Big business is already warning of the folly of this outdated 1970s-style approach.
Don’t do it, Chancellor.
Labour peer: Lawyer Starmer’s got to get with it, scrap the ECHR and put the navy in the channel – or he’s gone
Action, not talk
NEW Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says she will not allow migrants to avoid deportation through bogus last minute claims that they are the victims of modern slavery.
She insists these “vexatious” appeals make a mockery of our laws.
The Asia Cup cricket tournament starts on Tuesday, but for tournament organisers, sponsors and cricket fans from India and Pakistan, it won’t be before Sunday, when the two regional superpowers face each other, that the event will spring into action.
Any India vs Pakistan match is considered a marquee event, but the recent conflict between the two countries has brought extra heat to the encounter in Dubai.
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After all, it will be their first meeting since the South Asian archrivals returned from the brink of an all-out war in May, when both countries clashed at their shared border before an internationally-brokered ceasefire.
It has been almost 18 years since India and Pakistan last met in a Test match – the five-day version of cricket widely regarded as the pinnacle of the sport – and almost 13 years since either side crossed the border to play a bilateral series.
But between September 14 and 21, if results go the way the organisers hope for, Pakistan and India could end up playing three times.
A decades-old political rift between the two nuclear-armed countries is blamed for the frosty sporting ties, but the same differences are set aside when a regional or global cricket event comes around.
Pakistan was carved out of India in 1947, resulting in a bloody division of the subcontinent by the colonial British. Over the past 78 years, the nations have fought four wars, exchanged countless skirmishes and remained at odds primarily over the disputed Kashmir region that both claim in entirety but administer parts of.
The Asia Cup is no stranger to political influence and has faced the repercussions of strained ties between the two.
When India hosted the tournament in 1990-91 amid an uprising in India-administered Kashmir, Pakistan pulled out. The following edition, in 1993, was called off amid heightened tensions between the two sides.
But despite the strained relations on a political level and the current cricket impasse, which began in 2013, India and Pakistan have regularly faced each other at tournaments for the International Cricket Council (ICC) and for the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Asia Cup.
Pakistani, front, and Indian soldiers stand on their respective sides of their shared border during the flag-lowering ceremony in Wagah, Pakistan on May 4, 2025 [File: Rahat Dar/EPA]
‘Maximising eyeballs and revenue’
Why, then, is it impossible for both sides to separate politics from sport for bilateral exchanges if they can agree to share a cricket field potentially three times in two weeks?
“It’s all about maximising eyeballs and tournament revenue,” Sami Ul Hasan, former head of the ICC’s media and communication departments, told Al Jazeera.
“When the ICC plans a global event, organisers do not consider rankings or any other factors. It’s all about making sure India and Pakistan play against each other at least once.
“Over the last two decades, the ICC has changed the format of its tournaments multiple times in order to ensure that happens.”
The ICC has, in the past, admitted to fixing tournament draws to ensure Pakistan and India end up in the same group.
Post-tournament viewership figures confirm the high ratings for India-Pakistan matches.
According to the ICC, the India vs Pakistan fixture at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was one of the most-watched one-day international matches in India.
It generated over 26 billion minutes of watch time on TV, surpassing the India-Pakistan match from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which had recorded 19.5 billion viewing minutes.
Tournament organisers, such as the ICC and the ACC, typically sell broadcasting rights and sponsorships to the highest bidders.
The ICC and ACC distribute the revenue generated at these tournaments amongst their member nations, who stand to benefit from a higher number of India-Pakistan matches as well.
According to Hasan, the first question posed by broadcasters and sponsors is on India-Pakistan matches.
“It’s tricky to pull off multiple India-Pakistan games at global events, but easier to achieve this outcome in smaller tournaments such as the Asia Cup,” he said.
“Even at the Asia Cup, the most they’ve got so far is two matches per tournament. They have been trying for a third [in the final] but it hasn’t materialised yet.”
In the tournament’s 16 iterations since its inception in 1984, India and Pakistan have never met in a final.
Fans gather at a viewing party for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan in New York City, the US, on June 9, 2024 [File: Yuki Iwamura/AP]
‘Don’t care about India vs Pakistan’
Although India versus Pakistan is always the biggest draw at any cricket tournament, fans from other participating nations are not bothered by the lack of attention and respect shown to their teams.
“I only care about Sri Lanka and not about what happens in an India-Pakistan match as long as Sri Lanka walks away with the cup,” Mohammad Akram, a Sri Lankan, said.
“For us, it’s about our team and the same goes for fans of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and other countries.
“Sri Lanka has always been sidelined. It has always been about India and Pakistan, but we don’t mind because our team has played the most finals.”
