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Australian pacer <keyword id="19942566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Josh-Hazlewood" source="keywords">Josh Hazlewood</keyword> believes India's confidence would have been shaken by the shocking series loss to New Zealand, but the "sleeping giant" can mount a strong comeback in the <keyword id="20534757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Border-Gavaskar-Trophy" source="keywords">Border-Gavaskar Trophy</keyword> starting later this month. India suffered a humiliating series whitewash after losing the third match by 25 runs to New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday, the first time in their Test history, which goes back to 1933. "It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We'll see that when they come out," Hazlewood told 'Sydney Morning Herald'. Not only did the drubbing at home mark one of the darkest moments in India's Test cricket history, it has also significantly impacted the Rohit Sharma-led side's chances of qualifying for next year's <keyword id="19909461" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Test-Championship" source="keywords">World Test Championship</keyword> (WTC) final. Three back-to-back losses meant that India have lost their top spot to Australia in the WTC standings. India are now faced with a tough task to win four of their five matches against Australia to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final without relying on external results. "It's obviously better them losing 3-0 than winning 3-0, easily. The confidence might have taken a bit of a hit. A lot of them have been out here, but there are a few batters who haven't, so they'll be a bit unsure of what to expect," Hazlewood said. "I don't think you can read too much into it. The results are obviously good for us in a way." Hazlewood, who is a part of Australia's three-pronged pace attack along with Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins, lauded his Trans-Tasman rivals for achieving something no other team has been able to do. "Credit to the Kiwi boys. They played outstanding cricket. To win 3-0 in India is unbelievable. It's hard enough to win one game there, let alone every match of the series," Hazlewood said. Australia are set to host India for a five-match Test series, starting November 22 in Perth. "Everything's falling into place. It's just a huge series. Every time we play India, it's right up there with the Ashes," Hazlewood said. "I think the crowds will be massive. I think the TV ratings could be huge. (There is talk) it could be the biggest ever." Hazlewood, who turned up for Queensland in their Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales, missed the opening ODI against Pakistan on Monday but said he would play the second match on Friday in Adelaide. "I pretty much got out what I needed ... very happy with how I bowled. Body felt surprisingly good. The longer I went, I think the better that I felt, and the rhythm was there," he added. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-6500mah-battery-to-launch-in-india-on-november-26/articleshow/114945858.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-6500mah-battery-to-launch-in-india-on-november-26/articleshow/114945858.cms" target="_blank">Realme GT 7 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6,500mAh battery to launch in India on November 26</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-indias-biggest-telco-to-go-public-in-2025-retail-ipo-further-away/articleshow/114944496.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-indias-biggest-telco-to-go-public-in-2025-retail-ipo-further-away/articleshow/114944496.cms" target="_blank">Reliance Jio IPO – India’s biggest telco to go public in 2025, retail IPO further away</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/october-auto-sales-maruti-suzuki-and-tata-motors-report-a-decline-mahindra-continues-to-grow/articleshow/114931927.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/october-auto-sales-maruti-suzuki-and-tata-motors-report-a-decline-mahindra-continues-to-grow/articleshow/114931927.cms" target="_blank">October auto sales – Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors report a decline, Mahindra continues to grow</a>

3-0 drubbing at the hands of NZ might awaken sleeping giant India, feels Hazlewood

Fans turned out in record numbers at Perth Stadium for the highly anticipated <keyword id="20534757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Border-Gavaskar-Trophy" source="keywords">Border-Gavaskar Trophy</keyword> series opener, with the single highest attendance for a day of Test cricket in Perth recorded on days one and two. The <keyword id="24166546" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Perth-Test-attendance" source="keywords">Perth Test attendance</keyword> saw a remarkable 63% increase year-on-year. Additionally, average viewing audiences were up by 30% year-on-year, reflecting the immense interest in the match, as the data provided by <keyword id="19897940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cricket-Australia" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Cricket Australia" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Cricket Australia">Cricket Australia</keyword>. Cricket Australia also reported record engagement across their digital channels, highlighting the widespread excitement and engagement with the event both at the stadium and across Australia. Day one and two at Perth Stadium set records for attendance at any Test Match in Perth, with 31,302 and 32,368 going through the gates respectively. The total attendance was 96,463, the second-highest total attendance ever recorded in Perth and the highest at Perth Stadium. The Perth Scorchers also achieved an attendance record at their Weber WBBL match which was held at the WACA Ground on the evening of day two of the West Test which meant that more than 100,000 people attended the cricket over the four days. Ticket sales for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series are more than 2.5 times higher than for the 2018-19 India tour and public tickets are currently exhausted for day one at The Gabba in Brisbane, according to Cricket Australia. Big crowds are also forecast in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney with fans encouraged to buy their tickets as soon as possible. The Perth Test dominated TV ratings on each of the first three days, with seven sessions averaging more than 1 million viewers across all platforms (Seven, 7plus Sport, Foxtel, Foxtel Go, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports), including 1.6m nationally for the third session of Day 1. Daily average viewing audiences increased 30% on last season's Perth Test against Pakistan across the first three days. This was the first time fans were able to stream Test cricket on 7plus Sport in addition to Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now. Cricket Australia digital channels saw a surge in engagement, with 2.7 million people from within Australia visiting cricket.com.au and the Cricket Australia Live app across the Test - and 8.4 million users globally. Records were also broken from videos watched on cricket.com.au and the Cricket Australia Live app, with views from Australian users up 30% compared with the first Test of last summer. The vast global reach of the series was also evident with 259 million video views across Cricket Australia's social media channels during the Test match. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-open-oxygenos-15-update-now-rolling-out-with-flux-themes-improved-ai-features-and-more/articleshow/115657313.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-open-oxygenos-15-update-now-rolling-out-with-flux-themes-improved-ai-features-and-more/articleshow/115657313.cms" target="_blank">OnePlus Open OxygenOS 15 update now rolling out with Flux Themes, improved AI features and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/microsofts-ai-powered-recall-feature-is-now-rolling-out-to-copilot-pcs/articleshow/115654136.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/microsofts-ai-powered-recall-feature-is-now-rolling-out-to-copilot-pcs/articleshow/115654136.cms" target="_blank">Microsoft’s AI-powered Recall feature is now rolling out to Copilot+ PCs</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/jio-airtel-and-vi-lost-nearly-11-million-subscribers-in-september-2024/articleshow/115565541.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/jio-airtel-and-vi-lost-nearly-11-million-subscribers-in-september-2024/articleshow/115565541.cms" target="_blank">Jio, Airtel and Vi lost nearly 11 million subscribers in September 2024</a>

