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As ICC World Cup reaches midpoint, here are the top batters and bowlers to watch

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Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Amir celebrates his five-wicket against Australia at a World Cup match in Taunton, England on June 12, 2019 (Getty Images)
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Bangladesh fieldsman Shakib Al Hasan catches India's Ajinkya Rahane during their Cricket World Cup quarter-final match in Melbourne, March 19, 2015. (Reuters)
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India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates after a victory against Sri Lanka at Mohali, India on December 13, 2017. (Reuters)
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England's Jofra Archer celebrates the wicket of South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen at the ICC World Cup at Kia Oval, London, Britain on May 30, 2019 (Reuters)
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Australia's Mitchell Starc at the end of the innings against Bangladesh at the ICC Champions Trophy at Oval, London Britain on June 5, 2017 (Reuters)
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England's Joe Root celebrates after reaching his century during the 2019 ICC World Cup group stage match between England and Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, central England, on June 3, 2019. (AFP)
Updated 19 June 2019
AHMER NAQVI
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As ICC World Cup reaches midpoint, here are the top batters and bowlers to watch

  • Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, India’s Rohit Sharma and England’s Joe Root are the undisputed power batters
  • Bowlers Mohammad Amir, Mitchell Starc and Jofra Archer have proved themselves the stars of the series
Updated 19 June 2019
AHMER NAQVI

KARACHI: The ICC World Cup 2019 has reached its midway point, with the race for the semifinals still wide open. But enough time has passed to get an idea of the teams that have been setting the tournament alight, and the players to watch out for. These are the Arab News picks for the top three batters and bowlers at the World Cup so far.

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh Cricket’s first proper superstar

Quite a few people, not just in England and Australia but also Pakistan and India, will be upset by the suggestion that halfway through the series, the best player in this World Cup is from Bangladesh. But the stats say it all. No one has as yet scored more runs than Shakib’s 384, no one has hit more hundreds, and none of the other players mentioned on this list have his all-round ability, considering that he has picked up five wickets also. But Bangladesh cricket’s first proper superstar has sometimes deceived in the past. In three previous World Cups, his batting and bowling numbers were worse than his career stats, and he was more important as a bowler. Pushing for and receiving a move up the order this time around, he’s been impeccable with the bat, and his confidence has oozed down to his teammates. Twenty years after a shock win in a World Cup in England kick-started Bangladesh’s cricket journey, they now arrive with a dark horse team and one of the world’s best players. It’s been quite a journey. As Gaurav Kalra, Sports Group Editor at Network 18, tweeted, Shakib should take over as boss of the universe:

Rohit Sharma, India’s insouciant genius

Every generation seems to produce a creative genius whose greatest works stand the test of time, though a lack of motivation or interest causes them to burn out rather than fade away. It might not be exactly fair to label Rohit Sharma as such, but it is confusing why one of cricket’s most transcendent talents hasn’t reached the heights that other greats of his era have touched. In contrast to his great contemporary Virat Kohli, Rohit gives off the perception of not quite wanting the acclaims as much. Still, in white ball cricket, Rohit is a certified legend, and in this tournament he has been the highest averaging batter, showing off a shocking range of shots in his trademark insouciant style. Pakistan were lucky not to receive yet another Rohit double hundred. In the history of the game, that has only been achieved eight times by five players who’ve done it once, and Rohit, the sixth, has done it thrice. Don’t bet against him adding to that total sometime this tournament.

Joe Root, lead vocalist-turned-bass guitarist of English cricket

Joe Root is easily the most classical and all-round batter on this list, and in an England side packed with maddeningly explosive hitters, it might be a surprise to see him on this list. But Root, for so long the lead vocalist of English cricket, has shifted to bass guitar and it’s worked out brilliantly. He sets the tone for everyone else by playing as the anchor around which the already fearless hitters can play with even more freedom. His two hundreds have come at a fast pace and yet never once carried the bludgeoning that marks his teammates’ efforts, defined instead by shots meant to keep the traditionalists happy. Root’s solidity is also England’s main failsafe option if the weather creates unfriendly batting conditions. For all of England’s celebrated offensive firepower, they would need Root humming along the way he has been in order to win the tournament they are favourites for.

