Pakistan News World

Pakistan’s junior girls tennis team delivered an impressive performance at the Billie Jean King Cup Junior Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying, securing 5th position—the country’s best-ever result in the history of the competition. The national Under-16 squad included: Zunaisha Noor Hajra Sohail Romaisa Malik Captain Sara Mansoor Competing among 12 nations, the team showed strong determination and growing potential in women’s tennis. Pakistan recorded notable wins against Macau (China), Pacific Oceania and Guam. These victories highlighted the team’s improving standard and competitive spirit on the regional stage. Pakistan faced defeats against host nation Sri Lanka and Singapore. Both teams advanced to the next stage of the tournament. The Pakistan Tennis Federation, led by President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, congratulated the players on their outstanding performance. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi stated that the team has shown great promise and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to devel...

For many travelers, holidays can quickly turn into a whirlwind of stress, rushing from one activity to another, obsessively checking itineraries, and worrying about missing out. What should be a time for relaxation and excitement often becomes a cycle of anxiety, leaving travelers drained rather than refreshed. Travel expert shares strategies to help travelers enjoy their trips without the constant pressure. According to her, the key to a truly stress free holiday lies not in packing in more activities, but in traveling with intention and balance. Overstuffed itineraries, she explains, can be more stressful than enjoyable, while a flexible schedule allows travelers to experience their journey organically and fully. Expert emphasizes the importance of slowing down, both before and during a trip. She suggests dedicating a pre-trip day to zero tasks, avoiding last-minute errands or commitments to conserve energy and prepare mentally. Upon arrival, she recommends a slow start, lett...

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has extended heartwarming Eid ul fitr wishes to fans across the world, spreading a message of peace and happiness. Taking to social media, Ronaldo shared warm Eid greetings, posting a heartfelt message, saying: “Eid Mubarak to all! I hope you have a very special day with your family and loved ones. Wishing you all peace and happiness.” The Portuguese football star, currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, posted the message on his Instagram, accompanied by a photo of himself in traditional Saudi attire. Muslims in the Gulf region are celebrating Eid ul Fitr on Friday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan ends with the sighting of the new moon, which ushers in the month of Shawwal. Across the Muslim world, Ramadan festivities this year were overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East, triggered by the US and Israel's attack on Iran. via Original Source

Despite its commercial dominance, the Indian Premier League has slipped behind rivals in the latest global T20 rankings, as The Hundred emerged as the top-ranked tournament. The IPL, widely regarded as the most lucrative and high-profile cricket league, ranked third in the latest World Cricketers' Association (WCA) assessment, formerly Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA). The findings suggested that the tournament requires major improvements to secure its place as the top global competition. According to the global players' body, the IPL must enhance its approach to player rights and overall welfare. The league's ranking reflects concerns that, while commercially dominant, it lags behind its rivals in areas concerning player treatment and conditions. Leading the standings is England's newest franchise competition, The Hundred, which secured the top position with a ranking score of 75.2 points. It is closely followed by South Africa...

A deluge of weight‑loss drugs is set to transform the global fight against obesity as India prepares to unleash low‑cost generic versions of injections like Ozempic after a key patent expired Friday. The move will dramatically widen access to treatments that have long been considered a luxury, especially in middle-income countries, where soaring demand has collided with steep prices. At clinics across Mumbai, doctors say they are already preparing for an influx in new patients. More than 50 people walk into endocrinologist Nadeem Rais's office every week seeking weight-loss injections. "We have around 70 to 80 patients on active treatment right now," he told AFP. "When generics come out and prices drop, that could go up to 200 easily." His colleague Sunera Ghai agrees saying that demand is "very high" but many "probably aren't taking it just because it is truly a luxury item at this point". The breakthrough comes as patents on se...

