Pumped-up Irfan relishes regained fitness

<div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b class="location"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCdVVgW8-ww/U45zMQPiPQI/AAAAAAAAAmA/5sUFACSnmKw/s1600/716973-Ledecopy-1401812689-308-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCdVVgW8-ww/U45zMQPiPQI/AAAAAAAAAmA/5sUFACSnmKw/s1600/716973-Ledecopy-1401812689-308-640x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div> <b class="location"> </b></div> <div> <b class="location">LAHORE: </b></div> <div> <b class="location"> </b> <b>The world’s tallest cricketer, Mohammad Irfan, said on Tuesday that he could win matches at next year’s World Cup single-handedly, after regaining full fitness from a hip bone injury which had sidelined him for six months.</b><br /> <br /></div> Irfan, who is seven-feet and one-inch tall, was speaking at a training camp in Lahore following his long lay-off.<br /> <br /> “I am feeling completely fit and of course the target is to win the World Cup for Pakistan,” said Irfan, who turns 32 on Friday.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Mohammad-Irfan.jpg" /><br /> <br /> “It’s a big event, every player feels honoured to play it. In Australia, pitches are very bouncy and are suitable for me and obviously I have a height factor and I can do well.<br /> <br /> “If I manage to sustain my fitness 100%, I will be able to win matches single-handedly.”<br /> <br /> The lanky pacer was injured during the T20 series against South Africa in November last year in Dubai, missing Pakistan’s series against Sri Lanka, tour to South Africa, Asia Cup and the World Twenty20.<br /> <br /> Irfan said it was disappointing to miss six months of cricket, but said he would strive to avoid further injuries.<br /> “I am working hard on my fitness and I am ensuring this time that I should go a long way,” he said.<br /> <br /> Irfan broke into the national team in 2010 at the relatively late age of 28 but has so far played just four Tests, 27 ODIs and seven T20s.<br /> <br /> “I know I have to manage my workload and playing Tests is an added pressure, hence I decided to play T20 and one-dayers only. I have to get myself tied up for a longer run this time and will ensure that I don’t get dropped.”<br /> <br /> The selectors are not likely to take a chance on Irfan for their August tour of Sri Lanka, with the all-important series against Australia in the UAE in October-November a more realistic target for a comeback.<br /> <br /> Pakistan then play New Zealand in the UAE, and tour New Zealand for a short limited over series before the World Cup in 2015.<br /> <br /> <b>‘Missing World Twenty20 was devastating’</b><br /> <br /> The left-arm fast-bowler further added that he was devastated after missing out on the back-to-back events of the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20, but his family supported him during the tough phase.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/511.jpg" /><br /> <br /> “I was down after missing out on the World Twenty20 and Asian Cup simultaneously, but my family and friends stood by me during that tough period,” said Irfan.<br /> <br /> “Now I’m working harder than ever to make sure that such injuries don’t happen again and I remain fit for the upcoming World Cup in Australia.”

Pumped-up Irfan relishes regained fitness

LAHORE:    The world’s tallest cricketer, Mohammad Irfan, said on Tuesday that he could win matches at next year’s World Cup sin...

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ICC Future Tours Programme to see light in June meeting

<div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcUifw5Tz-4/U4x4wLU5HLI/AAAAAAAAAkA/vbOc_Xp1Tp8/s1600/715773-ICCReuters-1401569270-159-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcUifw5Tz-4/U4x4wLU5HLI/AAAAAAAAAkA/vbOc_Xp1Tp8/s1600/715773-ICCReuters-1401569270-159-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div> </div> <div> <br /> <b>KARACHI: </b><br /> </div> <div> <b>The eager anticipation and speculations of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Member Boards about the Future Tours Programme (FTP) will be put to rest in the second week of June.</b><br /> <br /></div> As the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA) and the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prepare to take over the reins of the ICC, the boards are gearing up to get a glimpse at the eight-year FTP in the June 11-12 meeting.<br /> <br /> “Finalisation of the FTP will take place in the ICC meeting, which will be held on June 11-12,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told <i>The Express Tribune.</i><br /> <br /> The ‘Big Three’ are all set to take charge of the ICC’s administrative and financial affairs, which will be formally approved in the board’s meeting to be held by the end of June.<br /> <br /> It should be mentioned here that the final picture of the FTP will be presented to the members, but they can only sign it after the draft agreement on the take-over of the ‘Big Three’ is presented for approval.<br /> <br /> The ICC board had earlier authorised drawing up the necessary constitutional amendments, which will be placed before the Full Council at the Annual Conference scheduled to take place in Melbourne at the end of June.<br /> <br /> The PCB has claimed that it had agreed to the ICC revamp only on the condition that it would get bilateral series with all members from 2015-2023.<br /> <br /> There were reports and fears that the ongoing tug-of-war for the PCB chairmanship could derail the process of finalising the FTP, which holds immense importance as it will allow all the boards to determine the direction they will follow for the next eight years, as well as the financial gains they could receive from it.<br /> <br /> “The ICC is preparing a draft agreement for the proposed changes in the governing body to be approved by all members,” added the official. “Binding agreements will be signed after the ICC board meeting in Melbourne by the end of June, and the process will be concluded by September.”

