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  • ‘We will miss our secret agent’: Indians react to Haris Rauf’s T20 World Cup exclusion

    ‘We will miss our secret agent’: Indians react to Haris Rauf’s T20 World Cup exclusion

    Indian cricket fans flooded social media with sarcastic reactions after Pakistan excluded fast bowler Haris Rauf from their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with many jokingly lamenting the loss of their “secret agent.”

    Following Pakistan’s squad announcement on Sunday, Indian users on X (formerly Twitter) took aim at Rauf’s exclusion, referencing his costly performances against India in past encounters.

    One user wrote: “We will miss our secret agent at the event. He was there for us when times got tough for us.”

    Another user wrote, “Indian favourite Haris Rauf has been dropped from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup team because he always helped India win matches. Just when we thought Pakistan would win today…”

    The trolling continued with fans expressing mock disappointment. “Haris Rauf the Impact player of India in crucial matches,” one user quipped, while another declared: “I am boycotting if Haris Rauf is not playing against us.”

    Some took playful digs at opposition teams, writing, “Other teams will miss Haris Rauf’s death bowling,” sarcastically suggesting his exclusion would hurt Pakistan’s opponents more than the team itself.

    During the press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed addressed questions about Rauf’s omission. “We think about what conditions the team plays in and what combination works better there,” Javed explained.

    “Haris Rauf has played for Pakistan for a long time, but if you look at the recent past, a different combination emerges. We built this team keeping in mind the conditions and since most matches will happen in Sri Lanka, we considered what your best composition could be there,” he added.

    Pakistan announced their 15-member squad for the tournament, with former captain Babar Azam returning to the fold while excluding both Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan.

    A pattern of high-pressure failures appears to have sealed Rauf’s fate. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rauf could not defend 15 runs in the final over against the United States, forcing a Super Over that Pakistan ultimately lost in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

    In the 2022 T20 World Cup against India, Rauf bowled the 19th over with Pakistan defending 28 runs off eight balls. Virat Kohli hit two consecutive sixes off the final two deliveries, turning the match in India’s favor.

    Most recently, Rauf failed to defend 10 runs in the final over against Brisbane Heat in the ongoing BBL.

    Pakistan hopes to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

  • India reluctant to join Trump’s Peace Board because of Kashmir

    India reluctant to join Trump’s Peace Board because of Kashmir

    Despite receiving an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the proposed ‘Board of Peace’, India has not formally associated itself with the initiative so far.

    India was absent from the ceremony held in Davos where 20 world leaders, including President Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signed the board’s charter. The absence has triggered discussion in Indian diplomatic and media circles, with some linking New Delhi’s hesitation to concerns surrounding the Kashmir dispute.

    President Trump has said the board’s primary objective is to make the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza permanent and to supervise an interim administrative setup in the Palestinian territory.

    “This is not just for America, but for the whole world. I think we can spread it to other places. Like we did successfully in Gaza,” Trump said while outlining the initiative.

    However, some observers in India believe joining the board could expose the disputed region of held Kashmir to increased international or US involvement. Trump has on several occasions offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, particularly following the May 2025 escalation between the two countries. India has consistently rejected third-party mediation on the issue.

    According to a BBC Hindi report, the Board of Peace is being formed at a time when the US is withdrawing from several United Nations bodies, raising questions about whether the initiative is intended to undermine the UN’s role.

    Concerns have also been raised that the board could reinforce a unipolar global order led by the US.

    In an editorial, The Hindu described Pakistan’s decision to join the board as “a warning signal to India”. The paper pointed to Trump’s tendency to project himself as a global peacemaker, citing his claims of resolving several international disputes during his first year in office.

    “If Trump decides to include the Kashmir dispute in his peace plans, the Peace Board will try to resolve it. Once it joins the board, it will also be difficult for India to object to the deployment of its troops in the international peacekeeping force,” the editorial said.

    Former Indian ambassador to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin wrote in the Times of India that a Security Council resolution limits the board’s mandate until December 31, 2027, and requires it to submit reports every six months.

    He noted that these provisions were included to prevent the arrangement from becoming permanent. In contrast, Akbaruddin wrote that Trump’s peace initiative has no defined timeline and “could be used outside Gaza as well”.

    He added that some UN officials have indicated the framework could be applied to other conflict zones.

    Former Indian ambassador to Nepal and Vietnam Ranjit Roy said the decision presents difficulties for New Delhi.

    “India’s dilemma has increased. Whether India accepts it or rejects it, it will have an impact. I think the risks of joining the Peace Board are high. First of all, Trump is its chairman and it seems pointless to expect justice from his transactional approach,” BBC Hindi quoted him as saying.

    “It is not clear whether each country will have the same status in this,” Roy said.

