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World News / International

England cricketer Moeen Ali announces to join PSL

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England cricketer


After South African skipper Faf du Plessis, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has also decided to skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) and participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In an Instagram post, Moeen Ali described this move as a “time for a new beginning.” He expressed excitement about joining the HBL PSL’s new season, praising the league for its high standards and world-class talent, which he said make it a prominent tournament in T20 cricket.

“Playing in Pakistan has always been a great experience,” Ali wrote. “The quality of cricket and the exceptional passion of the fans inspire you to perform at your best. I am looking forward to creating unforgettable memories and embracing this new and special experience, InshaAllah.”

Recently, South African cricketer Faf du Plessis had announced on social media that he would not participate in the IPL this season, choosing instead to take on the new challenge of playing in the PSL.

UK junior doctors declare strike after pay talks fail

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UK junior doctors

LONDON: Resident doctors in England have announced a strike from 17 to 22 December, pressing the government to address their long-standing demands, according to media reports.

The head of the Resident Doctors Committee said the UK government has failed to deliver a meaningful increase in doctors’ pay and has not presented a credible plan to tackle the ongoing workforce crisis. He added that industrial action has become the only option left for doctors.

British media reported that resident doctors currently receive £15 per hour, a rate they have termed insufficient, prompting renewed calls for pay restoration.

This will be the 14th strike by resident doctors in support of their demands. Resident doctors make up nearly half of the NHS medical workforce, making the upcoming walkout a significant challenge for the already strained health system.

Para-Weightlifter Rohit murdered in Haryana over harassment complaint

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Para-Weightlifter

Rohtak, Haryana: An international para weightlifter, Rohit, was brutally killed in Rohtak, Haryana, after intervening to stop the harassment of women at a wedding ceremony.

According to Indian media, more than a dozen guests at the wedding attacked Rohit with sticks and weapons following his protest against inappropriate behavior towards women. The injured athlete was initially taken to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The incident took place in Bhawani village, where Rohit had attended the wedding of his friend Jitan’s relative.

 Reports indicate that during the ceremony, a man named Rahul, reportedly intoxicated, made inappropriate remarks towards women. Rohit confronted him, which led to a brief altercation that was initially resolved by other guests.

However, on their way back, Rahul and his accomplices stopped Rohit’s car and attacked him with rods and sticks. Police were informed immediately after the assault.

Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation, while the search for the suspects is ongoing.

Heavy storms in Southeast Asia kill more than 600

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Heavy storms

Jakarta: Torrential rains and landslides that have battered Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia for the past week have claimed the lives of more than 600 people.

According to news agencies, the disaster has affected over 4 million people across the three countries. In Indonesia, 442 people have died, 170 in Thailand, and 2 in Malaysia. A cyclone forming over the Strait of Malacca has intensified stormy rains and strong winds over the past week.

In Indonesia’s western province of Sumatra, landslides and flooding have severely impacted three districts. Rescue teams are delivering relief supplies to remote areas via helicopters.

Afri Anti, a 41-year-old woman from Padang, West Sumatra, said, “Water suddenly entered our home. We ran in fear. When we returned, the house was destroyed. Only one wall remains. We are now living next to it in a tent. Our shop is gone too—nothing is left.”

So far, 289 people are reported missing in Indonesia, and 213,000 have been displaced. In Thailand’s Songkhla province, 131 deaths have been reported, with the city of Hat Yai recording 335mm of rain last Friday—its highest single-day rainfall in 300 years. In Malaysia, 24,500 people remain in relief camps.

Babar Azam breaks Shahid Afridi’s international catch record

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Babar Azam

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has achieved yet another milestone, surpassing former star all-rounder Shahid Afridi to become the Pakistani player with the most catches in international matches.

Babar Azam reached this landmark during the final of the tri-nation T20 series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, where he took the catch of Kusal Mendis. In the final match, he took three catches, bringing his total to 170 international catches, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s 167.

In the all-time list, former captain Younis Khan remains at the top with 281 catches, followed by former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq with 194 catches. Shahid Afridi, who previously held the record, has now moved down the rankings.

