BREAKING NEWS
KP CM Sohail Afridi rejects governor’s rule threats • Nadia Khan faces criticism after questioning Preshay Adnan over gym attire • OpenAI scraps new AI model launch over safety concerns • Men face higher cancer rates than women, study finds • Pakistan earn first point in FIFA ASEAN Cup after 2-2 draw with Philippines • Tax return filing deadline tomorrow as late-filer category set to end • Floods and heavy rains kill 23 in Thailand • Ahsan Bhoon sends Rs5b defamation notice to Capt (R) Safdar • Salman Khan speaks out against AI-generated deepfake videos • Insomnia linked to 26% higher stroke risk, study finds • Google Chrome introduces feature to preserve tab position across devices • Four militants killed in security operation in DI Khan • Clashes erupt over partial demolition of 600-year-old Ujjain mosque in India • Pakistan thrash Oman 7-2, set up Asian Games semifinal against India • Pakistan plans $500mn ADB loan for pension reforms
Advertise with us >

Sports Desk

Future Soch Sports Desk covers Pakistan cricket, football, major tournaments, teams, players and international sports developments.

Pakistan Asian Games 2026 Cricket Squad: Farhan Named Captain

by
Pakistan cricket team celebration photo for Asian Games 2026 squad news

Pakistan has named a 15-member cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan — and the headline is who’s missing. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and regular T20 captain Salman Agha have all been left out, with Sahibzada Farhan handed the captaincy and Abdul Samad named vice-captain.

The full squad

  • Sahibzada Farhan (captain)
  • Abdul Samad (vice-captain)
  • Abrar Ahmed
  • Ahmed Daniyal
  • Akif Javed
  • Ali Raza
  • Arafat Minhas
  • Haider Ali
  • Hasan Nawaz
  • Maaz Sadaqat
  • Mohammad Salman Mirza
  • Saad Masood
  • Saim Ayub
  • Sufyan Moqim
  • Usman Khan (wicket-keeper)

Four players — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — have never earned a T20I cap, underlining how much this squad leans toward fresh faces over the established core. At 30, Farhan is the most experienced name in the group and arrives on the back of finishing as the leading run-scorer at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Tournament details

DetailInformation
Host countryJapan
Games window19 September – 14 October 2026
Cricket events begin24 September 2026
Medal matches3 October 2026
FormatT20

Why the big names are missing

The Pakistan Cricket Board has not given a detailed public explanation for excluding Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Salman Agha, describing the selection simply as a “fresh squad.” In practice, multi-sport events like the Asian Games sit outside the traditional bilateral and ICC calendar, and boards frequently use them to manage senior players’ workload, blood younger talent, and test bench strength ahead of bigger assignments — a pattern seen across several countries’ squad announcements for these Games.

The move also lands amid a broader churn in Pakistan’s white-ball leadership this year, with the T20 captaincy and squad composition both under scrutiny following results in the recent international season. Handing Farhan the Asian Games captaincy, separate from the regular T20I leadership, gives selectors a live audition for succession planning without disturbing the existing setup.

What it means for Pakistan’s cricket depth

  • Bench strength gets tested. Uncapped players like Akif Javed and Maaz Sadaqat get a genuine international assignment rather than domestic cricket alone.
  • Leadership pipeline widens. A second captaincy option beyond the regular T20I setup is now battle-tested at a multi-nation event.
  • Senior players get rest. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s absence frees a packed calendar window for recovery or franchise commitments, without an injury being cited.

Frequently asked questions

Who is captaining Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Games?

Sahibzada Farhan has been named captain, with Abdul Samad as vice-captain.

Why isn’t Babar Azam in the Asian Games squad?

The PCB has not detailed a specific reason, calling it a deliberately fresh squad. No injury has been cited for Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan or Salman Agha.

When does cricket start at the 2026 Asian Games?

Cricket events begin on 24 September 2026, with medal matches on 3 October, within the Games’ overall window of 19 September to 14 October 2026 in Japan.

Squad and schedule details as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board and Asian Games organisers, current as of 16 August 2026. Squad composition can change before the tournament in case of injury or availability issues — check official PCB announcements for the latest list.

