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Aditya Uppal recalls turning down ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as Omar Haider: ‘My immediate response was ‘no, not now’ |


Aditya Uppal, initially hesitant to act after a decade-long break, found his way back to the screen with ‘Dhurandhar’. Despite a seemingly small role, his impactful presence, especially in the sequel’s climax and the ‘Tamma Tamma’ scene, garnered significant attention and a surge in his social media following, reigniting his acting career.

‘Dhurandhar’ turned out to be a major cinematic moment, but for Aditya Uppal, the journey into the film was far from straightforward. Cast as Omar Haider, a Lyari Task Force officer in Aditya Dhar’s action drama, the actor initially declined the opportunity. What followed was an unexpected turn of events that eventually brought him back to the screen after years.Recalling how the offer first came his way, Uppal shared with Hindustan Times, “In 2024, I got a call from Mukesh Chabbra’s office saying ‘there is something interesting you’d like to do?’ and my immediate response was ‘no, not now!’ as I was seriously busy with my ad agency business.”

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Dhurandhar 2 Online Leak Exposed; Fans Take Quick Action To Alert Aditya Dhar

Having stayed away from acting for nearly a decade, he admitted that self-doubt had crept in. “So, there is a kind of disbelief which seeps in,” he said, explaining how he had grown used to hearing rejections or being considered for smaller parts.

How did Aditya Uppal eventually land role in ‘Dhurandhar’?

Despite his initial refusal, things took a different turn when he decided to audition. “But, then, the casting associate suggested I go for it and I gave a very casual audition. Then multiple auditions and a look test happened and I got selected. I am grateful that I was asked to reconsider after a no!” he said.Aditya had earlier appeared briefly in ‘Break Ke Baad’ and ‘Omerta’, but ‘Dhurandhar’ marked a significant return, offering him a more impactful presence on screen. When ‘Dhurandhar’ released, his role seemed limited at first, leading to mixed reactions at home. “Of course they were happy to see me on the big screen as part of a mega film but expected that I would get more scenes or dialogues,” he shared.Uppal revealed that he stayed quiet for months, knowing what the sequel held. “They came with zero expectations in part two but when the ‘Tamma Tamma’ song scene started and my role took off, all were elated.”

End-credit moment of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

The turning point came unexpectedly during the film’s closing moments. “We were leaving and then the final shot came and my cousin shouted ‘tu to phir aa gaya!’ The movie ending on me was a bonus!” he recalled. That brief appearance struck a chord with audiences and quickly gained traction online, making him a widely recognised face almost overnight. With growing popularity came a mix of responses on social media. “My 1.2K following on Insta shot to 33K so I am getting recognition,” he said.Alongside appreciation, he also received unusual reactions from viewers. “With love I am getting weird messages as well like ‘How can I torture Yalina (Sara Arjun)?’, ‘Hamza could have killed more if I had not done investigation’ or ‘How can I hit Hamza?’.” He added that one emotional moment stood out, saying, “Best was when I got emotional when an offer rose on my boss Aslam’s coffin and the public was clapping on it.”

What’s next for Aditya Uppal after ‘Dhurandhar’?

Currently spending time in Goa with his family, Aditya revealed that new opportunities are finally coming his way. “I am getting offers to read scripts which I want to sensibly move forward. I have waited for this day for 16 years!” he said. After years away from the spotlight, ‘Dhurandhar’ has not only revived his acting career but also opened doors to more substantial roles in the future.



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WATCH: PSL ground staff’s hilarious experiment failure with the wind during rain-interrupted league match



The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has long been celebrated as a stage for high-octane T20 cricket, blending Pakistan’s local flair with international stardom. However, the 2026 edition has recently found itself in the eye of a storm, quite literally. What began as a season of immense promise has transitioned into a series of logistical and disciplinary hurdles, leaving fans and officials alike navigating a comedy of errors that has threatened to overshadow the talent on the field.

Gusty conditions send PSL ground staff tumbling in Lahore

The Tuesday night fixture at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi was expected to be a heavyweight clash. Instead, it became a battle against the elements. A sudden, violent thunderstorm accompanied by hailstones and fierce winds lashed the venue, forcing the match to be abandoned without a single ball being bowled. While the washout was a blow to the standings, the real show happened during the frantic attempts to cover the pitch.

