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  • Babar vs Kohli: Who is the better player? Pak-Ind experts weigh in

    Babar vs Kohli: Who is the better player? Pak-Ind experts weigh in

    As cricket fever reaches its peak, fans around the world are looking forward to the upcoming Pakistan-India blockbuster T20 World Cup match.

    Geo News brought together cricketing legends from both countries for two high-octane exchanges on Saturday.

    Veterans like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed and Sohail Tanveer where Pakistani panelists and host was Shahzad Iqbal, while Indian side had Sunil Gavaskar, Harbhajan Singh and Madan Lal on the Geo News/Aaj Tak ‘taakra’.

    When the question was asked by Shahzad that who is the better player among both skippers Babar Azam and Virat Kohli in T20 cricket, all the panelists gave their opinions on it.

    Madan Lal said: “Virat is way ahead than Babar as we all have witnessed his performance in all three formats of cricket and it has always been better than Babar.”

    While Sunil said: “Virat has played a lot of cricket so he has a better record but the talenr Babar holds, gives him a better chance to him to get more runs in the future.”

    He also added that Virat used to score 60, 70 runs but after when he scored centuries, he was also counted in great players. Babar has the potential as he is a very good batsman and easily scores 60, 70 runs but then get out after that. When he will score hundreds in Tests and One Days, he will be counted among number one batsmen. He has that potential.

    “Virat Kohli is a great player and I think he is a legend in modern day cricket. Yes Babar need some time to get to that mark but but he has that game and definitely he can become one of cricketing greats of Pakistan like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Anwar,” said former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.

    Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said: “Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are both great players, but the way Babar is batting, I think he will break all records.”

    He further added: “Kohli has given a lot of performances for his country, but Babar’s record is better than Kohli’s in terms of the amount of cricket he has played, Babar has yet to reach the heights of his career, Babar’s best game is yet to come. Babar’s hunger for runs makes him better than others. I have never seen such hunger for runs in any other batsman. Virat has a lot of aggression. If I compare the technique, Babar’s technique looks better than Kohli’s.”

    “I agree with Inzi and Sunny (Inzamam and Sunil) that both are great players. Virat’s stats are very strong and Babar is still not there but I’ll agree with Inzi that Babar can be at number one forever,” said Pakistan’s great spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.

    While Tanveer said that it took a long time for Kohli to become what he is and if we take a look at current form and performances of last three-four years of Babar, “He has that guts and he has all the skills to become world number one player and has become the number one.”
    “By the time and experience he will become more confident and his abilities will also come to the fore,” he added.

    It’s pertinent to mention here that the arch-rivals will be facing each other on Sunday 7pm PST at the Dubai International Stadium.

  • Pak vs Ind: Are you ready?

    Everyone is sitting in the same room, some very close to the TV as if they can control things by sitting close to the screen. Some outside the lounge to avoid the visuals, responding only to the audio cues. Some trying to change fate by doing tasbeeh. And some holding a chappal permanently pose an imminent danger to either the TV screen or to the people around them. Because if things went south, the chappal will go north. And who even has the mental presence to timely register the oncoming chappal? I mean who even cares whatever the world is coming to when Pakistan is playing against India in a World Cup match?

    This is how this grand event has been witnessed in my family. This is how it has always been. I am sure this is how it is for every cricket-obsessed home in Pakistan and perhaps even across the border. The historical fact that Pakistan continues its tradition of losing to India in grand cricket events gets completely lost on us whenever we have to face India. Even the people who have given up on cricket and believe it is a personality trait to say “I don’t watch cricket anymore” metamorphose overnight and become senior cricket analysts on match day. They are kind of annoying but we, the cricket enthusiasts, let them be part of our world as it is Pakistan playing against India.

    From jingoist expressions to “what a ridiculously talented Indian team is”, the emotions vary among people but the focus remains the same: win against India. Thrash them. Humiliate them. None of these events happen in the World Cup but the sentiments remain the same. Every match against India becomes an opportunity for the Pakistani team to rise from the ashes. I mean, they aren’t even in ashes though but you get what I am saying, right? It is an opportunity for the revival of faith in this country for at least one week. The entire country goes into a trance. You go to a local grocery store, tandoor or even a random corner of the street, all you would hear is, “Fer, tayaari ay?” (Are you ready?). I have been a regular witness of analysis at tandoor shops where they don’t have a TV and solely rely on radio commentary on their phones. You can easily get away with stealing things at shops with TV because the shopkeeper will be lost on the screen. Their positivity is contagious. Their josh and daleri are difficult to find anywhere else. It gives you hope even when Pakistan has to score 70 runs off 2 balls to win the match. It’s insane, I know.