Related reading: Pakistan vs England Test series 2026

Pakistan vs England Test Series 2026: Schedule, Venues, Squad

by
Pakistan batsman facing England in a T20 international match

The Pakistan vs England Test series 2026 begins on Wednesday 19 August at Headingley, Leeds — Pakistan’s first Test tour of England since 2020. Three matches across three weeks, all counting towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 standings.

Here is the confirmed schedule, what the series means for Pakistan’s WTC position, and the conditions that will decide it.

Pakistan vs England 2026: full Test schedule

TestDatesVenueStart (PKT)
1st Test19–23 August 2026Headingley, Leeds3:00 pm
2nd Test27–31 August 2026Lord’s, London3:00 pm
3rd Test9–13 September 2026Edgbaston, Birmingham3:00 pm

All three matches begin at 3:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time, which corresponds to an 11:00 am local start in England. The fixtures were confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board in July 2025.

Note the gap: nine days separate the end of the Lord’s Test from the start at Edgbaston. That is an unusually long break in a modern three-match series and gives both squads genuine recovery time — relevant for fast bowlers managing workloads.

Preparation: the Shaheens tour

Pakistan have not arrived cold. The Pakistan Shaheens — the A-team — have been touring England for a three-match 50-over series and a two-match three-day series, giving fringe and reserve players exposure to English conditions ahead of the Tests.

This matters more than it sounds. The most common failure mode for touring sides in England is not talent but adjustment time: the ball moves later and for longer than it does in Rawalpindi or Multan, and batters who have not faced it recently tend to play too far in front of their body in the first innings of a tour.

What is at stake in the World Test Championship

Every match forms part of the 2025–27 WTC cycle. Under the current system, teams are ranked by percentage of available points won rather than raw totals — a design that means a three-match away series carries disproportionate weight for the touring side, because there are fewer matches to average across.

In practical terms: a 2–1 away win would be a substantial boost to Pakistan’s percentage. A 3–0 loss would be difficult to recover from within the cycle. Draws are worth less than half a win, which discourages defensive cricket from both sides — and in English late-summer conditions, results are the norm rather than the exception.

The three venues, and what they favour

Headingley, Leeds

Traditionally the most bowler-friendly of the three. Overcast Yorkshire mornings and a pitch that offers seam movement make the first session on each day decisive. Winning the toss matters here more than at most English grounds, and totals under 300 are frequently competitive.

Lord’s, London

The famous slope across the ground changes the angle of attack from each end and rewards bowlers who can adapt their line. Historically it offers more for batters than Headingley once the initial movement subsides, but the second new ball is often more dangerous than the first.

Edgbaston, Birmingham

A September Test at Edgbaston is a different proposition from a July one. Later in the season the surface tends to take more turn, and with the series potentially level going in, spin could decide it — an area where Pakistan have historically held an advantage over England at home and have sometimes travelled better than expected.

Squad and captaincy

Official Test squad details for this series had not been confirmed in full at the time of writing. Some outlets have reported Babar Azam leading the side; the PCB’s own confirmation should be treated as the authoritative source, and we will update this page when squads are formally announced.

Shaheen Afridi’s role has been a live discussion point across formats — he recently spoke about captaincy and World Cup preparations. Separately, the PCB has issued NOCs to national cricketers for foreign leagues, a factor in workload management across a congested calendar.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Pakistan vs England Test series start?

The first Test begins on 19 August 2026 at Headingley, Leeds, at 3:00 pm Pakistan time.

How many Tests are in the series?

Three, at Headingley, Lord’s and Edgbaston. There is no ODI or T20 component announced as part of this Test tour.

When did Pakistan last tour England for Tests?

2020 — a series played behind closed doors under COVID-19 biosecure conditions. This is Pakistan’s first Test tour of England with full crowds in six years.

Does the series count for the World Test Championship?

Yes. All three Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle and affect both teams’ points percentages.

Schedule confirmed against ECB fixture announcements and reporting by CricExec, ESPNcricinfo and Lord’s. Squad details will be updated once the PCB confirms them officially. Last updated 15 August 2026.

More cricket: FutureSoch Sports coverage

Related reading: 5G in Pakistan 2026

Ireland Football Association withdraws support for FIFA president

by
Ireland Football

DUBLIN: The Football Association of Ireland has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term, dealing another setback to his bid to remain at the helm of world football’s governing body.

