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    Hazlewood returns as Australia name Bangladesh Test XI

    DARWIN: Australia have backed experience and pace, selecting Josh Hazlewood ahead of Scott Boland for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon makes his return from a long-term injury. The first of the two-Test series begins on Thursday at Marrara Oval, marking Australia’s return to red-ball cricket after a lengthy break. The match also launches a demanding period that could see the world’s top-ranked Test side play as many as 21 Tests over the next 12 months. Hazlewood’s return is one of the biggest talking points. The fast bowler missed Australia’s entire 2025/26 home Ashes campaign because of injury, allowing Boland to feature in all five Tests. Boland impressed during the series, but his performances were not enough to displace a fit-again Hazlewood. The selection means Hazlewood will once again join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in Australia’s pace attack, a combination that has been a defining feature of the side for years. Cummins acknowledged that leaving Boland out was a difficult decision. “They’re both pretty class,” the Australia captain said while explaining the selection. He added that the team had been keen to bring Lyon back into the side and that the final decision involved determining the balance of the pace attack. “There’s not much you can say to Scotty other than obviously there’s a lot of cricket coming up,” Cummins said. Lyon’s return adds another major dimension to Australia’s attack. The experienced off-spinner underwent hamstring surgery after his Ashes campaign was cut short and now gets an opportunity to resume his Test career. Australia have also retained all-rounder Cameron Green, who will bat at No. 5, while Beau Webster occupies the No. 7 position with wicketkeeper Alex Carey between them. Jake Weatherald is set to open alongside Travis Head, followed by Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3 and Steve Smith at No. 4. Josh Inglis was the only other player from the original squad to miss out on selection. The Darwin Test carries historical significance as well. It will be only the third Test played in the tropical northern city and the first there since Sri Lanka’s visit in July 2004. After Darwin, the series moves to Harrup Park in Mackay next week, where Australia and Bangladesh will play the venue’s first-ever Test. With Hazlewood back, Lyon restored and Australia’s leading pace trio reunited, Bangladesh face a formidable challenge as the hosts begin another demanding chapter of their Test calendar. Australia Playing XI for first Bangladesh Test Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

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    Mirzapur movie trailer sparks excitement among fans worldwide

    The trailer for Mirzapur: The Movie was released on Tuesday, immediately creating a buzz among fans who have been waiting for years to see the popular crime drama make its way to the big screen. The highly anticipated film brings back several familiar faces from the original series while introducing new characters and expanding the story beyond the world audiences have previously seen. The trailer launch also offered insight into how the movie came to life, with producer and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar crediting the show’s passionate fan base for playing a major role in turning the idea into reality. According to Akhtar, the popularity of Mirzapur continued to grow after its debut, with fans across different parts of the world constantly asking when the next installment would arrive. The demand became even stronger after the movie was officially announced, as viewers began asking about its release date and eagerly following every update. Akhtar expressed his gratitude toward the audience for their continued support, saying that the movie was ultimately a result of the love and enthusiasm shown by fans over the years. He also praised the original cast as well as the new additions for helping bring the cinematic version to life. The filmmaker also recalled the unusual beginnings of the franchise. He revealed that when writer Puneet Krishna first presented the story, his initial reaction was so surprised that he jokingly thought the writer might need to see a brain specialist. However, the team eventually recognized the potential of the idea and decided to develop it into a series. Akhtar credited Krishna and director Gurmmeet Singh as key figures behind the success of the franchise. The movie’s trailer appears to continue the story established in the series, bringing back some of its most recognizable characters. Pankaj Tripathi returns as Kaleen Bhaiya, while Ali Fazal reprises his role as Guddu Pandit. Divyendu and Rasika Dugal are also part of the returning cast. One of the major changes is the addition of Jitendra Kumar, who takes over the role of Bablu Pandit, a character previously played by Vikrant Massey. His inclusion adds another interesting element to the film and has already attracted attention from viewers familiar with the original series. The struggle for power also appears to become much larger in the movie. While the previous storylines focused heavily on the Purvanchal region, the new chapter promises to take the rivalry into unfamiliar territory, including desert landscapes. The trailer hints at an intense battle involving Kaleen Bhaiya, Munna Tripathi and Guddu Pandit, with political figures and rival gangs becoming increasingly involved in the conflict. As alliances shift and the fight for control grows more dangerous, the movie appears set to deliver the violence, drama and suspense that made Mirzapur a fan favorite. With its original stars, new additions and a much bigger setting, Mirzapur: The Movie is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated adaptations of the popular Indian web series.