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to attract the world’s best cricketing talent with eye-popping salaries, and this year’s tournament is no exception. Here’s a look at some of the highest-earning overseas stars in the IPL 2026 season. Cameron Green (Australia) Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green is among the highest earners in IPL 2026. Known for his powerful middle-order batting, reliable seam bowling, and solid fielding, Green was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record Rs252 million. He will earn the top salary for an overseas player, capped at Rs180 million, making him one of the highest-paid foreign players in the tournament. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka) Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, known for his slingy action and deadly yorkers at the death, has earned a significant salary for IPL 2026. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs180 million, which is the exact amount he will earn for his services this season. Liam Livingstone (England) En...

Iran will "boycott the United States" but "not the World Cup", Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said in a video released by the Iranian press agency Fars. Iran is currently scheduled to play its group matches in the US in this year's tournament. "We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States but not the the World Cup," Taj said in the video released on Wednesday. Iran's football federation has opened talks with FIFA about potentially relocating its matches from the United States, though the global governing body has so far maintained that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that her country is prepared to host Iran's first-round matches if required, due to the conflict in the Middle East. Iran's participation at this summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been in doubt since the war began last month, wi...

Heavy social media use is undermining youth wellbeing in many countries, according to a UN-sponsored report published Thursday that put Finland at the top of its "happiness" index for the ninth year running. This year's World Happiness Report highlighted the impact of social media as many countries impose or mull legislative restrictions on social media use for young people. "Dramatic declines" in happiness were recorded among under-25s in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and "especially among girls", the report said. By contrast, young people in other parts of the world felt better about their lives. "Most of the world's young people are happier today than they were 20 years ago, and that's a trend that deserves attention," Jon Clifton, chief executive of Gallup which contributed to the report, said in a statement. Social media has a "complex" affect on wellbeing, the report noted. Impacting fac...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a complaint with match referee Neeyamur Rashid against on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s decision to permit Bangladesh to take a LBW review off the penultimate ball of the third ODI in Mirpur on Sunday. The Pakistan management contends that Bangladesh took the review after a replay of the delivery appeared on the big screen. The decision to review, and its subsequent impact, proved pivotal as Bangladesh secured an unassailable position in the match. Before that delivery, Pakistan required 12 runs off two balls. Rishad Hossain flighted one onto the leg stump, spinning down the leg side away from Shaheen Afridi. The umpire initially called it a wide. After a brief discussion, Bangladesh opted to take a review for LBW, despite the ball appearing nowhere near Afridi’s legs or body. Standard protocols dictate that a review decision should be made before any replay is visible to players, to prevent the visual from influencing the call. Paki...

Former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning around two decades, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Karachi-born wicketkeeper-batter, who made his ODI debut in 2007 before making his Test and T20I debuts in 2010, went on to represent Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is. He scored 6,164 runs across formats, including six centuries and 35 half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he grabbed 315 catches and completed 56 stumpings during his international career. Sarfaraz captained Pakistan in 100 international matches across formats, including 50 ODIs, 37 T20Is, 13 Tests, and led the side to the No 1 ranking in T20I cricket. During his captaincy, Pakistan achieved a world-record streak of 11 consecutive T20I series victories and recorded six clean sweeps, which include against West Indies (2016 and 2018), Sri Lanka (2017), Australia (2018), New Zea...

Pakistan middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha has reacted to his controversial run-out in the second One Day International against Bangladesh, saying he would have taken a different decision if he were in the opponent’s place. The incident occurred during the match at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka when Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz ran Salman Agha out at the non-striker’s end. The Pakistani batter showed visible anger while leaving the field after the dismissal. Following the incident, former Pakistan cricketers Ramiz Raja and Hamad Hafeez also criticised Mehidy Hasan’s action, calling it against the spirit of sportsmanship. The Bangladesh captain also faced criticism on social media. Speaking at a post-match press conference, Salman Agha said the run-out was valid according to the laws of the game, but believed sportsmanship should have been prioritised in that moment. He explained that he thought the ball had become dead after hitting the bat and pad, which is...