Perth Test smashes attendance, viewership records to start Border-Gavaskar Series

<ul><li>Indian spinner <keyword id="19904099" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ravichandran-Ashwin" source="keywords">Ravichandran Ashwin</keyword> on Tuesday said Virat and Babar should not be mentioned in the same line.</li><li>While backing Babar to perform, he said Virat's credentials are "something else".</li><li>Babar has been rested for the two tests against England at home amid poor performance.</li></ul>Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said on Tuesday that star Pakistan batter <keyword id="19899251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Babar-Azam" source="keywords">Babar Azam</keyword> "should not be mentioned in the same line" as <keyword id="19907934" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli" source="keywords">Virat Kohli</keyword>, delivering an interesting take in favour of his compatriot in the never-ending debate about two batting superstars. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin backed an out-of-form Babar, who is currently rested from the remainder of the home series against England, to score runs but picked Virat's side while comparing both. "Definitely, if he is given a chance, he will score runs. If there is class, that is okay. I feel we should end this debate once and for all. First of all, across the border, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli shouldn't be mentioned in the same line," Ashwin said. The all-rounder said that while he rates Babar as "outstanding", Virat's credentials are "something else". "I am very sorry, I really rate Babar Azam as an outstanding player, but Virat Kohli's credentials are something else. Across terrains, across times, across pressure situations, the kind of heists he has done, no one has done that in world cricket. As far as I know, at this point, if anyone comes close, it is Joe Root in <keyword id="19935483" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Test-cricket" source="keywords">Test cricket</keyword>," he added. Virat is an all-format great and one of the best batters of all time, with 27,041 runs in 535 international matches at an average of 53.23, with 80 centuries and 140 fifties. His best score is 254*. Having captained his side to the number one ICC Test team ranking, and secured the ICC U19 World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and ICC T20 World Cup as a player, it is safe to say he has completed the sport in terms of trophies. He is the fourth-highest run-getter of all time across all formats. While the 35-year-old has an incredible record across all formats, his ODI stats make him perhaps the greatest to play the 50-over format. In 295 matches, he has scored 13,906 runs at an average of 58.18, with 50 centuries and 72 fifties. His best score is 183. On the other hand, Babar, who debuted in international cricket in 2015, seven years after Virat, is barely halfway through Virat's numbers. In 294 matches, he has scored 13,836 runs at an average of 47.54, with 31 centuries and 94 fifties. His best score is 196. ODIs remain his strongest format too, having made 5,729 runs in 117 ODIs at an average of 56.72, with 19 centuries and 32 fifties and best score of 158. However, currently, Babar is not having the best of times in Test cricket. Ahead of the second Test against England at home, the cricketing world was up for a shock as Babar was rested for the remaining two Tests along with pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Babar made scores of 30 and five across the two innings of the first match. He was adjudged lbw to Chris Woakes in the first innings and edged wicket-keeper Jamie Smith off the bowling of Gus Atkinson in the second. His last 50-plus score in the format came back in December 2022, and in his last 17 Test innings, he averaged just 20.70. In his last eight innings on home soil, where runs have flowed for others, Babar has averaged just 18.75. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-ipad-mini-with-a17-pro-chip-launched-starting-at-49900/articleshow/114259209.cms">Apple iPad mini with A17 Pro chip launched starting at ₹49,900</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/global-smartphone-shipments-record-4-growth-in-q3-2024-samsung-leads-the-market/articleshow/114241402.cms">Global smartphone shipments record 4% growth in Q3 2024, Samsung leads the market</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/hyundai-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/114235421.cms">Hyundai IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

