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  • Bayern powerbroker Uli Hoeneß ‘appalled’ by agent’s behavior as Dayot Upamecano contract talks go on

    Bayern powerbroker Uli Hoeneß ‘appalled’ by agent’s behavior as Dayot Upamecano contract talks go on

    MUNICH — Bayern Munich’s leadership has expressed growing concern over the unresolved contract situation of French international defender Dayot Upamecano. The 27-year-old center-back’s current agreement with the German champions is set to expire at the conclusion of this season, creating mounting anxiety within the club’s hierarchy.

    Uli Hoeneß, the influential honorary president of Bayern Munich, revealed his disappointment regarding the stalled negotiations. In an exclusive interview with Kicker magazine published Sunday, the 74-year-old club legend stated: “I would be absolutely delighted if Dayot Upamecano decides to remain with FC Bayern. I am aware that both he and his family have established strong roots in Munich and feel thoroughly comfortable here.”

    However, Hoeneß voiced significant concerns about external influences potentially derailing the extension talks. “My apprehension lies with his representatives, who appear to be employing every possible tactic to facilitate his departure from our club,” he added, highlighting the contentious nature of the discussions.

    The veteran executive, whose association with Bayern spans over forty years across various roles including player and manager, indicated that the club has made considerable financial concessions to meet the demands of both player and agent. Hoeneß described himself as “appalled” by the negotiating stance adopted by Upamecano’s representatives.

    According to Kicker’s sources, Bayern’s management team plans to arrange urgent talks with the defender in the coming days to address his future prospects and encourage a definitive decision. The situation has gained additional urgency due to reported interest from European powerhouses Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who could secure the player’s services without transfer compensation.

    Upamecano originally joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in 2021 after the Bavarian club activated his €43 million release clause. His professional journey in Germany began with Leipzig in 2017, following his transition from sister club Red Bull Salzburg. During his tenure with Bayern, the French international has made 178 competitive appearances while earning 35 caps for the French national team.

  • Pakistan says cricket team will boycott T20 World Cup match against India

    Pakistan says cricket team will boycott T20 World Cup match against India

    In a controversial decision with far-reaching implications for international cricket, the Pakistani government has granted its national team permission to compete in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup while simultaneously mandating a boycott of its high-profile group stage match against arch-rival India.

    The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and featuring twenty national teams, commences this Saturday. The Pakistani squad will conduct all its matches in Sri Lanka, a logistical arrangement necessitated by the persistent political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

    Official communication from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, disseminated via its verified social media channel, explicitly stated: “The Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.” No specific justification was provided for this selective boycott. However, the decision follows strong criticism from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who previously accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of applying “double standards” in its scheduling. Naqvi had been particularly vocal regarding the ICC’s refusal to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, a team ultimately replaced by Scotland for the tournament. The PCB chairman presented the complex situation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, leaving the final participation decision to the government.

    The ICC responded with a formal statement expressing deep concern, noting it was awaiting official confirmation from the PCB. The global governing body warned that Pakistan’s stance threatens “the spirit and sanctity” of world sporting events. “This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms,” the ICC asserted. While acknowledging governmental roles in national policy, the council emphasized that the boycott disadvantages global cricket and disappoints millions of fans, including those in Pakistan. The ICC urged the PCB to seek a “mutually acceptable resolution” and cautioned about the “significant and long-term implications” for Pakistan’s standing within the international cricket ecosystem.

    The financial ramifications are substantial, as a Pakistan-India clash traditionally generates enormous broadcast revenue and sponsor interest. A forfeit would automatically award two points to India. This diplomatic friction extends beyond politics onto the pitch; last year during the Asia Cup in the UAE, Indian players notably refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

    Team captain Salman Ali Agha, fresh from a 3-0 T20 series victory over Australia in Lahore, confirmed the team would comply with governmental directives. “It’s not our decision, we can’t do anything about it,” Agha stated. “We will do whatever our government and the PCB chairman say.” Pakistan’s tournament begins with a match against the Netherlands on Saturday, followed by fixtures against the U.S. on February 10th and Namibia on February 18th.

  • ‘Mardaani 3’ review: Rani Mukerji’s cop action drama stumbles

    ‘Mardaani 3’ review: Rani Mukerji’s cop action drama stumbles

    The highly anticipated third installment of the Mardaani franchise delivers a mixed bag of gritty social commentary and disappointing narrative execution. While Rani Mukerji returns with compelling intensity as the formidable Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy, the film struggles to maintain its initial momentum, ultimately collapsing under the weight of convoluted plotting and underdeveloped antagonists.

