Pakistan News World

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan announced on Saturday the birth of his first child, a daughter, sharing photos along with the news. Posting on Instagram and X, the 26-year-old expressed his gratitude, saying he was "grateful beyond words for this blessing" and asked fans to keep his family in their prayers. Shadab married the daughter of former Pakistan spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq in 2023. His announcement quickly garnered thousands of likes and congratulatory messages across social media. Shadab, an integral part of Pakistan's white-ball cricket setup since his debut in 2017, is considered one of the leading leg-spinners in modern cricket. In addition to his bowling, he has proven to be a reliable lower-order batsman, making him a key all-rounder for the national team. While he has represented Pakistan in all three formats, Shadab has achieved his greatest success in limited-overs cricket. In addition to international cricket, Shadab also captains Islamabad Unit...

Despite its pungent taste, adding ginger to your diet can provide a range of health benefits, according to a report by HealthSite. Ginger is known for its potential to boost immunity, aid digestion, and support overall wellness. Experts state that the natural compounds found in ginger – including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea agents – may contribute to overall well-being, pain relief and digestive support. Potential Role in Cancer Prevention The most abundant compound in ginger, 6-gingerol, has been shown to aid in the removal of damaged cells, restrict blood supply to tumours and inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Research further suggests that ginger may positively affect lipid profiles, including HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, which could indirectly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels Evidence indicates that 6-gingerol may help regulate the hormone GLP-1, which assists in maint...

Salman Agha’s 53 and Haris Rauf’s four-wicket haul powered Pakistan to a 39-run victory over Afghanistan in the tri-nation T20 opener in Sharjah, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday. The all-round performance helped Pakistan dominate the match, setting a strong tone for the tournament. Chasing a target of 183 runs, Afghanistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure and was bowled out in the final over for 143. Despite fighting contributions from Rashid Khan, who top-scored with 39 runs, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 38, Afghanistan fell well short of the target. Pakistan’s bowling attack proved decisive in sealing the victory. Haris Rauf was the standout performer, claiming four wickets with his pace and accuracy, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufyan Muqeem supported him with two wickets each. The combined effort ensured Pakistan’s comfortable win and a strong start to the series. Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan posted 182 ru...

Salman Ali Agha is not too concerned by Pakistan’s recent losses.Instead, Pakistan T20 captain is looking forward to his “quality side with exciting youngsters and amazing seniors” doing well at the upcoming tri-nation series and the subsequent Asia Cup. The Salman-led team face Afghanistan in a T20 tri-nation series opening match in Sharjah on Friday. The event, a warm-up for next month’s T20 Asia Cup, also includes hosts UAE. Besides Afghanistan, Pakistan and the UAE, the Asia Cup will also include defending champions India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman and Hong Kong. Pakistan’s white-ball fortunes are dipping after they crashed out of last year’s T20 World Cup in the group stage before failing to win a match at the ODI Champions Trophy. This year they lost a T20 series in Bangladesh 2-1 but overcame the West Indies by the same margin. Pakistan, under Salman, are going through a transition with former skippers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan out of the T20 squad. Both the vet...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given domestic contracts to 65 women cricketers. In Domestic Women’s Contract, 20 players were included in gold while 45 were in silver category. Contract period fixed from July 2025 to June 2026. Six internationals, 23 under-19/emerging players included in the 65 players. Selection was made by National Women's Selection Committee members Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima. Selection of players was based on performance, talent and potential. More players will be able to get contracts with good performance. via Original Source

Consuming excessive sugary drinks may not only expand your waistline but also raise the risk of hair loss, a new study suggests. The research, published on a medical platform, analyzed 17 studies covering 61,332 participants. Findings revealed that individuals who consumed more than 3,500 ml of sugary drinks per week were more likely to experience hair loss. With the effect especially noticeable among men. Why sugar harms hair health Experts explained that the high sugar content in these beverages spikes blood glucose levels, which may weaken hair follicles over time. This weakening reduces the scalp’s ability to maintain healthy hair growth. Expert advice on preventing hair loss Doctors recommend limiting the intake of sugary drinks and focusing on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as: Vitamin D – supports healthy hair follicles Iron – improves blood circulation to the scalp Protein – strengthens hair structure In addition, green leafy vegetables and so...

