Indian soldier commits suicide in Occupied Kashmir https://ift.tt/eA8V8J File photoSRINAGAR: An officer of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) committed suicide in Baramulla district in Occupied Kashmir on Saturday, according to Kashmir Media Service (KMS)A sub-Inspector of ITBP, Chandar Mani, ended his life by shooting himself with his service rifle at a camp in Kunzar area of the district, the KMS reported.This incident raised the number of such deaths amongst the Indian troops and police personnel to 423 in occupied Kashmir since January 2007. Search operation Indian forces launched cordon and search operations in Islamabad and Shopian districts on early Saturday.The Indian troops cordoned off Ganai Mohalla in Turkwangam area of Shopian and started a door-to-door search operation.
March 29, 2019 at 11:04PM
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Landmarks set to switch off lights to mark ‘Earth Hour’
Landmarks set to switch off lights to mark ‘Earth Hour’ https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Global landmarks from the Sydney Opera House to Dubai´s Burj Khalifa are set to dim their lights on Saturday to raise awareness about energy use and our planet´s vanishing biodiversity.Paris´s Eiffel Tower, New York´s Empire State Building and the Acropolis in Athens will all take part in Earth Hour.The thirteenth edition of Earth Hour, organized by the green group WWF, will see 24 landmarks each go dark for 60 minutes throughout the day."We are the first generation to know we are destroying the world. And we could be the last that can do anything about it," the charity said."We have the solutions; we just need our voices to be heard."Dozens of companies around the world have said they will join in this year´s switch-off.The event comes after some of the direst warnings yet on the state of Earth´s natural habitat and species. WWF´s own "Living Planet" report in October said that 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- had been wiped out by human activity since 1970.Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years.Last year´s event was observed in more than 7,000 towns and cities in 187 countries, according to organizers.
March 29, 2019 at 10:41PM
March 29, 2019 at 10:41PM
New docs, recording released in Canada PM meddling scandal
New docs, recording released in Canada PM meddling scandal https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Ottawa: A political meddling scandal threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau´s re-election bid was given fresh impetus Friday with the release of messages and a secret recording supplied by his former attorney general.The House of Commons justice committee, looking into the explosive allegations that Trudeau officials pressured attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to shield engineering firm SNC-Lavalin from trial, released the materials from the now former official.The controversy comes just months ahead of a re-election bid that looks increasingly uncertain for Trudeau, whose progressive, golden boy image had previously been unblemished.In the 43 pages of documents, Wilson-Raybould seeks to link her demotion to another portfolio in January to her resistance to allegedly undue pressure to settle the SNC-Lavalin case -- which Trudeau and his staff have denied.And she hints about why, a month later, she resigned from cabinet, saying she had decided "that I would immediately resign if the new attorney general decided to issue a directive in the SNC-Lavalin matter."Her replacement as attorney general, David Lametti, has so far only said he is considering the issue.Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin was charged in 2015 with corruption over alleged bribes paid to secure contracts in Libya.Wilson-Raybould, Canada´s first indigenous attorney general, refused to ask prosecutors to settle, and the trial is set to proceed.But she later testified to lawmakers that she had faced "consistent and sustained" political pressure to intervene, including receiving "veiled threats" over her stance.Trudeau recently addressed the allegations, telling reporters in Ottawa that he had learned "lessons" from the crisis -- but denying any wrongdoing.Another minister quit in protest, and two senior officials in Trudeau´s office accused of bullying Wilson-Raybould also resigned since the scandal erupted in February.The secret recording made by Wilson-Raybould of a 17-minute call in December with Canada´s top bureaucrat, Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick, supports her testimony to the justice committee last month.On the tape, she says Trudeau´s inner circle was on "dangerous ground" by attempting to interfere in the SNC-Lavalin prosecution.Wernick says the prime minister is "in a pretty firm frame of mind about this.""I am a bit worried," he goes on to say. "It is not a good idea for the prime minister and his attorney general to be at loggerheads."He also highlights Trudeau´s concerns about the possible loss of 9,000 jobs and "a signature Canadian firm" if SNC-Lavalin is found guilty at trial and sanctioned, coming soon after a GM plant closure and Canadian oil sector woes.
March 29, 2019 at 10:11PM
March 29, 2019 at 10:11PM
New Australian laws could see social media executives jailed over terror images
New Australian laws could see social media executives jailed over terror images https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Sydney: Australia pledged Saturday to introduce new laws that could see social media executives jailed and tech giants fined billions for failing to remove extremist material from their platforms.The tough new legislation will be brought to parliament next week as Canberra pushes for social media companies to prevent their platforms from being "weaponised" by terrorists in the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks.Facebook said it "quickly" removed a staggering 1.5 million videos of the white supremacist massacre livestreamed on the social media platform.A 17-minute video of the March 15 rampage that claimed the lives of 50 people was widely available online and experts said was easily retrievable several hours after the attack."Big social media companies have a responsibility to take every possible action to ensure their technology products are not exploited by murderous terrorists," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement.Morrison, who met with a number of tech firms Tuesday -- including Facebook, Twitter and Google -- said Australia would encourage other G20 nations to hold social media firms to account.Attorney-General Christian Porter said the new laws would make it a criminal offence for platforms not to quickly take down "abhorrent violent material" like terror attacks, murder or rape.Executives could face up to three years in prison for failing to do so, he added, while social media platforms -- whose annual revenues can stretch into the tens of billions -- would face fines of up to ten percent of their annual turnover."Mainstream media that broadcast such material would be putting their licence at risk and there is no reason why social media platforms should be treated any differently," Porter said.The government was so far "underwhelmed" by the response from tech giants at their Tuesday meeting with Morrison, communications minister Mitch Fifield told reporters Saturday.But cyber-security expert Nigel Phair, from the University of New South Wales, cast doubt over the ability of proposed Australian laws to impose jail time."The penalty is only for Australian domiciled executives, and on the whole they´re marketing executives, not those responsible for running and maintaining the platform," he told broadcaster SBS earlier this week.
March 29, 2019 at 10:03PM
March 29, 2019 at 10:03PM
Christchurch survivor tells remembrance service: ´I choose peace´
Christchurch survivor tells remembrance service: ´I choose peace´ https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Christchurch, New Zealand: A Maori lament echoed across Christchurch Friday as a survivor of the New Zealand mosque attacks told a national remembrance service he had forgiven the gunman responsible for the racist massacre that took his wife, and shocked the world."I am choosing peace and I have forgiven," wheelchair-bound Farid Ahmed told tens of thousands gathered in the grieving southern city, drawing sustained applause as he implored New Zealanders of all faiths to also reject hate.Wearing a traditional Maori cloak, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was among those who stood silently with heads bowed while the names of 50 people killed by a self-avowed white supremacist were read out.Speakers honoured the dead and those who survived the March 15 attacks, including 22 people who remain in hospital, among them a critically injured four-year-old girl.Ardern, who was joined by representatives from nearly 60 nations, including her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, received a prolonged standing ovation when she took the stage.The 38-year-old leader, widely hailed for her response to the tragedy, praised the way New Zealanders had embraced their devastated Muslim community since the attacks."Racism exists, but it is not welcome here," she said, adding that she hoped New Zealand would set an example to stop the cycle of extremism breeding extremism."We are not immune to the viruses of hate, of fear, of other -- we never have been," she said."But we can be the nation that discovers the cure."The hastily organised event was held amid tight security, with Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirming armed police from Australia were on site to assist their New Zealand counterparts.The service heard a Muslim invocation, or du´a, and Cat Stevens -- the British singer who shunned stardom in the 1970s and became a Muslim, taking the name Yusuf Islam -- gave a powerful rendition of his hit song "Peace Train".But the most moving speech came from Ahmed, whose wife Husna was killed as she rushed back into a mosque trying to rescue her disabled husband.´Attack on us all´ Looking frail in his wheelchair as he sat on stage wearing sunglasses and a headscarf, Ahmed said he bore no hatred toward the accused gunman, Australian Brenton Tarrant."People ask me, ´why do you forgive someone who has killed your beloved wife?´" he said."I can give so many answers... Allah says if we forgive one another he loves us."Ahmed said people from different cultures were like flowers and "together we are a beautiful garden"."I don´t want a heavy heart boiling like a volcano with anger, fury and rage -- it burns itself and burns its surroundings," he said."I want a heart full of love, care and mercy. This heart does not want any more lives to be lost, any other human to go through the pain I´ve gone through."That´s why I am choosing peace and I have forgiven."Amid the tears and grief, there was optimism among the crowd that the outpouring of compassion that followed the attacks would become the lasting legacy of its victims."I´m very positive about this continuing," said Manan Bohra, who runs a Muslim community centre in Auckland. "When we´re walking down the street people are coming up and expressing their peace and love."It was a very tragic event, but it´s been a life-changing event for the nation itself."Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said the atrocity was "an attack on us all"."Those actions were designed to divide us and tear us apart," she said."They have instead united us."
March 29, 2019 at 10:00PM
March 29, 2019 at 10:00PM
Angelina Jolie at UN speaks out for women's role in Afghan peace process
Angelina Jolie at UN speaks out for women's role in Afghan peace process https://ift.tt/eA8V8J UNITED NATIONS: Hollywood's legendary actress Angelina Jolie, who is an activist for refugee-related causes, spoke out Friday in favor of women's engagement in peace process aimed at ending the long conflict in Afghanistan.In an address to the ministers and diplomats at the United Nations, she said: "In Afghanistan thousands of women have recently come together in public risking their lives to ask that their rights and the rights of their children be guaranteed in peace negotiations that so far they have been allow no part of." Jolie added: "There can be no peace or stability in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world that involves trading away the rights of women."The world "will remain stuck in a cycle of violence and conflicts" as long as nations put almost every other issue ahead of equality for women," she said.The A-List actress and UN special envoy for refugees delivered the keynote address at a conference to raise support for UN peacekeeping missions at a time when the United States is seeking major budget cuts to the blue helmet operations.Angelina Jolie, describing herself as a American patriot, spoke in favor of US engagement in the world, saying: "I´m a patriot. I love my country and I want to see it thrive," Jolie told the gathering at the General Assembly.The 43-year-old Academy Award-winning actress serves as a special envoy for the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency that she began working with 18 years ago.The United States has been leading peace talks with the Taliban in Qatar as Washington seeks to end the nearly 18-year war in Afghanistan.
March 29, 2019 at 06:57PM
March 29, 2019 at 06:57PM
Dubai opens 'Al Quran Park' featuring miracles of Islam
Dubai opens 'Al Quran Park' featuring miracles of Islam https://ift.tt/eA8V8J DUBAI: The world' first 'Al Quran Park' opened in Dubai's Al Khawaneej area on Friday, it will provide the visitors a chance to learn about miracles mentioned in the Holy Quran.The main objective of establishing the park is to provide bridges of intellectual and cultural communication with different cultures, religions and peoples to see the cultural achievements of Islam in the field of plant ecology.The park, which covers a wide area of 60-hectare, has all available plants mentioned in the Holy Quran along with facilities such as an attractive main entrance, an administration building, an Islamic garden, children's play areas, Umrah corner, an outdoor theatre, areas for showing the miracles of the Quran. A desert garden, a palm oasis, a lake, a running track, a cycling track and a sandy walking track are also constructed in the park.A day before inauguration, The Dubai Municipality had announced that it will inaugurate the Quranic Park on March 29. The entry to the park will be free for all visitors.The park has about 54 plants, which mentioned in the Holy Quran, including fig, pomegranate, olive, corn, leek, garlic, onion, lentil, barley, wheat, ginger, pumpkin, watermelon, tamarind, seders, vineyards, bananas, cucumbers and basil. I also has fountains, bathrooms, a glass building, a desert garden, a palm oasis, a lake, a running track, a cycling track and a sandy walking track.
March 29, 2019 at 05:51PM
March 29, 2019 at 05:51PM
Trump threatens to close border with Mexico ´next week´
Trump threatens to close border with Mexico ´next week´ https://ift.tt/eA8V8J WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Friday again accused Mexico of failing to curb the flow of migrants illegally entering the US, and threatened to close the common border "next week" unless something changes.Trump´s latest tweets ramp up the tension between the neighbors, putting a specific timeframe to his threats to shut the border, one of the busiest in the world."If Mexico doesn´t immediately stop ALL illegal immigration coming into the United States through our Southern Border, I will be CLOSING the Border, or large sections of the Border, next week," he said."This would be so easy for Mexico to do, but they just take our money and ´talk´," he added.Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard quickly fired back, saying his country "does not act based on threats.""We are a great neighbor. Just ask the 1.5 million US citizens who have chosen to call our country home, the largest such community outside the United States," Ebrard wrote on Twitter.Before Trump´s latest tweets, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador reiterated that he does not want a "controversy" with the United States, and that Mexico is in fact working to fight illegal immigration."All this talk of migrant caravans and such is related to politics and the (US) election campaign -- that´s why I´m not going to get into it," he told a press conference.Lopez Obrador, an anti-establishment leftist who took office in December, has sought to cultivate a cordial relationship with Trump.And it appeared to be working -- until this week, when the Republican billionaire returned to the Mexico-bashing of his 2016 campaign, as he launches the run-up to his 2020 re-election bid.Lopez Obrador wants the US to fund $10 billion in economic development programs for Mexico and Central America to attack the poverty and violence he says are the root causes of migration.The White House appeared to be listening, sending top adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner to meet with Lopez Obrador in Mexico City last week for talks on the subject.But Trump himself has returned to classic campaign form as the 2020 presidential race heats up in America.On Thursday, he told a crowd at a rally in Michigan that the US would "close the damn border" if Mexico did not do more to stem the flow of migrants crossing illegally into the United States.
March 29, 2019 at 12:37PM
March 29, 2019 at 12:37PM
Samjhauta Express attack case full verdict shows Judge accused prosecutors from ‘withholding best evidence’
Samjhauta Express attack case full verdict shows Judge accused prosecutors from ‘withholding best evidence’ https://ift.tt/eA8V8J NEW DELHI: India’s ruling party Friday backed a court decision to acquit a group of Hindu hardliners accused of killing 68 people in a train bombing, despite the judge expressing reservations over the verdict.The country’s top anti-terror agency had charged the men over the 2007 bombing when the opposition Congress party was in government, but a full verdict handed down Thursday revealed there was not enough evidence to convict them.Most of the victims aboard the "Samjhauta (friendship) Express" train were Pakistanis on their way home from India, and prosecutors at the time described the crime as a ´Hindu terror´ plot to kill Muslims.The special judge presiding over the historic case, Jagdeep Singh, said he had arrived at the verdict with "deep pain and anguish", accusing prosecutors from the National Investigation Agency of "withholding the best evidence" from the court.The crime had gone unpunished, Singh said.The verdict in the landmark case came two weeks before voting starts in India´s national election in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Hindu nationalist leader, is seeking re-election.Among those acquitted last week was Swami Aseemanand, an influential Hindu monk belonging to a group with historic ties to Modi´s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).India´s finance minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley said the acquittal vindicated the party´s view that the Congress had sought to smear Hindus by blaming hardliners for the crime."To establish their theory of Hindu terror, a wrong set of people were framed -- innocent people lost their lives (in the blast) and the real culprits were not caught," he told reporters in Delhi on Friday, flanked by senior BJP cadres."When there was no evidence... Congress government maligned the Hindu community by labelling them terrorists."The concept of ´saffron terror´ is fiercely rejected by Hindu nationalists and came into prominence after police arrested Hindu militants for a string of deadly bomb attacks, mostly targeting mosques and Muslim districts, between 2006 and 2008.The Congress-led government at the time accused right-wing Hindu outfits of orchestrating the attacks that killed dozens.
March 29, 2019 at 08:10AM
March 29, 2019 at 08:10AM
Zimbabwe army truck accidentally kills two cyclone survivors waiting for relief aid
Zimbabwe army truck accidentally kills two cyclone survivors waiting for relief aid https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Two survivors of cyclone Idai died and 11 were hurt when the breaks failed on an army truck delivering food aid in eastern Zimbabwe and it ploughed into a waiting crowd, an official said Friday.Defence forces provincial spokesman Major Exavier Chibasa told AFP the accident happened at Skyline in the district of cyclone-ravaged Chimanimani on Thursday where victims of the cyclone were gathering to receive aid."The vehicle lost brakes while travelling on a steep gradient. There were people sitting on the sides of the road," Chibasa said."Unfortunately two of them fell victim and lost their lives. About 11 others were injured but not seriously."The army is helping with the transporting and handing out food and other relief aid donated to victims of Cyclone Idai. The storm affected at least 270,000 and claimed 185 lives in landlocked Zimbabwe while more than 200 are missing. The UN migration agency IOM however put the Zimbabwe death toll at 259.In neighbouring Mozambique at least 493 people died and 1.85 million were affected. The heavy downpour which led to floods and landslides damaged hundreds of homes, roads and bridges in the Chimanimani and Chipinge districts.One school lost 30 pupils and several staff members while a local church lost a quarter of its congregation to the cyclone.