ICC Future Tours Programme to see light in June meeting

KARACHI:  The eager anticipation and speculations of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Member Boards about the Future Tou...

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ICC Future Tours Programme to see light in June meeting

<div> <strong> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZsKO5-zEOw/U4qLF7o2XQI/AAAAAAAAAhc/oNEWVKSs8PQ/s1600/715773-ICCReuters-1401569270-159-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZsKO5-zEOw/U4qLF7o2XQI/AAAAAAAAAhc/oNEWVKSs8PQ/s1600/715773-ICCReuters-1401569270-159-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </strong></div> <div> <strong> </strong></div> <div> <strong>KARACHI: </strong></div> <div> <strong> </strong> <strong>The eager anticipation and speculations of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Member Boards about the Future Tours Programme (FTP) will be put to rest in the second week of June.</strong><br /> <br /> </div> As the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA) and the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prepare to take over the reins of the ICC, the boards are gearing up to get a glimpse at the eight-year FTP in the June 11-12 meeting.<br /> <br /> “Finalisation of the FTP will take place in the ICC meeting, which will be held on June 11-12,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told <em>The Express Tribune.</em><br /> <br /> The ‘Big Three’ are all set to take charge of the ICC’s administrative and financial affairs, which will be formally approved in the board’s meeting to be held by the end of June.<br /> <br /> It should be mentioned here that the final picture of the FTP will be presented to the members, but they can only sign it after the draft agreement on the take-over of the ‘Big Three’ is presented for approval.<br /> The ICC board had earlier authorised drawing up the necessary constitutional amendments, which will be placed before the Full Council at the Annual Conference scheduled to take place in Melbourne at the end of June.<br /> <br /> The PCB has claimed that it had agreed to the ICC revamp only on the condition that it would get bilateral series with all members from 2015-2023.<br /> <br /> There were reports and fears that the ongoing tug-of-war for the PCB chairmanship could derail the process of finalising the FTP, which holds immense importance as it will allow all the boards to determine the direction they will follow for the next eight years, as well as the financial gains they could receive from it.<br /> <br /> “The ICC is preparing a draft agreement for the proposed changes in the governing body to be approved by all members,” added the official. “Binding agreements will be signed after the ICC board meeting in Melbourne by the end of June, and the process will be concluded by September.”

ICC Future Tours Programme to see light in June meeting

    KARACHI:    The eager anticipation and speculations of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Member Boards about the Futu...

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Female boxing kicks off on small scale

<div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAgWZBzMmgo/U4qKuEWzU9I/AAAAAAAAAhY/nWqhKxCzwhY/s1600/715815-Femaleboxing-1401554589-580-160x120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAgWZBzMmgo/U4qKuEWzU9I/AAAAAAAAAhY/nWqhKxCzwhY/s1600/715815-Femaleboxing-1401554589-580-160x120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <b><span id="goog_2058879867"></span><span id="goog_2058879868"></span></b></div> <div> <b>KARACHI: </b><br /> </div> <div> <b>Youngsters from the Kalyana Academy became the first female players to lay the foundation for women’s boxing in the country as they competed at the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) backed school tournament in Karachi’s District Central on Saturday.</b><br /> <br /></div> The Inter-Classes Kalyana Boxing Tournament for girls and boys was more than just a regular junior event. According to the PBF officials and international referee Ali Akber Shah Qadri, the dream of formally introducing the sport for females after 15 years of planning had finally borne fruit.<br /> <br /> The one-day competition featured 10 girls in five bouts between the ages of 10 to 13 years in weight categories of 22-48kg.<br /> <br /> “We’ve never had female boxing in Pakistan before and this is just the beginning,” Qadri told <i>The Express Tribune.</i><br /> <br /> “I dreamt of this day 15 years ago. Back then, the Islami Nazariya Council had dismissed this notion. I had to bear zealous opposition from hardliners, but today we hope that Pakistan is a different society. Hopefully people will accept female boxers and they can make their name in the sport like the women from other countries have.”<br /> <br /> During the competition, Warda Rafi defeated Ariba Rafi 2-1 while Noor-e-Saba outclassed Arsalah 3-0 and Zainab defeated Soniya 3-0. Fatima Furqan outplayed Samra 3-0 and Khatija overcame Sumera 2-1.<br /> <br /> Mohamad Ali, Arsalan and Abdul Wasay also registered wins in the boys’ category.<br /> <br /> Qadri further stated that moral support from the parents had proved important in helping the PBF and Kalyana Academy to take the first step.<br /> <br /> “The parents wanted to see their daughters take up boxing. If girls can play wrestling, kabaddi, martial arts, then why not boxing?”<br /> <br /> According to Kalyana Academy Boxing Programme Director and Karachi Boxing Association official Syed Ashraf Ali, the girls had shown interest to participate in the event after watching the boys train.<br /> <br /> “When they showed their interest, I told them that they would need at least a month’s training before coming in the ring with our coach Rafiullah. They took up the task.<br /> <br /> “Coming inside the ring is the biggest challenge. It’s about driving the fear away before performing in front of the spectators. I hope other academies and schools in the country can also take inspiration from this event,” said Ali.

