News for 'Akhtar Soomro'

Minhas delivers all-round masterclass to power Pakistan to dominant ODI win over England

Minhas delivers all-round masterclass to power Pakistan to dominant ODI win over England

Rediff.com3 days ago

Arafat Minhas delivered a match-winning all-round performance with a brisk 59 and six wickets as Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the Tri-Series clash.

ODI tri-series: Sri Lanka stun England in 430-run epic as Brook's record knock goes in vain

ODI tri-series: Sri Lanka stun England in 430-run epic as Brook's record knock goes in vain

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sri Lanka chased down England's 430-run target to script ODI history, with Pavan Rathnayake's 130, Avishka Fernando's 97 and Dasun Shanaka's explosive 97 overshadowing Harry Brook's record double century.

Pakistan All Set For 'Islamabad Talks'

Pakistan All Set For 'Islamabad Talks'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Pakistan is set to host crucial US-Iran talks aimed at solidifying a fragile ceasefire and de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Former Pakistan captain Shan Masood faces race against time for Sri Lanka Tests

Former Pakistan captain Shan Masood faces race against time for Sri Lanka Tests

Rediff.com22 hours ago

Former Pakistan captain Shan Masood is racing against time to recover from a calf muscle injury ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. His place in the playing XI is uncertain, especially with selectors and coach Mike Hesson looking to introduce younger players into the Test squad for the next World Test Championship cycle. Masood, who had an unsuccessful run as Test captain, fears his injury might be used as a reason to sideline him.

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Vance Leaves Pakistan After Mission Fails

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours, exposing deep divisions over nuclear ambitions and sanctions.

Babar Azam's Return Could Reshape Pakistan's Test Fortunes

Babar Azam's Return Could Reshape Pakistan's Test Fortunes

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is expected to return for the second Test against England at Lord's after recovering from a finger injury. His potential comeback offers a significant boost to the team, which suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test, as England leads the three-match series 1-0.

Shan Masood ruled out of second Test vs West Indies due to fractured finger

Shan Masood ruled out of second Test vs West Indies due to fractured finger

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Pakistan's top-order batter Shan Masood has been ruled out of the second and final Test against West Indies after fracturing his index finger during the first match, an injury sustained despite scoring a first-innings century.

Can India's Fireworks Capital Take on China?

Can India's Fireworks Capital Take on China?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sivakasi, India's fireworks capital, is eyeing global markets as green crackers, rising demand and interest from overseas buyers offer a chance to challenge China's dominance.

Pakistan hit by fresh blow as Babar Azam battles fever amid major team shake-Up

Pakistan hit by fresh blow as Babar Azam battles fever amid major team shake-Up

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Babar Azam's fever adds to Pakistan's mounting troubles before the Edgbaston Test, with the PCB overhauling the squad and coaching staff after England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Pakistan Demands Asian Champions Trophy Be Moved From India

Pakistan Demands Asian Champions Trophy Be Moved From India

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Pakistan has requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. Hockey India has rejected this demand, stating there will be no change in venue for the tournament scheduled in Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5. Pakistan's participation remains uncertain, with potential replacements like Bangladesh and Oman being considered.

Pakistan is staring at lockdown due to fuel shortage

Pakistan is staring at lockdown due to fuel shortage

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Pakistan's government is exploring measures, including potential smart lockdowns and austerity, to reduce petroleum consumption. This comes after recent fuel price hikes driven by rising global oil prices and West Asia tensions, which have also raised concerns about oil supply disruptions. The government is also implementing a fuel relief scheme and faces public pressure over the price increases.

Bangladesh ready to join Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence alliance

Bangladesh ready to join Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence alliance

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Bangladesh is considering joining a newly formed defence alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, with junior ministers stating that any decision would be based on national interests and a "Bangladesh First" policy. The pact, signed in Makkah, aims for collective deterrence.

'They will come harder': Bangladesh ready for Australia

'They will come harder': Bangladesh ready for Australia

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has cautioned his team to expect a strong comeback from Australia in the second Test after their surprising nine-wicket victory in the series opener. Simmons emphasised the need for continued high performance, while Australia's captain Pat Cummins acknowledged their poor performance in the first match and confirmed team changes for the upcoming game in Mackay.

Shafique's century, Babar's fluent 85 put Pakistan in command

Shafique's century, Babar's fluent 85 put Pakistan in command

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten hundred and captain Babar Azam neared a century, forging a crucial 168-run partnership to put Pakistan in a commanding position against West Indies on Day 2 of the second Test.

Pak's ex-PM Imran Khan shifted back to jail from hospital

Pak's ex-PM Imran Khan shifted back to jail from hospital

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Imran Khan has been declared 'medically fit' by a team of doctors after a comprehensive examination at Shifa International Hospital.

Shan Masood wants to continue as Pakistan Test captain but seeks structural changes

Shan Masood wants to continue as Pakistan Test captain but seeks structural changes

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Despite calls for his ouster after the Test series defeat against Bangladesh, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood wants to continue leading the national side in the near future, sources in the PCB indicated.

Pak carries out strikes along Afghan border, 29 militants killed

Pak carries out strikes along Afghan border, 29 militants killed

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The operation followed a militant attack on a Rangers headquarters in Karachi that killed three soldiers.

