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World News / International

Australia unveils spin-heavy provisional squad ahead of T20 World Cup

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Australia unveils

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been named in a spin-friendly 15-man provisional Australian squad for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, despite injuries affecting their recent Ashes campaign.

Test skipper Cummins featured in only one of the five Ashes Tests against England in Adelaide, as he continues to recover from a lower back issue, while Hazlewood missed the entire series due to an Achilles injury.

Cummins is scheduled for another back scan later this month to determine his fitness for the tournament, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Hazlewood and big-hitter Tim David (hamstring) are also on the comeback trail but are expected to be ready.

“Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup,” said chief selector George Bailey. He added that this is a preliminary squad and changes could be made ahead of the support period.

Left-arm spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly are new additions alongside experienced tweaker Adam Zampa and part-timer Glenn Maxwell. Australia’s group-stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly pitches are expected.

In a surprise move, the selectors chose no backup wicketkeeper for Josh Inglis and no left-arm pace replacement for Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20 internationals. The fast-bowling attack will be led by Cummins and Hazlewood, supported by Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis.

Australia will open their tournament campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. A separate squad will be named for a T20 series against Pakistan preceding the World Cup.

Provisional Squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

40 killed in explosion at luxury ski resort bar in Switzerland

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40 killed

At least 40 people have been killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a bar at a luxury ski resort in Switzerland, foreign media reported.

According to Swiss police, the blast occurred at a bar in the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort, triggering a massive fire inside the premises.

Police officials told an international news agency that several people were killed and injured in the incident, though they initially refrained from confirming exact casualty figures or the cause of the explosion.

Later, Italy’s foreign ministry, citing Swiss police, said that around 40 people were killed in the blast. The Swiss police commissioner also confirmed that nearly 100 people were injured in the ensuing fire, with many reported to be in critical condition.

Swiss authorities said some of the victims were foreign nationals, adding that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack.

Police said the explosion occurred at around 1:30 am between Wednesday and Thursday night, at a time when a large number of people were gathered at the bar to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the popular ski resort.

FIFA chief lauds Arshad Nadeem’s achievements in javelin throw

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FIFA chief lauds

KARACHI: Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem held a cordial meeting with International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino in Dubai during the Global Sports Summit.

During the meeting, Infantino inquired about Nadeem’s javelin throwing achievements.

In response, Arshad Nadeem shared that his best throw was 92 meters, but he aims to break his own record.

Infantino expressed his best wishes for the athlete’s future endeavors and the two took pictures together.

Interestingly, Gianni Infantino was already aware of Nadeem’s accomplishments, which pleasantly surprised the Pakistani javelin thrower.

Earlier, Arshad Nadeem added another milestone to his illustrious career after receiving the Global Breakthrough Athlete Award at the Global Sports Summit in Dubai, marking a historic moment for Pakistan athletics on the international stage.

The prestigious award was presented by Sheikh Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of the Ruler of Dubai, in recognition of Arshad Nadeem’s outstanding performances and his rise as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers.

Federal Information Atta Tarar congratulated Arshad Nadeem on his success.

Australian investor emerges as potential buyer for two new PSL teams

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Australian investor

LAHORE: An Australian investor, Hamza M. Chaudhry, has expressed interest in purchasing two new franchises for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Speaking at a program organized by the Sports Journalists Association of Lahore, Chaudhry clarified that he would be bidding individually, not as part of a consortium. He emphasized that the draft system is a fair method for player selection, ensuring equal opportunities for all teams.

Chaudhry, who hails from Lahore, expressed particular interest in the Sialkot and Faisalabad franchises. “We will try to acquire a team and further promote cricket. I have returned to my homeland to contribute to Pakistan’s economy,” he said.

He added that he envisions the PSL as a world-class league and intends to play his part in achieving that goal. “We will do our best to make the team win. Even if we are not successful, our passion for sports will continue,” he noted.

Having previously been involved in sports activities in Australia and England, Chaudhry said his team would conduct talent hunts across all proposed cities. “I have been a fan of Lahore Qalandars and now we aim to discover new talent. Our expert team has been working on this for the past one and a half months, and we will manage the team professionally once acquired,” he concluded.

Prominent figures from arts, politics, sports and media passed away in 2025

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Prominent figures

KARACHI: The year 2025 witnessed the loss of several prominent personalities from Pakistan’s arts, politics, sports and media sectors, leaving a lasting impact on their respective fields.

In the political arena, senior leaders Irfan Siddiqui, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Mian Muhammad Azhar and Agha Siraj Durrani passed away during the year.

Renowned economist and the country’s first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, also died in 2025, marking a significant loss for the financial and academic community.

Among other notable figures, respected intellectual Dr Arifa Syeda Zahra and acclaimed poet Tajammul Kaleem also passed away this year.

The television and film industry mourned the loss of veteran actress Ayesha Khan, along with Humaira Asghar, Humaira Abid Ali, and child star Umar Shah.