Female boxing kicks off on small scale

KARACHI:  Youngsters from the Kalyana Academy became the first female players to lay the foundation for women’s boxing in the co...

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ECB, Downton apologise to Pietersen

<div> <strong> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcwPQ3zEqXs/U4qKDqHclLI/AAAAAAAAAhM/xd_Ldpi_oEI/s1600/715768-Pietersen-1401568830-123-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcwPQ3zEqXs/U4qKDqHclLI/AAAAAAAAAhM/xd_Ldpi_oEI/s1600/715768-Pietersen-1401568830-123-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </strong></div> <div> <strong> </strong></div> <div> <strong>LONDON: </strong></div> <div> <strong> </strong> <strong>The saga of Kevin Pietersen’s extraordinary exit from the international arena took a fresh twist Friday when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and its managing director, Paul Downton, apologised for criticism of the batsman made by the former England wicketkeeper.</strong><br /> <br /> </div> “On May 22 during an interview on BBC Test Match Special, Paul Downton of the ECB made a series of comments about Kevin Pietersen with which Kevin takes issue, including the comments he made regarding his perception of Kevin’s attitude during the Sydney Test on last winter’s Ashes tour,” said an ECB statement issued late Friday.<br /> <br /> “Some of those comments were made in breach of a settlement agreement between the ECB and Kevin Pietersen which was concluded at the time Kevin’s central contract was terminated earlier this year.<br /> <br /> “Paul Downton and the ECB both apologise to Kevin Pietersen for those comments made that were in breach of the settlement agreement and have confirmed that they will abide by its terms moving forward.”<br /> <br /> Until recently, the ECB’s explanations for effectively ending the international career of Pietersen, England’s leading run-scorer across all formats, had contained only limited detail.

ECB, Downton apologise to Pietersen

    LONDON:    The saga of Kevin Pietersen’s extraordinary exit from the international arena took a fresh twist Friday when the E...

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Get ready to Samba: FIFA World Cup 2014

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVQW1Jf9fAI/U4qJgqRaRZI/AAAAAAAAAhE/Ofw5fDINvDE/s1600/715882-worldcupfriendlymatchphotoafp-1401568518-748-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVQW1Jf9fAI/U4qJgqRaRZI/AAAAAAAAAhE/Ofw5fDINvDE/s1600/715882-worldcupfriendlymatchphotoafp-1401568518-748-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div> <br /> <br /> <b>The FIFA World Cup returns to Brazil after 60 years.</b><br /> <br /> The tournament will kick off in Arena de Sao Paulo with hosts Brazil squaring off against Croatia.<br /> <br /> <b>Groups Stages</b><br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/651.jpg" /><img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/752.jpg" /><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/847.jpg" /><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/941.jpg" /><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1032.jpg" /><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1136.jpg" /><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Map.jpg" /><br /> <b>Arena de Sao Paulo</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Arena-de-Sao-Paulo1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Estadio Nacional</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Estadio-Nacional1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Estadio Castelao</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Estadio-Castelao1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Estadio das Dunas</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Estadio-das-Dunas1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Arena Pernambuco</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Arena-Pernambuco1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Arena Fonte Nova</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Arena-Fonte-Nova1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Estadio Mineirao</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Estadio-Mineirao1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Estadio do Maracana</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Estadio-do-Maracana1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Arena da Baixada</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Arena-da-Baixada1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Estadio Beira-Rio</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Estadio-Beira-Rio1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Arena Pantanal</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Arena-Pantanal1.jpg" /><br /> <b>Arena Amazonia</b><br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Arena-Amazonia1.jpg" />

Get ready to Samba: FIFA World Cup 2014

The FIFA World Cup returns to Brazil after 60 years. The tournament will kick off in Arena de Sao Paulo with hosts Brazil squaring of...