Humiliated by Bangladesh, Shan Masood breaks silence

Humiliated by Bangladesh, Shan Masood breaks silence

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Pakistan captain Shan Masood said the country's cricket board will decide on his leadership role in Test cricket after a 0-2 series loss to Bangladesh. Masood acknowledged the team's poor performance and offered apologies for the defeat.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Blood Moon Dazzles Skywatchers

Blood Moon Dazzles Skywatchers

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

People across India and several parts of the world paused to look up as the Moon slowly slipped into Earth's shadow during the lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2027.

PCB set for major shake-up after Bangladesh loss

PCB set for major shake-up after Bangladesh loss

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board are set to meet over this weekend here to decide on the future of Test captain Shan Masood and head coach Sarfaraz Khan.

Babar Azam to return to Pakistan squad for second Bangladesh Test

Babar Azam to return to Pakistan squad for second Bangladesh Test

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Babar Azam, Pakistan's key batter, is likely to play in the second Test against Bangladesh after missing the first match due to a knee injury. His return is anticipated to strengthen Pakistan's batting lineup after their loss in the first Test.

PCB announces significant pay hike for centrally contracted players

PCB announces significant pay hike for centrally contracted players

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to significantly increase match fees and monthly retainers for centrally contracted players, particularly those in the red ball Track A category, for the 2026/27 cycle. The new contracts also introduce format-based categories and substantial bonuses for winning ICC and Asia Cup events.

PIX: Leeds-born Inglis sinks England in record chase!

PIX: Leeds-born Inglis sinks England in record chase!

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Josh Inglis slammed a brilliant century as Australia completed the highest chase in an ICC men's tournament against England in Lahore on Saturday.

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Pakistan hits back at India over comments on Afghan military action

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Pakistan has rejected India's criticism of its military campaign in Afghanistan, calling India's statement 'baseless' and 'misleading'.

Over 200 prisoners escape from Pak jail after earthquake

Over 200 prisoners escape from Pak jail after earthquake

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

ne inmate was killed, and three paramilitary Frontier Corps personnel and one jail staff were injured in the Monday night incident in Karachi's Malir jail, Geo News reported.

Champions Trophy: Pakistan Deploys 12,000 Cops

Champions Trophy: Pakistan Deploys 12,000 Cops

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

A staggering 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed in Lahore and Rawalpindi during the matches.

SA thrash England to storm into Champions Trophy semis

SA thrash England to storm into Champions Trophy semis

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

South Africa crushed England by seven wickets in their final group match to storm into the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy.

PIX: Williamson, Ravindra tons power NZ into Champions Trophy final

PIX: Williamson, Ravindra tons power NZ into Champions Trophy final

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

New Zealand booked their place in the final of the Champions Trophy against India after a 50-run victory over South Africa.

PIX: Rachin stars as NZ down Bangladesh, Pakistan knocked out

PIX: Rachin stars as NZ down Bangladesh, Pakistan knocked out

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

IMAGES from the ICC Champions Trophy match played between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday.

PIX: Clinical New Zealand crush Pak in CT opener

PIX: Clinical New Zealand crush Pak in CT opener

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

IMAGES from the Champions Trophy Group A match played between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy

Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Joe Root's century in vain as England were shown the door.

CT 2025 PIX: NZ crush SA; set up final vs India

CT 2025 PIX: NZ crush SA; set up final vs India

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

IMAGES from the Champions Trophy second Semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday

Shan Masood breaks Inzamam's FC record

Shan Masood breaks Inzamam's FC record

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Board wanted him to cut short his career to accept the full time post after appointing him consultant of international cricket and players relations this year.

Pakistan Army Kills 15 Terrorists in Balochistan Intelligence Operations

Pakistan Army Kills 15 Terrorists in Balochistan Intelligence Operations

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Pakistani security forces killed 15 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan province, recovering weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Lavrov discusses Afghan-Pakistan tensions after strikes on Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mottaqi, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, emphasising the need for political and diplomatic solutions.

PIX: Masood, Shafique hit tons; Pakistan dominate Day 1

PIX: Masood, Shafique hit tons; Pakistan dominate Day 1

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Captain Shan Masood smashed 153 and forged a 253-run partnership with fellow centurion Abdullah Shafique as Pakistan dominated Day 1 of the first Test against England on Monday.

PIX: Zadran, Omarzai star as Afghanistan oust England

PIX: Zadran, Omarzai star as Afghanistan oust England

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

IMAGES from the ICC Champions Trophy Group B match between Afghanistan and England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday.

PIX: 352 chased down! Inglis's ton seals Aussie win

PIX: 352 chased down! Inglis's ton seals Aussie win

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

IMAGES from the Group B Champions Trophy match between Australia and England in Lahore on Saturday

Uncertainty Clouds US-Iran Talks As Ceasefire Nears End

Uncertainty Clouds US-Iran Talks As Ceasefire Nears End

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Uncertainty surrounds the US-Iran talks as a two-week ceasefire approaches its end. Pakistan is attempting to mediate, but tensions remain high after a recent naval incident.