‘Terribly sorry’: Wrong Korean anthem played in Asian Games hockey

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has been reunited with his missing pet dog, Duke, bringing an end to an anxious search that drew widespread public attention on social media. The dog had gone missing from DHA Phase 8 in Karachi earlier this week. Concerned about Duke’s disappearance, Akram appealed to the public for help in locating the pet and asked anyone with information to come forward. To encourage people to assist in the search, the former fast bowler announced a cash reward of Rs250,000 through his Instagram Story. In his message, he described Duke as a young black dog and requested that anyone who found him contact the family immediately. The appeal quickly gained traction online, with cricket fans, animal lovers and social media users sharing Akram’s posts in an effort to help locate the missing pet. The case also attracted the attention of local police, who assisted in the search. On Friday, Akram confirmed that Duke had been found safe. He shared the update through a video on social media, expressing his happiness and relief after being reunited with his beloved pet. The former captain thanked everyone who participated in the search, including members of the public who shared information and police officers who extended their support during the operation. He said the overwhelming response from people helped make the reunion possible. Akram also expressed appreciation for the kindness shown by well-wishers, saying the support received during the search reflected the compassion of the community. Meanwhile, his wife, Shaniera Akram, celebrated Duke’s safe return by sharing photographs of the dog on her Instagram Story. She also thanked everyone who had helped spread the family’s appeal and prayed for Duke’s safe recovery.

SYDNEY: Bangladesh’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim created a unique record before even taking the field in his first Test match in Australia, adding another milestone to an already remarkable international career. Mushfiqur entered the Australia Test having already played 103 Test matches, making him the most experienced player ever to feature in a Test in Australia for the first time. The achievement underlined the longevity of his career. While most players make their first appearance in a country relatively early in their Test journey, Mushfiqur reached the landmark after more than a century of matches. Before him, the record among Bangladeshi players belonged to fellow batter Mominul Haque, who had played 78 Tests before making his first Test appearance in Australia. Mominul now moves to second place on the list, while Mushfiqur’s 103-match experience puts him well ahead of the previous mark. The Bangladesh veteran’s achievement also eclipsed a record previously held by former Sri Lankan captain Marvan Atapattu. Atapattu played his first Test in Australia in 2004 after appearing in 73 Tests, making him the most experienced player to make a first Test appearance in the country at the time. Mushfiqur’s milestone therefore represents another significant chapter in a career that has made him one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished Test cricketers. However, the Bangladesh star’s achievement in Australia is not the biggest record of its kind in Test cricket. That global record belongs to England fast-bowling great James Anderson, who had played an extraordinary 175 Tests before making his first Test appearance in Pakistan. Mushfiqur’s milestone nevertheless stands out as a remarkable testament to his consistency and longevity. At 103 Tests, he arrived in Australia not as a newcomer to Test cricket, but as one of Bangladesh’s most experienced players — making his first Test in the country a historic occasion before the match had even begun.

Former West Indies fast bowler and renowned cricket commentator Ian Bishop believes Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique has the temperament and technique to succeed in English conditions, saying he is eager to watch the young batter during the upcoming Test series against England. Shafique has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most dependable red-ball batters following his remarkable performances against the West Indies, and Bishop feels the 26-year-old has all the qualities needed to handle one of cricket’s toughest challenges. Speaking about the Pakistani opener, Bishop described Shafique as a calm and composed batter who remains patient even in difficult situations. “Abdullah Shafique is a composed batter who knows how to build an innings under pressure,” Bishop said, adding that such qualities are crucial for success in England, where swinging conditions and disciplined bowling regularly test even the world’s best players. The former West Indies pacer acknowledged that English pitches present a unique challenge but noted that Shafique already has valuable experience after representing Yorkshire in county cricket. Although that exposure will help him adapt more quickly, Bishop stressed that delivering consistently in England remains a demanding task for any international batter. Shafique’s confidence has soared after his outstanding performance in the recently concluded Test series against the West Indies. Drafted into Pakistan’s squad after Shan Masood suffered an injury, the right-handed opener seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion. He remained unbeaten on 160, producing one of the finest innings of his career and becoming the first Pakistani batter in 49 years to score 150 or more runs in a Test innings in the West Indies. The memorable knock not only strengthened Pakistan’s batting lineup but also reinforced Shafique’s reputation as one of the country’s brightest Test prospects. With Pakistan set to face England in a highly anticipated Test series, fans and cricket experts alike will be watching closely to see whether Abdullah Shafique can carry his superb form into English conditions and establish himself among the world’s elite opening batters.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, adding to the growing pressure on the football governing body’s chief ahead of next year’s presidential election. The decision follows Infantino’s controversial proposal involving private investment and the potential sale of stakes linked to the World Cup. The plan has faced strong opposition from several European football associations, raising fresh questions over FIFA’s governance and transparency. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell confirmed on Monday that Scotland would not vote for Infantino at the next FIFA Congress. “The Scottish FA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino. That’s in line with the UEFA position, and we’ve maintained that stance throughout,” Maxwell said. Scotland has joined England, Ireland and Wales among European federations that have withdrawn their backing for the FIFA president. Infantino is facing mounting criticism after three football confederations accused him of “deception” over his private-investor World Cup proposal in an open letter published last week. The controversy has also placed greater attention on FIFA’s internal governance. SFA president Mike Mulraney currently serves as chair of FIFA’s finance committee. Maxwell said football administrators should focus on their responsibilities rather than remaining constantly in the public spotlight. He argued that FIFA needs stronger transparency, better governance and improved communication with its member associations. “There’s obviously been a fall-down in governance,” Maxwell said, adding that changes to FIFA’s structure and approach would need to be discussed. With opposition growing across Europe, Infantino faces an increasingly difficult challenge as he seeks to retain his position and secure another term at next year’s FIFA Congress.