Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said Wednesday (23) spinning track alone will not guarantee his team's success in the forthcoming two-Test series against Australia.
Bangladesh beat England on a heavily turning pitch in their last home Test in October and a similar strategy could follow when they take on Australia in the first Test in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from Sunday (27).
"It is not that we will win just by making spin tracks," Tamim told reporters in Dhaka.
"Even if there is support for the spinners in the wicket, still our spinners will have to bowl really well."
Tamim added: "Our batsmen also have to bat well as well as our pacers, who need to bowl well in these surfaces. If you want to see success then all these things have to work together."
He warned Australia also had a "top-quality spinner in Nathan Lyon".
Opening batsman Tamim, also the vice-captain of Test squad, made a vital contribution in Bangladesh’s 108-run win over England when he scored a crucial century in the first innings.
Bangladesh have not played a Test against Australia since Ricky Ponting's team visited the country in 2006, six years after they were granted Test status.
Australia were due to play two Tests in Bangladesh in October 2015 but the tour was cancelled over security fears after a wave of attacks by Islamist extremists in the Muslim-majority nation.
Cricket Australia agreed to reschedule the series this year only after Bangladesh promised a head-of-state style security for the visitors.
The second Test will begin at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong from September 4.
Netflix drops first glimpse of The Ba**ds of Bollywood, Aryan Khan’s debut as director.
Teaser flips Shah Rukh Khan’s signature romance narrative into satire and action.
Cast includes Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa.
Backed by Red Chillies Entertainment, the series is set for release in 2025.
Netflix has unveiled the first teaser of ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, the much-talked-about directorial debut of Aryan Khan. The series, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, has already sparked buzz for its sharp, witty, and unconventional tone.
Aryan, son of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, makes his creative debut not as an actor but from behind the camera. In the teaser, he sets the stage with a striking voiceover: “Bollywood – jisse aapne saalon se pyaar bhi kiya aur vaar bhi kiya, main bhi wohi karunga, bohot saara pyaar… aur thoda sa vaar.” The line encapsulates the series’ theme, part tribute, part critique of the Hindi film industry.
The Ba***ds of Bollywood teaser signals a generational shift in Hindi cinemaYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
What is ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ about?
The show is described as a satirical take on Bollywood, bringing in romance, drama, and action with self-aware humour. The teaser opens with a familiar violin tune reminiscent of Mohabbatein, before introducing lead pair Lakshya and Sahher Bambba in a dreamy setup. But the mood quickly shifts to stylised action sequences, signalling that this is not a conventional love story.
Aryan’s narrative tone may remind audiences of Shah Rukh Khan, but his treatment shows a clear generational shift. The series positions itself as both an insider’s love letter and a cheeky critique of Hindi cinema’s biggest clichés.
Aryan Khan flips Shah Rukh Khan’s romance legacy into bold satireYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
Who is in the cast of Aryan Khan’s debut series?
The Ba**ds of Bollywood features a strong ensemble cast. Bobby Deol plays a pivotal role, alongside Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor.
Industry reports suggest that cameos from Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Karan Johar also feature in the show, adding to its star power. The combination of established actors and fresh faces hints at a mix of nostalgia and novelty, much like Aryan’s own vision for the series.
Netflix unveils first glimpse of Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of BollywoodYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
When will ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ release on Netflix?
While Netflix has not announced an exact release date, the series is scheduled to stream globally in 2025. The project was first introduced earlier this year during Netflix’s “Next on India” showcase, where Shah Rukh Khan himself unveiled the title. Since then, speculation around Aryan’s debut has steadily grown, and the newly released teaser confirms that the project is nearing completion.
Produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, the show has Aryan Khan as creator and director, with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan serving as co-creators and writers. Bonnie Jain and Akshat Verma are on board as executive producers.
