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World News / International

New teams in PSL 11: auction set for Dec 22

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New teams

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the auction for two new PSL 11 franchises by one week, with the event now scheduled for December 22, 2025..

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated on social media platform X that the extension has been granted due to the growing global popularity of the PSL, giving investors more time to participate in the bidding process.

The PCB has also reportedly tripled the valuation of the six existing PSL franchises. For the two new teams, the reserve price has been set at PKR 1.3 billion per year.

While official confirmation on the final prices is yet to be made, media reports suggest the valuations are likely to be higher than previous seasons.

Notably, unlike 2016 when franchise prices were quoted in US dollars, all financial transactions for PSL 11 will now be conducted in Pakistani rupees.

To attract investors for the new teams and the Multan Sultans, the PCB recently organized a roadshow in London.

Six cities in Pakistan—Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit—have been shortlisted, with two cities to be selected for the new franchises, expanding the PSL from six to eight teams.

2,000 Afghan arrivals in US found to have terror links, officials say

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2,000 Afghan

Washington: The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has revealed that among Afghan nationals who entered the United States under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, approximately 2,000 individuals have direct or potential links to terrorist organizations.

In an interview with US media, Gabbard criticized the slow vetting process for Afghans who arrived under the program, which saw 18,000 Afghan nationals resettled in the US.

She stated that under Operation Allies Welcome, each Afghan arrival is now undergoing close scrutiny, with multiple agencies actively involved in the review process.

Gabbard highlighted that terrorist groups, including ISIS, are reportedly planning attacks on US soil and are seeking individuals capable of carrying out such operations. She emphasized that this threat is being taken extremely seriously by US authorities.

The intelligence chief also noted that in recent years, the number of individuals entering the US illegally has increased, adding another layer of concern for national security agencies.

Netherlands defeat Pakistan in goal-filled Pro Hockey League clash

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Netherlands defeat

SANTIAGO: In the ongoing Pro Hockey League in Santiago, Argentina, Pakistan faced its third consecutive defeat during the first phase of the tournament.

The Netherlands defeated Pakistan 7-3 in the third match, adding to Pakistan’s earlier losses against Argentina (3-2) and Netherlands (5-2).

During the match, Muhammad Sufyan Khan scored two goals and Rana Waheed Ashraf added one, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its fourth match against host Argentina on December 15, aiming to recover in the tournament.

The team has struggled to find form, facing tough competition from both the Netherlands and Argentina, as they look to improve results in upcoming matches.

Hospitals overwhelmed as ‘Super Flu’ cases rise globally

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Super Flu

LONDON/ ISLAMABD: A wave of super flu has led to a worrying increase in hospital admissions across various regions worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a new strain of influenza, A(H3N2) sub-group ‘subclade K’, has caused a rapid rise in flu cases in the UK and several European countries.

The UK Department of Health reported that hospitals are admitting an average of over 2,600 patients daily, marking a 50% increase compared to last week.

UK Health Minister described the situation as the greatest pressure on hospitals since COVID-19, while WHO noted that the new strain is not more dangerous, though its spread began earlier than usual.

Children and the elderly are among the most affected, prompting some schools to temporarily close or reduce operational hours to curb transmission.

Denmark considers social media ban for children over mental health issues

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Denmark considers

DENMARK: Denmark is planning to restrict social media access for children under 15, following Australia’s example, to address the growing mental health risks associated with online platforms.

According to Danish authorities, the proposed reforms will limit access to social media platforms for children below 15 years of age. However, in certain specific cases, children may be allowed to use social media with parental consent.

The government has stated that in recent years, children have become excessively engaged in the digital world, exposing them to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, mental stress, and other psychological challenges.

Officials warned that the overuse of social media is negatively affecting children’s mental health, academic performance, and social behavior, prompting the need for regulatory intervention.

Denmark’s Minister for Digital Affairs emphasized that the initiative is not intended to curtail children’s freedom, but rather to safeguard their future and support healthy mental development. The minister added that protecting children from online risks is a shared responsibility of both the state and parents.

Meanwhile, a recent survey has revealed a rise in anxiety among children linked to excessive social media use, further strengthening the case for stricter digital regulations.

