Pakistan News World

Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup by FIFA on Wednesday, underlining the Gulf kingdom's growing influence in world sport. At the same time, a virtual Congress of world football's governing body confirmed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, which will also see three games played in South America. Saudi Arabia also hosts several high-profile events including a Formula One Grand Prix, heavyweight boxing contests, the LIV rival golf circuit funded by Saudi's sovereign wealth fund, and the WTA Finals tennis. Despite currently only boasting two stadiums with a capacity of 40,000, when 14 are required, Saudi was able to secure the hosting rights of 2034 World Cup. Beyond that logistical challenge, the baking temperatures in the northern hemisphere summer could mean pushing the tournament back to later in the year, as happened in Qatar in 2022. However, the fact that Ramadan will take place in December that year i...

Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf has been awarded the ICC Player of the Month for November. Rauf claimed 18 wickets during the month, including 10 crucial dismissals in Pakistan’s historic ODI series victory against Australia, their first in 22 years. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Series title in the ODI series against Australia. Haris outperformed India’s Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa’s Marco Jansen, who were also nominated. Previously, Pakistan’s Nauman Ali won the October Player of the Month award.   via Original Source

Pakistan’s ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi on Tuesday, added another feather to his cap as he became the first Pakistani bowler to take 100 wickets in each of cricket's three international formats. Afridi amassed the landmark during the first T20I of the three-match series against South Africa here at the Kingsmead Stadium on Tuesday. The left-arm pacer, who was just three wickets shy from the century of T20I wickets, returned brilliant bowling figures of 3/22 in the aforementioned fixture and became only the third Pakistani bowler to pick hundred wickets in the shortest format, only behind Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan. The 24-year-old achieved this feat in just his 74th T20I match, making him the second-fastest Pakistani to claim 100 T20I wickets after Haris Rauf, who accomplished the milestone in 71 games. As a result, Afridi joined an exclusive club of cricketers, becoming only the fourth player globally to take 100 wickets in each format in international cricket, alongside Ne...

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, addressed speculation surrounding Fakhar Zaman's omission from the national squad for the South Africa tour. In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rizwan emphasized that Fakhar's exclusion was not driven by personal bias. "I think the whole of Pakistan knows Fakhar Zaman, and there’s nothing personal about him that makes anyone feel like he’s being treated unfairly. From the conversations we’ve had among ourselves, everyone is hopeful about him because he is something different for Pakistan – he’s a character and a game-changer," said Rizwan. The wicket-keeper batter also revealed that his omission from the squad was not related only to fitness issues. "I don’t think anyone knows that he’s unwell, basically. It’s not only fitness issue, meaning it’s not like he failed a fitness test. From what I personally know, he’s unwell with something like a viral fever. Because of this illness, he’s...

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has disclosed that he conducted an inquiry into pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi before agreeing to get his daughter married to the fast bowler. Speaking at the 'Main Hoon Karachi' session during the International Urdu Conference in the metropolis, Shahid shared insights into his decision-making process regarding his daughter Ansha’s marriage to the young paceman. The star all-rounder said: "No father hands over his daughter’s life to someone without careful thought. Shaheen’s upbringing was commendable, and although our families lost touch after we shifted to Karachi, Shaheen’s coaches always spoke highly of him." Addressing a question about the inquiry, the former spinner stressed its importance, saying: "It is essential to ensure compatibility for a successful relationship, and both partners must contribute to building a strong future generation." Shahid playfully dismissed suggestions of embracing the title of grandfa...

You may have heard that eating chocolate can cause pimples. It's a little pearl of wisdom that's been passed down from generation to generation, leading people with acne-prone skin to try to cut chocolate out of their diets or blame their most recent breakout on too many sweets. There's only one little problem: It isn't true. The idea that chocolate causes acne is nothing more than a myth. Scientists and researchers have tried to find a link between breakouts and eating chocolate, but there's no evidence to support the claim. In fact, no specific foods have been proved to cause acne. However, a new study suggests there may be a link between high-glycemic foods -- such as white bread and pasta -- and breakouts. The American Acne & Rosacea Society is looking into the claim, but so far no definite conclusions have been drawn. This is good news if you're a chocolate lover trying to control blemishes -- but it doesn't mean you should indulge all the time...

