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World News / International

Scotland replaces Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2026

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Scotland replaces

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to include Scotland in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, replacing Bangladesh, following the latter’s refusal to play matches in India.

According to Indian media reports, the decision was taken after Bangladesh declined to tour India for the tournament. The ICC had earlier granted the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a 24-hour deadline to resolve the issue, but the matter remained unsettled within the given timeframe.

Sources revealed that the ICC Chief Executive informed the ICC Board in writing on Saturday morning that Bangladesh’s demands were not in line with ICC policies.

The letter stated that Bangladesh failed to comply with the ICC Board’s decision, prompting the council to take final action.

The same communication was also sent to BCB President Aminul Islam, who is a member of the ICC Board.

Meanwhile, the ICC has formally extended an invitation to Cricket Scotland to participate in the tournament. However, no immediate response has been issued by Cricket Scotland’s Chief Executive.

Sources said Scotland was selected based on its strong performances in previous ICC events and its current ICC men’s T20I ranking of 14th.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Scotland finished third in Group B, while in the 2021 edition, the Scottish side stunned the cricketing world by defeating Bangladesh — a result still remembered as one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Deadly rains and heavy snowfall wreak havoc in Afghanistan, 61 killed

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Deadly rains

Severe rain and heavy snowfall have caused widespread devastation across Afghanistan, leaving at least 61 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to international news agencies.

Reports said that snowfall and rainfall have continued since Wednesday in several provinces, including Parwan, Wardak, southern Kandahar, northern Jowzjan, Faryab, and central Bamyan, along with other regions.

Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the recent spell of extreme weather has resulted in 61 fatalities and 110 injuries nationwide.

Officials stated that at least 458 houses have been completely or partially damaged, while major highways and inter-provincial roads have been closed due to heavy snowfall and the risk of avalanches. Significant losses to livestock have also been reported.

The Meteorological Department has warned that more snowfall is expected in parts of the country later this week, raising fears of further casualties and damage.

The natural disaster has struck at a time when Afghanistan is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people relying on aid due to economic hardship, food shortages, and limited access to basic services.

Grand Slam milestone: Djokovic becomes first player to 400 wins

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Grand Slam milestone

MELBOURNE: Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has etched his name in history by becoming the first player ever to win 400 matches in Grand Slam tournaments.

Djokovic achieved this milestone at the 2026 Australian Open, defeating his Dutch opponent 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Saturday to reach the Round of 16.

With this victory, Djokovic surpassed previous records, with Roger Federer holding 369 Grand Slam match wins and Rafael Nadal securing 314 wins in these major tournaments.

After the match, Djokovic said, “I feel really great. It’s a fantastic start, but things can change and I’m not overconfident because I learned a lesson last year. I’m still trying to give the young players a tough challenge.”

This landmark achievement cements Djokovic’s legacy as one of tennis’ greatest and most consistent performers in history.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announces upcoming visit to Pakistan

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FIFA President

DAVOS: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to visit Pakistan in the near future to promote and strengthen the development of football in the country.

In an interview in Davos, Infantino said he had given a commitment to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is now preparing to make the visit.

He praised the newly appointed leadership of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), describing Pakistan as a “great football country” with significant potential.

Expressing optimism about the future of the sport, the FIFA chief said he hopes Pakistan will emerge as one of Asia’s leading football nations. He added that FIFA is actively working to support Pakistan in achieving this objective through institutional reforms and development initiatives.

Relations between FIFA and Pakistan have improved steadily in recent years. Last month, Pakistani lawmaker Syeda Amna Batool was appointed to FIFA’s Institutional Reforms Committee, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation.

Earlier, FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa visited Pakistan in November 2025.

During his three-day visit, he held meetings with football officials and government representatives to discuss the expansion of football infrastructure and governance reforms.

Football has long enjoyed popularity among Pakistani youth, with increasing interest at national and international levels.

Local tournaments, school competitions, and community clubs across major cities have further fueled enthusiasm for the sport.

Despite this growth, football continues to operate under the long-standing dominance of cricket, which remains Pakistan’s most popular and commercially successful sport. However, recent developments signal renewed hope for football’s revival in the country.

Investment scam costs Pakistani cricketers millions

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Investment scam

Karachi: Several current and former national-level cricketers have reportedly lost millions of rupees after falling victim to an alleged investment fraud, sources revealed.

According to sources, both former and serving Pakistani cricketers were affected by the scam. However, none of the players has so far filed an official complaint with any platform, nor have they approached the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for intervention.

Sources said the cricketers invested money with a businessman after being influenced by a former national team captain, while some players made direct investments independently. The list of affected individuals reportedly includes former as well as current captains of the national team.

It was further disclosed that the players handed over huge sums running into crores of rupees in pursuit of unusually high returns.

Initially, investors received exceptionally high profits, which increased their confidence. However, the businessman later disappeared, raising serious concerns.