    The narrative opens with promise, exploring the disturbing phenomenon of girl child trafficking through the mysterious disappearance of two young victims—one from privileged diplomatic circles, another from impoverished circumstances. This setup effectively establishes the film’s central theme: the stark disparity in institutional response based on social status. The introduction of a female antagonist, Amma (Mallika Prasad), provides fresh dynamic to the franchise, suggesting a nuanced exploration of gender and villainy.

    Director Abhiraj Minawala demonstrates competent handling of the first act, crafting tense sequences that highlight both Shivani’s investigative prowess and Amma’s menacing presence. Prasad delivers a chilling performance that nearly matches Mukerji’s commanding screen presence, creating several electrifying confrontations between the two formidable women.

    However, the film undergoes a dramatic tonal shift post-interval, introducing an additional male villain whose cartoonish villainy and absurd scientific experiments undermine the grounded realism established earlier. The screenplay fractures into multiple disjointed directions, abandoning its social critique for generic action tropes reminiscent of 1990s Bollywood melodrama. What begins as a thoughtful examination of systemic violence against women degenerates into conventional masala entertainment, complete with exaggerated monologues and predictable set pieces.

    Despite these narrative flaws, Mukerji’s performance remains consistently excellent. Her portrayal of Shivani continues to resonate with authenticity and emotional depth, particularly during scenes where she confronts institutional indifference toward marginalized victims. The film’s production values and technical execution maintain professional standards throughout, though they cannot compensate for the fundamental storytelling deficiencies.

    The supporting cast receives minimal development, with most characters functioning as mere props to highlight Shivani’s heroism. This represents a significant departure from previous installments, which featured memorable antagonists that challenged the protagonist in compelling ways. The final product suggests a franchise struggling to balance social relevance with commercial expectations, ultimately satisfying neither objective completely.

  • Rafah border crossing reopens on limited, trial basis

    Rafah border crossing reopens on limited, trial basis

    The Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s primary connection to the external world, has initiated a preliminary reopening procedure on Sunday following an extensive 18-month closure period. This development emerges as a significant implementation measure subsequent to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire enacted on October 10, 2025.

    According to statements from Palestinian authorities conveyed to Xinhua, the present operation constitutes an experimental phase and does not presently impose restrictions on the transit of travelers or medical patients. The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an agency operating under the Defense Ministry, confirmed the resumption of border operations exclusively for pedestrian movement, with comprehensive bidirectional transit anticipated to commence imminently.

    A collaborative delegation comprising Palestinian, Egyptian, and European representatives is presently stationed at the crossing facility to conduct operational simulations and assess procedural readiness. Shadi Othman, the European Union’s media officer based in Jerusalem, characterized the event as a ‘trial simulation’ designed to evaluate on-ground operational capabilities through coordinated efforts with all involved stakeholders, including the European mission and Egyptian authorities.

    Othman emphasized that the paramount objective during this preliminary stage remains ensuring the crossing’s operational capacity for seamless bidirectional civilian transit. Notwithstanding these developments, Gaza’s health authorities indicate that no formal notifications regarding specific movement schedules for patients or travelers have been disseminated, attributing this delay to pending finalization of official crossing registries and procedural arrangements.

  • Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence pact will not include Turkey: Sources

    Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence pact will not include Turkey: Sources

    Saudi Arabian military sources have definitively stated that the recently established mutual defense agreement with Pakistan will remain exclusively bilateral, dismissing speculation about Turkish inclusion. This clarification comes following earlier reports from Turkish officials suggesting potential trilateral negotiations.

    The defense pact, formally announced last year, has generated significant international attention due to its strategic implications in a region experiencing heightened tensions. These tensions escalated following Israeli airstrikes in Doha targeting Hamas officials and subsequent Iranian bombing of a US air base in Qatar.

    A source within Saudi military circles explicitly told AFP: ‘Turkey won’t join the defense pact with Pakistan. It’s a bilateral pact with Pakistan and will remain a bilateral pact.’ This position was corroborated by a Gulf official who emphasized: ‘We have common agreements with Turkey but the one with Pakistan will stay bilateral.’

    The agreement’s significance is magnified by Pakistan’s status as a nuclear power, raising questions about potential nuclear components to the arrangement. This development occurs against the backdrop of recent intensified conflict between Pakistan and India in May, which resulted in over 70 casualties through missile, drone, and artillery exchanges—the most severe clashes between these nuclear-armed neighbors since 1999.

    Saudi Arabia played a crucial mediating role in de-escalating the Pakistan-India conflict, demonstrating Riyadh’s growing influence in regional security matters. Notably, Saudi Arabia maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties with India, which relies heavily on Saudi petroleum imports, with the Kingdom ranking as India’s third-largest oil supplier according to Indian foreign ministry data.

