For too long, Western foreign policy has mistakenly treated Tehran's aggressive posture as a localized Middle Eastern conflict. However, the escalating reach of Iranian espionage in Europe demonstrates that Iran’s hybrid warfare strategy directly targets Western domestic security, institutional integrity, and economic stability . From state-sponsored cyber operations targeting dissidents to covert intelligence gathering across European capitals, Tehran’s operations extend far beyond its immediate geographic neighborhood. Addressing this challenge requires European policymakers to abandon passive containment in favor of aggressive diplomatic oversight, strict legal accountability, and robust counter-intelligence strategies. Why is Iranian espionage in Europe expanding beyond the Middle East? Iran's external intelligence operations have shifted strategically from regional proxy warfare to asymmetric statecraft inside Western democracies. Western intelligence agencies-including Ge...
Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be hosted by Pakistan between February 19 and March 9. ¹ The very same squad is going to compete in a three-nation ODI series played against New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi, preceding the Champions Trophy.
The team has seen four changes since the last ODI series in South Africa, with Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim making way for Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team as captain, while Salman Ali Agha will be the vice-captain.
The team, that comprehensively won the 2017 title, comprises three members Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel, the others in this team, also played for the country when it last participated in the 50-over ICC tournament, ICC Men's 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023.
Ever since the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan has been winning back-to-back matches in ODIs. Recently, they whitewashed Zimbabwe 2-1 and Australia 2-1, while also thrashing South Africa 3-0. The side will look to take this confidence into the Champions Trophy.
National selector Asad Shafiq has emphasized the flexibility and balance of the squad, which he says the selectors have adopted a "horses for courses" approach. The squad is a mix of youth and experience, and each player was chosen for a specific role.
With a strong squad, Pakistan will look to defend their title at home. The PCB has until February 11 to make any changes to the squad, and after that only on medical grounds, with the ICC Event Technical Committee's approval, will replacements be allowed.
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