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Bajaur Agency raid: Kabul put on notice after troops repel militants

<div> <strong> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpL_-dt8uh8/U4qJEa7nY_I/AAAAAAAAAg8/keolj2pSQSU/s1600/716076-checkpostexpress-1401572097-645-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpL_-dt8uh8/U4qJEa7nY_I/AAAAAAAAAg8/keolj2pSQSU/s1600/716076-checkpostexpress-1401572097-645-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </strong></div> <div> <strong> </strong></div> <div> <strong>MIRAMSHAH / ISLAMABAD / KHAR: </strong></div> <div> <strong> </strong> <strong>At least 14 militants were killed when Pakistani border guards repelled a pre-dawn cross-border attack on a military post in the Warra Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency. Subsequently, the Afghan charge d’affaires was summoned to the Foreign Office to protest the raid.</strong><br /> <br /> </div> “Dozens of heavily-armed militants sneaked into Bajaur from Afghanistan around 5am and attacked the military post in the Nao Top area, 25 kilometres northwest of the agency headquarters of Khar,” an official of the security forces told <em>The Express Tribune. </em><br /> <br /> One border guard was killed and two others were critically wounded in the attack, he added. Security personnel manning the post fended off the attackers and called for aerial support. Shortly afterwards, helicopter gunships were rushed to the area. Some 14 militants were killed in the retaliatory action, forcing the remaining to flee across the border.<br /> <br /> The injured border guards were shifted to hospital before reinforcements were sent to the region to comb the area for more attackers, the security official said.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/16.jpg" /><br /> <br /> In a <a href="http://mofa.gov.pk/pr-details.php?prID=2005" target="_self">statement</a>, the Foreign Office put the number of attackers at 200-plus. “To repulse the terrorist attack, Pakistani troops responded with artillery and aviation support. Any allegations about shelling on Afghan civilians inside Afghanistan are incorrect. Pakistan aviation [forces] only fired on attacking terrorists,” it added.<br /> <br /> An official of the local political administration said that security has been enhanced in the entire agency while tribal jirgas are being convened to seek support of the local tribesmen.<br /> <br /> Islamabad formally lodged a protest with the Afghan charge d’affairs over the attack.<br /> <br /> “A protest was lodged with the Afghan charge d’affaires and the matter was also taken up by our ambassador in Kabul with the Afghan foreign ministry,” said the Foreign Office statement.<br /> <br /> “Pakistan’s concerns about miscreants and terrorists attacking from the other side of the border have been repeatedly shared with Afghan authorities. We hope effective steps will be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents,” it added.<br /> <br /> Earlier this month, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/710440/kabul-trip-coas-discussed-security-situation-in-afghanistan-with-ansf-chief/" target="_self">taken up the issue</a> during his talks with his Afghan counterpart Sher Muhammad Karimi and International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) Commander General Joseph Dunford in Kabul.<br /> <br /> Bajaur Agency shares a border with Afghanistan’s northeastern province of Kunar, where Mullah Fazlullah-led Taliban fighters have been sheltering since they were routed in a massive military operation from the scenic valley of Swat in 2008. Since then, militants have been using Afghan soil as a springboard for mounting cross-border attacks on Pakistani posts.<br /> <br /> Over in North Waziristan Agency, a tribal jirga warned that local tribesmen will migrate to neighbouring Afghanistan, if the government launched a military operation in the region. The warning came a day after a powerful Taliban commander, Hafiz Gul Bahadur, <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/715629/north-waziristan-taliban-prepare-for-war-amid-truce-breaking-claims/" target="_self">accused the government of reneging on a peace agreement</a> signed with his faction in 2007.<br /> <br /> The Jirga was convened by Uthmanzai Wazir and Dawar tribes in the Darpa Khel Eidgah, Miramshah, the agency headquarters of North Waziristan.<br /> <br /> Addressing the Jirga, Haji Sher Ali Khan, the successor of legendry Faqir of Api, said the Waziristan tribes have always voluntarily served as a bulwark against any aggression on Pakistan from western borders. “The Waziristan tribes don’t want war,” he said. “However, we have fought and will continue to fight ‘un-Islamic forces’ in the region.”<br /> <br /> Another tribal elder, Malik Sher Wali Khan, said they would take up the issue of recurring curfews with the local political agent, provincial governor and federal government. “If they fail to normalise the situation, then we will migrate to Afghanistan,” he added. “This will be the only option for us, if the state fails to secure us.”<br /> <br /> Malik Azmatullah Khan claimed that last week’s air strikes caused huge civilian casualties. “This kind of military intervention should stop,” he said, adding that tribesmen from several areas of North Waziristan, including Miramshah, Machis Camp, Darpa Khel and Mirali, continue to migrate to Afghanistan. “We are trying to stop the tribesmen but they continue to evacuate for fear of an impending military operation in the agency,” he added.

