ICC nominates Shaheen, Mohammad Rizwan for Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

After announcing the nominees of ICC Men’s ODI ‘Player of the Year’ award, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a list of its nominees for Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy ‘Cricketer of the Year’ award, which includes Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and opener Mohammad Rizwan.

A statement issued for the announcement of nominations said Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi took 78 wickets from 36 internationals at an average of 22.20, during his outstanding year 2021.

The second cricketer nominated by ICC is Rizwan, who scored a total of 1,915 runs from 44 international matches at an average of 56.32 with two centuries in 2021.

England Test cricketer Joe Root comes in next after Rizwan with an impressive 1,855 runs off 18 international matches at an average of 58.37 and six centuries this year. He is also among the four nominees for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.

Last but not the least, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson also made the cut for the award. The Black Caps skipper bagged an impressive 693 runs off 16 internationals at an average of 43.31 with one century in 2021.

“Match-winning knocks, sizzling spells, superhuman efforts and impeccable leadership,” is how the ICC referred to the traits of its four nominees for the Garfield Sobers Trophy ‘Cricketer of the Year’ award.

It is pertinent to mention that Mohammad Rizwan has also been nominated by the ICC for the ‘ICC Men’s T20 Cricketer of the Year’ award.

***********

Pakistan Super League 2022 to allow spectators up to 100pc capacity

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Following the government s official go-ahead, the Pakistan Super League 2022, will not be a closed-door event. Spectators will be allowed 100% of the ground s seating capacity.

According to a declaration issued by the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC), fully vaccinated people will be allowed to watch the match in the stadium and to enter the stadium vaccination of those over 12 years of age will be mandatory.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will develop a mechanism for issuing tickets to vaccinated persons.

The letter issued to the federal and province stated that the PCB would be responsible for security arrangements for cricket matches and implementation of SOPs at the cricket ground and that masks and social distance would be required for spectators at the cricket stadium.

It is pertinent to mention here that the seventh edition of the PSL will start from January 27, for which the drafting process was completed this month. Umar Akmal has returned to the league, including Chris Gayle, Ben Dunk, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Irfan will not be part of PSL-7.

A colorful drafting ceremony of 7th edition of Pakistan Super League was held at National High Performance Center, Lahore. Chairman PCB Rameez Raja and others participated while franchise owners selected 18 players in 6 different categories. A total of 34 matches will be playing in the event.

**************

What are the most downloaded apps of 2021?

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Social media continued to have a larger-than-life influence over people’s app use patterns this year so it’s no surprise that the most downloaded apps in 2021 largely comprised social media apps.

According to statistics shared by Appfigures, TikTok came in at number 1, with more than 586 million new subscribers downloading the app this year.

Instagram was not far behind with 566 million downloads.

Meta apps Facebook and WhatsApp came in at number 3 and 4, with 474 million and 444 million downloads, respectively.

Telegram added 365 million new users to its subscriber base, fueled in part by controversy surrounding WhatsApp’s privacy.

Snapchat, Messenger, Zoom, Capcut and Google Meet finished the top 10 downloads list.

*************

Adnan Siddiqui crosses 1 million followers on Instagram

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistan’s top actor Adnan Siddiqui crossed a million followers mark on Instagram, thanked fans for support.

‘Mere Pas Tum Ho‘ actor took to his Instagram account to acknowledge his fans and supporters with a short video message as he crossed a million followers mark on the photo and video sharing application.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CX8tb0yB0xr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The video that was posted on his official account on Sunday, sees the established actor as he thanked his fans for appreciating his content, dropping precious comments, and supporting his work. Siddiqui accredited the journey and milestone to his fans.

“From the deepest recesses of my heart, here’s a big THANK YOU to all of you! This One Million mark belongs not to me but you: my fans, followers, admirers, critics who have been part of my Insta journey”, he penned.

He remarked this journey to be an organic one, with a mention that, “we didn’t have a meteoric rise; it was gradual but worth every bit”.

The note was concluded with a reference to his superhit play, as he wrote “On to the next Million because……you thought that right, “Mere Paas Tum Ho!”.

Earlier this week, Siddiqui posted a picture with iconic Bollywood singer A.R. Rahman from ‘Dubai Expo’, as he enjoyed the fanboy moment.

The actor has been a part of many hit projects including drama serials like ‘Mere Pas Tum Ho’, ‘Darmiyan’ etc along with movies in Bollywood and Hollywood as well.

*************

Actor Faizan Sheikh and wife blessed with a baby girl

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Congratulations are in order for actor Faizan Sheikh and his wife Maham Aamir as the couple on Tuesday welcomed their first child, a baby girl. 

Faizan shared the delightful news on his Instagram with a heartwarming picture of his little one holding her parent’s fingers. 

