#pakistan

Daren Sammy Aims for Momentum as West Indies Target ICC World Test Championship Climb The West Indies cricket team, under the leadership of head coach Daren Sammy, is seeking to build on recent momentum as it prepares for a crucial Test series against Pakistan. Sammy, who has faced a series of challenging fixtures against Australia, India, and New Zealand since taking charge, emphasized that the team’s recent 1-0 home victory over Sri Lanka could serve as a turning point. The win, which came in difficult conditions, has provided a psychological boost, but Sammy stressed that the focus remains on long-term development rather than short-term success. Sammy reflected on the demanding early phase of his tenure, highlighting the physical and mental toll of the initial Test series against Australia, India, and New Zealand. “When I took on this job, the first three Test series we had were really challenging,” he said. “Australia here in difficult conditions, West Indies in India, West Indies in New Zealand. Phew! That was three really challenging ones.” He acknowledged the need for the players to adapt and refine their strategies, noting that the Sri Lanka series marked a pivotal moment in the team’s evolution. The head coach emphasized a methodical approach to coaching, prioritizing alignment with the team’s vision and the input of key stakeholders, including the director, captain, and players. “My process has always been simple: understand the direction we want to go, have conversations with the director, the captain, and the players, and figure out how to achieve it,” Sammy explained. “That’s why I remain calm—because I know what we’re trying to accomplish as a group, not the noise from the outside.#pakistan #west_indies #icc_world_test_championship #sir_garfield_sobers #daren_sammy

Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Eyes Continued Success in ODI Series Against Sri Lanka Pakistan’s cricket captain, Fatima Sana, has expressed her team’s determination to maintain their strong form in 50-over cricket as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series starting on Thursday. The series, set to begin in Hambantota, marks a significant opportunity for Pakistan to build on their recent achievements in the ICC Women’s Championship. The team currently holds the second position in the standings following a successful sweep over Zimbabwe in Karachi earlier this year. Sana emphasized the importance of learning from past performances and addressing any shortcomings to strengthen Pakistan’s ODI unit. “We are hopeful to do well here and looking forward to rectifying our mistakes and building on our performance from the previous two ODI series against South Africa away and Zimbabwe at home,” she said in an interview with PCB Digital. The captain highlighted the need to effectively utilize both young talent and experienced players to create a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level. Pakistan’s recent participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 provided valuable experience, with the team showcasing promising performances across five matches. Despite finishing with one victory over the Netherlands in Bristol, they fell short of the tournament title, which was claimed by Australia. Sana, who led the team with 85 runs and 11 wickets, has urged her teammates to adopt an attacking and fearless approach in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. “The message to players has been to play attacking and fearless cricket as per the demands of the modern-day sport,” she noted. “The sooner we work on our flaws and overcome shortcomings, the better it is for the team’s progress.#pakistan #sri_lanka #icc_womens_championship #fatima_sana #hambantota

Pakistan’s Contrasting Situations: Peace in Foreign Policy vs. Internal Tensions Pakistan’s leadership has long positioned itself as a regional actor committed to peace, dialogue, and stability, emphasizing diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation in South Asia. Yet, this external narrative starkly contrasts with the nation’s persistent internal security challenges, political instability, and unresolved domestic conflicts. The gap between these two realities has become a defining feature of Pakistan’s political and strategic landscape, complicating its ability to address pressing domestic issues while maintaining its global diplomatic posture. The country’s internal security situation remains dire, marked by recurring terrorist attacks targeting civilians, security personnel, religious institutions, and public infrastructure. Provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have faced prolonged violence from militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and separatist insurgencies. These attacks have exposed the limitations of Pakistan’s security apparatus, as decades of military operations have failed to dismantle entrenched extremist networks. Despite repeated efforts to combat these groups, attacks on security installations, police, and civilian populations continue, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the threat. Historical decisions during the Afghan conflict of the 1980s and its aftermath have contributed to this crisis. At the time, certain sections of Pakistan’s security establishment viewed militant groups as strategic assets to advance foreign policy goals. While Cold War geopolitics influenced these choices, the long-term consequences have been severe.#pakistan #khyber_pakhtunkhwa #balochistan #tehreeketaliban_pakistan #financial_action_task_force