  • Pakistan trounces Australia by 111 runs to complete a 3-0 T20 series sweep

    Pakistan trounces Australia by 111 runs to complete a 3-0 T20 series sweep

    In a stunning pre-World Cup display, Pakistan delivered Australia’s most crushing defeat in Twenty20 cricket history with a monumental 111-run victory in Lahore on Sunday, completing a dominant 3-0 series sweep.

    The comprehensive triumph surpassed Australia’s previous worst T20 loss—a 100-run defeat against England in 2005. With the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka approaching, Australia’s persistent vulnerability against spin bowling was ruthlessly exposed by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, who recorded career-best figures of 5-18.

    Pakistan’s strategic decision-making proved impeccable from the outset, winning their third consecutive toss and posting a formidable 207-6—their highest-ever T20 total against Australia. The visitors crumbled under pressure, bowled out for a meager 96 in just 16.5 overs.

    Captain Salman Ali Agha expressed supreme confidence in his squad’s performance: ‘Over the past two days, we’ve been exceptional across all departments without discernible flaws. Our domination has been absolute, and I’m maintaining an optimal mindset for leadership and batting as we approach the World Cup.’

    Opener Saim Ayub provided stability with 56 off 57 balls, while under-scrutiny batsman Babar Azam answered critics with an unbeaten 50 off 36 deliveries. The innings’ explosive catalyst was Shadab Khan’s blistering 46 off just 19 balls, featuring five sixes that propelled Pakistan’s momentum.

    Australia’s batting collapse began early with Shaheen Shah Afridi dismantling the top order, removing captain Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw for single-digit scores. Nawaz’s spin wizardry then dismantled the middle order, with Marcus Stoinis (23) and Cameron Green (22) among his victims.

    Marsh acknowledged Pakistan’s superiority: ‘We were comprehensively outplayed throughout this series. Chasing on this surface proved exceptionally challenging, but we’ll extract valuable lessons from these defeats as we prepare for the World Cup.’

    The series demonstrated Pakistan’s emerging strength in T20 cricket, having previously secured victories by 19 runs and 90 runs in the opening matches.

  • Pakistan says it has killed 145 ‘Indian-backed terrorists’ in Balochistan after deadly attacks

    Pakistan says it has killed 145 ‘Indian-backed terrorists’ in Balochistan after deadly attacks

    Pakistani security forces have conducted a sweeping counterterrorism operation in the volatile southwestern province of Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of 145 militants allegedly backed by Indian intelligence. The intensive 40-hour campaign, which concluded on Sunday, represents the most significant single counterinsurgency achievement in decades according to provincial authorities.

    The operation was launched in direct response to coordinated suicide bombings and armed assaults that claimed 33 lives on Saturday, including 18 civilians and 15 security personnel. Among the civilian casualties were five women and three children, highlighting the brutal nature of the attacks that targeted both security infrastructure and residential areas.

    Sarfraz Bugti, Balochistan’s Chief Minister, identified the eliminated fighters as members of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which Pakistani officials refer to as ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ or ‘Indian Mischief.’ Bugti revealed that some of the deceased militants were Afghan nationals, reinforcing Pakistan’s longstanding allegations of cross-border terrorist support.

    The attacks occurred in a region critical to Pakistan’s economic ambitions, where the government has been actively seeking foreign investment in mining and mineral extraction. This security challenge emerges just months after a major U.S. metals corporation finalized a $500 million investment agreement with Pakistan in September 2025.

    Residents described scenes of terror as armed militants roamed freely before security forces intervened. ‘It was a very scary day in the history of Quetta,’ recounted local resident Khan Muhammad, reflecting the panic that gripped the provincial capital.

    Bugti reiterated accusations against both India and Afghanistan, claiming senior BLA leadership operates from Afghan territory despite Taliban commitments under the 2020 Doha agreement to prevent such cross-border operations. These allegations occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including recent Pakistani airstrikes on alleged terrorist hideouts inside Afghan territory.

    The BLA, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in August 2025, has conducted numerous attacks targeting security forces, Chinese interests, and infrastructure projects in the resource-rich province. The group is part of a long-standing separatist insurgency by ethnic Baloch groups seeking greater autonomy or independence from Pakistan’s central government.

  • India budget will focus on accelerating, sustaining strong economic growth, finance minister says

    India budget will focus on accelerating, sustaining strong economic growth, finance minister says

    Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has outlined an ambitious economic vision for the upcoming annual budget, emphasizing accelerated growth trajectories and enhanced business competitiveness despite global volatility. The fiscal plan prioritizes structural reforms, financial sector strengthening, and strategic investments in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.

