Ed Westwick to host Pak-India match afterparty
In a video circulating on social media, Westwick, walking along the street in his home country, can be seen answering a journalist's questions about his plans for the week. "Saturday, Mumbai! And then I'm off to Dubai to catch some sunshine and get away from this English weather for the India-Pakistan after party," said the Gossip Girl actor, best known to fans as the character Chuck Bass from the hit show. "Let's have some fun!"
It goes without saying that cricket fans in Pakistan may not be in a position to follow Westwick to the party after the two sporting rivals face off in the stadium, but no homegrown cricket lover can deny the air of festivity circulating the tournament, regardless of how the men in green shirts perform on the day.
In addition to afterparties, this particular Champions Trophy also uniquely boasts its very own official high-energy anthem, Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke. Performed by powerhouse vocalist Atif Aslam, the electrifying track seeks to harness Pakistanis' love for cricket and symbolises the unifying power of sport. Since its release last week, the high-octane number has won over the combined fans of both cricket and music as users filled up the comments section with words of praise.
"Perfect song for the perfect occasion," wrote one fan, as another added, "Atif Aslam is the bridge between borders."
The ICC Champions Trophy will see the top eight One Day International teams vying for the coveted cup, with matches due to take place across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. The only fixture scheduled outside of Pakistan is the long-anticipated clash between rivals Pakistan and India, which has been pencilled in for Dubai, the unofficial home away from home for so many in the sub-continent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
King's musical sage Errollyn Wallen blazes new path
LONDON: Told she would never belong in the world of classical music, Errollyn Wallen has risen to become the composer to King Charles III and the first person of colour in the historic role. The 67-year-old became the Master of the King's Music last year, a 400-year-old post and one of the classical world's top honours that involves composing works for landmark events and advising the king on musical matters for royal occasions. 'He's very musical, which everybody's really thrilled about,' Wallen told AFP. 'He likes listening to music and he is curious about it – he has broad tastes, which is really wonderful,' added Wallen, who premiered her 'funky' new composition 'Elements' at the first night of the renowned Proms music festival in London on Friday. Charles showed a lighter side in March when he shared his favourite songs from around the Commonwealth in an Apple podcast, revealing a surprising appreciation of disco, reggae and Afrobeats and including hits from such artists as Kylie Minogue and Diana Ross. In a sign of his musical conviction, Charles sought advice from Wallen – 'but in the end the king chose his own' songs, she said. 'It was important for him to choose tracks that brought back personal memories to him and that's the power of music,' said the pianist, violinist and singer. 'Think of the people he's met, all the great musicians. It's incredible,' added the self-confessed cake fanatic. Teacher inspiration Wallen was born in the former British colony of Belize in 1958, and soon showed signs of a precocious talent. 'My parents said that as a baby, I didn't cry, but I was always singing.' She moved to London aged two and her mother and father then relocated to New York, leaving her and her siblings, one of whom is the jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen, in the care of her aunt and uncle. 'I was always making up songs for any boring chore,' she recalled. Wallen credits a junior school teacher for setting her on her current path. 'I was very lucky that at school, all of us nine-year-olds were taught to read and write music, but also introduced to orchestral music.' However, she received little encouragement to pursue a career as a composer. 'I love my family, but I think there was the idea that you wouldn't step out of the ordinary,' she explained. Another early memory is of a non-music teacher telling her 'you know, little girl, classical music isn't for you'. 'These subtle messages going in that I might be good at music, but I wouldn't belong to that world. Netflix says it used GenAI in Argentine TV series 'But I was so curious and passionate about music… I think the negative messages didn't go in deeply.' 'So shocked' Indeed, taking the road less travelled only strengthed her conviction and 'led me into other paths of music making which has stood me in great stead'. 'I was a keyboard player and I played music in the community and care homes – it opened my eyes to how music can touch people.' It was at boarding school that the classical bug really took hold, and it was later nurtured at Goldsmiths', King's College London and King's College, Cambridge. Wallen also appeared as a backing artist for the 1990s girl group 'Eternal' and performed as a tap dancer, having trained as a dancer in London and New York. She had her own recording studio, and her work includes 22 operas and a range of orchestral, chamber and vocal compositions. Her arrangement of Hubert Parry's 'Jerusalem' was performed at the Last Night of the Proms in 2020, and she also composed a piece for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in 2012. But she still admitted to being 'so shocked' when the palace called last July, generating headlines about her being the first black woman to assume the role. 'I had to remind the palace, I'm the first black person, full stop. There's never been a person of colour in this role, since 1626.' Charles I created the role to take charge of his personal band, but today it mainly entails advising and composing. 'I wrote something for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey earlier in the year… and I did say to the palace my main objective is to be a kind of music ambassador,' she said, adding that 'children are my priority'. She aims to get for 'children some of the things that so many of us had for free' when it comes to a musical education.