Mohammad Amir, Pakistan’s only world class player

Pakistan cricket has a maddening quality of only being able to be described in cliches. For example, as the sporting world embraces data analytics and increasingly makes decisions based on computing insights, Pakistan makes a mockery of stats. Coming into this tournament, Mohammad Amir had taken five wickets across two years since a star appearance at the Champions Trophy final. His average was in the 90s, his strike-rate in three figures. Pakistan bet on his potential and talent when selecting him, and once the tournament began Dr. Mohammad went away and Mr. Amir arrived at the party. Thrice now as Pakistan have conceded 300 against three of the best sides - Australia, England and India - he has conceded under five an over, and in each has looked the only world class player in green. His tournament best, 5-30 against Australia, was good, but he was superb in the crushing loss to India as he provided the only fight India faced in that match. It is no wonder so many have compared him to Wasim Akram, one of the greatest bowlers of all time:

Mitchell Starc, Australia’s booming inswinger

Tied with Amir for having taken the most wickets, Mitchell Starc has continued his form from the last tournament where he ended up as the top wicket taker. For a year, while former captain Steve Smith and star batter David Warner served a ban for ball tampering, Starc’s numbers had fallen off a cliff. Now, with those two back in the side, it appears Starc has magically rediscovered his mojo. The booming inswinger is back, but it helps that he has always been one of the best proponents of the yorker. In a tournament where too many bowlers have been guilty of bowling too short, his ability to find the feet has helped a scratchy, inconsistent Australian side pick up slightly undeserved wins against Afghanistan, West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Each of those wins involved Starc leading or participating in causing a collapse, and his presence has allowed Australia to boast a record much better than their collective efforts have suggested.

Jofra Archer, the x-factor in Team England

If there was a way to convert swag into statistics, Joffra Archer would have been the only player on this entire list. Young, effortlessly cool and exhilaratingly talented, the bowler has been the x-factor in England’s already formidable line-up. While the hosts have been able to rely on their batting to score just about anything, their uneven bowling has allowed even the likes of Pakistan to pile huge totals against them. Archer isn’t quite at the level where he can undo that profligacy by England, but with twelve wickets at an average better than Starc’s, he’s certainly making a big difference. And while he has made plenty of people take notice already, the feeling persists that we are yet to see the moment when Joffra Archer truly announces his arrival on the world stage. With England still to face arch-rivals Australia and co-favourites India, expect Archer to make a mark on one of these matches.

Topics: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

On International Day of Education, Pakistan vows to embrace ‘promise of AI’

Updated 24 January 2025
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On International Day of Education, Pakistan vows to embrace ‘promise of AI’

  • Theme of this year’s International Day of Education is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation” 
  • Around the world, AI is being increasingly used in education to improve the learning experience for both students and teachers
Updated 24 January 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, the International Day of Education, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing an education system that embraced the “promise of AI” and supported the country’s youth in thriving in an evolving technological landscape.

The theme of this year’s International Day of Education is “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” Around the world, AI is being increasingly used in education to improve the learning experience for students and teachers. AI can automate tasks, provide real-time feedback, and create personalized learning experiences.

“As AI-driven systems become increasingly integrated into our lives, the boundaries between human intervention and machine-driven actions continue to blur,” Sharif said in a statement.

“This presents both opportunities and challenges, raising the critical question of how we can uphold and enhance human agency amidst the growing tide of automation.”

He said his government recognized the transformative power of education in preparing Pakistan’s youth to thrive in the evolving technological landscape. 

“By fostering critical thinking, innovation, and ethical responsibility, we aim to equip our citizens with the tools not only to adapt to technological changes but to shape them in ways that uphold our values, protect our freedoms, and advance our society,” the PM said. 