More than 2.1 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, according to a UN report released on Tuesday. The report highlighted that last year, one in four people globally did not have safely managed drinking water, while over 100 million relied on rivers, ponds, and streams for their daily needs. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF warned that billions are falling ill due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The report stresses the urgent need for global action but cautions that achieving universal access by 2030 remains unlikely. “Water and sanitation are basic human rights, not privileges,” said WHO’s Head of Environment, Rüdiger Krech. The UN report classifies drinking water into five types: piped water free from contamination and chemicals; basic water within a 30-minute walk; limited water requiring more time to access; unimproved sources such as contaminated wells or springs; and surface water from rivers or lakes. Since ...

Boston’s Lucas Giolito pitched eight shutout innings to overshadow the return of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish, as the visiting Red Sox defeated the Orioles 5-0 on Tuesday night. Trevor Story and David Hamilton both homered off Bradish, who made his first big league appearance in over a year following Tommy John surgery in June 2024. Hamilton finished with three RBIs. The Red Sox secured their fifth win in six games, marking the second consecutive victory in this series. Giolito (9-2) allowed just four hits, struck out eight, and issued a single walk to Jackson Holliday in the eighth inning. He needed 11 pitches to strike out Jeremiah Jackson, finishing with 104 pitches. Justin Wilson closed the ninth inning to complete the shutout, allowing two singles. Bradish (0-1) struck out 10 batters over six innings without issuing a walk, though he gave up two solo home runs among four hits. He retired 11 of the first 13 batters he faced, with the home runs being the only exce...

Fast bowler Will O’Rourke will be out for at least three months with a stress fracture in his lower back, New Zealand Cricket said onb Tuesday, adding to a mounting injury list. The 24-year-old was injured while bowling in the first Test against Zimbabwe this month and returned home, where scans revealed the extent of the damage. “We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him speedy recovery,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said. O’Rourke will miss the home white-ball series against Australia in early October, England later that month and the West Indies in November. All-rounder Glenn Phillips was also ruled out of the Australia series as he recovers from the groin injury that saw him miss the Zimbabwe tour. And opening batsman Finn Allen will be out for a minimum of three months after having surgery on his right foot. “It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn, who have played important batting roles in our T20 set-up in recent times,” said Wal...

A Russian swimmer went missing during Istanbul’s annual cross-continental Bosphorus race, with officials confirming Monday that his tracking chip showed no record of him leaving the water. Authorities identified the missing participant as 30-year-old Nikolai Svechnikov, a professional swimming coach, who began the 6.5-kilometre race from Kanlica on the Asian side to Kurucesme on the European side, along with more than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries. The Turkish Olympic Committee, which organised the event, confirmed his disappearance, while the Istanbul governor’s office said security footage and chip data showed Svechnikov started but never reached the finish line. By late Monday, there was still no sign of him, prompting Istanbul prosecutors to launch a formal investigation, according to local media reports. There was still no trace of him late Monday, with Istanbul prosecutors opening an investigation into his disappearance, the private DHA news agency reported. Russia'...

Pakistan recorded an alarming stage in the spread of the polio virus as two more new cases of polio were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) areas of Tank and North Waziristan, reaching the tally of 23. An anti-polio campaign will start across the country on September 1, 2025, and on September 15 in South Waziristan. About two crore and eight lakh children will be administered the polio vaccine. According to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), polio is a paralysing disease that has no cure. NEOC appealed to the parents to administer the polio vaccine to ensure their bright future and also complete the injection course timely. NEOC stated that parents and the community can play a vital role in the anti-polio campaign. NEOC urged the people to cooperate with polio workers during the anti-polio campaign. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five are essential to provide children...

