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Pakistan Cricket Board announces ODI squad for Bangladesh series

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Pakistan Cricket Board

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member One Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the ODI side for the series.

Key Players Dropped

In a surprising move, several prominent players have been left out of the squad, including: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah Khan and Hassan Nawaz

15-Member Squad

The selected squad includes: Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram,Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain

Series Schedule

The ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Dhaka from March 11 to March 15.

The matches are expected to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, where both sides will look to build momentum ahead of upcoming international commitments.

Iranian warship reportedly sunk after alleged US submarine strike

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Iranian warship

COLOMBO: A video has surfaced purportedly showing an alleged submarine strike on an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, triggering a major international controversy.

According to footage released by the United States Department of Defense, a torpedo can be seen striking the Iranian naval vessel, followed by a massive explosion at sea.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that American forces targeted the Iranian warship. He stated that the vessel appeared to believe it was secure in international waters, but “that assumption proved incorrect.”

Vessel Identified as IRIS Dena

Foreign media reports, quoting US officials, earlier claimed that the strike was carried out by an American submarine. The vessel has been identified as IRIS Dena, which was reportedly returning to Iran after participating in military exercises in India.

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry confirmed that upon receiving distress signals about the sinking of the Iranian vessel near its coastline, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched rescue teams. However, by the time assistance arrived at the scene, the ship had already sunk.

Officials stated that at least 30 injured sailors were rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister reportedly said that around 80 personnel were killed in the alleged US strike.

The incident has raised serious concerns about escalating tensions in regional waters, with further international reaction expected in the coming days.

New Zealand storm into final with 9-wicket win

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New Zealand

KOLKATA: New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing a place in the final in emphatic fashion.

After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to field first. South Africa posted 169 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, with Marco Jansen top-scoring with an unbeaten 55.

Other notable contributions came from Dewald Brevis (34) and Tristan Stubbs (29), while Aiden Markram (18), Quinton de Kock (10), and David Miller (6) failed to convert their starts.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips (if McConchie intended, assumed Phillips), and Rachin Ravindra claimed two wickets each to restrict the Proteas below the 170-mark.

In reply, New Zealand’s openers dismantled the South African bowling attack. Finn Allen produced a breathtaking innings, smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. He reached his hundred in just 33 balls, hammering 10 fours and eight sixes, rewriting the tournament record books.

Allen found strong support from Tim Seifert, who scored 58, as the Black Caps chased down the target in just 13 overs for the loss of one wicket. Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 13.

The previous record for the fastest century in T20 World Cup history was held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who scored a 47-ball hundred against England in 2016.

Meanwhile, the second semi-final will see India face England in Mumbai tomorrow, with the winner set to meet New Zealand in the grand finale.

Aamir Khan enters mediation as Ranveer Singh quits Don 3

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Aamir Khan enters

MUMBAI: Don 3 has emerged as one of Bollywood’s most discussed projects after lead actor Ranveer Singh stepped away from the film, sparking industry-wide speculation.

Initially cast in the title role, Ranveer’s reported exit has led to efforts by senior industry figures to mediate between the parties. According to Indian media reports, a high-level meeting was held to address the situation and deliberate on the future of the project.

The meeting was attended by prominent names including Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Rajkumar Hirani, Zoya Akhtar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ramesh Taurani, Kumar Mangat, and Amritpal Singh Bindra.

Reports suggest that the core issue revolves around Ranveer Singh’s departure from the film. Excel Entertainment, headed by Farhan Akhtar, reportedly sought ₹40 crore in compensation following the actor’s withdrawal.

Sources indicate that Aamir Khan stepped in to mediate between the two sides to resolve the matter amicably. The speculation gained further traction after Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ekta Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, and Zoya Akhtar were seen leaving Aamir Khan’s residence in Mumbai days later.

The Don franchise originally began with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. The 2006 film was a remake of the 1978 classic and was followed by a sequel in 2011. In 2023, Excel Entertainment officially announced that Ranveer Singh would headline the third installment of the series.

