BREAKING NEWS
Shamoon Abbasi opposes reported drama on drug dealer ‘Pinky’ • Wasim Akram and others break silence on criticism over Hajj journey • 17 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations across Balochistan • Two Pakistanis arrested over killing of four Pakistanis in Italy’s Calabria • Australia set Pakistan 232-run target in second ODI in Lahore • Ranveer Singh faces fresh setback amid ‘Don 3’ controversy • Who is Momina Iqbal’s husband? Details emerge • Federal budget delay linked to political deadlock over key legislation • Iran warns it will halt US talks if Israel continues strikes on Lebanon • Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif criticises development delays in Gilgit-Baltistan • Actress Raveena Tandon’s mother’s home targeted in theft • Supercomputer reveals favourite to win 2026 FIFA World Cup • New Drama Buzz: Saba Qamar may play Anmol “Pinkie” character • Dua Lipa marries actor Callum Turner in private London ceremony • Momina Iqbal’s mehndi celebrations go viral on social media
Advertise with us >

Sports

Australian Cricket delegation arrives in Lahore ahead of T20 series

by
Australian Cricket

LAHORE: A recce team from Cricket Australia has arrived in Lahore to assess arrangements for the upcoming tour of Pakistan.

According to sources, the team is scheduled to inspect the venues, including Gaddafi Stadium, the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and the LCCA Ground.

During the visit, officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and security agencies will brief the delegation on preparations and security measures.

Australia’s T20 squad is expected to tour Pakistan late next month, with a three-match T20I series planned between the two sides. Sources indicate that all three fixtures are likely to be hosted in Lahore.

Geoffrey Boycott slams England after second Ashes Test defeat

by
Geoffrey Boycott

LONDON: Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has strongly criticised the national side following their defeat against Australia in the second Ashes Test, labelling the team “irresponsible and useless”.

Boycott lashed out at Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, saying they believe only they understand modern Test cricket. “We should stop listening to them now,” he remarked.

Boycott termed the performance in Brisbane a “horror show”, blaming reckless batting and short-length bowling. He insisted that this Australian side was beatable. With England trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, the former captain said the team now needs a miracle. “With this batting and bowling, England can’t win,” he added.

He further stated that England had been planning for this Ashes series for four years, but are now performing poorly. “No one in the England setup is willing to listen to anyone outside their camp. Test cricket has changed, and they think they alone know modern-day cricket,” said Boycott.

Commenting on batter Harry Brook, Boycott questioned his shot selection and footwork, saying fans want to know what is going on in his mind, as he is failing to move his feet effectively on Australian pitches.

Australia won the first two Tests convincingly to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.

PSL promotion drive held at Lord’s to attract new investment

by
PSL promotion

LONDON: A promotional roadshow for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was organised at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London to enhance global outreach and invite fresh investment into the league.

The event aimed to highlight PSL’s vision, commercial model, and future strategy. Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, along with other national cricketers, attended the roadshow, while Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also present and briefed participants about the league’s structure and future prospects.

The PSL continues to gain popularity internationally and is among the most-searched sports events on Google, even drawing strong traction from India.

HBL PSL is recognised as one of the fastest growing T20 leagues in world cricket.

First test between New Zealand and West Indies ends in draw

by
First test

The opening Test match between New Zealand and West Indies at Christchurch concluded in a draw after a remarkable batting display from the West Indies in the final innings.

Chasing a massive target of 531 runs, the visitors held their ground with resilience, finishing at 457 for 6 after 163.3 overs. Justin Greaves played a historic innings, remaining unbeaten on 202 off 388 balls, while Kemar Roach provided strong support with an unbeaten 58 from 233 deliveries.

The pair added a crucial 180-run partnership for the seventh wicket, ensuring the match ended without a result. Earlier, Shai Hope contributed significantly with a superb 140-run knock.

New Zealand earlier posted 231 in the first innings, followed by 466/8 declared in the second. West Indies were dismissed for 167 in their first innings, but a valiant batting effort in the fourth innings saved them from defeat.

For his outstanding double-century, Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match.

FIFA honours Trump with peace award at World Cup draw ceremony

by
FIFA honours Trump

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has awarded US President Donald Trump the FIFA Peace Award.

According to international media reports, Trump received the honour during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony, scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.

The award was presented to Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a ceremony held in Washington. Media outlets in the U.S. reported that FIFA had announced the honour last month, stating it would be given to individuals who made exceptional efforts for the cause of peace.

Speaking at the ceremony, Trump expressed gratitude, calling it “one of the greatest honours of my life.” He stated, “We saved millions of lives. We prevented wars—whether in Congo or by stopping conflict between India and Pakistan before it erupted.”