New Zealand opener Devon Conway is set to miss the third and final Test against England as he awaits the birth of his first child. The final Test will take place in Hamilton from December 14 to 18. Conway, who will remain in Wellington, leaves a significant void at the top of the order following New Zealand’s 323-run defeat in the second Test. Middle-order batter Mark Chapman has been called up as Conway’s replacement. Head coach Gary Stead expressed full support for Conway’s decision, emphasizing the importance of family. "Family comes first in this environment and we're all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child," said Stead. "Mark was with the Test squad in India recently and returned to the Plunket Shield by scoring an impressive 276 - so it's a good time for him to be joining us," he added. The 33-year-old's absence might pave the way for Will Young, who impressed during last month's tour of India by scorin...

Teenage challenger Gukesh Dommaraju beat China’s Ding Liren in the 11th game of their world championship match, taking a crucial lead as the tournament entered the final stretch. Gukesh, whose win gave him a 6-5 lead with just three games to play, forced a resignation from Ding after the defending champion made a blunder under time pressure in Sunday’s contest. The victory ended seven consecutive draws and gave the 18-year-old Gukesh a big psychological advantage into the homestretch of the 14-match series. “Obviously, this is a very, very important win,” said Gukesh, who played with the white pieces. But he also remained cautious, adding that “there’s still three more very, very important games to go.” Ding, 32, admitted that it was “a very difficult game” for him, but added he would try to bounce back on Monday when he will make the first move with white. Both players were cautious from the start, making only five moves in the first hour of play. The Indian prodigy spent an h...

Defending champion Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs in the final of the ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup Final in Dubai on Sunday. Chasing a target of 199, Mohamed Amman-led India was dismissed for 139 with more than 14 overs to spare. Amaan (26), Hardik Raj (24), KP Karthikeya (21) and C Andre Siddarth (20) were the only Indian batters who tried to build their innings. Six batters failed to cross the double-digit mark. For Bangladesh, Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim took three wickets each. After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh post 198 on the scoreboard courtesy important contributions from Mohammad Shihab James (40), Rizan Hossan (47) and Farid Hasan (39). The pace duo of Yudhajit Guha and Chetan Sharma, and spinner Hardik picked two wickets each. via Original Source

Carrots are often hailed as a superfood for eye health, but not everyone enjoys eating them. Fortunately, scientists have identified a nutty alternative for sharper vision: pistachios. Researchers at Tufts University in Massachusetts, United States, found that consuming just two ounces, or 57 grammes, of pistachios daily can significantly support eye health. These nuts are rich in an antioxidant called lutein that can boost "macular pigment optical density" (MPOD). Increased MPOD filters harmful light from screens, protects the retina, and helps combat degeneration, Daily Express reported. Figures from the Macular Society show almost 1.5 million people in the United Kingdom are affected by macular disease, making it the nation's biggest cause of sight loss. Dr Tammy Scott, a neuropsychologist who led the research, said: "Our study shows that pistachios aren't just a tasty snack — they may be great for your eyes. "Eating a small amount every day can he...

A wounded Australia roared back into the five-test series against India with a 10-wicket victory at their happy hunting ground in Adelaide on Sunday that saw them reclaim the lead in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The hosts had crumbled to a comprehensive defeat by a depleted Indian side in the series opener in Perth that dented the pride of the reigning WTC champions. However, led by their inspirational captain Pat Cummins, Australia steamrolled a full-strength India, reinforced by the return of their captain Rohit Sharma and batter Shubman Gill, in a little over two days to level the series at 1-1. Mitchell Starc menaced with the pink ball and broke India’s back with his first innings 6-48 at the venue, where Australia now have a perfect 8-0 record in day-night tests. His victims included Perth centurions Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Cummins led by example in the second innings, claiming 5-57 and scything through the lower order, but it was India nemesis Tra...

If you had to pick one food to be stuck on a desert island with, it would have to be beans. They'd provide you with almost complete nutrition and you wouldn't have to worry about offending anyone. Yes, beans can be gassy, but there are ways around that. So don't let their "explosive" nature scare you away from some of the best lean protein around. When your diet's based on protein -- and fiber-rich beans and other complex carbohydrates -- you're more likely to feel full sooner. In addition, a diet high in fiber can reduce your risk of developing diabetes and help lower blood cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. Complementing beans with grain foods, like rice, makes them a great substitute for higher-fat protein sources like meats. Beans are also filling enough to stave off hunger. The low-fat, high-fiber nature of a bean-centered diet means chances are good that you'll lose weight eating this way. The 2005 Dietary Guide...

