Newsdesk, Author at FutureSoch

BCB alleges ICC’s ‘unfair scheduling’ led to U19 World Cup exit

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has blamed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its under-19 team’s early exit from the U19 World Cup, citing unfair scheduling and logistical challenges as key reasons.

According to Bangladeshi media, the BCB revealed that the team had to travel at its own expense due to the demanding schedule.

Habib Al-Bashar, BCB’s Game Development Coordinator, said the team’s performance suffered because of the way matches were scheduled.

“Our approach against England and India was misjudged, but the travel schedule affected the team the most,” Al-Bashar said. He described the schedule as “completely unfair”, explaining that the team was originally supposed to play two warm-up matches in Masango, then travel to Bulawayo. However, the ICC suddenly changed the schedule, forcing the matches to be held at two separate venues.

The BCB requested that the ICC adjust the fixtures to reduce travel burden, but the request was reportedly ignored.

Bangladeshi media reports stated that the team traveled from Masango to Bulawayo by road, a journey of several hours, for matches on January 10 and 13.

During the World Cup, domestic flights were restricted by the ICC, requiring teams to travel by bus. The Bangladesh team faced a 9-hour road journey from Harare to Bulawayo for group matches during the monsoon season.

To ease fatigue, the BCB personally arranged flights for matches against New Zealand and India, covering the expenses themselves.

Bangladesh was ultimately eliminated from the tournament following a defeat against England.

Varun Dhawan’s team refutes reports of Mumbai Metro fine

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan was recently seen in a viral video performing push-ups on handrails inside a Mumbai Metro train, sparking widespread discussion and speculation about a possible fine from the metro authorities.

The video, which circulated on social media, led to criticism from some users and reports suggesting that the actor had been penalized for his actions.

In response, Varun Dhawan’s team released an official statement clarifying the situation. The team denied any fine had been imposed and said:

“We would like to address recent reports regarding Varun Dhawan and the Mumbai Metro. We want to clarify that no fines were issued to Varun.

The post by the metro authorities has since been removed, and we appreciate their cooperation in resolving this misunderstanding.”

The team also emphasized that Varun respects the city’s laws and the efforts of the Metro Department, and the incident has been fully cleared up.

Gold and Silver prices hit record highs amid geopolitical tensions

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Global and local gold and silver prices have surged to all-time highs amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty in international markets.

The recent escalation between European Union countries and the United States, coupled with the deployment of a US aircraft carrier to the region and Iran’s military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, has created a climate of uncertainty, driving both international and domestic precious metals markets to new record levels.

In the international bullion market, gold prices jumped $211 per ounce, reaching a new high of $5,293 per ounce.

This surge was reflected in Pakistan’s local markets, where per tola 24-carat gold soared by Rs 21,100, reaching Rs 551,662 — the highest in the country’s history for a single trading day.

Similarly, 10 grams of gold climbed by Rs 18,090, reaching Rs 472,961.

Silver prices also reached historic levels. In the global market, silver rose $2.36 per ounce, reaching $114.27, while in local markets, per tola silver increased by Rs 271 to Rs 11,911, and 10 grams of silver rose by Rs 232 to Rs 10,211.

Analysts attribute the surge to a combination of factors, including the de-dollarization trend, which has pushed the US dollar to a four-year low, and growing demand for gold as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Central banks worldwide are also increasing purchases of physical gold, further supporting the upward trend.

As a result, gold and silver prices continue to reach historic levels on a daily basis, reflecting both global and domestic market dynamics.

Gul Plaza fire report details cause, casualties, and rescue response

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Commissioner of Karachi, along with an additional IG-led committee, has finalized the investigation report on the Gul Plaza fire incident. The report is expected to be presented to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah soon.

According to sources, the report includes details on the cause of the fire, firefighting efforts, and rescue operations, as well as information gathered from victims, eyewitnesses, and rescue officials.

The investigation found that the fire originated in a flower shop on the ground floor, reportedly caused by a child’s activity, and spread rapidly via the air-conditioning ducts.

Sources further stated that the tragedy resulted in 79 deaths, with the majority occurring on the mezzanine floor.

The fire reportedly started at 10:15 pm, and the fire brigade received the first alert at 10:26 pm.

The Deputy Commissioner South reached the site at 10:30 pm, while the first fire tender arrived at 10:37 pm. Rescue 1122 personnel reached Gul Plaza at 10:53 pm.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Ali Khursheedi expressed dissatisfaction with the inquiry in the Sindh Assembly, calling for a judicial inquiry.