He highlighted steps taken in Pakistan to prepare its educational institutions to embrace technological advancements. These initiatives include the establishment of High-Impact IT Labs in ICT degree colleges, Digital Hubs in rural ICT schools, the Google Center of Excellence, SMART Classrooms, and the E-Taleem Portal for blended learning. 

“Additionally, we have introduced E-Rozgar Centers, Software Technology Parks, Robotics and Mind Games programs, and STEAM Labs to foster innovation. It is imperative that our schools are equipped with the latest technologies to equip our children with the requisite skills,” the PM said. 

“On this day, while we reaffirm our resolve to advancing an education system that embraces the promise of AI while safeguarding the essence of human creativity, compassion, and purpose.”

Topics: international education day Education Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif artificial intelligence (AI)

Pakistan rejects Afghanistan’s allegations it hosts Daesh militant camps

Updated 24 January 2025
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Pakistan rejects Afghanistan’s allegations it hosts Daesh militant camps

  • Foreign Office says Afghanistan is a source of “support and logistics” for militant operations against Pakistan
  • Ties between neighbors are strained over surge in militant attacks in Pakistan it blames on Afghanistan
Updated 24 January 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Thursday rejected Afghanistan’s allegations Pakistan was hosting and facilitating Daesh militant camps, calling it “weird propaganda.”

The remarks come in response to allegations by Afghan officials that Pakistan was operating training camps for Daesh fighters and facilitating their movement through the Islamabad and Karachi airports for training in its southwestern Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces with the aim of carrying out militant activities in Afghanistan.

Islamabad also frequently accuses neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks amid a surge in militancy in its KP and Balochistan provinces. The Taliban government in Kabul says it does not allow Afghan soil to be used by militants, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter for Islamabad.

“Frankly, we completely reject these allegations. They are not grounded in reality,” Khan said during a weekly press briefing when asked about the Afghan allegations on Daesh camps. “It’s just some kind of weird propaganda.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s concern over sanctuaries of the Pakistani Taliban or Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) in Afghanistan, accusing the country of being a source of “support and logistics” for TTP militant operations against Pakistan.

“It couldn’t do without the sanctuaries it’s enjoying in Afghanistan,” Khan added. “And we continue to impress upon the Afghan authorities to address this genuine and serious concern so that our bilateral relations can achieve full potential as good neighbors.”

Islamabad says it has consistently taken up the issue of cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration. The issue has also led to clashes between the border forces of the two countries on multiple occasions in recent months.

In December, the Afghan Taliban said bombardment by Pakistani military aircraft in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province had killed at least 46 people, most of whom were children and women. Just days later, the Afghan defense ministry said Taliban forces targeted “several points” in neighboring Pakistan, further straining tense ties. 

Relations between the two countries have also soured since Pakistan launched a deportation drive in November 2023 against illegal aliens residing in the country. Though Pakistan insists the campaign does not only target Afghans but all those residing in Pakistan unlawfully, it has disproportionately hit Afghans, with at least 800,000 repatriated so far.

Topics: Pakistan Afghan Ties Pakistan foreign office

Pakistan says Hong Kong conglomerate discussing $1 billion investment in maritime sector

Updated 24 January 2025
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Pakistan says Hong Kong conglomerate discussing $1 billion investment in maritime sector

  • Pakistan maritime affairs minister holds meeting with Hutchison Ports officials
  • Proposal includes upfront $200 million in foreign direct investment for Pakistan
Updated 24 January 2025
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: A Hong Kong-based multinational conglomerate has expressed interest in investing $1 billion in Pakistan’s maritime sector to improve the South Asian nation’s port infrastructure, the maritime ministry said on Thursday.

Hutchison Ports, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, is a leading global port operator and logistics company, operating in 52 ports across 26 countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. It provides container terminal operations, cargo handling, logistics, port management, transportation, and distribution services.