March 29, 2019 at 06:29AM
March 29, 2019 at 06:29AM
Bangladesh tower inferno death toll rises to 25
Bangladesh tower inferno death toll rises to 25 https://ift.tt/eA8V8J The death toll from a terrifying blaze that ripped through a Bangladesh tower rose on Friday to 25, as authorities vowed tough action to improve lax safety standards.The latest deadly blaze to hit Bangladesh´s congested capital Dhaka tore through the 22-storey FR Tower on Thursday, leaving some of the hundreds trapped inside screaming for help as horrified onlookers massed outside.Some of those stuck inside made it to safety by sliding down cables on the side of the building, but others took their chances and jumped in a bid to escape the smoke and heat. Six people leaped to their deaths.Firefighters backed by military specialists -- some in helicopters -- tackled the flames, lowering ropes to help people escape, while rescuers on long ladders smashed through windows.But fire fighters were hampered by not having ladder cranes big enough to reach the top floors, officials said.The fire was later extinguished and on Friday fire fighters completed the process of combing through the gutted and blackened floors of the building.The fire department initially put the death toll at 19 but police said Friday that six more had perished. Another was in a critical state in hospital.There was no immediate indication if others are missing, but more than 70 people were treated in hospital in the wake of the blaze.- ´No fire exit´ -Fire disasters regularly hit Bangladesh´s major cities where safety standards are notoriously lax. Last month at least 70 people were killed in Dhaka apartment buildings where chemicals that were being illegally stored exploded -- unleashing a blaze that took more than 12 hours to control.Following Thursday´s fire, in the upmarket Banani commercial district, authorities have ordered a probe into safety measures at the building."There was no fire exit in the building. There was an alternative stairs. But access to the stairs was closed or padlocked in some of the floors," fire brigade official Saleh Uddin told AFP.He said the fire department had sent several notices to the building to "implement fire safety measures in the building," but the owner did not comply."There were no sprinklers. Fire exits existed only in name," fire department director Shakil Newaj told AFP.Housing Minister Rezaul Karim saying a murder case would be filed against those to blame for the tragedy."Definitely this is murder. It is not an accident... Nobody will escape the law," he said.The mayor of Dhaka north, Atiqul Islam, promised a "zero tolerance" policy in building safety, especially in high-rise buildings.- ´Death traps´ -According to a 2012 study by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, most high-rise buildings in 15-million-strong Dhaka have inadequate fire safety measures."We found only two buildings fully compliant," BUET professor Mehedi Ahmed Ansari said of the survey on 112 buildings, adding that some they looked at were little more than "death traps".A June 2010 fire in the nearby neighbourhood of Nimtoli, one of the most densely populated districts of the capital, killed 123 people.In November 2012, a fire swept through a nine-storey garment factory near Dhaka killing 111 workers. An investigation found it was caused by sabotage and that managers at the plant had prevented victims from escaping.Experts said inspections of buildings in the city frequently found fire stairs blocked with stored goods and exit doors locked.
March 29, 2019 at 06:25AM
March 29, 2019 at 06:25AM
Pound climbs before vital Brexit vote
Pound climbs before vital Brexit vote https://ift.tt/eA8V8J The pound climbed solidly on Friday before a crucial vote on Britain´s Brexit future.Stock markets meanwhile rallied, with investors looking past a downgrade of US growth to focus on the next round of top-level China-US trade talks.Around 1200 GMT, the pound was up 0.4 percent at $1.3100, while the euro dropped 0.3 percent to 85.75 pence. "Despite plenty of evidence to suggest otherwise, the pound appeared to take an optimistic view ahead of Friday´s latest Brexit vote," said Connor Campbell, analyst at Spreadex trading group."Having opened the session in the red, sterling may be banking on the likely third failure of (Prime Minister) Theresa May´s withdrawal agreement leading to a substantial delay rather than a no-deal exit."MPs are set for a momentous vote that could end a months-long crisis or risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks.The House of Commons has twice rejected May´s withdrawal agreement, both times by large margins, but has been unable to agree any alternative -- and time is running out.The pivotal vote takes place on the day Britain was supposed to leave the European Union until May asked the bloc´s leaders last week for a little more time."Today is going to be another one of those days when traders are going to make decisions mostly based on rumours and this is going to bring crazy moves in sterling," ThinkMarkets analyst Naeem Aslam told AFP.In equities trading, while the past five days have been dogged by fears over the outlook for the economy, markets have enjoyed a stellar first-quarter overall, mostly on hopes of a US-China tariffs deal and prospect of lower borrowing costs.In commodities, oil prices were headed for a strong finish to the week, having enjoyed their strongest quarter in 14 years, with Brent crude jumping 26 percent and WTI by 29 percent since the start of the year on tighter supplies.US President Donald Trump on Thursday called on OPEC to boost oil output following the strong price rises since the beginning of 2019.The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in December reached a deal to with Russia and some other non-cartel producers to limit output to shore up prices."While OPEC, and above all (kingpin member) Saudi Arabia, appeared in November to be obeying US President Trump´s repeated demands to increase oil production, his tweets now are more likely to fall on deaf ears," analysts at Commerzbank said Friday.Oil futures have won support also from unrest in OPEC-member Venezuela."US sanctions, power outages and mismanagement are having a massive effect on Venezuela´s oil production and oil exports at present," they added in a research note.- Key figures around 1200 GMT -Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3100 from $1.3054 at 2100 GMTEuro/pound: DOWN at 85.75 pence from 86.03 penceEuro/dollar: UP at $1.1229 from $1.1226Dollar/yen: UP at 110.72 yen from 110.62 yenLondon - FTSE 100: UP 0.4 percent at 7,264.98 Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 1.0 percent at 11,539.59 Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.9 percent at 5,343.47EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.9 percent at 3,348.54Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.8 percent at 21,205.81 (close)Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.0 percent at 29,051.36 (close)Shanghai - Composite: UP 3.2 percent at 3,090.76 (close)New York - Dow: UP 0.4 percent at 25,717.46 (close)Oil - Brent Crude: UP 81 cents at $68.63 per barrelOil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 83 cents at $60.13 per barrel
March 29, 2019 at 05:35AM
March 29, 2019 at 05:35AM
15 killed as Somalia bomb hits restaurant at lunch time
15 killed as Somalia bomb hits restaurant at lunch time https://ift.tt/eA8V8J At least 15 people died when a car bomb exploded on a busy street and ripped into a nearby restaurant in Somalia´s capital on Thursday, medics said.Security officials and witnesses reported bodies strewn on the ground as plumes of smoke rose high into the air after the bomb detonated on Mogadishu´s Maka Al-Mukarama road, one of the seaside capital´s main thoroughfares, an area busy with businesses and travellers.It struck as people were eating lunch. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan, director of the Aamin Ambulance service, said that 15 people had been killed, as well as several more wounded by the ferocious blast.Witnesses described scenes of devastation.Vehicles were tossed into the air by the force of the explosion, which also damaged surrounding buildings. Witnesses said several cars and three-wheel motorbikes were destroyed."I saw 16 people carried from the blast scene -- and more than 10 of them were already dead," Osman added.Ambulance workers rushed in to help take the wounded to hospital."I don´t know whether they were dead or wounded, but I could see several people strewn in the street -- some of them were motionless," said Suado Ahmed, another witness who was at the scene moments after the blast.Teams of ambulance workers carried away those killed and wounded on stretchers, while volunteers also helped by using plastic sheeting to lift the bodies away.The bombing is the latest in a recent string of blasts in Mogadishu, which has been hit frequently by Al-Shabaab attacks.At least four people have been killed this week in three blasts, including car bombs and roadside explosions.There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Thursday’s bombing.However, Mogadishu is a target of the Al-Qaeda affiliated Shabaab insurgents, who have been fighting for over a decade to topple the government.Shabaab fighters fled fixed positions they once held in Mogadishu in 2011, and have since lost many of their strongholds.But they retain control of large rural swathes of the country, and continue to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities.On Saturday, Shabaab gunmen attacked a complex, housing government ministries in Mogadishu, killing 11 people including the deputy labor minister.The Shabaab continue to strike at the heart of Somalia’s government, despite years of foreign military support.
March 29, 2019 at 03:22AM
March 29, 2019 at 03:22AM
Every News: Salmonella outbreak linked to pet hedgehogs continues; 6 additional people sickened, CDC says
Salmonella outbreak linked to pet hedgehogs continues; 6 additional people sickened, CDC says
Six additional people have been sickened as a result of a salmonella outbreak that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says is likely tied to pet hedgehogs.
via Every News
Ready or not? Britain's 'no deal' planning
Ready or not? Britain's 'no deal' planning https://ift.tt/eA8V8J LONDON: If Britain´s political system fails to break its Brexit logjam on Friday, the country is faced with the prospect of crashing out of the European Union without a deal on April 12.Here are the main ways Britain would be affected: Business planningAround 80 percent of British companies judged themselves ready for a "no-deal" exit, according to a Bank of England survey published on March 21, up from 50 percent in an equivalent January survey.However, it said many companies noted that the potential impact on tariffs, border frictions, exchange rate movements and recognition of certifications "were outside their control".In February, the government said just 40,000 of 240,000 businesses that trade only with EU nations had obtained the required customs clearance numbers. Trade dealsBritain will default to "third country" status with the EU, with trade relations run on World Trade Organization rules.While the EU´s average tariff rate for third countries is low -- around 1.5 percent -- they are bigger in certain sectors: for cars, the rate is 10 percent.Britain will also lose access to major markets covered by EU trade agreements, although it has managed to replicate some of these, including with Switzerland and Israel. Border delaysThe EU says it would immediately begin customs checks, food safety inspections and verification of EU standards at its border with Britain, leading to long delays at busy crossing points.Britain has moved to open up new routes and increase links from other ports to decongest Dover.The government says it does not expect shortages of food, although there could be a reduction in choice of perishable goods, but MPs have expressed concern about "panic buying". Northern IrelandBritain says it would not immediately apply customs checks on the border with EU member Ireland, to avoid raising tensions in the once conflict-ridden province of Northern Ireland.But the EU says it would insist on monitoring goods moving across what will become the bloc´s external frontier, although it would try to make these the least intrusive possible.Britain has suggested it may have to reimpose direct rule over Northern Ireland to manage a "no deal" situation, as the devolved government in Belfast has been suspended since January 2017 in a row between the two power-sharing parties. EU citizens rightsAn estimated 3.5 million European citizens are living in Britain, and around one million Brits are settled elsewhere in the EU.Britain and many other member states have already offered to protect their rights, although their long-term status would have been more clearly defined in May´s deal.British citizens travelling to the EU will be limited to 90-day stays and would immediately be subject to tighter passport checks. MedicinesThe British government has asked drug companies to stockpile six weeks supply of an estimated 7,000 prescription or pharmacy-only drugs that come from the EU.Ministers say the transportation of medicines will be prioritised and those with short shelf-lives, such as medical radioisotopes, could be flown in. Financial servicesSome stop-gap agreements have been reached on both sides including a one-year agreement to protect the derivatives market, which is based in London.Traders buy these complex but vital financial instruments to insure themselves against sudden interest or currency exchange rate swings.The EU derivatives market was notionally valued last year at 660 trillion euros ($750 trillion). Planes and trainsThe EU has agreed to allow flights from the UK into the other 27 member states to continue until March 2020, if London reciprocates, but airlines might not be able to make intra-EU connections.Another time-limited deal will allow trucks to keep carrying goods in and out of Britain, provided London gives reciprocal treatment to EU operators.The high-speed train link through the 50-kilometre (30-mile) Channel Tunnel running between Britain and France will be kept open for three months, as long as Britain adopts EU rail safety standards.
March 29, 2019 at 03:01AM
March 29, 2019 at 03:01AM
Every News: Number of American adults not having sex reaches all-time high, report says
Number of American adults not having sex reaches all-time high, report says
A Washington Post analysis of the latest General Social Survey stated the number of U.S. adults not having sex in 2018 has reached a record high.
via Every News
Every News: Matthew West performs his new song 'Unplanned'
Matthew West performs his new song 'Unplanned'
Four-time Grammy nominee Matthew West on the story behind his song 'Unplanned.'
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Quebec moves to ban hijab and other religious symbols in public service
Quebec moves to ban hijab and other religious symbols in public service https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Canada´s Quebec province on Thursday unveiled controversial draft legislation that would ban a significant section of public servants from wearing religious symbols such as a crucifix, yarmulke or hijab.The measure -- which applies to police, teachers and others in positions of authority -- is expected to become law by June with Premier Francois Legault´s government holding a majority of seats in the Quebec legislature.But it was swiftly panned by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said: "For me, it´s unthinkable (that) a free society would legitimize discrimination against anyone based on religion."Montreal mayor Valerie Plante voiced "serious concern about the message that this bill sends to minorities about their fundamental rights." The important thing, she said, was that the process of making laws was secular, not that people divested themselves of religious attire and symbols.Teachers unions said they would not enforce the law, while pundits and the government´s own lawyers, according to reports, anticipate a court challenge for contravening Canadians´ Charter right to personal religious freedom.The Quebec government, however, has already made it clear that it would invoke a rarely-used constitutional clause to quash any rights challenges."Some people will find that we are going too far, others not enough, and we are convinced that we have struck the right balance," Quebec Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette told a press conference.The government said the measure -- combined with the removal of a cross installed in the main chamber of the national assembly in 1936 -- underscored Quebec´s break with religion a half century ago, when it rejected the Catholic Church´s powerful influence in local politics.- ´Serene debate´ -The secularism bill would also enshrine into law a rule previously adopted by Quebec that denies government services to people wearing face veils, reflecting a backlash against Muslim immigration.Jolin-Barrette argued that this was intended to simply bolster safety and security by being able to verify the identity of people accessing services.Both measures, along with curbs on immigration, were promised by Legault during an election campaign last year, after a decade of divisive debate on secularism and religious freedom that was influenced by a similar discourse in France.In addition to France, eight other European countries enforce restrictions on religious attire."We will do whatever we can to bring together people," Legault said Thursday before the law was presented. "That should be the objective of everyone in the weeks ahead, to have a serene debate. We are responding to what a large majority of Quebeckers want."The opposition, however, accused the government of rushing the legislation, with Liberal Helene David saying not enough time has been allotted to debate its impacts on "living together" as a society.This is the fourth attempt by successive Quebec governments to pass a secularism law.What began as a pushback against a few cases of religious accommodation of minorities in public institutions and private businesses led to a public inquiry.The tribunal heard testimony on the merits of secularism that ranged from the metaphysical to the absurd -- such as outrage that an eatery had removed pork from its pea soup to accommodate Muslims.Jews and Sikhs were also the subject of controversy, but the focus shifted to Muslims -- Muslim women in particular.One previous government tried but failed to impose a values charter that would have limited "ostentatious" displays of religiosity.In the end, the regulations were narrowed to apply only to public servants.
March 29, 2019 at 02:07AM
March 29, 2019 at 02:07AM
Every News: 'Unplanned' hits theaters telling the story of former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson's change of heart
'Unplanned' hits theaters telling the story of former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson's change of heart
Former director of a Planned Parenthood turned pro-life advocate Abby Johnson tells her story behind the movie 'Unplanned.'
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UK's ‘Sturgeon Capital’ strikes deal with Pak's 'KASB Securities’ for investments
UK's ‘Sturgeon Capital’ strikes deal with Pak's 'KASB Securities’ for investments https://ift.tt/eA8V8J ISLAMABAD: Pakistani company Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Securities (KASB) pvt. limited has proudly joined hands with UK-based 'Sturgeon Capital', the corporation's asset manager announced. In a bid to bring investments to Pakistan, a new development towards the betterment of the country's economy has brought KASB in close partnership with Sturgeon Capital, under a signed agreement. Sturgeon Capital focuses on investment of special markets projects like ‘silk road’. Meanwhile, KASB will be providing Sturgeon Capital services such as research on Pakistan’s macroeconomic, financial analysis and due diligence on companies as well as corporate access and domestic execution within a best framework.On the occasion, CEO of Sturgeon Capital Kiyan Zandiyeh stated that:“We believe that KASB is the right partner to invest in Pakistan, a country that has been overlooked in the past but whose potential is second to none." This step will help to develop long-term growth opportunities in Pakistan, he added.
March 29, 2019 at 02:01AM
March 29, 2019 at 02:01AM
Every News: How does New York plan to contain the largest measles outbreak in decades?