Additionally, Babar Azam became Pakistan’s leading fielder in T20 internationals by taking three catches in the same final, bringing his total to 60 catches in T20s. He surpassed Fakhar Zaman, who has 57 catches, while Shoaib Malik holds the third spot with 50 catches.

Kashif Rehan secures World Powerlifting gold despite financial hardships

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Kashif Rehan

Quetta: Pakistani weightlifter Kashif Rehan, who travelled to Sri Lanka on borrowed money, has won a gold medal at the World Powerlifting Championship.

Kashif Rehan brought pride to the nation by securing the top position after lifting a total of 310 kilograms, including a 160kg deadlift and a 150kg squat.

More than 350 weightlifters from various countries participated in the competition. Despite financial constraints, Kashif had to borrow money to travel to Sri Lanka and compete.

The World Powerlifting Championship was held in Colombo from November 27 to 30. Prior to this, Kashif had also won a gold medal at the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship.

Earlier, the gold medallist had revealed that he faced severe hardships in Quetta, where he struggled to arrange funds for international events. For his participation in the Doha championship, he said he received no official support and had to sell his car to compete.

Although he won the Asian Masters Championship in Qatar in May, he had travelled at his own expense. Similarly, he borrowed money again to take part in the powerlifting championship held in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, Afghanistan moving toward new military clash: Washington Post

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:  According to a report published by The Washington Post, Pakistan and Afghanistan appear to be heading toward a new wave of military confrontation.

The U.S. newspaper, citing recent updates from Asia alongside coverage of the wars in Ukraine and Africa, states that India’s increasing diplomatic and political engagement with the Taliban has further heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Analysts noted that both countries seem to be moving toward renewed military hostilities. The recent airstrike in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, which left several people dead—including nine children—has added to the worsening situation. Grieving families were seen burying their loved ones after the attack.

The report adds that rapidly shifting dynamics in the region have complicated border security and intensified a fresh struggle for influence among regional powers.

Hong Kong residential fire claims 128 lives, scores injured

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Hong Kong

A devastating fire in residential buildings in Hong Kong has claimed 128 lives, with local authorities reporting 79 injured and dozens still missing.

According to international media reports, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. However, authorities said that polystyrene sheets and protective nets installed on the exterior windows of the buildings contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.

Reports indicate that renovation and repair work was ongoing in the buildings prior to the fire. In connection with this, the Anti-Corruption Commission arrested eight individuals on suspicion of corruption, including a director of an engineering company.

Police are collecting evidence from inside the affected buildings, with officials stating that the investigation could take three to four weeks to complete.

The government has established temporary shelters and support centers for the affected families.

This fire has been described as the worst in Hong Kong’s 70-year history.

Sri Lanka cyclone and floods claim 123 lives

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Sri Lanka

Colombo: The death toll in Sri Lanka has risen to 123 following severe rains and flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwa.

The country’s Disaster Management Centre confirmed the fatalities, adding that 130 people are still missing as a result of the storm.

According to Reuters, officials said most deaths occurred due to landslides. Heavy rainfall—up to 300 mm in the northern and eastern regions—caused widespread landslides.

The Disaster Management Centre reported that more than 44,000 people have been affected nationwide. Many have been relocated to schools and public facilities for safety.

Sri Lanka’s Irrigation Department warned that further flooding is expected in the already inundated eastern and southern regions, while the capital Colombo also faces a risk of flooding.

Authorities stated that several people stranded on rooftops were rescued by helicopters as floodwaters rose.

Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in tri-nation T20 series final today

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Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: The final of the Tri-Nation T20 Series will be played on Saturday between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan secured their spot in the final after winning three out of four matches in the tournament, while Sri Lanka qualified by winning two games. The Sri Lankan side defeated Zimbabwe earlier and overcame Pakistan in their last group match.

Captains Salman Ali Agha and Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka posed with the trophy at a local hotel ahead of the clash.

The decisive encounter between the two teams will take place today at Rawalpindi Stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 6 PM.