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Ellen DeGeneres reveals Trump's re-election led to UK move
Ellen DeGeneres has opened up about her recent move to the UK, revealing that she and wife Portia de Rossi decided to relocate to the Cotswolds the day after Donald Trump was re-elected. Speaking at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, the former talk show host shared that life in the UK feels 'simpler and better,' praising the polite culture, treatment of animals, and overall charm of the British countryside. DeGeneres, known for her long-running daytime show and voice work in Finding Nemo, admitted that political and social shifts in the U.S. were key factors in their decision. With movements attempting to roll back gay marriage rights, the couple is now considering renewing their vows in England. She also addressed her career-ending controversy regarding workplace toxicity on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which concluded in 2022. While acknowledging that she is 'blunt,' Ellen dismissed the allegations as 'clickbait,' expressing frustration at being labeled 'mean.' The 67-year-old entertainer reflected on her legacy as one of the first openly gay TV stars, noting that while progress has been made, many celebrities still hide their sexuality. She praised younger generations for being more open and fluid, offering hope for greater acceptance. Though she misses her show, Ellen isn't planning a return just yet—but hinted she'd 'love' to do a British talk show in the future. For now, she's enjoying farm life with chickens and simpler days in rural England.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India-Pakistan WCL 2025 clash called off
Shoaib Malik and Shikhar Dhawan are playing in the World Championship of Legends in England. Photo: AFP/file The much-anticipated fourth match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday at Edgbaston, has officially been called off. The announcement was made through a statement shared on the official social media handle of the WCL, confirming the cancellation of the marquee fixture. "We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments," the statement read. "After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing recent India vs Pakistan volleyball and other inter-nation fixtures, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL — just to create some happy memories for people around the globe." "However, we have decided to call off the India vs Pakistan match," the statement added. "We sincerely apologise for hurting sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans." Before the official announcement, reports emerged that five India cricketers have set a condition ahead of their clash against Pakistan, stating they will not participate if former all-rounder Shahid Afridi is included in the squad or even enters the stadium premises. According to sources, former Indian all-rounders Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Suresh Raina, along with veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh and ex-opener Shikhar Dhawan, have raised strong objections to Afridi's presence and have formally conveyed their stance to the tournament organisers. Indian media reports further claim that Harbhajan Singh and Yusuf Pathan have already withdrawn from the match, citing political tensions and public sentiment. Additionally, Shikhar Dhawan had engaged in verbal spats on social media with the former Pakistan captain over his previous anti-India remarks. Dhawan confirmed his withdrawal through a story shared on his Instagram feed. It is pertinent to mention that the Green Shirts, led by Mohammad Hafeez, won the WCL 2025 opener against the England Champions by a narrow margin of five runs. Chasing 161, England were restricted to 155-3 in 20 overs, courtesy of a tight final over by Sohail Khan, who successfully defended 16 runs and conceded only 10 to secure the victory for his side. Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025: Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Sharjeel Khan, Fawad Alam, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer, Asif Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Rumman Raees, Amir Yamin and Sohail Khan. India Champions squad for WCL 2025: Yuvraj Singh (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Stuart Binny, Gurkeerat Maan, Vinay Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Varun Aaron, Abhimanyu Mithun, and Pawan Negi.