How does New York plan to contain the largest measles outbreak in decades?
Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel weighs in on the nationwide measles outbreak.
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Every News: This is the most expensive prescription drug in US
This is the most expensive prescription drug in US
The good news: There's a drug to treat your condition and maybe even prolong your life. The catch? It costs more in one month than a new car.
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Every News: Under-strength Pakistan look to avert 5-0 sweep
Under-strength Pakistan look to avert 5-0 sweep
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DUBAI: Pakistan will look to avoid a 5-0 sweep when they face Australia in the final match of the One-day International (ODI) series at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (today).Pakistan’s idea behind resting their senior players for the ODI series was to test their bench strength ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. After four successive defeats, it’s apparent that the bench isn’t exactly brimming with vitality.Pakistan are two completely different sides in the two shorter formats. They are ranked world No.1 on the ICC T20I Rankings, have a superlative record across conditions, and have a host of players who step up and get the job done. In ODIs, they are ranked No.6, have always blown hot and cold, and are unable to match the frenetic pace that the modern-day game demands.Even by those standards, though, this series has been lopsided. It just isn’t characteristic of Pakistan to go down without a fight at home. They came the closest to picking up a win on Friday, with Abid Ali and Mohammad Rizwan making centuries, but still ended up falling six runs short of a 278-run target, having suffered a late meltdown.Pakistan have had their share of centuries this series, but they have been isolated bright spots. Barring the third ODI, they’ve had at least one century in each of the other games. Their bowling has become more incisive as the series has progressed, but they have still not been able to hold Australia back from posting competitive totals.Australia, meanwhile, are as well-balanced as they have been in recent memory.Their top order has been prolific. Various members of their middle order are taking turns to prove their worth ahead of the World Cup. And their bowlers have held their own in the absence of the two senior pacemen, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.They haven’t swept a bilateral ODI series 5-0 since 2013, when they hosted West Indies, but they are well-placed to do so again when they meet Pakistan today, with the hosts looking to end the series on a high note.
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DUBAI: Pakistan will look to avoid a 5-0 sweep when they face Australia in the final match of the One-day International (ODI) series at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (today).Pakistan’s idea behind resting their senior players for the ODI series was to test their bench strength ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. After four successive defeats, it’s apparent that the bench isn’t exactly brimming with vitality.Pakistan are two completely different sides in the two shorter formats. They are ranked world No.1 on the ICC T20I Rankings, have a superlative record across conditions, and have a host of players who step up and get the job done. In ODIs, they are ranked No.6, have always blown hot and cold, and are unable to match the frenetic pace that the modern-day game demands.Even by those standards, though, this series has been lopsided. It just isn’t characteristic of Pakistan to go down without a fight at home. They came the closest to picking up a win on Friday, with Abid Ali and Mohammad Rizwan making centuries, but still ended up falling six runs short of a 278-run target, having suffered a late meltdown.Pakistan have had their share of centuries this series, but they have been isolated bright spots. Barring the third ODI, they’ve had at least one century in each of the other games. Their bowling has become more incisive as the series has progressed, but they have still not been able to hold Australia back from posting competitive totals.Australia, meanwhile, are as well-balanced as they have been in recent memory.Their top order has been prolific. Various members of their middle order are taking turns to prove their worth ahead of the World Cup. And their bowlers have held their own in the absence of the two senior pacemen, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.They haven’t swept a bilateral ODI series 5-0 since 2013, when they hosted West Indies, but they are well-placed to do so again when they meet Pakistan today, with the hosts looking to end the series on a high note.
Every News: I should have finished the match, rues debutant Abid
I should have finished the match, rues debutant Abid
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KARACHI: It was a happy occasion for Abid Ali. The 31-year-old, who was made to wait for several years to make his international debut, hit a century in his first One-day International.But the talented batsman rued the fact that the fourth ODI against Australia in Dubai on Friday night could have been really memorable had Pakistan won the game.Chasing Australia’s 277, the Pakistanis were seemingly cruising towards victory after Abid Ali hit a superb 112 from 119 balls while Mohammad Rizwan scored his second ton of the series. But a late collapse resulted in a six-run defeat for them.“Obviously, had the team won, it would have been a great occasion,” said Abid. “My century individually, and that too on debut, is a matter of happiness, but had Pakistan won it, would have been better and memorable.”Abid had been performing well decently in the past couple years, but his last year’s run-scoring for Pakistan ‘A’ brought him in real contention. After a poor series against New Zealand ‘A’ (62 runs in three one-day matches), Abid hit 140 in a one-day match against England Lions. He then doubled it with 113 in the unofficial Test against Lions, when Pakistan successfully chased 312 in Abu Dhabi.Abid scored another century in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which helped Habib Bank won the title. When Pakistan decided to test its bench strength in the series against Australia, Abid was selected in the squad and finally got rewarded after regular opener Imam-ul-Haq was down with fever.“I was told on Friday’s morning (of my debut) as Imam had fallen sick,” said Abid. “I was positive and happy because my season was good, so I was thinking whenever I get a chance I will prove myself and prove my performances.”Abid rued the fall of key wickets in the final overs, which failed Pakistan in the target chase. That came about after his partnership of 144 for the third wicket with Rizwan (104) had set Pakistan on course for the win.“When Umar Akmal and Saad Ali got out, then we were pushed behind but otherwise we needed run-a-ball,” said Abid of the two batsmen who managed seven each.“I was hitting my shots, but disappointed not to finish the match. You can say it was brilliant for me but I am disappointed.”Abid dedicate his century to his daughter and family.“I will dedicate my century to my daughter and my family,” said Abid. “To play for Pakistan was a dream and I needed the door to open and it openedfor me.“Shan (Masood) got out early, so obviously we were disappointed. But, Haris (Sohail) told me to play on, I played my shots positively and with confidence so that was what I wanted to do. I played every ball on merit,” he said.Score boardPakistan won tossAustralia*A Finch lbw b Hasnain 39Usman Khawaja lbw b Yasir 62S Marsh st Rizwan b Wasim 5P Handscomb c Sohail b Wasim 7M Stoinis b Yasir 2G Maxwell run out 98†A Carey c Sohail b Hasnain 55N Coulter-Nile not out 2Extras (b 2, lb 1, nb 1, w 3) 7Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 277Did not bat: K Richardson, N Lyon, A ZampaFall: 1-56, 2-65, 3-98, 4-101, 5-140, 6-274, 7-277Bowling: Shinwari 10-0-53-0 (1 nb); Junaid 10-1-47-0 (1 w); Hasnain 9-0-52-2 (1 w); Wasim 9-0-56-2 (1 w); Yasir 10-0-57-2; Sohail 2-0-9-0PakistanShan Masood b Coulter-Nile 0Abid Ali c Finch b Zampa 112Haris Sohail c Maxwell b Lyon 25†Mohammad Rizwan c Handscomb b Stoinis 104Umar Akmal b Coulter-Nile 7Saad Ali c Richardson b Coulter-Nile 7*Imad Wasim c Marsh b Richardson 1Yasir Shah not out 3Usman Shinwari c Handscomb b Stoinis 6Junaid Khan not out 0Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6Total (8 wickets; 50 overs) 271Did not bat: Junaid Khan, Mohammad HasnainFall: 1-0, 2-74, 3-218, 4-229, 5-253, 6-257, 7-263, 8-270Bowling: Coulter-Nile 10-1-53-3; Richardson 7-0-37-1 (1 w); Stoinis 3-0-20-2 (2 w); Lyon 10-0-49-1; Zampa 10-0-49-1; Finch 2-0-19-0; Maxwell 8-0-41-0Result: Australia won by 6 runsMan of the Match: Glenn Maxwell (Australia)Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) and Rashid Riaz (Pakistan). Tv umpire: Michael Gough (England). Match referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)
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KARACHI: It was a happy occasion for Abid Ali. The 31-year-old, who was made to wait for several years to make his international debut, hit a century in his first One-day International.But the talented batsman rued the fact that the fourth ODI against Australia in Dubai on Friday night could have been really memorable had Pakistan won the game.Chasing Australia’s 277, the Pakistanis were seemingly cruising towards victory after Abid Ali hit a superb 112 from 119 balls while Mohammad Rizwan scored his second ton of the series. But a late collapse resulted in a six-run defeat for them.“Obviously, had the team won, it would have been a great occasion,” said Abid. “My century individually, and that too on debut, is a matter of happiness, but had Pakistan won it, would have been better and memorable.”Abid had been performing well decently in the past couple years, but his last year’s run-scoring for Pakistan ‘A’ brought him in real contention. After a poor series against New Zealand ‘A’ (62 runs in three one-day matches), Abid hit 140 in a one-day match against England Lions. He then doubled it with 113 in the unofficial Test against Lions, when Pakistan successfully chased 312 in Abu Dhabi.Abid scored another century in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which helped Habib Bank won the title. When Pakistan decided to test its bench strength in the series against Australia, Abid was selected in the squad and finally got rewarded after regular opener Imam-ul-Haq was down with fever.“I was told on Friday’s morning (of my debut) as Imam had fallen sick,” said Abid. “I was positive and happy because my season was good, so I was thinking whenever I get a chance I will prove myself and prove my performances.”Abid rued the fall of key wickets in the final overs, which failed Pakistan in the target chase. That came about after his partnership of 144 for the third wicket with Rizwan (104) had set Pakistan on course for the win.“When Umar Akmal and Saad Ali got out, then we were pushed behind but otherwise we needed run-a-ball,” said Abid of the two batsmen who managed seven each.“I was hitting my shots, but disappointed not to finish the match. You can say it was brilliant for me but I am disappointed.”Abid dedicate his century to his daughter and family.“I will dedicate my century to my daughter and my family,” said Abid. “To play for Pakistan was a dream and I needed the door to open and it openedfor me.“Shan (Masood) got out early, so obviously we were disappointed. But, Haris (Sohail) told me to play on, I played my shots positively and with confidence so that was what I wanted to do. I played every ball on merit,” he said.Score boardPakistan won tossAustralia*A Finch lbw b Hasnain 39Usman Khawaja lbw b Yasir 62S Marsh st Rizwan b Wasim 5P Handscomb c Sohail b Wasim 7M Stoinis b Yasir 2G Maxwell run out 98†A Carey c Sohail b Hasnain 55N Coulter-Nile not out 2Extras (b 2, lb 1, nb 1, w 3) 7Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 277Did not bat: K Richardson, N Lyon, A ZampaFall: 1-56, 2-65, 3-98, 4-101, 5-140, 6-274, 7-277Bowling: Shinwari 10-0-53-0 (1 nb); Junaid 10-1-47-0 (1 w); Hasnain 9-0-52-2 (1 w); Wasim 9-0-56-2 (1 w); Yasir 10-0-57-2; Sohail 2-0-9-0PakistanShan Masood b Coulter-Nile 0Abid Ali c Finch b Zampa 112Haris Sohail c Maxwell b Lyon 25†Mohammad Rizwan c Handscomb b Stoinis 104Umar Akmal b Coulter-Nile 7Saad Ali c Richardson b Coulter-Nile 7*Imad Wasim c Marsh b Richardson 1Yasir Shah not out 3Usman Shinwari c Handscomb b Stoinis 6Junaid Khan not out 0Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6Total (8 wickets; 50 overs) 271Did not bat: Junaid Khan, Mohammad HasnainFall: 1-0, 2-74, 3-218, 4-229, 5-253, 6-257, 7-263, 8-270Bowling: Coulter-Nile 10-1-53-3; Richardson 7-0-37-1 (1 w); Stoinis 3-0-20-2 (2 w); Lyon 10-0-49-1; Zampa 10-0-49-1; Finch 2-0-19-0; Maxwell 8-0-41-0Result: Australia won by 6 runsMan of the Match: Glenn Maxwell (Australia)Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) and Rashid Riaz (Pakistan). Tv umpire: Michael Gough (England). Match referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)
Every News: Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in fourth ODI
Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in fourth ODI
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DUBAI: Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the fourth ODI here on Friday.Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the fine after Imad Wasim’s side was ruled to be one over short of its target after time allowances were taken into consideration.In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.
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DUBAI: Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the fourth ODI here on Friday.Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the fine after Imad Wasim’s side was ruled to be one over short of its target after time allowances were taken into consideration.In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.
Every News: Sindh captain Gul backs team to shine at Pakistan Cup
Sindh captain Gul backs team to shine at Pakistan Cup
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KARACHI: Sindh skipper Umar Gul on Saturday said that Pakistan Cup 2019 will be a competitive event, adding, his team would try its best to live up to the billing.The Pakistan Cup will begin at the Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi on April 2.“I really like the Pakistan Cup. It is one of our leading 50-over competitions. I have good understanding with most of the players. As a captain, I have full confidence in my team. It should be a really competitive tournament as all five teams are well-balanced and look strong,” Gul said.Gul has played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is between 2003 and 2016. Injury dogged his international career. He was regarded as a world-class pacer, particularly in the limited overs cricket.Sindh have never made it to the final in the past three editions. They finished third in 2016 and 2017, and fourth in 2018.Gul is a fan of Pakistan Cup and, as a leader, his aim is to make Sindh prosper and challenge the other teams with the target of turning the team’s fortunes around.He had a decent outing for Balochistan in last year’s Pakistan Cup when he collected four wickets in as many games. He took third spot in the bowlers’ chart in 2017 with seven wickets, while he claimed six wickets in 2016.Gul had faith in his team’s bowling strength which also includes promising young fast bowler Mohammad Ilyas and experienced Junaid Khan and Rahat Ali.Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who represented Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019, and Ashiq Ali are the spin bowling options available to Umar.Gul also backed his batting line-up to deliver the goods at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. “Our batting is very strong too with experienced batsmen like Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq, who can also keep wickets along with Mohammad Hassan.”The Sindh squad also has hard-hitting middle-order batsman Asif Ali in their ranks. The right-hander has represented Pakistan in 11 ODIs and 19 T20Is, and is known for his big-hitting, having already hit 12 sixes in his short ODI career to date, while scoring 200 runs at a strike rate of 130.71.Pakistan Cup 2018 provided phenomenal success for the Faisalabad-born Asif as he accumulated 328 runs in four innings at 109.33 and a strike-rate of 128.12. The tally include two centuries as Asif took full toll on the bowlers in his own backyard, Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, finishing as the second-highest run-getter behind Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khurram Manzoor.Federal Areas will defend the title, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan are the other competing teams in the tournament. All 11 matches of the tournament will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the top two sides from the single-league competition progressing to the 12 April final.Sindh squad: Umar Gul (captain), Ahsan Ali, Amir Yamin, Ashiq Ali, Asif Ali, Hammad Azam, Imran Rafiq, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hassan (WK), Mohammad Ilyas, Nauman Ali, Rahat Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq (WK).
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KARACHI: Sindh skipper Umar Gul on Saturday said that Pakistan Cup 2019 will be a competitive event, adding, his team would try its best to live up to the billing.The Pakistan Cup will begin at the Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi on April 2.“I really like the Pakistan Cup. It is one of our leading 50-over competitions. I have good understanding with most of the players. As a captain, I have full confidence in my team. It should be a really competitive tournament as all five teams are well-balanced and look strong,” Gul said.Gul has played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is between 2003 and 2016. Injury dogged his international career. He was regarded as a world-class pacer, particularly in the limited overs cricket.Sindh have never made it to the final in the past three editions. They finished third in 2016 and 2017, and fourth in 2018.Gul is a fan of Pakistan Cup and, as a leader, his aim is to make Sindh prosper and challenge the other teams with the target of turning the team’s fortunes around.He had a decent outing for Balochistan in last year’s Pakistan Cup when he collected four wickets in as many games. He took third spot in the bowlers’ chart in 2017 with seven wickets, while he claimed six wickets in 2016.Gul had faith in his team’s bowling strength which also includes promising young fast bowler Mohammad Ilyas and experienced Junaid Khan and Rahat Ali.Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who represented Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019, and Ashiq Ali are the spin bowling options available to Umar.Gul also backed his batting line-up to deliver the goods at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. “Our batting is very strong too with experienced batsmen like Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq, who can also keep wickets along with Mohammad Hassan.”The Sindh squad also has hard-hitting middle-order batsman Asif Ali in their ranks. The right-hander has represented Pakistan in 11 ODIs and 19 T20Is, and is known for his big-hitting, having already hit 12 sixes in his short ODI career to date, while scoring 200 runs at a strike rate of 130.71.Pakistan Cup 2018 provided phenomenal success for the Faisalabad-born Asif as he accumulated 328 runs in four innings at 109.33 and a strike-rate of 128.12. The tally include two centuries as Asif took full toll on the bowlers in his own backyard, Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, finishing as the second-highest run-getter behind Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khurram Manzoor.Federal Areas will defend the title, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan are the other competing teams in the tournament. All 11 matches of the tournament will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the top two sides from the single-league competition progressing to the 12 April final.Sindh squad: Umar Gul (captain), Ahsan Ali, Amir Yamin, Ashiq Ali, Asif Ali, Hammad Azam, Imran Rafiq, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hassan (WK), Mohammad Ilyas, Nauman Ali, Rahat Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq (WK).
