India receives a significant fitness boost ahead of the T20 World Cup with positive updates on Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma. Sundar has resumed batting and bowling during his rehabilitation, while Varma is nearing full fitness after surgery and is expected to join the squad soon.
Pakistan beat Australia by 90 runs in the second T20I in Lahore, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. Salman Agha scored 76 while Usman Khan added 53 as Pakistan posted 198-5. Controversy arose when Cameron Green accused Usman Tariq of chucking after his dismissal. Pakistan’s spinners dominated, bowling Australia out for 108, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan leading the charge.
The BCB has introduced strict entry rules for journalists at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium due to increased security measures amid controversy over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup participation. Media must use Gate 1 and can enter only on match days, press events, or approved sessions. The move follows the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the 2026 T20 World Cup starting February 7.
Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif feels Pakistan acted late on the T20 World Cup 2026 issue. The Pakistan Cricket Board awaits government clearance for participation. Latif suggests the window for a significant protest has closed. Pakistan's squad departure is scheduled, indicating participation. A final decision is expected soon.
Bangladesh Cricket Board is planning Shakib Al Hasan's return to the national team. The veteran all-rounder could play in the upcoming series against Pakistan. Batting coach Mohammad Ashraful believes Shakib should aim for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shakib's personal security and legal issues are being addressed. His comeback is a significant development for Bangladesh cricket.
Despite a 50-run loss to New Zealand in the fourth T20I, Captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed the decision to play with six batters was a deliberate gamble to test the team's mettle. Shivam Dube shone with a blistering 65 off 23 balls, showcasing his improved power-hitting against both spinners and pacers.
Bangladesh's Under-19 World Cup campaign concluded amidst criticism from their cricket board regarding unfair match scheduling and travel arrangements. The BCB highlighted the team's extensive travel, including a nine-hour bus journey, and accused the ICC of ignoring their concerns about the demanding itinerary.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has withdrawn his call for a full T20 World Cup boycott, stating the opportune moment has passed. He now suggests Pakistan could refuse to play India, a decision he insists must come from the government. Latif believes a boycott now would lack impact after Bangladesh's exclusion.
Jason Gillespie has been appointed head coach of the new Hyderabad franchise in the PSL, marking his return to Pakistan cricket after resigning as national Test coach in 2024. His appointment comes amid a dispute with the PCB over unpaid dues, which the board has denied. Gillespie had earlier cited poor communication and management decisions as reasons for his resignation.
Former India coach Rahul Dravid believes India is a strong contender to win the upcoming T20 World Cup. He praises the team's current approach and their consistent performance. Dravid also credits Rohit Sharma for transforming India's white-ball cricket. He emphasizes that despite their strength, T20 cricket demands peak performance on the day.
KL Rahul has admitted that retirement has crossed his mind, though he believes it is still some time away and won't be a difficult decision when the moment arrives.
Gujarat Giants secured a thrilling three-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2026, with Sophie Devine defending nine runs in the final over. Beth Mooney's 58 and Anushka Sharma's 39 powered Gujarat's 174, a total Delhi narrowly missed despite late efforts from Sneh Rana and Niki Prasad.
Suryakumar Yadav's recent form with two consecutive fifties has silenced doubts ahead of the T20 World Cup. After a lean patch, a crucial innings in Raipur saw him bat with patience, assessing conditions before unleashing his signature strokeplay. This resurgence provides vital reassurance for the Indian team management.
Harbhajan Singh criticized Pakistan's stance on Bangladesh's T20 World Cup exclusion, calling it an unnecessary attempt to create a '2 vs 1' scenario. He argued that Pakistan's intervention was uncalled for, as Bangladesh and its players are the ones suffering the most. Harbhajan also suggested the BCB let ego guide its decisions, hindering potential resolutions.
MS Dhoni, at 44, is training intensely for IPL 2026, sparking speculation about his role. Former teammate R Ashwin believes Dhoni might bat higher up the order, potentially at number three, to be an aggressor. Ashwin also praised CSK's formidable batting lineup, bolstered by new signings, predicting a challenging season for opponents.
Former BCCI president and veteran cricket administrator Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away at his New Delhi residence on Sunday at the age of 84. His health deteriorated suddenly after lunch, and he died around 6.30 pm. The last rites of Bindra, a key figure in Indian cricket administration, will be performed at the Lodhi crematorium on Monday.
