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World News / International

Babur Azam’s selfie with Indian fan goes viral in Melbourne

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Babur Azam’s selfie

Melbourne: Pakistan’s national cricketer Babur Azam shared a memorable moment with an Indian fan, which quickly went viral on social media.

After the Melbourne Stars faced Sydney Sixers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Babur Azam interacted with fans, signing autographs and taking photos.

Among the spectators, an Indian girl wearing her national team jersey approached him, holding a poster with his picture, and requested a selfie along with an autograph.

Babur Azam obliged, posing for a photo with the fan and signing her poster. The heartwarming moment received widespread attention online, with fans praising his courteous and positive demeanor. Many noted that despite the intense emotions surrounding Pakistan-India cricket matches, Babur Azam’s popularity transcends borders.

On the match front, Sydney Sixers defeated Melbourne Stars by six wickets. Babur Azam had a modest outing, being dismissed LBW by Stars captain Marcus Stoinis in the seventh over after scoring 14 runs off 17 balls, including one boundary.

Although visibly disappointed, he did not contest the umpire’s decision and returned to the pavilion after a brief conversation with his batting partner.

So far in the tournament, Babur Azam has delivered mixed performances, scoring 145 runs across seven innings, including two half-centuries.

Iran will not tolerate mercenary forces: Ayatollah Khamenei

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Ayatollah Khamenei

Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that the country will not tolerate mercenary forces operating within its borders.

Addressing the public, Khamenei emphasized the importance of national unity and urged Iranians to remain steadfast amidst ongoing unrest.

He criticized elements causing damage to public property, accusing them of trying to please US President Donald Trump, and said Trump should focus on his own country’s issues.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not tolerate mercenary forces,” Khamenei asserted.

The remarks come amid nationwide protests against the country’s ongoing economic crisis, which began on December 28. Clashes during the demonstrations have so far left 45 people dead, including security personnel.

In response to the unrest, internet services across Iran have been largely shut down, severely limiting communication and access to information.

Trump announces US withdrawal from 66 international and UN organizations

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Trump announces

Washington:  US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will withdraw from 66 international organizations, including multiple United Nations agencies, and will end its financial support for them.

Trump stated that the decision affects several UN bodies and international institutions, including a major environmental agreement and the UN entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, citing that these organizations work against U.S. national interests.

Among the agencies affected, the U.S. will withdraw from UN Women, which focuses on gender equality, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports family planning and maternal and child health in over 150 countries. The U.S. had already cut funding to UNFPA last year.

The White House released a list highlighting 35 organizations outside the UN system, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the National Democratic Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Additionally, the US will step back from 31 UN agencies, including the central UN climate framework (UNFCCC), the UN Democracy Fund, and UNFPA, the key agency working on maternal and child health. Last year, the U.S. also skipped its first UN annual climate conference in three decades.

According to the British news agency, Trump’s move reflects his long-standing skepticism toward multilateral institutions, particularly the UN. He has frequently questioned their utility, cost, and accountability, arguing that many fail to serve American interests.

A formal response from the United Nations is expected following this announcement. Since the start of his second term last January, Trump has already pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the UN Human Rights Council.

Football icon Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement plans

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Football icon Lionel

Buenos Aires: Global football icon Lionel Messi, who enjoys immense popularity across the world, has shared his thoughts on life after retirement, offering fans a glimpse into his future ambitions beyond the pitch.

According to international media reports, Messi said that after retiring from professional football, he would prefer to become a football club owner rather than pursue a coaching career. He clarified that he does not see himself in the role of a coach, but is more interested in club management and contributing to the long-term development of a team.

In an interview, Messi stated that if given multiple options, he would choose to become a club owner. He expressed a desire to establish his own club, starting from the grassroots level, with a focus on nurturing young talent and gradually building a strong and competitive football institution.

It is worth noting that in October, Messi extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami for three years, keeping him with the club until the 2028 season. The deal also includes an option for minority ownership in Inter Miami in the future.

Messi is already a co-owner of Uruguayan fourth-division club Deportivo LSM, which he founded in collaboration with his close friend and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. Established in 2018, the club reportedly has more than 3,000 registered members.

On the field, Messi continues to deliver exceptional performances. In the current season, he won the MLS Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists. His total goal contributions stood at 48, just one short of the league record, further cementing his status as one of the greatest athletes of the century.

Pakistan Super League welcomes Hyderabad and Sialkot teams

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Pakistan Super League

ISLAMABAD: The auction for two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams concluded successfully, with Hyderabad purchased for PKR 1.75 billion as the 7th franchise and Sialkot acquired for PKR 1.85 billion as the 8th franchise.

The event was held at the Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad, and attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, federal ministers, prominent players, and officials.

Nine bidders and six potential cities were introduced at the start of the auction. Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi officially opened the proceedings by ringing the ceremonial bell, while Wasim Akram served as the auctioneer. The base price for each franchise was set at PKR 1.1 billion, with a minimum increment of PKR 10 million per bid.

In the first round of bidding, FKS Group successfully acquired the 7th team with a bid of PKR 1.75 billion, selecting Hyderabad as the team’s home city. In the second and final stage, Ozee Developers won the 8th franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, naming the team Sialkot.

Before the auction, the ceremony also honored recent tournament winners. Pakistan Shaheens and Hong Kong Sixes teams were awarded for their achievements, with the Hong Kong Super Sixes winning Pakistani team receiving PKR 185 million and the Rising Stars Asia Cup winners awarded PKR 90 million. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presented the prizes.

