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PCB concludes valuation of PSL teams and assets

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PCB concludes

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the valuation process for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises and related assets has been completed.

Following the valuation, all eligible PSL franchises have been sent offers to renew their agreements for the next ten years on revised fee structures. Franchises have been asked to communicate their decisions to PSL management within the given deadline.

To ensure transparency in the decade-long franchise agreements, the PCB has also arranged joint and individual meetings between franchise representatives and the chartered firm EY MENA. These meetings will allow franchise owners to review the valuation methodology and seek clarification on any concerns.

The PCB has additionally received reports from EY MENA regarding the potential pricing of two new PSL franchise teams. The tender process for the sale of these teams will begin soon.

Interested buyers will be allowed to choose from the following cities for their teams: Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi.

The PCB management reiterated its commitment to maintaining fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships with all PSL stakeholders, noting that the league continues to play a vital role in the growth and global recognition of Pakistan cricket.

11 Palestinian girls top intermediate board despite war

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11 Palestinian girls

Gaza: Eleven Palestinian girls have secured top positions in the Gaza Intermediate Board examinations by scoring 99 percent marks, according to international media reports.

Despite the ongoing Israeli offensive, Gaza’s youth continue to pursue education with determination, holding on to the hope of a better future even in the harshest circumstances.

The report states that the exceptional performance of these 11 girls has brought a wave of joy among Palestinians enduring Israeli atrocities, with families celebrating the achievement amid the ruins of devastated neighborhoods.

Tragically, the report also notes that many of the students who passed the intermediate exams have since been martyred in Israeli bombardments.

Army Act Amendment Bill moves to Senate for approval today

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Army Act Amendment

ISLAMABAD: According to the agenda released for today’s sitting, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will move the Army Act Amendment Bill in the Senate for its formal approval.

As per the agenda, the minister will also table the Pakistan Air Force Act Amendment Bill for approval, while the Pakistan Navy Ordinance Amendment Bill is similarly scheduled to be presented in the Upper House.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will lay before the Senate the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill for final approval. All these bills have already been passed by the National Assembly and will now be taken up by the Senate.

The National Assembly, following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, has already approved the Army Act 2025. Under this act, a fresh notification will be issued appointing the Army Chief as the Chief of Defence Forces, after which the Army Chief’s tenure will restart.

According to the amended Army Act, the Army Chief, in the capacity of Chief of Defence Forces, will oversee the restructuring and integration of all branches of the Pakistan Army. The Prime Minister, on the Army Chief’s recommendation, will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command.

The Commander of the National Strategic Command will have a three-year term, extendable for another three years. The act also states that the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will stand abolished from November 27.

US bars visas for individuals with obesity, diabetes and mental illness

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US bars visas

WASHINGTON: The US Department of State has issued a new directive to American embassies worldwide, stating that individuals with certain medical conditions may be denied visas for entry or permanent residence in the United States.

Under the “public charge” rule, applicants with obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or other serious medical conditions may be refused a visa if they are deemed likely to rely on government resources for treatment.

However, the directive allows for exceptions if applicants can prove they can cover their own medical expenses. The measure reflects concerns that costly treatments could place a financial burden on the US government.

It is noted that in the United States, over 100 million people suffer from obesity, while more than 38 million are affected by diabetes.

The new rule comes amid ongoing adjustments to US immigration policies and is expected to affect prospective immigrants worldwide.

PCB revises schedule for Tri-Nation T20 series

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PCB revises

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised the schedule for the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series following changes to the remaining ODI matches against Sri Lanka.

According to the PCB, all matches of the three-nation tournament, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will now be played in Rawalpindi from 18 to 29 November. Previously, matches were scheduled between 17 and 29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The board stated that the schedule adjustment was made in consultation with the respective boards and based on operational considerations.

Earlier, the PCB had also rescheduled the remaining two ODIs against Sri Lanka, which will now be played on 14 and 16 November, instead of the original dates of 13 and 15 November, as confirmed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi via social media.

Severe water crisis hits Tehran amid record low rainfall

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water crisis

TEHRAN: Thee Iran’s capital, Tehran, is facing a severe water shortage, officials have warned, as central reservoirs contain only enough water for the next two weeks.

