Arshad Nadeem gave fans a historic morning at the National Games on Monday as he claimed javelin throw gold with a commanding performance at the PNS Karsaz ground. A few hundred spectators watched closely as the Olympic champion and record holder stepped in to compete on home soil.
The men’s javelin event was the main attraction of a packed athletics schedule, with cameras lined up along the sector to capture every step of Arshad’s run-up. As the sun rose higher and the heat built on the synthetic track, commentators reminded the crowd that they were watching Pakistan’s leading athletics star in action.
On his first attempt, Arshad opened with a throw of 78.74 metres, immediately taking a comfortable lead. Commentators summed up the mood by saying the day clearly belonged to Arshad, noting that it was an honour for the National Games to host an Olympic record holder. They repeatedly urged spectators to record the moment so they could remember seeing him compete live.
There had been talk that, given his injury history, Arshad might throw only once. But his expression after the first two efforts in the high-70s showed he was not satisfied. With a personal best of 92.97 metres, he wanted to cross the 80m mark, and he did so with his third and final attempt — a superb 81.81 metre throw that drew loud applause as he celebrated with a fist pump and a broad smile.
Behind him, Yasir Sultan, silver medallist at the Islamic Solidarity Games, produced a single throw of 70 metres to secure the silver medal for Wapda while managing an injury. Abrar Ali of Army claimed bronze with a best effort of 67.68 metres. Arshad’s younger brother, Aleem, finished sixth, seen by many as a developing talent rather than a finished product.
Throughout the competition, coach Salman Butt was at the side of the sector, offering technical advice and motivation between attempts. Once the event ended, Arshad was surrounded by supporters seeking selfies, handshakes and quick greetings, underlining the star status he now carries at every athletics venue.
Commentators remarked that in any other South Asian country, fans would crowd every available space just to watch one of his throws. They said the presence of an Olympic record holder alongside younger athletes would inspire the next generation and that this National Games outing by Arshad Nadeem would be remembered for years. For followers of Pakistani Bano and regular readers of PakistaniBano News, it was another reminder of how far Pakistan’s leading javelin thrower has taken the country on the global stage.
Laughter Chefs Season 3 has once again turned weekend television into a lively mix of comedy and chaos. The show’s unique blend of cooking challenges and unpredictable celebrity humour has created a strong fan wave, and interest in the upcoming Episode 4 is growing quickly. Viewers are eager to know when and where they can watch the new episode as the series continues to pull attention with its lighthearted kitchen battles. The show arrived this season with high expectations. Fans were curious about what the makers would bring after the success of the previous instalment. The early response confirmed the buzz, as social media filled with clips, reactions, and memes from the first few episodes. The mix of burnt dishes, loud laughter, and surprising kitchen mistakes set the tone for another entertaining run. Episode 4 is now the main focus for viewers. The weekend format has built a steady routine, and many are waiting to see what new challenges and unexpected moments will unfold. The early hype suggests more fast-paced comedy and cooking disasters that have become a trademark of the show. Laughter Chefs Season 3 features a star-studded lineup this time. Tejasswi Prakash, Vivian Dsena, Eisha Singh, and Isha Malviya have entered the kitchen, ready to try a completely different side of performance. Real-life couple Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee have also joined, bringing strong chemistry and fun energy to the show. Fan favourites from previous seasons have returned as well. Aly Goni, Karan Kundrra, Krushna Abhishek with Kashmira Shah, Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Samarth Jural, and Jannat Zubair are all back to recreate their earlier charm and compete in the new season’s unpredictable kitchen challenges. Keeping the show’s spirit alive are host Bharti Singh and Chef Harpal Singh. Their humour, guidance, and reactions hold the format together, balancing the fun with expert judgment. Their presence remains one of the strongest elements that keep the audience hooked. The next episode is set to air tonight, November 30. The third episode will be broadcast on television, continuing the Saturday and Sunday release pattern that has worked well for fans who look for weekend entertainment. The makers have kept the rhythm