Bobby Deol and Lakshya feature in Aryan Khan’s first Netflix projectYoutube Screengrab/Netflix India
Why Aryan Khan’s debut matters for Bollywood and streaming
Aryan Khan’s entry into direction is, in fact, an important generational moment for Bollywood. Unlike many star kids who choose acting as their first step, Aryan has opted for storytelling from behind the camera.
The show’s title itself; The Ba**ds of Bollywood, signals irreverence and a willingness to question the industry’s norms. With Netflix’s global platform, Aryan’s series could attract audiences beyond India, especially among younger viewers who consume Bollywood as both nostalgia and meme-worthy entertainment.
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The influence of internet and TikTok culture on modern English
Cambridge Dictionary adds words influenced by internet and TikTok culture.
New entries include “skibidi”, “delulu”, “tradwife”, “broligarchy”, “mouse jiggler” and “work spouse”.
Lexicographers say they only include terms with long-term staying power.
Words reflect the growing impact of online culture on everyday English.
Cambridge Dictionary reflects TikTok’s influence
The Cambridge Dictionary has added a series of new words that highlight the influence of internet and TikTok culture on modern English. Among the latest entries are “skibidi”, “delulu” and “tradwife”.
Colin McIntosh, the dictionary’s lexical programme manager, said: “Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture. We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power.”
What the new words mean
Skibidi – defined as a term that can mean “cool” or “bad”, or be used with no real meaning, often as a joke. Popularised by the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, it is widely used among children and teenagers. Example: “What the skibidi are you doing?”
Delulu – an abbreviation of “delusional”, defined as believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to. Originating in K-pop fandoms more than a decade ago, it has surged on TikTok with phrases such as “delulu is the solulu”.
Tradwife – short for “traditional wife”, referring to women who promote conservative gender roles online, celebrating homemaking and supporting their husbands. The dictionary notes the term is “especially used for women who post about this lifestyle on social media”.
Other notable additions
Broligarchy – a blend of “bro” and “oligarchy”, describing a small group of wealthy, powerful men in the tech industry who have or seek political influence.
Mouse jiggler – a device or piece of software, popularised in the post-pandemic era, used to make it appear that someone is working when they are not.
Work spouse – a workplace term describing two colleagues who support and trust each other closely.
Broader context
The inclusion of these terms reflects wider social and cultural debates. Commentators have described words such as skibidi as emblematic of chaotic internet humour, while the tradwife movement has attracted criticism for promoting regressive gender roles.
Despite generational divides over their value, lexicographers stress that these additions demonstrate how digital culture continues to reshape the English language.
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Fahadh Faasil says no to Alejandro González Iñárritu film over unpaid accent training
Fahadh Faasil confirmed he was in talks with The Revenant director Alejandro González Iñárritu for an international project.
The actor said the filmmaker had concerns about his accent and suggested a four-month stay in the US for training.
Faasil declined as the production was unwilling to cover the cost, adding he “didn’t feel the fire” to pursue it.
He emphasised that his creative journey is rooted in Malayalam cinema and he prefers to evolve within it.
Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil, fresh off the success of Maareesan, has opened up about an unusual chapter in his career: an offer to work with Academy Award-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu. Known for films like Birdman and The Revenant, the Mexican filmmaker had considered Faasil for a role in his upcoming Hollywood project.
In a recent interview with Cue Studio, the actor revealed that discussions reached the stage of a video call with Iñárritu. However, the collaboration fell through when the director raised concerns about Faasil’s English accent. The production suggested that Faasil spend several months in the United States to work on speech training, an arrangement that required him to relocate at his own expense.
“They wanted me to stay in the US for three or four months to perfect the accent,” Faasil explained. “But they weren’t ready to pay for that. That’s why I skipped it. Otherwise, I would have gone running. The commercial aspects of it wouldn’t have worked out. I didn’t feel that kind of fire for it.”
Fahadh Faasil says no to Alejandro González Iñárritu film over unpaid accent training Instagram/CueStudio
Was it rejection or a realisation?