Bajaur Agency raid: Kabul put on notice after troops repel militants

    MIRAMSHAH / ISLAMABAD / KHAR:    At least 14 militants were killed when Pakistani border guards repelled a pre-dawn cross-bor...

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Taliban releases US solider in exchange for five Afghan detainees

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <strong><strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Et5IboHaI/U4qIDhOKVlI/AAAAAAAAAg0/21L7B1FmHdc/s1600/715880-USsoldierreleasestaliban-1401560866-626-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Et5IboHaI/U4qIDhOKVlI/AAAAAAAAAg0/21L7B1FmHdc/s1600/715880-USsoldierreleasestaliban-1401560866-626-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></strong></div> <br /> <br /> <strong><strong>WASHINGTON:</strong></strong><br /> <br /> <strong><strong> </strong>US President Barack Obama said Saturday that an American soldier held for nearly half a decade in Afghanistan has been freed, in what officials indicated was a swap for five Guantanamo detainees.</strong><br /> <br /> “Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years,” said Obama, announcing the release of the army sergeant.<br /> <br /> Bergdahl disappeared in June 2009 from a base in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, with the Taliban later saying they had captured him.<br /> <br /> The Idaho native was the only American soldier held captive by the militants.<br /> <br /> “On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal,” Obama said.<br /> <br /> The US leader expressed his “deepest appreciation” to the Emir of Qatar “for his assistance in helping to secure our soldier’s return.”<br /> <br /> “The Emir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries,” he said.<br /> <br /> Obama’s announcement came as Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel released a statement saying he had informed the US Congress of a decision to transfer five Guantanamo detainees to Qatar.<br /> <br /> “The United States has coordinated closely with Qatar to ensure that security measures are in place and the national security of the United States will not be compromised,” Hagel said.<br /> <br /> He also thanked the Emir of Qatar, praising him for his “instrumental role in facilitating the return of Sgt Bergdahl.”<br /> <br /> Hagel said Bergdahl was “now under the care of the US military after being handed over by his captors in Afghanistan.”<br /> <br /> A senior administration official confirmed that, “in connection” with Bergdahl’s return, the United States had transferred five Afghan Guantanamo detainees to Qatar.<br /> <br /> “We have viewed Sgt Bergdahl’s release through diplomatic means as a vital goal in its own right because of our historic commitment to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield,” the official said.<br /> <br /> Since his capture, Bergdahl has appeared in several Taliban videos.<br /> <br /> In January, the United States obtained a “proof of life” video of the soldier — the first concrete evidence in more than three years that he was still alive.<br /> <br /> In his statement, Obama said “Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery is a reminder of America’s unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield.”<br /> <br /> “And as we find relief in Bowe’s recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans whose release we continue to pursue,” he added.<br /> <br /> Secretary of State John Kerry meanwhile said he had spoken with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to brief him on the development.

Taliban releases US solider in exchange for five Afghan detainees

WASHINGTON:   US President Barack Obama said Saturday that an American soldier held for nearly half a decade in Afghanistan has bee...

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Pakistan lodges protest with Afghanistan over Bajaiur Taliban attack

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <strong><strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFR_H10Bs_Q/U4qHbwZLHfI/AAAAAAAAAgk/E3BI4r9O2r8/s1600/715871-pakistanarmycheckpostsecurityreuters-1401559264-828-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFR_H10Bs_Q/U4qHbwZLHfI/AAAAAAAAAgk/E3BI4r9O2r8/s1600/715871-pakistanarmycheckpostsecurityreuters-1401559264-828-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></strong></div> <br /> <strong><strong>ISLAMABAD: </strong> </strong><br /> <br /> <strong>After a military check post came under heavy attack from the Taliban in Bajaur early on Saturday, Pakistan lodged a formal complaint with Afghanistan.</strong><br /> <br /> According to a <a href="http://mofa.gov.pk/pr-details.php?prID=2005" target="_self">statement</a> from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan summoned the Afghan Charge d’ Affairs in Islamabad and a protest was lodged.<br /> <br /> The matter was also taken up by the Pakistan ambassador in Kabul who contacted the Afghan Foreign Ministry to complain about the issue.<br /> <br /> The attack on the military post on Nao Top in Bajaur Agency had left one soldier dead and injured two others. As many as 14 Taliban were also killed as Pakistani forces repulsed the attack.<br /> <br /> The statement further added that Pakistan troops responded with artillery and aviation support. However, any allegations about shelling on Afghan civilians inside Afghanistan were incorrect. “Pakistan aviation only fired on attacking terrorists,” the statement read.<br /> <br /> “Pakistan’s concerns about miscreants attacking from the other side of the border have been repeatedly shared with Afghan authorities. We hope effective steps would be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents”.<br /> <br /> The statement added that Pakistan would continue to exercise restraint and make efforts to maintain conducive environment for constructive engagement.<br /> <br /> “We remain committed to maintaining a tranquil border especially in the run-up to second round of Afghan elections.”

