post read.

    Some didn’t hold back at all, “Girl power? No, just PR power. Billionaires launching their friends for headlines,” one comment said.

  • Three police officials martyred, 16 wounded in IED blast in Mastung

    Three police officials martyred, 16 wounded in IED blast in Mastung

    Three police officials have been martyred, and at least 16 others have been wounded on Tuesday morning in a blast targeting a vehicle of the Balochistan Constabulary (FC) in Balochistan’s Mastung district. 

    In a statement, spokesperson of the Balochistan government Shahid Rind stated that a vehicle carrying policemen was targeted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when they were returning from Kalat.

    “Three jawaan (personnel) of the Balochistan Constabulary were martyred in the blast,” the spokesperson confirmed, adding that 16 others were injured due to the blast, out of whom two were in a serious condition.

    Rind stated that all injured cops have been shifted to a hospital, while those seriously injured were being taken to Quetta, about 50 kilometres away from Mastung. He added that an investigation report on the incident has been sought.

    The FC officials were deployed at a sit-in by the Balochistan National Party Mengal (BNP-M), the spokesperson said.

    Mastung Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Younas Magsi, however, put the number of injured people at 18. 

    Magsi said that the policemen were stationed as part of additional deployment with Levies in Mastung’s Kund Mas area, adding that more than 40 cops were returning from duty today when the police vehicle carrying them was targeted.

    “On a daily basis, our policemen used to return to Mastung Police Lines after performing their duties,” the DSP said.

    Chief Minister (CM) Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the blast, directing Health Minister Bakht Kakar to ensure that the injured were provided with the best medical treatment. “No negligence will be tolerated in the treatment of the injured,” Bugti said.

    He affirmed that the provincial government stood with the martyrs. “The elements involved in the incident do not deserve any concession,” he asserted.

    The incident happened a day after the FC checkpoint in the Galangoor area of Noshki came under attack. During the gun battle, an FC soldier embraced martyrdom.

    As per media reports, armed militants used automatic weapons to attack the Levies post. However, the Levies personnel deployed at the post swiftly took strategic positions on the nearby mountain and returned fire.

    “Due to their [security personnel’s] advantageous position, the terrorists couldn’t reach them, and the attack was effectively foiled,” Dawn News quoted a senior official of the Balochistan Levies as saying. 

    The FC troops deployed at the post returned fire, and in the ensuing exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed, a senior official of the Noshki administration said.

  • No record too difficult for 43-year-old Dhoni

    No record too difficult for 43-year-old Dhoni

    Chennai Super Kings’ veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni, at the age of 43, made history during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by becoming the oldest player to win the Player of the Match award in the tournament’s history.

    On Monday, Chennai Super Kings secured their second win of the season by defeating Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in a thrilling encounter played in Lucknow.

    After winning the toss, Chennai opted to bowl first. Lucknow Super Giants posted a total of 166 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.

    In response, CSK chased down the target in the final over, largely thanks to Dhoni’s explosive cameo. The former Indian captain remained unbeaten on 26 runs off just 11 balls, smashing four boundaries and a six, finishing the match with his signature calmness. Alongside him, Shivam Dube also played a crucial role with an unbeaten 43 off 37 balls.

    Apart from his batting heroics, Dhoni also contributed with the gloves, executing two stumpings and one run-out, earning him the Player of the Match award.

    With this performance, Dhoni set a new record, becoming the oldest cricketer in IPL history to receive the Player of the Match award, as confirmed by Indian media outlets.

    Surprisingly, Dhoni appeared modest after receiving the award. During the post-match presentation, he said, “I was wondering why I’m getting this award. Noor bowled really well – I think he deserved it more than me.”

    Despite the win, Chennai Super Kings are still struggling this season. So far, they have played seven matches, out of which they have lost five and won two, placing them at the bottom of the points table with four points.

    Nonetheless, Dhoni’s form and presence continue to be a source of inspiration for fans and teammates alike.