Sri Lanka are the second most successful team in the Asia Cup and have qualified for a record 13 finals, lifting the trophy six times. Another win in the final would tie them with the reigning champions India.
Sri Lanka are the second most successful team at the Asia Cup [File: Eranga Jayawardena/AP]
Bending the rules
The focus on this rivalry can sometimes lead to unprecedented decision-making and bending of the rules.
At the last Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka two years ago, the India-Pakistan group-stage game was abandoned due to rain. As both teams reached the next round, and with more rain expected, organisers set aside a reserve day to their Super Four fixture, the only match in that round to benefit from the allocation.
That decision was taken in the middle of the tournament, raising eyebrows and attracting criticism from cricket experts and fans of other participating countries.
“Rules must not be bent for anyone. What happened then did not set a good example for the game,” Hasan said. “Playing conditions and rules are signed off prior to the tournament and are not tinkered with.
“Changing them to accommodate certain fixtures gives out a message that everything is about money and commercialisation of that single fixture.”
India and Pakistan faced each other twice in the Asia Cup 2023, but their first match was abandoned due to bad weather [File: Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images]
India’s sporting ambitions
Despite the ongoing political rift between India and Pakistan, both sets of cricket boards and governments have given these fixtures a green light.
In August, India announced a new sports policy whereby its teams and athletes will not be allowed to engage in bilateral sports events with Pakistan, but can face them in international tournaments.
It also prohibited Indian athletes from travelling to Pakistan and refused to host teams and individuals from Pakistan.
The move, according to former ICC official Hasan, is to ensure that India’s ambitions of bidding for the 2036 Olympics and the 2030 Commonwealth Games are not affected.
“For India to say it doesn’t want to play against Pakistan due to political reasons would weaken its case as a potential global sporting hub,” he said.
Cricket is the most popular sport in India, the world’s most populous nation [Amit Dave/Reuters]
Fox News has never been bothered by the Trumpian approach to social media, with its all-caps posts and multiple exclamation points. Its self-aggrandizing hyperbole. Its mean-girl name-calling. But this week, the MAGA network’s hosts were triggered.
“You have to stop it with the Twitter thing,” said host Dana Perino. Sean Hannity bemoaned the “performative confrontational style” that only “wins you points with the loony radical base.” Fox News anchor Trace Gallagher referred to the tone as “childish.”
So why the sudden dismay and hurt feelings? Because the taunts and boasts are coming from a Democrat, and not just any lefty but King Snowflake himself, California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Adopting Trump’s low-bar social media tactics, the X account of Newsom’s press office has spent recent weeks mimicking the president’s social media style to troll the trollers. They’ve nicknamed U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem “Commander Cosplay.” And Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) — who took that sunny Mexican vacation during a deadly 2021 winter storm in his state — is “Cancun Cruz.” As for the commander-in-chief? “Small Hands.”
This week on Fox News’ “The Five,” an incredulous Perino said of Newsom: “I don’t know where his wife is? If I were his wife I would say, ‘You’re making a fool of yourself, stop it!’”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in a discussion Wednesday with Fox’s Jesse Watters, said that Newsom’s obsession with Trump is distracting him from doing his job as governor. “Why is he spending all this time trying to be fresh with President Trump?” DeSantis asked. “Why doesn’t he do his job and protect the people?”
“Fresh” with Trump? I don’t even know where to go with that other than therapy, especially since it was accompanied by a banner at the bottom of the screen that read: “Dems look for Big Daddy Energy.”
Fox keeps insisting Newsom’s SnarkPosting is a big fail, but the numbers would suggest otherwise. Since the beginning of August, the governor’s press office account has gained 250,000 followers and more than 225 million impressions.
And it’s clearly made an impression on Fox News.
“WOW! FOX NEWS CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT ME (GAVIN C. NEWSOM), AMERICA’S FAVORITE GOVERNOR!!!” Newsom posted Wednesday on X. “TONIGHT THEIR ENTIRE PRIMETIME LINEUP WAS ABOUT ME! JESSE WATTERS KEPT CALLING ME ‘DADDY’ (VERY WEIRD, NOT INTERESTED, BUT THANK YOU!). SEAN HANNITY (VERY NICE GUY) NEARLY CRIED BECAUSE I WON’T TAKE HIS ‘ADVICE.’ SORRY SEAN!!!! THEN THEY DRAGGED OUT THE B-TEAM OF DUMB DUMBS: ‘MEATBALL RON,’ TOMI ‘TOILET’ LAHREN, AND TEDDY ‘CANCUN’ CRUZ (HE EVEN FLEW BACK SPECIAL FROM MEXICO!) ALL WHINING ABOUT ME, GCN! THEY HAD TO ‘PLAY THE MUSIC’ TO SHUT TED UP ABOUT MY BEAUTIFUL HAIR (I GET IT! SO JEALOUS!). TOTAL DISASTER…”
Even the granddaddy of MAGA agitators, Steve Bannon, was impressed by Newsom’s online lack of decorum. “If you look at the Democratic Party, he’s at least getting up there, and he’s trying to imitate a Trumpian vision of fighting, right?” he told Politico. “He looks like the only person in the Democratic Party who is organizing a fight that they feel they can win.”