Fast bowler Will O'Rourke will be sidelined for at least three months due to a stress fracture in his lower back, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Tuesday, adding to the team’s growing injury list. The 24-year-old sustained the injury while bowling in the first Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month. Scans at home revealed the severity of the fracture. “We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him a speedy recovery,” said New Zealand head coach Rob Walter. O'Rourke will miss the home white-ball series against Australia in early October, England later that month, and the West Indies in November. All-rounder Glenn Phillips is also out of the Australia series while recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of the Zimbabwe tour. Opening batsman Finn Allen will be sidelined for at least three months following surgery on his right foot. Walter expressed disappointment over losing Glenn and Finn, both key contributors in New Zealand’s T20 setup. White-...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly denied reports suggesting that it is planning to appoint new captains for one-day internationals (ODIs) and Test matches. In a statement issued on Monday, the board dismissed claims that Mohammad Rizwan could be replaced by Salman Ali Agha as ODI captain, and Shan Masood by Saud Shakeel as Test captain. The PCB clarified: “So far, neither has this matter been under discussion in the selection committee, nor has there been any change in the category of a player’s central contract. All such reports are baseless.” The clarification came after a private TV channel claimed that significant leadership changes were being discussed at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. According to the report, Salman Ali Agha was being considered as the leading candidate to take over ODI captaincy from Rizwan, while Saud Shakeel was tipped to replace Shan Masood in Tests. It further alleged that internal consultations had taken place between the sel...

Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrated the first birthday of his son, Aliyaar Afridi, with a heartfelt post on social media. Sharing adorable pictures on Instagram, the left-arm pacer reflected on his journey into fatherhood with an emotional note. “Happy Birthday, Aliyaar – one year already! The moment I held you for the very first time,” Shaheen wrote. “Watching you grow, smile, and take your tiny steps has been the most beautiful journey of our lives. Our greatest blessing and our purest joy. Mama & Baba love you more than words can ever express.” The touching post quickly won the hearts of fans, who flooded the comments section with warm wishes for young Aliyaar. Legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, Shaheen’s father-in-law, also shared a special message for his grandson. “Happy 1st birthday to my precious Aliyaar. In just one year, you’ve brought more love and light than I ever imagined. May Allah bless you with a life full of health, happiness, and purpose. You are deeply love...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has clarified that he had no role in the decision to leave out star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025. “Let me make it clear, I don’t even have a 1% role in selecting or dropping any player. The selection process is handled by the committee and advisory panel, who hold extensive discussions before finalising the team,” Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. Babar and Rizwan, who have featured in every major ICC event for Pakistan since the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, have been sidelined in the shortest format since the three-match series against South Africa last December. As Pakistan prepares for the Asia Cup, the selectors opted for a youthful squad with an eye on building a strong side for next year’s T20 World Cup a decision that has sparked criticism from fans and divided opinions among experts. Presiding over the PCB’s 80th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting ear...

Marc Marquez continued his winning streak as he cruised to victory in the Hungarian Sprint race by almost three seconds on Sunday to pad his championship lead. It was a seventh straight Sprint victory for the Spaniard who has also won the last six longer Sunday grand prix races on his factory Ducati. Lewis Hamilton grabs pole for Chinese Grand Prix sprint race Fabio Di Giannantonio, an Italian with the VR46 Ducati satellite team was a distant second at Balaton Park, followed by his team-mate and compatriot Franco Morbidelli third. Marquez, a six-time world champion, started the race from pole position. “I felt someone really close on the first corner, from there I quickly found a fast rhythm,” Marquez said. “I’m very happy with this victory.” He extended his lead in the world championship to 152 points over his younger brother Alex Marquez, who finished eighth on his Ducati Gresini. Italian Francesco Bagnaia, the second rider on the official Ducati team, failed to score any p...

