Global Pulse

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  • Sri Lanka’s Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup due to injury

    Sri Lanka’s Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup due to injury

    Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup aspirations have been dealt a devastating blow with the tournament’s organizing body confirming the withdrawal of premier spinner Wanindu Hasaranga due to a significant hamstring injury. The announcement came Tuesday following Sri Lanka’s opening match victory against Ireland, where Hasaranga had demonstrated his crucial value to the team by capturing three wickets in their 20-run triumph.

    The injury represents particularly cruel timing for the co-hosts, occurring just as Hasaranga appeared to be hitting his strategic peak in the global tournament. Bowling all-rounder Dushan Hemantha has been designated as the official replacement in Sri Lanka’s squad roster.

    Hasaranga’s absence creates an immense void in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, depriving them of one of international cricket’s most formidable T20 spinners. The 28-year-old phenomenon currently ranks fifth globally in all-time T20 international wickets with 154 dismissals to his credit. This development compounds Sri Lanka’s existing injury concerns, following fast bowler Eshan Malinga’s earlier tournament exit due to shoulder dislocation, with Pramod Madushan having already joined as his substitute.

    The co-hosting nation now faces mounting pressure as they prepare for their critical second Group B encounter against Oman scheduled for Thursday. Team management must rapidly reconfigure their bowling strategy without their primary spin weapon in a tournament where marginal advantages often determine outcomes.

  • Majority of Arabs oppose normalisation with Israel, pan-Arab survey finds

    Majority of Arabs oppose normalisation with Israel, pan-Arab survey finds

    A comprehensive pan-Arab survey conducted by the Arab Center Washington DC has revealed that more than a quarter of Arabs perceive Israel as the most significant threat to their region. The 2025 Arab Opinion Index (AOI), the largest public opinion survey in the Arab world, gathered data from 40,130 respondents across 15 Arab nations between November 2024 and August 2025.

    The findings demonstrate significant regional variations in threat perception. While 28% of all Arab respondents identified Israel as their foremost national security concern, this perception was most pronounced in the Mashreq (Levant) region at 58% and the Nile Valley at 38%. Conversely, the Maghreb and Gulf regions registered the lowest threat assessment of Israel at just 9% each, though these areas also recorded the highest rates of non-response to the question.

    Iran and the United States emerged as secondary regional concerns, with both nations polling equally at 16% in the Mashreq. In the Gulf specifically, 14% of respondents identified Iran as their primary security threat. Notably, fewer than 8% of respondents across the Maghreb, Nile Valley, and Gulf regions viewed the United States as a major threat.

    The survey provided unprecedented insight into Syrian public opinion following the fall of the Assad regime. A striking 88% of Syrian respondents believe Israel is actively working to undermine Syrian security and stability, while 70% oppose any normalization agreement that doesn’t include return of the Golan Heights annexed in 1967.

    Regarding the Palestinian cause, an overwhelming 80% of Arabs believe it represents a collective Arab concern rather than solely a Palestinian issue. Support for this position exceeded 90% in Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia registered the lowest agreement at 62%, though 30% of Saudi respondents declined to answer.

    The survey further revealed declining support for normalization with Israel, with 87% of all respondents opposing recognition of the Jewish state—a two-percentage-point increase from the previous survey cycle. Only 6% expressed support for recognition, with half of those conditioning their approval on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

    Methodologically, the comprehensive study employed face-to-face interviews across most regions, though researchers resorted to telephone surveys in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia due to security considerations. The findings provide crucial insights into evolving geopolitical attitudes across the Arab world.

  • BBC behind-the-scenes as Oscar nominees lunch together

    BBC behind-the-scenes as Oscar nominees lunch together

    In an exclusive behind-the-scenes report, BBC correspondent Regan Morris provides unprecedented access to the prestigious annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon, capturing the atmosphere as Hollywood’s elite gather weeks before cinema’s biggest night. The event, traditionally held in late January or early February, serves as both a celebratory gathering and strategic campaign stop for awards contenders across all categories.

    Unlike the formal tension of the awards ceremony itself, the luncheon fosters a more relaxed environment where nominees mingle freely, exchanging congratulations and industry insights. Morris’s coverage reveals candid interactions between first-time nominees and established veterans, showcasing the unique camaraderie that exists beneath the competitive surface. The footage captures everything from lighthearted table conversations to more serious discussions about artistic craft, providing viewers with a rare glimpse into the human connections that define the film industry’s most celebrated community.

    This gathering represents a crucial moment in the awards season calendar, where campaigning subtly continues amidst the festivities. Studio executives, publicists, and actors navigate the delicate balance between celebration and strategic networking. The BBC’s access reveals the meticulous planning behind the event, from seating arrangements designed to facilitate meaningful connections to the traditional class photo where all nominees assemble for a historic portrait that often produces the season’s most shared imagery.