    In an attempt to keep my josh under control, I remind myself of Pakistan’s defeat against India in the quarter-final match of the 1996 World Cup. The Bangalore Defeat, I call it. I can still recall the pain of that defeat. I remember locking myself in the bathroom and crying uncontrollably. I felt for the first time that this is it. No more cricket for me. That loss still haunts me whenever the Pakistan vs India discussion begins. I often find myself recalling this truly tragic loss even during conversations that have nothing to do with cricket. For instance, I had amazing seafood in Karachi and I was like, “Glad I had it as Lahore doesn’t offer much taste,” followed by my internal scream, “Haan but we didn’t win against India in 96. Who is gonna fill that void?”. Do you understand the gravity of this loss yet?

    And now that we are set to play our first match against India in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, that same loss has taken over my life and I am looking forward to the 190th attempt to fill that void by winning against India. The odds are against us, the world is against us, and even we are against ourselves as we keep playing the dinosaurs in our team but nothing could be against our josh for this game. We are gonna give it our best. We will forget what the petrol rate is for 12 hours. We will forget how we love Rohit Sharma or Kohli. We will forget how Shah Rukh Khan is the best thing to come out of India. And of course, we will forget that the notification for DG ISI hasn’t been released. We will remember just one thing. Cricket.

    Hope in Babar Azam, pride in Shaheen Afridi, love for Rizwan, and faith in Haris Rauf to not bowl the death overs. Over to you, Team Pakistan. You might not have done it before but you can do it now!

    As for Kohli, I love Anushka more.

  • ’25 ko milte hein’: Moammar Rana challenges Salman Khan ahead of Pak vs India match

    ’25 ko milte hein’: Moammar Rana challenges Salman Khan ahead of Pak vs India match

    Pakistani actor Moammar Rana has shared an old picture with Bollywood Actor Salman Khan ahead of Pakistan vs India Match, which will take place today.

    “Bhai ajj dono hass lete hein phir InshaAllah 25 ko milte hein,” wrote the Pakistani actor while sharing the picture.

    Today (October 24), we will witness the biggest cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan.

    The cricket rivalry between Pakistan-India is one of the most intense in the world. The strained relationship, resulting from the bitter diplomatic relationship between the two countries resulting from the partition of the Subcontinent laid the groundwork for an intense sporting rivalry between the two nations, who share a cricket heritage.

  • ‘Fifth Floor wala’: Hamid Mir takes a dig at Arnab Goswami ahead of Pak vs India match

    ‘Fifth Floor wala’: Hamid Mir takes a dig at Arnab Goswami ahead of Pak vs India match

    Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir has trolled controversial Indian journalist Arnab Goswami, who is also known for his misreporting.

    Taking to Twitter Mir wrote: “Arrrey… Jasoos Kabootar… and who is this Indian anchor?…. 5th floor wala?”

    The advertisement by Digi Khata, has trolled Indian media citing Indian Media’s misreporting over arresting a Pakistani pigeon 2015 terming it as a Pakistani spy.

    Meanwhile, Goswami was earlier trolled on social media when he lied about the presence of the Pakistan Army officers in Kabul Serena to fight in Panjshir Valley.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign against arch-rivals India in Dubai (Sunday) on October 24.

  • ‘I have not resigned’: Jam Kamal denies rumours of resignation

    ‘I have not resigned’: Jam Kamal denies rumours of resignation

    Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan took to Twitter to clarify that the news of his resignation was not true. “I have not resigned and such rumors may not spread.”

    People on Twitter were sharing news of Jam Kamal’s resignation.

    On October 20, a no-trust motion against Jam Kamal was tabled in the provincial assembly as several lawmakers sought to oust the provincial chief from office.

    Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) spokesperson Abdul Rehman Khetran presented the no-confidence motion before the assembly. Of the 65 lawmakers present in the assembly, 33 backed the vote of no confidence against CM Kamal.

    Kamal on Friday night said that out of the 41 members of the Balochistan Assembly, 80 per cent stand with him in opposition to the no-confidence motion moved against him two days back.

    Taking to Twitter, CM Kamal said 80 per cent of coalition lawmakers in the provincial assembly — including from BAP, PTI, ANP, ADP, JWP, PPP, Azad, and BNP-A — support him.

  • Ayesha, Sonya and Sanam stun in their glamorous shoot

    Ayesha, Sonya and Sanam stun in their glamorous shoot

    Leading Pakistani actors Ayesha Omar, Sonya Hussyn and Sanam Saeed are looking stunning in Saira Shakira’s latest collection.

    Pictures from the shoot are garnering positive remarks by netizens on social media.

    Have a look at the pictures:

    Saira Shakira is the fashion house of eastern and haute couture clothing that ensures the uniqueness of each piece in its level of individuality and originality. Its style is based on new forms of elegance, presenting itself as a modern classicism, based on creativity and superior sartorial content.