Pakistan Escalates Indus Water Dispute with India The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, brokered by the World Bank, remains a cornerstone of water management between India and Pakistan. The agreement divided the six rivers of the Indus basin, allocating the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan and the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to India. India was granted limited non-consumptive use of the western rivers for hydropower, but the treaty explicitly barred any modifications to water flows that could jeopardize Pakistan’s access to its share. For decades, this framework helped manage a critical shared resource amid the two nations’ enduring rivalry. However, tensions have intensified in recent years. In 2025, India suspended the treaty following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people. New Delhi blamed Pakistan without presenting conclusive evidence, while Islamabad denied the allegations and called for an independent investigation. This dispute has been compounded by India’s accelerated infrastructure projects on the western rivers, including the Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel and expansion of the Ranbir Canal. Additionally, India has ceased sharing hydrological data with Pakistan’s Commissioner for Indus Waters, further straining relations. India’s actions have prompted a heightened sense of urgency in Islamabad. Pakistani policymakers now view these measures as part of a broader Indian strategy to weaponize water as a tool of pressure. The Pakistan government recently hosted a seminar in Islamabad, bringing together civilian leaders, climate experts, and military officials to discuss the threat posed by India’s water policies.#pakistan #india #world_bank #indus_waters_treaty #permanent_indus_commission

Unbeaten Australia chase a semi-final spot as Pakistan search for a first win at Leeds Australia’s unbeaten run in the Women’s T20 World Cup continues as they face Pakistan at Headingley, with a semi-final berth within reach. The holders, who have won all three of their group matches, aim to secure their place in the last four with a victory over the already-eliminated Pakistan side. Pakistan, having been knocked out of contention, are seeking their first win of the tournament to salvage pride and provide a positive outcome for their campaign. The Group 1 clash, scheduled for Tuesday, pits the tournament’s top team against a side that has struggled to find form. Australia’s dominance in the tournament has been marked by their ability to dominate both batting and bowling. Their opening victory over South Africa was a 65-run triumph, followed by a crushing 98-run win against the Netherlands and a nine-wicket dismantling of Bangladesh at Headingley. Key performers like Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner have been instrumental in their success, while the spinners have consistently restricted opponents in the middle overs. The depth of their batting lineup has made scoring 180 feel routine, further solidifying their position at the top of the group. A win against Pakistan would leave them just one game away from the semi-finals, with their head-to-head record against the team—14 matches without a loss—highlighting the challenge they pose. Pakistan’s campaign has been marred by consistent failures, with all three of their matches ending in losses. Their elimination from the tournament was sealed after a 23-run defeat to Bangladesh, leaving them with little to play for.#pakistan #australia #beth_mooney #headingley #womenst20worldcup

भारत ने पाकिस्तान के राष्ट्रपति आसिफ अली जरदारी के धार्मिक स्थलों के संबंध में दिए गए बयान पर कड़ा पलटवार किया है। विदेश मंत्रालय ने साफ कहा कि भारत के आंतरिक मामलों पर टिप्पणी करने का पाकिस्तान को कोई अधिकार नहीं है। मंत्रालय ने इस बयान को बेबुनियाद और राजनीतिक उद्देश्य से प्रेरित बताया है। भारत के विदेश मंत्रालय के प्रवक्ता रणधीर जायसवाल ने कहा कि पाकिस्तान का मानवाधिकार रिकॉर्ड बेहद खराब है और इसको लेकर विश्व भर में आलोचना और चिंता होती रही है। उन्होंने कहा कि पाकिस्तान लंबे समय से विभिन्न धर्मों के अल्पसंख्यकों के खिलाफ उत्पीड़न और भेदभाव के लिए जाना जाता है। ऐसे में भारत पर टिप्पणी करना पूरी तरह हास्यास्पद है। जायसवाल ने बताया कि पाकिस्तान के राष्ट्रपति के बयान वहां की नफरत और कट्टरता पर आधारित राष्ट्रीय नीतियों को दर्शाते हैं। इस बयान में जरदारी ने भारत में ऐतिहासिक मुस्लिम धार्मिक स्थलों के खतरे की चिंता जताई थी और कहा था कि इस तरह की घटनाएं भारत में अराजकता पैदा कर सकती हैं। भारत ने इन दावों को अपुष्ट और भ्रामक जानकारी पर आधारित बताया है। विदेश मंत्रालय ने कहा कि यह पहली बार नहीं है जब पाकिस्तान ने भारत के आंतरिक मामलों, खासकर अल्पसंख्यकों से जुड़े मुद्दों पर बिना तथ्यों के टिप्पणी की है। मंत्रालय ने दिसंबर 2025 में भी पाकिस्तान के आरोपों को खारिज किया था, जिसमें भारत में धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यकों के साथ कथित दुर्व्यवहार की बात कही गई थी। उस समय भारत ने कहा था कि पाकिस्तान अपने यहां विभिन्न धर्मों के अल्पसंख्यकों के खिलाफ हो रहे भयावह और व्यवस्थित उत्पीड़न से ध्यान हटाने के लिए भारत पर उंगली उठा रहा है। पाकिस्तान के विदेश कार्यालय के प्रवक्ता ताहिर अंद्राबी ने भारत में कथित तौर पर धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यकों को निशाना बनाने की घटनाओं पर अंतरराष्ट्रीय समुदाय से ध्यान देने की अपील की थी। इसके जवाब में भारत ने पाकिस्तान को अपने हालात सुधारने की सलाह दी थी। इसके अलावा अप्रैल 2025 में भारत ने वक्फ (संशोधन) अधिनियम को लेकर पाकिस्तान की आलोचना को भी कड़े शब्दों में खारिज किया था। उस समय विदेश मंत्रालय ने कहा था कि भारत की संसद...#pakistan #india #asif_ali_zardari #foreign_ministry #distrust

