Afghanistan have climbed to the sixth spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, surpassing Sri Lanka to secure their highest-ever position.

Since making their ODI debut in 2009, Afghanistan have been ever-rising across formats, with historic feats such as wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023 and a maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final appearance in 2024.

They have won 96 of their 191 matches in the ODI format with an impressive win-loss ratio of 1.09.

Afghanistan were already above experienced teams like Bangladesh, England and West Indies, and have now also overtaken Sri Lanka to achieve their highest-ever position in the Men’s ODI Team Rankings.

Their recent successes include a 4-0 series win over Ireland away from home and an unbeaten run in the recently concluded tri-series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

They recently clean swept Zimbabwe in the T20I format as well, and are now all set to face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series.

Afghanistan’s pine nut exports increased by 69 percent in the first seven months of the current solar year 1405 compared with the same period last year, reaching $72 million, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) says.

According to chamber officials, the value of pine nut exports stood at $42 million during the first seven months of last year. The product has been exported to European countries, India and, particularly, China.

Meanwhile, officials at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce say they have taken steps since the beginning of the year to expand pine nut exports and identify new markets for the product.

However, some economic experts say pine nuts are among Afghanistan’s key export products and that relevant government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, should strengthen efforts to promote the product and secure access to new markets.

Afghan pine nuts are also exported to China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Australia, Turkey, Austria and Kuwait.

Experts emphasize that pine nut packaging should be improved to meet the requirements and standards of different international markets in order to further increase exports.

Suhail, inspired by one of the brightest stars in the night sky and deeply rooted in Gulf heritage, has been unveiled as the official mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which will be held in Doha, Qatar.

The announcement comes less than a year before the start of the tournament, the flagship competition of international men’s basketball.

Known as Canopus in Western culture, the Suhail star has guided sailors, nomads and pearl divers across the Gulf region for centuries. It has traditionally been associated with the transition from the intense summer heat to cooler temperatures and more comfortable evenings.

The star holds a special place in Qatari and Gulf traditions, symbolizing the region’s connection with the sea, desert and its cultural heritage.

According to the organizers, the mascot has been designed with inspiration from meteorites. Its crystalline body combines fragments of a star with meteorite metal, representing a connection between the sky and earth, strength and brilliance.

Suhail is expected to play a key role in promoting the tournament and engaging basketball fans of all ages as Qatar prepares to host the 2027 edition. The star is also expected to be visible in the night sky during the competition.

Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications and Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee, said the unveiling marks an important milestone in preparations for the tournament.

He said Suhail reflects Qatar’s cultural identity and rich heritage, while symbolizing the country’s connection to its past and aspirations for the future.

Al Mawlawi added that the mascot will help strengthen engagement with fans and promote the competition in the months ahead.

He also said organizers aim to extend the tournament experience beyond the basketball court, encouraging younger generations to take up the sport and supporting the growth of basketball in Qatar and across the region.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will bring together national teams from around the world in Doha, with Suhail serving as the face of the tournament.