Sources added that the cricketers made repeated efforts over several weeks to recover their money, and while some managed to receive partial repayments, most remain unpaid.

A well-known players’ agent is also among those who allegedly suffered financial losses. The accused individual is reportedly residing in the United States and had close personal ties with several Pakistani cricketers.

According to the players, the businessman’s phone has been switched off, and no profit payments have been received for the past two months.

The affected cricketers are now seeking recovery of their original investment, but all attempts to contact the individual have so far failed.

Sources say the situation has caused deep concern among the players, though no formal legal action has yet been initiated.

PCB announces Pakistan squad for T20 series against Australia

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PCB announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Australia.

For the three-match series, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as captain, while Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have made their return to the T20 side.

The squad also includes Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Other players named in the squad are Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Mohammad Nafi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

According to the PCB, the Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28, while all three T20 matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31, and February 1.

The series is expected to attract strong fan interest as Pakistan prepares to face Australia at home in a high-profile T20 contest.

Snap elections called as Japan’s PM dissolves parliament

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Snap elections

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has declared that it is now up to the public to decide whether she should continue as the country’s leader, following her announcement to dissolve the lower house and call for snap elections on February 8.

According to international news agencies, Takaichi stated that the purpose of the new elections is to secure a parliamentary majority to push forward key initiatives, including economic reforms, changes to defense policies, and stricter immigration laws.

“I am putting my political credibility on the line to obtain a clear mandate from the people,” Takaichi said, emphasizing that a strong parliamentary majority is essential for implementing her agenda.

The dissolution of the lower house has triggered a 12-day election campaign for all 465 seats, with parties intensifying efforts to secure voter support.

In the 2024 elections, the ruling coalition held a slim majority, while the upper house lacked a clear majority, creating obstacles for smooth lawmaking. Increasing disagreements and competing interests within the coalition further complicated governance.

After longtime ally Komeito broke away, Takaichi formed an alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, agreeing on key policies such as a stronger military, male-only imperial succession, and the restart of closed nuclear reactors.

Meanwhile, Komeito has joined opposition forces under the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan to form a “Centrist Reform Alliance”, promoting agendas on gender equality, inclusive society, and prioritizing citizens’ needs.

The upcoming elections are being widely seen as a referendum on Takaichi’s leadership and her ambitious reform agenda.

Five Nipah virus cases confirmed in West Bengal, India

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Five Nipah virus

Authorities in West Bengal, India have confirmed five cases of Nipah virus, including infections among doctors and nurses, local media reported. One patient’s condition is reportedly critical.

According to international news agencies, affected individuals are receiving treatment in Kolkata and nearby hospitals, while approximately 100 people have been placed under precautionary home quarantine. The health department has intensified monitoring to contain the situation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nipah virus as a high-risk pathogen. Experts note that the virus is primarily transmitted from bats to humans, often through contaminated fruits. Currently, no vaccine or specific treatment exists for the infection.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that early symptoms of Nipah virus, such as fever, headache, and weakness, are nonspecific, making timely diagnosis challenging. The virus has an incubation period ranging from 4 to 21 days.

Health authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures and report any symptoms immediately to prevent further spread.

 Rare wedding in China as twin brothers tie knot with twin sisters

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 Rare wedding

FUYANG, CHINA: In a remarkable ceremony in central China’s Fuyang region, twin brothers tied the knot with twin sisters, creating a wedding that has captured the imagination of netizens worldwide.

The families had known each other for over 20 years, but the couples themselves were introduced in 2022, leading to a blossoming relationship between the siblings. The wedding gained further attention when it was revealed that both families’ twin uncles were also present at the ceremony.

Photos from the wedding quickly went viral on Chinese social media, amassing over 10 million views, leaving viewers amazed by the unusual family alignment.

A wedding guest remarked, “In my 60 years, I have never seen anything like this.” One bride shared that her in-laws often struggle to distinguish between her and her twin sister, while even her parents sometimes mix up the two brothers.

The brothers now live in separate homes, and both families are reportedly planning to submit the event for Guinness World Records, seeking recognition for a family hosting four sets of twins in such a unique union.

Babar Azam leaves BBL early to join Pakistan squad

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Babar Azam leaves BBL

LAHORE:Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam has concluded his stint in Australia’s Big Bash League as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called him back to prepare for the upcoming T20 series against Australia. He will no longer be available for the remaining matches with the Sydney Sixers.

PCB officials confirmed that Babar’s early return was due to his national duties, and he is expected to report to the Pakistan team’s training camp shortly.

Speaking on his departure, Babar said, “It has been a great experience playing for the Sydney Sixers. I am grateful for the love and support of the fans. Now it’s time to focus on my national duties. Playing in the Big Bash has taught me a lot, and the memories will always stay with me.”

He added that he would continue to support the Sydney Sixers in their upcoming matches.

During his 11-match stint, Babar scored 202 runs, including 19 fours and 3 sixes. With his departure, all Pakistani players have now exited this season of the Big Bash League.