Pakistan lodges protest with Afghanistan over Bajaiur Taliban attack

ISLAMABAD:   After a military check post came under heavy attack from the Taliban in Bajaur early on Saturday, Pakistan lodged a for...

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Obama to meet Ukraine’s Poroshenko in Poland: US official

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <strong><strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vSMu5wtKahU/U4qHJOooQgI/AAAAAAAAAgg/3kriTSaDVEU/s1600/715751-obama-1401532159-442-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vSMu5wtKahU/U4qHJOooQgI/AAAAAAAAAgg/3kriTSaDVEU/s1600/715751-obama-1401532159-442-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></strong></div> <br /> <strong><strong>WASHINGTON:</strong></strong><br /> <br /> <strong><strong> </strong>US President Barack Obama will meet Ukrainian president-elect Petro Poroshenko in Poland on Wednesday, a US official said.</strong><br /> <br /> The meeting will take place during a trip by Obama, also including stops in Belgium and France designed to underscore the US security commitment to eastern Europe following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, said US Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes.<br /> <br /> Obama will also meet a large group of central and eastern European leaders in Warsaw, where he will go to take part in the 25th anniversary celebrations of Poland’s first free post-communist elections.<br /> <br /> In France, where he will travel for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings in Normandy, Obama will come face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin, from whom he has been estranged over Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.<br /> <br /> But there are no plans for Obama to hold a formal bilateral meeting with the Russian leader, Rhodes said.

Obama to meet Ukraine’s Poroshenko in Poland: US official

WASHINGTON:   US President Barack Obama will meet Ukrainian president-elect Petro Poroshenko in Poland on Wednesday, a US official sai...

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PCB hires Grant Luden as trainer and fielding coach

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <strong><strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aidCXtIyhbE/U4fakH9KdCI/AAAAAAAAAfY/-KmWY6bmtas/s1600/715221-GranLudenBCB-1401400607-729-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aidCXtIyhbE/U4fakH9KdCI/AAAAAAAAAfY/-KmWY6bmtas/s1600/715221-GranLudenBCB-1401400607-729-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></strong></div> <br /> <strong><strong>KARACHI: </strong> </strong><br /> <br /> <strong>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed terms with South Africa born Grant Luden and hired him as the trainer and fielding coach of the national team.</strong><br /> <br /> Pakistan’s team management has been undergoing a major revamp after World Twenty20 debacle where Pakistan failed to qualify for semifinals.<br /> <br /> His appointment came after the hiring of head coach Waqar Younis, Spin consultant Mushtaq Ahmed and batting coach Grant Flower.<br /> <br /> <em>The Express Tribune</em> has earlier reported that Luden has become a front runner for fielding coach due to his diverse skills of delivering in more than one field.<br /> <br /> PCB had decided to hire a fielding coach who could perform dual duties of a trainer as well which made Luden, who has worked with Bangladesh team as well, the favourite candidate.<br /> <br /> “Grant Luden has signed up with PCB as training/fielding coach,” PCB chairman Najam Sethi said.

PCB hires Grant Luden as trainer and fielding coach

KARACHI:   The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed terms with South Africa born Grant Luden and hired him as the trainer and fie...

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Ponting calls for swift action on corruption

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpgxEW6jZ6E/U4fZrlF4KNI/AAAAAAAAAfI/YHEq4n53MAc/s1600/714920-rickypontingafp-1401384743-390-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpgxEW6jZ6E/U4fZrlF4KNI/AAAAAAAAAfI/YHEq4n53MAc/s1600/714920-rickypontingafp-1401384743-390-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <b><b>SYDNEY:</b></b><br /> <br /> <b><b> </b>Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has called for swift action on cricket’s corruption crisis, saying there is nothing worse for the game than the shadow hanging over it.</b><br /> <br /> Ponting said match-fixing and other rumours had circulated for years, and he pleaded with the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption watchdog and individual boards to act quickly so players and fans could have full faith that what happens on the field was legitimate.<br /> <br /> “We’ve all been aware of a certain amount of corruption in the game for a long time now and there’s always just been a bit of smoke, there hasn’t been much fire around it,” he said.<br /> <br /> “There is nothing worse than having that [corruption] tag around, the worry about the integrity of cricket and that is what every governing body would be fearing and a lot of the players. It takes away a bit from the game they love.”

