Bangladeshi players celebrate the wicket of India’s Tilak Varma during Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on September 24, 2025. — Reuters
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed interest in hosting Bangladesh’s matches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that the Liton Das-led side would not travel to India due to security concerns.
According to PCB sources, Pakistan’s “ready and fully equipped” venues could be offered as an alternative if Sri Lankan venues are unavailable.
The sources added that Pakistan has successfully hosted major international events in recent years, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifiers 2025.
The PCB is showing interest amid strained relations between the BCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
The decision coincided with worsening diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India, although no official reason was provided by the IPL or the BCCI for Rahman’s exclusion.
According to PCB sources, Pakistan could easily accommodate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2025 fixtures, adding that all designated venues in the country are prepared to host matches.
Under the current schedule, Bangladesh are set to play their first three group-stage matches in Kolkata, with their final group match slated for Mumbai. However, the venues became contentious after Rahman’s removal from the KKR squad.
Following the development, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country, while the BCB formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision not to play T20 World Cup matches in India.
The ICC is expected to take the final decision on whether Bangladesh’s matches will be shifted to an alternative host nation.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer addresses a press conference at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on October 29, 2025. – PCB
Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer has revealed that key changes are being considered for the upcoming 11th edition of the league, including a players’ auction, direct player signings, and a potential increase in the player purse.
Speaking during a recent interview with Geo News programme “Naya Pakistan”,Naseer explained that initial discussions involved the five existing franchises, with further consultations planned now that the two newly added teams have officially joined the PSL.
“Consultations were ongoing with the five existing franchises, and we were waiting for the two new franchises to join us. After that, we wanted to take a consultative decision on whether we should move towards a draft, an auction, or a mix of both,” Naseer said.
“All these discussions have now taken place. Now we have to sit down with the two new franchises and make a final decision. After consultations, we will announce the direction we are heading in,” he added.
He assured fans that the process would remain transparent and that supporters would be kept informed as decisions are finalised.
Highlighting the ongoing debate between the auction and draft systems, Naseer noted that while auctions can generate excitement, many franchises believe the draft has helped maintain competitive balance in the PSL over the years.
“The auction that took place showed how interesting it can be. Some existing franchises believe the player draft is more competitive. In the draft, categories are created, and a certain number of players can be picked from each category. This has maintained balance over the past 10 years, and we have seen the results on the field,” he explained.
“When teams are balanced, the competition remains strong, often leading to last-over or even last-ball finishes. It’s a well-established model, so some franchises question why there should be a move away from it.”
He also added that even the proposed date for the players’ draft remains under discussion.
“So far, the decision on whether there will be a draft or not has not been made. If it is to take place on January 30, we are still going to decide that and will consult with the chairman on whether this date will be finalised.”
The CEO revealed that PSL franchises remain divided over key issues such as player retentions, purse size and the possibility of direct signings.
“As the league prepares for a potential structural reset, differing opinions have emerged. Some believe the current system sufficiently delivers quality players within reasonable price brackets,” he said. “Some franchises also argue that good players come through anyway and fall within the same price range, so why change the model?”
“To move towards an auction model, we need to consider how much we can increase the purse. Currently, the purse is $1.3 million. If the PCB increases it by adding $100,000 for each franchise, our desire is to increase it, but it must be done through consensus,” he said.
The PSL management is actively considering ways to enhance player opportunities and ensure fair compensation, particularly for local talent who form the backbone of the league.
One of the key proposals under review is allowing franchises to directly sign certain players, providing them with more control over team composition while also recognising the contributions of homegrown talent.
“Another thing we are exploring is the option of direct signings — that franchises could sign some players directly. Foreign players are already getting additional money through auctions or direct signings around the world, so local players should also receive the same,” he stated.
“The PCB chairman also has a strong view on this: local players are the ones who create real value for the PSL, so they should be remunerated accordingly,” Naseer added.
Naseer also assured that the league’s management is actively consulting with all franchises to reach a consensus on the way forward.
The organization that oversees the Nobel Peace Prize rejected recent suggestions that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado could give or share her award with President Donald Trump.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute shut down the idea Friday, after Machado suggested that she might transfer the prestigious award to Trump earlier this week.
“Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others,” the institute said in a statement. “The decision is final and stands for all time.”
