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Farwa

Itlay

Italian Cricket Faces Crisis Amid Sexual Assault Allegation Against Senior Official Following T20 World Cup Debut

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Italian cricket is engulfed in turmoil just days after the country’s historic debut at the T20 World Cup, as serious allegations have emerged against a senior official of the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI). Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, the women’s cricket coordinator, is under criminal investigation over a sexual assault claim made by a member of Italy’s women’s national team.

The allegation, reported to the police in Rome in March 2025, involves an incident during a massage for a knee injury at a training session. The player, who has represented Italy internationally, said she was afraid to report the incident earlier fearing it could jeopardize her place on the team.

Following a prosecutor’s investigation concluded in November 2025, Ekneligoda was interviewed by police in December. A decision on whether to proceed to trial is pending. Ekneligoda denies the allegations, with his lawyer claiming ulterior motives behind the case and citing witness support for his client’s account.

The FCRI has confirmed ongoing proceedings and pledged full cooperation with authorities, emphasizing its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the protection of its members. Despite his suspension in November, Ekneligoda remained visible within the Italian cricket delegation during the men’s T20 World Cup, including official events in India.

The scandal has led to multiple resignations from the Italian cricket board and heightened scrutiny of FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz, Ekneligoda’s partner, who has been at the helm since February 2025. The federation faces concerns over reputational damage and potential legal consequences, which could hinder efforts to build on Italy’s promising cricket debut.

Italy’s entry into the T20 World Cup had drawn global attention, with notable performances including a victory over Nepal and a close contest against England, inspiring hope for cricket’s growth in the country. However, the current crisis threatens to overshadow these achievements and stall the sport’s development in Italy.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

USA

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Agree to High-Profile Rematch in September

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have confirmed a professional rematch scheduled for Saturday, 19 September, at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated bout will be streamed live on Netflix, marking Mayweather’s return to professional boxing after nearly six years.

Mayweather, 48, announced last week that he is coming out of retirement for the fourth time, with his last official fight dating back to 2017, when he defeated mixed martial artist Conor McGregor via technical knockout. Pacquiao, 47, who retired in 2021 to focus on his political career, made a brief comeback last July to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, resulting in a draw.

The pair first clashed in 2015 in what was dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century,’ which remains the highest-grossing boxing match ever. Mayweather won by unanimous decision in a fight that generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and a live gate revenue of $72 million.

Details such as the number of rounds and the weight class for the rematch are yet to be confirmed. Pacquiao expressed his excitement for the fight, stating, “The fans have waited long enough. They deserve this rematch.” He also challenged Mayweather to face the possibility of his first professional loss.

Mayweather, who boasts an undefeated record of 50-0 with 27 knockouts, is confident of repeating his previous victory. He is also set to participate in an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson later this year, Tyson’s first fight since ending a 19-year retirement.

The rematch promises to be a major global event with Netflix’s involvement ensuring wide reach and promotion. While the fight generates immense interest, some critics and fans have questioned the timing and motivations behind revisiting the rivalry, suggesting financial incentives play a strong role.

Final details about the undercard and ticket sales will be announced soon, as the boxing world eagerly awaits this marquee matchup.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

Spain

Benjamin Sesko’s Impact Spurs Manchester United’s Charge Towards Champions League Return

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Manchester United’s young forward Benjamin Sesko has become a pivotal figure in the team’s quest to return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Head coach Michael Carrick praised Sesko’s rapid development, noting his growing confidence and the significant strides he has made in recent matches.

Sesko’s contributions off the bench were crucial in United’s recent fixtures. His stoppage-time volley secured a vital point against West Ham on 10 February, while his impressive 71st-minute goal clinched a 1-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The latter goal showcased Sesko’s stamina and composure, as he sprinted 70 yards before calmly finishing the move, earning admiration from pundits like Jamie Carragher.

This season, Sesko has scored eight goals, with six coming in his last seven matches since January, following a slow start under former manager Ruben Amorim. His recent form has sparked discussions about his place in the starting lineup, though Carrick remains confident in his squad’s depth and Sesko’s mindset.

Sesko himself expressed satisfaction with his role, emphasizing his readiness to perform whether he plays five or ninety minutes. His belief in himself and the support from teammates have been vital to his success.

Another summer signing, 23-year-old goalkeeper Senne Lammens, has also impressed, notably with a crucial save against Everton’s Michael Keane. Lammens has drawn comparisons to legendary keeper Edwin van der Sar for his calm presence and ability to organize the defense, qualities Carrick values highly.

United’s ambitions have grown since the start of the season. Initially targeting Europa League qualification, the squad now eyes a Champions League spot, a goal that seems increasingly attainable with a 10-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

With no European commitments this season, United hold an advantage over rivals Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool, who face the challenges of multiple competitions. Experts like Carragher believe United are on course to secure Champions League football once again.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

Moscow

Deadly Bomb Explosion at Moscow Train Station Kills Police Officer and Attacker

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

A deadly explosion struck near Moscow’s Savyolovsky train station early Tuesday, killing a police officer and the attacker, and injuring two other officers. The blast occurred just after midnight local time when an assailant detonated a bomb next to a police patrol car near one of the city’s major railway hubs.

