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Pakistan's Shadab fights hepatitis ahead of World Cup

Pakistan's fast-rising all-rounder Shadab Khan was on Wednesday battling to be fit for the World Cup after contracting hepatitis, reportedly from a dentists's non-sterilised instruments.

The 20-year-old was last month ruled out of Pakistan's ongoing tour of England after blood tests revealed he was suffering from hepatitis.


Pakistan media reported that Shadab contracted the virus during dental treatment in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Shadab had a check-up with a UK-based doctor and was advised two weeks rest.

"Shadab had a check up with Dr Patrick Kennedy, a world renowned gastroenterologist and hepatologist who specialises in liver disease in elite sportsmen and was put on medication," said a PCB release.

After two weeks rest, Shadab will undergo another round of blood tests in Lahore after which his availability for the World Cup will be assessed, a PCB spokesman said.

Shadab was included in Pakistan's 15-man preliminary World Cup squad announced last month.

All ten teams in the tournament have until May 23 to change their squads for the World Cup which starts in England and Wales from May 30.

A leg-spinner of great potential, Shadab has been Pakistan's key bowler in one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket since his debut in 2017.

He has 47 wickets in 34 ODIs and 44 wickets in 32 T20Is.

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Inside Netflix’s 50% surge: the regional creators and stories driving Southeast Asia’s global rise

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Highlights:

  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
  • Premium VOD revenue in the region reached £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore) last year, with 53.6 million subscriptions.
  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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