    The Hindu also noted that tensions in US-India relations and ongoing trade negotiations may be factors behind India’s decision not to reject the invitation outright, warning that doing so could provoke a response similar to Trump’s past disagreements with the French president.

  • Internet reacts as Ashwin backs Pakistan’s Khawaja Nafay for T20 World Cup 2026

    Internet reacts as Ashwin backs Pakistan’s Khawaja Nafay for T20 World Cup 2026

    Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has tipped Pakistan’s Khawaja Mohammad Nafay as a player to watch at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, triggering a wave of reactions from fans.

    Following Pakistan’s squad announcement at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his assessment. “This KM [Khawaja Mohammad] Nafay is a player to keep an eye on this World Cup,” the former off-spinner wrote, immediately catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts on both sides.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled their 15-member contingent for the tournament earlier in the day, with the team set to face the Netherlands in their Group A opener on February 7 in Colombo. 

    PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed, captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson made the announcement.

    Ashwin’s post quickly went viral, drawing diverse reactions from the cricket community. Pakistani fans responded with everything from light-hearted humour to genuine appreciation for the cross-border recognition.

    “Trolling level thoda casual hai ,” joked one Indian user.

    Another Pakistani supporter noted the irony: “Indian fans hyping Nafay more than us Respect or coping?”

    Several fans showed wholehearted support for Ashwin’s observation. “Ashwin Eyes on Future ♥️,” wrote one enthusiast, while an Indian supporter responded: “If you are saying then….we will keep an eye.”

    Many agreed with Ashwin’s assessment, posting comments like “Exactly, he’s an exciting talent to watch” and “Yes he’s very talented player,” highlighting growing consensus about Nafay’s potential.

    The exchange showcased a rare moment of camaraderie between rival fan bases, who united in their appreciation of emerging talent despite the traditional India-Pakistan rivalry.

    Nafay joins five other players in receiving their maiden mega-event call-ups: captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq. 

    The squad also features experienced campaigners including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Naseem Shah, who have all represented Pakistan in previous T20 World Cups since 2021.

    Pakistan will use their upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia which is scheduled for 29 and 31 January, and 1 February at Gaddafi Stadium.

    The 23-year-old right-handed batter from Karachi has one of cricket’s most unique stories. Born on 13 February 2002, Nafay plays as a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper. 

    The Karachi youngster gained popularity by posting his performances on social media, which caught the attention of PSL team management. In December 2023, Quetta Gladiators picked him in the players’ draft for the 2024 Pakistan Super League.

    Nafay announced his arrival on the big stage with a stunning innings against Lahore Qalandars on 19 February 2024, scoring 60 runs off just 31 balls for his maiden T20 half-century.

  • ICC officially replaces Bangladesh with Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026

    ICC officially replaces Bangladesh with Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 and replaced them with Scotland, following the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s refusal to send their team to India.


    The announcement ends more than three weeks of intensive negotiations between the ICC and BCB, during which Bangladesh repeatedly demanded that their matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns. The tournament is set to begin on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.

    ICC has said that their security experts found no legitimate threat to the Bangladesh team, players, or supporters traveling to India for the World Cup. Despite sharing comprehensive security arrangements involving federal and state agencies, BCB maintained its position that the team will not travel to Indian venues.


    As per details, the breaking point came after Wednesday’s emergency meeting of the ICC Business Corporation Board, which gave Bangladesh a 24-hour ultimatum to confirm their participation under the existing schedule. When the deadline passed without any response from the BCB, the governing body moved forward with finding a replacement.


    The controversy stems largely from a recent IPL incident where Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the tournament after receiving threats from Hindu extremist groups. 

    Bangladesh used the incident to argue that if India couldn’t protect a single player in their domestic league, how could they ensure the safety of an entire national team during the World Cup.


    The ICC, however, dismissed the reasoning, clarifying that the IPL matter was a separate domestic issue unrelated to the World Cup’s security infrastructure. 

    Officials emphasized that linking the two events was inappropriate and did not justify altering the tournament schedule.
    BCB president Aminul Islam has accused the ICC of applying different standards, pointing to how the governing body accommodated India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.


    In justifying their decision, ICC officials stressed that making last-minute schedule changes without a verified security threat would create a dangerous precedent. 


    They argued that this could encourage teams to make similar demands in the future, potentially undermining the neutrality and fairness that international cricket tournaments depend on.


    Scotland now steps in as Bangladesh’s replacement, taking their spot in Group C. 

    The Scots are currently ranked 14th in T20 internationals, making them the highest-ranked team that didn’t initially qualify for the tournament. Interestingly, they rank higher than seven teams already in the competition, including Namibia, UAE, Nepal, USA, Canada, Oman, and Italy.


