Missile near-miss rocks fleeing Aussies as India-Pakistan war escalates
Australian cricket stars have narrowly avoided a missile strike in Pakistan as they were fleeing the country.
A host of Aussie cricketers boarded a flight out of Islamabad with the charter flight heading for Dubai.
Hours after the flight took off however, India launched missile strikes on three Pakistani air bases. of the bases targeted, Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, the garrison city where the army is headquartered, is around 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the capital Islamabad where the Aussies had departed.
Queensland batsman Max Bryant was on board the flight out with the 26-year-old only learning of the terrifying near-miss after touching down in Dubai.
'We landed (in Dubai) and Riley Meredith called up his phone and said 'this cannot be true'' and the whole plane went 'Holy crap,'' Bryant told The Daily Telegraph.
Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Ashton Turner and Mitch Owen were some of the players who were also reportedly on board the flights that came perilously close to missiles.
News.com.au has contacted Cricket Australia regarding the near-miss.
The rising conflict between India and Pakistan has impacted a host of Aussie cricketers with the Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League both suspended.
Indian board chiefs reportedly met on Friday and chose to 'indefinitely postpone' the world's largest and most lucrative tournament as tensions erupted following a terrorist attack in Kashmir.
The IPL's decision comes after a match between Delhi and Punjab was cancelled on Thursday night due to a blackout stemming from air raid warnings in nearby Jammu and Pathankot.
It's understood the overwhelming majority of Australian officials and players have either already departed the countries or have booked flights home.
PAKISTAN RETALIATES IN SPIRALLING CONFLICT
While several Aussies were counting their lucky stars after narrowly avoiding finding themselves in the thick of the escalating war, Pakistan launched counter-attacks against India as the conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours spiralled toward full-blown war.
The South Asian countries have exchanged fire since Wednesday, when India carried out air strikes on sites in Pakistani territory over a deadly attack on tourists on the Indian side of the divided Kashmir region.
The clashes - which have involved missiles, drones, and exchanges of fire along the de-facto border in disputed Kashmir - are the worst in decades and have killed more than 50 civilians.
India accused the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba - a UN-designated terrorist organisation - of carrying out the attack but Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an independent probe.
The countries have fought several wars over the Muslim-majority Kashmir, which both claim in full but administer separate portions of since gaining independence from British rule in 1947.
Previous clashes have been mostly limited to the Kashmir region, separated by a heavily militarised border known as the Line of Control, but this time India has struck multiple cities deep in Pakistan.
Pakistan's foreign ministry alleged New Delhi's 'reckless conduct has brought the two nuclear-armed states closer to a major conflict'.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met top security officials on Friday, including his national security advisor, defence minister and the chiefs of the armed forces, his office said.
Most of the fatalities, which included children, were in Pakistan during Wednesday's first air strikes by India.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
26 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
South Africa unite nation with historic cricket triumph
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hopes the Proteas' drought-busting World Test Championship title can help unite a nation and inspire a future for red-ball cricket in the country. Labelled as 'chokers' following years of blowing sudden-death ICC matches, the Proteas upstaged the defending champs Australia by winning a gripping WTC final at Lord's by five wickets to lift their first senior world trophy in the men's game. Saturday's victory was only South Africa's second ICC title in all, coming 27 years after they won the Champions Trophy back in 1998. Opener Aiden Markram wrote himself into South African cricket folklore with a classic 136, helped by a gritty captain's knock from hobbling hero Bavuma (66). South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs just before lunch on day four to complete the chase of 282, sparking emotional celebrations at the home of cricket. Going to stumps on Friday night in pole position at 2-213, this largely unheralded South Africa team ticked off the 69 runs required the next morning to create history that legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and AB de Villiers never could. Bavuma, the first Black South African Test captain, has looked up to the all-conquering Springboks' rugby team as an example for what sport can achieve in the divided country. "The biggest thing I admire about the Springboks is how they've kind of gone about it and embraced what being South African actually means," Bavuma said. "South Africa, we are unique in a lot of ways; our present and future is shaped by our past. "For the country this is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget about our issues and really come together. "For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters as to the route that we took to to get to this point. "I do think the the way that we played would have wiped all of that out." The turnaround for the Proteas has been remarkable. This defining moment comes less than 18 months after they sent a heavily depleted squad to New Zealand so their stars could stay home and play in the country's T20 league instead. South Africa were predictably thrashed 2-0 by the Black Caps, but then went on to complete eight wins in a row to claim an unexpected Test title. Despite their historic triumph, the Proteas aren't scheduled to play any Tests at home this upcoming summer It was Australia's first loss in a world final since England beat them to claim the 2010 T20 title. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015, 2023), a T20 trophy (2021), and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Their record in global finals goes to 8-4, dating back to the first ODI World Cup back in 1975. Australia have been the cause of much of South Africa's pain, beating them in ODI World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023. "You work so hard to get to the final and to miss that opportunity, it's disappointing," Australia captain Pat Cummins said "Everyone was pretty pumped to be here, to make the final, and when you miss a huge opportunity by a little bit that leaves you a little bit empty." South Africa's run chase was the second-highest successful pursuit in the fourth-innings in a Lord's Test, equal with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In a final that exceeded the hype, South Africa boldly took it up to the Australians from the moment Bavuma decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. But Australia's pace artillery struck back in typical fashion, running through the Proteas for only 138 thanks to Pat Cummins' 6-28. During one of his greatest spells, the star quick became the eighth Australian take 300 Test wickets, joining teammates Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. But the first-innings lead of 74 quickly seemed like nowhere near enough when Australia suffered a collapse of 5-29 in just 45 minutes late on day two. Starc (58no) and Alex Carey (43) steered them out of dire trouble, but batting became significantly easier at the start of day three to give South Africa the confidence they could complete the chase. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hopes the Proteas' drought-busting World Test Championship title can help unite a nation and inspire a future for red-ball cricket in the country. Labelled as 'chokers' following years of blowing sudden-death ICC matches, the Proteas upstaged the defending champs Australia by winning a gripping WTC final at Lord's by five wickets to lift their first senior world trophy in the men's game. Saturday's victory was only South Africa's second ICC title in all, coming 27 years after they won the Champions Trophy back in 1998. Opener Aiden Markram wrote himself into South African cricket folklore with a classic 136, helped by a gritty captain's knock from hobbling hero Bavuma (66). South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs just before lunch on day four to complete the chase of 282, sparking emotional celebrations at the home of cricket. Going to stumps on Friday night in pole position at 2-213, this largely unheralded South Africa team ticked off the 69 runs required the next morning to create history that legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and AB de Villiers never could. Bavuma, the first Black South African Test captain, has looked up to the all-conquering Springboks' rugby team as an example for what sport can achieve in the divided country. "The biggest thing I admire about the Springboks is how they've kind of gone about it and embraced what being South African actually means," Bavuma said. "South Africa, we are unique in a lot of ways; our present and future is shaped by our past. "For the country this is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget about our issues and really come together. "For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters as to the route that we took to to get to this point. "I do think the the way that we played would have wiped all of that out." The turnaround for the Proteas has been remarkable. This defining moment comes less than 18 months after they sent a heavily depleted squad to New Zealand so their stars could stay home and play in the country's T20 league instead. South Africa were predictably thrashed 2-0 by the Black Caps, but then went on to complete eight wins in a row to claim an unexpected Test title. Despite their historic triumph, the Proteas aren't scheduled to play any Tests at home this upcoming summer It was Australia's first loss in a world final since England beat them to claim the 2010 T20 title. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015, 2023), a T20 trophy (2021), and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Their record in global finals goes to 8-4, dating back to the first ODI World Cup back in 1975. Australia have been the cause of much of South Africa's pain, beating them in ODI World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023. "You work so hard to get to the final and to miss that opportunity, it's disappointing," Australia captain Pat Cummins said "Everyone was pretty pumped to be here, to make the final, and when you miss a huge opportunity by a little bit that leaves you a little bit empty." South Africa's run chase was the second-highest successful pursuit in the fourth-innings in a Lord's Test, equal with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In a final that exceeded the hype, South Africa boldly took it up to the Australians from the moment Bavuma decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. But Australia's pace artillery struck back in typical fashion, running through the Proteas for only 138 thanks to Pat Cummins' 6-28. During one of his greatest spells, the star quick became the eighth Australian take 300 Test wickets, joining teammates Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. But the first-innings lead of 74 quickly seemed like nowhere near enough when Australia suffered a collapse of 5-29 in just 45 minutes late on day two. Starc (58no) and Alex Carey (43) steered them out of dire trouble, but batting became significantly easier at the start of day three to give South Africa the confidence they could complete the chase. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hopes the Proteas' drought-busting World Test Championship title can help unite a nation and inspire a future for red-ball cricket in the country. Labelled as 'chokers' following years of blowing sudden-death ICC matches, the Proteas upstaged the defending champs Australia by winning a gripping WTC final at Lord's by five wickets to lift their first senior world trophy in the men's game. Saturday's victory was only South Africa's second ICC title in all, coming 27 years after they won the Champions Trophy back in 1998. Opener Aiden Markram wrote himself into South African cricket folklore with a classic 136, helped by a gritty captain's knock from hobbling hero Bavuma (66). South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs just before lunch on day four to complete the chase of 282, sparking emotional celebrations at the home of cricket. Going to stumps on Friday night in pole position at 2-213, this largely unheralded South Africa team ticked off the 69 runs required the next morning to create history that legends such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and AB de Villiers never could. Bavuma, the first Black South African Test captain, has looked up to the all-conquering Springboks' rugby team as an example for what sport can achieve in the divided country. "The biggest thing I admire about the Springboks is how they've kind of gone about it and embraced what being South African actually means," Bavuma said. "South Africa, we are unique in a lot of ways; our present and future is shaped by our past. "For the country this is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget about our issues and really come together. "For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters as to the route that we took to to get to this point. "I do think the the way that we played would have wiped all of that out." The turnaround for the Proteas has been remarkable. This defining moment comes less than 18 months after they sent a heavily depleted squad to New Zealand so their stars could stay home and play in the country's T20 league instead. South Africa were predictably thrashed 2-0 by the Black Caps, but then went on to complete eight wins in a row to claim an unexpected Test title. Despite their historic triumph, the Proteas aren't scheduled to play any Tests at home this upcoming summer It was Australia's first loss in a world final since England beat them to claim the 2010 T20 title. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015, 2023), a T20 trophy (2021), and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Their record in global finals goes to 8-4, dating back to the first ODI World Cup back in 1975. Australia have been the cause of much of South Africa's pain, beating them in ODI World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023. "You work so hard to get to the final and to miss that opportunity, it's disappointing," Australia captain Pat Cummins said "Everyone was pretty pumped to be here, to make the final, and when you miss a huge opportunity by a little bit that leaves you a little bit empty." South Africa's run chase was the second-highest successful pursuit in the fourth-innings in a Lord's Test, equal with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In a final that exceeded the hype, South Africa boldly took it up to the Australians from the moment Bavuma decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) carried Australia on the first day, rolled for 212 after Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada fired with 5-51 in his first Test since receiving a one-man ban for testing positive to cocaine. But Australia's pace artillery struck back in typical fashion, running through the Proteas for only 138 thanks to Pat Cummins' 6-28. During one of his greatest spells, the star quick became the eighth Australian take 300 Test wickets, joining teammates Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. But the first-innings lead of 74 quickly seemed like nowhere near enough when Australia suffered a collapse of 5-29 in just 45 minutes late on day two. Starc (58no) and Alex Carey (43) steered them out of dire trouble, but batting became significantly easier at the start of day three to give South Africa the confidence they could complete the chase. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘I don't feel sorry for Josh': Luc Longley's telling Giddey praise amid $46m NBA call
Australian basketball legend Luc Longley is backing Josh Giddey to prove his doubters wrong and lead the Chicago Bulls back to NBA glory as the young Aussie awaits a monster payday. The 22-year endured a rocky start to his time at the Bulls after being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder last off-season in exchange for defensive stopper Alex Caruso. Watch every game of The NBA Finals LIVE with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. But Giddey went on a tear after the All-Star break after Chicago traded Zach Lavine, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists — a near triple double — in the home stretch of the season. OKC went on to win a league-high 68 regular season games this year after Giddey's departure and the Thunder are currently trailing the Indiana Pacers 2-1 in the NBA Finals as they chase a championship with a formidable roster. But Longley, who was traded to the Bulls and won three championship as the starting centre playing alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s, said he doesn't feel sorry for Giddey. 'I don't feel a single bit sorry for Josh,' Longley told ahead of the release of his new ESPN x Hahn documentary Lane Violation, which tracks his changing relationship with Andrew Bogut over the course of Bogut's career. Bogut, who won an NBA title with the Golden State Warriors, said the brutal nature of Giddey's benching by the OKC Thunder in last season's playoffs would sting. 