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Zahid Noor

  • Pakistan to take on South Africa in WCL 2025 final today

    Pakistan to take on South Africa in WCL 2025 final today

    BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions take on South Africa Champions in World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.

    The highly anticipated WCL 2025 final match, will kick off at 8:30 PM PST in Birmingham today.

    Right before the clash, Pakistan Champions all-rounder Shahid Afridi confirmed that he will not feature in the final of the World Championship of Legends against South Africa.

    Despite his absence on the field, the team has performed impressively, remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage and reaching the final after India Champions forfeited their semi-final clash.

    Fans were hoping to see Afridi in action during the final. However, during a press conference in Manchester, the star all-rounder revealed that doctors advised him not to play.

    “The doctor has advised me to rest, so I won’t be playing the final,” he said, adding that he had hoped to make a comeback if Pakistan had played India in the semi-final.

    Read more: Pakistan thrash South Africa in WCL 2025 clash

    “My heart wanted to play, especially if that semi-final had happened. Maybe I would’ve pushed through the pain.”

    Pakistan Champions advanced to the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final after India Champions pulled out of the semi-final against the archrivals on Wednesday.

    The development was confirmed by the official Facebook account of the WCL, which said that the match has been called off due to the India Champions’ refusal to play the semi-final.

    “At WCL, we have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in the world,” the league said in a statement.

    It continued, “However, public sentiment must always be respected -after all, everything we do is for our audience.”

  • India boycott WCL semi-final clash with Pakistan: reports

    India boycott WCL semi-final clash with Pakistan: reports

    BIRMINGHAM: Tensions have once again spilled onto the cricket field as team India has reportedly again refused to play against Pakistan in the upcoming semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), Indian media reported.

    The much-anticipated semi-final between Pakistan and India is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Birmingham.

    However, according to Indian media sources, Indian players have declined to participate in the match due to Pakistan’s presence.

    This is not the first instance of such a refusal. During the group stage of the tournament, Indian players had already opted out of a match against Pakistan.

    If India officially withdraws from the semi-final, Pakistan will advance directly to the final of the World Championship of Legends.

    Tournament officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.

    Also Read: Saeed Ajmal takes six as Pakistan thrash Australia in WCL 2025

    Earlier, Saeed Ajmal took six wickets as Pakistan Champions thrashed Australia Champions in the 14th game of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

    After bowling out Australia for 74, Pakistan chased down the total in just 7.5 overs, without losing any wickets.

    Pakistan’s opening pair of Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood ended the first powerplay on 45 for none.

    Khan remained unbeaten on 32 off 23 deliveries alongside Maqsood (28)* as Pakistan chased down the target with 50 balls to spare.

    With the victory in their final WCL 2025 group game, Pakistan Champions topped the standings with nine points in five matches.

    The Men in Green have already qualified for the semi-finals alongside Australia and South Africa.

    After putting Australia to bat, Pakistan Champions dominated the game from the start and left them struggling at 17-2 in 2.4 overs.

    Saeed Ajmal dismissed Shaun Marsh (7) in the second over, while Chris Lynn (6) returned to the dugout in the following over.

    DArcy Short and Ben Dunk then stitched a 37-run stand to steady the ship.

    Dunk made 26 off 14 balls before his dismissal to Saeed Ajmal, who went on to dismantle Australia Champions’ lower order.

    The right-arm spinner dismissed Short (2), Daniel Christian for a golden duck, Ben Cutting (5), Peter Siddle (5), and Steve O’Keefe for one.

    Saeed Ajmal was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan Champions, bagging a six-wicket haul while conceding just 16 runs in 3.5 overs.

  • England to host next three WTC finals till 2031, ICC says

    England to host next three WTC finals till 2031, ICC says

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will continue to host the biennial World Test Championship (WTC) final for the next three editions till 2031, global governing body ICC said on Sunday.

    The match, which crowns the world champions in the longest format of the sport, has been held in England since it was introduced, with Southampton hosting the first WTC final in 2021 and the two subsequent finals taking place in London.

    “We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship finals,” the ECB chief executive Richard Gould said.

    “It’s a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games.”

    Read more: South Africa dethrone Australia with historic win in World Test Championship final

    The 2025 WTC final at Lord’s, where South Africa beat defending champions Australia, was attended by 109,227 people over four days and received 225 million digital views, the ICC said in a statement last month.

    “Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions,” Gould added.

  • Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, dies in car accident in Spain

    Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, dies in car accident in Spain

    Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, 28, died in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain with his brother, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Thursday.

    The regional fire department of Castile and Leon, where Zamora is located, said on its website a car crashed early on Thursday, shortly after midnight, and burst into flames, with two men, aged 28 and 26, found dead.

    “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.

