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World News / International

PCB informs ICC of decision not to play against India in T20 World Cup

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PCB informs ICC

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its refusal to play against India in the February 15 league match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, according to reports by Indian website Cricbuzz.

Indian media reports stated that Pakistan has communicated the specific reasons behind this decision to the ICC. Earlier, the Government of Pakistan had cleared the national team to participate in the tournament but explicitly prohibited them from facing India during the league stage.

Sources told Cricbuzz that the ICC has asked the PCB for clarifications under the Force Majeure clause in the Terms of Participation, seeking details on the steps Pakistan had taken to mitigate the claim.

The government in Islamabad has authorized the national side to play other matches but maintained its restriction on the marquee clash with India on February 15.

This situation follows Bangladesh’s decision to withdraw from playing in India, citing security concerns. As a result, Bangladesh was removed from Group C by the ICC and replaced by Scotland. Pakistan had supported Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka.

“It’s sad Bangladesh is not here. They have a very good side. Hopefully, they will support us,” said Agha, referring to Pakistan’s hopes of regional solidarity.

Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade, meeting only in multinational tournaments. In the group stage, Pakistan will now face Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Trump posts offensive AI video targeting Barack and Michelle Obama

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Trump posts offensive

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama in a highly offensive manner, but later deleted it following widespread criticism on social media.

The video, which portrayed the Obamas in a derogatory way, was reportedly posted in error by a White House staff member, according to official statements, and was promptly removed.

Former Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris criticized the White House’s attempt to downplay the incident, saying, “No one is convinced by this explanation. We all know who Trump is and what his views are.”

Meanwhile, Democratic leader Bernie Sanders condemned the video, asking, “Will Republican colleagues continue to kneel before this racist individual?”

Responding to the controversy, Trump stated that he had not fully watched the post before it went up. “As soon as I realized, we took it down. It wasn’t a mistake. I look at thousands of things,” he added.

This incident adds to ongoing tensions between Trump and his political rivals, highlighting the increasingly controversial use of AI-generated media in political discourse.

Iran reaffirms missile program excluded from US talks, says FM

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Iran

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed that Iran’s missile program is a matter of national defense and will not be included in any negotiations, according to an interview with an Arab TV network.

Araghchi also confirmed that during indirect talks with the United States in Muscat, he met with the American delegation and exchanged handshakes.

He warned that if the U.S. attacks Iran, Iran will target U.S. bases in the region, but emphasized that attacks on U.S. territory are not anticipated.

He underscored that nuclear enrichment is an inalienable right for Iran and must continue, stating that even bombardment cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “We are prepared to reach an agreement on assurances regarding enrichment,” Araghchi said.

Regarding the next round of talks with the United States, he noted that no date has been finalized yet, but both parties agree that discussions should take place soon.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s missile program will remain off-limits in negotiations, stressing its strategic importance to national defense.

Lebanon alleges Israeli chemical spray in southern border areas

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Lebanon alleges Israeli

BEIRUT: The Lebanese government has announced that it will approach international organizations after the alleged use of chemical agents by Israeli forces in southern border areas was reported.

Lebanon’s Environment Minister Dr. Tamara Al-Zein stated that Israeli forces sprayed suspected chemical substances over the Aita al-Shaab region and surrounding agricultural lands.

She confirmed that authorities are collecting samples to determine the nature of the chemicals and have contacted military officials for verification. “If the substances prove toxic, it would not be surprising,” she added.

Dr. Al-Zein also highlighted that Israel had previously destroyed 9,000 acres of agricultural land in southern Lebanon using white phosphorus.

 A team of agricultural experts has inspected the affected areas and collected soil, grass, and tree leaf samples, which will be tested in Beirut and Greek laboratories. The results are expected within 48 hours.

She warned that if the presence of hazardous chemical agents is confirmed, Lebanon will formally raise the issue before international bodies.

Faheem Ashraf’s blistering knock seals thrilling win for Pakistan over Netherlands

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Faheem Ashraf

COLOMBO: Pakistan registered a narrow three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in a thrilling opener of the ICC T20 World Cup, powered by Faheem Ashraf’s explosive late-innings performance.

Chasing the target set by the Netherlands, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as Saif Ayub fell for 24 runs off 13 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. Sahibzada Farhan and captain Salman Ali Agha also fell cheaply, with Agha contributing just 12 runs to the total of 53 before being caught by Aryan Dutt. Farhan added 46 runs but was dismissed alongside Usman Khan, both falling to Paul van Meekeren in the same over. Babar Azam was caught by Van der Merwe in the following over, leaving Pakistan in trouble.

Middle-order contributions were limited, with Mohammad Nawaz (6 off 13 balls) and Shadab Khan (8 off 12 balls) failing to stabilize the innings.

Pakistan had lost seven wickets when Faheem Ashraf unleashed a stormy knock of 29 runs off 11 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours to steer his team to its first victory of the tournament.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and elected to field, putting the Netherlands in to bat first.

Netherlands Innings:

Openers Michael Leut and Max O’Dowd gave the Dutch team a solid start with 28 runs, but O’Dowd fell for 5 to Salman Mirza. Leut was dismissed for 24 runs by Mohammad Nawaz, while Colin Ackermann (20) and Bas de Leede (30) were also among the key wickets, with de Leede falling to Nawaz.

Pakistan’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, taking six wickets for just 20 runs in the latter stages. Salman Mirza claimed three wickets, Saif Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz took two each, and Shaheen Afridi added one wicket via a catch by Agha. The Netherlands were bowled out for 147 runs, well short of an expected 160–170.

