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Showing posts from March, 2025

Australia announce action-packed 2025/26 home season fixtures

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Cricket Australia has touted India's "box office appeal" after confirming the schedule for a string of white-ball fixtures at home ahead of the Ashes later this year. Australia’s men will host India for three one-day internationals and a five-match T20 series in October-November. The women’s teams play in February and March next year in three T20s, three ODIs and a sole Test match. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg welcomed "the fantastic box office appeal of the India men’s and women’s teams". New South Wales cricket boss Lee Germon said he expected a "massive groundswell of support from Indian fans within our community". Australia’s schedule also includes three home T20s and three ODIs against South Africa in August. Matches will be spread far and wide across Australia, mixing grounds in the country’s tropical north with more storied venues such as the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia host England for the five-Test Ashes serie...

Usman Khan ruled out of second ODI against New Zealand

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Pakistan's batter, Usman Khan, after sustaining a hamstring injury was ruled out from the second ODI against New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Sunday. The 29-year-old opening batter got injured while fielding during his side’s first ODI against New Zealand at the Mclean Park in Napier on Friday. The MRI scan confirmed a Low-Grade tear, making Usman unavailable for second ODI scheduled on April 2 at the Seddon Park in Hamilton, as per the statement. The team Pakistan is in New Zealand for a three-match ODI series which the Kiwis are leading by 1-0. After facing each other on Wednesday for the second game, the sides will meet for the last ODI on Saturday, April 5 at the Bay Oval. Pakistan were chasing a formidable target of 345 in the first ODI and the side began confidently with debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique forging an 83-run opening stand. Both batters adopted an aggressive approach, laying a strong foundation. However, the brea...

BCB confirms no ODIs in upcoming Pakistan tour

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to drop the ODI series from their upcoming tour of Pakistan, opting instead to play only T20Is. The decision was made in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as both teams focus on preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup. Originally, Bangladesh was scheduled to tour Pakistan in May for three ODIs and three T20Is under the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, both boards have now agreed to replace the ODIs with a five-match T20I series, allowing their teams to fine-tune their squads for the global tournaments ahead. The 2025 Asia Cup will be hosted by India in September and will be played in the T20 format, aligning with the preparations for the T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. In addition to the Pakistan tour, Bangladesh will also host a three-match T20I series against Pakistan in July. This series, which was finalized during the recent ICC Champions Tro...

1st ODI: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 73 runs

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Mark Chapman struck a sublime century and Nathan Smith claimed four wickets Saturday as New Zealand eased to a 73-run win over Pakistan in the first one-day international in Napier. Chapman’s career-best 132 formed the foundation of an imposing 344-9 at McLean Park before Pakistan’s promising chase capitulated to be all out for 271 in the 45th over. The tourists looked on track at 249-3, at that point needing 96 runs to win, with more than 11 overs remaining. However, seamer Smith (4-60) helped to spark a late collapse, with the last seven wickets falling for 22 runs. Earlier, the recalled Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 78 off 83 balls but it was his dismissal that started the rot. Salman Agha struck a defiant 58 off 48 but he was let down by a series of loose shots from lower order teammates as New Zealand moved one-up in the three-match series. Chapman’s 111-ball innings featured 13 fours and four sixes, lifting New Zealand out of early trouble after they were asked ...

Lahore Region Blues win National T20 Cup 2025

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Lahore Region Blues won the National T20 Cup 2025 after defeating Peshawar Region by nine wickets in the final at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad last night. Bating fist, Peshawar Region scored 110 runs for the loss of nine wickets in allotted 20 overs. In reply, Lahore Region Blues achieved the target of 111 runs for loss of one wicket in 16 overs. via Original Source

Tom Latham ruled out of ODI series against Pakistan

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New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan after fracturing his right hand during training. The 33-year-old Henry Nicholls has been named as his replacement. Michael Bracewell, the T20I captain, will now lead the ODI squad in Latham's absence. Latham was originally set to captain the team in place of regular skipper Mitchell Santner, who is currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Latham sustained the injury while batting in the nets earlier this week. An X-ray confirmed the fracture, and he will need to wear a cast and undergo "at least four weeks of rest and rehabilitation," according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC). Nicholls, who has played 78 ODIs, has regained form in domestic cricket, scoring five half-centuries in six innings since recovering from a calf strain that sidelined him for much of the season. Meanwhile, opener Will Young will miss the second and third ODIs as he and his...