He argued that the current investigation lacks credibility as it is being conducted by officials who should be held accountable.

Khursheedi said, “The officer responsible for accountability is conducting the inquiry. Who will accept this investigation? How can the Commissioner of Karachi investigate the Gul Plaza tragedy? If the PPP believes we are politicizing the matter, a judicial inquiry will settle the issue once and for all.”

German Chancellor issues strong warning to Iranian government

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the days of the Iranian government are numbered. Speaking at a press conference alongside Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă, Merz said,

“A regime that maintains power through open violence and fear against its own people has its days counted.”

Merz added that the collapse of the Iranian government could happen in just a few weeks, emphasizing that the regime no longer has any moral legitimacy to govern the country.

The statement comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is issuing renewed threats of intervention in Iran following a crackdown on protests.

On the other hand, President Trump once again warned Iran, stating that a large US naval fleet is advancing toward the country with full force, determination, and a clear mission.

In a statement shared on social media, Trump said the fleet, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is even larger than the one previously sent to Venezuela.

“Like the Venezuela deployment, this fleet is capable of completing its mission quickly and forcefully if necessary,” Trump said.

He added that he hopes Iran will return to the negotiating table promptly and engage in discussions for a fair, balanced agreement, including commitments to no nuclear weapons, ensuring a deal beneficial to all parties involved.

Dubai announces world’s first ‘Gold Street’ in iconic Gold District

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates city of Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking project that has captured global attention — the world’s first Gold Street, set to be constructed within the Dubai Gold District.

According to Arab media, the construction of the Gold District is already underway. Once completed, it will serve as a global hub for gold and jewelry trade, offering a unique landmark for the industry and tourists alike.

The Gold Street will be specially designed with gold elements to create a memorable destination for visitors and buyers from around the world.

The project aims not just at aesthetics but at positioning Dubai as the most modern and distinctive center for gold and jewelry trade globally.

The district will function as a comprehensive gold hub, integrating retail, wholesale, investment, and the full jewelry value chain under a single roof.

More than 1,000 retailers, including internationally renowned brands, are expected to operate in the district.

Beyond commerce, the Gold District is set to become a major tourist attraction for international visitors, buyers, and investors.

Facilities will include at least six hotels offering over 1,000 guest rooms to accommodate global tourists.

Notably, the UAE exported approximately $53.41 billion worth of gold last year, making it the second-largest physical gold trading hub in the world, with major trade partners including Switzerland, the UK, India, Hong Kong, and Turkey.

This ambitious project further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global capital for gold and luxury jewelry.

PSL 11: Franchises announce updated retention categories

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League franchises have released the revised retention category lists for the 11th edition of the tournament, outlining player placements across Diamond, Gold, Silver and Emerging categories ahead of the PSL 11 draft process.

The updated lists provide clarity on player movements, promotions and possible retentions before the official auction.

Silver Category

According to the revised list, the following players have been placed in the Silver category:

Islamabad United: Mohammad Faizan, Haneen Shah

Peshawar Zalmi: Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz

Karachi Kings: Mirza Mamoon Imtiaz

Quetta Gladiators: Ali Majid

Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Akhlaq

In addition, Mohammad Naeem, Mohammad Aazib, Yasir Khan, Aamir Barki, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Altaf, Ali Imran, Jehanzaib Sultan and Ubaid Shah have also been included in the Silver category.

Emerging Category

The Emerging category includes:

Islamabad United: Saad Masood, Mohammad Shehzad, Ghazi Ghori

Karachi Kings: Riyazullah, Fawad Ali, Saad Baig

Lahore Qalandars: Momin Qamar

Peshawar Zalmi: Abdullah Fazal, Ali Raza, Moaz Sadaqat

Multan Sultans: Shahid Aziz, Mohammad Zulkifal

Quetta Gladiators: Mohammad Zeeshan, Shamil Hussain

Diamond Category

Ahead of PSL 11, franchises have also confirmed the updated Diamond category list.

Karachi Kings: Abbas Afridi, Shan Masood

Abbas Afridi has been downgraded from Platinum to Diamond.

Lahore Qalandars: Abdullah Shafique, Salman Mirza

Multan Sultans: Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel, Wasim Jr, Usman Khan

Peshawar Zalmi: Sufiyan Muqeem

Sufiyan Muqeem was promoted from Gold to Diamond at the final stage.

Gold Category

The revised Gold category list has also been issued, with franchises allowed to retain one Gold player prior to the auction.