Virat, Babar shouldn't be mentioned in the same line: Ashwin

In the high-stakes world of <keyword id="1180773" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Javelin-throw" source="Orion">javelin throw</keyword>, few rivalries capture the imagination quite like that of <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>’s <keyword id="19968766" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Neeraj-Chopra" source="keywords">Neeraj Chopra</keyword> and <keyword id="19899252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan" source="keywords">Pakistan</keyword>’s <keyword id="20865533" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arshad-Nadeem" source="keywords">Arshad Nadeem</keyword>. Their performance at the <keyword id="4488729" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paris-2024-Olympics" source="Orion">Paris 2024 Olympics</keyword> was a masterclass in athletic prowess. The clash ended on a slightly disappointing note for the man in blue, as Chopra took home the silver medal while Nadeem clinched Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medal. Yet, behind this fierce competition lies a remarkable story of camaraderie and mutual respect. Here are five standout moments that highlight their bond. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Post-Olympics praise and respect" comment="subhead" text="Post-Olympics praise and respect">Post-Olympics praise and respect</cmsannotation> After the Paris 2024 Olympics wrapped up with Nadeem's gold and Chopra's silver, the respect between the two was palpable. Despite the sting of defeat, Chopra embraced Nadeem, graciously acknowledging it was "Arshad's day" and commending his performance. Nadeem reciprocated with admiration, celebrating his victory while lauding Chopra’s status in the sport, underscoring that their rivalry is more about mutual admiration than any bitterness. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Saroj Devi's heartfelt gesture" comment="subhead" text="Saroj Devi's heartfelt gesture"><keyword id="21107657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saroj-devi" source="keywords">Saroj Devi</keyword>'s heartfelt gesture</cmsannotation> In the wake of Neeraj’s silver medal, his mother, Saroj Devi, brought a touching perspective to the rivalry when she referred to Nadeem as her son. She said: “We are happy with the silver. The one who got the gold (Arshad) is also my child,” highlighting the warmth and familial bond that transcends national borders and athletic competition. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chopra's support for Nadeem's equipment woes" comment="subhead" text="Chopra's support for Nadeem's equipment woes">Chopra's support for Nadeem's equipment woes</cmsannotation> In a show of sportsmanship, just months before the Paris Olympics, Chopra publicly advocated for Nadeem's need for a new javelin when the Pakistani athlete faced challenges acquiring one. Chopra had remarked: “It is hard to believe that he has been struggling to get a new javelin. Given his credentials, this should not be a big issue at all. Arshad is a top javelin thrower, and I believe that the javelin makers will be more than happy to sponsor him and provide what he needs.” This act of kindness and the commitment to supporting a fellow athlete not only revealed their friendship, but also the importance of backing competitors in their pursuit of greatness. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="A symbolic photo op at the World Championships" comment="subhead" text="A symbolic photo op at the World Championships">A symbolic photo op at the World Championships</cmsannotation> During the 2023 World Athletics Championships, a poignant display of sportsmanship occurred when Nadeem, lacking a Pakistani flag, was invited by Chopra to join him for a photo op. Posing together with the Indian flag as a backdrop, this gesture sent a strong message of unity and friendship, capturing their bond in a powerful visual moment that resonated with crores of people across the Indian subcontinent. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Defending Nadeem against media scrutiny" comment="subhead" text="Defending Nadeem against media scrutiny">Defending Nadeem against media scrutiny</cmsannotation> Chopra has consistently stood up for Nadeem, including during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics controversy, when Nadeem was seen using Chopra’s javelin for practice. As media narratives sought to stir discord, Chopra defended Nadeem, clarifying that sharing equipment is common among athletes. His swift defence underscored their mutual respect and Chopra’s commitment to protecting his friend’s reputation. The relationship between Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem exemplifies the essence of sportsmanship. Their friendship and respect not only defy the competitive nature of their sport, but also transcend borders, serving as inspiring examples for athletes, fans and countries altogether.

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: 5 instances that show the camaraderie between India and Pakistan’s javelin throwers

India was the fourth largest military spender globally in 2023 with an expenditure of USD 83.6 billion, behind the US, China and Russia, according to a report by an independent international think-tank. The report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shared on its website in April also said the "rise" in global military spending last year can be attributed "primarily to the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating geopolitical tensions in Asia and Oceania and the Middle East". The military expenditure went up in all five geographical regions, with major spending increases recorded in Europe, Asia and Oceania and the Middle East, it said. The report comes amid ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world such as the ones involving Israel-Hamas, Iran-Israel, Russian-Ukraine besides volatility in the Red Sea region. "World military expenditure increased for the ninth consecutive year in 2023, reaching a total of USD 2443 billion. The 6.8 per cent increase in 2023 was the steepest year-on-year rise since 2009 and pushed global spending to the highest level SIPRI has ever recorded," according to the report. The <keyword id="21404979" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-military-burden" source="keywords">world military burden</keyword> -- defined as military spending as a percentage of global gross domestic product (GDP) -- increased to 2.3 per cent in 2023. Average military expenditure as a share of government expenditure rose by 0.4 percentage points to 6.9 per cent in 2023 and world military spending per person was the highest since 1990 at USD 306, it added. With military expenditure of USD 83.6 billion in 2023, India was the "fourth largest spender globally". Indian spending was up by 4.2 per cent from 2022 and by 44 per cent from 2014. The increase in India's military spending was "mainly a result of growing personnel and operations costs" which made up almost 80 per cent of the total military budget in 2023, the <keyword id="20911352" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SIPRI-report" source="keywords">SIPRI report</keyword> claimed. "This aligns with the government's priority to strengthen the operational readiness of the armed forces amid ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan. In comparison, capital outlays to fund military procurement remained relatively stable at around 22 per cent of the budget in 2023," it said. A total of 75 per cent of these outlays went towards equipments produced domestically, which was the highest level ever and up from 68 per cent in the previous year. The continued shift towards domestic procurement reflects India's goal of becoming self-reliant in arms development and production, the think-tank said in its repot fact sheet shared on its website. The Indian Army has maintained that deployment of its troops and other elements along the LAC is "extremely robust" and "balanced". The eastern <keyword id="21271073" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ladakh-border-standoff" source="keywords">Ladakh border standoff</keyword> erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area. The ties between India and China nose-dived significantly following the clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, it provides data, analysis and recommendations based on open sources to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. The Stockholm-based think-tank monitors developments in military expenditure worldwide and maintains the most comprehensive, consistent and extensive publicly available data source on military expenditure, according to its online portal. The US military spending was USD 916 billion in 2023, which was 2.3 per cent more than in 2022 and 9.9 per cent more than in 2014, the report said. The US remained by far the largest spender in the world, allocating 3.1 times more to the military than the second largest spender China. "The biggest percentage increase among all US military spending categories in 2023 was for 'research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&amp;E)". The Stockholm-based think-tank also said in its report that Ukraine was the "eighth largest spender" in 2023 after a spending surge of 51 per cent to reach USD 64.8 billion. This gave Ukraine "a military burden of 37 per cent and represented 58 per cent of total government spending". "Ukraine's military spending in 2023 was 59 per cent the size of Russia's. However, Ukraine also received at least USD 35 billion in military aid during the year, including USD 25.4 billion from the US. Combined, this aid and Ukraine's own military spending were equivalent to about 91 per cent of Russian spending," the report claimed. According to the report, Russia's military spending increased by 24 per cent to an estimated USD 109 billion in 2023. "China, the world's second largest military spender, allocated an estimated USD 296 billion to the military in 2023, an increase of 6 per cent from 2022. This was the 29th consecutive year-on-year rise in China's military expenditure. China accounted for half of total military spending across the Asia and Oceania region. Several of China's neighbours have linked their own spending increases to China's rising military expenditure," the Stockholm-based think-tank claimed in its report. In 2023, the 31 <keyword id="20763732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NATO-members" source="keywords">NATO members</keyword> accounted for USD 1,341 billion, equal to 55 per cent of the world's military expenditure, the report said. 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India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report