Music composer Palash Muchhal faces renewed cheating allegations from actor-producer Vidnyan Mane, a friend of Smriti Mandhana. Mane claims Muchhal was caught with another woman during pre-wedding festivities, leading to a physical confrontation with cricketers. Muchhal has denied these claims, initiating a Rs 10 crore defamation suit against Mane. Several Instagram posts featuring Mandhana have also been removed.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Tristan Stubbs, who has had a mediocre return since the highs of 2024, is keen to find form in the SA20 final against the Pretoria Capitals. Having been called up to the T20 World Cup squad as an injury replacement, Stubbs has personal and team goals to achieve at Newlands in Cape Town.
Ravindra Jadeja's constant encouragement proved pivotal as Saurashtra's Parth Bhut dominated Shubman Gill, taking 10 wickets in their Ranji Trophy win over Punjab. Bhut, inspired by Jadeja, credited his hero's guidance for his match-winning performance and fulfilling a childhood dream of playing alongside him.
Former India cricketer Atul Wassan slammed PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks on possibly skipping the 2026 T20 World Cup, calling it “foolish bravado.” He said dragging politics into cricket hurts players, not administrators. Wassan felt Pakistan was backing Bangladesh for political mileage. His comments followed Naqvi’s criticism of the ICC after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to follow the tournament schedule.
Bangladesh Cricket Board accuses ICC of double standards after its request to move T20 World Cup matches out of India was rejected. The BCB cited safety concerns, contrasting the ICC's past flexibility in allowing India to play the 2025 Champions Trophy at a neutral venue.
Former cricketer Atul Wassan urged Bangladesh to resolve tensions with India regarding the T20 World Cup 2026, suggesting Litton Das's captaincy as a bridge. He dismissed the BCB's request to shift matches as logistically impossible and impractical, emphasizing India's robust security. The ICC confirmed matches will remain in India, despite the BCB's continued stance.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif urged the PCB to boycott the T20 World Cup, supporting Bangladesh's security concerns. He believes Pakistan should challenge the cricket power structure by withdrawing, as their participation is crucial to the tournament's success. Latif questioned the ICC's dismissal of Bangladesh's relocation request, emphasizing the potential for sanctions but stressing the importance of taking a stand.
The ICC board rejected Bangladesh's plea to move T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing no independent security threats. The decision was made despite the Pakistan Cricket Board's support for Bangladesh's demand, which stemmed from a player's IPL ouster.
The ICC has rejected Bangladesh's plea to shift T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing no credible security threats. Fourteen of sixteen board members voted against the relocation, emphasizing the need to maintain event integrity. Bangladesh has been given an extended deadline to confirm participation.
Rohit Sharma admits watching the T20 World Cup from home will be strange. He shares insights into his captaincy, highlighting difficult selection choices. Sharma explains that balancing the team often required tough calls. He emphasizes open communication and building trust within the squad. Sharma expresses confidence in the current Indian team's stability and understanding.
Bihar's record-breaking 574/6 against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy highlights cricket's burgeoning presence in the latter state. Despite a recent entry into domestic cricket, Arunachal's players like Nabam Abo and Techi Doria are dedicated to improving, seeking professional training and advocating for a dedicated stadium to foster future talent and elevate their game.
India face a resurgent New Zealand in a T20 series, a crucial test for the T20 World Cup squad. Captain Suryakumar Yadav seeks to regain form amidst batting concerns, while Ishan Kishan is set to bat at number three. New Zealand, buoyed by recent successes, aims for a T20 hat-trick against India.
Sanjay Manjrekar defended coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s ODI series loss to New Zealand, urging fans not to overreact. He said bilateral ODIs hold little value today and are often forgotten quickly. Manjrekar stressed that only World Cups truly matter in 50-over cricket and that poor results in smaller series can help teams reset before major tournaments.
Pakistan has halted preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, backing Bangladesh's refusal to play in India due to security concerns. Islamabad has indicated it may withdraw if the issue isn't resolved, following Bangladesh's withdrawal from the IPL. The ICC is reluctant to shift Bangladesh's matches, potentially leading to Scotland's replacement.
Rohit Sharma’s poor run continued with an 11-run dismissal in the deciding ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, raising questions about his form and motivation. Now playing only ODIs, Rohit struggled throughout the series, prompting Simon Doull to question whether the 2027 World Cup is too distant to drive him. Doull also cited limited ODI cricket as a factor. Virat Kohli topped the series with 240 runs.