    Spanish police told Reuters they could not yet officially confirm the names of the deceased, but everything pointed to it being Jota and his brother. The Lamborghini they were travelling veered off the road, the spokesperson said.

    The bodies have been taken to a forensics unit in nearby Zamora where autopsies will be performed, they said.

    Jota, who got married on June 28, helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season and also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Merseyside outfit.

    Jota arrived at Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions.

    He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League.

    LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB

    “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

    “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

    “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

  • UK Faces Extreme Heatwave and Wildfires Amid European Crisis

    UK Faces Extreme Heatwave and Wildfires Amid European Crisis

    LONDON- July 1, 2025: The UK is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures potentially hitting 35°C in some areas, as part of a broader European weather crisis. The Met Office forecasts highs of 33°C, with hot, dry conditions expected to persist, prompting warnings to stay hydrated and avoid midday outdoor activities.

    In Scotland, firefighters are battling large wildfires in Aberdeenshire, Highland, and Moray for a second night, with First Minister John Swinney calling the situation “extremely serious.” The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is stretched thin, managing multiple blazes, with several roads closed.

    Across Europe, the heatwave is intensifying wildfire risks. In western Turkey, tens of thousands have been evacuated as fires, fueled by dry conditions and high winds, rage uncontrollably. In Paris, a red alert has been issued due to soaring temperatures, with cooling centers opened for vulnerable groups like the elderly. Italy reports two heat-related deaths, underscoring the deadly toll of the extreme weather, according to multiple sources from UK and European media.

    Meteorological agencies across the region are on high alert. The UK Met Office warns of continued hot, dry weather, increasing fire risks, while France’s red alert signals significant health concerns. Dry vegetation and strong winds are creating dangerous fire conditions across Europe, prompting discussions of international cooperation to manage the crisis. The BBC notes that live updates will track the evolving situation.

    UK-Latest and Breaking News, Weather Updates

    This UK and Europe heatwave highlights the growing threat of climate-driven extreme weather. Governments are urging preparedness, with local authorities in affected regions implementing emergency measures.

    As wildfires and heat stress communities, the need for long-term climate adaptation strategies becomes ever more urgent.

  • Indian plane crash marks first fatal Boeing 787 accident

    Indian plane crash marks first fatal Boeing 787 accident

    The deadly crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Thursday in Ahmedabad marked the first fatal accident for this model since its introduction in 2009.

    With 242 on board including passengers and crew, the London-bound flight, crashed shortly after it took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.

    The crash resulted in at least 204 deaths, with one confirmed survivor, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin.

    The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its advanced design and fuel efficiency, had an impeccable safety record prior to this incident.

    According to Boeing, the 787 fleet has completed over 5 million flights, logging 30 million flight hours and carrying more than 1 billion passengers worldwide.

    It said that currently, 1,175 Dreamliners are in service across the world with various airlines. Boeing had praised the model’s performance, reliability and popularity as the “best-selling passenger wide-body of all time” just six weeks ago.

    As rescue operations continue and investigations deepen, the aviation world awaits answers about what led to this unprecedented tragedy involving one of Boeing’s flagship aircraft.

    A passenger miraculously survived a plane crash in India’s Ahmedabad on Thursday as he managed to jump out of the aircraft just in time.

    Read More: Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 290

    The passenger identified as Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, survived a devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad as a video showing him injured but in stable condition emerged.

    Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, aged 38, was seated in seat 11A, near the emergency exit. As per reports,  the lone survivor of the ill-fated plane managed to jump from the emergency gate just moments before the aircraft crashed into a residential area near Ahmedabad Airport.

  • Man detained after car hits fans at Liverpool parade

    Man detained after car hits fans at Liverpool parade

    LIVERPOOL: A car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool fans during a parade celebrating their side’s Premier League soccer title on Monday, and police arrested a 53-year-old local man shortly afterwards.

    Merseyside police said a “number of pedestrians” were hit after the team’s open-top coach carried players and coaching staff through the city centre for a victory parade.

    “We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area,” police said. “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision.”

    Unverified social media video showed people lying in the road. A Reuters photographer saw emergency services carrying victims on stretchers to ambulances and debris scattered on the road. A tent was set up.

    “We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight’s incident,” police said.

    A video on social media showed a car driving at speed into fans lining the street, at one point appearing to swerve away from the most densely crowded area.

    Police surrounded the vehicle shortly afterwards, and other videos showed angry fans attempting to reach the driver.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that the scenes were “appalling” and he was being updated about the events.

    “My thoughts are with all those injured or affected. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident,” Starmer said.

    The team said on X it was in direct contact with police about the event. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” Liverpool said.

  • UK suspends Israel trade talks amid Gaza blockade concerns

    UK suspends Israel trade talks amid Gaza blockade concerns

    LONDON: The United Kingdom has halted new free trade negotiations with Israel, expressing serious concerns over the continuing Gaza aid blockade and humanitarian crisis.