Every News: Curran chasing World Cup dream
Curran chasing World Cup dream
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MUMBAI: England all-rounder Sam Curran said that it’s a dream to represent his country at the ICC World Cup 2019, but is content to be playing in the 2019 Indian Premier League for now.Curran, who had a breakout Test season last year, is currently engaged with Kings XI Punjab in the Indian league’s 12th season. He was the most expensive overseas purchase, at INR 7.2 crore (1 million USD approx.), thanks to a bidding war between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab. It was reward for a terrific rookie year in Test cricket, where he was named England’s Player of the Series in the Test matches against India at home.“It’s a dream for every player to represent his country in the World Cup,” Curran told The Times of India. “I also want to represent my country in the mega tournament. For now, I am focusing on the IPL. I want to give my best.”Curran also sounded optimistic of England’s chances at the tournament. England have never lifted the World Cup, but are heavy favourites to do so this time. They are playing at home and are a formidable one-day unit, ranked No 1 in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.“There is amazing one-day cricket being played by England,” Curran said. “The way England are playing, the chances are bright. England playing at home are a strong side, and hope they have better luck at the World Cup.”
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MUMBAI: England all-rounder Sam Curran said that it’s a dream to represent his country at the ICC World Cup 2019, but is content to be playing in the 2019 Indian Premier League for now.Curran, who had a breakout Test season last year, is currently engaged with Kings XI Punjab in the Indian league’s 12th season. He was the most expensive overseas purchase, at INR 7.2 crore (1 million USD approx.), thanks to a bidding war between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab. It was reward for a terrific rookie year in Test cricket, where he was named England’s Player of the Series in the Test matches against India at home.“It’s a dream for every player to represent his country in the World Cup,” Curran told The Times of India. “I also want to represent my country in the mega tournament. For now, I am focusing on the IPL. I want to give my best.”Curran also sounded optimistic of England’s chances at the tournament. England have never lifted the World Cup, but are heavy favourites to do so this time. They are playing at home and are a formidable one-day unit, ranked No 1 in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.“There is amazing one-day cricket being played by England,” Curran said. “The way England are playing, the chances are bright. England playing at home are a strong side, and hope they have better luck at the World Cup.”
Every News: Pucovski half-century helps Victoria extend lead
Pucovski half-century helps Victoria extend lead
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MELBOURNE: On a day when rain affected the proceedings twice, Victoria tightened their grip in Sheffield Shield final against New South Wales (NSW).At stumps on third day, thanks to half-century from Will Pucovski (51) and handy knocks from Cameron White (36) and Matthew Short (26), Victoria ended at 207-7 with their overall lead extended to 375 runs.NSW struck early through Sean Abbott once the play resumed. He trapped Victoria captain Travis Dean on 25 before another rain interruption forced the players back to the dressing room.Once the play resumed, Pucovksi and Seb Gotch put their heads together to fight the seaming conditions and take the score forward. They took the score past the 100-run mark and were separated when Harry Conway trapped Gotch on 20, breaking the 68-run partnership.Abbott soon removed Pucovski three overs later whose departed after facing 99 deliveries and hitting eight fours off them.
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MELBOURNE: On a day when rain affected the proceedings twice, Victoria tightened their grip in Sheffield Shield final against New South Wales (NSW).At stumps on third day, thanks to half-century from Will Pucovski (51) and handy knocks from Cameron White (36) and Matthew Short (26), Victoria ended at 207-7 with their overall lead extended to 375 runs.NSW struck early through Sean Abbott once the play resumed. He trapped Victoria captain Travis Dean on 25 before another rain interruption forced the players back to the dressing room.Once the play resumed, Pucovksi and Seb Gotch put their heads together to fight the seaming conditions and take the score forward. They took the score past the 100-run mark and were separated when Harry Conway trapped Gotch on 20, breaking the 68-run partnership.Abbott soon removed Pucovski three overs later whose departed after facing 99 deliveries and hitting eight fours off them.
Every News: Hundreds don’t matter too much to me: Maxwell
Hundreds don’t matter too much to me: Maxwell
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DUBAI: Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has said that he wasn’t one for individual landmarks, after falling two short of a century, while attempting to pinch an extra run in the fourth One-day International against Pakistan on Friday.Maxwell’s 82-ball 98 helped Australia secure a nervy six-run win in Dubai, giving the visitors a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. He put on a 134-run partnership with Alex Carey, which boosted the side from 140-5 to 277-7.Pakistan looked set to chase that down after centuries from Abid Ali and Mohammad Rizwan. However, a collapse of epic proportions thereafter meant they finished on 271/8, with Nathan Coulter-Nile claiming 3/53.But the enduring image of the match was Maxwell attempting the extra run late in the first innings, and he was lauded for his selflessness. “You can never accuse Glenn of being selfish,” Aaron Finch, the captain, told the host broadcaster.Maxwell himself said he valued team wins over individual feats. “I'm not going to look back on my career when I'm done and think about all the hundreds I've missed,” he said. “I'm going to think about the wins we had.“It would have been nice to get a hundred, but I was really happy with the way I played today. To put that partnership on with [Alex] Carey, to get us to a total we thought we could defend – I was really proud of the way I went about it. The hundred doesn't really matter too much to me.”Maxwell has played a floater’s role in Australia's ODI set-up over the last year, coming in anywhere between No. 3 and No. 7. He is still figuring out the nuances of each role, but said he was determined to bat deep into the innings this time.“I've made a lot of mistakes as a middle-order batter and not quite made it to the time when I can go [attack],” he said. “It was nice to be there for the back end and delay the bigger hitting until a little bit later, when we felt like we could comfortably get to a total we could defend.“The last two games I've come in a bit earlier when we've lost a few wickets back to back, and there's been a little bit of pressure on when I've gone out. It's actually been nice to get through that, be able to get myself in, and not just go out and play a cameo knock in the last 10 overs.”
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DUBAI: Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has said that he wasn’t one for individual landmarks, after falling two short of a century, while attempting to pinch an extra run in the fourth One-day International against Pakistan on Friday.Maxwell’s 82-ball 98 helped Australia secure a nervy six-run win in Dubai, giving the visitors a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. He put on a 134-run partnership with Alex Carey, which boosted the side from 140-5 to 277-7.Pakistan looked set to chase that down after centuries from Abid Ali and Mohammad Rizwan. However, a collapse of epic proportions thereafter meant they finished on 271/8, with Nathan Coulter-Nile claiming 3/53.But the enduring image of the match was Maxwell attempting the extra run late in the first innings, and he was lauded for his selflessness. “You can never accuse Glenn of being selfish,” Aaron Finch, the captain, told the host broadcaster.Maxwell himself said he valued team wins over individual feats. “I'm not going to look back on my career when I'm done and think about all the hundreds I've missed,” he said. “I'm going to think about the wins we had.“It would have been nice to get a hundred, but I was really happy with the way I played today. To put that partnership on with [Alex] Carey, to get us to a total we thought we could defend – I was really proud of the way I went about it. The hundred doesn't really matter too much to me.”Maxwell has played a floater’s role in Australia's ODI set-up over the last year, coming in anywhere between No. 3 and No. 7. He is still figuring out the nuances of each role, but said he was determined to bat deep into the innings this time.“I've made a lot of mistakes as a middle-order batter and not quite made it to the time when I can go [attack],” he said. “It was nice to be there for the back end and delay the bigger hitting until a little bit later, when we felt like we could comfortably get to a total we could defend.“The last two games I've come in a bit earlier when we've lost a few wickets back to back, and there's been a little bit of pressure on when I've gone out. It's actually been nice to get through that, be able to get myself in, and not just go out and play a cameo knock in the last 10 overs.”
Every News: Imperious Bilal regains National Snooker title
Imperious Bilal regains National Snooker title
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KARACHI: Fifth seed Muhammad Bilal extended his brilliant form to overwhelm unseeded Asjad Iqbal in the all-Punjab final of the Jubilee Insurance National Snooker Championship here at the Karachi Gymkhana on Saturday.The 33-year-old Bilal, belonging to Mandi Bahauddin, regained the national crown he had first captured three years ago. He shattered the dreams of the enigmatic Asjad, a year younger to him and hailing from the neighbouring city of Sargodha, who crashed in the final of the Nationals for the third time in his career without having won it even once.Bilal, who remained unbeaten throughout the 11-day event, contested by a total of 56 cueists, emerged triumphant in the best of 15-frame final 8-4 with the scores of 60-54, 93-0, 99-0, 5-127, 0-97, 93-7, 88-39, 23-110, 92-30, 74-7, 35-71, 77-18.The title clash, played at a brisk pace, lasted a little over four hours. Televised live on Geo Super, it was followed by the prize distribution ceremony in which Tahir Ahmed, Managing Director, Jubilee General Insurance Ltd, was the chief guest.He presented a cheque of Rs100,000 along with the glittering trophy to Bilal while Asjad collected a sum of Rs50,000 for being the runner-up and an additional purse of Rs 10,000 for registering the highest break of the championship (139). The total prize money disbursed during the event was Rs 272,000.In his brief remarks on the occasion, Tahir acknowledged the continued rise in the standard of snooker over the years, making a special mention of the record number of 29 century breaks compiled by the participating cueists during the Nationals.The newly-crowned national champion, Bilal, complimented the Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) for having taken care of cue sports with dedication.He, however, desired greater government support for the cueists in order to let them fully concentrate on improving their snooker skills to bring more glories to the country.Talking exclusively to ‘The News’, he described the semi-final against Zulfiqar Abdul Qadir of Sindh as his toughest match of the championship during which his opponent looked the most threatening to dislodge him.“Thankfully, I got my top game going and didn’t allow much liberties to Asjad in the final. I knew he’s the kind of player, as we all saw today, who would have capitalized on a single mistake from me. I was able to control the match despite conceding a century, and I duly achieved my ambition of regaining the trophy,” Bilal remarked.Asjad, on the other hand, didn’t mince words in stating that he was under pressure going into the final.“Not because of the form or reputation of my rival but it was mainly a psychological barrier for not being able to win the previous two finals of the National Championship. And today, I was downed for the third time. I have won other titles but this trophy continues to elude me,” he regretted.“I have had an up-and-down career at the national level. I am happy to have performed well in the Nationals again but obviously the title would have been an icing on the cake,” Asjad added.Bilal exerted pressure on Asjad from the outset in the final. After narrowly winning the opening frame, he fired sensational breaks of 92 and 98 in the next couple of frames to move 3-0 up.Asjad fought back with a well-compiled break of 63 in the fourth frame and he sustained the momentum by taking the next frame as well. But another big break of 73 in the sixth frame took Bilal into a 4-2 lead and he quickly made it 5-2 by snatching the following frame.The match came alive when Asjad constructed a superlative break of 110 in the ninth frame to make it 3-5 at which point the 30-minute break was announced by referee Shabbir Hussain Daruwala.Bilal was at his best after resumption, too, and he inched closer towards victory by taking the next couple of frames. Trailing 3-7, Asjad won the 11th frame with a break of 64 but Bilal sealed the fate of the match with his break of 76 in the next frame.
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KARACHI: Fifth seed Muhammad Bilal extended his brilliant form to overwhelm unseeded Asjad Iqbal in the all-Punjab final of the Jubilee Insurance National Snooker Championship here at the Karachi Gymkhana on Saturday.The 33-year-old Bilal, belonging to Mandi Bahauddin, regained the national crown he had first captured three years ago. He shattered the dreams of the enigmatic Asjad, a year younger to him and hailing from the neighbouring city of Sargodha, who crashed in the final of the Nationals for the third time in his career without having won it even once.Bilal, who remained unbeaten throughout the 11-day event, contested by a total of 56 cueists, emerged triumphant in the best of 15-frame final 8-4 with the scores of 60-54, 93-0, 99-0, 5-127, 0-97, 93-7, 88-39, 23-110, 92-30, 74-7, 35-71, 77-18.The title clash, played at a brisk pace, lasted a little over four hours. Televised live on Geo Super, it was followed by the prize distribution ceremony in which Tahir Ahmed, Managing Director, Jubilee General Insurance Ltd, was the chief guest.He presented a cheque of Rs100,000 along with the glittering trophy to Bilal while Asjad collected a sum of Rs50,000 for being the runner-up and an additional purse of Rs 10,000 for registering the highest break of the championship (139). The total prize money disbursed during the event was Rs 272,000.In his brief remarks on the occasion, Tahir acknowledged the continued rise in the standard of snooker over the years, making a special mention of the record number of 29 century breaks compiled by the participating cueists during the Nationals.The newly-crowned national champion, Bilal, complimented the Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) for having taken care of cue sports with dedication.He, however, desired greater government support for the cueists in order to let them fully concentrate on improving their snooker skills to bring more glories to the country.Talking exclusively to ‘The News’, he described the semi-final against Zulfiqar Abdul Qadir of Sindh as his toughest match of the championship during which his opponent looked the most threatening to dislodge him.“Thankfully, I got my top game going and didn’t allow much liberties to Asjad in the final. I knew he’s the kind of player, as we all saw today, who would have capitalized on a single mistake from me. I was able to control the match despite conceding a century, and I duly achieved my ambition of regaining the trophy,” Bilal remarked.Asjad, on the other hand, didn’t mince words in stating that he was under pressure going into the final.“Not because of the form or reputation of my rival but it was mainly a psychological barrier for not being able to win the previous two finals of the National Championship. And today, I was downed for the third time. I have won other titles but this trophy continues to elude me,” he regretted.“I have had an up-and-down career at the national level. I am happy to have performed well in the Nationals again but obviously the title would have been an icing on the cake,” Asjad added.Bilal exerted pressure on Asjad from the outset in the final. After narrowly winning the opening frame, he fired sensational breaks of 92 and 98 in the next couple of frames to move 3-0 up.Asjad fought back with a well-compiled break of 63 in the fourth frame and he sustained the momentum by taking the next frame as well. But another big break of 73 in the sixth frame took Bilal into a 4-2 lead and he quickly made it 5-2 by snatching the following frame.The match came alive when Asjad constructed a superlative break of 110 in the ninth frame to make it 3-5 at which point the 30-minute break was announced by referee Shabbir Hussain Daruwala.Bilal was at his best after resumption, too, and he inched closer towards victory by taking the next couple of frames. Trailing 3-7, Asjad won the 11th frame with a break of 64 but Bilal sealed the fate of the match with his break of 76 in the next frame.
Every News: Man City cruise back to top with win at Fulham
Man City cruise back to top with win at Fulham
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LONDON: Manchester City cruised back to the top of the Premier League as relegation-bound Fulham were swatted aside by the champions 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero ensured the game was won in the first 27 minutes, but the final margin of victory could have been far greater hadCity chosen to click throughthe gears.Pep Guardiola’s men now lead Liverpool by a point with seven games remaining for both sides, but Jurgen Klopp’s side can retake top spot with victory over third-placed Tottenham on Sunday.Fulham, by contrast, remain 13 points adrift of safety with just 18 left to play for.City remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, which they retained last month.A potential 14 games now stand between them and history, but there will be far tougher tests in wait than a dispirited and dishevelled Fulham, who played a huge part in their downfall. Sixty points now separate the sides at opposing ends of the table and the hosts’ inability to play simple passes highlighted why they are set for the drop after just one season back in the top flight.Aguero had already seen an effort cleared off the line before Silva opened the scoring just five minutes in.Kevin de Bruyne, on his return from a month-long injury absence, intercepted a loose pass deep inside the Fulham half and fed Aguero, who in turn played the ball to Silva to curl into the far corner on his favoured left foot.De Bruyne should have scored for just the second time in an injury-plagued Premier League season when he fired too close to Sergio Rico with just the Fulham goalkeeper to beat, while the Spaniard also parried Ilkay Gundogan’s effort from the edge of the box.A second City goal seemed only a matter of time, though, and again Fulham made it easy for their visitors by coughing up possession close to theirown goal.This time the roles were reversed as Silva slipped in Aguero who expertly found the top corner for his 29th goal of the season.So calamitous was Fulham’s retention of the ball that every completed pass was met with loud cheers from the home fans at stages in the first-half.However, the hosts nearly had an unlikely route back into the game when Joe Bryan’s shot flashed across Ederson’s goal just before the break.City were happy to canter through the second period without expending too much energy with eight games in a 25-day period to come in April.Kyle Walker came closest to adding to their advantage with a thumping shot off the outside of the post.An otherwise comfortable afternoon may have come at a cost, though, as Aguero appeared to be carrying an injury as he was replaced by Gabriel Jesus just before the hour mark.
