Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran's special representative and ambassador to Kabul, has discussed bilateral relations and regional developments in a farewell meeting with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate Amir Khan Muttaqi, the ministry’s spokesman Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal said.

Takal on Tuesday said in a post on X that Muttaqi appreciated Qomi's efforts during his mission.

Muttaqi stated IEA’s foreign ministry is ready to work with the new ambassador of Iran on expanding bilateral relations.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday that the UN’s latest report on media restrictions was not objective and rejected its findings.

UN in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated in its report that after reviewing the media situation from August 15, 2021 to September 30, 2024, there had been 336 cases of violations of human rights of journalists and media workers in the country, including 256 arrests and ill-treatment and 75 instances of threats and intimidation.

UNAMA said in its report that media and journalists face many challenges, including lack of access to information, and severe restrictions in doing their work.

The ministry also said the report is in contradiction with the efforts of the Islamic Emirate to support the media.

The two-day IPL Auction wrapped up in Jeddah on Monday with 13-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi becoming the youngest to be sold in an IPL auction.

The young star, from the eastern Indian state of Bihar, went to the Rajasthan Royals for $130,500 after coming into the auction at a base price of $35,591.

Meanwhile, seven Afghan players were snapped up for the 2025 season.

Included was Rashid Khan who was retained by Gujarat Titans for about $2.13 million. 

Karim Janat will make his debut at the IPL and was picked up by Gujarat Titans for just over $88,000; Noor Ahmad Lakanwal was signed by Chennai Super Kings for $1.18 million; Azmatullah Omarzai was sold to Punjab Kings for $284,000; Rahmanullah Gurbaz was resigned by Kolkata Knight Riders for over $236,000; Fazalhaq Farooqi went to Rajasthan Royals for $236,000 USD); and 18 year old young spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar was signed by Mumbai Indians for $568,000.

In total, 16 Afghan players had registered for the 2025 IPL auction.

Overall, big purchases on Day 2 saw veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar go to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.27-million, and Deepak Chahar went to the Mumbai Indians for $1.09-million.

Rishabh Pant broke the auction record on day one when Lucknow Super Giants got the star wicketkeeper for a whopping $3.20 million, while the Punjab Kings snapped up Shreyas Iyer for $3.17 million also on Sunday.

The final day began with a string of unsold players and some frugal buys, before South Africa’s left-arm quick Marco Jansen went to Punjab for $830,000.

The focus then turned to Indian quicks.

Mukesh Kumar went to the Delhi Capitals for $942,000, while pace bowler Akash Deep went to Lucknow for the same price.

Five-time champions Mumbai went big for Chahar, before securing 18-year-old Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar for $569,000.

“Very happy at this position because we have got our playing XII,” Mumbai owner Akash Ambani said.

New Zealand’s veteran Kane Williamson and all-rounder Glenn Phillips both went unsold, although they may be brought back later.

In total, 182 players were sold across the two days, which included 62 overseas players. Teams spent almost $75.72 million to buy the 182 players.

The top 10 signings were as follows:

Rishabh Pant (IND) – $3.20 million – Lucknow Super Giants

Shreyas Iyer (IND) – $3.17 million – Punjab Kings

Venkatesh Iyer (IND) – $2.81 million- Kolkata Knight Riders

Arshdeep Singh (IND) – $2.13 million – Punjab Kings

Yuzvendra Chahal (IND) – $2.13 million – Punjab Kings

Jos Buttler (ENG) – $1.87 million – Gujarat Titans

KL Rahul (IND) – $1.65 million – Delhi Capitals

Jofra Archer (ENG) – $1.48 million –  Rajasthan Royals

Trent Boult (NZL) – $1.48 million – Mumbai Indians

Josh Hazlewood (AUS) – $1.48 million – Royal Challengers Bengaluru