Bangladesh set Pakistan 437-run target after dominant control in Sylhet Test

 

Pakistan national cricket team face a massive challenge in the second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team after the hosts set a daunting target of 437 runs for victory at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

At the close of day three, Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 436 runs after already securing a first-innings advantage. Pakistan must now produce a remarkable batting performance on the final two days to chase down 437 and avoid another defeat in the series.

The Sylhet pitch is expected to become increasingly difficult for batting on days four and five, placing enormous pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup. With Bangladesh already leading the two-match Test series 1-0, the visitors are now fighting to save the series and avoid another disappointing result.

Bangladesh resumed day three at 110 for 3 with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim at the crease. However, Pakistan struck early when Shanto was trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad for 15 runs, leaving Bangladesh at 115 for 4.

Despite the early breakthrough, Bangladesh’s middle and lower order continued to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers, building a commanding total and putting the hosts firmly in control of the match.

Earlier in Pakistan’s first innings, the visitors were bowled out for 232 after struggling to cope with Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. Resuming day two at 21 without loss, Pakistan quickly lost momentum as both openers departed cheaply. Azaan Awais scored 13 while Abdullah Fazal managed just 9.

Captain Shan Masood was dismissed for 21 at 61, while Saud Shakeel added only 8 runs before departing. Star batter Babar Azam fought hard with a top score of 68, attempting to stabilize the innings, but Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Salman Ali Agha scored 21, Mohammad Rizwan made 13, while Hasan Ali contributed 16. Lower-order batter Sajid Khan provided some resistance with a fighting 38-run knock, but Pakistan still fell short, handing Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 46 runs.

For Bangladesh, fast bowler Nahid Rana and spinner Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two wickets apiece.

On the opening day, Pakistan had initially made a strong start after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas struck twice early to reduce Bangladesh to 44 for 2, while Khurram Shahzad removed another batter at 63.

Bangladesh were struggling at 168 for 6 by tea on day one, but a brilliant counter-attacking century from Litton Das completely shifted the momentum. Litton smashed 126 runs under pressure, rescuing his side and helping Bangladesh reach a competitive total of 278.

Other useful contributions came from Najmul Hossain Shanto (29), Tanzid Hasan (26), Mushfiqur Rahim (23), Mominul Haque (22), and Taijul Islam (16).

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Khurram Shahzad with four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas picked up three. Hasan Ali took two wickets and Sajid Khan claimed one.

Pakistan’s playing XI for the match includes Azaan Awais, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Abbas. Notably, Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Afridi, and Noman Ali were left out of the squad for this crucial Test.

With Bangladesh already leading the series 1-0, Pakistan now require a historic chase in Sylhet to level the series and avoid another setback on foreign soil.

#PAKvBAN #PakistanCricket #BangladeshCricket #BabarAzam #ShanMasood #MohammadRizwan #LittonDas #TestCricket #CricketNews #SylhetTest #Bangladesh #Pakistan #SportsNews #CricketUpdate #WTC #NajmulHossainShanto #HasanAli #KhurramShahzad #SajidKhan #BreakingNews

Read More

IMF proposes Rs5,500 increase in BISP payments

 

The International Monetary Fund has reportedly proposed a major increase in payments under Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Programme, suggesting that the quarterly stipend be raised by Rs5,500 in the upcoming fiscal year.

According to reports, the IMF has recommended increasing the current BISP payment from Rs14,500 to Rs20,000 to provide greater financial relief to low-income families struggling with rising inflation and economic pressure across the country.

Sources said ongoing discussions are taking place between the IMF mission and BISP authorities, during which officials are briefing the delegation on every aspect of the programme’s operations, performance, and future financial requirements.

The negotiations are also focusing on Pakistan’s broader social protection system. During the meetings, BISP officials reportedly shared details regarding beneficiary data registered under the Kafalat programme, including household registrations, quarterly disbursement mechanisms, verification systems, and projected funding needs for the next financial year.

Reports further suggest that quarterly financial assistance provided through the Kafalat programme is likely to witness another increase in the new budget if negotiations move forward successfully.