Chewing gum can shed microplastics into saliva, research finds

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Chewing gum was found to release hundreds of tiny microplastic particles directly into people's mouths, researchers announced on Tuesday. This revelation comes amid growing concerns about the presence of microplastics in various environments, from mountaintops to the deepest parts of the ocean, and even in the air we breathe. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), highlights yet another unexamined route through which these minute plastic fragments enter the human body. The pilot study explored how chewing gum, often perceived as an innocent treat, could be contributing to the widespread problem of plastic pollution. "I don't want to alarm people," Sanjay Mohanty, the lead researcher and professor at UCLA, stated during an interview with the foreign news agency. "However, our findings shed light on a previously overlooked source of microplastics." While Mohanty clarified that there is no direct evide...

Tim Seifert stars as New Zealand thump Pakistan in fifth T20I

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James Neesham’s five-wicket haul, followed by Tim Seifert’s swashbuckling half-century gave New Zealand a commanding nine-wicket victory in the final T20I of the five-match series against Pakistan at the Sky Stadium on Wednesday. Set to chase a modest 129, the home side comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of just two wickets and 60 balls to spare, courtesy of a blazing opening stand between Seifert and Finn Allen. The duo added a quickfire 93 runs until Allen was dismissed by Sufiyan Muqeem in the seventh over. He scored 27 off 12 deliveries with the help of five fours and a six. Muqeem caused a stir in New Zealand’s run chase by getting in-form Mark Chapman stumped in his next over. However, Seifert continued his onslaught and steered New Zealand over the line with an unbeaten 87 off 38 deliveries, studded with six fours and 10 sixes. He was also involved in a one-side 28-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who scored two not out. For Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem wa...

Iran qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup after draw with Uzbekistan

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Iran booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-2 home draw against Uzbekistan at Tehran's Azadi Stadium on Tuesday. Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi scored twice in the second half as Iran secured their place in the finals for a fourth consecutive time and seventh in total. Uzbekistan took the lead after Khojimat Erkinov scored in the 16th minute but Taremi levelled in the 52nd minute. A minute later, however, Abbosbek Fayzullaev made it 2-1 for the White Wolves who have never reached a World Cup. But Taremi's second goal, seven minutes from the end, secured the point Iran needed to ensure their place in the 2026 showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Iranian striker expressed his "happiness" with the result but admitted his team had "tactical problems" after conceding twice. "We have to thank the fans who filled the stadium today, and thank God they did not leave empty-handed," captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh ...

How to be happy: 12 habits to add to your routine

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Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfied life is within reach. A few tweaks to your regular habits, like getting more sleep and exercise, may help you get there. Habits matter. If you’ve ever tried breaking a bad habit, you know all too well how ingrained they can be. Well, good habits are deeply ingrained, too. Why not work on making positive habits part of your routine? Remember though, everyone’s version of happiness is a little different, and so is the path to achieving it. If some of these habits create more stress or just don’t fit your lifestyle, skip them. With a little time and practice, you’ll figure out what does and doesn’t work for you. Daily habits The following daily habits may help you achieve more happiness in your life. 1. Exercise Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help balance brain chemicals involved in stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness. The trick is to avoid...