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    India cricketer Abishek Porel arrested over rape allegations

    KOLKATA: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel has been arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with a case involving allegations of rape and other sexual offences, with a court remanding the 23-year-old cricketer to three days of police custody. Porel was arrested on Monday night and produced before the High Court the following day. The development comes as police investigate allegations made against the emerging cricketer. The allegations have not been proven in court. The case was filed on June 23. During an earlier hearing on July 14, the court was informed that police needed to take further steps to seize electronic devices allegedly linked to the accused. According to court proceedings, investigators were seeking the devices because they allegedly contained obscene photographs of the complainant. The court directed police authorities to continue efforts to apprehend the individuals concerned and seize the devices to prevent the alleged material from being circulated. During the August 11 hearing, the court was informed through a message from the officer in charge of Mogra Police Station that one of the respondents had been arrested on the night of August 11. Police subsequently sought additional time to complete the required legal and investigative procedures. Porel, who bats left-handed and keeps wicket, has emerged as one of India’s promising young domestic cricketers. He has represented Bengal and has played 32 first-class matches, while also featuring in 35 Indian Premier League games. His most recent competitive cricket came during the 2026 IPL season, when he appeared in four matches for Delhi Capitals before the tournament concluded. The arrest is likely to draw significant attention because of Porel’s growing profile in Indian cricket. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and no conclusion about his guilt can be drawn from the arrest alone. The police investigation is expected to focus on the allegations, the electronic evidence mentioned in court and statements from those involved in the case.

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    Shan Masood resumes batting ahead of England Tests

    BECKENHAM: Pakistan batter Shan Masood has taken another important step towards returning to Test cricket, resuming batting practice with the national squad ahead of the three-match series against England. Masood, 36, suffered a fractured index finger during the opening Test against the West Indies in Tarouba, despite scoring a century in the first innings. The injury forced him to miss the second Test, but the former Pakistan captain remained with the squad to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now confirmed that Masood participated in a training session at Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham, where Pakistan players worked through batting and bowling drills. “Under the supervision of the medical team, he carried out batting practice,” the PCB said in an update. Masood’s progress will be closely monitored as Pakistan prepare for a demanding series against England. His availability for the first Test will depend on his recovery and clinical assessment. The opening Test is scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19, leaving Masood only a limited window to prove he is fit enough for the challenge. Before the series begins, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match against PCC Select XI starting Wednesday. The fixture will provide the squad with valuable preparation in English conditions. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, followed by the final match at Edgbaston from September 9. For Pakistan, Masood’s return could provide a significant boost to the batting line-up. His century in the Caribbean showed his ability to make an impact, and his recovery now gives the team hope that the experienced left-hander could be back when the England challenge begins. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

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    Laila Zuberi shares advice on handling marital disagreements

    Senior Pakistani actress Laila Zuberi has shared thoughtful advice on how married couples can handle disagreements, anger, and tense situations in a relationship. During a conversation with host Nida Yasir, the veteran actress discussed the importance of remaining calm when emotions run high between husband and wife. She advised women that when their husbands are angry, it may be better to avoid immediately arguing or responding in anger. According to her, reacting in the heat of the moment can sometimes make a disagreement worse rather than helping resolve it. Laila explained that when either a husband or wife becomes angry, the other person should give them some time and space to calm down. Once emotions have settled, the couple can discuss the actual reason behind the disagreement and try to find a solution through a calm conversation. The actress also shared a personal rule that she and her husband established at the beginning of their marriage. She revealed that they decided they would never go to sleep while being angry or upset with each other. According to Laila, the couple makes an effort to resolve their differences before going to bed. This includes talking through their problems, apologising when necessary, and making an effort to understand each other. She believes that addressing disagreements instead of allowing resentment to continue can help maintain a healthier relationship. However, Laila Zuberi’s comments sparked a discussion among social media users, particularly regarding her suggestion that women should remain silent when their husbands are angry. Several users questioned why the advice appeared to be directed mainly at women. They argued that maintaining peace during an argument should be a shared responsibility between both partners rather than something expected from only one person. Some social media users pointed out that if a wife is expected to remain quiet when her husband is angry, the same principle should apply when the wife is the one who loses her temper. In their view, both partners should give each other time to cool down before continuing a difficult conversation. One user offered a humorous take on the situation, suggesting that couples should simply follow a “turn-by-turn” rule. Whenever one partner becomes angry, the other should remain silent until the situation becomes calmer. Despite the debate surrounding her comments, the central message from Laila focused on communication, patience, and resolving disagreements rather than allowing anger to damage a relationship. Laila Zuberi is regarded as one of Pakistan’s veteran television actresses. Her career is linked to the early days of Pakistan Television, and she initially worked as a radio artist before moving into television during the 1980s. She gained recognition through memorable performances in several popular television productions, including Guest House. Over the years, she has appeared in numerous acclaimed dramas and established herself as a respected figure in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

