Pakistan cricket team in Australia without a doctor
Karachi, Dec 10: Visa and passport issues have left the national senior cricket team in Australia without a doctor and the under-19 side in the UAE without a team manager.
Sohail Saleem, who was named as the official team doctor for the series in Australia and New Zealand, is yet to join the team.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board is still trying to get a visa for Dr Saleem and as soon as it comes he will join the side in Australia in time for the first Test in Perth," a reliable source in the PCB said.
He said similarly former Test batsman, Shoaib Muhammad, who was named manager of the Pakistan junior side taking part in the Asia Cup in UAE, has also been unable to leave with the squad.
"Shoaib had some expired passport issues which the board is sorting out and hopefully he will also soon reach UAE to take charge," the source said.
Ironically even the off-spinner, Sajid Khan, who is set to replace Abrar Ahmed in the Pakistan squad in Australia has also had his departure delayed due to visa issues.
The source admitted before naming the officials in any touring squad, the board should make it certain they will leave with their teams on schedule.
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UP: Muslim community panchayat in Mathura bans DJs, fireworks at weddings, curbs extravagance
Mathura (UP) (PTI): A Muslim community panchayat in Mathura district has taken a unique decision to curb extravagance and unnecessary rituals during weddings, imposing a fine of Rs 11,000 and social boycott on families found violating the norms, community leaders said on Monday.
The decision was taken unanimously at a panchayat organised by the Eidgah Committee in Kosi Kalan town on Friday. The meeting was held at a sarai in the Nikasa locality.
Committee president Moinuddin Gadsania and vice-president Haji Sadiq said the panchayat resolved that no Muslim family would organise a nikah ceremony at hotels, guest houses or marriage halls. The nikah will be solemnised only in mosques, while the walima (post-marriage feast) may be held at hotels or other venues.
They said the use of DJs during weddings has been completely banned. If the rule is violated, no imam or qazi in the town will perform the nikah ceremony.
The practice of presenting gifts or cash to the groom as part of the 'salami' ritual has also been prohibited. Other forms of ostentation, including fireworks and wasteful customs, have similarly been barred.
The ban on DJs will apply even if a wedding procession travels to another town, the panchayat clarified. Members said loud music and dancing at weddings often lead to disputes, disturbing social harmony and unity.
The panchayat further decided that violators of the rules would face a fine of Rs 11,000 along with social boycott. The committee said it would also try to implement similar decisions in other villages and communities.
Community elders said the objective of the decision was to check rising wedding expenses, curb social evils, prevent disputes during marriage functions and reduce the financial burden on families, especially the younger generation.
A large number of prominent community members, including the committee secretary, Mehraraj Qureshi, were present at the panchayat.