Shaheen, Shadab must be rested before next series: Afridi

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has suggested that senior players Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi should be rested for the upcoming fifth T20I against New Zealand, which is set to take place on Wednesday in Wellington. New Zealand secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-match series with a dominant 115-run victory in the fourth T20I. Opening batter Finn Allen played a pivotal role in the win, smashing a blistering 50-run knock, while Jacob Duffy claimed four wickets to help seal the victory for the hosts. With the series already out of Pakistan's reach, Afridi believes it would be an ideal opportunity to give the bench players a chance to showcase their skills. He recommended that Shadab and Shaheen be rested for the final match to allow replacements to step in and gain valuable experience. "For the final game, the players on the bench should be given a chance - with the series lost, Shadab and Shaheen can be rested and replacements given an opportu...

Tamim Iqbal suffers heart attack during DPL cricket match

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Former Bangladesh one-day international (ODI) cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has been taken to hospital after he suffered a heart attack on the field during a domestic match. Tamim, 36, was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a match of the 50-over Dhaka Premier League (DPL) on Monday. He participated in the toss but later complained of chest pain. After initial treatment on the field, he was transported to a nearby hospital. “He suffered a heart attack. What I know so far is that his heart started to function better,” Debashis Chowdhury, a medical officer of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), told the AFP news agency. Tariqul Islam, a team official, told AFP that Tamim was being treated at a hospital in Savar on Dhaka’s outskirts and urged people to pray for his quick recovery. The BCB called off its scheduled board meeting for the day following Tamim’s sudden illness, with several board members heading to the hospital to visit him. Tamim represented Bangladesh in 391 matches ac...

Novak Djokovic sets new Masters 1000 record with win in Miami

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Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic showed that he cannot be written off and earned a record 411th Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Masters 1000 match win on Sunday. A 6-1 7-6(1) third-round victory over Argentine lucky Camilo Ugo Carabelli at the Miami Open also put Djokovic a step closer to his 100th singles title. Additionally, he has spent more than 400 weeks at number one and now sits fifth in the rankings, but despite claiming another record, the 37-year-old said that chasing the world number one ranking is not his main objective anymore. "If it comes as a consequence of great results and titles that I win in a season, then that's amazing. But that's not my objective," Djokovic told reporters. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said that he will happily take major tournament victories over the top spot in the twilight of his glittering career. "My objective is to be able to play my best tennis at the Grand Slams and the tournaments where I par...

Should you drink water first thing in the morning?

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People might overlook the simple practice of drinking water first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, but in reality, it is a highly beneficial morning ritual. The practice of drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning flushes toxins, aiding digestion and revitalising organs, especially the liver and kidneys after you undergo natural detoxification during sleep. So, how exactly does morning water intake impact your liver and kidneys? Impact of water on liver health After your body's detoxification during the night, the liver may become dehydrated and may struggle to function. However, morning water intake helps the liver remove toxins and break down fatty acids. Additionally, hydration ensures the liver functions optimally, preventing stress and enhancing its efficiency Impact of water on kidney health Kidneys are the human body's vital blood filters that are vulnerable to dehydration. This hampers their ability to remove waste and toxins. Drinking water...

Pakistan bamboozled for 105 in 4th T20I as New Zealand bag unbeatable lead in series

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Pakistan faced a crushing 150-run defeat against New Zealand, who bagged an unassailable lead, routing the Men in Green for just 105 in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui on Sunday. Kiwis registered the massive victory as the visitors failed to chase the daunting 221-run target, a much-needed feat to stay alive in the series, and were bowled out for just 105 in the 17th over. Pakistan got off to a poor start as the top order crumbled early, leaving the visitors reeling at 34-4 after 5 overs. Chasing down the target today, none of the top seven batters managed to enter double figures other than Irfan Khan Niazi who managed to score 24 runs off 16 balls. Other than him none of the batters showed any resistance and fell cheaply in the all-important match. Challenging performance by the New Zealand bowlers left the visitors struggling at just 10 overs. Openers Mohammad Haris (2) and Hassan Nawaz (1) failed to give the national side a positive start and their dismissals were further ...