US President Donald Trump has announced that Washington will host the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this December. Appearing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House, Trump hailed the tournament as “the biggest event in sports” and even joked about keeping the glittering World Cup trophy for himself. The ceremony has been scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in the US capital, which will stage the draw for the expanded 48-team championship. Trump, who recently positioned himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center as part of what he described as a pushback against “woke” culture, said hosting the event in Washington was a moment of pride. “The World Cup is the biggest probably the single biggest sporting event anywhere,” Trump declared, flanked by Infantino in the Oval Office. The 2026 edition of the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Trump repeatedly highlighting its significance during his presidency. ...

Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi shared his thoughts on the absence of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28. Babar and Rizwan, who had featured in every multi-nation tournament for Pakistan since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, were left out of the shortest format following the three-match away series against South Africa in December last year. The duo did not make it to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Asia Cup as the former champions focus on grooming young talent ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. Their omission from the continental tournament drew strong reactions from fans and former cricketers. However, Shaheen emphasized the importance of backing the youngsters while recognizing Babar and Rizwan as “world-class players.” “I may not be here in the future either. I believe everyone should get a chance,” Shaheen said. “Babar and Rizwan are world...

Cricket South Africa on Thursday announced the formation of a local organising committee for the 2027 50-over World Cup, confirming that 44 of the tournament’s 54 matches will be staged across eight venues in South Africa. The remaining 10 fixtures will take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia. This will mark the first men’s Cricket World Cup on African soil since 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya co-hosted the event. Since then, South Africa has hosted two Women’s World Cups the 2005 ODI edition and the 2023 T20 World Cup, where the Proteas fell to Australia in the final. Former South African finance minister Trevor Manuel has been appointed as head of the local organising committee. In a statement, CSA said matches in South Africa will be played in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London and Paarl. CSA chairperson Pearl Maphoshe said: "CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflect the face of South Afric...

More than 100 football fans were in custody Thursday after Argentine and Chilean supporters fought with knives, sticks, stun grenades, and bathroom fittings during a club knock-out match near Buenos Aires. An official for Argentine side Independiente told AFP that 125 people were arrested after Wednesday night's abandoned Copa Sudamericana last-16 decider against Universidad de Chile. The Chilean government said 19 of its citizens had been hospitalised, including one with stab wounds, in some of the worst sporting violence South America has seen in years. Chilean President Gabriel Boric described the incidents as an "unacceptable lynching" and called for justice. The violence appeared to have flared at halftime when fans of the Chilean side began throwing stones, sticks, bottles, and seats at home supporters. Players and match officials stood on the pitch hands-on-heads as Independiente fans rushed the visitors' enclosure -- stripping, beating, and bloodying th...

The national cricket team is departing for Dubai today to participate in the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and the ACC Asia Cup T20. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the national squad will travel in four different groups from various parts of Pakistan. The aim is to ensure a smooth and organized arrival of players and support staff in Dubai.A training camp will begin tomorrow in Dubai, where players will undergo intensive practice sessions in preparation for both international events. The ICC Cricket Academy will serve as the primary training facility for the national players. In addition to regular training, the team is scheduled to play a T20 practice match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.As per the official schedule released by the PCB, all training sessions and practice matches will take place in Dubai. This setup is designed to provide players with the ideal environment and facilities to prepare thoroughly ahead of the two major tournaments. via Origi...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) started a nationwide talent hunt targeting schools across the country. More than 400 schools from 39 districts will take part. The first phase will see trials at the selected schools. Over 60 coaches will conduct assessments at each location. The aim is to find talented young players early and grow the game at the grassroots level. Following the trials, a 40-over tournament will begin in the third week of September. Teams from all participating schools will compete. The top 100 teams from the tournament will qualify for the “Weekend Schools League”. The PCB has been focussing on youth development in recent years. Players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have benefited from such systems. Earlier this year, the PCB ran its largest-ever talent hunt involving 1,847 schools and colleges. This programme spread across all provinces. Schools and colleges registered players who took part in the trials. The PCB insists the programme will help ensure a...