steady, ensuring regular episodes for viewers who follow the show closely. For those who prefer streaming platforms, each episode of Laughter Chefs Season 3 is available on JioHotstar. Viewers can enjoy the show anytime and even rewatch earlier episodes to keep up with the ongoing kitchen madness. The platform makes it easy for users to stay updated even if they miss the television broadcast. Watching Episode 4 online is simple. First, download the JioHotstar app from the Play Store or App Store. Those who do not want to install the app can open the official website instead. After launching the platform, type the show’s name into the search bar to access the episode list. Some episodes may require a subscription. If the episode is locked behind a premium plan, users can select a package that suits their budget. Once logged in with a registered mobile number or email, viewers will get full access to the show’s library. Choosing Episode 4 will start the stream instantly, giving fans a fresh dose of jokes, confusion, and culinary surprises. The show continues to deliver a break from routine, offering a light and entertaining viewing option for the weekend. The excitement around Laughter Chefs Season 3 shows how the mix of celebrity presence, kitchen challenges, and spontaneous comedy keeps audiences engaged. With every new episode, the show manages to bring unexpected moments that viewers enjoy sharing online. The anticipation around the next set of challenges and funny mistakes remains strong, as fans look forward to another weekend filled with chaotic fun and memorable scenes from the kitchen studio.
The Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is gradually taking shape as the mega event draws closer. Over the last two years, Pakistan’s T20I performance has slipped in key areas such as powerplay control, strike-rate and death-overs impact, and the numbers reflect that decline. According to the latest figures, Pakistan currently sit in 7th position on the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings with a rating of 235. Since the last T20 World Cup, they have played 34 T20 Internationals, winning 21 matches. With the next tournament just months away, attention has turned firmly towards the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad and how it will line up on the opening day. Pakistan are scheduled to start their campaign on 7 February, when they face the Netherlands. Team management will be keen to begin the World Cup on a strong note and reverse recent trends with a more settled and confident unit. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Takes Shape Under Salman Ali Agha Against this background, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has indicated that the core of the side for the World Cup is already clear. He has conveyed to officials that no major changes are expected and that the current balance of the team is likely to be carried into the tournament, providing continuity and stability. This approach means the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is expected to feature a settled top order, a middle phase strengthened by all-round options, and a bowling unit built around high-quality spin and established pace. According to the present thinking inside the camp, the combination looks structured and aligned with the captain’s longer-term vision for the format. Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2026 (Probable) Player Name Primary Role Abdul Samad Top-order batter Babar Azam Batter Hasan Nawaz Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan Middle-order batter Saim Ayub Top-order batter Usman Khan (†) Wicketkeeper-batter Salman Ali Agha (c) All-rounder (off-spinner) Faheem Ashraf Bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz All-rounder (left-arm orthodox spinner) Abrar Ahmed Leg-spinner / mystery spinner Mohammad Wasim Jnr Fast-medium bowler Naseem Shah Fast bowler Salman Mirza Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Left-arm fast bowler Usman Tariq Off-spin bowler The probable Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad appears balanced across departments. At the top, names such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz offer a mix of stability and stroke-play for the powerplay overs. The middle overs are expected to be controlled by captain Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz, with Faheem Ashraf adding further depth as a bowling all-rounder. The bowling group stands out as one of Pakistan’s major strengths, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr leading the pace attack alongside left-arm quick Salman Mirza. In spin, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq provide variety and control in the middle overs. Taken together, the structure suggests a clear, strategy-driven approach as Pakistan prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a topic closely followed by readers of Pakistani Bano and regular visitors of PakistaniBano News.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the full schedule for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, confirming that the much-anticipated match between Pakistan and India will be played on 15 February in Colombo. This will be one of the most watched fixtures of the tournament. The event will begin on 7 February and will end on 8 March, with matches taking place across India and Sri Lanka. According to the ICC, the tournament’s opening day will feature Pakistan vs Netherlands, West Indies vs Bangladesh, and India vs USA at different venues. Pakistan’s group matches will be held entirely in Colombo. The ICC stated that this decision was taken due to security concerns linked to tensions between the two countries. Pakistan have been placed with India, Netherlands, Namibia and USA in the opening stage. Pakistan’s second match will be against the USA on 10 February, also in Colombo. The team will then face India on 15 February in a headline clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Their final group match is scheduled for 18 February, when they will take on Namibia at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. The tournament will continue with daily matches, with fixtures set across Colombo, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Kandy. The schedule also confirms games such as New Zealand vs Afghanistan (8 February in Chennai), England vs West Indies (11 February in Mumbai), and Australia vs Sri Lanka (16 February in Kandy), along with several other league-stage fixtures. The Super Eight round will begin on 21 February, followed by the semi-finals on 4 March in Kolkata and Colombo, and 5 March in Mumbai. The final of the tournament will be held on 8 March, with the venue depending on qualification — either Ahmedabad or Colombo. The ICC said the schedule marks another major global event returning to South Asia and expressed confidence that cricket fans would witness a competitive and high-energy tournament across both host nations. Full T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule (Date-Wise, One Line Per Match) 07 February 2026 – Pakistan vs Netherlands, SSC Colombo 07 February 2026 – West Indies vs Bangladesh, Kolkata 07 February 2026 – India vs USA, Mumbai 08 February 2026 – New Zealand vs Afghanistan, Chennai 08 February 2026 – England vs Nepal, Mumbai 08 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Colombo 09 February 2026 – Bangladesh vs Italy, Kolkata 09 February 2026 – Zimbabwe vs Oman, SSC Colombo 09 February 2026 – South Africa vs Canada, Ahmedabad 10 February 2026 – Netherlands vs Namibia, Delhi 10 February 2026 – New Zealand vs UAE, Chennai 10 February 2026 – Pakistan vs USA, SSC Colombo 11 February 2026 – South Africa vs Afghanistan, Ahmedabad 11 February 2026 – Australia vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Colombo 11 February 2026 – England vs West Indies, Mumbai 12 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Oman, Kandy 12 February 2026 – Nepal vs Italy, Mumbai 12 February 2026 – India vs Namibia, Delhi 13 February 2026 – Australia vs Zimbabwe, R. Premadasa Colombo 13 February 2026 – Canada vs UAE, Delhi 13 February 2026 – USA vs Netherlands, Chennai 14 February 2026 – Ireland vs Oman, SSC Colombo 14 February 2026 – England vs Bangladesh, Kolkata 14 February 2026 – New Zealand vs South Africa, Ahmedabad 15 February 2026 – West Indies vs Nepal, Mumbai 15 February 2026 – USA vs Namibia, Chennai 15 February 2026 – India vs Pakistan, R. Premadasa Colombo 16 February 2026 – Afghanistan vs UAE, Delhi 16 February 2026 – England vs Italy, Kolkata 16 February 2026 – Australia vs Sri Lanka, Kandy 17 February 2026 – New Zealand vs Canada, Chennai 17 February 2026 – Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Kandy 17 February 2026 – Bangladesh vs Nepal, Mumbai 18 February 2026 – South Africa vs UAE, Delhi 18 February 2026 – Pakistan vs Namibia, SSC Colombo 18 February 2026 – India vs Netherlands, Ahmedabad 19 February 2026 – West Indies vs Italy, Kolkata 19 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, R. Premadasa Colombo 19 February 2026 – Afghanistan vs Canada, Chennai 20 February 2026 – Australia vs Oman, Kandy 21 February 2026 – Super Eight Match (Y2 vs Y3), R. Premadasa Colombo 22 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y4, Kandy 22 February 2026 – X1 vs X4, Ahmedabad 23 February 2026 – X2 vs X3, Mumbai 24 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y3, Kandy 25 February 2026 – Y2 vs Y4, R. Premadasa Colombo 26 February 2026 – X3 vs X4, Ahmedabad 26 February 2026 – X1 vs X2, Chennai 27 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y2, R. Premadasa Colombo 28 February 2026 – Y3 vs Y4, Kandy 01 March 2026 – X2 vs X4, Delhi 01 March 2026 – X1 vs X3, Kolkata 04 March 2026 – Semi-final 1, Kolkata 04 March 2026 – Semi-final 1, R. Premadasa Colombo 05 March 2026 – Semi-final 2, Mumbai 08 March 2026 – Final, R. Premadasa Colombo 08 March 2026 – Final, Ahmedabad
The Pakistan Super League has taken a major step toward expansion, announcing that the auction for two new PSL franchises will take place on 6 January 2026. The move follows the completion of market valuations for existing teams and commercial assets, allowing the league to proceed with its long-awaited growth plans. According to the PSL, only bidders who meet the technical requirements will be allowed to participate in the January auction. Officials say the aim is to ensure that only committed and financially capable groups enter the competition, keeping the league’s standards intact. The inclusion of two new teams is expected to reshape the tournament’s structure. It will expand PSL’s presence across Pakistan, create new rivalries, and open the door for more young cricketers to showcase their talent. This development comes at a time when the league is looking to strengthen its national footprint and improve commercial opportunities. As part of the pre-auction process, the PCB has shortlisted six cities from which bidders can select their franchise identity: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Successful bidders will be free to choose any of these as their official team name once the auction is complete. PSL and PCB officials said they are excited to welcome new stakeholders into the league’s ecosystem, noting that the expansion reflects Pakistan cricket’s broader ambitions both on and off the field. With the auction date now confirmed, the arrival of two new teams is set to add depth, opportunities, and fresh energy to the country’s biggest cricket event.
The federal government has confirmed two public holidays across Pakistan in December 2025, giving citizens a welcome break before the new year. The holidays will be observed nationwide and apply to all public and private institutions. According to the official notification, December 25 will be a full public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day also coincides with Christmas celebrations, allowing both events to be observed together throughout the country. In addition, December 26 has been declared a public holiday for the Christian community to continue their Christmas festivities. On this day, government offices, educational institutions, and most private organizations will remain closed, giving citizens an extended two-day weekend. The announcement has been widely welcomed by students, employees, and families who see it as a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones. Many citizens also view it as an opportunity to participate in community events and year-end gatherings before the start of 2026. Officials confirmed that both holidays are part of the national holiday calendar for 2025, ensuring that citizens across all provinces will enjoy the same observance days.
Bangladesh's fastest player, Mustafizur Rahman, has formally enrolled for the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026) draft. This move follows his sudden termination by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in accordance with BCCI regulations. Due to rising geopolitical tensions and a regional broadcast restriction, the change represents a major talent transfer in South Asian cricket. Mustafizur Rahman Enters the 2026 PSL Following IPL Exclusion Mustafizur Rahman formally registered for the 2026 PSL draft. Only a few days after being excluded from the IPL, the left-arm bowler, dubbed "The Fizz," took this decision. The BCCI gave the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) a straight order to release him. Despite KKR purchasing him for an enormous ₹9.20 crore, this choice was made. "Recent developments" were the reason given by the BCCI for his dismissal. In Dhaka, this caused a huge outcry. All IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh were immediately outlawed by the government. Additionally, they requested that the ICC relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India. A sports agreement has become a diplomatic hot spot as a result of this conflict. After an eight-year hiatus, Mustafizur is again returning to the Pakistan Super League. He is a top-tier choice going into the PSL 2026 draft. He became the fastest seamer to reach 400 T20 wickets just last week. Pakistani fans are excited to watch him perform. His presence greatly enhances HBL PSL 11. This change reflects the evolution of franchise cricket. The PSL is getting a world-class player while the IPL is losing a star.