The Irish football association confirmed the decision in a letter to FIFA, saying recent developments had raised serious concerns over governance, transparency and consultation.

The move came as the Irish football body’s counterparts in Northern Ireland backed UEFA’s position on the issue.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have previously raised concerns over Infantino’s leadership and accused him of undermining trust.

The withdrawal of Ireland’s support adds to growing opposition facing Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election.

The Football Association of Wales was the first of the British and Irish football associations to withdraw its support for Infantino, while the English Football Association has also backed away from its previous support.

The developments could increase pressure on Infantino as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president.

Body of missing climber Soheil Sakhi found on Broad Peak

by
Body of missing

SKARDU: The body of Pakistani mountaineer Soheil Sakhi, who had been missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, has been found, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said.

According to the club, local volunteers from the Tasir area of Shigar district searched for the missing climber and recovered his body on their own.

The volunteers involved in the search included Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar, the Alpine Club said.

Sakhi’s body was brought from Camp 1 to the base camp by the volunteers, who were assisted by Zaman and other team members.

The Alpine Club said the body could be airlifted to Skardu by helicopter on Thursday if weather conditions permit.

The club also expressed condolences to Sakhi’s family and the wider mountaineering community.

About 15 days ago, an avalanche struck Broad Peak, leaving 10 climbers missing. The bodies of seven climbers, including five Nepalese mountaineers, have since been recovered.

The Future of Relationships: How Technology Is Changing Love and Dating in 2025

by
Future of Love, Dating Apps 2025, AI Relationships, Metaverse Marriage, Future Soch Global


From AI dating coaches to virtual reality dates, technology isn’t replacing love — it’s redefining how humans connect, communicate, and commit in the 21st century.

Love in the Age of Algorithms

Romance has always adapted to its era — handwritten letters, landline calls, Facebook messages, and now, AI-powered dating. In 2025, technology is not just helping people find love; it’s shaping how relationships begin, evolve, and sometimes end.

According to a Global Relationship Trends Report 2025 by Statista, over 65% of couples worldwide say they met online — a dramatic increase from just 20% a decade ago. Platforms like Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder are being joined by new AI-driven apps that use behavioral data, voice tone, and personality analytics to match people beyond mere looks.

“AI can’t make you fall in love, but it can make the journey more meaningful,” says Sophia Alvarez, founder of the relationship-tech startup HeartSync AI.

These apps no longer just swipe — they understand. They suggest conversation starters, detect emotional compatibility, and even schedule mindful “offline time” for couples to build real-world chemistry.

AI Dating Coaches and Emotional Analytics

Artificial Intelligence is now the world’s most unbiased relationship advisor. AI-based “dating coaches” — like FlirtAI, Replika Love, and OpenHeart — provide guidance on emotional communication, dating anxiety, and conflict resolution.

These tools analyze chat histories and behavioral cues to help users become more empathetic and self-aware. For example, they might detect patterns like over-texting, avoidance, or passive-aggressive tone — and gently suggest healthier communication strategies.

While controversial, such systems are becoming popular among Gen Z professionals and digital nomads who want emotionally intelligent partnerships but struggle with time or distance.

Metaverse Marriages and Virtual Love

In 2025, the concept of “real” relationships has expanded. The metaverse — once a gaming space — has become a social frontier. Couples meet in virtual cafes, attend concerts in 3D worlds, and even host digital weddings witnessed by friends through VR headsets.

Japan, South Korea, and the UAE have already recognized metaverse marriage ceremonies as symbolic unions. Pakistani tech developers, too, are entering the space — creating Urdu and South-Asian-themed virtual venues where diaspora couples celebrate cross-border love stories.

Though critics argue this digital intimacy lacks authenticity, supporters say it transcends geography, culture, and physical limitations. Love, they argue, has always been a meeting of minds — not just bodies.

The Globalization of Intimacy

Technology has made love borderless. A Pakistani student can now date someone in Brazil via Tandem, a cultural-exchange app turned global dating hub. Translation AI eliminates language barriers; time-zone calendars synchronize schedules.

The result? Cross-cultural relationships are at an all-time high. According to Pew Research Center (2025), nearly 1 in 5 international marriages began as online connections. Social media, video calls, and shared digital experiences have created what psychologists call “hyperconnected intimacy” — deep bonds formed through constant online presence.