Meanwhile, the IMF delegation has scheduled multiple high-level meetings in Pakistan, including discussions with Benazir Income Support Programme officials and separate meetings with the Federal Board of Revenue regarding taxation and revenue reforms.

In another significant development, reports indicate that the IMF has also urged Pakistan to withdraw all remaining sales tax exemptions as part of broader economic reform measures aimed at increasing revenue collection and stabilizing the economy.

The proposed increase in BISP payments has sparked widespread public attention, with many citizens hoping the move could provide relief amid soaring prices of essential goods, electricity tariffs, and overall cost of living.

#IMF #BISP #Pakistan #BenazirIncomeSupportProgramme #KafalatProgram #BreakingNews #PakistanEconomy #FBR #Inflation #EconomicCrisis #LatestNews #SalesTax #PakistanNews #Finance #Government #SocialProtection #Budget2026 #FinancialRelief #IMFPakistan #EconomyUpdate

Read More

KP announces Long Summer Vacations Starting May 22

Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have officially announced an early start to summer vacations for schools across the province, bringing a major change to the 2026 academic calendar. According to the Education Department, all schools located in the plain areas will now remain closed from May 22 until August 31, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled June 1 closure date. The decision has surprised many parents, students, and education stakeholders due to both the early announcement and the unusually long duration of the holidays.

Officials explained that the revised schedule was influenced by the upcoming Eid holidays along with consecutive weekly off days falling on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Authorities described May 22 as the most practical date to begin the extended summer break, aiming to avoid disruption in academic activities during the extreme weather period.

Meanwhile, education authorities clarified that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to follow a separate academic schedule for colder and mountainous regions. Schools located in high-altitude areas will observe shorter summer vacations from July 1 to July 31, 2026, as already notified earlier. The province maintains different vacation calendars due to varying climate conditions across regions.

The sudden advancement of holidays in the plains has generated widespread discussion among parents and teachers, with many expressing concern over academic continuity and the impact of such a long closure period on students’ learning routines.

In a similar development, Punjab also announced extended summer vacations for schools across the province. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat confirmed that all educational institutions in Punjab will remain closed from May 22 to August 23, 2026, with classes scheduled to resume on August 24.

The minister’s spokesperson stated that the decision was taken in response to intensifying heatwave conditions affecting several parts of the country. The minister later reaffirmed the announcement through his official Facebook account, making the province-wide directive final.

Earlier, education authorities in Punjab had already advised schools to revise working hours and consider early closure due to the rising temperatures. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority had also issued urgent heatwave alerts, directing school administrations and district authorities to implement precautionary measures for the safety of students and staff.

With both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab finalizing extended summer vacations, millions of students across Pakistan are now expected to experience one of the longest school holiday periods in recent years as severe weather conditions continue to reshape the country’s academic calendar.

#Pakistan #KPK #Punjab #SummerVacations #SchoolHolidays #Heatwave #EducationNews #PakistanNews #BreakingNews #SchoolsClosed #SummerBreak #Students #EducationDepartment #PunjabSchools #KPschools #WeatherAlert #HeatwavePakistan #AcademicCalendar #LatestNews #SchoolUpdate

Read More

Will Virat Kohli play the World Cup 2027?

 

Former India captain Virat Kohli has spoken candidly about his international future and his ambitions for the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating that he still wants to be part of the tournament — but only if he continues to feel valued and respected within the team environment.

Speaking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast, Kohli said that as long as he is playing cricket, his intention remains to compete at the highest level and represent India at major tournaments like the World Cup. He emphasized that participation in such events continues to hold deep meaning for him.

Kohli explained that he is often asked about his plans for the 2027 World Cup, and his answer remains simple: if he is active in the game, he naturally wants to continue playing at the top level for his country.

However, he also made it clear that his decision depends heavily on the environment around him. He said he is willing to continue only if he feels he is contributing meaningfully and being respected, but if he is placed in a situation where he constantly has to prove his worth, it becomes difficult for him to stay.