“We came to the hospital as two and now we have become three MashaAllah,” said Faizan, adding, “Alhumdolilah blessed with a baby girl.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYBska-KD0W/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

He went on to request his fans and followers to pray for his little family. 

The couple had announced their pregnancy earlier this month with pictures from their maternity shoot. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we will very soon be joined with our bundle of joy,” Faizan had written at the time. 

**************

‘Doosra’ inventor Saqlain Mushtaq turns 45 today

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The inventor of the famous ‘Doosra’ delivery and considered as one of the best off-spinners of all time, former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq turns 45 yesterday. 

The spinner served as the national team’s interim head coach during the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh and the West Indies series held recently. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took to Twitter to upload an old clip of the former Pakistani spinner in which he clean bowls ex-England opening batsman Marcus Trescothick. 

“The right-arm off-spinner took 496 international wickets from 218 matches. Saqlain served as interim head coach of Pakistan men’s team during ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, tour of Bangladesh and West Indies series,” tweeted the PCB. 

Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousaf heaped praise on Saqlain Mushtaq. 

Saqlain played 169 ODIs for Pakistan from which he took 288 wickets and took 208 Test wickets from the 49 Test matches he played. 

Adnan Siddiqui amazed by A R Rahman’s humble nature.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Adnan Siddiqui got the opportunity to meet the Indian music composer AR Rahman following his concert in Dubai and fans could not stop swooning over the merry moment.

Turning to Instagram, the Jal Pari actor shared insights into his private meeting with the maestro backstage.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX2obvtKBfn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“I was supposed to fly back on 21st Dec; stayed another day only to see AR Rahman sahib perform live,” said Siddiqui.

Praising AR Rahman, the actor revealed, “Saw first-hand that beyond mass hysteria, which can be generated easily, lies massive respect in a way that people wait three hours for you to perform and then keep on standing through the show.”
“It was a privilege to soak in his ethereal music. Live” continued Adnan.

Siddiqui termed the evening as one that is “not to be forgotten ever.”

The Meray Paas Tum Ho actor was amazed by Rahman’s humility and humble nature.

“Not every day an international icon takes you backstage and introduces you to his crew. Not everyone can be Mr AR Rahman,” he explained.  

***************

Ushna Shah, Saba Faisal announce project with Anurag Kashyap

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistani TV actors Ushna Shah and Saba Faisal are all set to work with noted Indian director Anurag Kashyap in an upcoming project. 

The actors, who are currently in the European country Belarus for the project, announced the news in videos shared on Instagram early on Monday.

“It’s the first day of why I came to Belarus… You’ll see it soon, InshAllah. New project with a great director,” said Saba in a video shared on her Instagram, tagging Kashyap in the caption. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX-TFkmN-U7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

On the other hand, Ushna reshared a story on her Instagram stories in which she’s seen talking to Kashyap. 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CX_M0oaBO_e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Cross border collab. Honoured and excited to learn from this institution,” she wrote. 

It remains unclear whether Saba is part of an upcoming film or a web series as no other details have yet been shared. 

The news was welcomed by Saba’s industry peers, with Zainab Qayyum commenting, “You will make us proud. Whatever you do turns to gold.”

*********

 

Hasan Ali shares more pics from winter vacations.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistani fast-bowler Hassan Ali uploaded a picture on Twitter where he could be seen enjoying the snow and cold weather in Nathiagali. The star player has lately been sharing pictures of his trip to the Northern areas of the country, where he is vacationing with his wife, Samiya Hassan Ali.

Taking to Twitter, Hassan uploaded pictures of him enjoying heavy snowfall with the caption, “Be like The Snow, Cold but Beautiful,” along with a heart-eye emoji. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX05jpopJPS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Hassan did not miss the chance and took to Instagram where he posted pictures along with his wife three days ago. 

The couple has been vacationing and people can’t resist complimenting them.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you,” the player captioned the picture.

***********

Apple closes New York City stores to shoppers as COVID-19 cases rise.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) said on Monday it has closed all of its 12 New York City stores to indoor shopping as cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant surged across the United States.

Customers will be able to pick up online orders at the stores, an Apple spokesperson said. The affected stores include outlets at Fifth Avenue, Grand Central and SoHo.

“We regularly monitor conditions and we will adjust both our health measures and store services to support the well being of customers and employees,” the company said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Apple said it had temporarily closed three stores in the United States and Canada after a rise in COVID-19 cases and exposures among the stores’ employees.

For the same reason, Apple also mandated that all its customers and employees wear masks at its US stores. Globally, concerns over the Omicron variant have prompted major companies to tighten protocols.

A US court earlier this month ordered the reinstatement of a nationwide vaccine-or-testing COVID-19 mandate for large businesses, which covers 80 million American workers. Opponents of the move have rushed to the Supreme Court to overturn the reinstatement. Apple shares closed up 2.3% at $180.33.

***********