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My days of watching cricket, for time being, are over: PM Imran Khan

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3 years ago

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  • PM Imran Khan says Pakistanis were excited for Australia’s tour.
  • “I am unable to watch. I follow the matches in the papers,” he says.
  • Australian team is being given Presidential-level security, he adds.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has rejected reports of watching a Pakistan-Australia Test match in-person as he said that his days of watching cricket were over for time being.

Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhary during his visit to Pindi Cricket Stadium a few days back during the historic Rawalpindi Test hinted that PM Imran Khan would witness Australia and Pakistan play a Test match.

However, in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, PM Imran Khan said: “Unfortunately, my days of watching cricket, for the time being, are over.”

Australia have returned to Pakistan after almost 24-long-years and the tour witnessed the first Test at Pindi Cricket Stadium, which did attract a massive crowd on all five days, but ended up in a disappointment due to a dead-flat wicket.

International Cricket Council (ICC) also declared the Pindi Cricket Stadium “below average” for the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia and penalised it with one demerit point.

Terming Aussies tour a “much-awaited moment” for the cricket fans, PM Imran Khan said that Pakistanis are a cricket-loving nation; however, because of the war on terror, they have been deprived of cricket for many years.

The prime minister said Pakistanis were awaiting the Australian team’s arrival with great anticipation and excitement as it is a team that is “admired.”

PM’s take on T20s and Test matches

The premier was of the view that between T20 and Test cricket, the former is “great entertainment” with innovative stroke play and brilliant fielding; however, the premier said that the “true test” of a cricketer will always be the five-day format.

Shedding light on the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he said the board was and Cricket Australia were in talks for a couple of years regarding the historic Australia tour to Pakistan.

The reservations were added when New Zealand pulled out of their Pakistan tour and England stepped back from touring the country recently.

Overall security has ‘improved’

PM Imran Khan said: “The issue was about security and our government has improved the overall security within the country. The Australian team is being given Presidential-level security and our people have been waiting with excitement for this series.

“Apart from the dead pitches, nothing can dampen the cricket fans’ excitement.”

How does the PM follow cricket?

The prime minister, although does not watch matches at stadium, but he follows cricket through papers.

“I am unable to watch. I follow the matches in the papers. Unless the pitches are more responsive we won’t see results,” he added.

PM Imran Khan is looking forward to seeing a few names performing in the series.

“Looking forward to seeing Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi perform during the tour”.

Reliving memories

PM Imran Khan also relived the memories of playing against Australia. “The 1976 tour of Australia when I was barely 23 years old. This was my favourite tour of Australia. In Pakistan, it was in 1982, the match in Lahore when I took 8 wickets on a dead pitch. Chappell brothers and Dennis Lillee were the toughest competitors.”

Indo-Pak bilateral series

“India right now has a racist Hindutva regime preaching racial superiority and hatred for minorities, especially Muslims,” the prime minister said.

“So, there is no forward movement in our relations and cricket is also affected — has become collateral damage,” he said about a possible Indo-Pak bilateral series.

Are fast bowlers better captains?

Shaheen Shah Afridi recently being captain as a fast bowler lifted the maiden trophy for Lahore Qalandars. Pat Cummins is the Test captain of Australia on tour to Pakistan.

PM Imran Khan also opined that fast bowlers make better captains as they habve an edge over others.

“Theoretically, fast bowlers should make better captains. A good captain must have the ability to judge when to use a particular bowler when to change the bowler and assess the field placings accordingly. Fast bowlers have an edge in making these assessments.”

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The Punjab government initiates the ‘Dhee Rani’ initiative for underprivileged couples.

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2 days ago

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has initiated the ‘Dhee Rani’ program to facilitate the wedding ceremonies of disadvantaged couples and alleviate their financial burden.

Applications for this project are being welcomed and may be filed via the internet portal cmp.punjab.gov.pk or the hotline 1312.

A helpline number has been established at the instruction of the Punjab Chief Minister to address any inquiries.

Teams would conduct home visits for candidates to check eligibility, ensuring transparency and fairness in the program.

The newlywed couple would receive Rs100,000 via ATM cards, along with needed furniture, tableware, and clothing.

The government will also provide meals for the couples’ wedding ceremony.

THE AMENDMENT WOULD GUARANTEE PROMPT JUSTICE

The Chief Minister of Punjab praised the 26th amendment to the constitution and commended the nation, asserting that it would guarantee prompt justice.

She asserted that the amendment was essential for the supremacy of law and had reinstated the Parliament’s full constitutional authority and integrity.

Maryam Nawaz asserted that constructive reforms would be implemented in the judicial system, resulting in a more independent and fortified judiciary.

She also praised the Article regarding the elimination of interest in Pakistan.

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Reham Khan’s counsel to Hania Amir between marriage versus career

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2 days ago

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Reham Khan has advised renowned actress Hania Aamir of her matrimonial intentions.

She encouraged the actor to put her burgeoning career over matrimony and expressed her hope for her success in Bollywood.

Reham had previously collaborated with Hania in the film Janaan.

She commended the actor’s talent and her progression from producing Dubsmash videos to attaining the status of one of the nation’s most renowned talents.

While advising her, she underscored the significance of maintaining focus on her work, proposing that Hania have the capacity to make an impact in Bollywood as well.

Reham recommended that Hania should not contemplate marriage at this time, emphasizing that this pivotal phase of her profession necessitates concentration and diligence.

Reham remarked, “Hania is an exceptional talent,” noting that her success was anticipated based on her current endeavors.

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Breaking down barriers: The top 5 dramas in Pakistan that focus on the difficulties of women

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4 days ago

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In recent years, Pakistani television shows have increasingly concentrated on the adversities encountered by women, providing spectators with insight into their experiences.

Below are five dramas that have adeptly emphasised these significant themes:

Udaari (2016): This innovative play addressed the delicate issue of child protection, centring on a man who jeopardises the safety of his young stepdaughter and niece.

Featuring Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed, ‘Udaari’ initiated significant discussions around child protection and the necessity for awareness.

Baaghi: Inspired by the life of model Qandeel Baloch, ‘Baaghi’ depicted the challenges women encounter in claiming their autonomy. The drama depicted Qandeel’s odyssey in a society where conventional norms frequently eclipse women’s rights.

Hadsaa: Inspired by a true event, ‘Hadsaa’ chronicles a woman’s quest for justice following a tragic experience witnessed by her children. The drama underscored perseverance and the significance of advocating for one’s rights, while illustrating the victim’s post-trauma challenges.

Juda: Focused on the emotional odyssey of a lady confronting a difficult marriage, Juda poignantly illustrated the intricacies of love and support, highlighting the fortitude required to pursue an improved existence.

Cheekh: Starring Saba Qamar, this gripping series chronicles a woman’s quest for justice on behalf of her companion. The drama emphasised societal constraints and the importance of championing women’s rights.

These shows not only entertain but also stimulate intelligent discourse on women’s empowerment and social issues, resonating with audiences and fostering awareness.

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