Haris Rauf Rattles Matt Renshaw's Stumps in 2nd ODI Against Australia Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf delivered a crucial dismissal for his team in the second One-Day International (ODI) against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match saw Australia attempting to build a competitive total, but Rauf’s sharp delivery dismantled Matt Renshaw’s innings, leading to a pivotal wicket for Pakistan. Renshaw, who had been one of Australia’s most consistent batters in the innings, was dismissed in a dramatic moment that shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favor. Renshaw had started his innings confidently, scoring 43 runs off 43 balls with a steady run rate. His left-handed strokeplay and composure at the crease made him a key threat for Australia, as he looked poised to extend his score into a half-century. However, Rauf’s delivery changed the course of the innings. Bowling from around the wicket, the Pakistan pacer unleashed a back-of-a-length ball that registered over 141 kmph. The ball skidded upon pitching and then moved back into the batter’s line, leaving Renshaw with a narrow gap between his bat and pad. Rauf exploited the small space, and the ball crashed through the gap, striking Renshaw’s off stump. The dismissal was a testament to Rauf’s skill, as the delivery combined speed and movement, making it extremely difficult for the batter to handle. The wicket came at a critical juncture for Australia, as they struggled to build momentum in the latter stages of their innings. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, and Rauf’s dismissal of Renshaw further tightened Australia’s batting lineup. Australia’s batting performance remained inconsistent despite some individual contributions.#pakistan #australia #gaddafi_stadium #haris_rauf #matt_renschaw

India Condemns Pakistan's Statements on Jammu and Kashmir, Criticizes EU Involvement India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent statements regarding Jammu and Kashmir, labeling them as unacceptable and emphasizing that the region is an integral part of its territory. The Indian government's response came in reaction to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and the European Union, which referenced both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randeep Jaiswal, stated that such remarks are irrelevant and that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter for India. He reiterated that no third party, including the EU, should interfere in India's internal affairs. The joint statement by Pakistan and the EU, released after a bilateral meeting in Islamabad, included references to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan had previously raised the Kashmir issue in international forums, often framing it as a matter of human rights and self-determination. India, however, has consistently rejected such claims, asserting that the region is an inseparable part of its territory. Jaiswal emphasized that India's position on the matter has remained unchanged, and any attempt to internationalize the issue is unwarranted. India's stance was further reinforced by its criticism of the EU's involvement in the matter. The Indian government has long opposed any external interference in its territorial disputes, and this incident is part of a broader pattern of diplomatic friction with Pakistan. Earlier this year, India had also rebuked Pakistan for raising the Kashmir issue in a joint statement with China, accusing it of undermining India's sovereignty.#pakistan #india #jammu_and_kashmir #eu #randeep_jaiswal