Trump also praised Infantino for his leadership, acknowledging remarkable achievements in football development and record-breaking ticket sales, describing the honour as a moment of pride for both the sport and its global community.

FIFA World Cup 2026 draw announced

by
FIFA World Cup

The draw for the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 has been finalized, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups for the mega event scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.

The highly anticipated ceremony took place in the United States, where  US President Donald Trump also attended the event.

As per the official grouping:

Group A: Mexico (host), South Africa, South Korea, Playoff D winner

Group B: Canada (host), Qatar, Switzerland, UEFA Playoff A winner (Wales or Northern Ireland)

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

Group D: United States (host), Australia, Paraguay, UEFA Playoff C winner

Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Qualifier B winner

Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde

Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA Playoff 2 winner

Group J: Argentina (defending champions), Austria, Algeria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, FIFA Qualifier 1 winner

Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

The expanded format will see intense competition as teams battle through the group stage for a place in the knockout rounds. Fans worldwide now eagerly await the kickoff of football’s biggest global tournament next year.

Coco Gauff leads women athletes in 2025 income rankings

by
Coco Gauff

WASHINGTON: Female tennis stars continue to dominate earnings charts, surpassing athletes from other sports in 2025.

According to US media, Coco Gauff has emerged as the highest-earning athlete this year, earning a total of $31 million. Of this, $8 million came from prize money and $23 million from sponsorships and other deals. Gauff has now been the highest-earning female athlete for three consecutive years.

World No. 1 tennis star Aryna Sabalenka earned $30 million in 2025, with $15 million from prize money and the rest from contracts. Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek earned $23.1 million, including $10.1 million in prize money and $13 million from sponsorships, while freestyle skier Eileen Gu earned $23 million.

So far, only four female athletes have crossed the $30 million mark this year: Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, and Serena Williams.

Among the top 15 highest-earning female athletes, 10 are tennis players, and in the top 10, seven are WTA stars.

England bowled out for 334 in first innings of second Ashes Test

by
England bowled

In the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, England were dismissed for 334 runs in their first innings.

On the second day, the visitors could add only 9 runs to their overnight total before losing the final wicket. Jofra Archer, who resumed with Joe Root, scored 38 before being caught by Marnus Labuschagne. Joe Root remained unbeaten with a magnificent 138.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 6 wickets, while Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland picked up one wicket each.

Earlier on Day 1, after opting to bat first upon winning the toss, England suffered an early blow yet again, losing Ben Duckett for a golden duck in the opening over. Ollie Pope followed soon after, departing without scoring.

Zak Crawley and Joe Root steadied the innings, adding 117 runs for the third wicket. Crawley fell for 76 to Michael Neser. Harry Brook contributed 31 before being dismissed by Starc, a wicket that marked Starc’s record-breaking 415th in Test cricket, surpassing Wasim Akram.

Skipper Ben Stokes scored 19, Jamie Smith was out for zero, Will Jacks made 19, Gus Atkinson 4, while Brydon Carse departed without scoring.

England had ended the first day at 325 for 9 before being bowled out early on Day 2.

Mitchell Starc breaks Wasim Akram’s 23-year-old test record

by
Mitchell Starc

Brisbane: Australia’s left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc has set a new milestone in Test cricket by breaking Pakistan legend Wasim Akram’s 23-year-old world record.

During the pink-ball Ashes Test at the Gabba, Starc dismissed English batters Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in the first innings, marking a historic achievement.

With these wickets, Starc has now become the highest wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket. Previously, the record belonged to Wasim Akram, who claimed 414 wickets in 104 Test matches.

Mitchell Starc surpassed the record by securing his 415th wicket in his 102nd Test match.

It is worth noting that England’s James Anderson holds the overall record for most Test wickets by a fast bowler, with 704 wickets in 188 matches.

KL Rahul and India’s 20-match toss curse: What Went Wrong?

by
KL Rahul

AHMEDABAD: Indian cricket captain KL Rahul has now lost the toss in 20 consecutive international matches, setting an unfortunate record for the team.

In Wednesday’s ODI against South Africa, Rahul again lost the toss to Temba Bavuma, continuing the streak that has made India the subject of jokes and discussions among fans and experts alike.

When Rahul called the toss against Bavuma, spectators hoped luck might favor him this time. However, as in the previous 19 instances, the coin fell against the Indian captain.

This streak dates back to the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad when Rohit Sharma was leading India in ODIs.

Since then, the team has consistently failed to win the toss. In statistical terms, losing 20 tosses in a row has a probability of only 1 in 1,048,576.

South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma correctly called “heads” and opted to field first. Despite the setback, KL Rahul managed a wry smile after the toss, admitting: “Honestly, this is the most pressure I’ve faced because we haven’t won the toss in a long time.”