The statement comes after Machado floated the idea during an appearance Tuesday on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado waves from the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, Dec. 11, 2025.(Lise Åserud/NTB Scanpix via AP)
“Did you at any point offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize?” Sean Hannity asked. “Did that actually happen?”
Machado responded, “Well, it hasn’t happened yet.”
“I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe — the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people — certainly want to give it to him and share it with him,” Machado continued. “What he has done is historic. It’s a huge step toward a democratic transition.”
Nobel officials said the Peace Prize cannot be shared after Machado suggested honoring Trump.(Reuters/Maxwell Briceno and Win McNamee/Getty Images)
On Jan. 3, Trump announced that the U.S. had successfully completed an operation to capture authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now facing drug trafficking charges in New York.
Trump was asked during an appearance Thursday on “Hannity” whether he would accept the Nobel Prize from Machado.
“I’ve heard that she wants to do that,” Trump responded. “That would be a great honor.”
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures during an anti-government protest on Jan. 9, 2025, in Caracas, Venezuela.(Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
Machado secretly escaped Venezuela last month and traveled to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which she dedicated to Trump.
“Let me be very clear. As soon as I learned that we had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, I dedicated it to President Trump because I believed at that point that he deserved it,” Machado said on “Hannity.” “And a lot of people, most people, said it was impossible to achieve what he has just done on Saturday, Jan. 3.”
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Trump said he plans to meet with the Venezuelan opposition leader in Washington next week.
He has previously stated that Machado “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country” to lead. Trump has supported acting President Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro loyalist, who served as vice president under Maduro.
Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.
For millions of Britons, balancing the cost of living is an ongoing challenge, with household incomes unable to keep pace with ever-increasing prices.
In welcome news, inflation dropped sharply to 3.2 per cent in November, down from 3.6, helped largely by the falling cost of clothing and food. But this does just mean that prices are rising less quickly – not falling – and they remain persistently high in the face of stagnant wages.
At the same time, exorbitant household bills mean millions are grappling with debts to afford the essentials.
Around 14 million adults are going without food because they cannot afford it, recent research by the Trussell Trust found. Meanwhile, energy arrears have more than doubled over the past five years, rising to £4.4bn by the end of June.
Anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has said that low-income families in the UK are on course for the worst fall in living standards on record by the next election in 2029.
Against this difficult economic backdrop, it is important that households claim all the support they are entitled to. There are now around 24 million people in the country claiming some combination of DWP-administered benefits, which include those drawing a state pension, representing around one in three people.
The state pension is expected to rise by 4.7 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth (PA)
Here is an overview of the financial support available to households this January and key dates for benefit and state pension recipients to look out for:
Benefit payment dates in January
For the most part, benefit payments will be going out as normal in January. These include:
Universal credit
State pension
Pension credit
Child benefit
Disability living allowance (DLA)
Personal independence payment (PIP)
Attendance allowance
Carer’s allowance
Employment support allowance (ESA)
Income support
Jobseeker’s allowance
However, there is one key bank holiday to be aware of: 1 January (New Years’ Day). Anyone due to receive a payment on this day should instead receive it on Wednesday 31 December (New Year’s Eve).
There are some similar changes around Christmas. Anyone due a payment on Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day) should instead receive it on Wednesday 24 December (Christmas Eve). Likewise, anyone due a payment on Friday 26 December (Boxing Day) should also receive it on Christmas Eve.
The DWP is aiming to complete the migration of all “legacy benefits” to universal credit by January 2026. Those receiving tax credits, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, and housing benefit should have received a notice about moving to universal credit already.
Are you having issues with PIP, universal credit, or any other benefit? Get in touch via email: albert.toth@independent.co.uk
Pension payment dates in January
The basic state pension is paid straight into bank accounts, similarly to how benefits are paid. It is usually paid every four weeks, with the exact day you receive it corresponding to the last two digits of your national insurance (NI) number.
Here’s when you should be paid based on those numbers:
00 to 19: Monday
20 to 39: Tuesday
40 to 59: Wednesday
60 to 79: Thursday
80 to 99: Friday
The same bank holiday payment date changes that apply to most benefits will also apply to state pension payments.
When will benefit rates go up?
In April 2026, all universal credit claimants will receive an above-inflation income boost of around 6.2 per cent to the standard allowance. For a single person over 25, this will be a £6 per week increase, rising from £92 to £98.
For couples with one or both partner over 25, it will be an increase of £9 per week, rising from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits should be uprated by September’s inflation rate alone, increasing by 3.8 per cent. This includes PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, ESA and more.
However, at the same time, the monthly payment rate for the health-related element of universal credit for new claimants will be cut from £105 to £50. The rate for existing claimants will also be frozen until 2029.
This is a reduction of over £200 a month, cutting the additional rate by around half. This means it is advisable for anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply as soon as they can.
The state pension will to rise by 4.8 per cent from next April in line with annual earnings growth, the government has confirmed. This will bring the weekly amount to £241.05.
As 2026 gets of to a chilly start, reaching lows of -12C, the DWP has relaunched its annual cold weather payment scheme.
This is a one-off payment of £25 that is triggered for every seven-day period where the temperature in an area is at or below zero degrees. To be eligible, individuals must meet the criteria, including being in receipt of certain benefits.
Over one million households across more than 800 postcode areas are now estimated to receive a payment, with these areas split across the UK, covering areas of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The government offers a “budgeting advance loan” for people on universal credit who face an emergency lack of money. The loan has a maximum repayment period of two years.
These loans are interest-free and are automatically deducted from universal credit payments. You can borrow an “advance” of up to:
£348 if you’re single
£464 if you’re part of a couple
£812 if you or your partner claims child benefit
Following Labour’s 2024 Budget, a new cap was introduced on the amount the DWP can deduct from benefit payments to repay loans and debts, including budgeting advance loans.
Beginning in April 2025, deductions from universal credit have been capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent.
Discretionary Housing Payment
Households can apply to their council for a discretionary housing payment (DHP), which offers financial support to go towards rent or housing costs.
You can only get a DHP if you are in receipt of housing benefit or the housing element of universal credit. It can cover housing costs for a rent shortfall, rent deposits and rent in advance if you need to move home.
Exact eligibility and the funds available are decided on a council-by-council basis, so you will need to get in touch with your local authority to find out more.
Household Support Fund
The household support fund (HSF), distributed by local councils, offers vital assistance to those facing financial hardship, complementing standard benefits and grants.
As part of this government initiative, eligible households throughout the UK can access support such as essential appliances, contributions towards utility bills, and direct cash payments reaching up to £300.
Local authorities are free to decide how to allocate their HSF funding to suit households in their area, so exactly what is available will vary. To apply, households need to contact their council (most offer an online form).
This nationwide programme is set to run until March 2026. The government has committed £1bn in funding to transition it into a “Crisis and Resilience Fund” which will replace the DHP.
Charitable grants
If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for certain charitable grants. There is a wide range of grants available depending on your circumstances.
However, these grants will typically require you to meet specific criteria and are only able to offer limited funds.
Charitable grants are available for people who are disabled or ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, students, and for many other reasons. The charity Turn2us has an online tool to search for grants which may be available to some.
Some energy suppliers offer assistance to those who aren’t able to afford their bills, including Octopus and British Gas (PA)
Energy provider help
A number of energy suppliers offer help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO and Octopus. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible.
For those struggling with household costs, social tariffs are available for both broadband and water bills. This will mean a reduced rate for certain eligible households.
For water, every company operating in the UK has a social tariff by law. However, the amount on offer can vary between regions and, because water providers can’t be chosen like energy providers, the support has been criticised as a “postcode lottery”.
For instance, some offer as much as 90 per cent off bills, while others cap support at a 20 per cent reduction.
To find out what support your water company offers, it is worth checking on its website or contacting the helpline. In all cases, households will need to be deemed to be on a low income and/or in receipt of certain benefits.
If you meet certain criteria or are on certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a discount on your council tax of up to 100 per cent (this is sometimes called council tax support).
Your local council may still be able to offer you a discretionary reduction if you can demonstrate you are facing severe hardship and can’t afford to pay your council tax.
From 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK became entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to the age of four. This concludes a gradual set of expansions that began in April 2024.
Parents must apply online and reconfirm their eligibility every three months, in time for each school term. Working parents can also apply for tax-free childcare, giving back 20p for every 80p you put towards childcare, up to a maximum of £500 a year.
Energy price cap: Is it going up?
Ofgem’s energy price cap rose by two per cent in October, from £1,720 to £1,755. The £35 rise comes after a more sizeable seven per cent decrease for July to September, from £1,849 to £1,720.
For 1 January to 31 March 2026, it will go up to £1,758, Ofgem has confirmed – an increase of 0.2 per cent.
The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy if you’re on a standard variable tariff. That includes most households. It is expressed as an annual bill for an average home.
Many experts – including Ofgem itself – are recommending households consider a fixed tariff energy deal, with many on the market offering lower than the price cap rate.
Will there be another cost of living payment in 2025?
The DWP have not announced any continuation of the Cost of Living Payment scheme that ran between 2022 and 2024. The final payment should have been made to eligible households between 6 February and 22 February 2024.
Mental health support
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch
Mind runs a support line on 0300 102 1234 which provides a safe and confidential place to talk about how you’re feeling. There is also an information line on 0300 123 3393 for nearby support, and a welfare benefits line on 0300 222 5782 to support the mental health of those navigating the benefits system
Disability charity Scope has a forum where people can have supportive chats with others going through the same experiences
The NHS offers an online mental health triage service
Great news for cancer patients, historic partnership between government and global pharmaceutical company.
A significant step has been taken towards removing the major obstacle of inflation in the way of treatment for cancer patients in Pakistan.
A long-term agreement has been signed between the Government of Pakistan and the renowned multinational pharmaceutical company Roche to provide free cancer medicines under a public-private partnership.
Addressing the agreement ceremony, the Federal Health Secretary said that under this project, medicines will be provided free of cost to cancer patients from Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Thousands of patients will be able to benefit from modern treatment at PIMS Hospital during the five-year program.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and the Managing Director of the private pharmaceutical company signed the agreement, after which this welfare project was formally launched.
The Health Minister said on the occasion that millions of people in the country have suffered financial difficulties due to expensive treatment, while the treatment of a disease like cancer is beyond the reach of the common man.
According to him, the average cost of treating a patient in five years is Rs. 98 lakh.
He further informed that under this partnership, 741 patients will be provided free medicines worth about Rs. 10 million each every year on a first-come, first-served basis, which will give new hope to the deserving people.
Multan Sultans’ Michael Bracewell (third from right) celebrates taking a wicket with teammates during their PSL 10 match against Lahore Qalandars at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on April 22, 2025. — PCB
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to auction Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans owing to a good price secured in the recent auction of two new teams, the sources said on Sunday.
The board, last month, had announced that it would be taking over the control of the Multan Sultans owing to the expiration of its ownership agreement on December 31, 2025.
The sources, back then, had said that under the proposed plan, the PCB was to manage the franchise for one year before handing over the franchise to a new owner through an auction in 2027.
If implemented, the arrangement would save the PCB around $4 million in a year, as it would not have to pay $3m from the central pool or an additional $1m in sponsorship funds. However, an audit firm’s report notes that the PCB would not receive the franchise fee for that year, which stands at $8.5m.
In November, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced via social media that he was parting ways with the PSL franchise. Sources indicate that relations between the PCB and Ali Tareen had remained strained over the past year, eventually reaching a point of no return.
Multan Sultans were originally awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group under a $5.2m agreement, making it the most expensive franchise at the time, double the price of Karachi Kings, which was acquired for $2.6m.
Sources say that the decision to auction Multan Sultans has been made as the PCB got “a good price” in the recent auction, and the inclusion of two new teams, namely Hyderabad and Sialkot, is pushing the number of teams in PSL 11 to eight.
Therefore, the board believes that there is no better time to sell Multan Sultans as well, and an open bidding will be held with an advertisement likely to be issued soon in this regard.
An official announcement will be made soon after reviewing the legal aspects, adding sources, saying that the board expects the franchise to be sold for a good price as well.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has warned users against fake calls and UAN numbers.
A video message released by PTA states that scammers are impersonating PTA, FIA, and banks to steal your personal and financial information. No government agency will ever ask you for OTP, PIN, identity card or biometrics over a call or message. Mobile users should be vigilant and verify only through official channels.
It should be noted that earlier, PTA had warned users in a statement that using a SIM registered in the name of another person is a violation of relevant regulations.
The PTA had stressed that the full responsibility for any misuse of the SIM will lie with the registered user, therefore, users should ensure responsible use of their SIMs and mobile connections at all times. Registered users will be held individually accountable for all calls, messages and data usage made through their SIMs or devices.
The PTA further appealed to users to abide by all relevant laws and regulations, warning that action will be taken in case of violation.
“You have to carve out that time for yourself,” she said of new mums. “You have to go and do something you enjoy, whether it’s rugby or another hobby or interest.
“I think you come back to your kids and your family a better mum having made that space for yourself.”
Getty Images
Abbie Ward was pictured carrying her daughter Hallie at Twickenham following England’s World Cup win in September
Bevan said England star and mum Abbie Ward was an inspiration after the country’s World Cup win in September.
Ward carried her daughter Hallie around the Twickenham pitch after the win against Canada.
“Mums all over the world, we’ve formed a little bit of a community,” Bevan said. “Everyone’s so helpful.
“They just want to help each other, give each other advice, share their experiences and we are united by the fact that we’ve all gone through childbirth, through pregnancy and we all want to come back and remain active.”
“I want to continue to inspire. I want to connect with other mums on my platform and even if you’re not a mum, I want to start to get women into rugby.
“This is a brilliant time to try our sport. It really is one of the best communities you could be a part of.”
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The former Henley and Bracknell player, who has also turned out for Ireland, said: “The community game is where my heart is at. I always knew I wanted to carry on playing rugby after having kids.
“It’s such a big passion of mine. I think there’s always that unknown as to whether you will get back to do that physical activity.
“But showing my kids that I can continue to be physically active and can continue to do something I really love is really important to me.”
Having started her postpartumrugbymum Instagram page four years ago, she said some clubs had made “great strides” in making facilities more accessible, such as introducing breastfeeding spaces and changing tables in toilets.
“You’d think it’s something small but a lot of clubs are still behind the times with that. It’s about breaking those barriers and making sure spaces are available for mums,” she added.
Chaman flour prices have increased significantly in the past week.
The price of a 100-kilogram sack of flour has increased by Rs. 2500 in the past week.
According to the Market Association, flour has become expensive due to the cessation of flour supplies from Punjab, and the increase in flour prices has increased the concerns of the people.
Flour prices have increased dramatically in the border district, the prices of 50 kg flour sold a week ago have suddenly increased from Rs. 1,000,000 to Rs. 1,200.
Arif Habib Consortium meeting; Important decisions related to PIA
The district administration seems to be failing to control the rate, citizens say that the poor people are now unable to buy flour, the price of a 50 kg sack has been increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,300.
Arts Council in Karachi, on Thursday, held a documentary screening of the film Ganj: The Treasures of Shah jo Risalo, honouring the poetic and philosophical legacy of Sindh’s revered Sufi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
The screening drew scholars, artists, students, and literary figures.
According to the organisers, the objective of the film is to preserve Bhittai’s intellectual and cultural heritage and introduce his message to younger generations, as well as to people beyond Pakistan and South Asia.
The documentary also features renditions of Bhittai’s verses in the voice of legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, director Shamim Ahmed Junejo said the film is “not merely a documentary, but a spiritual and intellectual journey that seeks to take Bhittai’s message and Sindh’s cultural heritage to the world.” He noted that plans are underway to send the documentary to international festivals, with hopes of achieving global screenings.
Junejo said that Shah Latif’s philosophy transcends geographical boundaries, carrying universal relevance, making it essential for it to be accessible to a young audience unfamiliar with the Sindhi language or Bhittai’s work.
Creative director Farooq Perio says Ganj is “a dream that took two years of hard work to bring to life.”
During the event, the contribution of the Endowment Fund Trust board, including Jahangir Siddiqui and Abdul Hameed Akhund, along with JS Bank, BankIslami, Habib University and others, was acknowledged for their support in the film’s creation.
In closing, the organisers expressed optimism that more such projects would help strengthen young people’s connection to Sindh’s history, culture, and spiritual traditions.
They said that films in particular are transcendent beyond time and language, making them significant in preserving heritage.
