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World News / International

Trump credits Pakistan for role in Iran ceasefire decision

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Trump credits

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that the United States agreed to a ceasefire with Iran following requests from several countries, including Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters after returning from a visit to China, Trump said the decision to pause hostilities was taken on the appeal of multiple nations. He added that Washington could consider future military action against Iran if required.

Trump claimed that the US had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, adding that after a month-long ceasefire, “some rebuilding may have taken place,” suggesting the possibility of renewed operations.

He said he personally did not support the ceasefire but agreed due to diplomatic pressure from other countries, particularly Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Iran dismissed the remarks as “psychological warfare,” insisting that its defensive capabilities remain intact and warning of a decisive response in case of any renewed attacks.

According to media reports, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar have recently engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts aimed at encouraging a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

FIFA World Cup 2026 official song “Dai Dai” released worldwide

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FIFA World Cup

The official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026, titled “Dai Dai,” has been officially released, FIFA announced.

The track has been created by Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy as part of the tournament’s official music campaign.

According to FIFA, the song has been released in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with proceeds dedicated to improving access to education for children around the world.

Shakira has pledged her royalties from the song to the education fund, while the music production company has also contributed an initial donation of $250,000.

FIFA said the track is now available on all major streaming platforms, with additional songs expected to be released in the coming weeks as part of the official World Cup album.

The governing body also confirmed that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time in tournament history, with Shakira among the performers expected to take part.

Pakistan Hockey Federation invites South Korea for four-match Test series

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Pakistan Hockey

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited South Korea to tour Pakistan for a proposed four-match Test series, officials said.

PHF President Muhammad Uddin Wani said during an appearance on a local sports program that discussions are still in the early stages.

He expressed hope that the series could be held in Pakistan in the last week of July, depending on final agreements between both sides.

Wani said consultations are ongoing regarding venues, adding that matches could either be played in a single city or hosted across multiple cities.

He said the series, if finalized, would mark an important step toward reviving international hockey in Pakistan and help strengthen the country’s presence in global hockey.

Pakistan is ranked 12th in the world, while South Korea holds the 20th position. Officials noted that South Korea has not qualified for the upcoming Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The proposed series is expected to serve as preparation for Pakistan ahead of major international competitions later this year.

Pakistan penalized for slow over-rate in first Test

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Pakistan penalized

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan cricket team has been penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first Test against Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed.

According to the International Cricket Council, match referee Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel imposed sanctions after Pakistan failed to bowl the required overs in the allotted time.

The ICC said the team was found eight overs short, leading to action under Article 2.22 of the code of conduct. Under the regulations, players are fined 5% of their match fee for each over short.

In addition to financial penalties, Pakistan also lost eight World Test Championship points under Article 16.11.2, which deducts one point per over short.

Captain Shan Masood accepted responsibility for the offence, after which the ICC deemed a formal hearing unnecessary.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, third umpire Allahudien Paleker and fourth umpire Ghazi Sohel.

Pakistan had earlier suffered a defeat in the Dhaka Test, while the second match of the two-Test series against Bangladesh is scheduled to begin in Sylhet.

Major shake-up expected in Pakistan cricketers’ central contracts

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Major shake-up

LAHORE: Significant changes are expected in the central contracts of national cricketers as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepares to revise its financial model ahead of the new cycle starting July 1.

The current central contract financial structure is set to expire on June 30, after which a new framework will come into effect. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to take key decisions regarding the revised model.

The previous three-year financial model was introduced in 2023 during the tenure of former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and has remained largely intact, although player categories have been adjusted based on fitness and performance.

Last year, 30 players were awarded central contracts, with no cricketer placed in Category A for the first time.

Sources suggest the upcoming contracts may see major restructuring, with several players likely to be promoted or demoted across categories based on performance.

Players including Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are reportedly less likely to be included in the new list, while domestic performers such as Azaan Awais and Abdullah Fazal may earn inclusion.

Officials say preliminary discussions regarding player selection and category adjustments are currently underway as the board finalizes the new contract cycle.

Man lifted 40 feet into air by tin roof during deadly UP storm

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Man lifted 40

LUCKNOW, India: A dramatic video showing a man being lifted into the air while clinging to a tin roof during a deadly storm in northern India has gone viral on social media.

According to Indian media reports, the incident occurred in the village of Bamiyana in Bareilly district during a powerful storm that swept across Uttar Pradesh.

The man, identified as Nanne Miyan, was trying to secure the metal roof when strong winds tore the structure from its base. He was reportedly holding onto a rope attached to the roof in an attempt to stay safe, but the gusts were so intense that the entire structure was lifted into the air.

Witnesses said the scene resembled something out of a movie. In the widely shared video, the man can be seen rising several feet above the ground before crashing down with the roof.

