PAKISTAN batsman Umar Akmal could face a lifetime ban if convicted of match-fixing charges unveiled recently by the country's cricket authorities.
The 29-year-old was provisionally suspended by the anti-corruption unit of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on February 20, the day when the Pakistan Super League commenced in Karachi.
The PCB said Umar violated its code on two counts.
"The PCB has charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of the anti-corruption code which relates to not reporting a fixing offer," said a PCB press release.
Under the PCB anti-corruption code a player is required to immediately report to a team manager or officials of the anti-corruption unit when he receives an offer to fix a match.
Under the code if a player is found guilty the penalty ranges from a suspension of six months to a lifetime ban.
Umar has 14 days to respond to the charges in writing.
Umar has a history of disciplinary problems, having been arrested and detained for a day after a brawl with a traffic warden in 2014.
He was also banned for three months after a spat with then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur in 2017.
Last month he escaped punishment after making rude remarks to a fitness trainer in Lahore.
Often described as a talented yet undisciplined cricketer, Umar has played 16 Tests, 121 one-day internationals and 84 Twenty20 internationals since his debut in 2009.
He last played for Pakistan in the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka four months ago, failing to score in either match.
Umar's anti-corruption case is the latest of many that has hit Pakistan cricket in the last 20 years, resulting in life bans and fines for several players.
The PSL was hit by a spot-fixing case in 2017 when openers Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were banned for five years.
Iranian flags fly as fire and smoke from an Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot rise, following Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran onJune 15, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)
INDIA on Tuesday advised its citizens to leave Tehran as the conflict between Israel and Iran continued to intensify. Some Indian nationals have already left the country through its borders.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said Indian students have already exited the Iranian capital, while other residents who could manage transport on their own have been advised to leave due to the deteriorating situation.
"Residents who are self sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out of the city in view of the developing situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, "some Indians have been facilitated to leave Iran through the border with Armenia", located hundreds of kilometres northwest of Tehran.
The total number of affected Indian nationals has not been disclosed. As per government data from last year, around 10,000 Indians were in Iran.
India has also issued an advisory for its citizens in Israel, urging them to stay vigilant.
The advisory followed a call by US president Donald Trump, an ally of Israel, for "everyone" to "immediately" leave Tehran. The city has a population of nearly 10 million.
Fifth day of strikes between Israel and Iran
The hostilities between Israel and Iran continued on Tuesday, marking the fifth consecutive day of strikes in what has become their most intense confrontation yet. The two countries have long been engaged in covert operations and proxy conflicts, but the current fighting has raised fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East.
Israel said it launched "extensive" strikes on missile and drone sites in western Iran on Tuesday. Explosions and smoke were reported in the city of Tabriz, which hosts a major air force base.
AFP journalists reported loud explosions over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. According to police, shrapnel from incoming fire caused damage in both cities but there were no casualties. The fire service in Tel Aviv responded to a blaze in the commercial hub.
Israel’s attacks have so far killed at least 224 people and injured more than 1,200 in Iran, according to Iran’s health ministry on Sunday. No updated figures have been released since then.
In response, Iran’s attacks on Israel have killed 24 people and wounded 592, according to the office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel also claimed to have killed several top Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, and destroyed about one third of Iran’s surface-to-surface missile launchers.
"We have now achieved full air superiority over Tehran," said Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin.
Israel outlines campaign goals
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s military campaign aimed to bring about "radical changes" in Iran and was "changing the face of the Middle East".
He listed three primary objectives: the elimination of Iran’s nuclear programme, the destruction of its ballistic missile production capability, and the dismantling of what he called the "axis of terrorism", referring to Iranian-backed groups in the region.
"We will do what is necessary to achieve these goals, and we are well coordinated with the United States," Netanyahu said. He did not rule out targeting Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Evacuations and international responses
As fighting escalated, Trump posted on social media, "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" but did not provide further details. India and China also issued warnings to their citizens. China asked its nationals to leave Israel "as soon as possible", while Thailand announced preparations to evacuate its citizens from both Iran and Israel.
Earlier, Israel had issued an evacuation order for northern District 3 of Tehran, where the headquarters of state broadcaster IRIB is located. The building was later struck by Israeli fire. AFP journalists in Tehran reported hearing loud explosions throughout the city. The broadcaster said three people were killed in the attack.
Iran described the strike as a "war crime". In retaliation, it issued evacuation warnings for Israeli news channels.
Residential areas in both countries have been affected by the ongoing airstrikes. Iran said its targets in Israel included “sensitive and important” security locations as well as residences of military commanders and scientists.