According to Russia’s Ministry for Internal Affairs, the attacker approached traffic police officers seated in their patrol vehicle before triggering the explosive device. The explosion fatally wounded one officer at the scene, while two others were rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a case investigating attempted murder of law enforcement officers and illegal possession of explosives. Images from the scene showed a police car severely damaged, with shattered windows and debris scattered around, though the vehicle did not catch fire.

This attack adds to a recent string of violent incidents in Moscow, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this month, a high-ranking Russian military intelligence officer was seriously wounded in a shooting incident blamed on Ukrainian forces. In December 2025, a car bomb killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov of the Russian General Staff, followed days later by another explosion that killed three people, including two police officers, in the same area.

Ukraine claimed responsibility for a December 2024 attack that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, using a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his residence.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

Israel

Israeli Settlers Set Fire to Mosque in West Bank Amid Rising Violence During Ramadan

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

In a disturbing escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers have vandalized and set fire to the Abu Bakr as-Siddiq Mosque, located between Sarra and Tal near Nablus, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Wafa news agency reported on Monday that the mosque’s walls were defaced with racist slogans and incendiary graffiti.

Worshippers arriving for the first prayers of the day discovered the mosque damaged, with black smoke staining its entrance and broken glass scattered around. Local resident Munir Ramdan described the scene, noting that security footage revealed two individuals approaching the mosque carrying gasoline and spray paint before fleeing shortly after.

The attackers spray-painted offensive graffiti denigrating the Prophet Muhammad and scrawled the words “revenge” and “price tag,” a phrase associated with settler violence against Palestinians.

This attack is part of a broader surge in Israeli settler and military violence in the West Bank amid the ongoing conflict related to Israel’s war against Palestinians in Gaza. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, over 1,090 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, according to the United Nations.

A recent UN Human Rights Council report condemned Israeli policies in the West Bank, including unlawful force and home demolitions, which it said aimed to forcibly displace Palestinians—a potential war crime—and alter the region’s demographic makeup, raising fears of ethnic cleansing.

Locals in the West Bank village of Tal expressed that the mosque attack was a deliberate provocation during Ramadan, targeting not just individuals but their faith.

The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Religious Affairs noted that 45 mosques were vandalized or attacked by settlers in the West Bank last year. Although Israeli military and police forces have responded to this recent incident and are searching for suspects, human rights groups criticize the authorities for allowing settler violence to continue unchecked.

Organizations like B’Tselem accuse Israel of enabling settler violence as part of a strategy to consolidate control over Palestinian land. The UN has also reported that these attacks often occur with the tacit approval or direct involvement of Israeli security forces.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

USA

FedEx Sues US Government Seeking Refund of Trump-Era Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

FedEx has filed a lawsuit against the United States government to recover tariffs it paid under President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff program, following a landmark Supreme Court decision that invalidated the legal basis for those tariffs.

The Supreme Court ruled last Friday that Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stating that only Congress has the power to levy tariffs during peacetime.

In response, FedEx initiated legal action on Monday in the US Court of International Trade against the Customs and Border Protection agency and its commissioner, Rodney Scott, who were responsible for collecting the tariffs. The logistics giant claims it suffered financial injury due to the tariffs and is seeking a full refund from the government.

Earlier, FedEx had projected a $1 billion financial impact in 2026 from the tariffs, along with the ending of tariff exemptions on small packages valued under $800, as reported by Reuters.

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, significant uncertainties remain for FedEx and other stakeholders, including global retailers, logistics firms, and American consumers. The court did not clarify whether or how refunds should be processed for the billions of dollars already collected under the IEEPA tariffs.

Experts warn that resolving the issue and processing refunds could take months or even years. Meanwhile, Trump has suggested imposing a new 15 percent “global tariff” to replace the invalidated IEEPA tariffs.

FedEx emphasized that it has taken all necessary steps to protect its rights as an importer and is seeking duty refunds, although no formal refund procedure has yet been established by authorities or courts.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

Pakistan

Pakistan Launches Airstrikes in Afghanistan Amid Rising Cross-Border Violence and Diplomatic Tensions

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Islamabad, Pakistan – Following a series of deadly attacks on its soil, Pakistan’s military launched air raids inside Afghanistan over the weekend, targeting alleged sanctuaries of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated militant groups. The strikes, carried out in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, reportedly killed at least 80 militants, according to Pakistani authorities. However, the Afghan government condemned the attacks, stating that civilian sites including a religious school and homes were hit, resulting in dozens of casualties, including women and children.

The escalation comes after weeks of relentless violence in Pakistan. On February 6, a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad killed 36 worshippers and injured 170 others. Subsequently, a vehicle bomb attack in Bajaur killed 11 soldiers and a child, with the attacker identified as an Afghan national. Another suicide bombing in Bannu claimed the lives of two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission to protest these attacks, but with no substantive action from Kabul, Islamabad’s patience appeared to have run out. The military’s air raids shattered a fragile ceasefire brokered last year, marking a significant escalation in cross-border hostilities.

