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ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule to be announced today

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ICC T20

The schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be unveiled today in Mumbai, with the tournament set to run from 7 February to 8 March. India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the mega event.

According to sources, the 20 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage—similar to the previous format. The eight teams in the Super Eight will be placed into two groups, from which the top two sides will advance to the semi-finals.

Sources confirm that Pakistan and India have been placed in the same group, which also features the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for 15 February.

Other group allocations include:

Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman in one group

England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy in another

South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada in the remaining group

Sources also indicate that Pakistan and India will face each other in Colombo, and the Pakistan team will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

Matches in India are planned for Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lankan venues include Colombo and Kandy.

Ahmedabad is being considered as the venue for the final; however, if Pakistan qualifies, the final will be moved to Colombo.

For the semi-finals, Mumbai and Kolkata have been shortlisted, but again, if Pakistan reaches the last four, the semi-final will take place in Colombo.

Security forces eliminate 22 terrorists in Bannu IBO

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Security forces

RAWALPINDI: The Security forces carried out a successful intelligence-based operation in Bannu, resulting in the killing of 22 militants.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched after receiving reports about the presence of members of Fitna Al-Khawarij.

During the mission, security forces effectively targeted the militants’ hideouts, leading to a heavy exchange of fire in which 22 terrorists were killed.

A clearance operation is currently underway to search for more militants allegedly backed by India, ISPR added.

The military’s media wing said that operations under Azm-e-Istehkam will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated.

The security forces and law enforcement agencies remain fully committed to dismantling hostile networks, stressing that eliminating foreign-backed militancy is a top national.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the successful action against Fitna Al-Khawarij, calling the killing of 22 militants a significant achievement.

He said the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism, reaffirming the government’s resolve to eradicate all forms of militancy from the country.

Quetta Gladiators renew PSL agreement for another 10 years

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Quetta Gladiators

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators have become the third franchise—after Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi—to renew their partnership with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for an additional 10 years.

The PSL officially confirmed the extension, stating that the new agreement with Quetta Gladiators has been finalized under an updated valuation conducted by international firm EY MENA.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his satisfaction over the renewed partnership, praising franchise owner Nadeem Omar for his longstanding contributions to the league. He highlighted that Omar’s continued trust reflects the PSL’s growing credibility.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer also welcomed the extension, noting that the partnership with Quetta Gladiators will become even stronger. He commended the franchise’s passion and commitment, adding that Nadeem Omar’s support goes “beyond expectations,” and that Quetta Gladiators remain one of the PSL’s most solid franchises due to their popularity and performance.

Pakistan tops list of countries seeking asylum in UK

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Pakistan tops

LONDON: A new investigation by The Telegraph has revealed that more than 11,000 Pakistani nationals exploited loopholes in the United Kingdom’s visa system to seek asylum in 2024.

According to the report, over 40,000 asylum applications were filed in the UK this year, of which more than 11,000 were submitted by Pakistanis. This figure marks a five-fold increase since 2022, placing Pakistan at the top among 175 countries from which asylum seekers originated.

The report highlights that all these individuals entered the UK legally through visit, work, or student visas before filing asylum claims.

UK Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the misuse of the border visa system as a “complete failure” of the government, emphasizing that strong and decisive measures are urgently needed to prevent further exploitation.

Bollywood legend Dharmendra passes away at 89

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Bollywood legend

MUMBAI: Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. According to Indian media, he breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Outside his residence, numerous Bollywood actors and their families were seen arriving in white attire to pay their respects.

Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar confirmed Dharmendra’s death on Instagram and paid tribute to the iconic actor.

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Reports indicate that Dharmendra had been hospitalized two weeks earlier due to breathing difficulties, and he had also undergone eye surgery in April of this year.

Dharmendra’s final film, “Akis”, which is scheduled to release on December 25, showcases his acting prowess for the last time.

The actor began his career in 1960 with the film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and was honored with India’s Padma Bhushan in 2012, the country’s third-highest civilian award. Over his six-decade career, he starred in award-winning films such as Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Naukar Biwi Ka, Phool Aur Patthar, and Phool Aur Patli.

Born as Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol in a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, he married Prakash Kaur at the age of 19 in 1954 before entering the film industry, and later married actress Hema Malini.

Even at 89, Dharmendra remained active on social media, frequently sharing videos promoting healthy living. Many posts showed him driving tractors, tending to his farm, and offering his fans lessons in simple living and agriculture.

10th anniversary of heroic PAF pilot Maryam Mukhtiar’s martyrdom

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10th anniversary

LAHORE: The nation honors Squadron Leader Maryam Mukhtiar today on her 10th death anniversary, celebrating her bravery as Pakistan’s first woman fighter pilot.