  • Super Rugby turns 30, hoping a faster game attracts more fans

    Super Rugby turns 30, hoping a faster game attracts more fans

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — As Super Rugby commemorates its 30th anniversary with Friday’s opening clash between the Highlanders and defending champions Crusaders, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier club competition demonstrates remarkable resilience despite evolving challenges. The tournament’s journey began on March 1, 1996, when the Hurricanes faced the Blues in what marked rugby union’s early professional era, with no certainty about the competition’s longevity. Initially spanning twelve teams across Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the championship disrupted traditional provincial loyalties while gradually expanding to incorporate eighteen teams including Argentine, Japanese, and Pacific franchises before consolidating into its current eleven-team format following pandemic adaptations. The 2020 withdrawal of South Africa’s four teams to Northern Hemisphere competitions raised existential concerns, yet Super Rugby has persisted through strategic recalibration. Tournament organizers confirm no immediate expansion plans or active negotiations for South Africa’s return, focusing instead on consolidating existing structures. Chief Executive Jack Mesley emphasized during a New Zealand DSPN podcast interview: “Super Rugby has undergone numerous transformations. Our priority remains strengthening fan engagement and financial stability for our clubs in this region.” While the competition once arguably stood as the world’s finest club rugby tournament, it now faces quality comparisons and attendance challenges against European leagues. Australian viewership and attendance figures, though improving, pale against domestic rivals—the NRL’s 4.3 million annual attendees and AFL’s 8.2 million spectators highlight the competitive sporting market. Recent seasons have introduced multiple law amendments aimed at accelerating gameplay, reducing dead time, and enhancing spectator experience. For the 2026 season, innovations target increased ball-in-play duration and reduced television official interventions. Organizers report eliminating over four minutes of dead time through rule modifications and officiating emphasis. “These changes reflect our commitment to delivering rugby’s most entertaining competition,” stated organizers, promoting “quick taps, faster restarts, and attacking rugby.” However, the changes face criticism from figures like former French referee Mathieu Raynal, who argues Southern Hemisphere priorities sacrifice structural elements like mauls and scrums for spectacle. “We defend these traditional elements and resist directions from countries with empty stadiums seeking to recreate spectacle at any cost,” Raynal commented. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh countered these criticisms by highlighting the Southern Hemisphere’s nine Rugby World Cup victories out of ten tournaments. “World Cup success stems from strong domestic leagues,” Waugh asserted. “We operate in the world’s most congested sports market and serve as the canary in the coal mine for rugby’s evolution.” The fundamental challenge remains balancing entertainment value for casual fans with high-performance preparation for international test matches.

  • Man City’s Guardiola shrugs off title speculation, calls for more consistency

    Man City’s Guardiola shrugs off title speculation, calls for more consistency

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emphatically dismissed the growing speculation surrounding the Premier League title race, redirecting focus toward immediate challenges ahead of Wednesday’s crucial encounter with Fulham. Despite trailing league leaders Arsenal by six points, Guardiola maintains that external narratives about championship implications hold no value in his tactical preparations.

    The Catalan coach expressed frustration with media fixation on title implications, stating, “Every time I conduct pre-match interviews, the narrative suggests that a single loss would mean disappearing from planet earth. My sole concern is determining how to defeat Fulham.” This perspective comes amid a concerning run of form that has seen City secure only two victories in their last seven league matches, while Arsenal capitalized with four wins during the same period.

    Guardiola acknowledged the significant challenge posed by Marco Silva’s Fulham, recalling their dramatic 5-4 victory in December that required exceptional resilience. He lavished praise on Fulham’s development under Silva’s leadership, noting: “Their tactical patterns, quality, and composure in possession have improved remarkably. Marco is undoubtedly among the top managers I’ve faced and is destined for elite recognition.”

    On the injury front, Guardiola confirmed the return of defensive midfielder John Stones from a thigh injury sustained during the previous Fulham encounter. Additionally, defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been cleared despite suffering a concussion during Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Liverpool. Regarding the Uzbekistan international, Guardiola remarked: “While he doesn’t speak like Shakespeare, his intelligence and decision-making continue to develop impressively.”

    The manager emphasized that consistency remains City’s primary objective, stating: “We’ve demonstrated excellent qualities for many months, but maintaining consistent performance levels is our current challenge. Securing three points requires executing our tactical philosophy effectively rather than worrying about external standings.”

  • Farhan, spinners lead Pakistan to easy USA win in T20 World Cup

    Farhan, spinners lead Pakistan to easy USA win in T20 World Cup

    Pakistan delivered a commanding performance against the United States in their Group A T20 World Cup encounter in Colombo on Tuesday, securing a comprehensive 32-run victory that avenged their shocking defeat to the same opponent two years prior.