    Bangladesh had been scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Scotland will inherit these fixtures in the 20-team tournament running until March 8, marking a significant opportunity for Scottish cricket on the global stage.

  • Gold hits record Rs514,662 per tola

    Gold hits record Rs514,662 per tola

    Driven by a continued rally in international markets, gold prices in Pakistan hit fresh highs on Thursday as 10-gram and one-tola rates rose to Rs441,239 and Rs514,662, marking gains of Rs7,802 and Rs9,100.



    According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), international gold prices rose by $91 per ounce to $4,923, based on interbank exchange rates.




    Experts said investors are flocking to gold as a safe-haven amid geopolitical tensions and expectations of further US interest rate cuts, driving the surge in both global and domestic prices.




    Investors must be upbeat as 10-gram and one-tola gold rates have surged by Rs206,671 and Rs241,062, respectively, if compared with the 10-gram and one-tola gold rates at Rs234,568 and Rs273,600 prevailing on Jan 1, 2025.




    Silver rates followed the upward trend, with 24kt silver climbing to Rs10,275 per tola (up Rs372) and the 10-gram rate reaching Rs8,809 (up Rs319), as the world silver price rose $3.72 to $98 per ounce.

  • Sindh govt aiming to host FIFA World Cup in Lyari by 2040 or 2050

    Sindh govt aiming to host FIFA World Cup in Lyari by 2040 or 2050

    Spokesperson for the Sindh government and provincial assembly member Nadir Gabol has vowed to host the FIFA World Cup in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood by 2040 or 2050, claiming the area’s football facilities match international standards.

    “FIFA World Cup should be held in Lyari, and we will work toward this goal. I promise we will make every effort to host the FIFA Football World Cup in Lyari by 2040 or 2050,” Gabol declared during an appearance on a news channel program.

    The spokesperson asserted that Lyari’s Kakri Ground is not inferior to any stadium in Qatar but rather serves as a multi-sports complex offering gymnastics, karate, and boxing training alongside football facilities.

    Gabol claimed Lyari has two world-class football grounds equipped with modern amenities that meet international standards. He emphasized that only the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Bilawal Bhutto can accomplish the task of bringing the Football World Cup to the densely populated Karachi neighborhood known for its football culture.

    “Lyari’s stadiums have modern facilities and meet world-class standards,” Gabol said, adding that the area’s passion for football makes it an ideal host for the global tournament.

    The spokesperson recalled that during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the government installed screens at two Lyari grounds where 20,000 people gathered at each location to watch matches. “The world appreciated this enthusiasm and passion for football,” he said.

    When questioned about alcohol and other beverages during such international events, Gabol stated that restrictions would remain in place.

    “Bhutto [Zulfikar Ali Bhutto] imposed restrictions on alcohol and similar drinks. We will not allow such things during the World Cup because we must answer to the public. Permission for alcohol could anger people, and PPP will absolutely not tolerate this,” he explained.

    FIFA typically selects World Cup host nations years in advance through comprehensive bidding processes that involve national football associations, governments, and extensive infrastructure assessments. 

    The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the 2030 tournament will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with centenary matches in South America. 

    FIFA awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia in December 2024

    .

    On the other hand, Pakistan has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup and currently ranks 199th in FIFA’s world rankings.

  • Islamabad airport privatisation shelved after UAE ‘loses interest’

    Islamabad airport privatisation shelved after UAE ‘loses interest’

    The government has shelved a plan to outsource the management and operations of Islamabad International Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after Abu Dhabi lost interest in the process, a private media outlet has claimed.


     
    Reports quoted sources as saying that the two countries reached a deadlock after the UAE repeatedly delayed nominating an entity to manage the airport.


     
    Sources told the media outlet that despite initial interest shown by the UAE, it failed to communicate the name of the nominated entity, indicating disinterest on the part of Abu Dhabi.


     
    They said the Pakistani side had sought a clear response by sending a final call letter, to which the UAE responded that it was unable to confirm any nominated entity and was not interested in continuing the process.


     
    The government has now approved a proposal to include Islamabad International Airport in the active privatisation list, following the recent successful privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).


     
    However, the decision has drawn strong reactions online. While some users criticised the UAE’s involvement, arguing that it had caused harm to Pakistan’s port cities and had been linked to controversial funding activities, others interpreted the move as Pakistan formally siding with Saudi Arabia.


     
    “Pakistan has ended the UAE’s role in operating Islamabad International Airport another blow to the UAE and its failed investments,” one person wrote, while another asked, “What was UAE doing at Islamabad airport anyway?”