Ponting calls for swift action on corruption

SYDNEY:   Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has called for swift action on cricket’s corruption crisis, saying there is nothing ...

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Hall of fame: Michael Phelps – The Baltimore Bullet

<div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0Co0f4_aAE/U4fZIrkEAvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/2CbpWOu8Wg0/s1600/714968-phelpsAFP-1401385286-241-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0Co0f4_aAE/U4fZIrkEAvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/2CbpWOu8Wg0/s1600/714968-phelpsAFP-1401385286-241-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <strong>The 100m butterfly at the 2008 Beijing Olympics is as close as it gets to a photo finish in the chlorinated world. Mark Spitz’s world record for seven Olympic gold medals has been equalled by luck, or some may call it, a stroke of ‘the inevitable’. An angered Milorad Covic was one-hundredth of a second short of the winning touch and many protests and video reviews upheld the decision to hand him the silver medal.</strong><br /> <br /> </div> “It was just too close to see,” admitted a victorious Michael Phelps, the most decorated athlete in the history of the Olympic Games. Phelps was just one win away to break the great Spitz’s record at the 4x100m medley relay, and his team did not let him down. It was customary for Phelps to leave people in awe of his incredible talent, and claiming eight golds justified his nickname, The Baltimore Bullet.<br /> <br /> The American always felt that pushing the boundaries and challenging what was termed ‘impossible’ was his duty. “Many people said that it [breaking Spitz's record] can’t happen. I can assure you, nothing is impossible,” said the six-foot-four machine, giving a huge blow to his critics who believed Phelps’ six golds in the 2004 Olympics was the cap to his achievements.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1-copy3.jpg" /><br /> <br /> As a seven-year-old, Phelps, who entered the pool after watching his sisters become professional swimmers, was afraid to put his face in the water. But resistance to the fear made him stronger and the first stroke he mastered was the backstroke; how convenient. Young Phelps’ talent was spotted by coach Bob Bowman and soon after, he broke his first record in the Junior Nationals in the 200m butterfly category.<br /> <br /> A career filled with record-breaking appearances in the pool, Phelps was selected to compete for the US in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, making him the youngest ever to make an appearance there. The new kid on the block was getting the attention of swimming greats like Michael Thorpe, who himself felt he needed to push harder in training to compete with Phelps.<br /> <br /> The ‘Half-Man Half-Fish’, as quoted by his Chinese fans, stepped up his act in the 2003 World Championship, winning four golds, two silvers and breaking three world records. For most swimmers, this would have been the highlight of their careers, but for Phelps, it was the beginning of an era that saw him break 39 world records.<br /> <br /> The 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens was where Phelps made his mark. The Baltimore Bullet won six gold and two bronze medals, the second most dominant performance in the history after Spitz’z 1972 showcase in Munich. In the event which many were calling ‘The Race of the Century’, Phelps finished in third place behind Ian Thorpe and Pieter van den Hoogenband in the 200m freestyle. This finish ended his chances of equalling Spitzs’ record, but Phelps quickly shrugged off any signs of disappointment, “How can I be disappointed? I swam in a field with the two fastest freestylers of all time.”<br /> <br /> The 2008 Beijing Olympics, which was considered the greatest individual performance in Olympic history, was where the American truly showcased his greatness by finally eclipsing the record he had his sights on. In what is called ‘The Great Haul of China’, Phelps propelled himself with 11 other remarkable individuals to become the record holder for the most golds (eight) in the event’s history. And to make his mark even brighter, he also broke seven world records during this.<br /> <br /> “I am really proud of him, not just because he won eight golds. Rather, it’s how much he has grown up and matured into a great human being,” said Phelps’ idol, Ian Thorpe, on the American’s success.<br /> <br /> After the competition, the question of whether Phelps was ‘too good to be true’ was raised, and was confronted by the media about taking performance enhancing drugs. A swift response by the Bullet was all it took to keep the critics under him as he cleared the nine tests for the Olympics and volunteered in a project run by the US Anti-Doping Agency.<br /> <br /> At the London Olympics in 2012, Phelps further raised the bar having already been branded as the world’s greatest swimmer, and to many, the world’s greatest Olympian. Four golds and six silvers stretched his Olympic tally to 22 medals, 18 of them being gold.<br /> <br /> No one in history has been as consistent as the young man from Baltimore. Having the expectations of his entire nation and the blessings of former greats, Phelps never caved in to pressure, always keeping himself ahead of the pack. The consistency dented the confidence of his competitors as there is absolutely no one who could even be a worthy challenger.<br /> <br /> While there is always a debate in other sports on who is the greatest ever, there is no question in the world of swimming. Phelps will always be known as the most dominant man to ever to take a dive from the starting block. Now at the age of 28, Phelps has made a comeback from retirement and has set his sights on the 2016 Rio Olympics. And there is no doubt which man the cameras will be focused on as the legend of the Baltimore Bullet looks to begin a new chapter.<br /> <br /> For the complete Hall of Fame series, log on to www.tribune.com.pk/halloffame/ (http://www.tribune.com.