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) put Sri Lanka on its non-compliance list on Tuesday, after the country's national anti-doping body failed to address issues in its legal system.The move makes Sri Lanka the fourth signatory to WADA's code that is currently non-compliant, a list that includes Russia.The Montreal-based WADA said it put Sri Lanka's National Anti-Doping Organization on a "watchlist" in March. The organization did not address or dispute WADA's concerns and was therefore suspended "with immediate effect," WADA said.In addition to Russia and Sri Lanka, the other two signatories that remain non-compliant are the International Federation of Basque Pelota and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation. via Original Source

Mohamed Salah made history on Tuesday by becoming the first player to win the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Men’s Player of the Year award three times, after leading Liverpool to Premier League glory. The Egyptian forward scored 29 goals and contributed 18 assists, helping the Reds secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title with four games to spare last season. Salah previously won the award in the 2017/18 and 2021/22 campaigns. The 33-year-old also collected the Football Writers' Association and Premier League Player of the Year awards in recent months. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers was named Young Player of the Year following a breakthrough season, which included his senior international debut for England. Salah is joined in the 2024/25 PFA Premier League Team of the Year by Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister. Milos Kerkez, who moved to Anfield from Bournemouth in June, is also selected, as are the Ar...

Two senior cricketers, Mohammad Rizwan and former captain Babar Azam, who were previously placed in Category A, have been moved down to Category B in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contracts for the 2025–26 season. Shan Masood, who was earlier in Category B, has been relegated further to Category D. In its announcement on Tuesday, the PCB confirmed that 30 players have been granted central contracts, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This time, ten players each have been slotted into Categories B, C, and D, while notably, no player has been included in Category A. The new roster is larger than last year’s list of 27 contracted players, with 12 fresh names making the cut: Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim. Meanwhile, five players have earned promotions due to their performances over the past year Abrar Ahmed, H...

Country’s first case of monkey-pox has been reported in Islamabad. According to sources from the National Institute of Health, the 42-year-old monkey-pox patient is a resident of Attock and had arrived in Islamabad from Dubai on August 15. BHS staff confirmed monkey-pox symptoms in the passenger at airport. The patient was transferred from the airport to PIMS after symptoms appeared. The National Institute of Health confirmed monkey-pox in the patient on August 18. The monkey-pox patient has been kept in isolation at home. via Original Source

Pakistani judoka Malaika Noor has made history by claiming a silver medal at the 2025 Amman Asian Open Judo Championship, becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a medal at any Asian-level judo event. Competing in the 52kg category, the 20-year-old impressed with skill and determination throughout the tournament, including a convincing semi-final win over Jordan’s Raneem Aljazazi. In the final, she narrowly lost to her Saudi opponent, securing second place. Malaika Noor has been one of Pakistan’s most promising judokas, known for her consistent performances in various competitions. She also represented Pakistan at last year’s World Junior Judo Championship in Dushanbe. “The President of the Pakistan Judo Federation, Col. Junaid Alam, along with the entire federation, expressed heartfelt appreciation for her historic achievement,” the federation said in a statement. Besides her, three Pakistani judokas, including Noor Khan and Muhammad Abbas Khalil, flared until the pre-quarte...

In a historic advancement for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, the Institute of Public Health Punjab has successfully developed a vaccine aimed at preventing breast cancer in women. The breakthrough coincides with health authorities beginning policy discussions for the large-scale production of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which experts say could significantly transform cancer prevention across the country. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman lauded the achievement as a game-changer, highlighting the provincial government’s dedication to promoting healthcare innovation. “The Papilloma Vaccine marks a major scientific milestone for Pakistan,” he remarked. Renowned medical expert Prof Dr Javed Akram said the vaccine would help in the prevention of breast cancer. He explained that administering three doses of the vaccine to girls at the age of 12 would provide lifelong protection against the disease. via Original Source

Former captain Babar Azam has been told to improve his batting against spin and boost his overall strike rate to be considered for Twenty20 Internationals, coach Mike Hesson said. Babar is the national team's batting mainstay in other formats but has not played a T20 International since their tour of South Africa late last year. The 30-year-old could not find a place in the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup next month as the team management showed faith in rising players such as Sahibzada Farhan. "There's no doubt Babar's been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate," Hesson said of the top-order batter who has a modest strike rate of 129 in T20 Internationals. "Those are things he's working really hard on. But at the moment the players we have, have done exceptionally well. "Sahibzada Farhan has played six games and won three player-of-the-match awards." Babar should use the Big Bash League in ...