New Zealand crushes West Indies by 9 wickets in second test

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New Zealand

Wellington: New Zealand defeated the West Indies by 9 wickets in the second Test of the series, held in Wellington.

Winning the toss, New Zealand invited the West Indies to bat first. The visitors were dismissed for 205 runs, with Blair Tickner taking 4 wickets, Michael Rae 3, and Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips one each.

New Zealand declared their first innings at 278/9, with Mitchell Hay scoring 61 and Devon Conway 60. The West Indies bowlers included Anderson Phillip (3 wickets), Kemar Roach (2), and one each for Jaden Seales, Odean Shields, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase.

In their second innings, West Indies managed only 128 runs, as Jacob Duffy took 5 wickets, Michael Rae 3, and Zack Folkes 1.

Chasing a modest 56-run target, New Zealand achieved it comfortably, losing just one wicket. Devon Conway scored 28* and Ken Williamson 16*; captain Tom Latham made 9.

With this win, New Zealand leads the three-Test series 1-0. The third and final Test will be played in Mount Maunganui from December 18, forming part of the World Test Championship.

How did Pakistan cricket team perform in 2025?

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cricket team

LAHORE: In 2025, the Pakistan cricket team showed significant progress in T20 cricket, combining impressive wins with a bold, modern playing style.

Statistics show a marked improvement in Pakistan’s six-hitting ability. Across 34 T20 matches, the team faced 3,872 balls and hit 235 sixes, averaging 7 sixes per match and one six every 16 balls.

In comparison, in 2024, Pakistan hit just 152 sixes in 27 matches, averaging one six every 19 balls and fewer than 6 sixes per match.

The change in playing style reflects a more attacking approach, attributed in part to head coach Mike Hesson’s strategies.

Pakistan won 21 out of 34 T20 matches this year, and ahead of the next T20 World Cup, the team’s evolving white-ball strategy highlights its progress and potential for further success

TIME Magazine announces 2025 person of the year

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TIME Magazine

KARACHI: As the year draws to a close, TIME Magazine has announced its Person(s) of the Year 2025, honoring individuals who have made significant societal impacts through the imagination, design, and development of artificial intelligence (AI).

TIME has released two cover images for 2025. One highlights the pervasive influence of AI, while the other features tech leaders Mark Zuckerberg, Lisa Su, Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Sam Altman, Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei, and Fei-Fei Li.

In a letter to readers, Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs stated that selecting the Person of the Year is a powerful way to focus global attention on those shaping our lives — and this year, no one’s influence surpassed that of AI architects.

He added that 2025 was the year when AI’s full potential became visible, providing answers to nearly every question and redefining the possibilities across industries.

Austria passes law banning hijab for girls under 14 in schools

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Austria

Austria’s parliament has approved a new law banning girls under the age of 14 from wearing the hijab in schools. According to international media reports, the Green Party voted against the motion, calling it unconstitutional.

Under the new legislation, violations could result in fines of up to €800.

Human rights groups and experts have criticised the decision, describing it as discriminatory and warning that such measures could deepen social divisions.

The Austrian government had introduced the proposal earlier this year, claiming the ban aims to “protect young girls from oppression.”

This is not the first such restriction in the country — in 2019, Austria had already banned headscarves for girls under 10 in schools.

Who is Shaheen Afridi’s cricket role model?

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Shaheen Afridi

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has revealed that he considers Australian pacer Mitchell Starc as his cricket role model and is eagerly looking forward to meeting him soon.

Shaheen said that whenever he played alongside Starc against Australia, their interactions were encouraging, and Starc always motivated him.

He also shared that watching Starc’s 2015 Cricket World Cup spell left a lasting impression, prompting him to follow Starc’s career closely.

Shaheen credited the performances of both Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult for helping him improve his skills on the cricket field, describing them as true icons for young cricketers.

Starc, in recent years, has not only broken records held by Wasim Akram but has also become a role model for aspiring fast bowlers.

Shaheen further noted that Starc’s ability to bowl at speeds of 140 km/h or more serves as a major inspiration for young players.