Dec 28, 2025
Christian Aid's Counting the Cost 2025 ranks India-Pakistan monsoon as 5th costliest disaster at $3B. Explore 8% above-normal rains, 1,860 deaths, crop losses, and climate links—urgent insights for South Asia floods.
seen from Germany
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Spain
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from Israel
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Russia
seen from Russia
seen from Singapore
seen from China
seen from China
seen from United Kingdom
Christian Aid's Counting the Cost 2025 ranks India-Pakistan monsoon as 5th costliest disaster at $3B. Explore 8% above-normal rains, 1,860 deaths, crop losses, and climate links—urgent insights for South Asia floods.
Christian Aid's Counting the Cost 2025 ranks India-Pakistan monsoon as 5th costliest disaster at $3B. Explore 8% above-normal rains, 1,860 deaths, crop losses, and climate links—urgent insights for South Asia floods.
No Champions Trophy tour in POK, ICC cancels Pak board's move amid row
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled the planned trophy tour of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad, areas which fall within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The decision came shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the inclusion of these cities in the tour itinerary, which drew immediate objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Notably, the PCB had announced a nationwide trophy tour of the Champions Trophy from November 16 to 24.
The eight-team tournament is set to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2025 and to build up for the cricketing extravaganza, the PCB had organized the trophy tour. However, India Today has learnt that the trophy tour has been cancelled in the cities falling under the disputed land of the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).
Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy 2025 has been marred by controversy due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the cricketing event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the ICC seeking clarification on India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. In its letter to the ICC, the PCB has requested an official explanation regarding India's stance. The communication from Pakistan does not discuss the event format or a potential hybrid model.
The PCB has confirmed in a statement that it was informed by the ICC about the BCCI’s decision. Reportedly, the PCB has forwarded the ICC’s communication to the Pakistani government to determine the next steps. This stand-off between the PCB and BCCI has left the future of the Champions Trophy in doubt. Pakistan has already allocated close to 17 billion rupees to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the tournament next year.
The ICC was reportedly set to announce the schedule, without confirmation of the venues, in the second week of November. According to a tentative schedule, the Champions Trophy is set to be held from February 19 to March 9, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
India and Pakistan don’t have bilateral cricketing relations since the two teams last contested in an ODI and T20I series in India in 2012-13. India last travelled to Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup and haven’t visited the country after the horrific 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai the same year.
In 2023, the Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model with India’s matches held in Sri Lanka after their reluctance to travel to Pakistan. It remains to be seen whether the Champions Trophy will also be held in the same manner or will be completely shifted out of Pakistan.
Tragedy Strikes: Deadly Explosion Targets Police in Northwest Pakistan
In a tragic incident that shook the city of Dera Ismail Khan in northwest Pakistan, an explosion targeting police claimed the lives of five individuals and left 21 others injured on a fateful Friday. The blast occurred near a route frequently patrolled by the police, sending shockwaves through the community.
According to reports from news agency Reuters, the blast was a devastating blow to the city, as it occurred close to the path of a police patrol. Mohammad Adnan, a police official, revealed that the nature of the explosion was not immediately clear — it remained uncertain whether it was a result of a suicide attack or a bomb planted strategically nearby.
What makes this incident even more alarming is the lack of any immediate claim of responsibility. The authorities, along with the police and rescue teams, are tirelessly working to unravel the mystery behind this heinous act.
Dera Ismail Khan, situated on the border of Afghanistan, has long been a region marked by lawlessness. The city shares its borders with tribal districts, which have, over the years, become a dwelling place for both domestic and foreign Islamist militants. This grim reality has put the region on high alert, with security forces remaining vigilant in the face of potential threats.
As the investigation continues, the people of Dera Ismail Khan mourn the loss of lives and pray for the swift recovery of those injured. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities living in areas plagued by conflict and instability. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we hope for justice to prevail as authorities work tirelessly to bring those responsible to account.