Pakistan is set to launch a fresh anti-polio drive from September 1, 2025, after the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) confirmed two more cases from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, pushing the nationwide tally for the year to 21. According to NEOC, the new cases emerged from Lower Dir in district Kohistan, KP, and Badin in Sindh. Authorities have urged parents to ensure their children receive polio drops as well as complete their vaccination course on time to secure their healthy future. NEOC stressed that both parents and communities have a crucial role to play in eradicating the virus, calling on people to extend full cooperation to polio workers during the campaign. Polio, a crippling disease with no cure, remains a serious health threat in the country. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five are essential to provide children with high immunity against this terrible disease...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is nearing the finalization of its new central contracts list, with notable changes expected in the upcoming announcement. Sources indicate that former national captain Babar Azam faces uncertainty over retaining his spot in the prestigious A category, sparking speculation about potential reshuffles in the contracts hierarchy. Emerging performers are likely to be rewarded this year, with T20 captain Salman Agha and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed reportedly in line for promotions. Meanwhile, all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, experienced fast bowler Hasan Ali, and middle-order batter Khushdil Shah are also expected to feature on the list. New faces such as Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and left-arm pacer Sufiyan Muqeem may also secure contracts. Conversely, sources suggest that Usman Khan, wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah, and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad are unlikely to be included this time. The official announcement of the central contract...

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters warned on Saturday that anyone found guilty of racist abuse could face stadium bans and potential legal action. His remarks came a day after Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo was subjected to racist abuse during his team’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. “No Premier League player should ever have to endure such abuse, whether at work or online. It is vital that we continue to speak out against it,” Masters told BBC Sport. He added, “This is a societal issue that seeps into football, and it has no place in stadiums or online. “It compels people like me, and others responsible for running the game, to think carefully about what further steps we can take to prevent such incidents in the future.” “If you are found to be using discriminatory language inside a football ground you will be ejected, second you will be banned and third you may face criminal charges.” Friday’s game was briefly halted in the 29th minute to address the incident,...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 17-member national squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the tri-nation series in the UAE, with the most striking development being the omission of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been retained as captain, while the squad brings together a mix of seasoned performers and emerging players. The lineup includes Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali. Other key names are Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, and Mohammad Nawaz, while youngsters Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem also make the cut. The squad is completed by Wasim Junior and Sahibzada Farhan. The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan signals a major shift in Pakistan’s strategy, with selectors seemingly focused on experimenting with fresh combinations ahead of future international assignments. Pakistan squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025: Salman Ali Agha...

Delegates working on the world’s first legally binding treaty to curb plastic pollution failed to reach an agreement, leaving diplomats frustrated and disheartened after 10 days of negotiations in Geneva ended without progress. Hopes had been high for a breakthrough in the deadlocked UN talks, but countries advocating for a strong and ambitious treaty said the latest draft text fell far short of expectations. Ecuador’s Luis Vayas Valdivieso, who chaired the negotiations, adjourned the session with a promise to resume at a later date yet to be determined. His announcement drew only faint applause from weary delegates who had worked late into the night. French Ecology Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher expressed anger during the closing session, saying, “Despite sincere efforts and some progress in discussions, no concrete results have been achieved.” Colombia’s delegate, Haendel Rodriguez, indirectly criticized oil-producing states, stating that “a small group of countries blocked t...