Member Selection Committee of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Aqib Javed confessed that the results of the World Cup were not good and everyone had taken decisions together regarding the selection of the team. Addressing a press conference by members selection committee, Aqib Javed blamed that which player will play which match in the World Cup, the decision was made by the coach and captain. Aqib Javed said our job was to select the players while the decision of the playing XI was made by the coach and captain. Aqib Javed said future decisions will be made in consultation with the coach. The national team is determined to present the best game to the cricket fans, Aqib Javed said. He said a player cannot be included or removed from the team based on a domestic performance. Aqib Javed said the results of the World Cup were not good. He said we were expecting the team will definitely qualify for semifinal but unfortunately the team disappointed all. Various things were said about...

All-rounder Maaz Sadaqat starred with a fiery fifty and bowling figures of 3/23 as Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 128 runs in the rain-affected second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. Set to chase a revised target of 243 in 32 overs, the home side could accumulate 114 before getting bowled out in 23.3 overs. Initially set to chase 275 in 50 overs, the hosts got off to a shaky start to the pursuit as they lost three wickets inside five overs with just 15 runs on the board. Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy took Bangladesh's total to 27/3 in 6.3 before rain intervened, and the action remained halted for more than two hours. Following the resumption, Das and Hridoy launched a brief counterattack on the Pakistan bowlers, raising 58 runs off 47 deliveries before Sadaqat broke the threatening partnership by dismissing the former. Das remained the top-scorer for Bangladesh with a spirited 41 off 33 deliveries, laced with four fours and two sixes. His dismis...

Obesity has emerged as a serious health concern in modern times, largely driven by unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. Health experts warn that without timely intervention, excess weight can lead to severe medical complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Professionals emphasize that awareness of one’s diet is the first step toward prevention. Prioritizing natural, minimally processed foods is key, as highly processed options are often calorie-dense but nutrient poor. A balanced diet not only supports weight management but also improves overall wellness. Regular physical activity is equally important. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to burn excess calories, strengthen the heart, and relieve stress. Consistent movement is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and promoting long-term well-being. Adequate sleep is another critical factor, yet frequently overlooked. Studies indicate declining sleep du...

Sunrisers Leeds has picked Pakistani mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed for England’s The Hundred League, paying Rs 71.1 million for the signing on Friday. The move sparked controversy online, with team owner Kavya Maran facing criticism. The franchise’s X-account was temporarily suspended following the announcement. via Original Source

Pakistan lost the first One Day International match against Bangladesh, which fans describe as shameful, here on Thursday, as the host team beat Shaheens by eight wickets. Shaheens were asked to bat first to open the Pakistan VS Bangladesh ODI series. The Shaheen Afridi captained team saw the worst-ever performance after they were sent to bat first, as the Bangladesh team’s bowling line went on fire, crushing all wickets of Pakistan in 30.4 overs. Bangladesh bowlers allowed the touring team a 114-run target, as Nahid Rana (5-24), Mehidy Hasan Mirza (3-29) and Mustafizur Rahman (1-18) continued to attack on targetting batters. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf was the only top scorer to put in 37, as others delivered a shameful performance at the crease. Sahbizada Farhan, the 2026 T20 WC top-scorer, managed only 27, while Maaz Sadaqat added just 18. Salaman Agha scored five off eight, Muhammad Rizwan added 10 off 20 and Hussain Talat four off 13. ICC described Bangladesh’s bowling line as...

Bangladesh national cricket team won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan national cricket team in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Three-Match ODI Series The remaining matches of the series will also be played at the same venue in Dhaka on: March 13 – Second ODI March 15 – Third ODI All matches are scheduled to begin at 1:15 PM Pakistan time, with the toss taking place at 12:45 PM. Three Debutants for Pakistan Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed that three players will make their ODI debuts in the first match: Sahibzada Farhan Maaz Sadaqat Shamyl Hussain The trio will receive ODI caps 255, 256 and 257, respectively. Farhan and Sadaqat will open the batting, while Shamyl Hussain is expected to bat at number three. Pakistan Confident Ahead of Series Speaking before the series, Afridi acknowledged Bangladesh’s strong home record but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s prepara...