India’s badminton star Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement, revealing a chronic knee condition and arthritis left her unable to meet elite demands. The 2012 Olympic bronze medallist last played in 2023 and said she stepped away quietly on her own terms. Persistent knee degeneration, worsened since a Rio 2016 injury, ultimately ended her career.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape sealed top spot and a Qualifier 1 berth with a seven-wicket win over MI Cape Town, knocking the latter out of playoff contention. Chris Green starred on debut with 3/29 before Quinton de Kock and Matthew Breetzke powered the chase, ensuring the Orange Army finished in the top two.
Despite a 41-run series-deciding loss to New Zealand, Indian captain Shubman Gill acknowledged Virat Kohli's stellar 54th ODI century as a significant positive. Gill admitted the team needs improvement in several areas, highlighting the valuable contributions of Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy as the focus shifts towards future combinations and the World Cup.
Harshit Rana recounted a funny moment with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. This happened after India won the 2025 Champions Trophy. Rana met Anushka Sharma for the first time and called her 'ma'am'. Kohli playfully corrected him, asking him to call her 'Bhabhi'. The story highlights Kohli's humorous side and ability to keep the team atmosphere light.
Real Madrid fans jeered their team but celebrated a 2-0 win against Levante. Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio scored for Real Madrid. This victory marks coach Alvaro Arbeloa's first win. Villarreal lost 2-0 to Real Betis, impacting their title challenge. The team showed more energy in the second half. Real Madrid reduced the gap on leaders Barcelona.
A controversy arose during the U-19 World Cup match between India and Bangladesh as captains failed to exchange a customary handshake at the toss. The Bangladesh Cricket Board clarified the incident was unintentional, stemming from a lapse in concentration, and emphasized their commitment to sportsmanship amid existing cricketing tensions.
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has criticized assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate's remarks on Rohit Sharma's form, calling them demoralizing. Tiwary highlighted Rohit's extensive achievements, stating ten Doeschate's international record is not even 5% of Sharma's. He urged the coach to reflect on his comments, especially as a member of the support staff.
Former India batter Kris Srikkanth has voiced concerns over India's ODI team balance, questioning Axar Patel's continued exclusion. He highlighted Ravindra Jadeja's inconsistent form and the team's need for a reliable sixth bowling option, especially after their recent loss to New Zealand. Srikkanth believes Axar's inclusion would strengthen the bowling attack.
Bangladesh Cricket Board's finance chief stated the board won't face financial loss if the team withdraws from the T20 World Cup, attributing potential losses to players' match fees and bonuses. He emphasized that the board's revenue is secured until 2027, dismissing compensation for players.
Pakistan players endured further embarrassment in the Big Bash League as Hasan Ali’s misfield gifted a boundary during Adelaide Strikers’ loss to Melbourne Stars, just a day after Mohammad Rizwan became the first overseas player to be retired out. Tom Curran’s career-best spell then helped the Stars bowl Strikers out for 83 and seal an easy win.
Mumbai Indians chased down Gujarat Giants’ target with seven wickets in hand in the sixth match of the Women’s Premier League 2026 on Tuesday.
The situation follows the decision by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to leave out Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 season, despite buying him for Rs 9.2 crore in the mini auction.
Nandini Sharma’s maiden hat-trick went in vain as Sophie Devine starred with a breathtaking 95 and a superb final over under pressure to steer Gujarat Giants to a thrilling four-run win off the last ball over Delhi Capitals in a Women’s Premier League match on Sunday.
Ryan Rickelton’s historic unbeaten 113, backed by a brutal opening stand with Rassie van der Dussen and disciplined bowling from Kagiso Rabada and George Linde, drove MI Cape Town to a commanding 36-run win over Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 El Clasico.
Virat Kohli's leadership shone during India's training camp as he motivated a local net bowler, emphasising conviction in bowling. After an intense session, Kohli offered encouragement and signed a ball, demonstrating his commitment to developing talent and his own sharp form ahead of the ODI series.
Nadine de Klerk starred in Royal Challengers Bangalore's dramatic three-wicket WPL opener win against Mumbai Indians. She took 4/26 with the ball and then smashed an unbeaten 63, securing player-of-the-match. De Klerk credited backing her strengths for the decisive performance in the thrilling last-ball victory.
BCCI officials met in Mumbai to discuss the Centre of Excellence's operations and future India U-19 and India A tours. Regarding Bangladesh's T20 World Cup match venue request, the board stated it's not their domain, as the ICC holds the final decision. Recruitment for vacant technical positions at the CoE is also a priority.
SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith says the tournament is enjoying its strongest commercial year yet, driven by record ticket sales, rising viewership and improved cricket quality. Despite rain interruptions, Smith credits IPL franchise backing, youth development and strong fan engagement for SA20’s rapid growth, while hinting at future expansion and a possible women’s league.