'I mean he essentially got benched and was somewhat told that 'we can't win with him in the line-up',' Bogut told 'He's been on record saying he'd rather it happened now than in year seven, eight, nine, ten — and work out the kinks at an earlier age. 'But to some young guys that could derail you, that could mentally screw you.' Longley added about getting traded: 'It does, it motivates a lot of people. Certainly people love a story to rally behind and be motivated by.' Giddey became a near triple double machine in the back-end of the NBA regular season and the Bulls are expected to re-sign him as they are urged to lean into a rebuilding around a young core. 'He's bounced back even better for it and now you know second half of the year for him was phenomenal,' Bogut said. 'Chicago's gonna have to have to pay him, I think. I don't think they have any choice with the way the (salary) cap is.' Giddey and fellow Aussie Dyson Daniels, crowned the NBA's Most Improved Player, are set to receive massive contract extensions this off-season that will rocket the duo to the top of Australia's sporting rich list. Daniels and Giddey, who is a restricted free agent, are tipped to sign long-term extensions worth around US$30 million (A$46 million) per season. 'The money is just absurd,' Giddey's dad Warrick told Code Sports. If the Bulls can trade centre Nicola Vucevic this off-season, it would free up salary cap space to re-sign Giddey and build the team around the Aussie, Coby White, Matas Buzelis and Ayo Dosunmu. The Bulls have been in basketball no-man's land for several years — a regular in the NBA's play-in tournament — not bad enough to land a high draft pick but not good enough to challenge for playoff series wins. Chicago's six NBA championships came during Michael Jordan's time at the Bulls in the 1990s, and apart from Derrick Rose's MVP year and a couple of playoff runs, it's been a lean 27 years since the iconic franchise's last title. But Longley believes Giddey can help the Bulls rebuild and escape the NBA's purgatory in the middle of the standings. 'Yeah, I think his game can help.' Longley said. 'I think he's got a natural charisma that people like.' Longley highlighted Giddey's halfcourt buzzerbeater shot over the outstretched hands of LA Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic as potentially a pivotal moment in the point guard's career. 'I think that shot all by itself drew so much attention to the Bulls,' Longley said. 'For me, it was quite a poignant shot. 'I grew up with his dad playing basketball on national team and living in the Institute of Sport, and even still when I'm in Melbourne, I'm hanging out with his dad. 'So there's the Giddey connection. There's the Bulls connection. There's an Australian over there doing it the NBA. 'Then there's the fact it's over LeBron and Doncic — I particularly like the fact it's over the Lakers. It's just such a great shot. 'With Josh, I hope that they build the right pieces with him and around him. And I do believe in his appetite for it. 'I think he is supremely motivated by things more than money. He is deeply competitive.' The Lane Violation documentary follows the changing relationship between the only two Australian seven-footers to truly dominate in the NBA. When he was taken with the No. 1 pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005, Bogut famously said he was not as slow as Longley and more athletic and competitive. Those comments didn't go down with well with Longley, who told Bogut to 'pull his head in' at the time. The towering centres went on to work together at the Australian Boomers and with the Sydney Kings, where Bogut has moved into an assistant coaching role.
The Australian
3 hours ago
- The Australian
Impressive colt stands up for Phillip Stokes after favourite scratched at Murray Bridge
Trainer Phillip Stokes looks to have a handy colt in his stable following Matahga's impressive victory in the Magic Millions Racing Rewards SA 2YO (1000m) at Murray Bridge. The son of Tivaci showed very little gate speed on debut and it was the case again at start number two after flopping out the back from a wide barrier. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! But with the leading pack going along at a strong tempo, it allowed Matahga to get right into the race and he sprouted wings over the final 200m to steal the victory. Stokes' son, Kerrin, was on course following the victory and was rapt to see Matahga break through at his second race start. 'He's going super,' Stokes, a former A-League player for Melbourne City, said. 'He was very good on debut and he's just a horse that takes a lot of riding to get through his gears. 'Jacob Opperman has had a few sits on him now and knows him well. 'He's a nice horse.' Matahga was an $80,000 purchase for the stable at Karaka in 2024 and he was able to get a fair chunk of that back with the first placed cheque worth $57,250. They will look to notch up a similar result later this month with Stokes earmarking a Listed race for Matahga. 'He's progressive, will go to the Oaklands Plate next and it's exciting,' Stokes said. Stokes initially had the favourite for the race with Ground Control before the horse was scratched. Nothing is wrong with the talented galloper other than giving the indication he had come to the end of his preparation. 'He's just ready for the paddock and was starting to feel the pinch,' Stokes said. 'So he'll have a good spell and come back as a nicer horse.' Meanwhile, trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly went close to winning the two-year-old feature with Mostly For Show. But 35 minutes later saw the duo take out the Racing Rewards 3YO with The Sprinkler. They also trained the third placegetter in the race with the favourite Out Of Square running on well.