India Pakistan cross-border terror UN statement India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, delivered a pointed response to Pakistan during a Security Council debate on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, emphasizing the consequences of Islamabad’s alleged sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. The discussion, chaired by China under its May 2026 UN Security Council presidency, centered on upholding the UN Charter and strengthening the international system. Parvathaneni accused Pakistan of perpetuating a doctrine of “bleeding India by a thousand cuts,” which he claimed exposed the country’s hypocrisy in its commitment to UN principles. The remarks came amid a tense exchange between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar raising concerns about Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty. Dar referenced the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, which India had suspended the treaty over. The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. Parvathaneni condemned Pakistan’s role in such incidents, asserting that its actions violated principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful coexistence. Parvathaneni highlighted India’s historical struggle against cross-border aggression, noting that Pakistan’s “unprovoked aggression” and continued support for terrorism had persisted since the country’s creation. He argued that Pakistan’s use of terrorism, religious extremism, and anti-India rhetoric had remained unabated, with the facts “on public record.” India reiterated its right to defend itself against such attacks, warning that Pakistan would face “consequences” for its alleged complicity.#pakistan #india #harish_parvathaneni #ishaq_dar #un_security_council

India Condemns Pakistan's Remarks at UN, Accuses It of Cross-Border Terrorism and Violating Sovereignty India sharply criticized Pakistan on Wednesday during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate, accusing Islamabad of making "baseless and unwarranted" remarks while continuing to sponsor cross-border terrorism and violate the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Speaking at the UNSC Open Debate on upholding the UN Charter, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, condemned Pakistan’s actions as a threat to peaceful coexistence and a betrayal of UN principles. Harish accused Pakistan of repeatedly violating the UN Charter through decades of unprovoked aggression against India, including multiple wars and support for terrorism. He emphasized that India’s independence was marked by cross-border attacks from Pakistan, which sought to annex Indian territories. “Pakistan’s doctrine of bleeding India by a thousand cuts exposes its hollow rhetoric on commitment to the UN Charter,” Harish stated, warning that India has the right to defend itself against such terrorism and that Pakistan must face consequences for its actions. The Indian envoy also criticized Pakistan for backing “terrorism, religious extremism, violent radicalism, and anti-India rhetoric,” calling it a persistent threat since the country’s creation. He argued that Pakistan’s support for these forces has been unrelenting and that the facts are well-documented, urging Islamabad to “credibly and irrevocably end its support for all forms of terrorism.” In addition to addressing Pakistan, Harish called for urgent reforms to the UNSC, arguing that its current structure is outdated and fails to reflect modern geopolitical realities.#pakistan #india #united_nations_security_council #parvathaneni_harish #unsc

India Slams Pakistan at UN Security Council Over Cross-Border Terrorism Accusations India accused Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and violating the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful coexistence during a heated debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The discussion, held under China’s presidency of the 15-nation UN body, centered on upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Indian diplomat Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, representing New Delhi, delivered a strong rebuke to Islamabad, emphasizing that Pakistan’s actions have consequences and that India has the right to defend itself against terror attacks. Parvathaneni’s remarks came after Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar raised concerns about Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, which India had paused following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which killed 26 civilians, was claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), a front for Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). During the debate, Parvathaneni condemned Pakistan’s “doctrine of ‘bleeding India by a thousand cuts’” as hollow rhetoric, accusing Islamabad of perpetuating terrorism, religious extremism, and anti-India rhetoric since the country’s creation. The Indian diplomat stressed that Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, including unprovoked aggression and repeated military conflicts, has consistently violated the UN Charter’s principles. He highlighted that the facts surrounding Pakistan’s role in terrorism are well-documented and require no further explanation, urging Islamabad to “credibly and irrevocably end its support for all forms of terrorism.#pakistan #india #united_nations_security_council #harish_parvathaneni #ishaq_dar

