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Record-breaking snowfall in Moscow shatters over 200-year history

Record-breaking snowfall

Moscow: An extraordinary spell of snowfall in Russia’s capital, Moscow, has broken a record that stood for more than 200 years, according to international media reports.

The heavy snowfall severely affected the city of nearly 13 million residents, with massive snow piles accumulating on major roads in central districts, causing widespread disruption and hardship for daily commuters.

Passenger trains operating in and around Moscow were delayed, while vehicles remained stuck in prolonged traffic jams due to slippery and snow-covered roads.

According to Moscow State University, January proved to be an unusually cold month with exceptionally heavy snowfall across the capital.

The university further reported that by January 29, approximately 92 millimeters of combined rainfall and snowfall had been recorded at its meteorological observatory — the highest level in the past 203 years.

Earlier this month, authorities had also declared a state of emergency in Russia’s eastern region of Kamchatka following a severe snowstorm.

Images circulating widely on social media showed snowdrifts reaching the second floors of buildings, while cars parked along streets were completely buried under thick layers of snow, highlighting the intensity of the extreme weather.

ICC names Afridi among iconic performances in T20 World Cup history

ICC names Afridi

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its list of iconic performances in the history of T20 World Cups, featuring former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi among the legends of the tournament.

According to the ICC, Afridi’s outstanding all-round display in the 2009 T20 World Cup has been declared iconic.

 During the semi-final, Afridi scored 51 runs and took two crucial wickets, guiding Pakistan into the final. He then played a match-winning knock of 54 runs off 40 balls in the final, helping Pakistan clinch the title.

As per the list, Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over during the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup were also termed an iconic moment in cricket history.

The ICC further included Mike Hussey’s explosive 60 off 24 balls against Pakistan in the 2010 T20 World Cup among the memorable performances.

From the 2012 edition, West Indies spinner Sunil Narine’s figures of three wickets for just nine runs earned a place on the iconic list, while Rangana Herath’s five-wicket haul in the semi-final of the 2014 T20 World Cup was also recognized.

The list also highlights Carlos Brathwaite’s four consecutive sixes in the final of the 2016 T20 World Cup, Mitchell Marsh’s 77-run innings in the 2021 World Cup final, and Ben Stokes’ match-winning 52 runs against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

In the most recent 2024 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli’s brilliant 76-run innings has also been officially added by the ICC to the list of iconic performances.

Ali Tareen looks to regain ownership of Multan Sultans

Ali Tareen

LAHORE: Former owner of the Multan Sultans, Ali Tareen, is reportedly keen to buy back the Pakistan Super League(PSL) team.

Sources indicate that Ali Tareen has decided to participate in the bidding process for the Multan franchise and has submitted the necessary documents for consideration.

Earlier, Tareen had declined to retain ownership of Multan SultanS and had also expressed interest in bidding for two new PSL teams, though he withdrew at the last moment.

Commenting on his withdrawal from the new team bids, Tareen had stated that if he returns to PSL, it would be for Southern Punjab.

The auction for the Multan franchise is expected to take place on 8th or 9th February.

Snowstorm in US claims 65 lives, leaves thousands without power

Snowstorm in US

United States: A severe snowstorm has wreaked havoc across the eastern United States, resulting in 65 deaths from multiple accidents.

Temperatures in the region have plunged below freezing, with Chicago recording -14°C and Cleveland -11°C.

The storm has caused widespread disruption in Tennessee and Mississippi, leaving over 100,000 customers without electricity.

Air travel remains heavily affected. On Wednesday, American Airlines canceled 653 flights and 1,077 others were delayed, while operations at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport were significantly disrupted due to snow and rain. U.S. airlines have reportedly offered double pay for additional shifts to staff to cope with the crisis.

The National Weather Service has warned of extreme cold in New York and New Jersey, with frigid conditions expected to persist through next week.

Two-Year-Old snooker prodigy sets two Guinness World Records

Two-Year-Old snooker

United Kingdom: While snooker often challenges even the most experienced players, two-year-old Jodie Owens has stunned the world by setting two Guinness World Records in the game.

Snooker, one of the world’s most popular cue sports, requires precision and technique to pocket balls using a cue stick. Even seasoned players often miss shots that seem straightforward.

However, Jodie Owens from Manchester accomplished remarkable feats at an exceptionally young age.

According to international media, Owens completed a double pot on August 2025 at just 2 years and 261 days old. Less than two months later, on October 12, 2025, at 2 years and 302 days, Owens successfully executed the extremely difficult “pool bank shot”, astonishing fans and snooker enthusiasts alike.

Following these achievements, Jodie Owens was recognized as the youngest player to complete complex snooker shots and was officially listed in the Guinness World Records.

Pakistan beats Australia in first T20 to go 1-0 up in series

Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Australia by 22 runs in the first match of the three-match T20 series, taking a 1-0 lead. The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first.

Pakistan posted 168 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the standout batter with 40 runs, supported by Salman Ali Agha’s 39 and contributions from Babar Azam (24), Fakhar Zaman (10), and Usman Khan (18). Mohammad Nawaz remained 15 not out.