Hasan Nawaz opens up on record-breaking century against New Zealand

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Emerging batter Hasan Nawaz has opened up on his record-breaking century against New Zealand, helping Pakistan to stay alive in the ongoing five-match T20I series. The right-handed opener, one of the several youngsters in Pakistan’s squad for New Zealand T20Is, made his international debut on Sunday in Christchurch. However, his international debut was far from ideal, as he was dismissed for a two-ball duck. His struggles continued in the second T20I, where he failed to open his account once again. As a result, Nawaz became just the sixth batter from a full-member country in the history of the format to register the unwanted record of registering two ducks in their first two men’s T20I innings. The 22-year-old, however, made an astounding comeback by smashing a 44-ball century – the fastest for Pakistan in the shortest format – and led the green shirts to a record record-shattering victory. For his swashbuckling century, Hasan Nawaz was adjudged the player of the match. Speakin...

Gene therapy loses luster as investors eye quicker returns from weight-loss drugs

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Gene therapy, with its offer of a possible cure for rare diseases like sickle cell, is losing early investors to higher-reward sectors like obesity and cancer, as sales for some of the new treatments fall short. In the last year, some drugmakers have pulled back from the sector, including Pfizer, which recently stopped selling its gene therapy for hemophilia priced at $3.5 million per patient. Bluebird Bio, a gene therapy pioneer once worth nearly $10 billion, was sold to private equity firms for $30 million last month. In 2024, developers of gene therapies and gene-editing products raised less than $1.4 billion across 39 venture rounds, according to a data analysis from DealForma for Reuters. In 2023, they raised $3.5 billion in 60 deals, which was down 57% from the sector's peak of $8.2 billion across 122 deals in 2021. "There needs to be better ways, cheaper ways to make some of these complex products," in order for investor interest in gene therapy to return, sa...

Pakistan to stage comeback after disappointing NZ loss: coach

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Following Pakistan team’s disappointing 2-0 loss against New Zealand in T20I series, head coach Aqib Javed said that people always want to win, they don’t understand that sometimes it takes time to do so, adding that they will make a comeback in the third match. While speaking to media in Auckland, Javed remarked that the team has the full capability of winning in the third match series against New Zealand adding that there will be some changes. People are disappointed as the team lost the first two matches, however, the beginning does not mean that the team will not win, he said. He added that there will be problems considering the players, who have not played much outside the country. “It is not easy to play in New Zealand’s condition,” the coach said. He also pointed out that there are small boundaries in New Zealand and suggested the batters play from the top for securing good scores. New Zealand's openers went on a six-hitting blitz on Tuesday to thrash Pakistan by fiv...

Boxing earns spot in Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, says IOC

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Boxing was included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics programme after a unanimous vote from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday, ending years of doubt over the sport’s Olympic future. The IOC last month granted provisional recognition to World Boxing in a major step towards the sport’s inclusion in the LA Games and today’s decision ensured the sport’s Olympic presence would continue. “I thank you for the approval of having boxing back. We can look forward to a great boxing tournament,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. The boxing competition at the Paris 2024 Games was run by the IOC after it stripped the International Boxing Association (IBA) of recognition in 2023 over its failure to implement reforms on governance and finance. The IOC had not included the sport in the initial LA 2028 programme, having urged national boxing federations to create a new global boxing body to replace the IBA. World Boxing, currently with more than 80 national federations as members...

PCB confirms record revenue from Champions Trophy

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Advisor to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Amir Mir, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Javed Murtaza on Thursday addressed recent reports regarding the financial aspects of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the alleged losses claimed by Indian media. The press conference was held in response to reports by Indian media alleging that the PCB suffered a loss of $85 million (INR 869 crore) by hosting the Champions Trophy, with claims that Pakistan played only one home game in the tournament. Amir Mir strongly condemned the false narratives being spread by Indian media and certain anti-Pakistan elements, emphasizing that such misinformation campaigns aim to undermine Pakistan’s successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy and create unnecessary controversy around the PCB’s financial stability. “We need to expose the propaganda of the Indian media and the anti-Pakistan elements who are running a shop of lies—unfortunately, even some Pakistani media outlets are broadcasting ...