However, experts also warn of “digital fatigue” — the pressure to be always available. The healthiest couples, they say, mix tech convenience with intentional offline time.

Ethics, Privacy, and the Future of Love

As technology evolves, so do moral questions. Who owns the data of your most private conversations? Can AI predict breakups before they happen? Should chatbots replace companionship?

In 2025, relationship privacy is a top concern. Apps like Bumble and OkCupid now offer encrypted chat modes and auto-delete timers for intimate content. Startups are also working on AI consent tools — verifying emotional readiness before sharing sensitive data or images.

This growing emphasis on digital ethics shows that the future of love is not just algorithmic — it’s accountable.

Human Connection Still Wins

Despite the gadgets and algorithms, one truth remains timeless — humans crave real connection. Technology can simulate affection, but it cannot replace the heartbeat of empathy, touch, and trust.

Relationship psychologist Dr. Adeel Rahman says,

“Technology has upgraded how we meet, but not why we love. The essence remains emotional safety and shared growth.”

Whether through an app, a VR headset, or an in-person smile — love continues to evolve, proving that in every age, it finds a way.

AI Jobs 2025: How Automation is Reshaping Pakistan’s Workforce

by
AI in Pakistan, Automation, Jobs 2025, Workforce, Technology


As artificial intelligence transforms industries worldwide, Pakistan’s job market is entering a new era where skills in data, design, and digital innovation are replacing traditional roles.


The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is reshaping how people work across the globe — and Pakistan is no exception. In 2025, local companies are rapidly adopting AI tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and reduce costs. From banking to logistics, industries are turning to smart software for decision-making, data processing, and customer engagement.

Experts warn that while automation may replace repetitive jobs, it is also creating new opportunities in data science, software development, AI engineering, and content creation. According to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), demand for AI specialists and prompt engineers has doubled in the last year, especially in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Educational institutions are also responding. Universities like NUST and IBA have introduced AI-focused programs, preparing graduates for the digital future. However, experts say Pakistan must invest in skill development and digital literacy to prevent a widening employment gap between tech-savvy youth and traditional workers.

Globally, the World Economic Forum estimates that AI could create 97 million new roles by 2030. For Pakistan, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity — a moment to redefine its workforce and position itself in the global digital economy.

Ne Zha 2 Pakistan Release: China’s $2.2B Animated Blockbuster Hits Cinemas October 31

by
ne-zha-2, pakistan-release, chinese-animation, box-office-hit, cultural-exchange, pakistan-china-relations, animated-film-2025, maula-jatt-china

In a groundbreaking Sino-Pakistani cultural milestone, Ne Zha 2, the world’s highest-grossing animated film with $2.2 billion in global earnings, premieres in Pakistan on October 31, 2025. Distributed by HKC Entertainment and Mandviwalla Entertainment, this Chinese cinema sensation marks the first major import to Pakistani theaters in years, boosting Pakistan-China film exchange.

The visually epic tale of heroism has topped charts as China’s top earner and the fifth highest-grossing film ever. Catch it in original Mandarin with English subtitles or dubbed Urdu versions across nationwide cinemas.

Star-Studded Premiere Highlights Pakistan-China Ties

The Islamabad premiere drew H.E. Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Chinese Minister Counsellor, emphasizing the “Ironclad Friendship”: “Ne Zha 2 builds a cultural bridge, showcasing modern Chinese cinema to Pakistanis.”

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla added: “This exchange reflects our unbreakable bond, with leaders like President Zardari and PM Sharif championing it—pairing Ne Zha 2 here with The Legend of Maula Jatt in China.”

Mr. Sardar Yasir Illyas, PM’s Tourism Advisor, hailed it as a “game-changer for regional cinema,” spotlighting the two-way flow.

Reciprocal Blockbuster Swap: Maula Jatt Heads to China

Mirroring the excitement, Pakistan’s 2022 hit The Legend of Maula Jatt debuts in China this November/December via China Film Group— the first Pakistani film under quota on revenue share, unlocking Asia’s biggest market.

Joyce Lee of Encore Films: “Thrilled to bring this Asian record-breaker to Pakistan alongside top cinema partners.”

Don’t miss Ne Zha 2 Pakistan release—book tickets now for family adventure and cultural fusion!