As the wind picked up speed, the Gaddafi Stadium ground staff found themselves in a hilarious, albeit dangerous, wrestling match with the heavy tarpaulin sheets. In a scene that quickly went viral on social media, several staff members were seen being lifted and tossed by the billowing covers as they struggled to anchor them against the gale. One groundsman, caught in a particularly strong gust, was sent tumbling across the turf, highlighting the chaotic nature of the evening. The experiment of trying to outmanoeuvre nature failed spectacularly, leaving visible wet patches and a saturated outfield that eventually forced match referee Roshan Mahanama to call off the game. This incident adds to a growing list of PSL 2026 mishaps, ranging from discoloured team kits to underwhelming stadium attendances in certain legs.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: David Warner pulls up Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan over inattentive behaviour at PSL 2026 conference

Fakhar Zaman suspended for two matches over ball tampering in PSL 2026

While the wind caused chaos in Lahore, a more serious storm was brewing in the disciplinary offices of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Lahore Qalandars’ star batter, Fakhar Zaman, has been slapped with a two-match suspension following a high-profile ball-tampering incident. The controversy stems from a tense Sunday clash against Karachi Kings, where the Qalandars were defending a slim margin in the final over.

The drama unfolded when Haris Rauf was preparing to bowl the 20th over with Karachi needing 14 runs. Footage showed captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rauf, and Zaman huddled together, all three handling the ball. Following a request from umpire Faisal Afridi to inspect the leather, officials determined that the ball’s condition had been deliberately altered. Consequently, a five-run penalty was awarded to Karachi Kings, and the ball was replaced. This penalty proved decisive, as Karachi’s Abbas Afridi capitalized on the reduced target to seal a four-wicket win.

Zaman was charged with a Level 3 offense under Article 2.14 of the PCB Code of Conduct. Despite his denial of any wrongdoing, match referee Mahanama upheld the charge, leading to the maximum suspension. As the PSL 2026 moves forward, the league faces the dual challenge of tightening its disciplinary grip and hoping for better luck with the unpredictable spring weather.

Also READ: Ball-tampering in PSL 2026: Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman under fire after viral clip





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‘No existential threat’: Israeli foreign minister jibes Iran, says can’t promise this will be ‘last war’


'No existential threat': Israeli foreign minister jibes Iran, says can't promise this will be ‘last war’

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday indicated that ongoing and future conflicts remain a possibility, saying that the country cannot guarantee the current war will be its last.Speaking amid continued regional tensions, Saar said Israel’s adversaries still retain the capability to launch attacks, though they do not currently pose a fundamental threat to the country’s existence.

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UAE ‘Joins’ Trump’s Iran War, ‘Readies Warships, Ground Troops’ To ‘Free’ Hormuz | Report

“We will need, in the future as well, to remain vigilant against our enemies’ plots,” he said. “We do not promise that this will be ‘the last war’,” he said. His remarks come as war in the Middle East, now in its second month, shows no sign of abating. The offensive from both sides continues to escalate only, US-Israel and Iran and allied groups. While Israeli officials maintain that their security posture has contained major threats, they acknowledge that risks from hostile actors persist.Saar emphasised that despite ongoing hostilities, Israel does not face an “existential threat” at present, suggesting that while security challenges continue, they are being managed within the country’s defence framework.It comes as US president Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran has asked for “ceasefire,” and went on to describe the “new Iranian regime as much less radicalised and much more intelligent.”



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Birthright citizenship case: Trump becomes first sitting US president to attend oral arguments at SC


Birthright citizenship case: Trump becomes first sitting US president to attend oral arguments at SC

Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday. The apex court is examining the constitutionality of his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or on temporary visas.Trump confirmed his plans a day earlier, telling reporters, “I’m going… I think so, I do believe,” before departing the White House on Wednesday morning for the hearing. The order, signed on January 20, 2025 at the start of his second term, forms a central plank of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. However, every lower court to review the policy has ruled against it, blocking its implementation. A final decision from the Supreme Court is expected by early summer.Trump’s presence in the courtroom breaks with long-standing norms. Presidents have traditionally avoided attending Supreme Court arguments to maintain a clear separation between the executive and judicial branches, and to avoid any perception of influencing the bench. Legal experts say the appearance reflects the high personal and political stakes for Trump, even as they argue it is unlikely to affect the justices’ decision-making.The hearing itself features a high-profile legal clash. Solicitor General D. John Sauer, who previously secured a major presidential immunity ruling favourable to Trump, is arguing in defence of the administration’s policy. Opposing him is American Civil Liberties Union legal director Cecillia Wang, who is presenting her case against the order.The arguments are expected to run beyond their scheduled time, as the nine justices led by Chief Justice John Roberts weigh a case with far-reaching constitutional implications.