PSL: Corbin Bosch responds to PCB's legal notice

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South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch has formally responded to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding his decision to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, citing financial security and long-term career growth as the primary reasons. Initially picked by Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 10, Bosch opted to join Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead, a move that left PCB officials frustrated and raised questions over his commitment to the PSL. The board, viewing his withdrawal as a breach of contract, initiated legal proceedings through Bosch’s agent. On Monday, Bosch addressed the PCB’s concerns, clarifying that his decision was not intended to undermine the PSL. He explained that signing with Mumbai Indians was a strategic career move, considering the franchise’s dominance in the IPL and its strong global connections across multiple leagues—factors that could provide him with better long-term opportunities. The PCB is now reviewing his response to asse...

Messi to miss Argentina’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers

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Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a groin strain in Inter Miami’s victory over Atlanta at the weekend, his club has confirmed. Inter Miami said in a statement on Monday that a scan had revealed Messi suffered a “low-grade injury in the adductor muscle” in the 2-1 win on Sunday. The statement gave no timetable for Messi’s return. “His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition,” Inter said. After missing three games for Inter earlier this month, the 37-year-old returned with a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for the world champions’ clash against Uruguay on Friday, which is followed by a showdown with Brazil on March 25. Argentina can ensure qualification for next year’s tournament in their next two games. They lead the 10-team South American qualifying group by five points ahead of the game with Uruguay...

2nd T20I: New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets

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New Zealand secured a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected second T20I at the University Oval on Tuesday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 136 runs, the Black Caps got off to a blistering start, with openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen putting on a 66-run partnership. Seifert was particularly aggressive, finding boundaries all around the ground before falling for a quickfire 45 off 22 deliveries. His innings came to an end when Mohammad Ali claimed his maiden T20I wicket. Finn Allen continued the onslaught, adding 21 runs with Mark Chapman for the second wicket. However, his entertaining knock of 38 from just 16 balls was cut short by Jahandad Khan, leaving New Zealand at 87-2 in 6.5 overs. Mark Chapman couldn't make an impact, departing for just one run after being dismissed by Khushdil Shah. Haris Rauf then struck, removing Jimmy Neesham for 14, as New Zealand lost their fourth wicket with 97 runs on the board in 8.3 ...

ICC fines Khushdil Shah 50pc match fee for breaching code of conduct against NZ

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday said that all-rounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for breaching level 2 of its Code of Conduct in the first Twenty20 against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday. The tourists began the five-match series in disastrous fashion, reduced to 11-4 at the end of the fifth over after towering paceman Kyle Jamieson ran amok with the new ball. They were eventually dismissed for their lowest score in a T20 on New Zealand soil and the home side had few problems in responding with 92-1 off just 10.1 overs. According to a press release issued by the ICC today, “Khushdil was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for players and player support personnel.” The article related to “inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other person (including a spectator during an international match)”, it said. “In addition to this, three demerit ...

IOC recommends inclusion of boxing in Los Angeles 2028 Games

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The International Olympic Committee executive board on Monday recommended the inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 summer Olympics, ending a years-long saga regarding the sport’s Olympic future. The IOC last month granted provisional recognition to World Boxing in a major step towards the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. “After the provisional recognition of World Boxing in February we were in the position to take this decision so that this recommendation has to go to the session,” IOC President Thomas Bach told a press conference. “I am confident the session will approve it.” via Original Source