A military official from Iran said on Tuesday that overnight drone attacks had destroyed “strategic positions” in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Calls for diplomacy
World leaders have continued to urge both sides to de-escalate the conflict.
China called on Iran and Israel to “immediately” reduce tensions and “prevent the region from falling into greater turmoil”. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi that Ankara was ready to play a "facilitating role" in ending the fighting.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said there was "a consensus for de-escalation" among G7 leaders, who are meeting in Canada. French president Emmanuel Macron urged both countries to end strikes on civilians and warned against efforts to overthrow Iran’s government, calling it a "strategic error".
Trump told reporters at the G7 that “Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk... before it's too late.” Later, he said he would leave the G7 early to work on something “much bigger” than a ceasefire.
Nuclear talks between the US and Iran had been scheduled for Sunday but were cancelled after Israel began its attacks.
The G7, in a joint statement, called for de-escalation in the region, starting with the Israel-Iran conflict.
Iran’s nuclear sites under scrutiny
Israel’s military campaign is partly aimed at countering what it sees as existential threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has been monitoring developments. Its head, Rafael Grossi, said on Monday there was “no indication of a physical attack” on the underground part of the Natanz uranium enrichment site. He added that radiation levels outside the facility remained “at normal levels”.
The IAEA had earlier confirmed that a key above-ground section of the Natanz site had been destroyed.
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Nicholas Galitzine teases his He-Man transformation with a shadowy behind-the-scenes image
Nicholas Galitzine has officially finished filming for Masters of the Universe, and to mark the moment, he gave fans a shadowy glimpse of his transformation into the iconic He-Man.
Taking to Instagram, the Red, White & Royal Blue actor shared a silhouetted image of himself in full He-Man gear, writing, “It’s been the role of a lifetime, and I put everything into it.” Though the costume details remain under wraps, the photo hints at the classic battle attire, loincloth, gauntlets, and the legendary Power Sword in hand.
The actor didn’t just slip into a role; he reshaped himself entirely. In a previous interview, Galitzine shared that he was eating nearly 4,000 calories a day and lifting heavy weights to bulk up for the physically demanding part. Playing both Prince Adam and his alter ego He-Man meant embracing not just the look but also the legacy of a pop culture titan.
“There's not much I can show you,” Galitzine teased, “but I am so proud of the film we’ve made.” His Instagram post thanked the cast and crew, clearly hinting at an intense and collaborative shoot.
Fans react to Galitzine’s physical transformation for his role as Prince Adam and He-ManGetty Images
The film, directed by Bumblebee filmmaker Travis Knight, brings to life Mattel’s classic toy line and 1980s animated series. The updated script is by Chris Butler, based on earlier drafts by David Callaham and the Nee brothers.
A star-studded cast and a legendary tale returns
Galitzine leads an ensemble that includes Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress, and Hafthor Björnsson as Goat Man, among others.
The story follows a young Prince Adam, who crash-lands on Earth and is separated from his mystical sword. Years later, he returns to Eternia, unlocks his hidden identity, and embraces his destiny as He-Man to stop Skeletor from conquering Castle Grayskull and the universe.
Nicholas Galitzine wraps Masters of the Universe filmingGetty Images
The long-awaited reboot comes on the heels of Mattel’s Barbie success and will now be released under Amazon MGM Studios. With Masters of the Universe slated for a 5 June 2026 theatrical release, fans of the franchise and Galitzine are eagerly waiting to shout, “By the power of Grayskull!” once again.
Meta has announced the appointment of Arun Srinivas as the new Managing Director and Head of its India operations. He will assume the role from 1 July 2025, reporting to Sandhya Devanathan, who was recently promoted to oversee Meta's operations in both India and South East Asia.
Expanded role for Srinivas
In his new position, Srinivas will be responsible for aligning Meta’s business, innovation, and revenue priorities to better serve partners and clients across India. His focus will include strengthening strategic relationships with advertisers, developers, and brands, as well as continuing to support Meta’s long-term growth in the region.
Srinivas will lead efforts to drive the company’s India charter and will play a key role in supporting initiatives around Reels, AI, and messaging services, which are key strategic priorities for the tech giant in the country.
Background and previous experience
Srinivas is currently the Director and Head of Ads Business for Meta in India, a position he has held since joining the company in 2020. In that role, he has worked with many of India’s top advertisers and agency partners, contributing to Meta’s growth in the region.
An alumnus of IIM Kolkata, Srinivas brings nearly 30 years of experience in sales and marketing. He has held senior roles at Hindustan Unilever, Reebok, OLA, and investment firm WestBridge Capital.