Lahore Renaming Places Asim Munir Nazam Sethi,लाहौर की सड़कों के हिंदू नाम वापस लाने के पीछे जनरल असीम मुनीर का बड़ा खेल, नजम सेठी ने ही खोली पोल - asim munir deception behind restoring hindu names to lahore streets nazam sethi exposed modernizer in west - Pakistan News - Navbharat Times Lahore's historic street names, which were removed after the 1947 partition, are set to be restored as part of a government initiative. The Punjab government has approved a project to revive pre-partition names, including those associated with Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. The initiative, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's leadership, is part of the "Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Project." The plan includes renaming streets like Krishna Nagar, which was previously called Islampur, and Sant Nagar, formerly Sunnat Nagar. Other proposed changes include renaming Dharmapur, Temple Street, and Brandrath Road. The project has sparked controversy, with journalist Nazam Sethi accusing Army Chief General Asim Munir of orchestrating the move to project a more Western-friendly image. Sethi claims Munir is attempting to align with global narratives by restoring names linked to minority communities. He alleges that the initiative is politically motivated, suggesting it reflects Nawaz Sharif's influence rather than genuine cultural preservation. Sethi's report highlights the broader context of Pakistan's historical erasure of non-Muslim identities, noting that Hindu and Christian names were systematically removed after partition. The project's scope includes reviving names for streets like Rama Gali, which was previously Rahaman Gali, and Jain Mandir Road, formerly Babar Mosque Chowk. Sethi's analysis underscores the political implications, arguing that the renaming effort serves as a symbolic gesture to counter perceptions of Islamic extremism.#pakistan #lahore #maryam_nawaz #asim_munir #nazam_sethi

Iran Reviews US Proposal to End War as Pakistan Steps Up Mediation Efforts Tehran is assessing the latest responses from the United States to its proposal to end the nearly three-month conflict involving US-Israeli attacks on Iran, as Pakistan intensifies its role as a mediator. The talks, which have been stalled for weeks, are under renewed pressure as US President Donald Trump warned that negotiations are on the “borderline” between reaching a deal and the possibility of renewed strikes. Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is set to travel to Tehran on Thursday for discussions with Iranian officials, marking a critical step in the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed that Tehran has received the US’s latest views and is reviewing them. The Iranian state agency Nour News reported that the country’s leadership is carefully considering the American proposal, which includes demands for Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz, reparations for war damage, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and the withdrawal of US troops. These terms are based on Iran’s original 14-point proposal, which has been a central focus of the negotiations. Pakistan’s role as a mediator has been pivotal since it hosted the only direct talks between US and Iranian officials since the conflict began on February 28. During these discussions, Iran accused the US of making “excessive demands,” which contributed to the failure of the talks. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently arrived in Iran for his second visit in less than a week to discuss the latest US proposal, underscoring the country’s commitment to facilitating a resolution. Trump’s recent statements have added urgency to the situation.#pakistan #iran #united_states #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz

Indian Air Force Prepares to Strengthen Western Border with Pakistan The Indian Air Force is set to deploy the indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Rajasthan desert, positioning them at forward bases to enhance its strategic presence along the border with Pakistan. This move comes as part of a broader effort to bolster India’s defense posture following the one-year anniversary of Operation Sindhuarin. The decision reflects the military’s focus on rapid response capabilities and maintaining a high operational frequency along the contested border. The deployment involves the first four squadrons of the Tejas Mk1A, which will be stationed at the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner. This base will serve as the primary hub for the new squadron, replacing the aging MiG-21 Bison units that have been in service for decades. The Tejas Mk1A will take over the role of the MiG-21, which has long been the backbone of India’s air defense in the region. A second key location, the Falodi Air Force Station in Rajasthan, has been selected to host the second squadron of the Tejas Mk1A. Infrastructure development at this site is underway to support the growing fleet of indigenous combat aircraft. The strategic choice of these two bases underscores their importance in facilitating rapid operations and ensuring the Indian Air Force can respond swiftly to any potential threats from Pakistan. The shift to the Tejas Mk1A marks a significant upgrade in India’s aerial capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with advanced AESA radar, which enhances target detection and tracking. It also features an electronic warfare suite to counter enemy radar and missiles, along with beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles for long-range engagement.#pakistan #indian_air_force #tejas_mk1a #nald_air_force_station #falodi_air_force_station

