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  • Champions Trophy: Rain washes out Pakistan-Bangladesh

    Champions Trophy: Rain washes out Pakistan-Bangladesh

    The ICC Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, has been cancelled.

    The toss was set to take place at 1:30 PM (Pakistan time) but did not as intermittent rain lashed the twin cities. 

    Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have been awarded one point each.

    The two countries are out of the tournament, as India and New Zealand from Group A have already qualified for the tournament semifinals.

    Pakistan suffered a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in Dubai, following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi on February 19.

    New Zealand routs Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener

    New Zealand started their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a commanding 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19.

    Chasing a target of 321 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered predictably, with the team getting bowled out for 260 runs. Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with 69 runs, while Babar Azam contributed 64 runs. 

    Salman Agha added 42, Fakhar Zaman scored 24, and Haris Rauf chipped in with 19 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi added 14, Naseem Shah 13, Saud Shakeel 6, Captain Mohammad Rizwan 3 and Tayyab Tahir scored one run.

    New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke and captain Mitchell Santner took three wickets each. Matt Henry claimed two wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith picked up one wicket each.

    Earlier in the day, New Zealand posted a solid total of 320/5 in their 50 overs after being invited to bat first. However, their innings did not begin smoothly, as they lost three wickets for just 73 runs. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell were dismissed for 10 runs each, while captain Kane Williamson fell for just one run.

    New Zealand stabilized their innings with a crucial 118-run partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham. Young played a brilliant knock of 107 runs before getting out.

    Following Young’s dismissal, Latham and Glenn Phillips added another 125 runs to strengthen New Zealand’s total. Phillips was dismissed in the 49.4th over after scoring 61 runs, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118.

    For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah took two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed claimed one.

    Pakistan squad

    Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

    New Zealand squad

    Mitchell Santner, featuring Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Will O’Rourke.

    Kohli steers India to comfortable win over Pakistan in Champions Trophy

    India on Sunday defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the high-tension ICC Champions Trophy fixture as Virat Kohli steered his team to victory with a decisive century.

    Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first but failed to play the full 50 overs, getting bowled out for 241 runs in 49.4 overs.

    Pakistan lost its first wicket at 41 runs when Babar Azam returned to the pavillion after scoring 23 runs. Shortly after, Imam Ul Haq was run out for just 10 runs.

    The third wicket fell at a total of 151 when captain Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 46 runs off 77 balls. Saud Shakeel followed soon after, scoring 62 runs.

    Pakistan suffered another blow at 165 runs when Tayyab Tahir departed after scoring only four runs. The team’s struggles continued as vice-captain Salman Ali Agha was dismissed for 19 runs followed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who returned to the pavilion without scoring any runs.

    The lower order couldn’t contribute much with Naseem Shah scoring 14, Haris Rauf 8 and Khushdil Shah 38 runs.

    For India, Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling attack, taking three wickets. Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets, while Ajay Jadeja, Harshit Rana and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each.

    The Indian team comfortably chased the target, reaching 242 runs for the loss of four wickets. The highlight of the chase was Kohli’s masterclass.

    The star Indian batter scored 100 runs off 111 balls. His knock cemented India’s win, sending hosts and defending champions Pakistan virtually out of the tournament.

  • PM Shehbaz likely to take notice of Pakistan’s poor Champions Trophy performance

    PM Shehbaz likely to take notice of Pakistan’s poor Champions Trophy performance

    Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif is expected to take notice of the country’s cricket team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as criticism continues over the team’s early exit from the tournament.

    Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political and Public Affairs, hinted at a possible review of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating that the issue would be raised in both the Cabinet and Parliament.

    Speaking to a private TV channel, Sanaullah said, “The Prime Minister will personally take notice, and we will ask him to bring these cricket-related issues to the Cabinet and Parliament.”

    Sanaullah strongly criticized PCB, stating that the board has been operating without proper oversight for years.

    “This is not just about appointing a Chairman. Look at the last five to ten years and see what has been happening,” he said.

    He also expressed concerns about financial mismanagement and a lack of accountability within the board, emphasizing that spending on professional-level cricket should be made public.

    “The condition of cricket at the college and district levels is terrible, yet patrons are being paid Rs. 5 million while openly admitting on television that they are unaware of their responsibilities,” he remarked.

    “You will be shocked to hear about the perks and privileges of PCB officials. It will leave you wondering whether they work for a Pakistani institution or a developed country,” he added.

    Sanaullah further stressed the need for structural reforms within the PCB, advocating for the introduction of a permanent system to ensure smooth operations.