    Current economic indicators reveal robust performance with 7.4% growth projected for the present financial year alongside remarkably controlled inflation near 2%. The government’s fiscal discipline is demonstrated through a managed deficit of 4.4% of GDP.

    Recent months have witnessed comprehensive policy measures designed to stimulate private investment and consumer demand. These include significant tax reductions, labor law modernization, and unprecedented opening of India’s nuclear power sector to private participation. Additional transformative policies are anticipated in the forthcoming budget announcement.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized this approach as shifting from ‘long-term problems to long-term solutions,’ creating predictable economic conditions that build international confidence. His administration forecasts continued expansion between 6.8-7.2% for the next fiscal year, with the coming quarter-century deemed critical for achieving developed economy status.

    Manufacturing receives particular attention with plans for a third major revitalization effort following previous initiatives. Defense manufacturing regulations are expected to undergo significant liberalization to attract investment.

    Internationally, India is pursuing strategic trade agreements, including a landmark pact with the European Union, to counterbalance recent trade challenges including 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on certain Indian exports to the United States.

  • A luge love story: These Olympics have a lot of meaning for Emily and Dominik Fischnaller

    A luge love story: These Olympics have a lot of meaning for Emily and Dominik Fischnaller

    The Olympic sliding track has become the backdrop for an extraordinary love story between American luger Emily Fischnaller and Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller. What began as a teenage romance across continents has evolved into both a marriage and a unique Olympic partnership as they prepare to compete against each other at the Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Games.

    Their relationship endured the immense challenges of a 15-year long-distance courtship, with both athletes frequently questioning whether their transatlantic connection could survive the relentless demands of elite competition. The pivotal question that sustained them through years of separation—’Are we worth it?’—always received a resounding affirmative, culminating in their courthouse wedding last spring with just nine days’ preparation.

    Now residing in Italy near the Olympic venue, the Fischnallers represent different nations but share identical competitive aspirations. Dominik, the reigning men’s singles bronze medalist entering his fourth Olympics, and Emily, a world championship bronze medalist competing in her third Games, both arrive as legitimate medal contenders.

    Their story reflects a broader trend of Olympic power couples competing in Milan-Cortina. From U.S. alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin engaged to Norwegian racer Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, to married ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, these relationships redefine athletic camaraderie. The Fischnallers particularly relate to U.S. bobsledder Kaysha Love’s description of having a ‘secret weapon’ in a partner who provides unwavering support.

    The couple has overcome significant obstacles, including Emily’s catastrophic crash at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics that resulted in broken neck and back vertebrae. Dominik admits to experiencing ‘10,000 times more pain’ when watching his wife compete, yet both acknowledge these challenges have strengthened their bond.

    As they approach possible retirement decisions post-Olympics, the Fischnallers are building their future together while embracing the unique opportunity to share this competitive experience. ‘We’re here. We’re happy,’ Dominik reflects. ‘And we’re having a good life.’ Their story transcends typical athletic narratives, demonstrating how love can thrive amid the pressures of world-class competition.

  • French tech giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary working for ICE

    French tech giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary working for ICE

    French technology conglomerate Capgemini has initiated the immediate divestiture of its US subsidiary following mounting political pressure and public outrage over its contractual relationship with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision comes amid intensified scrutiny of ICE’s enforcement methods after two fatal shootings of US citizens by agency personnel.

    Capgemini Government Solutions, the American subsidiary, secured a $4.8 million contract with ICE on December 18, 2025, to provide ‘skip tracing services’—specialized investigative techniques to locate individuals with unknown whereabouts. This contract, one of thirteen held by the subsidiary with ICE, was scheduled to continue through March 15, 2026.

    The controversy reached critical mass following the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both US citizens fatally shot by ICE agents during enforcement operations in Minneapolis. These incidents triggered nationwide protests and intensified examination of ICE’s practices under the Trump administration’s renewed deportation initiatives.

    Capgemini’s leadership claimed they became aware of the contract’s nature ‘through public sources’ only recently. CEO Aiman Ezzat stated on LinkedIn that ‘the nature and scope of this work has raised questions compared to what we typically do as a business and technology firm.’ The company officially cited an inability to ‘exercise appropriate control over certain aspects of this subsidiary’s operations to ensure alignment with the Group’s objectives.’

    The revelation provoked strong reactions from French politicians across the spectrum. Finance Minister Roland Lescure demanded transparency regarding the ICE contracts, while left-wing parliamentarian Hadrien Clouet called for sanctions against French companies collaborating with ICE, declaring ‘We do not accept this.’

    The ongoing situation reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the US, where ICE has detained thousands and regularly conducted operations in public spaces, leading to numerous clashes with protesters.