Pakistan’s squash players Ashab Irfan and Asim Khan delivered impressive performances to book their places in the semifinals of the ongoing Johns Creek Open in the United States. Top seed Asim Khan battled past Egypt’s Omar El Kattan, sealing a 3–1 victory in 46 minutes. After conceding the opening game 10–12, Khan staged a strong comeback to dominate the next three games 11–3, 11–3, and 13–11. Ashab Irfan, on the other hand, eased into the last four with a straight-games win over Mexico’s Cesar Segundo, wrapping up the match 11–3, 11–8, 11–3 in commanding style. With these victories, both Pakistani players advanced to the semifinals of the $12,000 prize money tournament. Earlier on Thursday, Asim and Ashab had secured their quarterfinal spots with confident second-round wins. Top seed Asim defeated Egypt’s Kareem Badawi 11-3, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8 in a 45-minute battle. The Pakistani star dominated the opening two games with precise length and controlled rallies before Badawi foug...

England batter Joe Root says his 158-Test career has prepared him better than ever to end England’s long winless run in Australia as he gears up for the upcoming Ashes series. Root, who recently climbed to second place on the all-time Test run-scorers list during England’s 2-2 series draw against India, has amassed 13,543 runs, behind only India’s Sachin Tendulkar (15,921). Despite his stellar record, the 34-year-old is still chasing his first Test win and maiden century in Australia, where he averages 35.68 from 27 innings with nine fifties. “Having toured Australia a couple of times before, and now with over 150 Test caps to my name, I feel I couldn’t be more ready for the challenge,” Root told British media on Thursday. “The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it (a century) way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important.” Australia won both the 2017-18 series and following home series in 2021-22 4-0 before drawing 2-2 in England ...

The death toll from contaminated fentanyl administered in Argentine hospitals has risen to over 100, the government said on Thursday, as public anger mounts over the slow response to the crisis. Authorities have been investigating since May to determine how many fatalities were linked to bacteria-infected batches of the drug, which were distributed to hospitals in four provinces and the capital, Buenos Aires. According to a statement from a spokesperson for Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, Ariel Furfaro Garcia, owner of the HLB Pharma Group, was identified as the “manufacturer of the contaminated fentanyl batch responsible for more than 100 deaths.” The statement also noted that Argentina’s drug regulatory agency, ANMAT, had shut down the laboratory three months before the first fatalities from the tainted fentanyl were reported. Furfaro Garcia has denied any responsibility, reportedly accusing a former colleague of planting false information in the media. Two wee...

A brilliant performance from Jayden Seales powered the West Indies to a dominant 202-run win over Pakistan in the third and deciding one-day international in Trinidad on Tuesday. The pace ace ripped through Pakistan’s top order, finishing with exceptional figures of 6-18, as the visitors crumbled to just 92 in pursuit of a 295-run target. Batting first, the West Indies posted 294-6 in their 50 overs, thanks to captain Shai Hope’s superb unbeaten century. The victory secured the Caribbean side’s first ODI series triumph over Pakistan since 1991, a much-needed boost after heavy defeats to Australia earlier in the summer 3-0 in Tests and 5-0 in T20s. Pakistan’s chase began disastrously, with Seales dismissing Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Rizwan within the first three overs, leaving them reeling at 8-3. He then trapped skipper Babar Azam lbw for just nine, crushing Pakistan’s hopes of clinching the series 2-1. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took two wickets through t...

Manchester City are considering a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo as they look to revamp their attack, with the Brazilian emerging as a top contender to potentially replace Jack Grealish. According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, City have placed Rodrygo high on their recruitment list, viewing him as a “dream target” for manager Pep Guardiola. The Premier League champions are considering a proposal worth around $109 million for the 23-year-old. The interest comes after considerable changes to City’s squad. Grealish, signed in 2021 for a British record fee, has moved to Everton on a season-long loan after he was left out of City's playing squad for the summer's FIFA Club World Cup. Meanwhile winger Savinho, who joined City from Ligue 1 side Troyes in June 2024, is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and could also be allowed to leave, as reported by BBC sport. Rodrygo’s position at Real Madrid remains uncertain. Since joining Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo...