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World News / International

BCCI issues strict warning to IPL franchises over code of conduct violations

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BCCI issues strict

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued a stern warning to all 10 Indian Premier League franchises over repeated violations of security protocols and code of conduct regulations during the tournament.

According to reports, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia sent an eight-page directive to franchise owners and officials expressing serious concern over breaches related to discipline, security, and operational procedures.

The board reportedly found that some players and support staff had allowed unauthorized individuals access to hotel rooms without approval from team management. Under the revised guidelines, such access has now been strictly prohibited.

The new rules state that no guest will be allowed to enter players’ or staff members’ hotel rooms without written permission. Any meetings must take place only in hotel lobbies or designated public areas.

The BCCI also warned franchises about potential “honey trap” incidents and other legal or security threats, urging teams to remain vigilant throughout the tournament.

In another major restriction, franchise owners have been barred from interacting with players on the field or inside dugouts during matches, including hugging or engaging in conversations. The board said such activities could negatively affect the match environment and team dynamics.

Meanwhile, following reports of Riyan Parag allegedly vaping inside a dressing room, the board has imposed a complete ban on the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other prohibited items during the IPL.

The BCCI warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found violating the new regulations.

Shakira returns to FIFA World Cup stage with official 2026 anthem teaser

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Shakira returns

Global pop icon Shakira has once again become part of football’s biggest global spectacle, as excitement grows over her newly unveiled official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Colombian superstar shared a teaser of the upcoming anthem titled “Die Die” across her social media platforms, sparking widespread excitement among football and music fans worldwide. The track features collaboration with Nigerian music star Burna Boy, while the full release is scheduled for May 14.

The music video was filmed at the iconic Maracana Stadium, where Shakira appears alongside vibrant dancers dressed in colors representing various national football teams, capturing the spirit and energy of international football.

The teaser quickly gained massive attention online, attracting millions of views on social media platforms and reviving memories of previous World Cup anthems associated with Shakira.

Shakira’s connection with the FIFA World Cup dates back years. Her 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) became one of the most iconic World Cup songs ever produced.

She was also part of the 2006 opening celebrations with Hips Don’t Lie and entertained football fans again in 2014 with La La La.

The new teaser also includes glimpses of official footballs from past FIFA World Cups, serving as a tribute to Shakira’s longstanding association with the tournament.

Fans on social media described her return as “iconic,” with many saying the World Cup feels incomplete without Shakira’s music. Some even jokingly suggested that every future FIFA World Cup anthem should permanently belong to her.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The opening match will take place at Estadio Azteca, while the final is scheduled at MetLife Stadium. FIFA is also set to introduce a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time in tournament history, with Chris Martin of Coldplay overseeing the musical direction. Analysts believe the 2026 World Cup could become a major celebration of not only football, b

Ronaldo sets historic football record with 100 goals in three major leagues

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Ronaldo sets

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo has added another milestone to his legendary career by becoming the first footballer in history to score 100 or more goals in three different major national leagues.

The Portuguese superstar achieved the historic feat during Al Nassr FC’s 4-2 victory over Al Shabab FC in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo reached the landmark in the 75th minute when he converted a pass from Sadio Mane to score his 100th league goal for Al Nassr in just 105 appearances.

Before this achievement, Ronaldo had already scored 103 goals in the Premier League for Manchester United F.C. and an incredible 311 goals in La Liga for Real Madrid CF.

The veteran forward has also netted 81 goals in Serie A and remains the first player to win Golden Boot awards in four different leagues.

Al Nassr FC currently lead the Saudi Pro League standings, with hopes high that Ronaldo will guide the club to both the league title and the AFC Champions League Two trophy this season.

Former captain Wasim Akram joins Karachi-Lahore food debate

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Former captain

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has joined the ongoing social media debate over the food cultures of Karachi and Lahore, sharing his humorous and balanced opinion on the rivalry.

In a viral video circulating online, Akram said he had been watching heated discussions on social media regarding which city serves better food.

“I’ve been seeing intense debate between Karachi and Lahore. Swords are out, axes are out, and people are fighting,” he joked.

The former cricketer said he spent 42 years living in Lahore, where he was born, and has now been residing in Karachi for the past 14 years.

Akram acknowledged that Lahore is famous for traditional dishes like nihari and paye, but noted that Karachi’s multicultural population gives the city a wider variety of cuisines.

“In Karachi, people from all communities live together, so restaurants offer food from different cultures and regions,” he said.

He also humorously commented on Lahore’s food, saying he noticed heavy use of spices and cream around the famous food street near Badshahi Mosque.

Concluding the debate, Wasim Akram said, “Karachi has more variety, while Lahore’s food is very good but offers comparatively less variety.”

He ended his remarks jokingly, saying people would now “come after him with shoes” for expressing his opinion.

Babar Azam likely to return for second Test after minor knee injury

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Babar Azam

DHAKA: Pakistani top batter Babar Azam is expected to be available for the second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team after medical reports confirmed that his knee injury is not serious.

According to sources, the Pakistan batter actively participated in practice sessions before experiencing discomfort in his left knee during training. Following the complaint, the team management arranged an MRI scan as a precautionary measure.

Sources said Babar was rested for the opening Test purely on precautionary grounds and not due to any major injury concern.

Officials further clarified that the former Pakistan captain did not request rest himself; rather, the decision was taken by the team management to avoid aggravating the injury.