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    Lucy Davis reveals stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis publicly

    Lucy Davis, best known for her role as Dawn Tinsley in the original British version of The Office, has revealed that she has been living with stage 4 breast cancer. The actress shared the deeply personal news on Tuesday, August 11, explaining that she had kept her diagnosis private for around a year and a half. Davis said she now felt ready to speak publicly about her condition and use her experience to encourage others to take changes in their bodies seriously. According to Davis, the cancer has spread to several parts of her body, including her spine, right hip and ribs. She described the illness as incurable and said that it had progressed to a point where chemotherapy was no longer an option. Reflecting on how she first discovered the cancer, Davis explained that she initially noticed what felt like a very small hard area rather than an obvious lump. Because the change was so subtle, she nearly decided not to have it examined. Her experience led her to issue an important message to her followers, urging them not to dismiss unusual changes or symptoms. She encouraged people to have anything concerning checked by a medical professional, even if it appears minor. Despite her diagnosis, Davis said she is not frightened about what lies ahead and has found a sense of peace with her situation. She also spoke about the emotional impact her illness has had on her loved ones, acknowledging that the experience may be more difficult for her family than it is for her. Davis also made it clear that she intends to continue working for as long as she is able. She said she remains perfectly capable of working and described acting as one of the greatest joys of her life. The actress rose to fame through The Office, the acclaimed British mockumentary created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. She portrayed Dawn Tinsley, the witty and kind-hearted receptionist who became romantically involved with Tim Canterbury, played by Martin Freeman. The series originally ran from 2001 to 2003 and recently marked its 25th anniversary. Following her success on The Office, Davis built an impressive career across television and film. She appeared in the 2004 comedy-horror movie Shaun of the Dead, where she played Dianne. She later took on the role of Etta Candy in the 2017 superhero film Wonder Woman. Davis also became widely recognized by a new generation of viewers for portraying Hilda Spellman in Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. More recently, she appeared as Eva in the Disney Channel action-comedy series The Villains of Valley View. While Davis’s diagnosis has brought a deeply personal chapter of her life into the public eye, her decision to continue pursuing her career reflects the important role acting continues to play in her life. Her message about checking unusual changes also serves as a reminder that early medical attention can be important when something does not feel right.

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    Nimra Khan urges parents to prioritize financial stability in marriage

    Following reports of differences in her second marriage, Pakistani actress and model Nimra Khan has shared advice for parents about what they should consider before marrying their daughters. Nimra Khan has been a prominent figure in Pakistan’s entertainment industry for several years. Throughout her career, she has remained in the spotlight for both her professional achievements and personal experiences. She previously made headlines after surviving a serious traffic accident and has also spoken publicly about difficulties surrounding her first marriage, including allegations of domestic abuse. More recently, Nimra Khan surprised fans by announcing her second marriage and sharing moments of happiness with her followers. However, speculation about problems in the relationship began circulating after both she and her current husband appeared to share cryptic posts on social media. While their posts have fueled discussions about their relationship, neither of them has made a clear or official announcement confirming a separation. Amid the ongoing speculation, Nimra has increasingly shared messages about unhealthy relationships and emotionally painful behavior. Her recent posts appear to emphasize the importance of self-respect, independence and making careful decisions when choosing a life partner. The actress has also suggested that women should not feel pressured to remain in an unhappy relationship simply because they are married. According to the message she has been promoting, living independently can sometimes be a better choice than spending life with the wrong person. In her latest social media activity, Nimra Khan reshared a message from a father addressing parents of daughters. The viral message advised parents to be careful when selecting a husband for their daughters and warned them against marrying their children to men who are financially dependent on others. The message used the term “beggars” to describe men who continually rely on others financially. Its central point was that parents should assess a potential groom’s financial circumstances and ability to take responsibility before finalizing a marriage. Nimra appeared to agree with the message and supported the idea that financial stability should be considered when families are discussing a marriage proposal. Her reaction has drawn attention because it comes at a time when her own personal life has become the subject of considerable public speculation. However, financial circumstances are only one aspect of choosing a suitable life partner. Compatibility, character, emotional maturity, mutual respect, responsibility and the ability to maintain a healthy relationship are also important factors that families and individuals can consider before marriage. Nimra’s latest message has once again sparked discussion on social media about the responsibilities of parents when arranging marriages. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that women enter marriage with awareness, confidence and a clear understanding of the person they are choosing to spend their lives with. While the actress has not directly confirmed the status of her second marriage, her recent posts have continued to generate interest among fans, with many closely following her social media updates.