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LONDON: Manchester City cruised back to the top of the Premier League as relegation-bound Fulham were swatted aside by the champions 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero ensured the game was won in the first 27 minutes, but the final margin of victory could have been far greater hadCity chosen to click throughthe gears.Pep Guardiola’s men now lead Liverpool by a point with seven games remaining for both sides, but Jurgen Klopp’s side can retake top spot with victory over third-placed Tottenham on Sunday.Fulham, by contrast, remain 13 points adrift of safety with just 18 left to play for.City remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, which they retained last month.A potential 14 games now stand between them and history, but there will be far tougher tests in wait than a dispirited and dishevelled Fulham, who played a huge part in their downfall. Sixty points now separate the sides at opposing ends of the table and the hosts’ inability to play simple passes highlighted why they are set for the drop after just one season back in the top flight.Aguero had already seen an effort cleared off the line before Silva opened the scoring just five minutes in.Kevin de Bruyne, on his return from a month-long injury absence, intercepted a loose pass deep inside the Fulham half and fed Aguero, who in turn played the ball to Silva to curl into the far corner on his favoured left foot.De Bruyne should have scored for just the second time in an injury-plagued Premier League season when he fired too close to Sergio Rico with just the Fulham goalkeeper to beat, while the Spaniard also parried Ilkay Gundogan’s effort from the edge of the box.A second City goal seemed only a matter of time, though, and again Fulham made it easy for their visitors by coughing up possession close to theirown goal.This time the roles were reversed as Silva slipped in Aguero who expertly found the top corner for his 29th goal of the season.So calamitous was Fulham’s retention of the ball that every completed pass was met with loud cheers from the home fans at stages in the first-half.However, the hosts nearly had an unlikely route back into the game when Joe Bryan’s shot flashed across Ederson’s goal just before the break.City were happy to canter through the second period without expending too much energy with eight games in a 25-day period to come in April.Kyle Walker came closest to adding to their advantage with a thumping shot off the outside of the post.An otherwise comfortable afternoon may have come at a cost, though, as Aguero appeared to be carrying an injury as he was replaced by Gabriel Jesus just before the hour mark.
Every News: Federer schools Shapovalov, sets up title clash with Isner
Federer schools Shapovalov, sets up title clash with Isner
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MIAMI, Florida: Roger Federer handed Denis Shapovalov a tennis lesson at the Miami Open on Friday night, winning 6-2 6-4 to move into his second consecutive ATP Masters final.Federer produced a masterclass at Hard Rock Stadium to leave up-and-coming star Shapovalov, who grew up idolizing the Swiss, chasing shadows during a difficult first set.The Canadian enjoyed some better moments towards the end of the second, but it wasn’t enough to dislodge the three-time Miami champion who now has a chance to land his 101st career crown after missing out in Indian Wells where he lost to Dominic Thiem in the final.Federer will play John Isner , who lifted the 2018 title, in Sunday’s final after the American beat Shapovalov’s friend and compatriot Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight-sets in Friday’s other semi-final.“The long first game helped me get a read on his serve and I came out of the blocks well,” said Federer, the number four seed who hit 30 winners with just eight coming from his opponent’s racket.“I made some minor adjustments and I was happy with my variations. I know what to expect when I play John, he’s got an amazing serve so it’s going to be tough for sure.“I’ll just try and get as many balls back as possible. I enjoy it.”This was Shapovalov’s fifth ATP Tour semi-final and even though the 20 time Slam-winning Swiss was standing in his way of a first final, the 19 year-old stressed beforehand that it was a “dream” to take on Federer.It quickly, however, turned into a nightmare.The Canadian displayed understandable nerves early on, a struggle with his first serve proving as much in a 10 minute opening game which he eventually won.Yet it didn’t settle him down and when another horribly loose backhand flew long, Federer pocketed a vital early break for 2-1.Shapovalov hit 14 unforced errors in the opening four games and when the 37-year-old Federer was handed another break after a double-fault, the world number 23 trudged back to his chair with his head bowed.The first set was over in just 35 minutes, with Federer winning 88% of points on his first serve.Shapovalov started the second set confidently, landing his first ace to cement a strong hold and then found himself 15-40 up on Federer’s serve.But his game was far too loose and after he failed to convert a fifth Shapovalov double fault saw the Swiss break again to put himself on the way to his 50th ATP Masters final.
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MIAMI, Florida: Roger Federer handed Denis Shapovalov a tennis lesson at the Miami Open on Friday night, winning 6-2 6-4 to move into his second consecutive ATP Masters final.Federer produced a masterclass at Hard Rock Stadium to leave up-and-coming star Shapovalov, who grew up idolizing the Swiss, chasing shadows during a difficult first set.The Canadian enjoyed some better moments towards the end of the second, but it wasn’t enough to dislodge the three-time Miami champion who now has a chance to land his 101st career crown after missing out in Indian Wells where he lost to Dominic Thiem in the final.Federer will play John Isner , who lifted the 2018 title, in Sunday’s final after the American beat Shapovalov’s friend and compatriot Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight-sets in Friday’s other semi-final.“The long first game helped me get a read on his serve and I came out of the blocks well,” said Federer, the number four seed who hit 30 winners with just eight coming from his opponent’s racket.“I made some minor adjustments and I was happy with my variations. I know what to expect when I play John, he’s got an amazing serve so it’s going to be tough for sure.“I’ll just try and get as many balls back as possible. I enjoy it.”This was Shapovalov’s fifth ATP Tour semi-final and even though the 20 time Slam-winning Swiss was standing in his way of a first final, the 19 year-old stressed beforehand that it was a “dream” to take on Federer.It quickly, however, turned into a nightmare.The Canadian displayed understandable nerves early on, a struggle with his first serve proving as much in a 10 minute opening game which he eventually won.Yet it didn’t settle him down and when another horribly loose backhand flew long, Federer pocketed a vital early break for 2-1.Shapovalov hit 14 unforced errors in the opening four games and when the 37-year-old Federer was handed another break after a double-fault, the world number 23 trudged back to his chair with his head bowed.The first set was over in just 35 minutes, with Federer winning 88% of points on his first serve.Shapovalov started the second set confidently, landing his first ace to cement a strong hold and then found himself 15-40 up on Federer’s serve.But his game was far too loose and after he failed to convert a fifth Shapovalov double fault saw the Swiss break again to put himself on the way to his 50th ATP Masters final.
Every News: Federal Areas crush Punjab to retain Disabled T20 Cup title
Federal Areas crush Punjab to retain Disabled T20 Cup title
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KARACHI: Federal Areas retained the title when they demolished Punjab by 101 runs in the final of the NBP Disabled T20 Pentangular Cup here at NBP Sports Complex Ground on Saturday.After being asked to bat first, Federal Areas posted 192-3 in the allotted 20 overs with skipper Jahanzaib Tiwana scoring 68 off 52 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes. Hamza Hameed made 66 off 52 balls with five fours and three sixes as the duo added 130 for the third-wicket stand. Mohammad Haris took 1-24.Punjab, in response, perished for 90 in 15.2 overs with Umer Farooq top-scoring with 28 which came off 23 balls and had four fours. Tiwana and Gohar Ali got two wickets each.Head of CSR Division NBP Iqbal Wahid distributed the prizes.Federal Areas received a trophy and a purse of Rs200,000 while Punjab got a purse of Rs100,000. Similarly, Rs5000 each was handed over to Tiwana (Federal Areas, man-of-the-final), Hamza Hameed (Federal Areas, best batsman, 267 runs), Gohar Ali (Federal Areas, best bowler, 9 wickets), Iman Ullah Bhatti (Federal Areas, best fielder, 6 catches) and Adil Abbasi (Balochistan, player of the tournament, 253 runs, 3 wickets).
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KARACHI: Federal Areas retained the title when they demolished Punjab by 101 runs in the final of the NBP Disabled T20 Pentangular Cup here at NBP Sports Complex Ground on Saturday.After being asked to bat first, Federal Areas posted 192-3 in the allotted 20 overs with skipper Jahanzaib Tiwana scoring 68 off 52 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes. Hamza Hameed made 66 off 52 balls with five fours and three sixes as the duo added 130 for the third-wicket stand. Mohammad Haris took 1-24.Punjab, in response, perished for 90 in 15.2 overs with Umer Farooq top-scoring with 28 which came off 23 balls and had four fours. Tiwana and Gohar Ali got two wickets each.Head of CSR Division NBP Iqbal Wahid distributed the prizes.Federal Areas received a trophy and a purse of Rs200,000 while Punjab got a purse of Rs100,000. Similarly, Rs5000 each was handed over to Tiwana (Federal Areas, man-of-the-final), Hamza Hameed (Federal Areas, best batsman, 267 runs), Gohar Ali (Federal Areas, best bowler, 9 wickets), Iman Ullah Bhatti (Federal Areas, best fielder, 6 catches) and Adil Abbasi (Balochistan, player of the tournament, 253 runs, 3 wickets).
Every News: Interloop duo wins World Corporate Golf Qualifier
Interloop duo wins World Corporate Golf Qualifier
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KARACHI: The duo of Nadeem Iftikhar and Faisal Khurshid emerged victorious in the first leg of Hashoo Group World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan 2019 played here at the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club Karachi on Saturday.Playing for Interloop International, Nadeem and Faisal finished on the top of the leader-board in the regional qualifier which featured 55 teams.The Top 5 teams qualified for the National Final of Hashoo Group World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan 2019. The National Final of World Corporate Challenge Pakistan will be held on May 5 in Lahore Regional qualifiers of North and Centre will take place on April 21 in Islamabad and May 4 in Lahore.The Grand National Final of Hashoo Group World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan will have 15 teams from each region. Winning team of National Final will proceed to represent Pakistan at World Final of World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan in July this year.World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan is the biggest corporate golf team event of Pakistan. More than 40 countries are associated with World Corporate Golf Challenge (based in Spain). This is the 5th edition of WCGC in Pakistan and it is growing rapidly in Pakistan and first event of its kind.Haseeb Gardezi, Chief Operating Officer of Hashoo Group (Hospitality Division) was the chief guest at the well-attended prize distribution ceremony of the tournament.
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KARACHI: The duo of Nadeem Iftikhar and Faisal Khurshid emerged victorious in the first leg of Hashoo Group World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan 2019 played here at the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club Karachi on Saturday.Playing for Interloop International, Nadeem and Faisal finished on the top of the leader-board in the regional qualifier which featured 55 teams.The Top 5 teams qualified for the National Final of Hashoo Group World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan 2019. The National Final of World Corporate Challenge Pakistan will be held on May 5 in Lahore Regional qualifiers of North and Centre will take place on April 21 in Islamabad and May 4 in Lahore.The Grand National Final of Hashoo Group World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan will have 15 teams from each region. Winning team of National Final will proceed to represent Pakistan at World Final of World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan in July this year.World Corporate Golf Challenge Pakistan is the biggest corporate golf team event of Pakistan. More than 40 countries are associated with World Corporate Golf Challenge (based in Spain). This is the 5th edition of WCGC in Pakistan and it is growing rapidly in Pakistan and first event of its kind.Haseeb Gardezi, Chief Operating Officer of Hashoo Group (Hospitality Division) was the chief guest at the well-attended prize distribution ceremony of the tournament.
Every News: SSGC win All Pakistan NBP Football tournament
SSGC win All Pakistan NBP Football tournament
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KARACHI: The second string of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) demolished Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) 3-0 in the final to clinch the title of the All Pakistan NBP Football tournament which concluded here at the Colony Sports Ground Malir on Saturday.In the absence of out-stationed international players, SSGC went ahead when Abdul Salam hit a fine goal in the 24th minute. At half-time, they were leading 1-0. In the second half, SSGC maintained control of the game and doubled their lead through Larosh in the 57th minute. Raziq made it 3-0 for the winners with a solid effort in the 79th minute.“It was a tough game but fortunately we won it convincingly,” SSGC coach Tariq Lutfi told 'The News'.“We had not invited any of our out-stationed international player and played with the local crop as we are also going to use our bench in future events particularly the Premier League,” Tariq said.“We definitely need players in our frontline and are searching for them. We had invited Larosh from Sahiwal for a couple of matches on a trial basis. He was not very fit but his touches were good,” the coach said.“We also tested, unofficially, a young stopper Sardar Wali from Chaman. He is a poor boy and is from Mohammad Essa's team. He had also been tested by me in Gwadar. We are trying to strengthen our line-up,” Tariq said.“It's very difficult to form a fighting lot from the local breed,” he added.Head of Board of Directors NBP Imam Bux Baloch distributed the prizes. The event was organised by renowned football organiser Zameer-ul-Islam.
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KARACHI: The second string of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) demolished Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) 3-0 in the final to clinch the title of the All Pakistan NBP Football tournament which concluded here at the Colony Sports Ground Malir on Saturday.In the absence of out-stationed international players, SSGC went ahead when Abdul Salam hit a fine goal in the 24th minute. At half-time, they were leading 1-0. In the second half, SSGC maintained control of the game and doubled their lead through Larosh in the 57th minute. Raziq made it 3-0 for the winners with a solid effort in the 79th minute.“It was a tough game but fortunately we won it convincingly,” SSGC coach Tariq Lutfi told 'The News'.“We had not invited any of our out-stationed international player and played with the local crop as we are also going to use our bench in future events particularly the Premier League,” Tariq said.“We definitely need players in our frontline and are searching for them. We had invited Larosh from Sahiwal for a couple of matches on a trial basis. He was not very fit but his touches were good,” the coach said.“We also tested, unofficially, a young stopper Sardar Wali from Chaman. He is a poor boy and is from Mohammad Essa's team. He had also been tested by me in Gwadar. We are trying to strengthen our line-up,” Tariq said.“It's very difficult to form a fighting lot from the local breed,” he added.Head of Board of Directors NBP Imam Bux Baloch distributed the prizes. The event was organised by renowned football organiser Zameer-ul-Islam.
Every News: Woods, McIlroy book last-16 showdown at WGC Match Play
Woods, McIlroy book last-16 showdown at WGC Match Play
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WASHINGTON: Three-time tournament winner Tiger Woods rallied to defeat Patrick Cantlay 4&2 on Friday, advancing to an electrifying Saturday knockout match against Rory McIlroy at the WGC-Match Play Championship.The 14-time major champion holed out from 82 yards for eagle at the par-4 13th in his fightback to book his duel with McIlroy, who beat England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick 4&2 to finish an unbeaten group run.“It’s exciting for the tournament. I’m sure it’s going to be exciting for us,” McIlroy said. “I feel good about my game. I’m going to stick with my game plan and not look at him until I have to near the end.”A showdown of the world’s 64 top-ranked golfers at Austin (Texas) Country Club featured three days of group matches to decide 16 players for weekend knockout matches that will determine a champion.Woods, seeded 13th, was set to meet fourth-seeded McIlroy of Northern Ireland in the round of 16 on Saturday.Four-time major winner McIlroy, who could complete a Career Grand Slam at the Masters in two weeks, has never trailed in any match and dropped only three holes this week.“I got up early and played some good golf on the front nine,” McIlroy said. “I got scrappy toward the end but I’m through and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”Former world number one Woods, a 14-time major champion, split his first two matches and needed a victory plus a loss by Brandt Snedeker to reach the weekend from his all-American group.Aaron Wise led after every hole in routing Snedeker 6&4 and Woods took care of the rest with an impressive fightback, showing the form that helped him win WGC Match Play titles in 2003, 2004 and 2008.Woods made bogeys at the par-5 sixth and par-4 eighth to fall 2-down to Cantlay, who gave one back with a bogey at nine before Woods reeled off three birdies and an eagle to win the next four holes -- sinking a 21-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th and a six-footer at the par-5 12th, then holing out at 13 before making a 20-footer at 14.