    “These issues have persisted for years. People take charge of the cricket board through power and then do whatever they want, leading to the current state of affairs,” he said.

    His remarks come after Pakistan’s consecutive defeats to New Zealand and arch-rivals India, which led to the team’s elimination from the tournament. 

    Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, the Green Shirts were defending their title in the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades.

    Pakistan will face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi today (Thursday), but the match has become a dead rubber as both teams have already been knocked out.

  • Mehwish Hayat makes thrilling comeback with action-packed drama ‘Dayan’

    Mehwish Hayat makes thrilling comeback with action-packed drama ‘Dayan’

    Renowned Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat has returned to television with the action-packed drama Dayan, filled with love, revenge, and suspense.

    The drama premiered on Geo TV on February 24, following the release of its trailer in early February. Initially, the title was kept under wraps, but it has now been confirmed as Dayan, airing twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays.

    Written by Fatima Faizan and Amber Azhar, Dayan is directed by Siraj-ul-Haq and produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi. The star-studded cast includes Mehwish Hayat, Ahsan Khan, Hira Mani, Usman Pirzada, Afshin Hayat, Nayyar Ejaz, Zainab Qayyum, Usama Tahir, Sohail Sameer, Nida Mumtaz, Shamil Khan, and Zahra Aamir.

    The serial marks Mehwish Hayat’s return to television after nearly nine years. Her last drama, Dillagi, aired in 2016. Although she appeared in the 2023 telefilm Ijaazat with Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), Dayan is her first full drama in almost a decade.

    Since 2016, Mehwish has focused on films and web series, including the American sci-fi superhero series Ms. Marvel.

  • ‘Rizwan bans non-Muslim workers from entering prayer room,’ Imam Ul Haq claims

    ‘Rizwan bans non-Muslim workers from entering prayer room,’ Imam Ul Haq claims

    A clip has surfaced online featuring Pakistan cricket team opener player Imam-ul-Haq discussing the leadership qualities of white ball captain Mohammad Rizwan.

    During a podcast, host Roha Nadeem asked Imam to associate Pakistan cricket team players with preselected words. When the word “the leader” was mentioned. Imam said, “I cannot recall any name right now; everyone is fighting with each other.”

    He then paused a bit and said that he would call Rizwan “the leader”, given that the latter can gather everyone during prayer time. 

    Further describing Rizwan’s leadership, Imam said that Rizwan manages all things, including searching out a room for prayers, laying white sheets there and banning all hotel workers from entering the prayer room if they’re not Muslim. 

    He said that Rizwan usually creates a WhatsApp group and then sends the prayer timings there, adding, “This is all done by Rizwan, so this is why I’ll say he has good qualities.” 

    When asked who the “fitness expert” on the team is, Imam was quick to respond that incumbent red ball captain Shaan Masood had been the fitness expert right from the start.

    The host chimed in, “Seems like he has a proper fitness routine.” Imam said that Masood has the latest techniques and keeps bringing them into the team, whether it would be regarding batting or fitness. “However, he is a fitness freak and is very fit,” said the opener batsman.

    On being asked about who Imam would associate with the word “marriage counsellor”, he replied that Rizwan and all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed are marriage counsellors in the team. “He [Rizwan] tells everyone to get married,” he added. 

    After losing the first match to New Zealand, Rizwan-led Pakistan cricket team lost the match against India in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champion Trophy 2025 too at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. With New Zealand winning their second match against Bangladesh on Monday, Pakistan was officially eliminated from the ICC CT 2025 tournament.

    Following the defeat from India, Rizwan, while speaking to reporters on Sunday, said his team had paid a heavy price for failing to build on the momentum. “The middle order wasn’t good enough,” he added.

    “As a captain, I don’t like this (depending on other teams). If you’re good enough, you show it by winning and keeping things in your hands. What matters is that India and New Zealand beat us. They played strong and we didn’t play well. If we get a chance (to sneak through) then so be it,” he said.

  • WATCH: Sanjay Dutt’s horror-action comedy ‘The Bhootnii’ teaser unveiled

    WATCH: Sanjay Dutt’s horror-action comedy ‘The Bhootnii’ teaser unveiled

    A teaser for The Bhootnii, starring Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, and Palak Tiwari, is finally here.

    The horror-action comedy, directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, is set to hit theaters on April 18, 2025. The film promises a thrilling mix of supernatural horror, intense action, and comedy.

    Sanjay Dutt takes on a key role, wielding swords in the few glimpses we catch of him. Could he be portraying a desi version of the demon-slayer Van Helsing?