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‘Who is the biggest litigant? Cost should be imposed’: SC imposes Rs 25,000 penalty on Centre over CISF dismissal case | India News


'Who is the biggest litigant? Cost should be imposed': SC imposes Rs 25,000 penalty on Centre over CISF dismissal case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday imposed costs of Rs 25,000 on the Centre for challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had set aside the dismissal of a CISF official, observing that the matter involved unnecessary litigation.Upholding the high court’s ruling, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan also directed that the official be granted back wages, holding that the punishment imposed was disproportionate.“We fail to understand why the Union of India has challenged the order of the high court division bench. We hear pendency, pendency. Who is the biggest litigant? Cost should be imposed,” said Justice Nagarathna, as cited by PTI.“Why can’t there be an opinion that if the high court found it disproportionate and granted relief setting aside all the orders, we shall not go to the Supreme Court? He took medical leave but he also had to deal with an elopement in his family,” she added. Referring to her recent remarks at a conference organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Justice Nagarathna said the court had taken the observations regarding the government’s role in the backlog of cases very seriously.“It was not just to go to some resort and come back. We made preparations, we did homework. We spoke. Not to forget,” she said.Two charges were levelled against the CISF official, absence from duty for 11 days and alleged indiscipline for purportedly conniving with a woman, the daughter of a CISF constable, to leave Mumbai and attend her wedding with his younger brother.The high court, however, noted that the 11-day absence had been explained, as the official was on sanctioned medical leave during that period.Justice Nagarathna noted that during the disciplinary proceedings, the woman involved had appeared and stated that she had no grievance against the respondent-petitioner regarding the allegation that she had run away with his brother.“It is otherwise not in dispute that the brother of the respondent-petitioner had married the lady concerned. It has, therefore, been found that in-fact there was no misconduct on the part of the respondent for which he could be removed from service,” said the High Court.



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RCB vs CSK: Tickets, metro perks & all you need to know ahead of big clash | Cricket News


RCB vs CSK: Tickets, metro perks & all you need to know ahead of big clash
RCB vs CSK on March 5 (Screengrab)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is set for a blockbuster clash against Chennai Super Kings on March 5 on their homeground Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. With one of the most anticipated clashes of IPL 2026 approaching, tickets have officially gone live, and fans have been provided with detailed guidelines to ensure a smooth match-day experience.How to Book RCB vs CSK TicketsTickets are available exclusively through the official RCB website and mobile app. Fans are advised to avoid third-party platforms or unauthorized sellers, as only official channels guarantee valid entry into the stadium.In a major boost for spectators, all valid ticket holders will be eligible for complimentary metro travel on match day. Fans can access this benefit via the Metro QR code available alongside their mobile ticket, making travel to and from the venue hassle-free.M-Ticket & Entry GuidelinesEach digital ticket will include essential details such as entry gate, stand, row, and seat number. The QR code required for stadium entry will be activated only a few hours before the gates open. Spectators are advised to check their tickets carefully and follow designated entry points via Cubbon Road, Link Road, and MG Road. Entry through Queens Road will be restricted, except for select Pavilion stands.Fans are encouraged to arrive early, follow the guidelines, and enjoy a seamless match-day experience at Chinnaswamy.Strong Start From RCB as defending Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru kicked off their campaign in dominant fashion, registering a strong win in their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. Defending champions RCB began their IPL 2026 campaign with a clinical 6-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, 2026. Chasing a target of 202, RCB reached 203/4 in just 15.4 overs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, recording the fastest 200+ run-chase in IPL history. Meanwhile, CSK had a rough Start of IPL 2026 as Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured a dominant 8-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2026 season opener on March 30, 2026. Played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, RR chased down a target of 128 in just 12.1 overs, finishing at 128/2 with 47 balls to spare.



