In good news for dark horse Pakistan, cricket World Cup is a game of surprises

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II joins the captains of the teams taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup for a photograph in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, before a Royal Garden Party in London, Wednesday, May 29, 2019. Back row from left, Pakistan's Sarfaraz Ahmed, South Africa's Francois du Plessis, Bangladesh's Masrafe Bin Mortaza, Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne, New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib. Front row from left, West Indies' Jason Holder, Australia's Aaron Finch, England's Eoin Morgan and India's Virat Kohli. (Yui Mok/Pool photo via AP)
Updated 01 June 2019
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In good news for dark horse Pakistan, cricket World Cup is a game of surprises

  • World Cups are never truly representative of what comes before and after and have a habit of distorting form and rewarding luck
  • Commentators call Pakistan a ‘wildcard’: “they will find a way of making the top four”

KARACHI: During a meet and greet with fans and journalists as part of the buildup to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which starts in England today, the captains of the ten participating teams were asked by an audience member: If you could add one player to your squad from any of the other teams, who would you choose?
“I think for me [it would be] Jos Butler,” Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said, referring to one of England’s best batters. Intriguingly, Butler is also England’s main wicket keeper, the same role Ahmed performs for his side.
Pakistan has borne the brunt of some of Buttler’s most breathtaking innings of late and Ahmed probably picked the English player because of his batting, rather than his wicket keeping, skills. Even so, the choice inadvertently cast Ahmed in comparison to Butler and highlighted the degree to which many players on the Pakistani side are less talented, less exciting versions of their opponents.
This might seem harsh given that Pakistan won the last major multi-team tournament, the Champions Trophy, held in England two years ago. Since then, however, the team’s record has been subpar and the manner of its play, old-fashioned and one-dimensional, has caused both panic and despair among fans and experts. Most recently, Pakistan ended a five-match One Day International series against England — their final preparation ahead of the World Cup — empty-handed.
“The bowling and fielding has not been up to the mark,” skipper Ahmed said after the final ODI. “It’s not ideal for the World Cup, but I’m confident my batsmen are ready.”
In a forecast piece ahead of the series kick-off, Guardian Sports said about Team Pakistan on Wednesday: “Famously hopeless till it matters, their ludicrously bad fielding during the whitewash by England means only one thing: they’ve got something up their sleeve.”
Indeed, despite the blistering loss against England, there might be some good news for Pakistan: World Cups in any sport are never truly representative of what comes before and after and have a habit of distorting form and rewarding luck.
“Pakistan are Pakistan — they will find a way of making the top four,” former England captain Michael Vaughan told the BBC on Tuesday. Ebony Rainford-Brent, 2009 Women’s World Cup winner with England, has said: “Pakistan are my wildcard — whether they have form or not, they find something in big tournaments.”
Other teams may surprise in other ways. Consider South Africa, whose captain Faff du Plessis answered the same question asked of the Pakistani skipper by naming several players for his hypothetical squad. Unable to pick just one player, Du Plessis’s flustered response under pressure seemed to mirror his team’s fate in earlier World Cups. Since their return to international cricket in 1992 following an apartheid-era ban, South Africa have entered every single tournament as one of the most dominant sides, only to lose when the stakes get high.
Also take the example of England. Currently the number one team in the world, England were last a World Cup favorite when the USSR was a stable world power. The country that founded cricket has never won a World Cup and in the last tournament in 2015, it finished as the laughing stock at the group stage. In the four years since, however, England’s revamp has been Stalinesque in its efficiency: no other team has scored more runs per over in ODI cricket or broken the 500 mark.
In light of this, the answer England captain Eoin Morgan gave when asked which player he would pick for his dream team spoke volumes about how meticulous his team’s effort has been to transform itself and reach the apex of world cricket. Instead of selecting a player, Morgan said he would pick Ricky Ponting, a notable Australian ex-cricketer and current coach — a choice that betrayed the ruthless desire to hunt for any extra advantage by a team leader who understands that his side’s very strength, an aggressive approach with the bat, has made it the most consistent team in the ODI format but can also be a recipe for collapse in the more bowling-friendly conditions often precipitated by the greatest villain in English history: the weather.
But as Indian captain Virat Kohli has said, dealing with “pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions.” Some of the favorites might start off strong but experience and nous could well trump skill and talent as the tournament progresses.
There are few better examples of this than the experience of Imran Khan in the 1987 and 1992 World Cups. His team entered the former as the only real challenger to a West Indies team now considered the greatest side ever. Khan proved himself one of the world’s best performers and led a talented, successful and heavily favored side that even defeated rivals West Indies, only for a shock loss to Australia in the semifinal at Lahore.
Five years later, Khan, a shadow of his former self, led an inexperienced team into the 1992 World Cup but ended up winning the series — a turnaround, and a narrative, so thrilling and dramatic it swept him to political power and landed him in the prime minister’s chair over two decades later.
This example, more perhaps than any other, shows how much the World Cup is a game of surprises and shocks, where great heroes make their final stands and new champions rise for the first time.
“It is 27 years since Pakistan won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for the first time and this year feels like it did back then,” former Pakistani test captain Waqar Younis, who was part of the 1992 squad at the World Cup, told ICC in an interview this week. “No one gave us a chance and we arrived as the underdog. But momentum came and we won the whole thing. That is the beauty of Pakistan cricket.”