Lahore Qalandars: Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, Asif Ali, Asif Afridi

Asif Ali and Asif Afridi were part of the Silver category last season.

Islamabad United: Azam Khan, Haider Ali, Salman Irshad, Rumman Raees

Azam Khan was previously in the Diamond category, while Rumman Raees featured in Silver.

Karachi Kings: Khushdil Shah, Aamir Jamal, Irfan Niazi, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood, Umair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Arafat Minhas

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Ali, Abdul Samad, Hussain Talat, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ahmed Daniyal, Ehsanullah

Quetta Gladiators: Khawaja Nafay, Haseebullah Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Hasan Nawaz, Danish Aziz

Multan Sultans: Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Faisal Akram, Aakif Javed, Tayyab Tahir

Possible Platinum Category Players

Franchises have also shared provisional lists of Platinum-category players ahead of official confirmation by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub

Quetta Gladiators: Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed

The PCB is expected to officially announce the final list of Pakistani Platinum-category players on Wednesday.

Foreign Players’ Retention

Meanwhile, the retention categories for foreign players will be finalized after the completion of auction registration.

According to PSL regulations, the retention category for overseas players who featured in the previous season will be determined based on their base price during registration. However, franchises and players may mutually agree on retention categories for PSL 11.

Under the rules, each of the six PSL franchises will be allowed to retain one player in each of the four categories.

Foreign direct investment drops 43.3% in July–Dec FY2026

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed a sharp decline of 43.3 percent in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first half of the current fiscal year, from July to December 2025, while the country’s exports also fell by 5 percent to $15.5 billion.

According to the Finance Ministry’s Economic Outlook Report, total FDI during the six-month period stood at $810 million. Meanwhile, imports surged by 12.3 percent, crossing $31 billion.

The report stated that workers’ remittances increased by 10 percent to $19.73 billion during the same period, while the current account deficit was recorded at $1.17 billion.

The exchange rate showed slight depreciation, with the dollar rising from Rs 278.7 to Rs 279.9. However, large-scale manufacturing (LSM) output posted a 6 percent growth during the first five months of the fiscal year.

The Finance Ministry reported a primary surplus of Rs 3,651 billion, reflecting improved fiscal discipline.

According to the outlook, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collections increased by 9.5 percent to Rs 6,160 billion, while non-tax revenue rose by 4.8 percent to Rs 3,581 billion.

The report further noted that State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increased to $16.1 billion.

It added that overall economic stability remained intact during the first half of FY2026, with expectations of sustained economic momentum in the ongoing fiscal year.

The Finance Ministry said improved fiscal management helped support macroeconomic stability. Inflation is expected to remain between 5 and 6 percent in the current month, while price pressures remain under control and LSM growth has shown noticeable improvement.

The report also highlighted that foreign exchange reserves remain strong, the rupee has stayed stable, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange has witnessed a strong rally, ranking among the best-performing markets globally.

India, EU agree on landmark trade deal termed ‘Mother of All Deals’

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

New Delhi: India and the European Union have reached a major trade agreement, described by both sides as the “mother of all deals,” marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations.

According to the European Union, the agreement will reduce or eliminate tariffs on nearly 97 percent of European exports to India, potentially saving up to €4 billion annually in customs duties.

Following high-level talks in New Delhi with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the agreement as historic.

“This is the mother of all deals,” Modi said, adding that the pact would create vast opportunities for India’s 1.4 billion people as well as millions across the European Union.

EU officials stated that this is India’s most comprehensive and wide-ranging trade agreement to date, expected to significantly benefit key European sectors including agriculture, automobiles, and services.

Foreign news agencies reported that the agreement also includes a security partnership component, opening new avenues for defense-related cooperation and business opportunities.

Prime Minister Modi noted that the deal would equally boost India’s textile industry, gems and jewellery sector, leather products, and services industry.

According to a senior Indian official quoted by international media, the formal signing of the agreement is expected within the next five to six months, once all legal and procedural requirements are completed.

BCB alleges ICC’s ‘unfair scheduling’ led to U19 World Cup exit

Varun Dhawan’s team refutes reports of Mumbai Metro fine

Gold and Silver prices hit record highs amid geopolitical tensions

Gul Plaza fire report details cause, casualties, and rescue response

German Chancellor issues strong warning to Iranian government

Dubai announces world’s first ‘Gold Street’ in iconic Gold District

PSL 11: Franchises announce updated retention categories

Foreign direct investment drops 43.3% in July–Dec FY2026

India, EU agree on landmark trade deal termed ‘Mother of All Deals’

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