Addressing whether the episode was a rejection, Faasil said he does not see it that way. “I spoke to him on a video call. It might be during that conversation that he also realised, ‘Oh, this isn’t the guy I’m looking for.’ These things happen. I’ve lost many films at such stages,” he admitted.
The actor stressed that missing out on a Hollywood project has not dampened his confidence. Instead, he sees it as part of the natural course of his career.
What stands out from his comments is how firmly Faasil anchors his artistic journey in Malayalam cinema. “All the magic in my life happened here in Malayalam. Even in the future, if any new changes were to happen, I want them to come from Malayalam. I don’t think I will leave Kerala for that. If a project emerges that redefines me in some way, I want it to be in Malayalam,” he said.
It is clear that for Faasil, global recognition is not about leaving his roots behind but about the quality of work produced at home. His outlook, in fact, reflects a broader shift where Malayalam cinema has gained worldwide acclaim for its strong storytelling and performances.
While Faasil did not name the project, reports suggest it may be Iñárritu’s untitled film starring Tom Cruise, slated for release in October 2026. The movie also features Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, and Sophie Wilde. Billed as a high-stakes drama about the “most powerful man in the world” racing against time to save humanity, it is among the most anticipated Hollywood releases.
Had Faasil been part of the cast, it would have marked a rare crossover for a Malayalam star into mainstream global cinema.
Fahadh Faasil says he wants to retire as a cab driver in Spain Instagram/fahad_nazrin
Fahadh Faasil’s upcoming projects
On the home front, Faasil is preparing for the release of Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, a comedy directed by Althaf Salim. The film, scheduled to hit theatres on 29 August, stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Lal, Revathi Pillai, Vinay Forrt, and Anuraj OB.
The actor continues to be one of the most versatile names in Indian cinema, with acclaimed performances in 22 Female Kottayam, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Aavesham, and Joji. Even without Hollywood credits, his body of work is celebrated both in India and abroad.
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Ducky Bhai arrested in Lahore over gambling app promotions
Popular Pakistani YouTuber Ducky Bhai, real name Saad ur Rehman, arrested at Lahore airport.
Accused of promoting illegal gambling apps including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet 365, and B9 Game.
Court granted National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) a two-day remand for further probe.
FIR cites fraud, electronic forgery, spamming, and cheating charges under PECA and Pakistan Penal Code.
Pakistani YouTuber Ducky Bhai, whose real name is Saad ur Rehman, was arrested on Sunday morning at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore while allegedly attempting to leave the country. The arrest was carried out by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused him of promoting unregistered gambling and betting applications through his online platforms.
The 27-year-old content creator was later presented before a judicial magistrate, who approved a two-day physical remand and directed the agency to submit a complete investigation report by Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
YouTuber Saad ur Rehman taken into custody for online betting linksYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Why was Ducky Bhai arrested?
According to the First Information Report, the case was registered by the state via NCCIA Lahore under sections 13 (Electronic Forgery), 14 (Electronic Fraud), 25 (Spamming), and 26 (Spoofing) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as well as sections 420 (Cheating) and 294-B (Offering prize in connection with trade) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIR alleged that Rehman promoted several betting platforms, including Binomo, 1xBet, Bet 365, and B9 Game, through his YouTube channel and social media accounts. Authorities claimed that these promotions encouraged the public to invest their money in gambling apps that were not registered in Pakistan.
The complaint said many users lost money after being misled into believing they could earn quick profits. It further alleged that Binomo and other apps failed to deliver promised returns, with investigators calling it a “fraudulent scheme.”
Ducky Bhai escorted to court in Lahore after his arrest over gambling app promotionsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Evidence presented in court
Officials stated that the inquiry began on 13 June 2025 following a tip-off that social media influencers were involved in promoting illegal betting apps. The NCCIA’s complaint included 27 video links from Ducky Bhai’s channel, some of which have since been deleted.