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US retail sales rise 0.6% in February; Iran war fuel spike threatens consumer spending outlook


US retail sales rise 0.6% in February; Iran war fuel spike threatens consumer spending outlook

US retail sales rose 0.6 per cent in February after a slight decline in January, signalling cautious consumer activity even before a sharp surge in fuel prices triggered by the Iran war, according to AP.Data released by the Commerce Department showed retail sales rebounded from a 0.1 per cent drop in January, beating expectations. However, economists have flagged concerns that rising energy costs could weigh on consumer spending in the coming months.Gasoline prices crossed USD 4 per gallon this week for the first time since 2022, with the national average reaching USD 4.06 on Wednesday–about USD 1 higher than before the conflict began.Retail activity was mixed across categories. Sales at clothing and accessories stores rose 2 per cent, while electronics and appliance stores saw a 0.5 per cent increase. Online retail sales grew 0.7 per cent.The data excludes services such as travel and hotels, but restaurant spending–the only services category included –rose 0.4 per cent.The Iran war, which began on February 28, has disrupted global oil supplies by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global oil typically flows. Brent crude prices have risen more than 45 per cent since the start of the conflict.Diesel prices have increased faster than gasoline, raising transportation costs for businesses and adding to inflationary pressures.Economists had expected higher tax refunds to boost spending early in the year, but rising fuel costs are likely to offset that benefit.“The hit to real incomes from higher gas prices is especially regressive, hurting lower-income households disproportionately, while the lift from tax refunds is more evenly spread,” said Samuel Tombs, chief economist at Pantheon Economics. “Moreover, refunds will slow to a trickle by late April, providing little protection if high prices persist.”Tombs estimated that higher fuel prices could reduce real household incomes by about USD 15 billion per month.Patrick De Haan, an analyst at GasBuddy, said gas prices are approaching 3 per cent of median household income, a level that could start affecting discretionary spending.“When that gets up to about 4, 4 1/2, 5%, that’s really when people really start trimming back on some of their discretionary purchases,” he said.Retailers have also begun warning about the potential impact. Daniel Erver, CEO of Hennes & Mauritz, said rising energy costs are expected to have a “significant impact on the consumer behavior.”Darren Rebelez, CEO of Casey’s General Store, said a sharp pullback in spending is unlikely unless gasoline prices approach USD 5 per gallon.



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‘Iran has asked for ceasefire’: Trump claims new regime ‘less radical’, says no deal till Hormuz is free


'Iran has asked for ceasefire': Trump claims new regime 'less radical', says no deal till Hormuz is free

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran has approached Washington seeking a “ceasefire” stating that the “new regime president is much less radicalised”. He also blasted Tehran saying that any consideration of ceasefire would depend on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!”

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‘Deal Or…’: Trump Losing Hope In Iran War Outcome? U.S. President’s Shocker After Hormuz Setback

“We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” the US president added.Trump’s remarks came after he earlier suggested that the US could soon exit the conflict. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said, “We’ll be leaving very soon,” adding that a withdrawal could happen “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.”“Iran doesn’t have to make a deal, no,” he said, stressing that the key objective is to ensure Tehran cannot quickly develop a nuclear weapon. “Then we’ll leave,” he added.On the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Trump indicated that the US would not take responsibility for securing the passage. “That’s not for us. That’ll be for France. That’ll be for whoever’s using the strait,” he said, adding there is “no reason for us to do this.”In remarks that could reshape US alliances, Trump also told The Telegraph that leaving Nato was now “beyond reconsideration,” saying, “I was never swayed by Nato. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”Earlier, Trump lashed out at US allies for not backing Washington in the conflict, urging them to secure their own energy supplies.“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom… Number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just take it,” he posted.“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore… Go get your own oil!” he added.The comments come after Nato allies declined to support US calls to deploy forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route disrupted during the conflict with Iran. Nearly 20% of global oil flows through the strait, and its closure has driven volatility in global energy markets.



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Vikrant Massey flags restaurant’s illegal service charge through SM post, deletes it later |


Vikrant Massey called out a restaurant on Instagram for illegal service charge, sharing a bill photo tagging authorities. Netizens praised him, but he deleted the post soon after. From 12th Fail (National Award) to Mirzapur, his acclaimed career leads to White biopic as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Vikrant Massey grabbed eye balls after he took to his social media to call out a restaurant for allegedly imposing an illegal service charge. The actor, who often uses his platform to speak, shared a picture of the restaurant bill highlighting the extra charge, questioning why customers are still being made to pay such fees despite government guidelines clearly stating otherwise.