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WASHINGTON: Three-time tournament winner Tiger Woods rallied to defeat Patrick Cantlay 4&2 on Friday, advancing to an electrifying Saturday knockout match against Rory McIlroy at the WGC-Match Play Championship.The 14-time major champion holed out from 82 yards for eagle at the par-4 13th in his fightback to book his duel with McIlroy, who beat England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick 4&2 to finish an unbeaten group run.“It’s exciting for the tournament. I’m sure it’s going to be exciting for us,” McIlroy said. “I feel good about my game. I’m going to stick with my game plan and not look at him until I have to near the end.”A showdown of the world’s 64 top-ranked golfers at Austin (Texas) Country Club featured three days of group matches to decide 16 players for weekend knockout matches that will determine a champion.Woods, seeded 13th, was set to meet fourth-seeded McIlroy of Northern Ireland in the round of 16 on Saturday.Four-time major winner McIlroy, who could complete a Career Grand Slam at the Masters in two weeks, has never trailed in any match and dropped only three holes this week.“I got up early and played some good golf on the front nine,” McIlroy said. “I got scrappy toward the end but I’m through and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”Former world number one Woods, a 14-time major champion, split his first two matches and needed a victory plus a loss by Brandt Snedeker to reach the weekend from his all-American group.Aaron Wise led after every hole in routing Snedeker 6&4 and Woods took care of the rest with an impressive fightback, showing the form that helped him win WGC Match Play titles in 2003, 2004 and 2008.Woods made bogeys at the par-5 sixth and par-4 eighth to fall 2-down to Cantlay, who gave one back with a bogey at nine before Woods reeled off three birdies and an eagle to win the next four holes -- sinking a 21-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th and a six-footer at the par-5 12th, then holing out at 13 before making a 20-footer at 14.
Every News: Park shares LPGA Kia Classic lead with Thidapa
Park shares LPGA Kia Classic lead with Thidapa
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LOS ANGELES, California: World number one Park Sung-hyun fired a six-under par 66 on Friday to seize a share of the halfway lead alongside Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura at the LPGA Kia Classic.South Korea’s Park teed off on 10 at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California, and after two birdies in her first nine holes made a big move with four birdies in the space of five holes after the turn.“Overall, I’m pretty happy with my play today, especially the bogey-free two days in a row,” said Park, a winner in Singapore last month. “The course is not easy actually. The fairways are pretty narrow and the greens are very soft and line is pretty hard to see for me.”Thidapa had three birdies on each side to also sign for a 66 and join Park on 10-under 134.“Those greens are not that easy,” said Thidapa.The leading duo were one stroke in front of overnight leader Chella Choi, who carded a 70, and fellow South Korean Park In-bee, who posted a 67. Australian Minjee Lee, the 2017 winner, carded a 69 to head a group on 137 that also included Colombia’s Mariajo Uribe (69), Spain’s Azahara Munoz (68) and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (70).
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LOS ANGELES, California: World number one Park Sung-hyun fired a six-under par 66 on Friday to seize a share of the halfway lead alongside Thailand’s Thidapa Suwannapura at the LPGA Kia Classic.South Korea’s Park teed off on 10 at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California, and after two birdies in her first nine holes made a big move with four birdies in the space of five holes after the turn.“Overall, I’m pretty happy with my play today, especially the bogey-free two days in a row,” said Park, a winner in Singapore last month. “The course is not easy actually. The fairways are pretty narrow and the greens are very soft and line is pretty hard to see for me.”Thidapa had three birdies on each side to also sign for a 66 and join Park on 10-under 134.“Those greens are not that easy,” said Thidapa.The leading duo were one stroke in front of overnight leader Chella Choi, who carded a 70, and fellow South Korean Park In-bee, who posted a 67. Australian Minjee Lee, the 2017 winner, carded a 69 to head a group on 137 that also included Colombia’s Mariajo Uribe (69), Spain’s Azahara Munoz (68) and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (70).
Every News: SBP, ZTBL register victories in T20 Women Cricket
SBP, ZTBL register victories in T20 Women Cricket
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KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) recorded wins on the third day of the Inter-Departmental T20 Women Cricket Championship at the Diamond Club Ground in Islamabad on Saturday.In the first game, SBP overwhelmed Higher Education Commission (HEC) by six wickets.SBP achieved the 95-run target in the 15th over after losing four wickets in the process. Sidra Amin top-scored with 33 off 41 balls, having hammered four fours. Iram Javed chipped in with a 23-ball 30, featuring five fours. Lubna Behram got 1-12.Earlier, after being invited to bat first, HEC were restricted to 94-5 with Khadija Chishti making a 31-ball 22 with three hits to the fence. She was ably backed by Saba Nazir who hammered an unbeaten 21 off 38 deliveries. Hafsa Amjad got 2-17.Meanwhile, in the other outing at the same venue, ZTBL crushed PCB XI by 63 runs.Chasing 193, PCB XI were restricted to 129-8 in the allotted 20 overs with Huraina Sajjad scoring a run-a-ball 43 not out, having smacked five fours and one six. Kainat Hafeez made a run-a-ball 20. Bismah Maroof and Fatima Sana got two wickets each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, ZTBL piled up 192-2 with Bismah Maroof hammering a 32-ball 51 not out, striking seven fours. Muneeba Ali chipped in with a brisk 40-ball 51 which featured eight fours. Javeria Khan struck a 29-ball 48 with eight fours and one six. Nida Dar made a 20-ball 34 not out. Bismah was adjudged player of the match.
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KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) recorded wins on the third day of the Inter-Departmental T20 Women Cricket Championship at the Diamond Club Ground in Islamabad on Saturday.In the first game, SBP overwhelmed Higher Education Commission (HEC) by six wickets.SBP achieved the 95-run target in the 15th over after losing four wickets in the process. Sidra Amin top-scored with 33 off 41 balls, having hammered four fours. Iram Javed chipped in with a 23-ball 30, featuring five fours. Lubna Behram got 1-12.Earlier, after being invited to bat first, HEC were restricted to 94-5 with Khadija Chishti making a 31-ball 22 with three hits to the fence. She was ably backed by Saba Nazir who hammered an unbeaten 21 off 38 deliveries. Hafsa Amjad got 2-17.Meanwhile, in the other outing at the same venue, ZTBL crushed PCB XI by 63 runs.Chasing 193, PCB XI were restricted to 129-8 in the allotted 20 overs with Huraina Sajjad scoring a run-a-ball 43 not out, having smacked five fours and one six. Kainat Hafeez made a run-a-ball 20. Bismah Maroof and Fatima Sana got two wickets each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, ZTBL piled up 192-2 with Bismah Maroof hammering a 32-ball 51 not out, striking seven fours. Muneeba Ali chipped in with a brisk 40-ball 51 which featured eight fours. Javeria Khan struck a 29-ball 48 with eight fours and one six. Nida Dar made a 20-ball 34 not out. Bismah was adjudged player of the match.
Every News: Customs to feature in Bangkok hockey event
Customs to feature in Bangkok hockey event
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KARACHI: Pakistan Customs hockey team will participate in the Pakistan Day Cup seven-a-side tournament, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from April 5-7.The event is being organised by Pakistan Overseas Association to commemorate the Pakistan Day. They have been holding this tournament for the past several years.Customs have thrice won the tournament, while Lahore-based Pak Heroes’ Club won the event once. Thailand’s domestic hockey team won two times.The Customs team comprises 14 members including officials. Former Pakistan international player Mohammad Ali will be coach of the team. They will face leading domestic teams from Thailand.
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KARACHI: Pakistan Customs hockey team will participate in the Pakistan Day Cup seven-a-side tournament, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from April 5-7.The event is being organised by Pakistan Overseas Association to commemorate the Pakistan Day. They have been holding this tournament for the past several years.Customs have thrice won the tournament, while Lahore-based Pak Heroes’ Club won the event once. Thailand’s domestic hockey team won two times.The Customs team comprises 14 members including officials. Former Pakistan international player Mohammad Ali will be coach of the team. They will face leading domestic teams from Thailand.
Every News: Former DG PSB Arif slams proposed PSEDIB model
Former DG PSB Arif slams proposed PSEDIB model
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KARACHI: Former Director General of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Brigadier (retd) Arif Siddiqui on Saturday rejected the proposed model of the Pakistan Sports Education Development and Infrastructure Board (PSEDIB) and said it could not yield any result.“I don’t see any major change in the structure of the proposed model of PSEDIB which the government is going to establish. Already the same things are present in the existing board structure. It’s just a piece of paper. A law itself is nothing unless it is implemented,” Arif told 'The News' in an interview.He said unless the Board was properly restructured nothing big could be achieved.“There is a need to correct the basics. The Board needs complete overhauling. The PSB must be placed under Ministry of Education immediately. A competent, qualified DG PSB from the very outset or a competent bureaucrat with necessary sports knowledge be temporarily appointed for the transition period,” Arif suggested.He said to carry out immediate restructuring of the Board rules of business needed to be modified to accommodate sports persons and fresh university graduates in the PSB.“Directors in all coaching centres must be replaced by sportspersons with administrative skills. Five years audit of development and non-development budget and corruption cases forwarded to NAB should be pursued vigorously. The PSB must be cleared of internal and external politics and unions of all kinds should be abolished. There should be scrutiny and evaluation of all games carried out by the PSB and few games need to be prioritised for financial support,” he suggested. “Other games should be developed under respective federations till they attain respectability in their international rankings. Evaluation must become a regular annual feature. A model constitution for all games be issued by PSB and across the board implementation ensured. PSB should issue blueprint for creation of sports infrastructure over the next ten years,” Arif elaborated.He also rejected the clause of the draft of the task force on sports headed by Ehsan Mani that the proposed PSEDIB would also run educational programmes in sports sciences and physical education up to doctoral level.“The Board cannot do any such thing,” he said.“China has emerged as a leading sports nation in Asia. We were benefited by their coaches during 1980s. We need to enlarge the scope of CPEC and must benefit from China. HEC in consultation with Chinese universities should initially evaluate critically the curriculum of the existing sports subjects being taught in our universities. Sports departments in various universities of Pakistan should be developed,” he said.“The subjects of sports management, sports psychology, sports sociology, philosophy, history, sports medicines to include injuries, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, acupuncture, performance enhancement with drugs and doping, the art of modern coaching and talent hunt and construction of sports infrastructure with full-range certificate up to masters and PhD be undertaken in universities,” Arif said. He reiterated that the new model would flop, adding, no sound mind was behind this.“The biggest mistake of Imran Khan is that he has tasked Ehsan Mani to overhaul sports. Mani does not know anything about sports. He even does not know about Pakistan cricket,” Arif said. He said that sports was a serious subject.“Sports development is a serious subject and unless it is taken accordingly we cannot improve it. Professional sports is more demanding and needs great focus,” Arif added.He said the state will have to keep giving their input for sports development.“You cannot promote amateur sports disciplines without state input unless they become purely professional. The state does not need to back cricket and football but it needs to support the rest of the sports disciplines which require proper patronage,” Arif said.Reacting to Imran’s stance of abolishing departments in first-class cricket, Arif said the day departments get abolished, cricket will die.Arif also strongly criticised the Balochistan’s Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s initiative to spend a huge amount on extending reception and giving cash prizes to the winners of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Quetta Gladiators.“If he really wants to contribute for sports then why is he not holding the National Games which Quetta is supposed to host since long?” Arif questioned.
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KARACHI: Former Director General of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Brigadier (retd) Arif Siddiqui on Saturday rejected the proposed model of the Pakistan Sports Education Development and Infrastructure Board (PSEDIB) and said it could not yield any result.“I don’t see any major change in the structure of the proposed model of PSEDIB which the government is going to establish. Already the same things are present in the existing board structure. It’s just a piece of paper. A law itself is nothing unless it is implemented,” Arif told 'The News' in an interview.He said unless the Board was properly restructured nothing big could be achieved.“There is a need to correct the basics. The Board needs complete overhauling. The PSB must be placed under Ministry of Education immediately. A competent, qualified DG PSB from the very outset or a competent bureaucrat with necessary sports knowledge be temporarily appointed for the transition period,” Arif suggested.He said to carry out immediate restructuring of the Board rules of business needed to be modified to accommodate sports persons and fresh university graduates in the PSB.“Directors in all coaching centres must be replaced by sportspersons with administrative skills. Five years audit of development and non-development budget and corruption cases forwarded to NAB should be pursued vigorously. The PSB must be cleared of internal and external politics and unions of all kinds should be abolished. There should be scrutiny and evaluation of all games carried out by the PSB and few games need to be prioritised for financial support,” he suggested. “Other games should be developed under respective federations till they attain respectability in their international rankings. Evaluation must become a regular annual feature. A model constitution for all games be issued by PSB and across the board implementation ensured. PSB should issue blueprint for creation of sports infrastructure over the next ten years,” Arif elaborated.He also rejected the clause of the draft of the task force on sports headed by Ehsan Mani that the proposed PSEDIB would also run educational programmes in sports sciences and physical education up to doctoral level.“The Board cannot do any such thing,” he said.“China has emerged as a leading sports nation in Asia. We were benefited by their coaches during 1980s. We need to enlarge the scope of CPEC and must benefit from China. HEC in consultation with Chinese universities should initially evaluate critically the curriculum of the existing sports subjects being taught in our universities. Sports departments in various universities of Pakistan should be developed,” he said.“The subjects of sports management, sports psychology, sports sociology, philosophy, history, sports medicines to include injuries, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, acupuncture, performance enhancement with drugs and doping, the art of modern coaching and talent hunt and construction of sports infrastructure with full-range certificate up to masters and PhD be undertaken in universities,” Arif said. He reiterated that the new model would flop, adding, no sound mind was behind this.“The biggest mistake of Imran Khan is that he has tasked Ehsan Mani to overhaul sports. Mani does not know anything about sports. He even does not know about Pakistan cricket,” Arif said. He said that sports was a serious subject.“Sports development is a serious subject and unless it is taken accordingly we cannot improve it. Professional sports is more demanding and needs great focus,” Arif added.He said the state will have to keep giving their input for sports development.“You cannot promote amateur sports disciplines without state input unless they become purely professional. The state does not need to back cricket and football but it needs to support the rest of the sports disciplines which require proper patronage,” Arif said.Reacting to Imran’s stance of abolishing departments in first-class cricket, Arif said the day departments get abolished, cricket will die.Arif also strongly criticised the Balochistan’s Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s initiative to spend a huge amount on extending reception and giving cash prizes to the winners of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Quetta Gladiators.“If he really wants to contribute for sports then why is he not holding the National Games which Quetta is supposed to host since long?” Arif questioned.
Every News: Guardiola wants Mendy to prove his fitness
Guardiola wants Mendy to prove his fitness
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MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola admits injury-plagued Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy faces an important challenge to prove his long-term fitness and reliability over the final weeks of the season.Mendy has seen his career hindered badly by injuries since his move from Monaco nearly two years ago.The 24-year-old has started just 13 league games for the defending Premier League champions in that time, and played only 11 minutes of football since the start of November as he has battled back from a series of knee injuries.Mendy has been in full training this week but, when asked if he is confident that Mendy can return to the high levels of form he displayed at the start of his City career, Guardiola conceded the left-back must prove -- and maintain -- his fitness.“If he has consistency — two months, three months, no injury — he will come back without a problem,” said Guardiola.“But if he comes back, then comes back again three months later, then two weeks, then three months, no.“Most important is a week’s training, day-by-day, and if that happens with a good reaction in the knee, of course he will come back.“I think the physicality is not a big problem,”“It’s more what we want to do, what we’re looking for, the spaces, the rhythm and the pace.“Sometimes you need time when you don’t play but I don’t have doubts.“He knew he needed more in his knee. He’s a strong guy but he needs power to sustain his efforts. He’s getting better but he needs more time.”
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MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola admits injury-plagued Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy faces an important challenge to prove his long-term fitness and reliability over the final weeks of the season.Mendy has seen his career hindered badly by injuries since his move from Monaco nearly two years ago.The 24-year-old has started just 13 league games for the defending Premier League champions in that time, and played only 11 minutes of football since the start of November as he has battled back from a series of knee injuries.Mendy has been in full training this week but, when asked if he is confident that Mendy can return to the high levels of form he displayed at the start of his City career, Guardiola conceded the left-back must prove -- and maintain -- his fitness.“If he has consistency — two months, three months, no injury — he will come back without a problem,” said Guardiola.“But if he comes back, then comes back again three months later, then two weeks, then three months, no.“Most important is a week’s training, day-by-day, and if that happens with a good reaction in the knee, of course he will come back.“I think the physicality is not a big problem,”“It’s more what we want to do, what we’re looking for, the spaces, the rhythm and the pace.“Sometimes you need time when you don’t play but I don’t have doubts.“He knew he needed more in his knee. He’s a strong guy but he needs power to sustain his efforts. He’s getting better but he needs more time.”
Every News: Mohamed Moustahsane elected interim AIBA chief
Mohamed Moustahsane elected interim AIBA chief
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PARIS: The troubled International Boxing Federation (AIBA) on Friday selected Mohamed Moustahsane to serve as interim president.He replaces Gafur Rahimov, a controversial Uzbek businessman who stood down last week under pressure from the International Olympic Committee.On Friday, the AIBA executive committee voted 23-0, with two abstentions, to appoint Moustahsane, a 40-year-old Moroccan physician who has served as ringside doctor.He becomes the fourth head of AIBA in 18 months.The IOC has frozen boxing’s preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Games as it seeks proof that the AIBA has cleaned up its act sufficiently after allegations of bout-fixing at the Rio Olympics in 2016.The inquiry also covers AIBA governance and its anti-doping programme.This week, AIBA admitted it had debts of $16 million.Russian boxing chief Umar Kremlev, who had put himself forward as a presidential candidate, offered to settle that debt from his own pocket, if AIBA was allowed to remain in charge at the Tokyo Olympics. The IOC announced Thursday it will deliver its verdict on boxing’s Tokyo fate on May 22.