Pakistan’s start was shaky as Sahbazada Farhan was dismissed for 0 on the very first ball. However, Saem Ayub and Salman Ali Agha stabilized the innings with responsible batting and attractive stroke play.

Adam Zampa was Australia’s most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs, while Barrett and Beardman took 2 wickets each.

Chasing 169 runs, Australia struggled to keep up with the required run rate and finished on 146 for 8 in 20 overs. Cameron Green (36) and Barrett (34) were the main contributors, while Pakistan bowlers Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed picked 2 wickets each, and Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket each.

With this win, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.

Three Australian players made their T20 debuts: Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards, and Matthew Renshaw.

This victory gives the Green Shirts a strong start in the series, putting pressure on Australia in the remaining two matches.

Sunil Gavaskar breaks silence on Pakistan–India group draw

Sunil Gavaskar

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has revealed the reason behind placing Pakistan and India in the same group for major international tournaments.

In a column written for a digital platform, Gavaskar said the primary objective of grouping the two arch-rivals together is to ensure at least one high-profile clash between them during the event.

He explained that, similar to previous mega tournaments, Pakistan and India have not only been placed in the same group but also in a comparatively easier pool to increase the likelihood of both teams progressing to the next round — setting the stage for further high-intensity encounters.

In the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin next month, Pakistan and India have been drawn in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Gavaskar further noted that the United States could emerge as a competitive side in the tournament, having gained valuable experience through participation in Major League Cricket (MLC).

BCB alleges ICC’s ‘unfair scheduling’ led to U19 World Cup exit

BCB alleges

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has blamed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its under-19 team’s early exit from the U19 World Cup, citing unfair scheduling and logistical challenges as key reasons.

According to Bangladeshi media, the BCB revealed that the team had to travel at its own expense due to the demanding schedule.

Habib Al-Bashar, BCB’s Game Development Coordinator, said the team’s performance suffered because of the way matches were scheduled.

“Our approach against England and India was misjudged, but the travel schedule affected the team the most,” Al-Bashar said. He described the schedule as “completely unfair”, explaining that the team was originally supposed to play two warm-up matches in Masango, then travel to Bulawayo. However, the ICC suddenly changed the schedule, forcing the matches to be held at two separate venues.

The BCB requested that the ICC adjust the fixtures to reduce travel burden, but the request was reportedly ignored.

Bangladeshi media reports stated that the team traveled from Masango to Bulawayo by road, a journey of several hours, for matches on January 10 and 13.

During the World Cup, domestic flights were restricted by the ICC, requiring teams to travel by bus. The Bangladesh team faced a 9-hour road journey from Harare to Bulawayo for group matches during the monsoon season.

To ease fatigue, the BCB personally arranged flights for matches against New Zealand and India, covering the expenses themselves.

Bangladesh was ultimately eliminated from the tournament following a defeat against England.

German Chancellor issues strong warning to Iranian government

German Chancellor

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the days of the Iranian government are numbered. Speaking at a press conference alongside Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă, Merz said,

“A regime that maintains power through open violence and fear against its own people has its days counted.”

Merz added that the collapse of the Iranian government could happen in just a few weeks, emphasizing that the regime no longer has any moral legitimacy to govern the country.

The statement comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is issuing renewed threats of intervention in Iran following a crackdown on protests.

On the other hand, President Trump once again warned Iran, stating that a large US naval fleet is advancing toward the country with full force, determination, and a clear mission.

In a statement shared on social media, Trump said the fleet, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is even larger than the one previously sent to Venezuela.

“Like the Venezuela deployment, this fleet is capable of completing its mission quickly and forcefully if necessary,” Trump said.

He added that he hopes Iran will return to the negotiating table promptly and engage in discussions for a fair, balanced agreement, including commitments to no nuclear weapons, ensuring a deal beneficial to all parties involved.

Dubai announces world’s first ‘Gold Street’ in iconic Gold District

Dubai announces

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates city of Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking project that has captured global attention — the world’s first Gold Street, set to be constructed within the Dubai Gold District.

According to Arab media, the construction of the Gold District is already underway. Once completed, it will serve as a global hub for gold and jewelry trade, offering a unique landmark for the industry and tourists alike.

The Gold Street will be specially designed with gold elements to create a memorable destination for visitors and buyers from around the world.

The project aims not just at aesthetics but at positioning Dubai as the most modern and distinctive center for gold and jewelry trade globally.

The district will function as a comprehensive gold hub, integrating retail, wholesale, investment, and the full jewelry value chain under a single roof.

More than 1,000 retailers, including internationally renowned brands, are expected to operate in the district.

Beyond commerce, the Gold District is set to become a major tourist attraction for international visitors, buyers, and investors.

Facilities will include at least six hotels offering over 1,000 guest rooms to accommodate global tourists.

Notably, the UAE exported approximately $53.41 billion worth of gold last year, making it the second-largest physical gold trading hub in the world, with major trade partners including Switzerland, the UK, India, Hong Kong, and Turkey.

This ambitious project further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global capital for gold and luxury jewelry.