Pakistan’s seaports in Karachi, located along the Arabian Sea, are essential for global trade and provide job opportunities for thousands of citizens. The country has been actively working on restructuring and enhancing its port infrastructure. 

On Thursday, Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh held a meeting with a high-level delegation from Hutchison Ports, led by the company’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Andy Tsoi, to discuss the $1 billion investment plan, the maritime affairs ministry said.

“This groundbreaking proposal includes an upfront $200 million Foreign Direct Investment,” the ministry said, adding that the investment would focus on modernizing the Karachi International Container Terminal and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited “with advanced automation technologies, enhancing operational efficiency and adopting eco-friendly solutions.”

The plan includes introducing “electrified and remote-control equipment” to reduce carbon emissions and establishing a state-of-the-art warehousing depot for Pakistan’s growing trade sector as well as funding to improve roads around the south wharf to ensure “smooth container traffic flow and boost supply chain efficiency.”

The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to boost trade and seek international partnerships to expand maritime activities.

In August 2024, state media reported that Danish shipping firm Maersk was in discussions with local authorities to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s port and transport infrastructure over the next two years. 

In October last year, the maritime minister signed an agreement with Denmark’s Minister Morten Bodskov to restructure Pakistan’s maritime sector and provide technical training at its ports.

Topics: maritime Karachi port Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Paris court sentences Pakistani who targeted Charlie Hebdo to 30 years jail

Updated 23 January 2025
AFP
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Paris court sentences Pakistani who targeted Charlie Hebdo to 30 years jail

  • When he carried out attack, 29-year-old Zaheer Mahmood wrongly believed satirical newspaper was still based in the building
  • Newspaper had moved in the wake of an earlier attack, which killed 12 people including eight of the paper’s editorial staff
Updated 23 January 2025
AFP

PARIS: A Paris court on Thursday sentenced a Pakistani man to 30 years in jail for attempting to murder two people outside the former offices of Charlie Hebdo in 2020 with a meat cleaver.
When he carried out the attack, 29-year-old Zaheer Mahmood wrongly believed the satirical newspaper was still based in the building, which was targeted by Islamists a decade ago for publishing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
The newspaper had in fact moved in the wake of the attack, which killed 12 people including eight of the paper’s editorial staff.
The killings in 2015 shocked France and triggered a fierce debate about freedom of expression and religion.
Originally from rural Pakistan, Mahmood arrived in France illegally in the summer of 2019.
The court had earlier heard how Mahmood was influenced by radical Pakistani preacher Khadim Hussain Rizvi, who had called for the beheading of blasphemers to “avenge the Prophet.”
Mahmood was convicted of attempted murder and terrorist conspiracy, and handed a ban from ever setting foot on French soil again.

Pakistan says three militants killed trying to infiltrating its border with Afghanistan

Updated 23 January 2025
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Pakistan says three militants killed trying to infiltrating its border with Afghanistan

  • Islamabad frequently accuses Afghanistan of sheltering, supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks
  • Afghan officials deny state complicity, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad
Updated 23 January 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed six militants attempting to enter the country through its border with Afghanistan in the southwestern Balochistan province, the Pakistan military said on Thursday.
Islamabad frequently accuses neighboring Afghanistan of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks. The Taliban government in Kabul says it does not allow Afghan soil to be used by militants, insisting that Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.
In the latest incident, the Pakistan army said security forces had picked up on the movement of a group of militants who were attempting to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on the night between Jan 22. and 23 in Balochistan’s Zhob District. Six militants were killed, it said, and a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered.
“Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border,” the army said. “Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.”
The Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have frequently targeted Pakistani forces in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The group also has some presence in Balochistan, the site of a low-level insurgency for decades by separatists fighting for the province’s independence. 
On Jan. 19, Pakistani security forces killed five militants as they tried to infiltrate Pakistan’s border in Zhob district.

Topics: Pakistan Afghanistan border

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