Vikrant Massey exposes billing malpractice

His post quickly caught the attention of netizens, with many appreciating him for shedding light on the issue. However, the ‘12th Fail’ actor soon deleted the story without any explanation, sparking curiosity among fans and discussions online about what led him to take it down.

WhatsApp Image 2026-03-31 at 5.23.34 PM.

Sharing the photo of the bill on Instagram story, he wrote, “Most restaurants continue charging the now illegal “service chager”. @cbicindia @cmomaharashtra_ @mumbaipolice”.

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Vikrant Massey Openly Admits He Tried PR, Felt ‘Fake,’ and Quit

Vikrant Massey’s acclaimed film journey

Vikrant Massey big-screen debut came with ‘Lootera’ and ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, but he earned critical acclaim for ‘A Death in the Gunj’, ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’, ‘Chhapaak’, ‘Haseen Dillruba’, and its sequel, while OTT platforms boosted him further via ‘Mirzapur’ (as Bablu Pandit), ‘Broken But Beautiful’, ‘Criminal Justice’, and ‘Made in Heaven’. The pinnacle arrived with ‘12th Fail’ (2023), portraying IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor (shared), followed by ‘Sector 36’, ‘The Sabarmati Report’ and ‘Blackout’.

Vikrant Massey preps for ‘White’ biopic

On the work front, Vikrant is gearing up for a demanding new role on the professional front, set to play spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the upcoming biopic ‘White’.



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Here’s the reason why Fakhar Zaman has been handed a two-match ban in PSL 2026



The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has been rocked by a major disciplinary scandal involving one of its most prominent stars. Lahore Qalandars’ veteran opener, Fakhar Zaman, has been handed a two-match suspension following a high-stakes investigation into ball-tampering allegations. The decision comes at a critical juncture in the tournament, leaving the two-time champions without their premier explosive batter for upcoming clashes against Multan Sultans and Islamabad United.

The incident, which occurred during the closing stages of a thrilling encounter between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium, has sparked intense debate across the cricketing world regarding player conduct and the pressure of the death overs.

Why Fakhar Zaman is suspended for two matches in PSL 2026?

The suspension is the result of a Level 3 offence under the PSL Code of Conduct. Specifically, Fakhar was found guilty of breaching Article 41.3, which strictly prohibits players from altering the condition of the ball.

The drama unfolded during the final over of Karachi Kings’ run chase on Sunday night. As Karachi required 14 runs to win, on-field umpire Faisal Afridi intercepted the ball after it had been passed between captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar. Video footage reviewed during the hearing reportedly showed Fakhar applying significant pressure and manipulating the ball’s surface in a manner that exceeded natural wear and tear.

Following a consultation with fellow umpire Sharfuddoula, the officials took the rare step of:

  • Awarding five penalty runs to Karachi Kings.
  • Ordering an immediate ball replacement, allowing the batting side to choose the new ball.

Match Referee Roshan Mahanama spearheaded the disciplinary hearing, determining that the physical evidence of the ball’s condition was consistent with deliberate tampering. Under the league’s regulations, a first-time Level 3 offence carries a mandatory suspension of one to two matches; Mahanama opted for the maximum penalty, citing the severity of the breach.

Also READ: Ball-tampering in PSL 2026: Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman under fire after viral clip

Zaman on the verdict and his PSL 2026 case

Fakhar has maintained a firm stance of innocence throughout the proceedings. Unlike many players who accept a referee’s sanction to avoid further scrutiny, Fakhar contested the initial charge, necessitating a full formal hearing.

During the session attended by Lahore Qalandars’ leadership including Afridi and Team Director Sameen Rana, Fakhar argued that his actions were misinterpreted and that he did not intend to unfairly influence the ball’s trajectory or grip. Despite his defense, the match referee remained unconvinced, leading to the two-match ban.

The verdict has significant ramifications:

  • The appeal window: Under the PSL code, Fakhar has 48 hours to lodge an official appeal with the PSL Technical Committee.
  • Team impact: The Qalandars are now forced to reshuffle their top order for their April 3rd fixture against the Sultans and the April 9th showdown with Islamabad United.

While the franchise has expressed disappointment over the severity of the ruling, the PCB has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding on-field integrity. For Fakhar, a player known for his aggressive yet fair play, this verdict remains a significant blot on an otherwise illustrious career in the PSL.

Also READ: PCB penalizes Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for breaching security protocol and posting offensive tweet during PSL 2026



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