Pakistan to launch direct flights to Azerbaijan on April 20 as bilateral ties grow

Updated 41 min 9 sec ago
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Pakistan to launch direct flights to Azerbaijan on April 20 as bilateral ties grow

  • The announcement comes after PIA reported operational and net profits for the first time in 21 years
  • Pakistan and Azerbaijan have vowed to deepen strategic cooperation in trade, energy and defense

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national flag carrier on Sunday announced it will begin direct flights to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from April 20, as the two countries move to deepen strategic cooperation across trade, energy, defense and regional connectivity.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have been stepping up bilateral collaboration, with Islamabad offering Baku and other Central Asian states access to its Gwadar and Karachi ports.
In return, Azerbaijan committed to a $2 billion investment in Pakistan’s mining, energy and infrastructure sectors during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Baku in February.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced the new service at a special ceremony in Karachi held in honor of travel agents and tour operators, who were briefed on the new route.
“PIA will operate two weekly flights from Lahore,” the airline said in a statement after the gathering, adding that “flights to Baku will depart on Sundays and Wednesdays.”
PIA said the direct connection to Azerbaijan would help boost two-way tourism and commercial ties, adding it was committed to ensuring the viability of the Baku route and strengthening its presence in the Central Asian market.
The Pakistani national airline, which has long struggled financially, surprised observers earlier this month by posting an operational profit of $33.48 million and a net profit of $94.32 million in the last fiscal year.
This was the first time in 21 years the airline has made these profits.
The launch of the Baku route is expected to support the carrier’s business further as the government pushes ahead with plans to privatize it under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program aimed at reforming state-owned enterprises and stabilizing the economy.


Pakistan’s interior minister, US congressional delegation discuss counterterror cooperation, bilateral investment 

Updated 13 April 2025
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Pakistan’s interior minister, US congressional delegation discuss counterterror cooperation, bilateral investment 

  • Mohsin Naqvi says “terrorism” is a global challenge, urges international community to cooperate with Pakistan 
  • As Pakistan grapples with militancy, Islamabad and Washington will hold a counterterrorism dialogue in June

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks on counterterrorism cooperation and bilateral investment with a United States (US) congressional delegation in Islamabad on Sunday, as both countries attempt to forge closer ties to battle surging regional militancy. 

Military cooperation between Pakistan and the US spans over six decades, but it underwent a tactical renaissance since the militant attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. 

During the US ‘War on Terror’ against the Taliban in Afghanistan, US-Pakistan relations were largely prompted by Washington’s short-term need for Islamabad’s cooperation to serve its security and strategic interests in Kabul. 

A US congressional delegation in Pakistan comprising congressmen Jack Bergman, Tom Suozzi and Jonathan Jackson called on the Pakistani interior minister in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present. 

“Discussions on advancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment were held,” the interior ministry said. “Discussions were also held on security, counterterrorism and border security areas.”

Naqvi described Pakistan as a “wall” between “terrorism” and the world, the ministry said. 

“Terrorism is a global challenge and the international community urgently needs to cooperate fully with Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying by the ministry. 

The Pakistani minister stressed the importance of sharing intelligence and technology counterterrorism. 

Pakistan and the US will hold a counter-terrorism dialogue in June this year. Cooperation between Islamabad and Washington in the field of counterterrorism is particularly important given the increase in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces bordering Afghanistan. 

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants that launch attacks on its soil, allegations that have been repeatedly denied by the Taliban government in Kabul. 
 


Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami party to hold ‘Gaza Solidarity March’ in Karachi today 

Updated 13 April 2025
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Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami party to hold ‘Gaza Solidarity March’ in Karachi today 

  • JI to hold march at Karachi’s busy Shahrah-e-Faisal road at 4:00 p.m. today, says party 
  • At least 1,560 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed bombarding Gaza in March

ISLAMABAD: Thousands of supporters of prominent Pakistani religiopolitical party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) are expected to take part in a “Gaza Solidarity March” in the southern port city of Karachi against Israel’s military offensives in the Palestinian territory. 

The protest will take place days after the JI held demonstrations in Lahore and other major cities on Friday to protest Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and urge Muslim nations to stop the bloodshed. 

Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 1,560 people have been killed since the fragile truce between Hamas and Israel broke down on Mar. 18. According to Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, at least 500 children are among the dead since Israel resumed the offensive last month.

“A Solidarity with Gaza March will be held on Sunday, Apr. 13 at 4:00 p.m. on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi,” the JI said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday. 