South Asia is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories. Here, we’ll explore the beautiful countries that share borders with India: <keyword id="12266" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nepal" source="Orion">Nepal</keyword>, <keyword id="6356598" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhutan" source="Orion">Bhutan</keyword>, <keyword id="3001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword>, <keyword id="1334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="China" source="Orion">China</keyword>, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, as well as the maritime border with Sri Lanka. Each of these nations offers unique experiences and breathtaking beauty. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Nepal: The Himalayan Jewel" comment="subhead" text="Nepal: The Himalayan Jewel">Nepal: The Himalayan Jewel</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Nepal" msid="110382276" hostid="261" sizebytes="187574" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Majestic peaks of the Himalayas await adventurous souls in Nepal.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Located in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The towering peaks, including Mount Everest, the highest point on earth, draw trekkers from around the globe. Beyond the mountains, Nepal is rich in cultural heritage with ancient temples, monasteries, and vibrant festivals. Highlights: Trekking in the Annapurna and Everest regions Exploring the historic Kathmandu Valley Visiting the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder Dragon" comment="subhead" text="Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder Dragon">Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder Dragon</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Bhutan" msid="110382305" hostid="261" sizebytes="132570" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bhutan&amp;#39;s spiritual serenity&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Bhutan, known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a country that measures success by Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. The country's lush valleys, towering cliffs, and pristine forests make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Highlights: Witnessing the breathtaking architecture of Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) Experiencing vibrant festivals like Tshechu Exploring the capital city, Thimphu, and its impressive Dzongs <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pakistan: The Land of Ancient Civilizations" comment="subhead" text="Pakistan: The Land of Ancient Civilizations">Pakistan: The Land of Ancient Civilizations</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Pakistan" msid="110382361" hostid="261" sizebytes="63724" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Step back in time amidst the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Pakistan is a country of stunning landscapes, from the peaks of the Karakoram Range to the arid expanses of the Thar Desert. It's also home to ancient archaeological sites, bustling cities, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Highlights: Visiting the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa Trekking through the beautiful valleys of Hunza and Swat Exploring the vibrant city of Lahore with its Mughal-era landmarks <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="China: The Middle Kingdom" comment="subhead" text="China: The Middle Kingdom">China: The Middle Kingdom</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="China" msid="110382391" hostid="261" sizebytes="160816" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Great Wall stands as a testament to China&amp;#39;s enduring history and grandeur.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>China, one of the world's oldest civilisations, shares a long and complex history with India. It offers a vast array of landscapes, from the Great Wall stretching across arid deserts to the serene beauty of its countryside. Highlights: Walking along the Great Wall Exploring the Terracotta Army in Xi’an Experiencing the vibrant culture and modern marvels of Beijing and Shanghai <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bangladesh: The Land of Rivers" comment="subhead" text="Bangladesh: The Land of Rivers">Bangladesh: The Land of Rivers</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Bangladesh" msid="110382434" hostid="261" sizebytes="77384" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Sundarbans, where the mystical allure of the Bengal tiger awaits.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Bangladesh is characterised by its lush greenery, numerous rivers, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a country where the simple, rural life offers a stark contrast to its bustling cities. Highlights: Exploring the Sundarbans, home to the Bengal tiger Visiting the ancient city of Paharpur Experiencing the lively capital, Dhaka, with its vibrant markets and historical sites <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Myanmar: The Golden Land" comment="subhead" text="Myanmar: The Golden Land">Myanmar: The Golden Land</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Myanmar" msid="110382468" hostid="261" sizebytes="94416" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bagan&amp;#39;s golden spires paint a mesmerizing skyline across ancient plains.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Myanmar, with its golden pagodas, rich history, and diverse ethnic cultures, is a country that captivates travellers. From the serene shores of Inle Lake to the bustling streets of Yangon, there's much to discover. Highlights: Marvelling at the thousands of temples in Bagan Cruising on the Irrawaddy River Visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sri Lanka: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean" comment="subhead" text="Sri Lanka: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean">Sri Lanka: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="Sri Lanka" msid="110382497" hostid="261" sizebytes="193556" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Serene beaches and lush tea plantations define Sri Lanka&amp;#39;s tropical paradise.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>While Sri Lanka doesn’t share a land border with India, it lies close by in the Indian Ocean. This island nation is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tea plantations, and rich cultural heritage. Highlights: Relaxing on the pristine beaches of Bentota and Mirissa Exploring the ancient city of Sigiriya and its rock fortress Taking a scenic train ride through the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya The countries bordering India each offer unique experiences and landscapes, making South Asia a rich and diverse region to explore. Whether you’re seeking the serenity of the Himalayas, the cultural richness of ancient civilisations, or the natural beauty of lush landscapes, these neighbouring countries have something special to offer every traveller.