Australia lost opener Usman Khawaja but took first day honours at the day-night second Test in Adelaide Friday after a Mitchell Starc onslaught saw India crumble to 180 all out. At the close, the hosts were 86-1 with Nathan McSweeney not out 38 from 97 balls and Marnus Labuschagne on 20 after the visitors were dismissed on the cusp of tea after winning the toss and opting to bat. A menacing Starc was India’s chief destroyer. He gave the hosts a dream start in removing Yashasvi Jaiswal with the first ball of the match and ended with 6-48 — his best Test figures. In reply, Australia weathered 10 overs of the pink ball at dusk before Jasprit Bumrah’s persistence paid off, finding extra movement and with it a thick edge from Khawaja (13) that carried to Rohit Sharma at slip. Fellow opener McSweeney took 17 balls to get off the mark and had a life on three when dropped by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. But he made the most of his fortune, showing maturity in his second Test, while Labus...

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed a new test for tuberculosis (TB) to fasten efforts to eradicate one of the deadliest and dangerous infectious disease. The test is called Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and uses analysis of molecules to detect genetic markers and presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB, in the saliva of people suspected to be infected by the disease, according to the United Nations. The new test is the first to receive endorsement from the UN health agency earning the “prequalification status” meaning that it has passed the stringent quality checks. “This first prequalification of a diagnostic test for tuberculosis marks a critical milestone,” said WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products Dr Yukiko Nakatani. “It underscores the importance of such groundbreaking diagnostic tools in addressing one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases,” he added. The global health body added that accurate...

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has extended the term for the deposit of $3 billion maturing on December 5, 2024, for another year, the State Bank of Pakistan said on Thursday. This development followed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's meeting during the former's visit to Riyadh two days ago on the sidelines of the "One Water Summit". During the meeting, both leaders had agreed to bring about a qualitative change in the economic, trade and investment relationship between the two countries. They also expressed satisfaction at the pace of progress in the implementation of Saudi MoUs and agreements regarding investment in Pakistan. In its statement today, the central bank said: “The said amount has been placed with State Bank of Pakistan on behalf of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” “The extension of the term of the deposit is continuation of the support provided by t...

Debutant Tinotenda Maposa backed his bowling figures of 1/12 with a match-winning cameo of 12 not out to power Zimbabwe to a thrilling two-wicket consolation victory in the final T20I of the three-match series here at Queens Sports Club on Thursday. The home side had a flying start to the run chase as they were 73/1 in 9.3 overs with opening batter Brian Bennet and Dion Myers at the crease. Emerging spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, however, provided the visitors with a vital breakthrough, dismissing set batter Bennet, who remained the top-scorer for Zimbabwe with a 35-ball 43, laced with seven boundaries including a six. His dismissal sparked a middle-order collapse, which saw the home side slipping to 94/5 in 14 overs. Skipper Sikandar Raza offered some resistance against a momentum-filled Pakistan’s bowling attack until his dismissal off Jahandad Khan in the 18th over. Abbas Afridi, who returned brilliant figures of 3/23, inflicted another dent to Zimbabwe’s pursuit by getting rid of W...

Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India who defended their title with a 5-3 victory in the final of the men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 hockey tournament in Muscat on Wednesday. Hannan Sha­h­id’s brace had helped Paki­stan cruise into the Junior Hockey Asia Cup final after defeating Japan 4-2 a day ago. Arch-rivals India had downed Malaysia 3-1 in the other semi-final. The Asian Hockey Federation announced the results in a post on X. Pakistan opened the scoring in the 3rd minute when Hannan Shahid slammed the ball into the opposing team’s net. However, a penalty corner was converted by India’s Araijeet Singh Hundal 30 seconds later, levelling the scores. Hundal also converted two more penalty corners in the 18th and 54th minutes, in addition to scoring a goal from field play in the 47th. India’s Dilraj Singh scored in the 19th minute, with the defending champions leading 3-1 at the half-hour mark. Converting a penalty corner in the 30th minute, Pakistan’s Sufyan Khan brought the scorebo...