The veteran batter added that his approach to the game has become more straightforward in recent years. He stressed that he is completely honest in his preparation and effort, always aiming to give 100 percent whenever he steps onto the field.

Kohli also reflected on his current mindset, saying he now plays cricket purely out of passion rather than the need to prove anything to anyone. He mentioned that playing in domestic competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy reminded him of his early days, when cricket was about enjoyment and freedom.

He further noted that clarity from management is essential for any player, stating that if an organisation trusts a player initially but later questions their process without clear communication, it becomes difficult to understand the shift.

The 37-year-old batter also highlighted that performance should not be judged solely on short-term results, as consistency can fluctuate, though he remains confident in his fitness, discipline, and commitment to the game.

Kohli added that he is fully prepared to push himself physically when required, even stating that he is ready to run hard for all 40 overs of an ODI if needed.

Currently, Kohli remains in strong form across formats. In ODIs, he has scored three centuries and three fifties in his last seven innings against top opposition including New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. He also impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with scores of 131 and 77, while continuing his consistency in IPL 2026 with 484 runs in 12 innings, including a century and three half-centuries.

#ViratKohli #IndiaCricket #ODIWorldCup2027 #Cricket #RCB #IPL2026 #VijayHazareTrophy #CricketNews #SportsNews #TeamIndia #BreakingNews

Read More

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi gets ICC Invite for ICC Meeting, IPL Final despite tensions

 

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly been invited to attend the upcoming International Cricket Council Board meeting in India, along with an invitation to the Indian Premier League Final. However, his participation remains uncertain as final approval rests with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The ICC Board meeting is scheduled to be held on May 30–31 in Ahmedabad, while a separate virtual session of the ICC Chief Executive Committee is set for May 21. These high-level meetings are expected to focus on important structural changes in global cricket, particularly around the future of the World Test Championship (WTC).

One of the major proposals under discussion has been put forward by a working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose. The proposal suggests expanding the WTC from nine to twelve teams, with potential inclusion of emerging cricket nations such as Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan, in an effort to broaden the competition’s global reach.

According to reports, the ICC is aiming to finalize the revised WTC structure ahead of its next major meeting in Edinburgh in July. The Ahmedabad meeting was initially planned to take place in Doha but was later relocated due to regional considerations.

Meanwhile, the broader cricketing relationship between Pakistan and India continues to remain limited. Bilateral series between the two sides have been suspended since 2012–13, and both teams now only face each other in ICC or multi-nation tournaments, often at neutral venues.

In recent years, ICC events have still delivered high-profile Pakistan–India encounters that attract global attention, but scheduling, venue arrangements, and participation decisions continue to be influenced by diplomatic and administrative considerations between the boards.

As global cricket governance discussions move forward, stakeholders are expected to focus on structural reforms, tournament expansion, and future scheduling models that could shape the next phase of international cricket.

#PCB #MohsinNaqvi #ICC #IPLFinal #WorldTestChampionship #Cricket #PakistanCricket #IndiaCricket #ShehbazSharif #RogerTwose #CricketNews #SportsNews #BreakingNews #IPL2026 #WTC

Read More

Pakistan strongly condemns drone attack on UAE nuclear energy plant

 

Pakistan has strongly condemned the drone attack targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressing full solidarity with the Emirati government and its people following the incident.

In a statement issued on Monday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office described the deliberate targeting of nuclear facilities as a serious violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, the United Nations Charter, and the core principles of nuclear safety and security established under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The reaction came a day after a drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE. According to the UAE Defence Ministry, there were no casualties and no impact on radiation levels following the incident.

Officials stated that UAE air defence systems successfully intercepted two other drones, while one drone managed to strike an electrical generator located outside the plant’s inner perimeter. Authorities added that the drones were launched from the “western border,” although no further details were provided.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that the fire was quickly controlled and emphasized that radiological safety levels remained unaffected. UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation also reassured the public that the plant continued to operate safely and that no radioactive material had been released.