India's stunning neighbouring countries that you must visit

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that <keyword id="19991528" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="trade-ties" source="keywords">trade ties</keyword> between Islamabad and New Delhi have remained suspended since 2019 due to the imposition of "heavy duties" by <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> on imports from Pakistan after the <keyword id="20579845" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pulwama-attack" source="keywords">Pulwama attack</keyword>. In a written reply submitted to the <keyword id="19935944" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-assembly" source="keywords">National Assembly</keyword> on Saturday, Dar, who also holds the deputy prime minister's slot, said: "India decided to impose 200 per cent duty on imports from Pakistan, suspended the Kashmir bus service and trade across the Line of Control after the Pulwama attack." According to the Dawn newspaper, Dar was responding to a question by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui seeking details about trade challenges faced by Pakistan in its relations with neighbouring countries, especially India. In March, during a press conference in London, Dar highlighted the eagerness of Pakistan's business community to resume trade activities with India. However, his office later clarified that Pakistan has no plan to resume trade relations with India which has been "non-existent" since 2019. Pakistan downgraded its ties with India after the <keyword id="20467268" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-parliament" source="keywords">Indian Parliament</keyword> suspended Article 370 on August 5, 2019, a decision that Islamabad believed undermined the environment for holding talks between the neighbours. "We have consistently advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir with India...," Dar said on Saturday. The foreign minister said that the "onus is now on Delhi to take steps for the creation of an environment that is conducive to peace and dialogue". India has been maintaining that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan while insisting that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment that is free of terror and hostility for such an engagement. Islamabad and New Delhi have a long history of strained relations, primarily due to the Kashmir issue as well as the cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Trade ties with India suspended due to 'heavy duties': Pakistan Foreign Minister