    Opener Sahibzada Farhan orchestrated Pakistan’s strong batting display with an impressive 73 runs from just 41 deliveries, featuring five sixes and six boundaries. The 29-year-old batsman reached a significant career milestone during his innings, surpassing 1,000 T20 international runs in his 41st match. He received substantial support from former captain Babar Azam, who contributed a brisk 46 from 32 balls, including four fours and one six.

    The foundation was established early as Farhan and opening partner Saim Ayub (19 from 17 balls) put on 54 runs within the first five overs. Despite a brief stumble that saw two quick wickets fall in the sixth over to USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk, Pakistan recovered emphatically through an 81-run third-wicket partnership between Farhan and Azam that dominated the middle overs.

    Pakistan’s final total of 190-9 was somewhat tempered by a late collapse that saw five wickets fall for just 13 runs in the final two overs, with van Schalkwyk emerging as the most successful American bowler with figures of 4-25.

    In response, the United States batting lineup struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack. Leg-spinner Usman Tariq proved particularly destructive, claiming 3-27, while all-rounder Shadab Khan supported with 2-26. Despite valiant efforts from Shubham Ranjane (51 from 30 balls) and Shayan Jahangir (49 from 34 balls), the American innings stalled at 158-8, unable to maintain the required run rate against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.

    The victory marks Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the tournament following their narrow three-wicket triumph over the Netherlands last Saturday. Captain Salman Agha described the performance as “clinical” while acknowledging room for improvement in powerplay bowling ahead of their highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India on Sunday—a fixture that was only confirmed after the Pakistani government reversed its initial boycott decision.

  • Sulaiman and Maqsood lead the charge as Sharjah hosts action-packed golf double bill

    Sulaiman and Maqsood lead the charge as Sharjah hosts action-packed golf double bill

    The historic Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club served as the epicenter of UAE’s golfing excitement this past weekend, hosting consecutive tournaments that showcased both social and competitive play. The prestigious venue, which has been a cornerstone for Northern Emirates golf enthusiasts for over twenty years, demonstrated why it remains a vital hub for grassroots golf development in the region.

    The weekend’s action commenced with the BMW Open Social tournament, generously supported by AGMC. Ideal course conditions and favorable weather set the stage for exceptional performances across all categories. Dominating the event were Ramli Sulaiman and Syed Maqsood, whose spectacular 12-under-par betterball round featured nine net birdies and two net eagles, securing them a commanding victory.

    Parallel competitions on the Front and Back Nine courses produced equally impressive results. Aleksandra and Jacek Hanusik carded a remarkable seven-under-par 28 on the Front Nine, while Grant Bowen and Zac Van Zyl captured Back Nine honors with a six-under-par 30.

    As evening approached, the focus shifted to the fourth round of the Golf Society League, sponsored by Golf Away. The match-play format intensified as teams across three divisions battled for crucial points ahead of the upcoming knockout stage.

    League 1 witnessed The Grass Holes delivering a masterclass performance, sweeping both matches against The Dubai Exputts to claim maximum points. Defending champions Nepalese Golf Society maintained their strong form with dual victories over The Hole Seekers, while The All Stars and Al Puza divided their matches, each earning three points.

    In League 2, Sharjah Bunker Boyz strengthened their qualification prospects with a comprehensive clean sweep against Social Society 1. Kegs 1 narrowly prevailed over Dubai Dragons 1 in a tightly contested encounter, securing one win and one draw for four valuable points.

    League 3 saw Spartans Golf Society dominate with two victories against Social Golf 2, while GolfLinx 2 and Dragons 2 split their matches, each collecting three points.

    The accompanying Betterball Stableford competition provided additional drama as Fernando Cabero and Imad Alhamad of The Grass Holes claimed top honors with 45 points, edging out Sami Butt and Ye Liu of Sharjah Bunker Boyz on countback after both pairs finished level.

    With the fourth round completed, attention now turns to the March 8 fixtures, where societies will continue their pursuit of qualification for the ultimate prize—a Golf Away sponsored trip to Thailand.

  • Al Layan Oasis: What Dubai’s newest attraction will look like

    Al Layan Oasis: What Dubai’s newest attraction will look like

    Dubai is poised to enhance its iconic skyline with the introduction of Al Layan Oasis, a groundbreaking attraction scheduled to open in February 2026. This ambitious project represents the latest addition to the emirate’s extensive portfolio of world-class destinations, blending innovative architectural design with traditional Arabian cultural elements.