South Africa has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, set to take place in December. The series will see South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen step up as captain, filling the role due to the unavailability of regular skipper Aiden Markram. The squad will also be without some of South Africa’s key all-format players. Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs will miss the series as they are being rested for the ODI series against the Men in Green. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi will make their return for the first time since the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June. The squad also sees the return of all-rounder George Linde, who has been recalled after a strong domestic campaign. Proteas coach Rob Walter shared his thoughts on the squad selection, saying: “All 15 players are capped, and we’re looking to build on the experience within the group as we continue to grow as a unit. “In the absence of Aiden...

A recent study examined the potential effects that consuming different forms of protein may have on heart health. The researchers were interested in the ratio of plant vs. animal-based protein people consumed and their long-term health outcomes. The researchers learned that consuming a higher ratio of plant to animal protein could lead to a reduction of both coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). With deaths attributed to heart disease holding the top spot in the U.S., researchers wonder how to cut that number. While medications and technological interventions help, diet remains a focus point for those looking to prevent heart disease or improve their health after being diagnosed with it. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recently released the results of a 30-year study that analyzed the effect consuming more plant-based protein than animal-based protein has on heart health. While the research did not yield a specific ratio of p...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced both the white-ball and red-ball squads for the upcoming series against South Africa. The series, which comprises two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is, is scheduled from December 10 to January 7. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, who makes his return after missing the Zimbabwe series, will only feature in white-ball matches. The inclusion of the 24-year-old is aimed at ensuring peak fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Mohammad Abbas, who last played Test cricket in 2021, has made his return to the Test squad following a standout performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he took 31 wickets in five matches. Naseem Shah returns to the squad for both Tests and ODIs after missing the recent series against England and the Zimbabwe white-ball series. Khurram Shahzad, following a standout performance with Pakistan Shaheens, joins the Test squad alongside Mir Hamza. However, off-spinner Sajid Khan, despite taking 19 wickets again...

Scientists said on Monday that electrically stimulating a particular region in the brain could help people with injured spinal cords walk more easily, with one patient describing how the technique allowed him to conquer his fear of stairs. The new technique is intended for people with spinal cord injuries where the connection between their brain and spinal cord has not been totally severed, and who still have some movement in their legs. Wolfgang Jaeger, one of two patients who took part in an early trial, said that it immediately made a "big difference" to his mobility. "Now when I see a staircase with just a few steps, I know I can handle it on my own," the 54-year-old said in a video released alongside a new study in the journal Nature Medicine. The research was conducted by a Swiss team that has pioneered several recent advances, including using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to let several paralysed patients walk again. This time around, the r...

Pakistan bagged a dominating victory against Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to clinch three-match series after outclassing the hosts in second T20I played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday. Earlier, Pakistan sent back all Zimbabwe batters to pavilion at just 57 runs following Sufiyan Muqeem's five-fer in the second T20I of the three-match series being played at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday. The hosts' captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bat first. His decision, however, backfired as Zimbabwe’s batting unit unfolded on a meagre 57 in the 13th over. The home side got off to a decent start to their innings as openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Biran Bennett batted sensibly up top. The opening duo registered a brisk 37-run partnership, which lasted with Marumani's dismissal off Abbas Afridi in the fifth over. He scored 16 off 14 deliveries with the help of three boundaries. Fellow opener Bennett followed the suit, just three balls later, as he fell vi...

If you regularly wake up and go to bed at different times, you could be at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. According to new research in a health journal, sleep regularity, or how often you stick to the same sleeping and waking schedule, appears to be a stronger predictor of major cardiovascular events than sleep duration. It is the first study of its kind to look at the effects of both sleep duration and sleep regularity on cardiovascular disease. The authors found that the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure all increased significantly in people with irregular sleep patterns, even if they got the recommended number of hours of sleep for their age. Conversely, individuals who adhered most strongly to a regular sleep and wake schedule had a lower risk of major cardiovascular events. “Sleep irregularity refers to frequently changing sleep schedules, like going to bed and waking up at different times each day, which can disrupt the body and negatively impact ...

Pakistan on Tuesday clinched trophy of Blind T20 Cricket World Cup after beating Bangladesh by 10 wickets in the final at Multan. Batting first, Bangladesh put a modest total of 139 on the board for the loss of seven wickets, with Arif Hussain emerging as the top scorer with 54 runs. Pakistan bowler Babar Ali took three scalps, whereas Motiullah and Mohammad Salman grabbed one wicket apiece. Pakistan blind team reached the target of 140 in merely 11 overs without any hurdle. Openers Nisar Ali (72) and Mohammad Safdar’s (47) unbroken partnership guided the Green Shirts towards a 10-wicket win. This victory marks a historic achievement for Pakistan, as they lift the Blind T20 World Cup for the first time in the tournament’s history. The competition, which began in 2012, had seen India dominate the previous editions, with the Men in Blue winning the title in all three previous tournaments. The first edition, played in India in 2012, saw India defeat Pakistan by 29 runs in the fina...