  • PM Khan leaves for three-day visit to Saudi Arabia

    PM Khan leaves for three-day visit to Saudi Arabia

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has left for a three-day visit to Saudia Arabia to attend the launch ceremony of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit in the capital Riyadh, announced the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan, reports Dawn.

    The Prime Minister Office (PMO) said in a tweet that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia had extended the invitation to the premier could attend the event’s launching ceremony.

    The PMO office, in a series of tweets, briefly told about the event that would be taking place in Saudi Arabia.

    At the MGI event, the prime minister will share his perspective on the challenges faced by developing countries due to climate change, PMO statement said.

    The MGI Summit is the “first of its kind” in the Middle East. The PMO office said that during the visit, the premier would also have bilateral interactions with the Saudi leadership, with a particular focus on advancing economic and trade relations, creating more opportunities for the Pakistani workforce.

    The two sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of interest.

    PM Khan will also participate in an event for the promotion of investment in Pakistan and interact with leading investors and businessmen from Saudi Arabia and the Pakistani diaspora, read the official statement.

    “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing and historic fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and mutual support,” the PMO said, noting that Saudi Arabia was home to more than two million Pakistanis who were contributing towards the progress and prosperity of both the countries.

    “The visit of the prime minister will carry forward the positive momentum of cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” the statement concluded.

  • ‘Ap khud Koftay, shame’: Fatima Effendi, Faizan Sheikh lash out at Ali Azmat

    ‘Ap khud Koftay, shame’: Fatima Effendi, Faizan Sheikh lash out at Ali Azmat

    Pakistan’s pop singer Ali Azmat recently appeared on Ahmad Pansota’s show and talked about Pakistani Music and Arts. He also talked about the veteran singer Noor Jehan, a musical legend who is celebrated transnationally.

    While Talking about the music industry of Pakistan’s transition over the years, the Jazba Junoon singer mentioned: “In my childhood, Noor Jehan used to sing on a show draped in Saari with big earrings and extra makeup on. We used to hate that woman.”

    Passing ageist comments, he said: “Looked like a meatball, she was an old age woman at that time and we used to think that it’s not necessary for us to watch it.”

    The Parchi actor slammed Ali in his Instagram story.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Faizan-Sheikh-Post.png

    In August the Heer Man Jaa star condemned Amna Ilyas for her kick challenge video.

    Baaji diva Amna Ilyas kicked the skull of a boy while attempting to hit the apple on his head in a video uploaded by her on her Instagram handle.

    Actress Fatima Effendi also lashed out at the Maula singer for his comments.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Fatima-Effendi-Post.png
  • Asim Azhar clears the air over stance on Ali Azmat’s controversial comments, calls out media

    Asim Azhar clears the air over stance on Ali Azmat’s controversial comments, calls out media

    Singer Asim Azhar has clarified that his recent tweet was not hinted towards Ali Azmat for his viral comments on late veteran singer, Noor Jehan.

    The Tu Jo Na Mila singer clarified by stating, “Yaar, maine sirf aik achi si baat tweet ki hai for my followers to follow. Aur kuch nahi.”

    “Bilkul bhi kisi ke liye nahi hai, specially never ever for a respected senior of mine,” he adding, “Media se request hai, Khida ka wasta isko kisi aur masle se na milayen apne views ke. Shukria.”

    Pakistan’s pop singer Ali Azmat recently appeared on Ahmad Pansota’s show and talked about Pakistani Music and Arts.

    He also talked about the veteran singer Noor Jehan, a musical legend who is celebrated transnationally.

    After the video went viral Ali Azmat faced massive backlash over his comments. Noor Jehan’s grandson Ahmed Ali Butt also reacted to singer’s remarks about his grandmother.

  • Pakistan announces 12-men squad for clash against India

    Pakistan announces 12-men squad for clash against India

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 12-men squad for the clash between Pakistan and India at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday.

    According to the press release shared by PCB, the players that will be included in the match are: Babar azam (c), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    Pakistan and India first met in T20 format in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 in Durban, which India won in Bowl-Out after both the sides ended up on 141 runs each. Since then, the two sides have played each other four more times – including the 2007 edition’s final – in the T20 World Cup.

    After Sunday’s fixture, Pakistan will play New Zealand on Tuesday, Afghanistan on Friday, while their next week’s matches will be against Namibia on November 2 and Scotland on November 7.

    Meanwhile, apart from a mission of beating India for the first time in the ICC T20 World Cup, the other incentive for Pakistan will be their victory will narrow the gap between the two sides to one point with India dropping to 264 points and Pakistan rising to 263 points. A win on Tuesday over New Zealand will potentially put Pakistan in second place on the ICC T20 Team Rankings.

    The match between the two former champions will commence at 7pm PST.