  • Girl, 17, commits suicide after being sexually assaulted by relatives

    Girl, 17, commits suicide after being sexually assaulted by relatives

    A 17-year-old girl in Muzaffargarh has reportedly commited suicide after she became pregnant while being sexually assaulted by her relatives, an English newspaper has reported. 


    The FIR states that the girl had told her father and elder sister that she was raped two months ago by her cousin and uncle; an attack that left her pregnant. 

    Her father said that the pregnancy led to his daughter committing suicide. Her body was discovered around 4 pm by the family. 

    Police have confirmed that both the men named by the teenager have been arrested while an investigation is underway.

  • Heavy restrictions to be placed on acid sales in Punjab to prevent attacks on women

    Heavy restrictions to be placed on acid sales in Punjab to prevent attacks on women

    The Punjab government is in the process of finalising a bill designed to heavily regulate the sale and purchase of acid in an effort to prevent attacks on women. 

    The Punjab Acid Control Act 2025 was presented by Hina Parvez Butt, Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, a leading English daily has reported. The private bill was then sent to the Home Committee for inputs. 

    The updated bill is now ready for being tabled in the Assembly. 

    The draft suggests that licenses should be mandatory for the sale of 30 types of acid. No acid will be sold to a person under 18 years of age. 

    People already selling acid will have 30 days to acquire a license and pay the requisite fee. Licenses will be person and space specific and will mention the quantity of acid to be held by the seller at one time. 

    Importers and manufacturers of acid shall also be required to be registered under the Act.

    Acid containers will include printed information, including the name and kind of acid; name, address and licence number; volume and quantity of acid; manufacturing and expiry dates, if any; warning statement including the words “DANGEROUS/CORROSIVE” in red and safety precautions.

    Violators can be imprisoned for three years and fined up to Rs500,000. 

    Offenses under the Act shall be cognisable, non-bailable, non-compoundable and triable by court.

  • Premier League stars among NINE who have used banned substances since 2022

    Premier League stars among NINE who have used banned substances since 2022

    A recent report by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has revealed that at least nine professional footballers in the UK have tested positive for banned substances since 2022. The list includes players from the Premier League, but none of them have faced any suspensions so far.

    According to the report, all the affected players were allowed to continue playing as the Football Association (FA) accepted that the substances were either used for medical reasons or taken through permitted methods.

    These cases are separate from high-profile doping incidents involving players like Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk and former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, both of whom have faced official disciplinary action.

    The report disclosed that the banned substances found in these players include Tamoxifen, Triamcinolone, and Amphetamine — drugs known to assist in weight loss, muscle gain, endurance, and overall physical performance, without necessarily enhancing raw strength.

    A UKAD spokesperson clarified that a positive test does not always indicate wrongdoing. If a player requires a banned substance for genuine medical reasons, they may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which grants legal permission.

    Mykhailo Mudryk tested positive for a banned substance in December 2024 before an international match, but denied knowingly taking any performance-enhancing drugs. The Ukrainian Football Association is still considering whether to impose a ban on him.

    Meanwhile, Paul Pogba tested positive for DHEA — a testosterone-boosting substance — while playing for the Italian club, Juventus. Initially handed a four-year ban, his suspension was reduced to 18 months on appeal. Juventus terminated his contract in November 2024.

    The UKAD report also highlighted a worrying rise in addiction and drug use within English football. More than 500 players are reportedly undergoing treatment for issues related to drugs, alcohol, or gambling.

    Just last season alone, 80 professional players received treatment for substance-related issues, including cocaine, nitrous oxide, sleeping pills, and alcohol. The report also mentioned that some players are acquiring powerful sedatives like Zopiclone from the black market — a drug known for its high potential for addiction.

    The revelations have sparked fresh concerns about the mental and physical health of players, as well as the effectiveness of existing safeguards within professional football in the UK.

  • Sahibzada Farhan joins elite T20I batters’ list

    Sahibzada Farhan joins elite T20I batters’ list

    Islamabad United’s young star, Sahibzada Farhan, has etched his name in the record books with a brilliant century against Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    His outstanding performance not only guided his team to a commanding total but also marked a major milestone in his T20 career.