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the first ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday. The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium will host all three day-night matches, with the first encounter scheduled to begin at 1.15pm (Pakistan time). The trophy for the ODI series was unveiled in Dhaka on Tuesday. Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz jointly unveiled the trophy ahead of the three-match series. Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan is set to make his ODI debut, while young batters Shamyl Hussain and Maaz Sadaqat are also likely to debut. Pakistan and Bangladesh have played 39 ODIs so far, with Pakistan winning 34 matches and Bangladesh securing five victories. Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson backed the Green Shirts ahead of the ODI series, saying several emerging players have earned their chance after strong performances in domestic cricket and with the Pakistan Shaheens. Pakistan have included six uncapped players in the squad,...

The International Cricket Council has announced a $13.5 million prize pool for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the 2024 edition. The grand final will be played today between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Major Prize Money at Stake According to the ICC, the champion team will receive $3 million , while the runner-up will be awarded $1.6 million . Other prize distributions include: Semi-finalists: $790,000 each Super 8 teams: $380,000 each Group stage teams: Minimum $250,000 each The increased prize pool highlights the ICC’s effort to boost the global appeal and competitiveness of the tournament. Comparison With 2024 Tournament In the 2024 T20 World Cup , India won $2.45 million as champions , while South Africa received $1.28 million as runners-up . Following that victory, the Board of Control for Cricket in India also announce...

KARACHI: Pakistan’s opening batter Sahibzada Farhan emerged as one of the standout performers of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. The tournament featured explosive batting displays and remarkable bowling performances, with several players leaving their mark on the global stage. Top Batters Farhan topped the run charts after delivering a sensational campaign that included two centuries, making him the only player in the tournament to score multiple hundreds. India’s Sanju Samson followed closely behind with powerful performances and an impressive strike rate close to 200. Other top performers with the bat included: Ishan Kishan Tim Seifert Finn Allen Most Centuries A total of six centuries were scored during the tournament, with Sahibzada Farhan leading the list with two centuries. Most 50+ Scores Consistency was also shown by several batters: Sanju Samson – three half-centuries Tim Seifert – three half-centuries Is...

India defeated England by 7 runs in a thrilling second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, securing a place in the final of the tournament. Chasing a challenging target of 254 runs , England fought hard but managed 246 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, falling just short of victory. India’s Innings Batting first after England won the toss and opted to field, India national cricket team posted a massive 253/7 in 20 overs. Sanju Samson was the top scorer for India with a brilliant 89 runs , while: Shivam Dube scored 43 Ishan Kishan made 39 Hardik Pandya contributed 27 Tilak Varma added 21 For England national cricket team , Will Jacks and Adil Rashid took two wickets each. England’s Response In reply, England kept the match alive with a strong batting performance. Jacob Bethell played a remarkable innings of 105 runs , while: Will Jacks scored 35 Jos Buttler added 25 Despite the efforts, England finished at...

ISLAMABAD: Eight Pakistani officials have been appointed to key committees of the International Tennis Federation and the Asian Tennis Federation for the 2026–2027 term, marking a significant achievement for Pakistan’s tennis community. The appointments are being viewed as a recognition of Pakistan’s growing role in the development and governance of tennis at both regional and international levels. Representation in ITF Committees Pakistan’s top tennis player and President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, has been selected as a member of the ITF Athlete Commission. Other Pakistani officials appointed to ITF committees include: Sara Mansoor – ITF Coaches Commission Syed Muhammad Ali Murtaza – ITF Juniors Committee Pakistani Officials in ATF Committees Several Pakistani representatives have also been appointed to committees of the Asian Tennis Federation: Salim Saifullah Khan – Finance Committee, Development Advisory Group, Legal, Constitution & Eth...

A recent study suggests that aggressive behaviour during teenage years may be linked to faster biological aging by the age of 30. According to research published in the Health Psychology, teenagers who frequently display anger or aggression may experience earlier signs of biological aging, including higher chances of weight gain and stress-related health effects later in life. Long-Term Study on Teen Behaviour Researchers tracked 121 middle school students in the United States from the age of 13 into adulthood. During the study, scientists monitored aggression levels, relationship conflicts, and social behaviour. When the participants reached 30 years of age, researchers examined their biological age through blood tests, which measure the condition of cells and tissues to determine how quickly the body is aging compared to chronological age. Key Findings Lead researcher Joseph Allen said the results showed a clear link between teenage aggression and faster biological aging. “...