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    South Korea’s Bankware Global secures Rs1.57 billion Pakistan Post Contract

    ISLAMABAD: South Korean core banking and financial technology company Bankware Global has secured a contract worth 7.98 billion South Korean won, equivalent to approximately Rs1.57 billion, to develop a banking and financial services system and provide software for Pakistan Post Office Department (PPOD). The Seoul-based technology company disclosed the development in a notice submitted to the Korea Exchange on Tuesday, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Pakistan’s financial technology and public-sector digitalisation market. According to the company, the project will be implemented from August 7, 2026, to March 6, 2028. The value of the contract represents around 12.6% of Bankware Global’s total sales recorded during 2025. The company said the project would be executed through a joint venture, with the arrangement covering the development and supply of the required technology infrastructure and software solutions for the Pakistan Post Office Department. Bankware Global also outlined the payment mechanism for the project. Under the agreed terms, 20% of the contract amount will be paid upfront, while the remaining 80% will be released in phases. Subsequent payments will be linked to project implementation, sector-wise inspection and the commencement of operations and maintenance services. Pakistan Post seeks digital transformation The contract comes as Pakistan Post continues efforts to modernise its operations and introduce greater use of digital technologies across its extensive network. The Pakistan Post Office Department is one of the country’s largest public-sector service networks, with approximately 13,000 post offices operating across Pakistan. Besides traditional postal services, the department provides a range of financial and public services, including domestic and international mail, remittance facilities, utility bill collection and selected identity-related services such as CNIC renewals. With the growing demand for faster and technology-driven financial services, Pakistan Post has been seeking to upgrade its systems and integrate modern digital platforms into its operations. The introduction of a modern core banking and financial technology system is expected to support more efficient processing, improve service delivery and strengthen the department’s ability to manage financial transactions through its widespread network. Bankware Global expands international footprint Bankware Global has been operating in the financial technology sector for more than 17 years. The South Korean company specialises in core banking platforms and other technology solutions designed for financial institutions. Its portfolio includes component-based and cloud-native core banking systems, financial enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, card-processing platforms and software-as-a-service (SaaS) banking products. The company has supplied technology solutions to financial institutions in several Asian markets, positioning it as a regional player in the digital banking and fintech sector. The Pakistan Post project is expected to further strengthen Bankware Global’s international business portfolio while providing the company with an opportunity to participate in Pakistan’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. For Pakistan Post, the project could represent an important step toward upgrading its technological infrastructure and improving the delivery of financial and public services through its nationwide network. The contract will remain in force until March 6, 2028, with implementation and payments scheduled according to the agreed project milestones.

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    Rawalpindi police say attacker killed after Mall R…

    RAWALPINDI: A man identified as Muhammad Hussain was killed after he allegedly opened fire at security forces on Mall Road in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, according to the Rawalpindi police. The incident took place on August 11, 2026, at around 11:15am. According to the police spokesperson, Muhammad Hussain opened fire at a patrol team of the security forces while they were present on Mall Road. The firing left one member of the security forces’ patrol team injured. The injured official was taken for medical treatment, while security personnel immediately responded to the attack. Police said the security forces returned fire after the shooting. Muhammad Hussain was killed during the exchange of fire. The police spokesperson said security personnel acted promptly after the attack. The area was secured following the incident. According to police, investigators also recovered a mobile phone and other items from the deceased man. Officials said the material recovered from his possession could provide further evidence about the incident and his activities. Police said the recovered mobile phone and other belongings are being examined as part of the investigation. Officials are expected to determine whether the material contains information linked to the shooting or other activities. The Rawalpindi police spokesperson further claimed that Muhammad Hussain was affiliated with a particular political party. However, the police statement did not provide further details about the nature of his alleged affiliation. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. Further details are expected as investigators examine the recovered material and gather additional evidence. The incident caused concern in the area. Security personnel remained alert following the shooting, while the circumstances surrounding the attack are being investigated.

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    Attaullah Tarar accuses PTI of violent politics

    Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of pursuing a politics of violence. In a statement, Tarar said the Mall Road incident in Rawalpindi had brought several issues to light. He alleged that PTI supporters arrive at protests carrying weapons. He said a security official was fired upon in broad daylight on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. According to Tarar, the incident was another example of what he described as PTI’s politics of violence. The federal minister further alleged that the purpose of PTI protests was to disrupt law and order and create unrest in the country. Tarar said the party’s objective behind protests was to create anarchy and instability in Pakistan. He also claimed that PTI was unable to accept the country’s development and progress. His remarks came after the Mall Road shooting in Rawalpindi, where a man identified as Muhammad Hussain was killed after allegedly opening fire at security forces, according to police.