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said on Tuesday that the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka will serve as an important build-up for next month’s World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, with Pakistan scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka. The series begins in Dambulla on Wednesday. The second match will be played on Friday, with the final on Sunday. All three games will take place at the same venue. According to Agha, playing in Sri Lanka before the World Cup will help the team adjust to local conditions. He told reporters that the squad needs time in these conditions as all of Pakistan’s World Cup matches are set for Sri Lanka. Due to strained diplomatic relations with India, Pakistan will not travel there. If Pakistan reach the knockout stage, both the semi-final and final will be held in Colombo. Pakistan will be missing several senior players for the series. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf are currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League. Agha admitted their absence will be felt but said the series also opens the door for new players to prove themselves. One positive for Pakistan is the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, who is back after being out since June last year due to injury. The team management hopes his experience will add balance to the side ahead of the World Cup. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be led by Dasun Shanaka, who has been confirmed as captain through the World Cup. Shanaka said his team has shown mixed form in recent months and still has work to do. He said the top order has performed well in recent series, but the middle order remains an area of concern. Shanaka also explained the return of all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva to the T20 squad after a long gap. He said the team needed a player who can stabilise the innings and also provide a bowling option, adding that spin plays a key role in local conditions. Pakistan squad Salman Ali Agha (capt) Abdul Samad Abrar Ahmad Faheem Ashraf Fakhar Zaman Khawaja Nafay Mohammad Nawaz Mohammad Salman Mirza Mohammad Wasim Naseem Shah Sahibzada Farhan Saim Ayub Shadab Khan Usman Khan Usman Tariq Sri Lanka squad Dasun Shanaka (capt) Pathum Nissanka Kamil Mishara Kusal Mendis Kusal Perera Dhananjaya de Silva Charith Asalanka Janith Liyanage Kamindu Mendis Wanindu Hasaranga Dunith Wellalage Maheesh Theekshana Dushan Hemantha Traveen Mathew Dushmantha Chameera Matheesha Pathirana Nuwan Thushara Eshan Malinga The series is expected to give both sides clarity ahead of the World Cup, with conditions and combinations under close watch, according to PakistaniBano News.
The race for new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises is gathering pace, with OZ Group publicly confirming its interest in securing a team for PSL 11. The group has signalled that it wants a franchise from either Faisalabad or Sialkot, as competition grows ahead of the upcoming auction. The development comes as the PCB prepares to expand the league with new teams. OZ Group is a multi-sector business group led by chairman Hamza Majeed. The group has investments across real estate, technology, trading, and food services. Its operations span Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE, giving it both local insight and international exposure. According to early updates, the group believes this mix positions it well for long-term participation in the PSL. Meanwhile, Faisalabad and Sialkot have emerged as the most attractive options in the current expansion phase. OZ Group has made it clear that its bid will focus only on these two cities. Both are seen as strong cricket markets with established fan bases and historical relevance in domestic cricket. At the same time, former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen and the Tareen Group have also shown interest in acquiring a franchise from the same pool. Sources say their preference leans towards Sialkot, with hopes of reviving the legacy of the Sialkot Stallions, one of Pakistan’s most successful domestic T20 teams. The Sialkot Stallions, formed in 2004 and based at Jinnah Stadium, dominated Pakistan’s domestic T20 scene for several years. Under coach Azmat Rana, the team won five straight National T20 Cup titles between the 2005-06 and 2009-10 seasons. They also hold the world record for the longest winning streak in top-tier domestic T20 cricket, with 25 consecutive victories. According to officials, the Pakistan Cricket Board has cleared 10 bidders after the qualification process. The franchise auction will take place on Thursday, January 8, at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. Successful bidders will be allowed to choose from approved host cities, including Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot, as reported by PakistaniBano News.