Pakistan’s pacer Haris Rauf has etched his name in T20I records, overtaking Shadab Khan’s feat to become the top wicket-taker for Pakistan in the shorter format. The milestone came during the opening match of the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe on Sunday. Rauf, with his 109th wicket, surpassed Shadab’s record of 107 wickets. The 31-year-old achieved the feat in just 76 T20I matches, while Shadab took 104 games. Rauf’s remarkable consistency with the ball has made him a standout performer in Pakistan's T20I setup. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi is in third place on the list with 97 wickets from 73 matches and is only three wickets away from joining the exclusive 100-wicket club in T20Is. Leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in T20I: Haris Rauf - 109 wickets in 76 matches Shadab Khan - 107 wickets in 104 matches Shaheen Shah Afridi - 97 wickets in 73 matches Shahid Afridi - 97 wickets in 98 matches Umar Gul - 85 wickets in 60 matches Saeed Ajmal - 85 wickets in 64 m...

Pakistan's former world champion Jansher Khan has been inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame. Along with the legendary squash player, Malaysian female player Nicol David was honoured as the newest member of the PSA Hall of Fame, during a special induction evening at the Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday. Jansher and Nicol are the third and fourth players, respectively, to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was launched earlier this year to recognise the achievements of the game's most influential characters, past and present. Noticeably, the only two male players inducted into the Hall of Fame are from Pakistan. The first and second inductees are Jahangir Khan and New Zealand's Susan Devoy. Pakistani star Jansher has won a record eight World Open titles and six British Open titles. He played the most 118 finals in the professional career while winning a record 99 titles. He also has the honour of being world number one for ...

Tayyab Tahir’s late fireworks took Pakistan to 165/4 in the first T20I of the three-match series against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Sunday. Earlier, the Men in Green won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in the first T20 international of a three-match series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday. The visitors have already announced its playing XI led by Salman Ali Agha, featuring young and strong players including Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Jahandad Khan. The bowling side features Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim. On Thursday, the Men in Green inflicted a 99 runs defeat on Zimbabwe in the third One Day International to win the series by 2-1. Pakistan and Zimbabwe enter the three-match series with contrasting momentums. The home side are unbeaten in their previous five appearance in the format, part of their perfect run at the recently-held ICC Men's T20 World Cup...

Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first in the first T20I of the three-match series against Zimbabwe here at Queens Sports Club on Sunday. PLAYING XIs Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Omair Bin Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf. Zimbabwe: Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tawandanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Wellington Masakadza HEAD TO HEAD Pakistan and Zimbabwe have come face-to-face 18 times in T20Is with the former boasting a dominant record with 16 victories, compared to the opposition’s two, which included a famous one-run victory during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Matches 18, Pakistan 16, Zimbabwe 2 via Original Source

As uncertainty looms over Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism that a "long-term" formula, which will be beneficial for both country and cricket, would be chalked out that will apply to all future events of International Cricket Council (ICC). "We will not allow one-sided decisions [...] decisions should be made based on equality," Naqvi, who is also the interior minister said while speaking to journalists in Dubai on Saturday. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Pakistan, has become a bone of contention between Pakistan and India, with the BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns despite assurances. An online meeting convened by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday aimed at resolving the issue lasted just 15 minutes without concrete results. The PCB has categorically rejected the hybrid model proposed during the virtual meeting, under wh...

The United Nation's children's fund raised the alarm on Friday over the high rate of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among young women and girls, warning they lacked access to prevention and treatment. In a report ahead of world acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) day on Saturday, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said that 96,000 girls and 41,000 boys aged 15-19 were newly infected with HIV in 2023, meaning seven out of 10 new adolescent infections were among girls. In sub-Saharan Africa, nine out of 10 new HIV infections among 15-19 year-olds were among girls in the most recent period for which data is available. "Children and adolescents are not fully reaping the benefits of scaled up access to treatment and prevention services," said UNICEF associate director of HIV/AIDS Anurita Bains. "Yet children living with HIV must be prioritised when it comes to investing resources and efforts to scale...