Hania Aamir’s drama criticized for romanticizing violent male characters

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Hania Aamir’s drama

KARACHI: Pakistani drama viewers are currently engaged in a heated debate over what constitutes “healthy love” on screen, as the television serial Meri Zindagi Hai Tu faces intense criticism for its storyline and character dynamics.

The drama stars Bilal Abbas Khan and Hania Aamir in lead roles. The story revolves around Ira, a principled medical student, whose life takes a turn when Kamyar, a wealthy and influential young man, enters her world. Kamyar is portrayed as someone who views love as a mix of control and persistence, often interpreting rejection as a challenge.

A significant number of viewers argue that the serial repeats a familiar formula: a powerful, affluent man persistently pursues a woman, disregards her refusal, intrudes into her life without consent, and yet is ultimately presented in a romantic light. Over time, Ira’s resistance appears to weaken, and she gradually becomes inclined toward Kamyar — reinforcing the notion that stubbornness and relentless pressure are proof of love.

Critics on social media contend that the issue extends beyond a single character’s behavior. They question the writing and the limited development of Ira’s character, arguing that the serial not only depicts toxic behavior but normalizes and glamorizes it.

Some commentators have also objected to the portrayal of a character shown as aggressive and struggling with substance abuse being partially justified within the narrative. Additionally, certain scenes referencing religion to establish moral superiority have drawn criticism.

The controversy surrounding “Meri Zindagi Hai Tu” has once again reignited debate over whether Pakistani dramas are reinforcing unhealthy relationship dynamics by labeling them as romance, potentially shaping misleading perceptions among younger audiences.

Aleem Dar resigns from selection committee after T20 World Cup Exit

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Aleem Dar resigns

KARACHI: Following Pakistan’s worst-ever performance in the Super Four stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the team’s early exit from the tournament, national selection committee member Aleem Dar has decided to resign.

According to highly reliable sources, the ICC Elite Panel umpire stepped down over what he described as extraordinary interference in selection matters by head coach Mike Hesson, along with the silence of influential selection committee member Aaqib Javed.

Aleem Dar reportedly complained that selectors had initially announced Pakistan’s best 20 players, but the captain and coach later finalized what he termed the “wrong 15,” followed by questionable choices in the playing XI. As a result, he believed selectors were left to face public criticism for decisions they did not fully control.

During the tournament, Dar had raised reservations over the inclusion of former captain Babar Azam and all-rounder Shadab Khan, citing their lack of recent performance. He also expressed concerns over captain Salman Ali Agha, claiming he did not merit a place in the squad as captain. According to sources, coach Hesson had the final authority in selection matters.

Dar had further proposed that experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan be played at number six instead of Usman Khan. He argued that if underperforming players were being given opportunities, Rizwan also deserved another chance.

In the current circumstances, Aleem Dar’s resignation is being viewed as a principled stand. Sources say he believes cricket has brought him immense respect and that he does not wish to serve as a mere figurehead, making it preferable for him to step down.

Macron announces strengthened French nuclear deterrent

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Macron announces

PARIS: France has announced plans to increase the size of its nuclear arsenal, citing growing uncertainty over security guarantees for European allies.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the current geopolitical climate, particularly questions surrounding US security commitments to Europe, has prompted France to strengthen its nuclear deterrent capabilities.

Though both France and Britain are nuclear powers, most European nations have traditionally relied on the United States to deter potential threats—a long-standing pillar of transatlantic security.

However, President Donald Trump’s rapprochement with Russia over the Ukraine conflict, coupled with a more confrontational stance toward traditional allies, has unsettled European governments. Some countries are now looking to France to extend its nuclear umbrella as an additional layer of protection.

Speaking from a submarine base in Brittany, President Emmanuel Macron described the current period as “one of geopolitical upheaval fraught with risk,” emphasizing the need to strengthen France’s deterrence capabilities.

As part of the updated nuclear doctrine—a ritual French presidents unveil once per term—Macron pledged closer cooperation with European allies that have shown interest in participating. Countries such as Germany, Greece, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden would be allowed to join French nuclear wargames.

“I believe I can say our partners are ready,” Macron stated.

The president did not provide details on funding for the enhanced nuclear capabilities but stressed that ultimate authority for nuclear strike decisions would remain exclusively with the French president.