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PARIS: The troubled International Boxing Federation (AIBA) on Friday selected Mohamed Moustahsane to serve as interim president.He replaces Gafur Rahimov, a controversial Uzbek businessman who stood down last week under pressure from the International Olympic Committee.On Friday, the AIBA executive committee voted 23-0, with two abstentions, to appoint Moustahsane, a 40-year-old Moroccan physician who has served as ringside doctor.He becomes the fourth head of AIBA in 18 months.The IOC has frozen boxing’s preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Games as it seeks proof that the AIBA has cleaned up its act sufficiently after allegations of bout-fixing at the Rio Olympics in 2016.The inquiry also covers AIBA governance and its anti-doping programme.This week, AIBA admitted it had debts of $16 million.Russian boxing chief Umar Kremlev, who had put himself forward as a presidential candidate, offered to settle that debt from his own pocket, if AIBA was allowed to remain in charge at the Tokyo Olympics. The IOC announced Thursday it will deliver its verdict on boxing’s Tokyo fate on May 22.
Every News: Defiant Vettel leads Ferrari domination
Defiant Vettel leads Ferrari domination
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MANAMA, Bahrain: A defiant Sebastian Vettel clocked the fastest time as he and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc dominated Friday’s floodlit second free practice for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.The four-time champion German delivered a best lap in one minute and 28.846 seconds to outpace his new Monegasque partner by 0.035 seconds at the top of the time-lists, the pair winding up six-tenths clear of Lewis Hamilton.“From the team’s point of view, I hope Melbourne was a one-off,” said a relieved Vettel.“I really like the car in winter testing and it wasn’t there in Australia so I am hoping this is it again.”Hamilton, the defending five-time world champion, was unable to matchFerrari’s pace in his Mercedes as he took third ahead of team-mate ValtteriBottas, winner of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.“It’s hard work out there for everyone,” said Hamilton.Vettel, who has taken pole three times before at the Sakhir circuit, is seeking to become the first driver to win three Bahrain races in succession.
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MANAMA, Bahrain: A defiant Sebastian Vettel clocked the fastest time as he and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc dominated Friday’s floodlit second free practice for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.The four-time champion German delivered a best lap in one minute and 28.846 seconds to outpace his new Monegasque partner by 0.035 seconds at the top of the time-lists, the pair winding up six-tenths clear of Lewis Hamilton.“From the team’s point of view, I hope Melbourne was a one-off,” said a relieved Vettel.“I really like the car in winter testing and it wasn’t there in Australia so I am hoping this is it again.”Hamilton, the defending five-time world champion, was unable to matchFerrari’s pace in his Mercedes as he took third ahead of team-mate ValtteriBottas, winner of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.“It’s hard work out there for everyone,” said Hamilton.Vettel, who has taken pole three times before at the Sakhir circuit, is seeking to become the first driver to win three Bahrain races in succession.
Every News: In a tight spot
In a tight spot
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Last Friday, Abid Ali became on the third Pakistani to score a hundred in his Oneday International debut. Though he failed to give Pakistan a consolation victory in the fourth game of the ODI series against the Aussies in Dubai, Abid received widespread praise for his classy 112 in Pakistan’s six-run defeat. A fter the game, Abid said that one of the legends he admiresmost is Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan Test captain, who is currently the country’s chief selector. But it is an open secret that Inzamam has had no soft corner for the 31-year-old Abid.He continued overlooking him even as Abid continued to score runs both domestically and in recent List A games. Some critics went to the extent of suggesting that Inzamam has been ignoring talented and technically solid batsmen like Abid in favour of inferior batters like his own nephew Imam-ul-Haq. They argue that even though Abid was selected in the touring party for the five-match series against the Aussies in the UAE, he only played in the penultimate game because Imam was unwell. This charge might sound a bit too harsh but there might be some truth to it. As chief selector Inzamam has been unwilling to provide opportunities to deserving players like Abid and that raises a big question mark over both his credibility and utility as chief selector. For a cricket board like the PCB which isn’t really cashrich, Inzamam comes at quite a hefty price tag. He is paid a sizeable salary and other benefits for doing what? Some say to overlook players like Abid. Both Inzamam and the Board have also come under intense criticism over their decision to rest several key players for the series against Australia.It’s a debatable issue. Sometimes it helps to shield yourmain players ahead of a major and exhaustive tournament like the ICCWorld Cup which will be played in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14. It is going to be a marathon event and Pakistan will need their top players fully fit, hopefully for the entire duration of the tournament. From that angle, it doesn’t appear to be a bad idea to rest some of the key players. But things in Pakistan aren’t what they seem to be. There have been many conspiracy theories doing the rounds since the day it was announced by the PCB that several frontline players including captain Sarfraz Ahmed will not be playing in the series against Australia. Instead, the Board decided to appoint experienced allrounder Shoaib Malik as the stand-in captain for the series. The decision to rest Sarfraz from a major series, just weeks before Pakistan’s opening World Cup game against theWest Indies has been questioned time and again in the recent past. The criticism has intensified following Pakistan’s meek surrender against the Australians, who have comfortably taken a 4-0 lead in the series.Though Sarfraz hasn’t commented on the move himself, it is understood that he wasn’t happy either. The decision was certainly a questionable one. Sarfraz isn’t a frontline fast bowler whom Pakistan needed to shield from any fitness issues ahead of the World Cup. Instead Pakistan could have easily rested the aging Malik, who at 37 is six years older than Sarfraz and would have appreciated some time off before the English sojourn later this summer. In fact Malik did get injured during the series and had to miss Friday night’s game because of fitness issues, handing the captaincy to Imad Wasim. Under Malik, Pakistan were outclassed in the first three games of series by the Australians. In the fourth match, Pakistan brought themselves within striking distance of a much-needed win only to squander the opportunity. When Pakistan opted to rest players like like Sarfraz, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi, they knew that beating a resurgent Australia would be a tough task.But contrary to expectations, the host team’s performance in the series has been really bad and that could hurt Pakistan’s morale as they get ready for the World Cup. Another question decision on the part of the selection committee was the return of Umar Akmal. The 28-year-old batsman, who was discarded because of his poor form and fitness was brought back in the national team just because of his showing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). How can you bring back a discarded player in yourWorld Cup plans just because he does well in a T20 league? With less than two months to go before Pakistan’s opening World Cup game, things aren’t looking very good for the 1992 champions. That’s why it was hardly surprising when Prime Minister Imran Khan took top PCB officials to task over the country’s World Cup preparations. Sources privy to the briefing given by a top-level PCB delegation to the PMsaid that Imran wasn’t very happy with the way things are going in Pakistan cricket. Besides questioning Pakistan’s homework for the World Cup, the PM, who is chief patron of the Board, also rejected the PCB’s model for the restructuring of domestic cricket. The restructuring of Pakistan’s domestic cricket is a tricky issue and is unlikely to be resolved the way the current PCB setup wants to resolve it. Khalid Hussain is Editor Sports of The News khalidhraj@gmail.
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Last Friday, Abid Ali became on the third Pakistani to score a hundred in his Oneday International debut. Though he failed to give Pakistan a consolation victory in the fourth game of the ODI series against the Aussies in Dubai, Abid received widespread praise for his classy 112 in Pakistan’s six-run defeat. A fter the game, Abid said that one of the legends he admiresmost is Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan Test captain, who is currently the country’s chief selector. But it is an open secret that Inzamam has had no soft corner for the 31-year-old Abid.He continued overlooking him even as Abid continued to score runs both domestically and in recent List A games. Some critics went to the extent of suggesting that Inzamam has been ignoring talented and technically solid batsmen like Abid in favour of inferior batters like his own nephew Imam-ul-Haq. They argue that even though Abid was selected in the touring party for the five-match series against the Aussies in the UAE, he only played in the penultimate game because Imam was unwell. This charge might sound a bit too harsh but there might be some truth to it. As chief selector Inzamam has been unwilling to provide opportunities to deserving players like Abid and that raises a big question mark over both his credibility and utility as chief selector. For a cricket board like the PCB which isn’t really cashrich, Inzamam comes at quite a hefty price tag. He is paid a sizeable salary and other benefits for doing what? Some say to overlook players like Abid. Both Inzamam and the Board have also come under intense criticism over their decision to rest several key players for the series against Australia.It’s a debatable issue. Sometimes it helps to shield yourmain players ahead of a major and exhaustive tournament like the ICCWorld Cup which will be played in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14. It is going to be a marathon event and Pakistan will need their top players fully fit, hopefully for the entire duration of the tournament. From that angle, it doesn’t appear to be a bad idea to rest some of the key players. But things in Pakistan aren’t what they seem to be. There have been many conspiracy theories doing the rounds since the day it was announced by the PCB that several frontline players including captain Sarfraz Ahmed will not be playing in the series against Australia. Instead, the Board decided to appoint experienced allrounder Shoaib Malik as the stand-in captain for the series. The decision to rest Sarfraz from a major series, just weeks before Pakistan’s opening World Cup game against theWest Indies has been questioned time and again in the recent past. The criticism has intensified following Pakistan’s meek surrender against the Australians, who have comfortably taken a 4-0 lead in the series.Though Sarfraz hasn’t commented on the move himself, it is understood that he wasn’t happy either. The decision was certainly a questionable one. Sarfraz isn’t a frontline fast bowler whom Pakistan needed to shield from any fitness issues ahead of the World Cup. Instead Pakistan could have easily rested the aging Malik, who at 37 is six years older than Sarfraz and would have appreciated some time off before the English sojourn later this summer. In fact Malik did get injured during the series and had to miss Friday night’s game because of fitness issues, handing the captaincy to Imad Wasim. Under Malik, Pakistan were outclassed in the first three games of series by the Australians. In the fourth match, Pakistan brought themselves within striking distance of a much-needed win only to squander the opportunity. When Pakistan opted to rest players like like Sarfraz, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi, they knew that beating a resurgent Australia would be a tough task.But contrary to expectations, the host team’s performance in the series has been really bad and that could hurt Pakistan’s morale as they get ready for the World Cup. Another question decision on the part of the selection committee was the return of Umar Akmal. The 28-year-old batsman, who was discarded because of his poor form and fitness was brought back in the national team just because of his showing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). How can you bring back a discarded player in yourWorld Cup plans just because he does well in a T20 league? With less than two months to go before Pakistan’s opening World Cup game, things aren’t looking very good for the 1992 champions. That’s why it was hardly surprising when Prime Minister Imran Khan took top PCB officials to task over the country’s World Cup preparations. Sources privy to the briefing given by a top-level PCB delegation to the PMsaid that Imran wasn’t very happy with the way things are going in Pakistan cricket. Besides questioning Pakistan’s homework for the World Cup, the PM, who is chief patron of the Board, also rejected the PCB’s model for the restructuring of domestic cricket. The restructuring of Pakistan’s domestic cricket is a tricky issue and is unlikely to be resolved the way the current PCB setup wants to resolve it. Khalid Hussain is Editor Sports of The News khalidhraj@gmail.
Every News: Can Amir regain his golden form?
Can Amir regain his golden form?
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The last One-day International between Pakistan and Australia is being played in Dubai today. Pakistan’s batting has always remained a concern for the management, but surprisingly bowlers miserably failed this time. They looked clueless while bowling to the Aussie batsmen, especially openers Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja. It was Pakistan’s one of the most inexperienced bowling attack. Junaid Khan was the most successful bowler with 105 wickets in 72 matches. Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah and Imad Wasim don’t even have 200 ODI wickets collectively. Amir was dropped after the first ODI against Australia as he failed to take any wicket, conceding 59 runs in nine overs.It was his seventh ODI in last 10 in which he went wicket-less. In around two years since the Champions Trophy final against India in June 2017, Amir’s average has been over 92. In most matches he has not bowled his full quota of 10 overs. Before the ban, Amir averaged 24.00 in ODIs. Since his comeback in 2016, he has averaged 39.17. In 36 ODIs since his return, he has conceded 1371 runs and taken just 35 wickets without any four-wicket haul. It has been more than three years since Amir returned to international cricket. He went wicket-less during the Asia Cup last September.He took 12 wickets in nine ODIs in 2016. Next year he played 12 matches and took 18 wickets, but in 2018 he took only three wickets in 10 appearances, averaging over 100. This year, he has taken only two wickets in four ODIs, averaging 80.50. Amir is bowling at a high pace in all three formats, but his ability to swing the ball in the air and off the pitch has been affected. The reduction in the number of balls that Amir swings into the right hander and away from the left hander is a cause for concern. It shows he has lost some of the bite which made him so successful before the ban. Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has admitted that Amir’s lack of wickets in ODI cricket is a growing concern. Amir has played a lot of T20s in the past two years which has considerably increased his workload. Despite his concerns about left-armseamer’s form in ODIs, Arthur has said he was impressed with the performance in the Twenty20 series against South Africa. “I was happy to see his performance in the last T20I, his skill level came to the fore, he executed yorkers beautifully and he gets a bit of reverse as well,” Arthur said. “Stats, not great and we know that. But sometimes you have a gut feel about the player. When the big moment presents itself, I’m comfortable that he will deliver. “He will be the first one to tell you his stats haven’t been good in ODI cricket, he’s aware of it, as are we. I think he’s an incredibly skilled bowler and can win games for Pakistan.When the ball swings, there’s no better bowler.Yes, it hasn’t swung for a bit and we’re working on that. We identified he was decelerating into the crease.” Chief selector Inzamam ul Haq is also optimistic that the speedster will regain his rhythm before the World Cup. “Amir might not be an automatic selection at this stage but he is a very good bowler. Unfortunately, he is not looking in his best form. He has enough time for theWorld Cup. He will be back in rhythm,” Inzamam said in an interview. “If a senior bowler like him looks out of form, off-colour, it’s a worry for us, but we still have time for Amir. We still have ten one-dayers and two-three months. Amir can make a comeback. We will give him full chance to make a comeback. He is a big-occasion bowler and we need to have a bowler like him in our armoury,” added the chief selector.In early days of his career, Amir was compared with legend Wasim Akram for his exceptional ability to swing the ball on both sides. But the ban for five years for spot-fixing in 2010 badly damaged the career of one of the most promising cricketers. In September 2015, Amir re-appeared on cricket scene. It had to be difficult for the fast bowler to resume his career after five years. Dropped catches on his bowling is one of the main reasons for his low wicket tally. Wasim Akram says that Amir’s under-performance is due to his wrist position. The continued selection of Amir in all formats has been much criticised. The Champions Trophy final performance has been used as a prime example of how his extraordinary skills have given Pakistan the advantage in times of need. But a quick look at his overall performances in ODIs paints a worrying picture. khurrams87@yahoo.com NOTE: Statistics are updated till the 3rd ODI between Pakistan and Australia.