Addressing the nation on Iranian television, President Masoud Pershkian cautioned that if rainfall does not occur in the coming days, the city could experience acute water scarcity.

He added that rationing will begin by late November or early December, and if rains fail during the rationing period, parts of Tehran may need to be evacuated.

Authorities reported that rainfall in Iran this year has dropped by 40%, with several provinces facing 50-80% water shortages, while many other areas continue to experience drought conditions. Residents have been urged to conserve water and prepare for the emergency measures.

Sania Mirza opens up about challenges of motherhood and life after divorce

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Sania Mirza

MUMBAI/DUBAI: Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza spoke candidly about the toughest period of her life during a conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan on her show “Serving It Up with Sania”.

Discussing the challenges of raising her son alone after her divorce, Farah Khan remarked, “Sania is now a single mother, and there is no task harder than being a single parent. Each of us has our own journey in life, and we must choose what’s best.”

Sania shared that balancing motherhood, work, and studies often leaves her exhausted. She revealed that there was a moment when she was in extreme distress, and it was Farah Khan’s support on set that enabled her to go live for the show. “If Farah hadn’t been there, I couldn’t have done the show,” she said.

Farah Khan admitted that she was shocked to see Sania experience a panic attack, something she had never witnessed before, and was deeply concerned during her friend’s most difficult time.

Sania Mirza and cricketer Shoaib Malik finalized their divorce in 2024. The couple shares a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik.

Actor Sunny Deol angrily confronts media for spreading fake news

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Actor Sunny Deol

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Sunny Deol lashed out at media representatives outside his residence after false reports of his father Dharmendra’s death circulated, using strong language to express his anger.

A video shared on Indian media Thursday morning shows Sunny Deol confronting journalists, asking, “Do you have parents or children at home?” He further criticized them for posting the misleading news, saying, “If you do, then why are you sharing this video? Don’t you feel ashamed?”

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A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Meanwhile, veteran actress and Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, addressed the media regarding her husband’s health. She confirmed that Dharmendra is improving, stating that although his health had been a major concern and their children were unable to sleep, the family is relieved he has been discharged from the hospital.

Hema Malini added, “This is not an easy time for me, but I cannot falter because of my responsibilities. We are happy he is back home; everything else is in God’s hands.” She also requested fans to keep Dharmendra in their prayers.

The false news of Dharmendra’s death had been reported two days ago by major Indian outlets, including, prompting strong condemnation from his family. Hema Malini tweeted, “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about someone undergoing treatment and recovering? Please respect our family’s privacy.”

Zimbabwe Cricket team arrives in Islamabad for Tri-Nation T20 series

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Zimbabwe Cricket

ISLAMABAD: The Zimbabwe cricket team has arrived in Islamabad to participate in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series. The team will rest today ahead of the start of the tournament.

The series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, is scheduled to begin on 18 November in Rawalpindi.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revised the tournament schedule, with all matches now set to be played in Rawalpindi from 18 to 29 November. Previously, matches were planned in both Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.

Lahore ranks second globally as smog crisis deepens

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Lahore ranks

LAHORE: Air pollution in Punjab has surged to alarming levels, with Lahore emerging as the world’s second most polluted city, posing serious health risks to residents.

According to data from a global environmental monitoring website. The city’s average smog level has surged to an alarming AQI of 437.

In Lahore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 667 in Allama Iqbal Town, 663 on Sanda Road, 649 near Government College University, 605 on Muratib Ali Road, 554 near Punjab University, 503 in Model Town, 498 in Shalimar, and 445 in Cantt.

Environmental experts warn that these readings fall in the “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, New Delhi remains the most polluted city globally, with an AQI of 678. In other Punjab cities, the AQI was measured at 639 in Gujranwala, 460 in Faisalabad, and 429 in Multan.

Medical experts said that the ever-increasing pollution has become a serious threat to citizens, citizens should avoid unnecessary travel, make sure to use masks and avoid outdoor activities in the morning hours.

On the other hand, the weather forecasters say that today the maximum temperature of Lahore city was recorded at 26 while the minimum was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, the wind is blowing at a speed of 3 km per hour in the city while the humidity ratio in the atmosphere was recorded at 80 percent.