Ahmed Shehzad questions Shadab’s selection against New Zealand

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Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad criticised the team’s vice-captain Shadab Khan for his performance in the first T20I against New Zealand and questioned his inclusion in the squad. In the first T20I against New Zealand, Shadab Khan scored only 3 runs and failed to take any wickets in his two overs. Speaking on a private TV channel, Ahmed Shehzad asked what performance or merit-based criteria Shadab Khan had met to secure his spot. “You’re talking about Shadab, tell me, what performance has he put up? Who brought him into the team? Let this series pass, the PCB has a different plan, and Shadab has been included in the team for a specific purpose,” Ahmed Shehzad added Regarding rumors of Shadab Khan becoming the next captain, Ahmed Shehzad said that the authorities had sent a young New Zealand team to buy time. Ahmed Shehzad added, “Such things are being said. We also want to know about these things, but it’s just the first T20I. Let’s see what happens next.” The Pakistan cricke...

Study finds oranges and exercise may reduce depression risk

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Depression is a condition that affects an estimated 5% of the world's adult population and the symptoms that come with the disease can negatively impact a person's life. However, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity can lower the risk depression poses. Over the last few months, researchers have highlighted how dietary choices, exercises and medication used for other chronic conditions might impact the risk of developing depression. Drugs like Ozempic are linked to lower depression risk. The condition is linked to a number of physical illnesses including diabetes. Data suggests that diabetic people are twice as likely as people without diabetes to also be diagnosed with depression, according to Medical News Today. Moreover, oranges may lower risk of the disease by 20%. As established earlier, diet plays an important role in keeping depression at a distance and a study published in the journal Microbiome in November 2024 has delved a bit deeper in the specif...

PCB issues legal notice to Corbin Bosch over alleged contract violations

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South Africa’s Corbin Bosch has been served a legal notice by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over alleged breach of the contractual obligations to the board. Bosch, 30, was picked by Peshawar Zalmi in the Diamond category during the tenth edition of the HBL PSL Player Draft, held in Lahore on January 13. The legal notice was served through his agent, and the player has been asked to justify his actions of withdrawing from his professional and contractual commitments. The PCB management has also outlined the repercussions of his departure from the league and expects his response within the stipulated time frame. The PCB will not make any further comments on the matter. Earlier this month, reports emerged that the South African all-rounder Bosch may forgo his contract with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bosch is set to replace the injured Lizaad Williams in the Mumbai squad. The right-arm pacer, who w...

Nostalgic people better for friendships, mental health: study

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Nostalgia might be perceived as too cliche by some but people prone to it are better when dealing with their health and well-being, a new study suggests. People who are nostalgic have more close friends and put more effort into maintaining friendships and relationships than people who are less sentimental, researchers say in the journal of Cognition and Emotion. "People who feel nostalgic more often and value those memories are more aware of their important relationships and the need to nurture them," lead researcher Kuan-Ju Huang said in a news release as quoted by UPI. "This means these friendships may be more likely to last, even as we get older and our lives, interests and responsibilities change," Huang added. The researchers, in background notes, said social networks play a critical role in the well-being of a person and provide psychological and cognitive benefits in old age. The results come from three experiments involving over 1,500 people in the US...

Virat Kohli blasts BCCI for restricting family time in tours

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Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has recently slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its new guidelines restricting family time on tours following India's disappointing 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under the BCCI's new directives, players are permitted to have their immediate families, including partners and children, join them only for 14 days after the initial two weeks of tours that last over 45 days, NDTV reported. For shorter tours, families can accompany players for up to a week. Speaking at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Kohli voiced his support for allowing players' families to travel with them during tours, emphasising the benefits of emotional support in challenging times. "It is very difficult to explain to people how grounding it is to just come back to your family every time you have something intense, which happens on th...

