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World News / International

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.

PCB plans major overhaul after T20 World Cup exit

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PCB plans major

LAHORE: In the wake of Pakistan’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to carry out another major overhaul of the national side. Sources indicate that star batter Babar Azam and several other players are being considered for exclusion from the T20 setup.

Despite reaching the Super Eight stage, Pakistan endured a disappointing tournament overall. The team failed to register a single victory against top-tier sides and narrowly avoided defeat in their final group-stage clash against Sri Lanka.

The Green Shirts were fortunate to escape an upset loss to the Netherlands in their opening match. Their much-anticipated encounter with India ended in another defeat, continuing a recent trend in high-profile contests between the two rivals. Wins against Asia and Namibia helped Pakistan secure a Super Eight berth.

However, their Super Eight campaign faltered. The opening fixture against New Zealand was washed out due to rain, followed by a loss to England that left the team dependent on other results. Although Pakistan managed to defeat Sri Lanka, an inferior net run rate ultimately knocked them out of semifinal contention.

PCB officials have signaled that accountability will be strictly enforced, with sweeping changes expected as part of efforts to rebuild the T20 squad ahead of upcoming international assignments.

While, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering imposing fines on players for substandard performances in the recent T20 World Cup, sources say.

According to insiders, the board is contemplating a proposal to levy fines of PKR 5 million on each player, following Pakistan’s disappointing defeat against India. PCB officials have held consultations on strict measures to ensure accountability within the squad.

Officials emphasized that future financial incentives will be strictly linked to on-field performance. The board has sent a clear message to the players that leniency will no longer be tolerated.

Team management has also been instructed to implement strategies to improve performance, with PCB signaling that rigorous evaluation and accountability processes will continue. A final decision on the matter is expected to be announced soon.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s wife dies in hospital after critical injuries

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Ayatollah Khamenei

Iranian media have reported that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the 79-year-old wife of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from injuries sustained in the same strike that killed her husband.

According to Iranian officials, she was critically wounded during the attack and was rushed to hospital, where she remained under intensive medical care. Despite efforts by doctors, she succumbed to her injuries. Earlier reports had indicated that she was in a coma.

Authorities further claimed that other members of Khamenei’s family were also killed in the strike, including a daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandson.

Background

Born in 1947 in the religious city of Mashhad, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh belonged to a prominent and religious family. Her father was a well-known businessman, while her brother, Hassan Bagherzadeh, previously served as a deputy head of Iran’s state broadcasting organization.

She married Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 1965, and the couple had six children — four sons and two daughters.

Despite being the spouse of Iran’s most powerful figure for decades, Bagherzadeh largely maintained a private life and rarely appeared at public events, keeping a low profile throughout her husband’s tenure as Supreme Leader.

US–Israel intelligence collaboration led to strike on Ayatollah Khamenei’s compound

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US–Israel intelligence

A report published by The New York Times has revealed new details about the joint US–Israel intelligence operation that targeted the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following months of surveillance.

According to the report, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had tracked Khamenei’s movements for several months before confirming that he would attend a high-level meeting of Iran’s top leadership on the morning of February 28, 2026.

The meeting was initially scheduled for Saturday evening in Tehran. However, Israeli intelligence learned that it had been moved to the morning, prompting Israeli military commanders to advance the timing of the strikes.

The report states that the CIA shared precise intelligence regarding Khamenei’s location with Israeli authorities. Israel subsequently carried out the operation, which reportedly began at 6 a.m. local time. Nearly two hours later, long-range missiles launched by Israeli Air Force jets struck the compound in Tehran.

At the time of the attack, senior members of Iran’s national security leadership were gathered in one building, while Khamenei was located in a separate structure within the compound.

A separate report by The Wall Street Journal claimed that approximately 30 bombs were dropped during the operation.

Satellite imagery published by Reuters showed plumes of smoke rising from the compound following the strikes.

The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of Ayatollah Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials, including Ali Shamkhani, former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran claims strikes on 14 US bases in response to US-Israel attacks

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Iran claims strikes

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it targeted 14 US military bases in the region in retaliation for alleged attacks by the United States and Israel. According to the IRGC, “hundreds of American soldiers” were killed, though these figures remain unverified by independent sources.

The IRGC has named the operation “Operation Vadeh Sadiq 4”, describing it as a response to US and Israeli actions. Iranian state media reported that the strikes targeted US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and military installations in central Israel.

An IRGC spokesperson emphasized that the military campaign is ongoing, with missile and drone attacks set to continue against perceived regional targets, calling it a fight against “American forces and the Zionist regime responsible for killing children.”

The US military, via a CENTCOM spokesperson, disputed the IRGC’s claims, stating that reports of 200 US casualties and damage to a US Navy vessel are false.

Despite conflicting reports, Iran’s IRGC reaffirmed that its operations will continue with full force, escalating tensions further in an already volatile region.

This announcement marks a significant intensification of hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with both sides closely monitoring developments.

Sahibzada Farhan becomes highest run-scorer in a single edition

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Sahibzada Farhan

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has become the highest run-scorer in a single edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Farhan achieved the milestone during a crucial match against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in the 2026 tournament.

The previous record was held by Virat Kohli, who scored 319 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Sahibzada Farhan has now surpassed the 319-run mark in the 2026 edition, setting a new benchmark for the most runs scored by a batter in a single T20 World Cup tournament.

The achievement highlights Farhan’s remarkable consistency and impact throughout the competition, marking a historic moment for Pakistan cricket.