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Analysts believe Pakistan may be arming its JF-17 fighters with nuclear-armed cruise missiles.</li><li>Suspicions the JF-17 could be armed with nuclear missiles were speculative until a recent photo.</li></ul>The nuclear balance of terror between America and Russia, and now also America and China, attracts the most concern about an atomic apocalypse. But the simmering conflict between India and Pakistan — both of which are nuclear powers — is no less dangerous.Now there are indications that Pakistan is arming its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-pakistan-jf17-may-be-most-widely-operated-combat-jet-2022-11">JF-17 fighters</a> with nuclear-capable cruise missiles. The JF-17s are replacing older French-made Mirage jets that Pakistan has tasked for nuclear strike missions, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://fas.org/publication/pakistan-jf17-aircraft-nuclear-potential/">Federation of American Scientists</a>."These developments, along with heightened tensions in the region, have raised concerns about accelerated arms racing as well as new risks for escalation in a potential conflict between India and Pakistan, especially since India is also increasing the size and improving the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal," wrote FAS analyst Eliana Johns.Not surprisingly given Pakistan's secretiveness over its nuclear program, the evidence for nuclear-armed JF-17s is somewhat circumstantial. Pakistan's current nuclear strike aircraft are the 1960s-vintage Mirage V, armed with nuclear bombs, and the Mirage III, which has been tested with the Ra'ad cruise missile, which can be armed with nuclear or conventional warheads. And a JF-17 in flight was recently photographed carrying what appears to be a Ra'ad missile.However, the Pakistani Air Force has at least 130 of the JF-17 Thunder, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/azerbaijan-snubbed-russia-fighter-jets-for-competitors-turkey-pakistan-2024-3">joint project</a> between Pakistan and China that created a fighter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-arms-sales-may-get-boost-from-russia-war-ukraine-2023-7">that is equivalent</a> to the US F-16 (Pakistan also operates 75 F-16s). The aircraft, designated the FC-1 Xiaolong ("Fierce Dragon") in Chinese service, first flew in 2003.Suspicions that the JF-17 would be armed with Ra'ad missiles were mostly speculative, until a photo surfaced recently. "During rehearsals for the 2023 Pakistan Day Parade (which was subsequently canceled), an image surfaced of a JF-17 Thunder Block II carrying what was reported to be a Ra'ad ALCM," according to FAS. "Notably, this was the first time such a configuration had been observed in public."The Federation of American Scientists "was able to purchase the original image," and compared the Ra'ad mounted on the JF-17 with previous images. One question was which version of the Ra'ad had been fitted to the JF-17. The <a target="_blank" href="https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hatf-8/">Ra'ad</a> I (also known as the Hatf-8) is a subsonic air-launched cruise missile with an estimated range of more than 200 miles, and corresponds to other models such as the Europe's Storm Shadow, according to the CSIS Missile Threat defense site. The newer Ra'ad II reportedly has a range of almost 400 miles. Pakistan is also developing the Taimoor, an anti-ship version of the Ra'ad.Using tools such as Photoshop Vanishing Point to analyze the images, FAS concluded that JF-17 had been armed with the older Ra'ad I. If true, this would put numerous targets within western and northern India within range of nuclear or conventional cruise missiles."There are several air bases in Pakistan located near the border," Johns told Business Insider. "The aircraft would be able to scramble and fly to dispersal bases within Pakistan's borders to get closer to potential targets inside India at a range of 350 to 600 kilometers if desired."There is still considerable uncertainty about the exact capabilities of the Ra'ad. "Observing the differences between the Ra'ad-I and Ra'ad-II missiles raises a few questions," FAS noted. "How was Pakistan able to nearly double the range of the Ra'ad from an estimated 350 kilometers to 550 kilometers and then to 600 kilometers for the newest version without noticeably changing the size of the missile to carry more fuel? The answer could possibly be that the Ra'ad-II engine design is more efficient, the construction components are made from lighter-weight materials or the payload has been reduced."Thus for now, Pakistan's air-launched cruise missile capability will remain a mystery. It is "unclear whether either of the Ra'ad systems has been deployed, but this may only be a question of when rather than if," FAS said. "Once deployed, it remains to be seen if Pakistan will also continue to retain a nuclear gravity bomb capability for its aircraft or transition to stand-off cruise missiles only."And though the JF-17 is a joint Sino-Pakistani aircraft, Johns doubts that China will try to restrain Pakistan from modifying it into a nuclear strike aircraft. "China and Pakistan have enjoyed economic and technical partnership for a long time," Johns said. "It is suspected that Pakistan received a blueprint for its first nuclear device from China. The JF-17s were not built for a nuclear mission in the Chinese air force. Nonetheless, Pakistan seems to be preparing it for this capability since the Mirage III and V aircraft are aging."Pakistan's main delivery system for its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-with-nuclear-weapons-2017-11">estimated 170 nuclear weapons </a>will continue to be ballistic missiles, which include at least six models of road-mobile rockets. But extending the range of Pakistani aerial nuclear weapons will only exacerbate the potential for nuclear war. Both Pakistan and India are already developing multiple warhead, or MIRV, versions of their ballistic missiles, and Pakistan is working on short-range, dual-use ballistic missiles. India and Pakistan have fought four wars — and numerous border clashes — since the Indian subcontinent was partitioned in 1947. In 2019, Pakistan made veiled <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pakistan-clings-to-nukes-after-embarrassing-air-strikes-by-india-2019-2">nuclear threats</a> after Indian aircraft bombed Kashmiri militant bases in Pakistan."This context presents an even greater need for transparency and understanding about the quality and intentions behind states' nuclear programs to prevent mischaracterization and misunderstanding," Johns concluded.Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.twitter.com/@mipeck1">Twitter</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mipeck/">LinkedIn</a>.

Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighters may carry nuclear-armed missiles 

"It takes a village to raise a champion" is an apt way of describing <keyword id="19899252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan" source="keywords">Pakistan</keyword>'s <keyword id="6354367" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Commonwealth-Games" source="Orion">Commonwealth Games</keyword> champion <keyword id="20765859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="javelin-thrower" source="keywords">javelin thrower</keyword> <keyword id="20865533" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arshad-Nadeem" source="keywords">Arshad Nadeem</keyword>'s rise, as he made it to his maiden Olympic final here on Tuesday. For the record, the only Asian javelin thrower to breach the 90-meter mark isn't reigning Olympic champion <keyword id="19968766" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Neeraj-Chopra" source="keywords">Neeraj Chopra</keyword>, but his cross-border neighbour Nadeem, with whom he has shared a very cordial relationship. Pakistan, a country where cricket is believed to be the only sport where serious investments come in, Nadeem's achievements aren't because of the system, but despite it. No wonder, villagers in Khanewal in Pakistan's Punjab province celebrated their boy's qualification with a lot of fervour. "People have no idea how Arshad got to this place today. How his fellow villagers and relatives used to donate money so that he could travel to other cities for his training and events in his early days," his father Muhammad Ashraf told PTI on phone. Pakistan sent a total of seven athletes to Paris and six of them failed to qualify for the finals of their respective events with Nadeem, 27, now Pakistan's last and biggest hope for a medal in the Olympics. Right after Nadeem's qualification for the finals for the second successive Olympics, there was celebration at his house where his parents, brothers, wife and two children and fellow villagers raised slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad'. His parents also distributed sweets. But his father says the work is still not done."If my son can bring home an Olympic medal for Pakistan it would be the proudest moment for us and everyone in this village," he said. He recalls that when his son first took up javelin throwing and had to go for trials and competitions up country, how his fellow villagers would all chip in with contributions for his journey. "If he wins a medal, it will be a triumph for everyone in our village and our country," he said. Pakistani hopes are high as Arshad has won a silver medal at the World Championship last year, and also gold in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. When he won gold, he became the first Pakistani athlete since 1962 to do so at the CWG. He took the gold with a massive throw that covered 90.18m distance. On Tuesday he qualified for the finals with a throw of 86.59 m, but his main rival and India's gold medal hope, Neeraj Chopra produced a massive throw off 89.34 to top the qualification chart. The rivalry and camaraderie of <keyword id="22691401" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nadeem-and-Neeraj" source="Orion">Nadeem and Neeraj</keyword> is well documented as in the last Olympics in Tokyo. While the Indian star won gold for his country, his rival finished in fifth place in final standings. Few months back, when Nadeem appealed for authorities to replace his old javelin with a new one for his training, Neeraj promptly supported Arshad's case on social media. Since first emerging on the scene in competitions, Nadeem had made significant progress in his career and his family, and fans are confident he can better the fifth place finish in Tokyo. Despite his career being hit by elbow, knee and back problems for which he even required a knee surgery last year, and burdened by the lack of top facilities and equipment available to athletes of other countries, Nadeem has already achieved a lot by getting the Pakistani people to closely follow his feats instead of cricket. On Thursday, he faces a Himalayan task in the javelin throw finals. No Pakistani athlete has ever won a Olympics gold medal in any individual competition leave alone track and field.