World Test Championship 2025-27: India Faces Major Setback as Bangladesh Overtakes Pakistan Bangladesh's historic 2-0 victory over Pakistan in a two-match Test series has significantly altered the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table, pushing India down to sixth place. The Tigers' dominant performance, which included a 104-run win in the first Test and a 78-run triumph in the second, secured their position as the fifth-ranked team, while India slipped to sixth. The series result marked a turning point for Bangladesh, who now hold 58.33 points in the WTC standings. Their success came after a four-Test campaign featuring two wins, one loss, and one draw. Meanwhile, India, which had previously dominated the rankings, now sits at 48.15 points. The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, has won four Tests but suffered four losses and one draw in their campaign so far. This setback for India follows a disappointing run in the current WTC cycle. Despite reaching the final in the first two editions of the championship, the team has struggled in recent matches. Their 0-2 series loss to South Africa and two defeats in the England tour highlighted their inconsistency. However, India still holds a chance to reclaim the top spot with upcoming fixtures against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. The WTC standings also reflect a broader shift in global cricket. Australia remains the top-ranked team with 87.50 points, having won eight of their eight Tests. New Zealand holds second place, followed by South Africa in third and Sri Lanka in fourth. Pakistan, meanwhile, has managed only one win in four Tests, leaving them in eighth place. Bangladesh's rise to fifth place underscores their growing competitiveness in international cricket.#pakistan #india #shubman_gill #bangladesh #world_test_championship_2025_27

India Slips to 6th in WTC Rankings as Bangladesh Surpasses It Bangladesh has overtaken India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table after defeating Pakistan 2-0 in a home series. The result has pushed Bangladesh to fifth place with 58.33% points, while India dropped to sixth with 48.15% points. This marks a significant shift in the rankings, raising concerns for the Indian team, which had previously been a strong contender in the competition. Bangladesh’s victory over Pakistan in two consecutive Test matches—winning by 104 runs in the first game and 78 runs in the second—solidified their position in the standings. Pakistan, now ranked eighth in the WTC cycle, has accumulated one win and three losses, with their points percentage severely impacted by the defeat. The series result has also highlighted the growing competitiveness of Asian teams, as India’s team, led by Shubman Gill, now trails behind three other nations. India’s decline in the rankings is attributed to poor performances in recent Test series. The team’s last Test match was against South Africa in Guwahati in November 2025, where they suffered a crushing 408-run defeat. Additionally, their series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw, saw two losses that further eroded their winning percentage. With no Test matches played this year, India’s absence from the WTC cycle has contributed to their drop in the rankings. Australia and New Zealand remain at the top of the table, with Australia leading at 87.50% points after seven wins in eight Tests. New Zealand follows at 77.78%, securing second place with two wins and one draw in three Tests. South Africa and Sri Lanka occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively.#pakistan #india #shubman_gill #bangladesh #icc_world_test_championship

India Takes a Major Hit in WTC, Bangladesh Sweeps Pakistan to Snatch 5th Place Bangladesh secured a dominant 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan, propelling the team to fifth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table while pushing India down to sixth. The win marked a significant shift in the rankings, with Bangladesh’s performance in the two-match series solidifying its position ahead of India. Pakistan, meanwhile, remained eighth after a dismal campaign. The series began with Bangladesh defeating Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test, followed by a 78-run victory in the second match. These results gave Bangladesh four Test matches played, with two wins, one loss, and one draw, earning them 28 points out of a possible 48, translating to a 58.33% win percentage (PCT). This placed the Tigers at fifth in the standings. India, which had 52 points from nine matches (48.15% PCT), slipped to sixth after losing to Bangladesh. India’s struggles continued as it failed to secure a spot in the WTC final for the second consecutive cycle. The team’s recent performances have been inconsistent, with losses to South Africa and England. India’s upcoming Test schedule includes a single match against Afghanistan starting June 6, which will not count toward the current WTC cycle. The team also plans to face Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the coming months, with a crucial series against Australia in 2027 on home soil. Pakistan’s position in the rankings has deteriorated further. After losing both Tests to Bangladesh, the team now has only one win in four matches, earning just 4 points (8.33% PCT). The loss in the second Test saw Pakistan collapse to 358 runs short of its target of 437. The WTC points table currently features Australia at the top with 87.#pakistan #india #australia #bangladesh #world_test_championship