Nanne Miyan told local media that he was carried approximately 30 to 40 feet into the air before falling. He suffered multiple fractures and was taken to a hospital, where he remains under treatment.

A powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain and lightning has killed at least 90 people in India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with authorities warning that the death toll could increase further.

According to media reports, dozens of others were injured as severe weather swept across several districts, causing widespread destruction.

Indian officials said strong winds uprooted trees, toppled electricity poles and billboards, and led to the collapse of several houses.

The worst-affected areas include Fatehpur, Bareilly, Prayagraj, and Bhadohi, where rescue and relief operations are underway.

The India Meteorological Department has issued further alerts for adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and hailstorms. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

How Marco Rubio reached Beijing despite ban

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How Marco Rubio

BEIJING: In a diplomatic twist that has drawn widespread attention, China reportedly used a technical change in the Chinese rendering of Marco Rubio’s name to allow him to accompany US President Donald Trump on a high-level visit to Beijing despite existing Chinese sanctions against him.

Trump arrived in the Chinese capital with a senior delegation and received a warm welcome from Chinese officials.

Rubio, a longtime critic of China, has faced sanctions from Beijing over statements and actions he took as a U.S. senator, particularly concerning China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and human rights issues.

According to diplomatic sources, rather than formally lifting the sanctions, Chinese authorities adopted a different Chinese transliteration of Rubio’s name. The move allowed him to enter the country while leaving the original sanctions technically in place.

The workaround meant Rubio was effectively able to travel under an alternate Chinese rendering of his name, preserving both China’s sanctions policy and the protocol required for a major diplomatic visit.

Two diplomats told media  that because the earlier Chinese spelling of Rubio’s name appeared on the sanctions list, using a different transliteration created sufficient diplomatic flexibility.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said the sanctions were tied to Rubio’s actions as a senator and did not apply in the same way to his current role as secretary of state.

Multiple Chinese transliterations for foreign names are not unusual. Trump himself is commonly referred to by more than one Chinese rendering in official and popular usage.

The episode highlights the creative diplomatic measures governments sometimes employ to balance political positions with practical statecraft.

Iran accuses UAE of direct involvement in anti-Iran activities: FM Araghchi

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Iran accuses

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United Arab Emirates of being directly involved in anti-Iran activities, urging Abu Dhabi to review its regional policy.

Addressing a BRICS forum, the Iranian foreign minister said Iran deliberately avoided naming the UAE for the sake of unity, but claimed that when attacks against Iran began, the UAE did not even issue a condemnation.

He further said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had visited the UAE during the Iran conflict and met with the Emirati president, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

Araghchi called for an end to what he described as “US bullying,” saying it should be consigned to the “dustbin of history.” He stressed that resistance against US pressure was not a new war but a long-standing reality faced by several nations in different forms.

He added that the time had come for countries to move forward collectively, saying that such coercive practices deserved to be discarded by history. He noted that nations are now closer than ever and cannot ignore what he described as a shared and dangerous challenge.

Araghchi also stated that declining powers may go to any extent to delay their downfall.

Meanwhile, the UAE has denied reports regarding a visit by the Israeli prime minister during the Iran conflict, rejecting claims of such a meeting with the Emirati president.

Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana wins ICC player of the month award

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Bangladesh’s Nahid

DUBAI: Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana, who impressed with a standout performance against Pakistan in the first Test match, has been named the ICC Player of the Month for April.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the monthly award, recognizing Rana’s exceptional bowling displays in recent international fixtures.

According to details, the young pacer delivered a brilliant performance in the ODI series against New Zealand in April, taking eight wickets in three matches and playing a key role in his team’s success.

Rana had earlier also showcased his talent during the ODI series against Pakistan in March, where he once again claimed eight wickets, establishing himself as a rising force in international cricket.

This marks the first time Nahid Rana has won the ICC Player of the Month award. He has also become only the second male cricketer from Bangladesh to achieve this honor after Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

It is worth noting that Rana produced a match-winning spell in the second innings of the first Test against Pakistan, turning what appeared to be a drawn contest into a memorable victory for Bangladesh.

Receiving Pakistan’s civil award is honor beyond words, says Afridi

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Receiving Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi said that receiving the Hilal-i-Imtiaz from the President of Pakistan is a great honor and a recognition shared by the entire nation.

In a post on X , Afridi shared a photograph with his wife and daughter and expressed gratitude for the love, prayers, and support he has received throughout his career.

“This is not just Shahid Afridi’s honor, but an honor for the entire Pakistani nation. It is your love, prayers, and support that brought me to this point,” he wrote.

Afridi dedicated the award to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, adding, “May Allah always protect Pakistan.”

Earlier in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Hilal-i-Imtiaz on Shahid Afridi during a special investiture ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in recognition of his outstanding services to sports.