Fox pundits spent much of Thursday blaming Newsom and the “Sanctuary state of California” for a deadly Florida traffic accident involving an undocumented truck driver. It was preferable to reporting on another post that got under their skin (see below) or a political victory for Newsom when a ballot measure he pushed to redraw California’s electoral map was approved by the California Legislature. It calls for a November special election asking voters to redraw the state’s electoral lines. The ballot measure is in response to Texas’ proposed redrawing of its maps to favor Republicans in the 2026 midterms, possibly adding five more GOP-held seats to the House.
“NOT EVEN JD ‘JUST DANCE’ VANCE CAN SAVE TRUMP FROM THE DISASTROUS MAPS ‘WAR’ HE HAS STARTED,” said the Newsom press office post. “NOT EVEN HIS EYELINER LINES LOOK AS PRETTY AS CALIFORNIA ‘MAP’ LINES. HE WILL FAIL, AS HE ALWAYS DOES (SAD!) AND I, THE PEACETIME GOVERNOR — OUR NATION’S FAVORITE — WILL SAVE AMERICA ONCE AGAIN. MANY ARE NOW CALLING ME GAVIN CHRISTOPHER ‘COLUMBUS’ NEWSOM (BECAUSE OF THE MAPS!). THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. — GCN”
Fox pundits and hosts aren’t the only media folk to find Newsom’s Trump-esque communiques troubling. MSNBC host Joe Scarborough called them “embarrassing.”
But as Newsom told the media last week, if the mockery bothers you, look to the original source. “If you have issues with what I’m putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns with what he’s putting out as president.” Fox News has concerns, but they’re not about Trump.
Emergency services raced to the scene and the injured man was rushed to hospital.
Three others were arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody.
Police said a 19-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman and a 35-year-old woman were all arrested.
The injured man was treated in hospital and has since been released.
Cops said they were aware of footage of the incident circulating online and asked that the video not be shared.
Detective Inspector Chris Burrow of North Wales Police said: “We are aware of distressing footage of this incident circulating online and I would urge members of the public not to share these videos further.
“There has been an increased police presence in the area today whilst we located the remaining suspect who has now been arrested.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist our enquiries should contact police if they haven’t already done so.”
North Wales Police are asking anyone with information to contact police via the North Wales Police website, by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers quoting reference C128574.
1
An altercation between four people turned violent in Bethesda, North Wales, yesterday
The body of Shara Miller, 41, was discovered in Smethwick, West Midlands, yesterday
Emergency crews rushed to Woodbourn Road after her body was found just after 6.10am.
Despite their best efforts, Shara was tragically confirmed dead at the scene.
Three men, aged 38, 31 and 29, have since been arrested and remain in custody.
Cops believe that Shara was killed in the early hours at the location where her body was found.
West Midlands Police have appealed for anyone with information on Shara’s movements before 1am on Monday to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Orencas from the Homicide Unit said: “We have made some significant progress in our investigation and now have three men in custody.
“However, we still want to hear from anyone who saw Shara or spoke to her in the hours leading up to her death.
“We understand she was involved in sex work around the Soho Road, Birmingham area and believe she may have been driven to Woodburn Road from that location.
“If you have any footage or information, and haven’t yet come forward, please contact us.”
In response, the force has confirmed it will be boosting police presence in the area where Shara was found.
A statement on its website read: “Officers are increasing patrols in the area where Shara was found and around Soho Road as reassurance so please do speak to us about any concerns.
“If you’d rather not tell us who you are, but want to help, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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The Los Angeles Fire Department in California, United States has said a vehicle has been driven into a crowd of people in East Hollywood, injuring more than 20.
Up to five people are in critical condition, a further eight to 10 are said to be in serious condition, and another 10-15 are in fair condition, the department reported Saturday.
There are reports that the driver of the vehicle lost consciousness, drove into a taco cart and subsequently ran into a large number of people outside the club.
The incident occurred at about 2:00am (09:00 GMT) on Santa Monica Boulevard.