Islam takes 4 wickets as Bangladesh closes in on series sweep against Pakistan after Day 4 SYLHET, Bangladesh (AP) — Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed four crucial wickets on Day 4 of the second Test against Pakistan, propelling Bangladesh closer to a historic series sweep. The hosts reduced the visiting team to 316-7, leaving Pakistan needing 121 runs to avoid a series defeat. Despite a valiant effort from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, who added 134 runs for the sixth wicket, Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained pressure, setting the stage for a potential four-day victory. The match, played in challenging conditions, saw Taijul dominate the latter stages of the innings. His key breakthrough came when he dismissed Agha with a sharp slider, breaking a promising partnership with Rizwan. Earlier in the day, Nahid Rana’s pace bowling had troubled Pakistan, with his early dismissal of Abdullah Fazal (6) and offspinner Mehidy Hasan’s lbw dismissal of Azan Awais (21) giving Bangladesh control. However, Pakistan’s skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam resisted, forging a 91-run stand that ended when Taijul trapped Azam lbw for 47. Masood, who survived a close catch at short-leg, and Rizwan continued to build momentum, with Rizwan reaching his 14th half-century and Agha scoring his 12th fifty off 74 balls. Their partnership, however, faced a setback when Agha’s ambitious shot led to his dismissal, leaving Pakistan at 162-6. Despite the setbacks, Rizwan’s resilience shone through, as he swept Taijul past square leg for a boundary, showcasing his composure under pressure. Bangladesh’s bowling coach Shaun Tait praised Taijul’s performance, calling it a “warrior effort” to bowl through the day’s challenges and take the new ball late in the innings.#pakistan #mohammad_rizwan #bangladesh #taijul_islam #shahid_ahmed

Indian Rupee Weakens Against Dollar and Asian Currencies, But Stronger Than Pakistan's PKR Over Last Decade The Indian Rupee (INR) has faced pressure against the US Dollar (USD) and other Asian currencies in recent months, with the USD-INR exchange rate hitting levels around 96. However, over the past decade, the Rupee has shown significant strength against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), defying short-term volatility. This divergence highlights the complex dynamics of global markets and regional economic conditions. From 2016 to 2026, the INR has appreciated against the PKR, with the exchange rate rising from 1 INR = 1.56 PKR in 2016 to 3.36 PKR in 2023-2024. This reflects India’s stronger economic fundamentals compared to Pakistan, which has struggled with inflation, debt, and political instability. Despite recent declines, the INR remains historically stronger against PKR, even as both currencies face challenges from global factors. The recent weakening of the INR against the USD is driven by several factors. Rising oil prices have increased India’s import costs, leading to higher foreign exchange outflows. Additionally, global geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and Iran, have created uncertainty in financial markets, prompting investors to seek safety in the USD. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also faced pressure to manage capital outflows, with foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrawing funds amid economic concerns. In the broader Asian context, the INR has underperformed compared to currencies like the Chinese Yuan (CNY), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and Singapore Dollar (SGD). These currencies have gained strength due to robust economic growth, fiscal discipline, and stable monetary policies.#pakistan #us_dollar #indian_rupee #reserve_bank_of_india #pakistan_rupee

Pakistan Deploys Thousands of Troops and Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Iran Conflict Pakistan has deployed approximately 8,000 troops, a fighter jet squadron, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of a defense agreement between the two nations. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly during the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to multiple security officials and government sources, the deployment is intended to bolster Saudi Arabia’s security and provide a nuclear deterrent in case of an attack. The agreement, which remains confidential, also includes provisions for mutual defense support, with Pakistan offering its nuclear umbrella to protect Saudi Arabia. The deployment includes a squadron of JF-17 fighter jets, developed in collaboration with China, as well as two drone squadrons and a Chinese HQ-9 air defense system. These assets are being operated by Pakistani military personnel, though the financial burden falls on Saudi Arabia. Security sources confirmed that the initial deployment of 8,000 troops and military equipment was part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional security. However, the number of troops is expected to increase to 80,000, with additional military assets, including warships, potentially being sent to Saudi Arabia. The timing of the deployment coincides with Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the Iran conflict. While the country has publicly maintained a neutral stance, the military presence in Saudi Arabia suggests a more active involvement in regional security dynamics. Officials noted that the deployment is not solely for defensive purposes but also to counter potential Iranian aggression. The Saudi government has not officially commented on the deployment, but the move has been widely reported in media outlets and confirmed by multiple sources.#pakistan #iran #saudi_arabia #jf_17 #hq_9