Born on May 18, 1992, in Karachi, Maryam completed her intermediate education at Army Public School & College, Malir Cantt. She was also an accomplished football player, representing Balochistan United in the National Women Football Championship.

In 2014, Maryam joined the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as a graduate officer and became part of the 132nd GD Pilot Course, which included six other women. She earned distinction as one of the PAF’s fighter pilots.

On November 24, 2015, during a routine training flight near Mianwali, a technical fault occurred in her aircraft. Demonstrating exceptional courage, she diverted the plane toward an uninhabited area to prevent civilian casualties. Tragically, she lost her life, becoming the first female fighter pilot in Pakistan to be martyred on duty.

Maryam Mukhtiar was laid to rest at Malir Cantt Cemetery, Karachi, and posthumously awarded the Tamgha-e-Shujaat (Medal of Bravery) for her heroism. She remains a symbol of bravery, dedication, and inspiration for the nation.

PM approves changes in cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee

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PM approves

ISLAMABAD: In a move to streamline economic decision-making, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has restructured the Cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).

Following the Prime Minister’s approval, the Cabinet Division issued a notification regarding the ECC’s restructuring.

According to the notification, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will continue as the ECC Chairman, while Federal Minister for the Investment Board, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, has been appointed as an ECC member.

With the inclusion of the Federal Minister for the Investment Board, the total number of ECC members has now increased to eight.

Apart from this, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Power Division Owais Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal are among the members of the ECC.

Earlier on May 22, ECC was constituted with 7 members.

TV Host Mathira sparks social media buzz with fashion show ramp walk

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TV Host Mathira

LAHORE: Bold TV personality Mathira has once again grabbed attention on social media after a video of her ramp walk at a fashion show went viral.

The singer and TV host appeared in a silk traditional Eastern outfit, designed to match the wedding season theme. Clips from the show quickly circulated online, generating mixed reactions.

While some viewers criticized her fitness and walking style, others praised her confidence, courage, and willingness to experiment with new experiences.

Mathira, who has been active in the media industry for years, is known for conducting interviews with numerous public figures.

She has also openly discussed her life as a single mother, her weight transformations, and her passion for trying new things.

Israel claims killing Hezbollah Chief of Staff Ali Tabbatabai in airstrike

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Israel claims

BEIRUT: Israeli forces have claimed responsibility for killing Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff, Ali Tabbatabai, in an airstrike carried out in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Israel continues to violate the ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, launching fresh aerial assaults in Beirut. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, the Israeli strike resulted in five fatalities and 28 injuries.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the target of the operation was Haitham Ali Tabbatabai, also known as Ali Tabbatabai, a senior Hezbollah commander.

Ali Tabbatabai was regarded as the second most important figure in Hezbollah’s hierarchy after Secretary-General Na’im Qassem. The Israeli military confirmed his killing, describing him as a seasoned leader who joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and held several key positions over the decades.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), after many Hezbollah leaders were successfully targeted in the ongoing conflict, operational command against Israel had effectively shifted to Tabbatabai.

He was officially appointed Chief of Staff in November 2024 following the end of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The IDF claims he had been overseeing the group’s organizational restructuring.

Hezbollah, however, has not yet confirmed whether Haitham Ali Tabbatabai was injured or killed in the attack.

A senior U.S. official stated that Israel did not notify Washington prior to the strike. Another U.S. official noted that the U.S. was aware for several days that Israel intended to intensify operations in Lebanon.

According to international media reports, the U.S. had imposed sanctions on Tabbatabai in 2016 and announced a reward of up to $5 million for information on him.

Actress Munazzah Arif opens up about her career and personal life

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Actress Munazzah Arif

Senior Pakistani actress Munazzah Arif, known for her performances in several popular dramas, has revealed that she once jokingly advised her husband to consider a second marriage.

In a recent interview, Munazzah Arif opened up about her acting career as well as her personal life. She shared that before joining the entertainment industry, she worked in Lahore as an education specialist. She eventually transitioned into acting and has been living in Karachi for an extended period due to her projects.

Speaking about her marriage, the actress said that living away from her husband in Karachi often made her concerned about him. She recalled that whenever she traveled between Lahore and Karachi, her husband personally dropped her off and picked her up from the airport.

Calling her husband her “biggest support,” Munazzah Arif said he loves her deeply, trusts her completely, and has always encouraged her to live freely and pursue her career ambitions.

Sharing a lighthearted moment from their relationship, she mentioned that during her long stays in Karachi, she once casually told her husband that he could marry again if he ever felt lonely.

She said she expected him to laugh, but instead he became worried and asked why she was giving such advice and whether she had something else in mind.

Laughing while narrating the incident, Munazzah Arif clarified that it was merely a joke between husband and wife and that her husband did not take it seriously—nor would he ever.

During the interview, she described her husband as a complete “green flag,” saying he has always stood by her at every step.