MELBOURNE: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced that he will not register for the auction of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 37-year-old, however, did not specify a clear reason for his decision. In a statement shared on social media, Maxwell said that after several unforgettable IPL seasons, he had decided to withdraw from this year’s auction. He described the move as a significant personal decision, taken with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences the league has provided over the years. “The IPL has played a major role in shaping me both as a cricketer and…
Author: Web Desk2
ISLAMABAD: The auction process for two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been successfully concluded, with the seventh franchise sold for Rs1.75 billion and the eighth franchise fetching Rs1.85 billion, marking a major expansion of the league. The bidding ceremony was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad, and was attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, federal ministers, former cricketers, and senior officials. During the opening session, nine bidders and six potential host cities were introduced. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally inaugurated the auction by ringing the bell, while legendary former fast bowler Wasim…
KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of a further intensification of cold weather across the country, with Karachi’s temperature expected to fall to single digits by the weekend. Deputy Director Met Anjum Nazir said that cold conditions will intensify in Karachi on Saturday and Sunday, primarily due to freezing temperatures in Quetta, where the mercury has dropped below zero. He explained that cold winds from Quetta have already caused a two-degree Celsius decline in Karachi’s temperature. “There is a strong possibility that the temperature may drop to 10°C, and by Saturday or Sunday, it could fall into single…
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to recruit 10,000 teachers on a temporary basis in public schools across the province, with salaries of up to Rs25,000 per month, according to a decision approved by the provincial cabinet. As per official details, 5,845 teachers will be hired for the settled districts, while 4,229 teachers will be recruited for the merged tribal districts. The recruitment period for teachers in plain districts will run from January 16 to May 31, whereas in hilly areas, temporary teachers will be appointed from March 1 to June 30. Under the approved framework, the authority to…
KUWAIT / MUSCAT: Kuwait and Oman have announced a public holiday on the occasion of Shab-e-Miraj, which will be observed on the night of 27th Rajab 1447 AH. According to official announcements, January 18 has been declared a public holiday in both countries, during which all government and private institutions will remain closed. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will also observe the holiday. In Kuwait, the government has announced an extended holiday schedule in connection with Shab-e-Miraj. As the official holiday falls on Friday, January 16, which is already a weekly off, holidays will continue from January 16 to…
Australia wrapped up a dominant Ashes campaign by defeating England in the fifth and final Test at Sydney, securing a comprehensive 4–1 series victory. Chasing a modest target of 160 runs in the fourth innings, the hosts completed the task with five wickets in hand, underlining their control throughout the series. With this win, Australia capped off an impressive home Ashes performance, having already clinched the series by winning the first three matches. England posted 384 runs in their first innings and followed it up with 342 in the second. However, Australia’s commanding first-innings total of 567 runs put the…
ISLAMABAD: The average base electricity tariff has been increased by Rs1.79 per unit with effect from January 1, according to a decision issued by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). Nepra announced that it has approved the request submitted by power distribution companies (DISCOs) and forwarded the decision to the federal government. The revised tariff will come into force after formal approval by the government. As per Nepra’s notification, the average base electricity tariff has been fixed at Rs33.38 per unit, compared to the existing rate of Rs31.59 per unit. The newly determined tariff reflects an increase of Rs1.79…
BANNU: Three police personnel were injured after unidentified armed assailants opened fire on a police vehicle near Bannu Link Road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, police said. According to a police spokesperson, the vehicle belonged to Hangu police and was heading towards Bannu in connection with challan-related duties when it came under attack. The assailants managed to flee the scene following the firing. Two of the injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Karak, while one critically wounded official has been shifted to Peshawar for advanced medical care. Following the incident, police cordoned…
Islamabad (January 7, 2026): The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has launched the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, a new initiative aimed at equipping beneficiaries with market-relevant skills to help them secure dignified and sustainable livelihoods. According to a statement issued by a BISP spokesperson, the programme will provide free technical and vocational training to eligible individuals from BISP-registered households. Selected participants will also receive a monthly stipend during the training period. In the first phase, the programme has been rolled out in 28 districts of Sindh in collaboration with the provincial government. Beneficiaries selected for the programme will be contacted directly…
Dambulla: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field against Sri Lanka in the opening T20 International of the three-match series being played in Dambulla on Tuesday. Speaking at the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the team combination is well-balanced and capable of delivering strong performances across all departments. The playing XI features Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and skipper Salman Ali Agha, providing stability and firepower in the batting lineup. The all-round department includes Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan, while the bowling attack is strengthened by Salman Mirza and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. Pakistan will look…