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The last One-day International between Pakistan and Australia is being played in Dubai today. Pakistan’s batting has always remained a concern for the management, but surprisingly bowlers miserably failed this time. They looked clueless while bowling to the Aussie batsmen, especially openers Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja. It was Pakistan’s one of the most inexperienced bowling attack. Junaid Khan was the most successful bowler with 105 wickets in 72 matches. Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah and Imad Wasim don’t even have 200 ODI wickets collectively. Amir was dropped after the first ODI against Australia as he failed to take any wicket, conceding 59 runs in nine overs.It was his seventh ODI in last 10 in which he went wicket-less. In around two years since the Champions Trophy final against India in June 2017, Amir’s average has been over 92. In most matches he has not bowled his full quota of 10 overs. Before the ban, Amir averaged 24.00 in ODIs. Since his comeback in 2016, he has averaged 39.17. In 36 ODIs since his return, he has conceded 1371 runs and taken just 35 wickets without any four-wicket haul. It has been more than three years since Amir returned to international cricket. He went wicket-less during the Asia Cup last September.He took 12 wickets in nine ODIs in 2016. Next year he played 12 matches and took 18 wickets, but in 2018 he took only three wickets in 10 appearances, averaging over 100. This year, he has taken only two wickets in four ODIs, averaging 80.50. Amir is bowling at a high pace in all three formats, but his ability to swing the ball in the air and off the pitch has been affected. The reduction in the number of balls that Amir swings into the right hander and away from the left hander is a cause for concern. It shows he has lost some of the bite which made him so successful before the ban. Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has admitted that Amir’s lack of wickets in ODI cricket is a growing concern. Amir has played a lot of T20s in the past two years which has considerably increased his workload. Despite his concerns about left-armseamer’s form in ODIs, Arthur has said he was impressed with the performance in the Twenty20 series against South Africa. “I was happy to see his performance in the last T20I, his skill level came to the fore, he executed yorkers beautifully and he gets a bit of reverse as well,” Arthur said. “Stats, not great and we know that. But sometimes you have a gut feel about the player. When the big moment presents itself, I’m comfortable that he will deliver. “He will be the first one to tell you his stats haven’t been good in ODI cricket, he’s aware of it, as are we. I think he’s an incredibly skilled bowler and can win games for Pakistan.When the ball swings, there’s no better bowler.Yes, it hasn’t swung for a bit and we’re working on that. We identified he was decelerating into the crease.” Chief selector Inzamam ul Haq is also optimistic that the speedster will regain his rhythm before the World Cup. “Amir might not be an automatic selection at this stage but he is a very good bowler. Unfortunately, he is not looking in his best form. He has enough time for theWorld Cup. He will be back in rhythm,” Inzamam said in an interview. “If a senior bowler like him looks out of form, off-colour, it’s a worry for us, but we still have time for Amir. We still have ten one-dayers and two-three months. Amir can make a comeback. We will give him full chance to make a comeback. He is a big-occasion bowler and we need to have a bowler like him in our armoury,” added the chief selector.In early days of his career, Amir was compared with legend Wasim Akram for his exceptional ability to swing the ball on both sides. But the ban for five years for spot-fixing in 2010 badly damaged the career of one of the most promising cricketers. In September 2015, Amir re-appeared on cricket scene. It had to be difficult for the fast bowler to resume his career after five years. Dropped catches on his bowling is one of the main reasons for his low wicket tally. Wasim Akram says that Amir’s under-performance is due to his wrist position. The continued selection of Amir in all formats has been much criticised. The Champions Trophy final performance has been used as a prime example of how his extraordinary skills have given Pakistan the advantage in times of need. But a quick look at his overall performances in ODIs paints a worrying picture. khurrams87@yahoo.com NOTE: Statistics are updated till the 3rd ODI between Pakistan and Australia.
Every News: Five challenges facing Solskjaer as Man United manager
Five challenges facing Solskjaer as Man United manager
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a popular choice to become full-time successor to Jose Mourinho after an impressive caretaker spell in which United won 14 of his 19 games in charge. Let’s take a closer look at what comes next and the challenges that lie in wait for Solskjaer: Top-four finish a priority Since Solskjaer´s arrival, United have cut the gap to the Premier League´s top four from 11 points down to two but a strong finish to the campaign is still needed to secure Champions League football next season.“Now we´ve given ourselves a great chance to be in the top four, even the top three,” said Solskjaer on Thursday. “That´s got to be the shortterm target.” Strengthen the squad Regardless of whether United are in the Champions League or Europa League next season, Solskjaer faces an intense summer of rebuilding. “Now it´s easier to be clear about what we need to do because we will do some business this summer,” said the Norwegian. England wonderkid Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund has been widely reported as a top target for a club record fee but it is in defence that Solskjaer ´s former teammate and United captain Gary Neville believes most change is needed. “Defence is the main priority in terms of getting the centre- back pairings right because there have been so many changes,” he told Sky Sports. “Solskjaer is not going to be a success atMan Utd unless he gets the right people around him on recruitment and gets the right players in.That is absolutely essential.” Sanchez for the scrap heap? Interest in Sancho casts even more doubt over Alexis Sanchez´s future.The Chilean became the club´s highest earner in January 2018 but has scored just five goals for the club, only two of which have come in 23 appearances this season. Solskjaer has previously said only Sanchez himself can recapture the form he showed at Arsenal and Barcelona but at 30 his best daysmay be behind him.Unless the Norwegian can spark a revival in Sanchez, United will likely have to pick up some of the tab for his reported £14 million ($18 million) a season wages just to ship him out. De Gea a priority Sanchez´s deal has not only been problematic given his own lack of form, but it set a new benchmark for United´s wage bill. David de Gea´s contract expires in 2020 and the Spanish goalkeeper, who has won United´s player of the year award for four of the past five seasons, reportedly wants at least parity with Sanchez.During a disappointing period for the club under three previousmanagers, De Gea has been a rare shining light and keeping hold of one of their world-class talents is vital. “To know who is the manager for the club next season is helpful for any player to decide where he wants to play,” said Solskjaer. “We´ve got a couple of players we are in talks with and hopefully we can get their futures sorted.” Reign in fiercest rivals The Premier League title race makes for grim viewing for United fans as historical and local rivals Liverpool and Manchester City battle it out. Solskjaer has made ending a title drought since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 a top priority but is also realistic that there remains a huge gap to breach. “There is a lot of hard work still to do in the coming months and years to get Man Utd back to where it was before,” warned Neville.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a popular choice to become full-time successor to Jose Mourinho after an impressive caretaker spell in which United won 14 of his 19 games in charge. Let’s take a closer look at what comes next and the challenges that lie in wait for Solskjaer: Top-four finish a priority Since Solskjaer´s arrival, United have cut the gap to the Premier League´s top four from 11 points down to two but a strong finish to the campaign is still needed to secure Champions League football next season.“Now we´ve given ourselves a great chance to be in the top four, even the top three,” said Solskjaer on Thursday. “That´s got to be the shortterm target.” Strengthen the squad Regardless of whether United are in the Champions League or Europa League next season, Solskjaer faces an intense summer of rebuilding. “Now it´s easier to be clear about what we need to do because we will do some business this summer,” said the Norwegian. England wonderkid Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund has been widely reported as a top target for a club record fee but it is in defence that Solskjaer ´s former teammate and United captain Gary Neville believes most change is needed. “Defence is the main priority in terms of getting the centre- back pairings right because there have been so many changes,” he told Sky Sports. “Solskjaer is not going to be a success atMan Utd unless he gets the right people around him on recruitment and gets the right players in.That is absolutely essential.” Sanchez for the scrap heap? Interest in Sancho casts even more doubt over Alexis Sanchez´s future.The Chilean became the club´s highest earner in January 2018 but has scored just five goals for the club, only two of which have come in 23 appearances this season. Solskjaer has previously said only Sanchez himself can recapture the form he showed at Arsenal and Barcelona but at 30 his best daysmay be behind him.Unless the Norwegian can spark a revival in Sanchez, United will likely have to pick up some of the tab for his reported £14 million ($18 million) a season wages just to ship him out. De Gea a priority Sanchez´s deal has not only been problematic given his own lack of form, but it set a new benchmark for United´s wage bill. David de Gea´s contract expires in 2020 and the Spanish goalkeeper, who has won United´s player of the year award for four of the past five seasons, reportedly wants at least parity with Sanchez.During a disappointing period for the club under three previousmanagers, De Gea has been a rare shining light and keeping hold of one of their world-class talents is vital. “To know who is the manager for the club next season is helpful for any player to decide where he wants to play,” said Solskjaer. “We´ve got a couple of players we are in talks with and hopefully we can get their futures sorted.” Reign in fiercest rivals The Premier League title race makes for grim viewing for United fans as historical and local rivals Liverpool and Manchester City battle it out. Solskjaer has made ending a title drought since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 a top priority but is also realistic that there remains a huge gap to breach. “There is a lot of hard work still to do in the coming months and years to get Man Utd back to where it was before,” warned Neville.
Every News: The second Mission
The second Mission
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The next month is very important for Pakistan football which has been passing through the most turbulent phase of its history. Currently the situation is that FIFA still recognises Faisal Saleh Hayat as the chief of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). On the other hand as a result of the Supreme Court-ordered elections a new PFF has been formed which is being headed by Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Faisal’s PFF has no control over the headquarters and the accounts. Abiding by the Supreme Court decision, it cannot send teams abroad. On the other hand, Ashfaq’s PFF has the means and the headquarters but it cannot send the teams abroad for international events because it is not recognised by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).Pakistan recently missed the Olympic qualifiers because of this mess. It was a huge loss to the country. A nation and its players wait for such a big event for four years. It’s a huge injustice with those youngsters who were going to feature in the prestigious event. Pakistan had withdrawn its entry after the FIFA-recognised PFF learnt that it was not capable to field the team. A huge amount had been spent by the PFF on preparing the team for this event during seven to eight months struggle last year by giving the players persistent international exposure. But that investment was wasted when Pakistan’s entry was withdrawn. Olympic qualifiers is not the only case. Pakistan, because of the issue, also had to miss SAFF Championship 2015 and the 2016 South Asian Games football event. Both were hosted by India. Now the actual position is that the Supreme Court, after hearing review appeals of Faisal Saleh Hayat and others, disposed of the matter on March 13, allowing the applicants to avail themselves of the remedy available to them before the appropriate forum. “Having heard learned counsel for the applicants, it seems that they have some grievance after the elections have been conducted and new management of PFF has been inducted.If they have such grievance, obviously, the law must have provided remedy to them,” the Supreme Court March 13 order says. “The learned counsel for the applicants states that they may be allowed to avail the remedy available to them before the appropriate forum. In this view of the matter these applications are disposed of. The applicants may avail the remedy, if available to them, before the appropriate forum in accordance with law,” says the order of the three-member bench. The court order has been forwarded by the Faisal-led PFF to FIFA. Pakistan football’s status will come under discussion when FIFAMember Associations Committeemeets on April 3. This has been confirmed by FIFA. “We can confirm that the FIFA Member Associations Committee meeting is scheduled for 3 April, 2019, and the situation of the PFF will be on the agenda,” a FIFA spokesperson told me a few days ago. According to sources, a few days ago Faisal’s PFF recommended to FIFA to send its fact-finding mission to Pakistan to assess the situation. And it is highly likely that a joint team of the FIFA and the AFC will soon visit Pakistan to assess the ground reality.A FIFA official confirmed this through an email to the vice-president of the newlyelected PFF Naveed Haider. “We acknowledge receipt of your below message requesting a meeting with the FIFA Secretary General. Please kindly be informed that it is the intention of FIFA to send a joint FIFA/AFC delegation to Pakistan shortly to assess the situation of the PFF in view of the developments that have occurred over the last months. On that occasion, the delegation will meet with all relevant stakeholders and listen to their views. Consequently, we deem that the mission will be the right platform for engagement,” Luca Nicola, Head of Member Associations Governance Services Secretary General Division, wrote to Naveed the other day. If it happens it really will help Pakistan move towards some sort of resolution of the dispute. It will be the second time in around four years that FIFA will send a fact-finding mission to Pakistan. In August 2015, FIFA sent a delegation to Lahorewhichmet with both the groups.That delegationwas headed bymember of FIFA Associations Committee and Cyprus FA President Costas Koutsokoumnis. On the recommendations of that mission, FIFA gave Faisal’s PFF two years until September 2017 with the instructions to revise its constitution and hold fresh elections. When the PFF could not act as advised by FIFA, the world body in October 2018 extended the PFF mandate until March 2020. FIFA had, in October 2017, suspended Pakistan because of third party interference. However, the suspension was lifted in March 2018, days after Lahore High Court (LHC) restored the PFF. This time FIFA mission will have to reach themost suitable solution to the long-standing dispute that has rocked the country’s football at a time when FIFA and AFC have been generous in backing their member associations in terms of financial assistance. It is premature to predict which party will be the beneficiary, but I firmly believe that the world body will take a sagacious decision for the resolution of the dispute.Around three million people are directly involved in Pakistan’s football. Various departments have hired national players on decent salaries which help their families. Hats off to those departments which did not disband their football teams despite uncertainty during the last few years. The dispute has been defaming Pakistan but those involved don’t care as they always have been seen fighting for their seats instead of taking care of the sport and innocent footballers. A collective effort is required for developing the sport. We can produce global stars but we should give our new generation such an environment where their talent could be honed properly. FIFA is set to expand World Cup from32 to 48 teams, which will create opportunities for more nations to press for World Cup squad. If we correct our house, we can become part of the World Cup in a few years. 73.alam@gmail.com
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The next month is very important for Pakistan football which has been passing through the most turbulent phase of its history. Currently the situation is that FIFA still recognises Faisal Saleh Hayat as the chief of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). On the other hand as a result of the Supreme Court-ordered elections a new PFF has been formed which is being headed by Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Faisal’s PFF has no control over the headquarters and the accounts. Abiding by the Supreme Court decision, it cannot send teams abroad. On the other hand, Ashfaq’s PFF has the means and the headquarters but it cannot send the teams abroad for international events because it is not recognised by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).Pakistan recently missed the Olympic qualifiers because of this mess. It was a huge loss to the country. A nation and its players wait for such a big event for four years. It’s a huge injustice with those youngsters who were going to feature in the prestigious event. Pakistan had withdrawn its entry after the FIFA-recognised PFF learnt that it was not capable to field the team. A huge amount had been spent by the PFF on preparing the team for this event during seven to eight months struggle last year by giving the players persistent international exposure. But that investment was wasted when Pakistan’s entry was withdrawn. Olympic qualifiers is not the only case. Pakistan, because of the issue, also had to miss SAFF Championship 2015 and the 2016 South Asian Games football event. Both were hosted by India. Now the actual position is that the Supreme Court, after hearing review appeals of Faisal Saleh Hayat and others, disposed of the matter on March 13, allowing the applicants to avail themselves of the remedy available to them before the appropriate forum. “Having heard learned counsel for the applicants, it seems that they have some grievance after the elections have been conducted and new management of PFF has been inducted.If they have such grievance, obviously, the law must have provided remedy to them,” the Supreme Court March 13 order says. “The learned counsel for the applicants states that they may be allowed to avail the remedy available to them before the appropriate forum. In this view of the matter these applications are disposed of. The applicants may avail the remedy, if available to them, before the appropriate forum in accordance with law,” says the order of the three-member bench. The court order has been forwarded by the Faisal-led PFF to FIFA. Pakistan football’s status will come under discussion when FIFAMember Associations Committeemeets on April 3. This has been confirmed by FIFA. “We can confirm that the FIFA Member Associations Committee meeting is scheduled for 3 April, 2019, and the situation of the PFF will be on the agenda,” a FIFA spokesperson told me a few days ago. According to sources, a few days ago Faisal’s PFF recommended to FIFA to send its fact-finding mission to Pakistan to assess the situation. And it is highly likely that a joint team of the FIFA and the AFC will soon visit Pakistan to assess the ground reality.A FIFA official confirmed this through an email to the vice-president of the newlyelected PFF Naveed Haider. “We acknowledge receipt of your below message requesting a meeting with the FIFA Secretary General. Please kindly be informed that it is the intention of FIFA to send a joint FIFA/AFC delegation to Pakistan shortly to assess the situation of the PFF in view of the developments that have occurred over the last months. On that occasion, the delegation will meet with all relevant stakeholders and listen to their views. Consequently, we deem that the mission will be the right platform for engagement,” Luca Nicola, Head of Member Associations Governance Services Secretary General Division, wrote to Naveed the other day. If it happens it really will help Pakistan move towards some sort of resolution of the dispute. It will be the second time in around four years that FIFA will send a fact-finding mission to Pakistan. In August 2015, FIFA sent a delegation to Lahorewhichmet with both the groups.That delegationwas headed bymember of FIFA Associations Committee and Cyprus FA President Costas Koutsokoumnis. On the recommendations of that mission, FIFA gave Faisal’s PFF two years until September 2017 with the instructions to revise its constitution and hold fresh elections. When the PFF could not act as advised by FIFA, the world body in October 2018 extended the PFF mandate until March 2020. FIFA had, in October 2017, suspended Pakistan because of third party interference. However, the suspension was lifted in March 2018, days after Lahore High Court (LHC) restored the PFF. This time FIFA mission will have to reach themost suitable solution to the long-standing dispute that has rocked the country’s football at a time when FIFA and AFC have been generous in backing their member associations in terms of financial assistance. It is premature to predict which party will be the beneficiary, but I firmly believe that the world body will take a sagacious decision for the resolution of the dispute.Around three million people are directly involved in Pakistan’s football. Various departments have hired national players on decent salaries which help their families. Hats off to those departments which did not disband their football teams despite uncertainty during the last few years. The dispute has been defaming Pakistan but those involved don’t care as they always have been seen fighting for their seats instead of taking care of the sport and innocent footballers. A collective effort is required for developing the sport. We can produce global stars but we should give our new generation such an environment where their talent could be honed properly. FIFA is set to expand World Cup from32 to 48 teams, which will create opportunities for more nations to press for World Cup squad. If we correct our house, we can become part of the World Cup in a few years. 73.alam@gmail.com