Speaking at the event, PSL CEO Salman Naseer highlighted that the league’s decade-long journey has been full of challenges and successes. “We are not just fighting to survive, but to grow. Thanks to our teams, players, sponsors, franchises, and fans, PSL is today counted among the world’s top leagues,” he said.

The 11th season of PSL is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026. With the addition of Hyderabad and Sialkot, the total number of PSL teams has increased from six to eight.

About FKS Group

FKS Group, a leading Southeast Asian conglomerate with interests in food and agriculture, logistics, and property development, won the 7th franchise after a competitive bidding process.

With strong operational foundations in Indonesia, the group has recently expanded into sports investments, marking its first formal entry into the cricketing world with PSL.

About Ozee Developers

Ozee Developers, chaired by Hamza Majeed, is active in real estate and property development and seeks investment opportunities in sports and recreational ventures. The acquisition of the Sialkot franchise represents their entry into Pakistan’s premier cricket league.

Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka in first T20I

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Pakistan defeat

Dambulla: Pakistan made a winning start to the three-match T20 series by defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the opening match, taking a 1-0 lead.

Chasing a modest target of 129 runs, Pakistan reached the total in the 17th over with the loss of four wickets. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid dividends as the bowlers delivered a disciplined performance.

Pakistan’s playing XI saw the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, alongside Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. The bowling unit included Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

ri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs, struggling against Pakistan’s incisive bowling attack. Janith Liyanage top-scored for the hosts with 40 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka chipped in with 18 runs each.

For Pakistan, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets apiece, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr picked up two wickets each.

Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, led by a composed half-century from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 51 off 36 balls. Saim Ayub contributed 24 runs, while Salman Ali Agha scored 16 and Fakhar Zaman managed five before being dismissed.

Shadab Khan (18*) and Usman Khan (7*) remained unbeaten to see Pakistan home, sealing a convincing victory in the series opener.

US Navy seizes Russian tanker escaping Venezuela blockade

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US Navy seizes

WASHINGTON: The US Navy and Coast Guard have seized a Russian tanker that had attempted to evade a partial US blockade of Venezuela, according to international news agencies.

The tanker, which had been under pursuit for several weeks, was previously protected by a Russian submarine and a warship during its voyage.

The US authorities said the vessel is part of a so-called “shadow fleet” transporting crude oil for countries facing American sanctions, including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.

Earlier reports by the Wall Street Journal indicated that Russia dispatched a submarine and additional naval vessels to protect the tanker. CBS News confirmed the deployment, citing two US officials.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the US pursuit on Tuesday, stating that the tanker, traveling under the Russian flag, was far from US shores and had been receiving “unusual attention” from American and NATO forces.

Following the US Coast Guard chase, the tanker transferred its registration to Russia, changed its name from Bella 1 to Marinera, and the crew painted the Russian flag on the vessel last month.

The incident highlights rising tensions over oil shipments from sanctioned nations and underscores the ongoing strategic maneuvering in the Caribbean and Atlantic waters.

Pakistani-American Muslims make history in Cambridge elections

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Pakistani-American Muslims

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS: For the first time in Cambridge’s history, both the mayor and deputy mayor positions have been won by young Pakistani-Americans.

In the elections held on January 5, 2026, Karachi-born Sumbul Siddiqui was elected mayor of Cambridge for a third consecutive term (2026–2027), while Burhan Azeem from Burewala, Punjab, became the city’s youngest-ever deputy mayor.

Sumbul Siddiqui, a practicing lawyer, has been active in American politics for several years. She was first elected to the Cambridge City Council in 2017 and previously served as mayor twice from 2020 to 2024. Siddiqui is Cambridge’s first Muslim mayor and the first Asian woman to be elected for three consecutive terms in the city’s history.

Burhan Azeem, the son of Professor Munir Chaudhry and an MIT engineering graduate, had previously become Cambridge’s youngest-ever councillor. With his second term as councillor, he now also holds the record as the city’s youngest deputy mayor.

The historic win underscores the growing representation and influence of Pakistani-Americans in US local governance.

Moeen Ali expresses regret over Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL exclusion

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Moeen Ali expresses regret

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has expressed regret over the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), describing the situation as unfortunate and a reflection of long-standing issues in international cricket.

In an interview, Moeen Ali, without explicitly naming India, suggested that cricket boards in countries like Australia and England prioritize their own interests, remaining silent on contentious matters. “Politics and the world operate in the same way,” he said.

Ali also criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC), implying that those who control the organization influence decisions but face little scrutiny. “Everyone knows who runs the ICC, yet no one says anything,” he stated.

He added that the IPL decision regarding Mustafizur Rahman is disappointing but not surprising, noting that similar situations have historically affected Pakistan, though often without public discussion.

Regarding Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, Moeen Ali clarified that he does not blame the Bangladeshi cricket board for the move.

Sri Lanka announce 18-member squad for T20I series against Pakistan

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Sri Lanka announce

Sri Lanka have announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Pakistan, marking the return of a key player ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.

The Sri Lankan side will be led by Dasun Shanaka, while Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has been recalled to the T20 squad.

De Silva last featured in a T20I for Sri Lanka in June 2024 against the Netherlands and now makes his return at a crucial stage before the global tournament.

The Pakistan series is being seen as an important preparation opportunity for Sri Lanka as they fine-tune combinations and assess player form ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Selectors have opted for a balanced squad, blending experience with emerging talent, as Sri Lanka aim to test their depth against a strong Pakistan side in high-intensity conditions.