Junaid Khan took nine wickets for Pakistan in two Tests against Sri Lanka in August. Asif Hassan / AFP
Junaid Khan took nine wickets for Pakistan in two Tests against Sri Lanka in August. Asif Hassan / AFP

Reeling Pakistan now lose Junaid Khan to knee injury



Under-strength Pakistan received further blow on Wednesday when frontline paceman Junaid Khan was ruled out of the remainder of the ODI and two-Test series against Australia after injuring his knee in practice.

Pakistan are already without off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who was last month suspended from all international cricket for an illegal bowling action.

Last week all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez suffered a hand injury which forced him out of the limited-overs series.

Pakistan lost the only Twenty20 match by six wickets in Dubai on Sunday and started the three-match one-day international (ODI) series with a 93-run defeat in Sharjah on Tuesday.

Junaid, 24, twisted his knee in practice and, after an MRI scan, was advised to rest for up to six weeks, team manager Moin Khan said.

“Junaid injured a cartilage in his knee during nets on Monday and after an MRI he has been advised a four- to six-weeks’ rest,” Moin told AFP.

“He will receive treatment back home,” said Moin. “It’s another big blow to us as he is one of our best bowlers in one-days and Tests.”

Pakistan face Australia in the second ODI in Dubai on Friday, a third in Abu Dhabi on Sunday followed by a two-Test series in the same two cities.

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A State of Passion

Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

Rating: 4/5

The specs

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Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

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What is 'Soft Power'?

Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye. 
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength. 
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force. 
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
CREW
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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