     The cast has been building excitement on social media, teasing fans with hints about the film.

    As soon as the teaser dropped, fans flooded social media with comments. Many praised Sanjay Dutt’s powerful screen presence, while others seemed eager to watch the film. Viewers also sent best wishes to the team, calling The Bhootnii one of the most anticipated movies of 2025. 

    Produced by Deepak Mukut and Sanjay Dutt, with Hunar Mukut and Maanayata Dutt as co-producers, The Bhootnii is already creating a buzz among movie lovers.

  • Here’s why your Instagram feed was flooded with sensitive reels

    Here’s why your Instagram feed was flooded with sensitive reels

    Many Instagram users reported an unexpected surge of disturbing content in their feeds despite having the “Sensitive Content Control” set to the highest moderation level. 

    Addressing the issue, a Meta spokesperson stated, “We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended. We apologize for the mistake.”

    Several users took to social media to voice concerns about content featuring graphic injuries, dead bodies, and violent assaults. 

    Meta has strict guidelines against violent and graphic content, prohibiting posts that include “dismemberment, visible innards or charred bodies,” as well as content with “sadistic remarks towards imagery depicting the suffering of humans and animals.”

    However, the company allows some graphic content if it raises awareness about important issues such as human rights violations, armed conflicts, or terrorism. In such cases, warning labels are applied.

    With the issue now resolved, Instagram users can expect their Reels feed to return to normal.

  • Internet reacts to Trump’s AI video imagining Gaza as luxury resort

    Internet reacts to Trump’s AI video imagining Gaza as luxury resort

    US President Donald Trump’s official social media accounts posted an apparently AI-generated video depicting war-ravaged Gaza rebuilt into a seaside resort, replete with a towering golden statue of himself.


    The video, which racked up more than 29 million views on Instagram and was shared thousands of times on Trump’s Truth Social network by Wednesday afternoon, prompted some commenters to question whether the president’s accounts had been hacked.


    The 33-second clip remained on Trump’s accounts without denial or retraction hours after the initial posting on Tuesday night.


    The video “Gaza 2025 What’s Next?” opens with people on a rubble-strewn street emerging from a tunnel onto a beach with palm trees and yachts.


    Trump has floated the idea of a US takeover of Gaza under which its Palestinian population would be relocated — a proposal met with global condemnation.


    He later appeared to soften his plan, saying he was only recommending the idea, and conceding that the leaders of Jordan and Egypt — the proposed destinations for relocated Gazans — had rejected any effort to move Palestinians against their will.


    In the social media clip, the soundtrack includes lyrics such as “Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see”, and “Feast and dance, the deal is done, Trump Gaza number one”.


    Seemingly AI-generated renditions of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sip cocktails in swimsuits by a pool, while other shots show what appears to be Elon Musk dancing under a shower of cash on the beach.


    A larger-than-life golden statue of Trump is also featured.


    Social media users reacted with both support and criticism, but many questioned whether Trump himself had posted the montage.


    AFP did not find any evidence the video had been shared online before it was posted to Trump’s Truth Social and Instagram accounts.

    Netizens reacted to the insensitive video circulating online, condemning the move made by the U.S. President.

    Matthew Stadlen, an English presenter, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The Trump Gaza video is quite possibly the most disgusting, the most shameful, the most hideous public communication by a US President in living memory.”

    Lawyer and activist, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, wrote, “President of the United States posts video of him taking over Gaza with his statue for worship, dollars raining, Trump Gaza as centrepiece as he & Netanyahu chill at the beach. Ethnic cleansing rebranded as a real estate deal. Colonialist White Supremacist Zionism. Pure Evil.”

    Another user added, “I feel physically sick at Trump’s Gaza clip. I just can’t comprehend how a human being could be so vile. Can I ask EVERYONE TO PLEASE REPOST THIS CLIP as a counter narrative. It’s essential we tell the truth about this horror show. Let your repost finger do the talking.”

    One user, sharing the screenshots of the comments noted, “Trump biggest supporters are not happy with him for posting that AI video of Gaza.”

    Dancers and beards

    One scene closely resembles an AI-generated image of Trump and Netanyahu drinking cocktails that began circulating in early February.


    Another scene shows belly dancers shimmying on the beach, sporting thick, long beards more typically worn by Islamists.


    More than 15 months of war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, have left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins and most of its population displaced from their homes.


    Senir Hamas official Bassem Naim said in reaction to the video: “Unfortunately, President Trump is once again proposing ideas and solutions that do not take into account the cultures and interests of the indigenous population.”