The Taliban government in Kabul has repeatedly denied supporting the TTP, but Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants who target its territory. The recent strikes have drawn condemnation from India, which backed Afghanistan’s sovereignty and criticized Pakistan’s actions as attempts to shift focus from its internal security failures.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized Islamabad’s priority to protect its citizens amid the ongoing violence, which has surged by over 30 percent recently, with terrorism-related fatalities climbing sharply.

Experts warn that while Pakistan’s strikes aim to pressure the Taliban, they risk strengthening ties between Kabul and the TTP and could further destabilize the region. Analysts also highlight the complex role of India, whose growing engagement with the Taliban government adds another layer to the geopolitical tensions.

With ongoing violence on both eastern and western fronts, Pakistan faces narrowing strategic options. The military’s recent air raids signal strength but may not constitute a sustainable long-term solution, as Kabul pledges a measured response and domestic pressures in both countries mount.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

Mexico

Mexico Plunges into Chaos After Death of Jalisco Cartel Leader “El Mencho”

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

The killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the notorious leader of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has unleashed widespread violence and chaos across the country. El Mencho, 59, was a key figure in one of Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organizations, responsible for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States, while orchestrating violent attacks against government officials.

El Mencho was killed in a fierce shootout during a high-stakes military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, conducted by Mexican special forces with US intelligence support. The news sparked an immediate and coordinated wave of violence affecting at least 20 of Mexico’s 32 states. Suspected cartel members responded by torching buses and businesses and setting up fiery roadblocks, paralyzing cities and disrupting daily life.

Residents in affected areas like Zitacuaro, Michoacan, described the overwhelming fear and the cartels’ ability to bring entire cities to a halt by controlling transport and essential services. The US Embassy issued security alerts urging citizens in several states to stay indoors.

Security analysts suggest the violence was not only reactive but a calculated display of power by the cartel to send a message amid the challenge posed by El Mencho’s death.

President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm and commended the military and security forces for their efforts, emphasizing strong coordination across states to maintain peace.

The cartel boss was one of the most wanted criminals, with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offering a $15 million reward for his capture. The violence left at least 14 people dead, including seven National Guard members.

Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and a host city for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, was nearly deserted as residents stayed home in fear. Uncertainty looms over who will succeed El Mencho. Analysts point to his stepson, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Valencia, as a likely heir, but warn that if he fails to consolidate power, infighting among cartel commanders could trigger unprecedented violence.

The succession struggle could lead to a cartel civil war, potentially making security conditions worse in the coming months. With the World Cup approaching, the instability poses additional challenges for Mexico.

For many Mexicans, the death of El Mencho signals a dangerous period ahead, with rising extortion and forced recruitment as fragmented cartel factions compete for control. Residents remain on edge, monitoring transportation and public spaces for signs of escalating unrest.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

USA

President Trump Prepares for Landmark State of the Union Address Amid Transformative Year

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

Washington, DC – United States President Donald Trump is gearing up to deliver the first annual State of the Union address of his second term, a key moment where the president outlines his vision and leadership to both chambers of Congress.

This year’s address comes after a truly transformative period for the nation. Trump’s return to the White House marked a remarkable political comeback following his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden, a contentious effort to challenge those results that culminated in the January 6 Capitol attack, and multiple criminal indictments, including a conviction in New York related to falsifying business records.

Now, a year into his second term, those legal challenges have largely dissipated. The individuals involved in the January 6 events have been pardoned, and Trump oversees an administration shaped closely in his image. His cabinet is characterized by loyalty-first officials who strongly support his controversial policies on trade, the economy, immigration, foreign affairs, and military interventions.

As the president prepares to address the nation, all eyes will be on how he frames his leadership and agenda moving forward in a country that has witnessed dramatic political and social shifts.

February 24, 2026 0 comment

USA

US President Trump Dismisses General Caine’s Warnings on Iran Conflict Risks

by Farwa February 24, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

In a recent development, United States President Donald Trump publicly rejected media reports suggesting that General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned him about the potential dangers of initiating a military attack on Iran. According to these reports, General Caine expressed concerns over the risk of the US becoming embroiled in a prolonged conflict and the likelihood of American casualties.

President Trump took to social media on Monday to counter these claims, asserting that General Caine believes a war with Iran could be “easily won.” This statement comes amid heightened tensions, with Trump threatening military action against Iran unless it complies with a series of demands.

The Washington Post had earlier reported that during a meeting last week, General Caine highlighted challenges such as a shortage of critical munitions and insufficient support from regional allies, which could impede efforts to manage any Iranian retaliation following a US strike. The report noted that US munitions stockpiles, including those used in missile defense systems, have been significantly depleted due to ongoing support for allies like Israel and Ukraine.

Furthermore, Caine reportedly raised concerns about the complexity and scale of any military campaign against Iran, emphasizing the potential for US casualties. In response to the article, General Caine’s office clarified that his role is to present a broad spectrum of military options along with their associated risks and impacts to civilian leadership responsible for national security decisions.

February 24, 2026 0 comment