     
    Some reactions were sharper, with users expressing frustration over repeated delays. “I guess Pakistan finally figured out that Abu Dhabi can’t be trusted!” one post read, while another said, “If cancelling agreements was an Olympic sport…”


     
    A particularly critical comment described the situation as “a pathetic little tapestry woven from desperation”.


     
    Earlier, the government did not accede to the UAE’s request for inclusion of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, in the draft government-to-government framework agreement.



    Requests regarding the privatisation of the air link between Abu Dhabi and Pakistan were also not backed by the government.
  • TikTok forms US joint venture to avoid ban over Chinese ownership

    TikTok forms US joint venture to avoid ban over Chinese ownership

    TikTok has announced establishing a majority American-owned joint venture to operate its United States (US) business, a move aimed at avoiding bans linked to its Chinese ownership.

    The TikTok Joint Venture will serve over 200 million users and 7.5 million businesses in the US while implementing safeguards for data protection and content moderation, the company said.

    The new structure comes in response to a 2024 law under former president Joe Biden, which required Chinese-owned ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations or face a ban. The law was introduced amid concerns that China could access US user data or influence audiences through TikTok’s algorithm.

    US President Donald Trump has welcomed the deal and credited himself for facilitating it, while also acknowledging Chinese President Xi Jinping for approving the arrangement. “I am so happy to have helped in saving TikTok!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

    “It will now be owned by a group of Great American Patriots and Investors, the Biggest in the World, and will be an important Voice,” he said.

    Under the new venture, ByteDance retains a 19.9 percent stake, keeping its ownership below the 20 percent limit set by law. Three other investors Silver Lake, Oracle and Abu Dhabi-based AI fund MGX each hold 15 percent stakes. 

    The joint venture will have decision-making authority over trust and safety policies and content moderation for US users. TikTok’s global entities will manage international product integration and commercial activities, including e-commerce and advertising.

    US user data will be stored in Oracle’s cloud environment and undergo third-party cybersecurity audits following federal standards, TikTok said.

  • US officially withdraws from World Health Organization

    US officially withdraws from World Health Organization

    United States of America has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its membership in the UN health agency and cutting ties with one of its long-standing multilateral partners.

    The withdrawal follows an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump a year ago, in which he criticised WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and accused the organisation of favouring China. 

    The US Department of Health and Human Services said the move was based on what it described as the WHO’s “mishandling” of the pandemic, failure to implement reforms, and political influence from member states. 

    The department said all US government funding to WHO has been terminated, US personnel and contractors have been recalled from the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva and its offices worldwide, and hundreds of US engagements with WHO have been suspended or discontinued.


    In a joint statement, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “The WHO tarnished and trashed everything that America has done for it.” 

    The statement added that the organisation had “abandoned its core mission and acted repeatedly against the interests of the United States,” including failing to return the American flag based at its Geneva headquarters.

    WHO rejected the allegations, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying the withdrawal represented a loss for both the United States and the global health system. The organisation pointed to its work on polio eradication, HIV and AIDS programmes, maternal mortality reduction, and its international tobacco control treaty.

    US has historically been one of the WHO’s largest donors but has not paid its membership fees for 2024 and 2025. WHO officials say the unpaid contributions have contributed to job losses at the organisation. WHO legal advisers have stated that the US is obliged to pay outstanding arrears estimated at $260 million, a claim the US government has rejected.


    US officials said future disease surveillance and pathogen-sharing efforts would be conducted through bilateral relations with other countries, though they did not identify specific partners. 

    The WHO said the US withdrawal will be discussed at its upcoming executive board meeting scheduled from February 2 to 7, adding that the organisation’s secretariat would act in line with guidance from its governing bodies.

  • Indian film critic KRK arrested for firing in Mumbai residential society

    Indian film critic KRK arrested for firing in Mumbai residential society

    Mumbai police have arrested controversial film critic Kamaal Rashid Khan, popularly known as KRK, following a shooting incident in a residential society in the city’s western suburbs.

    According to Indian media reports, the incident occurred on January 18 at Nalanda Society in the Oshiwara area of Andheri, where residents reported hearing two gunshots, according to Indian media reports.

    Police brought KRK to Oshiwara police station late Friday night for questioning. During interrogation, he admitted to firing two shots from his licensed firearm, police officials said.

    Investigators recovered two bullets from the society premises during an examination. They found one bullet on the second floor and another on the fourth floor of the building.

    Police revealed that one flat belongs to a writer and director, while the other flat is registered in the name of a model.

    Initial CCTV footage review provided no significant leads, which complicated the investigation. However, forensic examination later indicated the bullets may have been fired from KRK’s nearby bungalow.

    Authorities have not yet determined the motive behind the shooting.

    Police registered a case against the actor under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.

    The investigation continues.