The star batter is now likely to return for the second Test between Pakistan national cricket team and Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on May 16 in Sylhet.

Bangladesh take control on day one of Dhaka Test against Pakistan

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Bangladesh take

DHAKA: Bangladesh national cricket team dominated the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan national cricket team in Dhaka with an impressive batting performance.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a superb century, scoring 101 runs off 130 deliveries to put the hosts in a commanding position.

He was well supported by Mominul Haque, who played a composed innings of 91 runs. Their strong partnership helped Bangladesh recover from early setbacks and build momentum against the Pakistani bowling attack.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 48 at stumps as Bangladesh finished the first day on 301 for 4.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Noman Ali picked up one wicket each.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on May 16 in Sylhet.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam was unavailable for the match due to a knee injury.

US Congress resolution hails Pakistan’s diplomatic role in Iran war

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US Congress

WASHINGTON: A resolution introduced in the United States House of Representatives has praised Pakistan for its diplomatic efforts during the Iran conflict, describing Islamabad’s role as constructive and important for regional peace.

The resolution was presented by US Congressman Al Green, who commended Pakistan for acting as a neutral and reliable mediator during heightened tensions involving Iran.

According to the text of the resolution, Pakistan avoided becoming a direct party to the conflict and instead focused on maintaining diplomatic engagement, facilitating dialogue, and supporting efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire.

The document also noted that Islamabad hosted various diplomatic delegations and played an active role in advancing negotiations during the crisis.

The resolution further appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to sustain the peace process despite internal pressures and administrative challenges, stating that the country continued diplomatic activities to preserve a conducive environment for talks.

It also highlighted the humanitarian and economic consequences of the Iran conflict, noting that thousands of lives were lost and millions of people were displaced, with international organizations warning of growing humanitarian needs.

The document expressed concern over the impact of regional tensions on global energy markets and oil supplies, while also warning that war-related expenditures could rise to billions of dollars per day.

The resolution emphasized that diplomacy remains the only effective path toward lasting peace in the region and stated that Pakistan’s responsible and positive role has enhanced its standing at the international level.

Australia imposes sanctions on BLA leadership over terror financing concerns

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Australia imposes

CANBERRA: Australia has imposed strict sanctions on the banned militant group Baloch Liberation Army and its senior leadership in an effort to curb terror financing and extremist activities.

According to a statement issued by Australia’s foreign ministry, the government has formally placed the BLA and three of its senior leaders on its sanctions list for involvement in and support of terrorist attacks.

The statement said the BLA has been linked to multiple violent attacks across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure, foreign nationals, and state institutions.

Australian authorities said the sanctions are aimed at disrupting terror financing networks, limiting operational funding, blocking recruitment efforts, and preventing the spread of extremist ideology.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners against networks that pose threats to regional and global security.

Under the sanctions regime, using the assets of listed individuals or organizations, conducting financial transactions with them, or providing them with economic resources will be considered a serious criminal offense punishable by heavy fines and up to 10 years imprisonment.

Pakistan has long urged the international community and global institutions to designate the BLA as an international terrorist organization.

The group has been accused of carrying out several major attacks, including the hijacking of the Jaffar Express hijacking in March 2025, during which more than 400 passengers were reportedly taken hostage before security forces killed 33 militants in a rescue operation.

Earlier this year, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations Security Council called for the immediate inclusion of the BLA in the UN 1267 sanctions list, a request currently under consideration.

The United States had already designated the BLA and its Majeed Brigade faction as foreign terrorist organizations last year.

FIFA World Cup 2026 to be biggest ever with record prize money

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FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the largest sporting event in history, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Mexico, and Canada starting June 11, 2026.

For the first time, 48 nations will participate up from 32 in the 2022 edition making it the most expansive World Cup ever.

Defending champions Argentina will look to retain their title, while teams like Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao are set to make their historic debut appearances.

Beyond the expanded lineup, the tournament will also feature record-breaking prize money. FIFA has allocated a total prize pool of $871 million nearly double that of the 2022 World Cup.

Each team will receive $2.5 million for preparation and $10 million upon qualification, guaranteeing at least $12.5 million per team. Additional earnings will depend on performance throughout the tournament.

The winning team will take home $53.5 million, significantly higher than the $42 million awarded in 2022. The runner-up will receive $36.5 million, while third and fourth place teams will earn $32.5 million and $30.5 million respectively.

Teams finishing between fifth and eighth place will each receive $22.5 million, while those ranked ninth to sixteenth will get $18.5 million. Teams placed seventeenth to thirty-second will earn $14.5 million, and those finishing thirty-third to forty-eighth will receive $12.5 million.

The tournament will also feature 104 matches up from 64 in 2022 further highlighting the масштаб and global reach of the event.

UAE air defenses intercept suspected Iranian missile threat

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UAE air defenses

The Ministry of Defence (United Arab Emirates) has said its air defense systems intercepted a suspected missile attack launched from Iran, preventing potential damage.

According to officials, four missiles were detected, three of which were successfully destroyed mid-air, while one fell into the sea without causing harm.

Meanwhile, media reports indicated that a fire broke out at a petroleum industrial facility in Fujairah following a suspected drone strike.

Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the site, and efforts to control the blaze are ongoing.

Authorities stated that the UAE’s air defense system remains on high alert and is fully prepared to respond to any further threats. Citizens have been reassured that security agencies are closely monitoring the situation.

The developments come amid rising regional tensions, prompting heightened security measures across the country.