During his arrest at the airport, Rehman’s mobile phone was seized. Investigators claimed they recovered WhatsApp chats and payment records linked to Binomo promotions. Preliminary findings also suggested that he had been working as a “country manager” for Binomo, allegedly receiving payments without proper authorisation from Pakistan’s State Bank or Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The NCCIA maintained that the promotions were not just misleading but also financially damaging for thousands of followers who trusted the influencer.
Ducky Bhai accused of promoting Binomo and other gambling appsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
What happens next?
The Lahore court’s approval of a two-day physical remand allows the cybercrime agency more time to gather evidence. The agency is expected to submit a detailed report on 19 August 2025. Well-known lawyer Zain Ali Qureshi represented Rehman during the hearing.
This is not the first time the YouTuber has faced legal scrutiny. Earlier this year, he was booked for reckless driving on the motorway and was granted protective bail by the Lahore High Court.
If found guilty under PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code, the charges could carry serious financial penalties and prison terms.
YouTuber Ducky Bhai faces investigation for illegal gambling appsYoutube Screengrabs/PakistaniDiary
Wider crackdown on gambling app promotions
The arrest is part of Pakistan’s broader clampdown on illegal gambling and betting schemes being advertised by influencers. Authorities have warned that promoting unregistered apps violates national cybercrime laws and leaves unsuspecting citizens vulnerable to fraud.
Officials have indicated that other social media influencers and YouTubers could also face investigation if found to be involved in similar promotions.
Crackdown on gambling apps intensifies across PakistaniStock
With Ducky Bhai being one of Pakistan’s most-followed YouTubers, his arrest has sparked debate online about influencer accountability and the risks of monetising content through questionable endorsements.
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She criticised the UK government for what she described as eroding citizens’ rights and freedoms
Author Sally Rooney says she will continue to back Palestine Action, despite the group being proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Writing in the Irish Times, she pledged to use her book earnings and public platform to support the group’s activities.
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended the ban, citing security risks and evidence of violent action.
Palestine Action has targeted UK arms companies and was linked to an incident at RAF Brize Norton, causing £7m worth of damage.
Sally Rooney reaffirms support
Irish novelist Sally Rooney has said she will continue to support the pro-Palestinian direct action group Palestine Action, even after its proscription as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
In an article published in the Irish Times, the award-winning writer of Normal People and Intermezzo said she would keep using the proceeds of her work — including residuals from the BBC adaptations of Normal People and Conversations with Friends — to fund the group.
“If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it,” she wrote, describing her stance as part of resisting “genocide” in Gaza.
UK government’s stance
The group was banned by the UK government in July 2025. Defending the decision, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper argued that Palestine Action was not “a regular protest group known for occasional stunts” but an organisation linked to repeated unlawful activity.
She pointed to an “Underground Manual” allegedly produced by the group, which she said offered “practical guidance on how to identify targets to attack and how to evade law enforcement”.
Cooper added she had received “disturbing information” about future planned attacks, and warned: “These are not the actions of a legitimate protest group.”
Activities and legal cases
Since the ban, more than 700 people have been arrested, including over 500 at a central London demonstration last week.
The group’s most high-profile action came in June 2025, when members broke into RAF Brize Norton and sprayed two aircraft with red paint, causing an estimated £7m in damage.
In August 2024, alleged members also broke into Elbit Systems UK in Bristol — a subsidiary of the Israeli defence company — an incident which has led to criminal charges including aggravated burglary and violent disorder. The trial of 18 defendants is scheduled for November 2025.
Rooney’s history of activism
Rooney has previously spoken out against the group’s proscription, describing it in the Guardian earlier this year as an “alarming attack on free speech”.
In 2021, she refused permission for her novel Beautiful World, Where Are You to be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli publisher, saying she would only work with a company aligned with the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.
In her latest opinion piece, she criticised the UK government for what she described as eroding citizens’ rights and freedoms “to protect its relationship with Israel”.
Context
The war in Gaza began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health ministry figures, which the United Nations treats as broadly reliable.
Israel rejects allegations of genocide, but several international human rights organisations say its conduct amounts to genocide against Palestinians.