    The UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, directly communicated the decision to the Israeli ambassador, stating that the alarming situation of hunger for millions of citizens in Gaza is an “appalling act.”

    David Lammy additionally condemned the Gaza aid blockade that lasted for 11 weeks as “cruel” and called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “end this now.”

    David Lammy gave a strict warning that if Israel does not lift the blockade, the UK would take further action. “Britain demands the instant closure of the aid blockade from Netanyahu,” he repeated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

    The UK’s decision to halt trade discussions signals a rising international pressure on Israel concerning the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian region.

    The Gaza aid blockade has been a point of argument for many international bodies and governments, with humanitarian organisations reporting severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies reaching the threatened area.

    Read More: Britain, Canada, France threaten sanctions against Israel over Gaza

    The UK’s strong posture echoes an increasing impatience with the restrictions on support distribution.

    The suspension of trade talks emphasises a change in the diplomatic approach of the UK towards Israel, involving economic relations to humanitarian anxieties.

    The ongoing Gaza aid blockade has a lot of reproach regarding the need for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the region without any difficulties.

    The UK and Israel have a strong trade relationship, with trade in goods and services worth billions of pounds every year.

    The United Nations and many international aid groups have reported a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has worsened due to conflict and restrictions on aid.

    Many countries and international organizations, including the UN, have called for aid to be delivered to Gaza without any delays and for fighting to stop.

  • Indus Water Treaty should be respected, urges UK

    Indus Water Treaty should be respected, urges UK

    The British Parliament has stressed the importance of safeguarding the Indus Water Treaty, urging India and Pakistan to uphold the historic agreement amid rising regional tensions.

    James Frith, Member of Parliament from Bury in Greater Manchester, has voiced serious concern in the British Parliament over the growing tensions between India and Pakistan.

    He highlighted that many of his constituents have families living in Azad Kashmir, Mirpur, Kotli, and Gujrat, and the fear of renewed conflict is causing distress within the community.

    Commending the British government’s efforts towards promoting a ceasefire, Frith called on the UK to continue playing a constructive diplomatic role in the region, considering its historical connection.

    He particularly stressed that access to water should not be politicised and that vital agreements like the Indus Water Treaty must be protected.

    In response, Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the gravity of the issue, noting that over three million people in the UK have roots in India and Pakistan.

    He stated that he has spoken with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts four times since the beginning of the crisis and remains in regular contact with key countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE to help ease tensions in the region.

    Lammy emphasised that the UK urges both nations to uphold existing diplomatic agreements, especially the Indus Water Treaty, and not to weaponise water access in any conflict.

    Read More: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, closes borders with Pakistan

    On April 25, 2025, India announced the suspension of Indus Waters Treaty, also known as the Sindh Tas Agreement, and asked Pakistani nationals to leave India within 48 hours.

    India’s foreign ministry on Wednesday announced that the Attari and Wagah borders will be closed. Pakistani nationals will no longer be able to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption.

    “The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect,” India’s top diplomat Vikram Misri told media persons in New Delhi.

    The Indian foreign ministry also announced to India recall all its defense attachés from Islamabad.

    The attack in Pahalgam, Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a popular destination in the scenic, mountainous region, claimed at least 26 lives.

    Following the attack, Indian media and social media accounts linked to intelligence agency RAW swiftly began targeting Pakistan with unfounded accusations.

    The narrative also attempted to portray the incident as religiously motivated, with claims that non-Muslim tourists were deliberately targeted.

     

     

  • Jaguar Land Rover to pause shipments to US over tariffs

    Jaguar Land Rover to pause shipments to US over tariffs

    Jaguar Land Rover will pause shipments of its Britain-made cars to the United States for a month, it said on Saturday, as it considers how to mitigate the cost of President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff.

    Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by India’s Tata Motors, confirmed the temporary export suspension after the Times newspaper reported the plan.

    “As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions, including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid- to longer-term plans,” JLR said in an emailed statement.

    Britain’s car industry, which employs 200,000 people directly, is highly exposed to the new tariffs. The United States is the second-biggest importer of British-made cars after the European Union, with nearly a 20% share, data from industry body SMMT shows.

    Jaguar Land Rover, one of Britain’s biggest producers by volume, said in its statement that the U.S. was an important market for its luxury brands. It sells 400,000 Range Rover Sports, Defenders and other models annually and exports to the U.S. account for almost a quarter of sales.

    The US 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks took effect on April 3, the day after Trump announced tariffs on other goods from countries across the globe.

    Britain has said it is focused on trying to secure a trade deal with Washington.

    The Times said that Jaguar Land Rover is thought to have a couple of months’ supply of cars already in the U.S., which will not be subject to the new tariffs.