Leadership comments
Commenting on the appointment, Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President for India and South East Asia, said: “Arun’s track record in building high-performing teams and fostering strong partnerships makes him the ideal leader to drive Meta’s continued investment in India.”
Meta considers India a key growth market and continues to focus on expanding its presence through innovations in AI, Reels, and WhatsApp.
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Al Pacino greets Pope Leo XIV during their private meeting at the Vatican
Hollywood legend Al Pacino was granted a rare private audience with newly elected Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday. The meeting marked a historic first, as never before has a sitting pope from the United States received a film actor in an official capacity.
The 85-year-old actor is currently in Italy filming Maserati: The Brothers, a biopic that explores the lives of the visionary Maserati siblings who helped shape the global sports car industry. Pacino plays Vincenzo Vaccaro, a businessman who backed the Maserati family in their early years. The film also stars Anthony Hopkins, Andy Garcia, Jessica Alba, and Michele Morrone, and is directed by Oscar winner Bobby Moresco.
Pope Leo XIV becomes the first American pontiff to receive a Hollywood starInstagram/andreaiervolinorealfp
A meeting of shared values between church and cinema
Pacino was accompanied by the film’s Italian producer, Andrea Iervolino, who described the papal meeting as a “moment of profound spiritual and cultural inspiration.” In his statement, Iervolino said the discussion with Pope Leo XIV reflected values central to both the film and the Catholic Church: family, compassion, unity, and working for the greater good.
“These are the same principles Pope Leo XIV has emphasised in his recent public messages,” Iervolino added, drawing a connection between the Pope’s mission and the legacy of the Maserati brothers, a family known for their mutual respect, vision, and commitment to excellence.
Al Pacino shares a moment of reflection after meeting the Pope in Vatican CityInstagram/andreaiervolinorealfp
A photo from the visit shows Iervolino presenting a model Maserati in a glass case to the Pope, with Pacino looking on.
From the Bronx to the Vatican: Pacino’s spiritual full circle
Pacino, who was raised in a Catholic Italian-American household in 1940s New York, has spoken about his complicated relationship with faith, most notably in his 2024 memoir Sonny Boy, where he described a near-death experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His visit to the Vatican comes just weeks after it was confirmed that Maserati: The Brothers secured distribution in the U.S. and Europe, with over 2,000 screens set for release across North America.
Andrea Iervolino and Al Pacino presents a model Maserati to the Pope as Pacino looks onInstagram/andreaiervolinorealfp
Pope Leo XIV, formerly an Augustinian leader and the first American to hold the papacy, was elected last month following the death of Pope Francis. Born in Illinois and a fan of the Chicago White Sox, he addressed a crowd in the city via video this past weekend, signalling his deep ties to American culture.
A wave of spiritual upliftment swept through North London as Vaishnavacharya Pujya Goswami Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri delivered a three-day series of discourses on the foundational pillars of Pushtimarg, organised by VYO UK at the Dhamecha Hall in Harrow. Devotees from across the UK gathered to immerse themselves in divine teachings, soulful vachanamrut, and rare spiritual insights that touched the essence of Vallabh Vedanta.
The event commenced on 11 June with a ceremonial padhramni at Shri Kunj, followed by daily discourses that explored the divine character of Shrinathji, the grace of Yamunaji, and the timeless legacy of Shri Mahaprabhuji. The highlight included the celebration of the 108 Shree Yamunaji Lotiji Utsav on 13 June, drawing hearts together in joy and reverence.
In his address, JeJeShri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri shared a profound reflection: “What is the best character within you? Yamunaji teaches us to say ‘yes’ in every conversation with Thakorji — this is to truly listen, to understand, and to agree with grace. This is not just divine discipline but also the essence of our behaviour.”
He further emphasised the unified divinity of Shrinathji, Yamunaji, and Mahaprabhuji, reminding the congregation: “They may appear as different swaroop, but their tatva is one. To treat them as separate is a misunderstanding of divine unity.”
The discourses were graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, along with Pradipbhai Dhamecha, Ketanbhai Kotecha, Vinodbhai Thakrar, Dipakbhai Jatania, Umiben Radia, and many other community figures who appreciated the rich spiritual experience.
In a heartfelt moment, Shri Vrajrajkumarji also offered condolences for the victims of the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
The programme opened with a warm welcome address by Kanteshbhai Popat, Chairman of VYO UK. An overview of VYO’s ongoing and upcoming initiatives was shared by Jayshreeben Radia, President of VYO UK. The entire event was beautifully compered and hosted by Pratibhaben Lakhani, President of VYO North London – UK.