Sindh schools adopt facial recognition attendance

BECKENHAM: England Test captain Joe Root has removed the midnight curfew previously imposed on the team, signalling a shift towards greater personal responsibility ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan. Root, speaking to Sky Sports, said he did not believe strict curfews were necessary and instead wanted England players to behave like adults and take responsibility for their actions both on and off the field. “There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest,” Root said. The experienced batter explained that players needed the freedom to make sensible decisions without constant supervision. In his view, responsibility away from the cricket field should go hand in hand with the standards expected from players representing England. Root said the team would focus on managing itself effectively, with players expected to “self-police” and look after one another. He also stressed that everyone in the squad understood the responsibilities that come with playing international cricket. The decision marks a notable change from the approach taken under former captain Ben Stokes, when a midnight curfew was introduced as part of the team’s discipline and culture. For Root, however, the priority is creating a strong environment rather than enforcing rigid rules. He said England should be remembered for their performances on the field rather than stories about incidents away from cricket. The captain also acknowledged that players should be able to celebrate victories, enjoy themselves and have a drink when appropriate, provided they understand their responsibilities. “Let’s be adults. Look after yourselves, look after each other,” Root said, emphasising the importance of a healthy team culture. England are now preparing for a challenging Test series against Pakistan, with Root and head coach Stephen Fleming expected to establish clear standards for the squad. The message from Root is straightforward: England’s players will have more freedom, but with that freedom comes accountability. The captain hopes the approach will strengthen team unity while keeping attention firmly on cricket.

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem failed to secure a medal in the men’s javelin final at the Commonwealth Games, finishing ninth in a field of 12 athletes. Arshad entered the competition as one of Pakistan’s strongest medal contenders. However, he was unable to produce the long throws needed to challenge for a place on the podium. His opening attempt was declared a foul and did not count towards the final standings. In his second attempt, he registered a throw of 77.41 metres. His third and final throw measured 75.39 metres, leaving him in ninth position at the end of the event. Sri Lanka’s Romesh Tharanga delivered the best performance of the competition to win the gold medal with a throw of 89.75 metres. His effort secured the top spot after an impressive display throughout the final. India’s Neeraj Chopra claimed the silver medal with a best throw of 85.83 metres. Fellow Indian athlete Yashvir Singh completed the podium by winning the bronze medal after recording a throw of 85.41 metres. The men’s javelin final featured 12 athletes from different Commonwealth nations, with several competitors producing throws beyond the 85-metre mark. Arshad was unable to find his rhythm during the competition and remained well behind the leading performers. The result came as a disappointment for Pakistani fans, who had hoped Arshad would add another major international medal to his impressive career. Despite missing out on the podium, he remains one of Pakistan’s most successful athletes and has consistently represented the country with distinction at international events. Arshad has previously won medals at major competitions and is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers. His achievements have inspired a new generation of athletes in Pakistan and raised the profile of athletics in the country.