Pakistan have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after defeating Japan 4–3 in the semi-final of the Qualifiers at the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Hockey Stadium on Friday. The former champions booked their spot in the tournament for the first time since 2022. The Green Shirts made a rampant start to the high-stakes fixture, with captain Ammad Butt opening the scoring in just the ninth minute, courtesy of a sensational field goal. Pakistan's early lead remained intact until the culmination of the first quarter and was eventually neutralised in the 21st minute when Ryoma Ooka scored a field goal for Japan. Japan took control of the match in the penultimate quarter as Shota Yamada and Koji Yamasaki struck in quick succession to bolster their lead to 3-1. But Pakistan made a sensational comeback in the final quarter, netting three goals through Abu Mahmood, Sufyan Khan and Afraz in the 52nd, 55th and 57th minutes, respectively, to reclaim the lead. Both teams went all o...

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has demanded a public apology from a journalist over what it described as “agenda-driven fake news” targeting the character of Pakistan’s national cricketers. In a statement issued on Thursday, the PCB strongly condemned the broadcast of unverified allegations against a Pakistan player, calling the report baseless and unacceptable. PCB Warns of Legal Action The cricket board said the reporter responsible for the news must issue a public apology immediately, warning that failure to do so could lead to strict legal action. “Agenda-driven fake news targeting the character of our players is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the PCB said. The board added that it would take all necessary steps to address what it termed malicious reporting if the apology is not issued promptly. Controversy Over Report The controversy began after a local media outlet aired a report alleging that a Pakistani cricketer had been involved in inappropriate behaviou...

An explosive half-century by in-form opener Sanju Samson, backed by a disciplined all-round bowling display, helped India secure a narrow seven-run victory over England in the second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The victory propelled India into the final, where they will be locking horns with New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Set to chase a daunting 254-run target, England could accumulate 246/7 in their 20 overs despite Jacob Bethell's gutsy century. England got off to a dismal start to the pursuit as they lost opener Phil Salt (five) and captain Harry Brook (seven) inside five overs with just 38 runs on the board. Following the early dismissals, Bethell walked out to bat at No.4 and shared a 26-run partnership for the third wicket with Jos Buttler, who made a 17-ball 25 before falling victim to Varun Chakravarthy on the penultimate delivery of the batting powerplay. England then suffered ...

LAHORE: Management of the Pakistan Super League has shared a tentative schedule for PSL Season 11 with franchises, with Lahore expected to host the highest number of matches. According to reports, the draft schedule includes 44 matches, with games planned across multiple cities in Pakistan. Match Distribution Across Cities Lahore: 14 matches Rawalpindi: 10 matches Faisalabad: 7 matches Multan: 4 matches Karachi: 6 matches Peshawar: 2 matches For the first time, league matches are expected to be held in Faisalabad and Peshawar, expanding the tournament’s footprint to more cricket venues. Opening Match The opening game of PSL-11 is scheduled for March 26, featuring Lahore Qalandars against Hyderabad Kingsmen. Another major clash will see Quetta Gladiators face Karachi Kings on March 27 in Lahore. The tournament is expected to include seven double-header match days. Playoffs and Final Qualifier: May 2 in Rawalpindi Eliminator 1: May 3 Eliminator 2: May 5 in Lahore Sour...

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to appoint former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the new coach of Pakistan’s Test cricket team, according to sources. Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to take charge ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team, scheduled for May. The development comes after the tenure of interim coach Azhar Mahmood concluded. Sources said the PCB is likely to make an official announcement soon, confirming Sarfaraz Ahmed’s appointment as part of the coaching setup for the red-ball squad. Currently, Sarfaraz Ahmed is serving as manager and mentor of Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team, where he has been working closely with young talent and development programs. Sarfaraz, who captained Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most experienced cricket leaders. Cricket analysts believe his leadership experience and understanding of the dressing room could help s...