A father recalls: It took a village to get behind Arshad Nadeem's Olympic final qualification

For a country struggling to fight brutal poverty, internal conflicts, political instability, and bureaucratic inefficiency, the 1990s was a breath of fresh air. The economy was liberalised, the IT industry started booming, a telecom revolution was underway, a successful nuclear test was conducted, and the emergence of strong regional parties gave voice to the politically weak sections. But on May 3, 1999, as Pakistani intrusion was reported at the Kargil borders, India was on the cusp of losing a decade-long progress to an unprovoked war. Over the next three months, the Indian <keyword id="19903970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="armed-forces" source="keywords">armed forces</keyword> fought with all might not just to defend the borders, but to show to the world that its preference for peace is not a sign of weakness. <keyword id="21429298" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kargil-Vijay-Diwas" source="keywords">Kargil Vijay Diwas</keyword>, commemorated annually on July 26th, stands as a testament to India's indomitable spirit and the unwavering courage of its armed forces. This day marks the culmination of the <keyword id="20143432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kargil-War" source="keywords">Kargil War</keyword>, a conflict that tested the nation's mettle and forged a legacy of heroism. Addressing the 25th celebrations of the Kargil War victory, <keyword id="6354814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-narendra-modi" source="Orion">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> said that the Kargil War win is neither the victory of any government in power nor of any political group, it is the heritage and the victory of 140 crore people of India. <h2>The genesis</h2>Despite signing the Lahore Declaration in February 1999 for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, a covert infiltration by Pakistani troops into the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir in May 1999 triggered a crisis. Disguised as militants, they occupied strategic positions along the Line of Control (LoC), aiming to disrupt the Kashmir-Ladakh link. The <keyword id="19908736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Army" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Indian Army">Indian Army</keyword>, upon discovering the intrusion from local shepherds, launched Operation Vijay, a counter-offensive to reclaim the occupied heights. <h2>Battling against nature and the enemy</h2>The Kargil War was a gruelling ordeal, fought in the unforgiving Himalayan terrain. Soldiers battled not only the enemy but also the harsh, high-altitude conditions. The covert movement of the Pak army helped them position themselves at strategically advantageous, high-altitude positions. As temperatures plummeted and oxygen levels dwindled, the rugged mountains posed immense logistical challenges to the ground forces. Yet, the Indian Army, driven by patriotism and a relentless determination to protect the nation's sovereignty, pressed on. <h2>Heroes of the Kargil War</h2>The Kargil War produced a pantheon of heroes whose bravery continues to inspire generations. Captain <keyword id="20211435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vikram-batra" source="keywords">Vikram Batra</keyword>, with his iconic battle cry "Yeh Dil Mange More," led his troops to capture Point 4875, a pivotal victory. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, displaying exceptional courage, made the supreme sacrifice while defending his post. These brave soldiers, among many others, epitomized the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army. The Kargil War galvanized the nation. People from all walks of life came together to support the armed forces. The collective outpouring of patriotism and solidarity fueled the soldiers' resolve. Nearly 500 Indian soldiers lost their lives battling the enemy in unforgiving Himalayan terrains. The war also highlighted the sacrifices made by the families of the martyrs, whose courage and resilience were equally inspiring. <h2>A legacy of valour</h2>Kargil <keyword id="21992554" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vijay-diwas" source="keywords">Vijay Diwas</keyword> is more than just a commemoration; it is a reaffirmation of India's commitment to peace and security. The sacrifices made by the brave soldiers who fought in the Kargil War will forever be etched in the nation's memory. Their unwavering courage and determination continue to inspire future generations to serve the country with dedication and honour. As India celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas today, it is essential to remember the heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten by a country on its path to glory on a global stage. <h2>A continued tragedy</h2>The Kargil War left behind a deadly legacy along with long-term trauma among the local residents and the defence personnel who fought valiantly. As per a TOI report, unexploded bombs scattered across the region continue to pose a significant threat to the local population. In 2023 — 24 years after the tragic war — a total of around 336 such unexploded bombs were reportedly neutralised by the Army. Residents live in constant fear of accidental detonations, especially during construction or excavation work. These incidents have resulted in multiple casualties in the past several years, including the tragic death of a young child. Despite the passage of 25 years, the Army remains actively engaged in defusing these dangerous remnants of war. Even this year, as many as 103 such bombs were defused by the Army. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112016324" title="Ex-army officer runs 160 km, 40 km per day, to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112031216" title="Families of soldiers pays tribute to soldiers who lost lives in 1999 Kargil War" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div>