Hall of fame: Michael Phelps – The Baltimore Bullet

The 100m butterfly at the 2008 Beijing Olympics is as close as it gets to a photo finish in the chlorinated world. Mark Spitz’s world ...

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United owner Malcolm Glazer dead at 85

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <strong><strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gjCGk6D874/U4fXVvn2TuI/AAAAAAAAAes/HuqKCoa-2Rg/s1600/714919-MalcolmGlazer-1401384524-815-160x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gjCGk6D874/U4fXVvn2TuI/AAAAAAAAAes/HuqKCoa-2Rg/s1600/714919-MalcolmGlazer-1401384524-815-160x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></strong></strong></div> <br /> <br /> <strong><strong>TAMPA:</strong></strong><br /> <br /> <strong><strong> </strong>Malcolm Glazer, the controversial American owner of English Premier League giants Manchester United, died Wednesday. He was 85.</strong><br /> <br /> Glazer – the son of a Lithuanian immigrant who went on to build an diverse business empire – gained a global profile through his ownership of United, one of the world’s biggest and best supported football clubs.<br /> <br /> But he was deeply unpopular with hardcore United fans after loading the club with hundreds of millions of dollars in debt following a 2005 buyout.<br /> <br /> His death was announced on the website of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football team, one of his other sports franchises.<br /> <br /> “The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of Owner/President Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85,” said the statement.

United owner Malcolm Glazer dead at 85

TAMPA:   Malcolm Glazer, the controversial American owner of English Premier League giants Manchester United, died Wednesday. He was ...

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SEO Optimize your Blogger Blog by Adding this SEO Script

Today I found another script that easy to understand and install in your blogger blog and it will simply boost a lot of things, due to its friendly nature it will surely get you more visitors, it will decrease your blog's bounce rate and it will provide you with more higher search results.<br /> <br /> Well now exactly its nothing like something really special but it's a combination of three scripts all together that's external link's new tab opening script, links no-following script and automatic image title and alt tags script. So yes using this script and following above posted tutorials you would surely find a difference in your earlier and optimized stats. So now just follow below steps to see how to add this script to your blogger blog.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkGTol_Jqi4/U4b88s5F2VI/AAAAAAAAAeY/GAeQdPOG1s4/s1600/1%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkGTol_Jqi4/U4b88s5F2VI/AAAAAAAAAeY/GAeQdPOG1s4/s1600/1%5B3%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <ul> <li>Open <b>Blogger > Template > Edit HTML. </b></li> </ul> <ul> <li>Press Ctrl + F & search for <code></head></code> tag & paste below code above it.  </li> </ul> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <span style="color: red;"><script src='http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.3.2/jquery.min.js' type='text/javascript'/></span><script type='text/javascript'>//<![CDATA[<br /> jQuery('a').each(function(){// Let's make external links open in a new tab. var href=jQuery(this).attr('href');if (typeof href !='undefined' && href !="" && (href.indexOf('http://') !=-1 || href.indexOf('https://') !=-1) && href.indexOf(window.location.hostname)==-1){jQuery(this).attr("target", "_blank");}});//]]></script><script type='text/javascript'>//<![CDATA[<br /> jQuery('a').each(function(){// Let's make external links nofollow. var href=jQuery(this).attr('href');if (typeof href !='undefined' && href !="" && (href.indexOf('http://') !=-1 || href.indexOf('https://') !=-1) && href.indexOf(window.location.hostname)==-1){jQuery(this).attr("rel", "nofollow");}});//]]></script><script type='text/javascript'>//<![CDATA[<br /> $(document).ready(function(){$('img').each(function(){var $img=$(this);var filename=$img.attr('src') $img.attr('alt', filename.substring((filename.lastIndexOf('/'))+1, filename.lastIndexOf('.')));});});//]]></script></blockquote> <ul> <li>Now you can remove the red line in above code if you already have jQuery Script pasted in your blog template.  </li> </ul> <ul> <li> So Now just hit Save Template and refresh your blog, as your blog is now optimized with this awesome SEO optimized script.</li> </ul> <br /> So Now just hit Save Template and refresh your blog, as your blog is now optimized with this awesome SEO optimized script.

SEO Optimize your Blogger Blog by Adding this SEO Script

Today I found another script that easy to understand and install in your blogger blog and it will simply boost a lot of things, due to its ...

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