Additionally, celebrated artists Anwar Ali, Javed Kodu and Lucky Dear also left the world of entertainment forever.

In the world of sports, former international cricket umpire Khizar Hayat passed away, drawing tributes from the cricketing fraternity.

These losses marked a somber chapter in 2025, as the nation bid farewell to individuals who made enduring contributions to public life, culture, and sports.

World welcomes 2026 with hopes of peace, stability and prosperity

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World welcomes 2026

The New Year 2026 has begun across several countries around the world, with people celebrating amid hopes for peace, stability and prosperity.

In New Zealand, spectacular fireworks lit up the sky over Auckland as the iconic Sky Tower became the center of New Year celebrations. A large number of citizens gathered around the tower to witness the dazzling display as the country rang in the new year.

Australia also welcomed 2026 with grand celebrations. In Sydney, a breathtaking fireworks show illuminated the Sydney Harbour, while hundreds of people gathered along the coastline to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Across the globe, countries marked the occasion with traditional and modern festivities. In South Korea, the new year was welcomed by ringing a traditional bronze bell, symbolizing hope and renewal. In the United Arab Emirates, a spectacular fireworks display was planned at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s tallest buildings.

Major global cities including New York, London and Paris are also set to host large-scale New Year celebrations, attracting millions of spectators.

In Beijing, a New Year tea party featured a traditional opera performance. Addressing the event, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China would move forward with more proactive macroeconomic policies in 2026.

The celebrations reflected a shared global spirit of optimism as nations step into the new year with renewed aspirations for progress and harmony.

Rare 2,000-year-old Buddhist statue discovered from Afghanistan

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Afghanistan

A rare Buddhist-era statue dating back nearly 2,000 years has been discovered in Afghanistan’s Kapisa province, according to the Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture.

In a statement issued, the department said the ancient statue belongs to the Buddhist period and was crafted in the Greco-Buddhist style, reflecting a blend of Hellenistic and Buddhist artistic influences. The artifact was recovered from a house in the Kara Taz area of Kapisa.

The discovery comes amid long-standing accusations by historians and international organizations that the Taliban have damaged or neglected Afghanistan’s cultural and historical heritage.

Experts believe the statue could provide valuable insights into ancient Afghanistan’s art, culture, and its historical trade and cultural links with Buddhist civilizations.

The statue is currently in the custody of local authorities. However, it remains unclear whether international archaeologists and experts will be granted access to study the artifact.

Shaheen Afridi recalled from Big Bash League after knee injury

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Shaheen Afridi

SYDNEY: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been recalled from the Big Bash League (BBL) after sustaining a knee injury during the tournament.

While representing Brisbane Heat, Shaheen experienced knee discomfort during the match against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, December 27. Following the injury, a decision was made to send him back to Pakistan for further assessment and rehabilitation.

Shaheen Afridi is expected to return to Pakistan on Wednesday, where a comprehensive rehabilitation program will be arranged for him at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). In a statement, Brisbane Heat said Shaheen would undergo a re-assessment upon the team’s return from Adelaide.

Taking to social media, Shaheen Afridi confirmed that due to the unexpected injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had advised him to return home immediately. He stated that he would complete his rehab in Pakistan and expressed optimism about making a strong comeback to competitive cricket soon.

The fast bowler also thanked Brisbane Heat and his fans for their continued support during his time in the BBL.

Iran warns of strict response to any US attack after Trump’s threats

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Iran warns

Tehran: Iran has warned that it will respond forcefully to any potential attack following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran’s response to any act of aggression would be “very severe.” In a statement posted on X, he stressed that Iran would react strongly to any illegitimate aggression.

Iran’s parliament also reaffirmed the country’s right to self-defense. Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said Iran does not need permission from anyone to defend itself, warning that the Iranian nation’s response to any adventurism would be unpredictable.

The strong statements come after Donald Trump, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he would support renewed attacks on Iran if it resumes its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters in Florida after the meeting, Trump claimed that Iran was attempting to rebuild its nuclear facilities and said that immediate strikes should be carried out if Tehran continued nuclear construction.

Trump further stated that if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program, “we will have to take it down,” escalating rhetoric amid already heightened regional tensions.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Middle East’s best player award again

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Dubai: Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Middle East’s Best Player award for the third consecutive year, reaffirming his dominance in the region’s football scene.

Ronaldo clinched the honor at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai on December 27. The 40-year-old forward used the occasion to reiterate his strong determination to reach the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ronaldo said he wants to continue playing at the highest level, win more trophies, and achieve the 1,000-goal mark. “You know my goal. I want to keep playing, win more trophies, and reach 1,000 goals. I will get there, God willing, if I stay injury-free,” he said.

Following his recent two-goal performance for Al-Nassr against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo’s career tally has now reached 956 goals, leaving him just 44 goals away from the unprecedented 1,000-goal landmark—an achievement no footballer has officially accomplished to date.

Ronaldo’s latest accolade further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history and highlights his continued impact even in the later stages of his illustrious career.