Kargil Vijay Diwas: A tale of valour and sacrifice

Batting superstar Virat <keyword id="19899436" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kohli" source="keywords">Kohli</keyword> spent about 45 minutes in the nets and pace spearhead Jasprit <keyword id="19989685" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bumrah" source="keywords">Bumrah</keyword> bowled full tilt as the Indian cricket team on Friday began its preparations for a two-Test series against Bangladesh. With the first Test against Bangladesh scheduled here from September 19, the entire squad, including skipper <keyword id="19899523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohit-Sharma" source="keywords">Rohit Sharma</keyword> and Kohli, assembled at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for a closed door training session. This would be the first home assignment for new head coach <keyword id="19914485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gautam-Gambhir" source="keywords">Gautam Gambhir</keyword>. New bowling coach, South African great Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar were also in attendance. The BCCI posted images of the first day of practice and wrote, "The countdown starts as Team <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> begin their preps for an exciting home season." The images showed the entire squad listening attentively to Gambhir, his support staff and skipper Rohit. "Virat was there for 45 minutes and Bumrah also bowled full throttle," a local source told PTI Virat has flown in directly from London for the opening Test. Wearing a yellow jersey, Rohit was seen emerging from the airport escorted by security personnel, in a PTI Video on Thursday night, while Kohli came from London in an early-morning flight. The likes of Bumrah, KL Rahul and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant had reached the city on Thursday. Batter Sarfaraz Khan will join the squad after the Duleep Trophy game in Anantapur, where he is playing for India B right now. The players are returning to the field after a much-needed break of more than a month and would look to put behind the disappointment of losing the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August, which was Gambhir's first assignment as head coach after taking over Rahul Dravid. It would be interesting to see how Rohit's side approaches the game against a Bangladesh side, which is on a high following its 2-0 Test series win over Pakistan recently. Vital World Test Championship (WTC) points are at stake in the two-match series as India get ready for a a gruelling 10-match Test season, which also includes a three-Test series at home against New Zealand and the five-match Border-Gavaskar series later this year in Australia. India are currently heading the table with 68.52 percentage points, while Australia are a close second with 62.50 percentage points. Bangladesh have jumped to fourth spot with 45.83 percentage points following their 10-wicket win over Pakistan in the opening Test and their amazing fightback in the second Test where wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das scored a century to singlehandedly guide the side to a series triumph. The second Test of the India-Bangladesh series will be played in Kanpur from September 27.

Kohli bats for long, Bumrah goes whole hog in India's first practice ahead of Bangladesh Tests

Ahead of <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s blockbuster clash against arch-rivals <keyword id="3001" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> on Saturday, some fans have threatened to boycott the match on social media due to Pakistan's involvement in terrorism, once again sparking a 'Boycott' trend and debate that if sports and politics/international relations can be kept separate. Earlier on September 13, an Indian Army Colonel commanding a Rashtriya Rifles Unit along with a Major and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were killed in a gunfight with terrorists in the Kokernag area of Kashmir's Anantnag district. The pictures, and videos of Pakistan players receiving a warm welcome for their matches in the World Cup in India have gone viral after this encounter, with many questioning why Pakistani players are being treated this way when the instances of terrorism continue from Pakistan's side, causing loss of life and property in India, especially of soldiers, security and police forces. The announcement of a pre-match show in <keyword id="5065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ahmedabad" source="Orion">Ahmedabad</keyword>'s Narendra Modi Stadium, featuring Bollywood singers Arijit Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sukhwinder Singh by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (<keyword id="6354756" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="bcci" source="Orion">BCCI</keyword>) also made plenty of fans furious. It is notable that no opening ceremony was held for the ICC Cricket World Cup, being hosted in India for the first time ever. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013 and India last travelled to Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup. Since 2013, India has only played Pakistan in ICC tournaments like the T20 World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy, and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournament, Asia Cup. The viral media of Pakistan players receiving a warm welcome and announcement of the pre-match show in Ahmedabad ahead of the IND-PAK clash led to many social media users voicing out their displeasure, threatening to boycott the show and the match itself. "What BCCI and <keyword id="210899" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="jay-shah" source="Orion">Jay Shah</keyword> have done in the honor of the Pakistan team will not be tolerated at all. Our soldiers are fighting bravely against Pakistan-supported terrorists on the border. #BoycottIndoPakMatch #BoycottIndoPakMatch," said a user. "Cricket match is nothing infront of our Soldiers. Enemies are always enemy. Pakistani doesn't deserve this type of welcome. #BoycottIndoPakMatch #INDvsPAK #IndiaVsPakistan #AUSvsSA #INDvPAK #INDvsAFG #INDvAFG #RohitSharma #TrainAccident #ViratKohli #BoycottIndoPakMatch," said another user. India and Pakistan will both want to continue their winning momentum Coming to the match, India have begun their World Cup campaign with comprehensive wins over Australia and Afghanistan, while Pakistan have also emerged victorious in their first two matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Fans are counting on the likes of Virat Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj to come up with the goods again as the hosts go to battle against their bitter rivals. India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav. Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.

You Searched For "Pakistan India border" and got 12 results

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