New Zealand romp to nine-wicket win in first Pakistan T20

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Pakistan slumped to a nine-wicket loss to in the first Twenty20 against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday after failing to defend a meagre score of 91. The tourists began the five-match series in disastrous fashion, reduced to 11-4 at the end of the fifth over after towering paceman Kyle Jamieson ran amok with the new ball. They were eventually dismissed for their lowest score in a T20 on New Zealand soil and the home side had few problems in responding with 92-1 off just 10.1 overs.  Jamieson claimed three of the first four wickets to finish with 3-8 off four overs. New ball partner Jacob Duffy returned later in the innings to sweep up the tail and, like Jamieson, claimed career-best T20 figures of 4-14 off 3.4 overs. Pakistan never recovered from their top-order collapse after being sent in on a Hagley Oval pitch offering early life, with only three players reaching double figures. Newly-installed captain Salman Agha scored 18 and put on 46 for the fifth wicket with t...

Can your nails show signs of an illness?

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Your fingernails might be more revealing than you think, offering key clues about your overall health. While nails serve the practical purpose of protecting the skin beneath, they can also signal various medical conditions, from nutritional deficiencies to potentially life-threatening diseases. Dr Dan Baumgardt, a general practitioner, explains that nails can be a diagnostic tool for many conditions. For instance, clubbing, which is when nails lose their angle and soften, often signals low blood oxygen levels, sometimes linked to lung cancer or heart valve infections. On the other hand, white or discolored nails might suggest liver disease or diabetes, especially when the entire nail turns pale due to protein deficiencies. Nails can also show signs of fungal infections, particularly when they develop a yellow or white tint, especially on toenails. Furthermore, changes in nail shape, such as the inward curve seen in koilonychia, could point to anemia or other blood-related disorde...

Neymar ruled out of 2026 Brazil World Cup qualifiers

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Brazil star Neymar was on Friday ruled out of upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina after a thigh injury scuppered his recall to the national team. Neymar has spent almost a year and a half out of the Brazil side due to injuries, but had appeared rejuvenated since his return to Santos in February. But in the past two weeks he has been plagued by the left thigh injury. In an Instagram story, the striker expressed his disappointment at missing the games. "The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won't be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment," he wrote. "We had long conversations and everyone knows of my desire to return, but we agreed that it's best not to take any risks and prepare as best as possible to completely eradicate the injury," he added. With Brazil down in fifth place in South American World Cup qualifying, coach Dorival Junior had recalled Brazil's top scorer with 79 goal...

Pakistan Super League hopes to expand to eight teams after 2025

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The Pakistan Super League is hoping to expand from six to eight teams after the 2025 season, PSL CEO Salman Naseer said on Thursday. First staged in 2016 in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns, the PSL is now hosted in Pakistan, where it aims to strengthen its commercial appeal and competitiveness. The planned expansion comes at a key commercial juncture for the PSL, with media and sponsorship rights going up for sale. PSL 2026 will also embrace new cities with Peshawar set to host its first exhibition game, a step toward full PSL matches. The trophy will also embark on its first nationwide tour, bringing the event to non-host cities. "By the end of this year, we might get two more teams," Naseer told local media on Thursday. "We started at a time when no cricket was happening in Pakistan. The challenge was to bring it back. "Now that we’ve successfully brought cricket back to traditional centres, the next step is expanding beyond these four ci...

No Pakistani cricketers picked in The Hundred 2025 draft

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The player draft for The Hundred 2025 took place on March 12, with no Pakistan players being selected. Five Pakistan players had registered for the women's draft, and 45 for the men's draft. With limited overseas slots and a competitive selection process, it was not entirely surprising that Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Yusra Amir, Iram Javed and Jaweria Rauf remained unpicked. However, it was mildly surprising that none of the Pakistan players in the men's draft were selected, despite several overseas slots still being available across the teams. Naseem Shah led the pack as the highest-priced Pakistani player, with a reserve price of £120,000. Meanwhile, experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim and rising star Saim Ayub had set their reserve price at £78,500. Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Hasnain were listed with a reserve price of £63,000. In contrast, several others, including Mohammad Abbas, Haider Ali and Ammad Butt, had registered without specifying a reserve price...