Top scorers for the Netherlands were captain Scott Edwards (37), Bas de Leede (30), Michael Leut (24), and Colin Ackermann (20).

Pakistan will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming group-stage matches against Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

US approves $1.3b loan for Pakistan’s Reko Diq project

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US approves

WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a loan of $1.3 billion for Pakistan’s Reko Diq mining project, marking a major step in strengthening cooperation on critical minerals and supply chains.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the US Secretary of State in Washington, where participants discussed ways to secure the supply of important minerals and ensure stable global distribution.

The meeting also focused on developing new supply chain sources and promoting secure, reliable transportation and logistics networks.

According to officials, the loan has been approved under former US President Donald Trump’s “Walt Project” framework and will be provided by the US Export-Import Bank to support the Reko Diq project in Pakistan.

The Reko Diq project is considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold reserves and is seen as strategically important for both Pakistan’s economy and global mineral supply chains.

Iran–US nuclear talks in Oman conclude latest round

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Iran–US nuclear

MUSCAT: The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, held in Oman, concluded on Friday, officials and state media confirmed.

The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side was represented by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

According to Iranian state media, the talks in Oman have formally ended and both delegations are set to return to their respective countries. A reporter from Iran’s state broadcaster, accompanying the Iranian delegation, said the indirect negotiations with the United States continued for several hours.

Iran’s official news agency also confirmed the conclusion of the talks, stating that assessments indicate an understanding has been reached to continue negotiations.

Following the talks, Iran’s foreign minister described the discussions as positive. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson said that if diplomacy fails, President Trump retains other options.

The report said the meeting, which began on Friday morning, saw Iranian and US negotiating teams convey their positions, concerns and proposed frameworks to each other through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who acted as mediator.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine on and off the pitch at 41

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Cristiano Ronaldo

World-renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo has celebrated his 41st birthday, yet continues to maintain an elite status in world football thanks to his exceptional fitness, consistent performances, and strong market value.

Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo remains one of the most valuable and high-profile footballers globally, defying conventional expectations about longevity in professional sports.

Currently, Ronaldo is associated with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where he is playing under a lucrative contract. Reports suggest that he earns millions of pounds on a daily basis, placing him among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Beyond football, Ronaldo’s personal life has frequently attracted media attention. He was in a high-profile relationship with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk from 2010 to 2015. The two reportedly met during a campaign for a leading fashion brand and were considered one of the most influential celebrity couples of their time before parting ways in 2015.

At present, Georgina Rodríguez is Ronaldo’s long-term partner, and the couple is known to share a stable and prosperous family life.

Even at 41, Ronaldo’s global popularity, peak physical condition, and relentless passion for football continue to serve as an inspiration for younger players around the world, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Sourav Kumar Yadav reacts to Pakistan’s refusal to play in ICC T20 World Cup

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Sourav Kumar Yadav

Mumbai: Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, Indian captain Sourav Kumar Yadav responded to Pakistan’s decision not to play against India in the tournament, clarifying that the choice was made by Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan, not by the Indian team.

Pakistan, under government instructions, will not face India on February 15, 2026, in the World Cup. Speaking at a media briefing in Mumbai before the tournament, Yadav said, “Whether the match happens or not, the Indian team will go to Colombo. We did not refuse to play against Pakistan; the refusal came from their side.”

Yadav explained that the ICC set the schedule, after which the BCCI and Indian government decided, in consultation with ICC, to play at a neutral venue. He confirmed, “Our flight to Colombo is booked, and we are going. What happens next will be seen later.”

Discussing the team’s schedule and preparation, Yadav said India’s plan is clear: first, the February 7 match, then February 12 against Namibia, followed by departure to Colombo.

He emphasized that the decision regarding the February 15 match is not in their hands, adding, “If we are asked to play on that day, we will certainly do so.”

This situation mirrors last year’s Asia Cup, when political tensions between India and Pakistan affected the event.

During that tournament, under Indian government instructions, the team avoided shaking hands with Pakistan players, and India did not collect the trophy from ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, despite winning the Asia Cup.

ICC T20 Rankings: Saim Ayub returns to no.1 position

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ICC T20 Rankings

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the latest T20 International player rankings ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, with several Pakistani players making notable gains across categories.

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub has once again claimed the top spot in the ICC T20I all-rounders rankings, reaffirming his dominance in the shortest format. Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza slipped one place to second position.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz moved up one spot to fourth, while Shadab Khan made a significant jump of 13 places to reach 26th position.

In the T20I batters rankings, India’s Abhishek Sharma retained the number one position. England’s Phil Salt remained second, while his teammate Jos Buttler climbed one place to third.

Among Pakistani batters, opening batter Sahibzada Farhan dropped two places to seventh position. Saim Ayub showed impressive progress, climbing eight places to reach 28th.

Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha made a major leap, gaining 12 places to move to 29th position. Former captain Babar Azam slipped three places to 34th.

Fakhar Zaman, who is part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, dropped five places to 74th position.

In the bowlers rankings, India’s Varun Chakravarthy secured the top position. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed climbed two places to second, pushing Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan down to third.

Mohammad Nawaz improved by eight places to claim seventh position, while Shaheen Shah Afridi moved up five places to 19th. Shadab Khan made a remarkable jump of 33 places to reach 72nd position.

The latest rankings highlight Pakistan’s strong presence across all departments as teams gear up for the T20 World Cup.