    In Gaza, people who watched the video were in disbelief.


    “This video of Trump is full of fallacies and shows a lack of cultural awareness… Gaza won’t become a tourist spot like Italy or Spain,” said Nasser Abu Hadaid, a 60-year-old resident of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.


    “What I know about Trump is that he is a strange but bold president who does what he says he will do. What matters to him is money and investments — there is no humanity,” said Manal Abu Seif, a 23-year-old lawyer in Gaza City.


    “Gaza needs freedom, open border crossings and jobs for young people, and is not a playground for tourism and investment,” she added.


    UN estimates have put the cost of reconstruction at more than $53 billion.


    A fragile ceasefire, in effect since January 19, has allowed an increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza, though Hamas has accused Israel of blocking the entry of some essential supplies.

  • Rohit Sharma likely to miss final group match against New Zealand

    Rohit Sharma likely to miss final group match against New Zealand

    Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s availability for the final group match of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand has become uncertain.

    According to media reports, Sharma, who sustained an injury during the match against Pakistan, did not participate in a practice session before the crucial game against New Zealand, raising concerns about his fitness and availability for the match.

    Reports suggest that Rohit experienced discomfort in his hamstring during the game against Pakistan. However, he assured the management that he was fine and there was nothing to worry about.

    During the practice session, the Indian skipper only participated in batting drills and engaged in light running, avoiding any intense physical activity.

    The Indian team management and medical staff are closely monitoring Rohit’s condition. A final decision on his participation will be made after assessing his fitness before the match.

    India and New Zealand are will face off on March 2 in Dubai. However, both teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals.

  • Three sisters killed by speeding vehicle in Gilgit

    Three sisters killed by speeding vehicle in Gilgit

    Three sisters were crushed to death on Thursday morning while one girl was injured by a speeding Prado on their way to school in Baseen, Gilgit. 

    Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Zahoor Ahmed told a leading English daily that the Prado was also transporting schoolgirls when it ran over four schoolgirls who were walking to school on the Gilgit-Ghizer Highway.

    The girls were immediately transferred to Provincial Headquarters Hospital for urgent medical treatment. 

    Medical officials the media outlet that the girls were critically injured in the accident. Three of them, sisters, died in the hospital while the fourth girl, their friend, was receiving treatment and remained critical. 

    All three sisters were the daughters of local resident Abdul Jail. 

    While the family took the bodies for burial, local residents blocked roads in protest. Eyewitnesses said that the accident was a result of the driver’s reckless speeding. 

    Police have said that an investigation into the incident is underway.

  • Champions Trophy: PAK vs BAN live stream & match details

    Champions Trophy: PAK vs BAN live stream & match details

    Pakistan are set to take on Bangladesh in the 9th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

    Match Details

    Fixture: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Match 9, Champions Trophy 2025
    Date & Time: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 2:00 PM (PST), 2:30 PM (IST)
    Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi


    Teams Overview


    Pakistan, the defending champions, has endured a disappointing campaign, suffering defeats against New Zealand and India. Despite their strong squad and home advantage, Mohammad Rizwan’s side has struggled to find its rhythm with both bat and ball. They will look to end their tournament on a high note in front of the home crowd.

    Bangladesh, on the other hand, has also had a tough run, showing glimpses of promise but failing to convert performances into victories. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team will aim to sign off with a win after pushing both India and New Zealand in their previous matches.


    Head-to-Head Record in ODIs


    Total Matches Played: 39
    Pakistan Won: 34
    Bangladesh Won: 5


    Probable Playing XI


    Pakistan is likely to field Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. 

    Bangladesh’s expected lineup includes Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman.

    Pitch Report


    The Rawalpindi surface has been challenging for batters early on, offering movement and bounce to the pacers. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle, making stroke play easier. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, considering the conditions that favor seamers in the initial overs.


    TV Broadcast & Live Streaming

    Pakistan – TV: PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Live Streaming: Myco, Tamasha
    India – TV: Star Sports, Sports18 | Live Streaming: JioHotstar
    Bangladesh – TV: Nagorik TV, T Sports | Live Streaming: Toffee
    UAE – TV: CricLife MAX, CricLife MAX2 | Live Streaming: STARZPLAY
    UK – TV: Sky Sports | Live Streaming: SkyGo Now, Sky Sports App
    USA & Canada – TV: Willow TV
    Australia – TV: Amazon
    New Zealand – TV: Sky Sport NZ
    Sri Lanka – TV: Maharaja TV | Live Streaming: Sirasa
    Caribbean – TV: ESPN Caribbean | Live Streaming: ESPN Play