The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict that began after US and Israeli strikes against Iran earlier this year. During the ongoing conflict, Iran has repeatedly targeted Gulf states hosting American military bases, including sites linked to civilian and energy infrastructure.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office stressed that nuclear installations must never be targeted under any circumstances, warning that such reckless actions could lead to catastrophic and irreversible consequences for human life, the environment, and regional as well as global peace and stability.

The spokesperson further stated that the protection and inviolability of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a well-established international norm that must be respected without exception.

Pakistan also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, fulfill their obligations under international law, and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions across the Middle East.

The Foreign Office reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, remain the only viable path toward lasting peace, regional stability, and de-escalation.

#Pakistan #UAE #BarakahNuclearPlant #MiddleEast #DroneAttack #ForeignOffice #NuclearSafety #IAEA #AbuDhabi #RegionalTensions #BreakingNews #WorldNews #Diplomacy #UnitedArabEmirates

Read More

Pakistan Army slams Indian Army Chief’s ‘Geography or History’ statement as provocation amid tensions

 

Tensions between Pakistan and India have once again intensified after Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi made controversial remarks suggesting that Pakistan should “choose between geography or history,” prompting a strong reaction from Pakistan’s military establishment.

The statement, made during an interactive session in New Delhi, triggered immediate criticism from Pakistan, with the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) describing the comments as provocative, irresponsible, and dangerous for regional peace.

In its official response issued on Sunday, the ISPR firmly rejected the Indian Army chief’s remarks, stressing that Pakistan is a sovereign state, a globally significant country, and a declared nuclear power firmly rooted in both the geography and history of South Asia.

Pakistan’s military media wing stated that such comments reflect what it described as a continuing inability among certain segments of India’s leadership to accept Pakistan’s existence, even after nearly eight decades since independence.

The ISPR further termed the mindset behind such rhetoric as “jingoistic, hubristic, and myopic,” warning that such attitudes have repeatedly pushed the region toward crises and military confrontations in the past.

The statement emphasized that threatening a nuclear-armed nation with elimination from “geography” does not constitute strategic messaging but instead reflects dangerous thinking and a lack of responsible judgment. It added that any conflict between two nuclear powers would inevitably lead to mutual destruction and consequences extending far beyond regional borders.

Pakistan also stressed that responsible nuclear states are expected to exercise restraint, maturity, and strategic wisdom rather than engage in rhetoric implying national erasure or civilizational superiority.

The ISPR warned India against dragging South Asia toward another conflict, stating that the consequences of any future military confrontation would neither remain geographically limited nor strategically predictable.

Pakistan’s military further urged Indian leadership to acknowledge Pakistan’s regional importance and pursue peaceful coexistence instead of hostility. The statement cautioned that any attempt to target Pakistan would trigger a response with “extremely far-reaching and painful” consequences.

In addition, the ISPR accused India of selectively ignoring allegations regarding its own role in regional instability, including accusations related to sponsoring terrorism, conducting transnational assassinations, and spreading disinformation campaigns internationally.

The military also claimed that India’s increasingly aggressive posture stems from frustration over its inability to destabilize Pakistan, referencing previous military tensions between the two countries, including last year’s escalation, which Pakistan referred to as “Marka-e-Haq.”

The remarks by Gen Dwivedi came while he was answering questions regarding possible future military scenarios similar to previous India-Pakistan confrontations. During the discussion, he reiterated India’s longstanding allegations against Pakistan before making the controversial “geography or history” comment that sparked Islamabad’s strong diplomatic and military response.

The latest exchange comes at a time when relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors remain tense following last year’s four-day military escalation, which both countries continue to interpret and commemorate through sharply contrasting narratives.

International observers have repeatedly warned that any future confrontation between Pakistan and India could rapidly spiral out of control due to the nuclear capabilities possessed by both nations. Analysts believe that the current escalation in rhetoric highlights the urgent need for diplomatic restraint and dialogue to avoid another regional crisis.

#Pakistan

 #India #ISPR #GenUpendraDwivedi #SouthAsia #PakistanArmy #IndiaPakistan #NuclearPowers #RegionalTensions #BreakingNews #WorldNews #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #MilitaryTensions

Read More