The JI has already announced it will lead a protest march to the US Embassy in Islamabad on Apr. 20. 

Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has frequently criticized the Jewish state for its military operations in Gaza. Islamabad has also called for the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory and the need for a revival of negotiations leading to a two-state solution.

Islamabad consistently calls for an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s military offensives in Gaza have killed over 50,000 people and wounded over 116,000, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. 


Veteran Pakistani comedian Javed ‘Kodu’ passes away after prolonged illness

Updated 13 April 2025
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Veteran Pakistani comedian Javed ‘Kodu’ passes away after prolonged illness

  • Muhammad Javed starred in over 150 Punjabi, Urdu films and several stage productions since 1981 
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says void left by late comedian’s passing is likely to never be filled 

ISLAMABAD: Veteran Pakistani stage and television comedian Muhammad Javed, popularly known as “Javed Kodu,” passed away in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday after suffering from prolonged illness, state-run media reported. 

Javed, who as per media reports was 50 years old, was widely recognized for his comedic talent and distinctive short stature. 

He passed away during the wee hours of Sunday after a long battle with illness. The comedian’s funeral prayers will be held at the marquee behind his residence in Lahore’s Singhpura area, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. 

“The veteran performer, who dedicated more than four decades to the entertainment industry, leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and heartfelt performances,” APP reported.

Born with dwarfism, Javed faced numerous societal and professional challenges throughout his life, APP said. 

It added that his stage name “Kodu” was affectionately given to him by legendary comedian Akhtar Hussain Albela.

Javed began acting in 1981 with the play “Sode Baaz” and went on to star in over 150 Punjabi and Urdu films, along with several stage productions.

His TV drama “Ashiyana” was a hit with fans and is arguably the most popular television project Javed was associated with. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief at Javed’s passing, praising his talent as a comedian. 

“Javed Kodu, who was famous for his short stature and towering talent, leaves behind a void in the media industry that is likely never to be filled,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office. 

The late comedian is survived by his wife and two sons. One of his sons, Shera, is a popular performer on the comedy show “Mazaaq Raat.


Pakistan urges Tehran to arrest those responsible for killing its nationals in Iran

Updated 13 April 2025
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Pakistan urges Tehran to arrest those responsible for killing its nationals in Iran

  • Baloch separatists have claimed responsibility for killing eight Pakistanis in Sistan-Baluchestan
  • Iranian embassy in Pakistan condemns attack, calls for joint efforts to battle “terrorism” in region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked Iran to arrest the culprits responsible for killing eight Pakistani nationals this week in its Sistan-Baluchestan province, calling on regional states to adopt a coordinated strategy to defeat the menace of “terrorism.”

The news of the killings first emerged in local media on Saturday evening, though Pakistan’s foreign ministry and federal authorities did not issue immediate statements.

However, the foreign office later confirmed the development in response to media queries. It said that Islamabad was in contact with Iranian authorities and would comment once the details were confirmed. 

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the killing of the eight Pakistani nationals and voiced concern over the attack on Iranian soil.

“The Iranian government must bring those responsible to justice and share the reasons behind this heinous act with the public,” Sharif said in a statement released by his office on Saturday. 

The Pakistani premier expressed grief at the loss of lives in the incident. 

“Terrorism is a scourge that is devastating for all countries in the region,” he added. “All regional states must implement a coordinated strategy to root out terrorism.”

The prime minister also directed Pakistan’s foreign ministry to remain in contact with the victims’ families and instructed the embassy in Tehran to ensure the safe repatriation of the bodies.

Meanwhile, Iran’s embassy in Pakistan condemned the attack as a “cowardly one,” calling for joint efforts to eradicate “terrorism.”

“Combating this ominous phenomenon requires collective and joint efforts by all countries to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism that have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in recent decades,” the embassy said.

On Saturday, Afghanistan’s Khaama Press News Agency reported the attack took place in the early hours of the day in a village in Mehrestan district, located near the Iran-Pakistan border. The outlet said the victims were auto mechanics.

However, the separatist Balochistan National Army (BNA) claimed responsibility for the attack later in the day, alleging that the slain workers were members of Pakistan’s premier spy agency.

Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a low-level insurgency for nearly two decades. Baloch separatist groups accuse the central government of exploiting the region’s natural resources, such as gold and copper, without benefiting the local population.

Islamabad denies the allegations, saying it is committed to improving the lives of Baloch residents through various development projects.

Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly from economically disadvantaged regions, frequently cross into Iran to take up informal work in sectors such as vehicle repair, construction and agriculture.

In January last year, nine Pakistani laborers were killed and three critically injured in a similar attack in Saravan city, also located in Iran’s southeastern border region.

The victims in that case had also been working at an auto repair shop.

Last year’s killings took place at a time when Pakistan and Iran were trying to mend diplomatic ties following tit-for-tat missile and drone strikes.