    Farhan’s century places him in an elite group of T20 batters who have scored four centuries in a single calendar year. This prestigious list includes legendary names like Chris Gayle (2011), Virat Kohli (2016), Jos Buttler (2022), Shubman Gill (2023), and now Sahibzada Farhan (2025).

    What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Farhan is the only Pakistani batter to have reached this milestone in just nine innings.

    In the match against Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United posted a mammoth total of 243 for 5. Farhan played a pivotal role in this dominant performance, smashing his maiden PSL century off just 49 balls. With this, he equalled the record for the fastest century by an Islamabad United batter in PSL history.

    In response, Peshawar Zalmi could not take control during the chase. Skipper Babar Azam fell early for just one run, and Saim Ayub also managed to score only six off eight balls. Mohammad Haris was the lone warrior with the bat, scoring an impressive 87 off 47 balls, hitting 12 fours and four sixes.

    However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him. Mitchell Owen made 10 off 7, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 8 off 10, and Hussain Talat 13 off 11, while the rest of the line-up collapsed without much resistance. Zalmi were bowled out for 141 in 18.2 overs.

  • Katy Perry roars into space on all-woman flight

    Katy Perry roars into space on all-woman flight

     Pop star Katy Perry completed a brief foray into space on Monday, roaring to the edge of the cosmos with an all-women crew on one of billionaire Jeff Bezos’s rockets.

    The “Firework” and “California Gurls” singer was lofted more than 60 miles (100 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface in a vessel from Blue Origin, the space company owned by the Amazon founder.

    Five other women — including Bezos’s fiancee Lauren Sanchez — were on the flight, which took off from western Texas shortly after 8:30am before safely landing again some 10 minutes later. The flight brought the passengers beyond the Karman line — the internationally recognised boundary of space.

    One of the other passengers, TV presenter Gayle King, said Perry sang “What a wonderful world” in space. “It’s a 10 out of 10. That’s my review. Definitely go for it,” the singer said after she was safely back on Earth.

    Their fully automated craft rose vertically before the crew capsule detached mid-flight, later falling back to the ground slowed by parachutes and a retro rocket. The jubilant women then emerged, with Perry kissing the ground after exiting the capsule.

  • PSL 10: Islamabad United crush Peshawar Zalmi by 102 runs

    PSL 10: Islamabad United crush Peshawar Zalmi by 102 runs

    Islamabad United registered a dominating 102-run win over Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of PSL 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

    After winning the toss, Islamabad chose to bat first and delivered a powerful performance, scoring 243 runs for the loss of five wickets.

    Sahibzada Farhan was the star of the show, smashing a brilliant 106 off just 52 balls. His innings included 13 fours and five sixes. He got good support from Colin Munro, who scored 40 off 27 balls, while Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 30 off 15. Towards the end, Jason Holder added 20 off 11 balls, and Ben Dwarshuis remained not out on 18 off 6, taking Islamabad’s total to a massive 243 for 5 in 20 overs.

    Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. Alzarri Joseph and Hussain Talat picked up two wickets each while Tom Kohler-Cadmore took one wicket. 

    In response, Peshawar Zalmi never looked in control during the chase. Skipper Babar Azam fell early for just one run and Saim Ayub also managed only 6 off 8 balls. Mohammad Haris was the lone warrior with the bat, scoring an impressive 87 off 47 balls, hitting 12 fours and four sixes. 

    However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him. Mitchell Owen made 10 off 7, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 8 off 10, and Hussain Talat 13 off 11 while rest of the lineup collapsed without much resistance. Zalmi were bowled out for 141 in 18.2 overs.

    For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Ben Dwarshuis took two wickets each. Naseem Shah, Jason Holder and Saad Masood took one wicket each to wrap up a comprehensive bowling performance.

    Islamabad have so far won both their matches whereas Babar’s XI has lost both.