‘Too late for talks, war could last forever,’ says Trump on Iran

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Trump on Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C.: US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States possesses an almost unlimited stockpile of weapons and is fully capable of sustaining long-term military operations whenever necessary.

In a statement released via social media, Trump said the US is fully prepared and can continue combat operations successfully for an extended period using its current arsenal.

The remarks come after four days of US and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran, escalating tensions in the region and drawing intense global scrutiny.

Trump emphasized that the US is ready for any prolonged campaign and will not retreat from its military objectives. Regarding potential negotiations with Tehran, he took a hardline stance, asserting that while Iran may now seek talks, “it is far too late.”

The president added that Iran’s air defense, naval forces, and military infrastructure have suffered significant damage, and US operations will continue. Speaking briefly at a White House event, Trump said the campaign is progressing faster than initial estimates, with a possible duration of four to five weeks—but stressed that “however long it takes, we are ready.”

Notably, Trump had campaigned on promises to avoid new wars and focus on the US economy, and he has previously criticized the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nevertheless, the current crisis has sparked renewed debate in American politics, particularly with midterm elections approaching.

Ali Tareen reacts to Multan Sultans’ return to PSL

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Ali Tareen reacts

MULTAN: Former owner of Multan Sultans, Ali Tareen, has shared his reaction following the franchise’s official return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Earlier, the PSL 11 franchise initially introduced as Sialkot Stallions was formally rebranded as Multan Sultans. The development was confirmed by PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer during a joint press conference attended by franchise owner Hamza Majeed and CD Ventures head Gohar Shah.

OZ Developers had secured the Sialkot Stallions franchise rights for 10 years at Rs1.85 billion during the Islamabad auction but later entered into a strategic partnership with CD Ventures.

Under the new arrangement, Gohar Shah has been appointed CEO, and the team has been renamed Multan Sultans.

Responding on social media, Ali Tareen said that after spending seven years with Multan Sultans, he ended his journey without regret.

“This chapter of my life gave me some of my proudest moments, and I will always be grateful for it,” he wrote.

He added that the only moment that truly affected him was when Multan was removed from the league.

“It was deeply painful — not because of how it affected me personally, but because of the impact it had on the fans and the people of South Punjab,” he stated.

Tareen emphasized that South Punjab has long faced underrepresentation. “The people here are passionate and talented, and they deserve every platform available to them. Multan Sultans was not just a cricket team, but a symbol of pride and identity for an entire region that has long been overlooked.”

He further expressed gratitude to Gohar Shah for advocating for South Punjab and bringing the franchise back to the PSL.

“The city has regained its team, and South Punjab has regained its voice,” he concluded.

Sialkot Stallions rebranded as Multan Sultans for PSL 11

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Sialkot Stallions

LAHORE: The franchise initially introduced as Sialkot Stallions for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 has been officially rebranded as Multan Sultans.

The development was confirmed on Tuesday by PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer during a joint press conference attended by franchise owner Hamza Majeed and CD Ventures head Gohar Shah.

Earlier, OZ Developers had secured the Sialkot Stallions franchise rights for 10 years at a bid of Rs1.85 billion during the team auction held in Islamabad. However, the company has now entered into a strategic partnership with CD Ventures.

Under the new arrangement, Gohar Shah has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the franchise, and the team has been renamed Multan Sultans.

According to Salman Naseer, following the latest development, the franchise’s annual valuation has increased to Rs2 billion. He revealed that after assuming office, Gohar Shah formally requested the name change, which was subsequently approved.

“Sialkot Stallions will now participate as Multan Sultans,” Naseer stated.

Speculation had circulated in recent weeks regarding the Sialkot-based franchise, including reports about OZ Developers selling shares and facing financial challenges.

Speaking at the press conference, Multan Sultans CEO Gohar Shah confirmed his formal induction into the franchise leadership and expressed his desire to strengthen South Punjab’s representation in the league.

“An individual stallion cannot win the PSL alone; to move forward, a stallion needs a sultan — and we have come as the Sultan,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of preserving Multan’s identity.

The PSL Season 11 is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026.