    The development promises to transform the desert landscape into a lush, technologically advanced sanctuary featuring state-of-the-art visitor facilities, immersive experiential zones, and sustainable environmental design. Preliminary renderings suggest the oasis will incorporate advanced climate control systems to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round, revolutionary water conservation technologies, and botanical gardens showcasing regional flora.

    Tourism analysts project Al Layan Oasis will significantly boost Dubai’s appeal as a premium travel destination, potentially increasing annual visitor numbers by an estimated 12-15%. The attraction’s design philosophy appears to merge cutting-edge sustainability practices with luxury entertainment experiences, creating what developers describe as ‘a harmonious dialogue between traditional Bedouin heritage and futuristic innovation’.

    This development continues Dubai’s strategic expansion beyond traditional shopping and luxury tourism into experiential and educational attractions. Industry observers note the timing aligns with the emirate’s broader economic diversification goals and its positioning as a global leader in innovative tourism infrastructure.

  • Brad Pitt blockbuster F1 sequel in the works, producer confirms

    Brad Pitt blockbuster F1 sequel in the works, producer confirms

    Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer has officially confirmed that a sequel to the blockbuster film ‘F1’ is currently in development. The announcement came during the Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles, where Bruckheimer revealed to the BBC that the project is moving forward following the tremendous success of the original film.

    The original ‘F1′ feature, co-produced by seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has achieved remarkable commercial and critical success. Since its release last summer, the film has generated $630 million in global box office revenue, making it Apple Original Films’ most successful theatrical release to date. The production’s authenticity was enhanced by extensive filming during actual Formula 1 events throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including footage captured at prestigious venues like Silverstone during the British Grand Prix.

    Brad Pitt, who portrayed veteran driver Sonny Hayes in the original film, is expected to be involved in casting decisions for the sequel, though specific details about his return to the starring role remain undisclosed. The 62-year-old actor’s performance as a retired driver returning to the grid with fictional team APXGP has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike.

    The film’s industry recognition includes four Academy Award nominations, among them the coveted Best Picture category. Bruckheimer expressed both surprise and delight at this awards recognition, noting that the production overcame significant challenges including industry strikes during its development.

    Beyond the F1 sequel, Bruckheimer discussed an ambitious slate of upcoming projects including ‘Heat 2,’ another ‘Days of Thunder’ film, an additional ‘Top Gun’ installment, and a new chapter in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. The prolific producer also mentioned a ‘very interesting’ UFO-related project currently in development.

    The confirmation of the F1 sequel follows months of speculation within the entertainment industry, including recent hints from Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali during an Apple TV press event where he encouraged fans to ‘stay tuned’ for future announcements. The original film remains available for streaming on Apple TV+ platforms worldwide.

  • Father of killed Colombian candidate Miguel Uribe relaunches presidential bid

    Father of killed Colombian candidate Miguel Uribe relaunches presidential bid

    BOGOTA, Colombia — In a dramatic political development, Miguel Uribe Londoño, the 73-year-old father of assassinated presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, has declared his candidacy for Colombia’s presidency. The announcement came Tuesday during a campaign event in Bogota where the grieving father vowed to champion his son’s political vision despite having severed ties with the Democratic Center party originally founded by his family.

    Uribe Londoño emotionally addressed supporters, stating, “Today I tell the world that my son is the one who should be here. He was killed so that no one would make the bad guys uncomfortable… but Miguel lives.” He will represent Democratic Colombia, a minor political party initially established to advocate for Afro-Colombian rights that currently holds one congressional seat.

    The senior Uribe’s presidential bid follows a fractured relationship with the Democratic Center leadership after rumors surfaced that he might support an independent candidate if not selected as the party’s nominee. This disagreement prompted his resignation from the party he helped establish over a decade ago.

    This development occurs within Colombia’s increasingly crowded presidential field, where more than two dozen candidates are competing ahead of interparty primaries scheduled for early March. Current polling shows Ivan Cepeda from President Gustavo Petro’s left-wing Historical Pact coalition leading, followed by ultraconservative lawyer Abelardo de La Espriella, who has promised iron-fisted policies against criminal groups. President Petro is constitutionally barred from seeking reelection.

    The backdrop to this political story remains the tragic assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay, who was shot multiple times during a campaign rally last year and succumbed to his injuries after two months in intensive care. His killing represented a significant setback for a nation that has made substantial progress in reducing political violence through peace agreements, including the 2016 deal with FARC rebels.

    While Colombian authorities have made several arrests in connection with the assassination, including a teenager, the masterminds and motivations behind the attack remain undetermined. Official investigations have suggested possible involvement by Segunda Marquetalia, a rebel group led by former FARC members. The late Uribe Turbay had been an outspoken critic of drug trafficking organizations and had promised to increase military pressure on rebel groups engaged in peace talks with the current administration.