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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Aminul Islam, is hoping for a miracle from the apex body (the ICC) as he tries to salvage Bangladesh’s place in the forthcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The ICC officials held a meeting on Wednesday (Jan 21), informing the BCB that they will replace Bangladesh with another team should they decide against travelling to India. Aminul, in the meantime, has sought some time to speak with the Bangladeshi government before declaring their decision on Thursday, the deadline.&nbsp;Speaking to the media, Aminul said he asked for some time (from the ICC) to talk with his country’s government, while claiming that the board continues to feel unsafe to send its players across the border for the 20-team tournament starting in 15 days. Aminul added that the BCB still wants Bangladesh to play their scheduled league matches in Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host alongside India, and will revert to the governing body within the timeframe.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-upholds-bangladesh-s-demands-reassures-no-changes-in-t20-world-cup-schedule-1769003244672">ICC upholds Bangladesh's demands, reassures no changes in T20 World Cup schedule</a> &nbsp;"I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time," Aminul said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp; &nbsp;"They said it's a valid point, and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them. I don't want to put pressure on the government. We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka. I know the ICC denied us, but we will talk to the government one more time. I will inform the ICC about the government's feedback,” he added. &nbsp;Speaking of finding a middle ground in just one day, considering both boards are firm with their stances, the BCB president said, "I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn't want to play in the World Cup? &nbsp;"The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup. But we don't think India is safe for our players. A government doesn't only consider the players, but they consider all, when it takes a decision." &nbsp;Per the report, Aminul was the only BCB representative invited to the ICC board meeting, where he kept his cricket board and country's stance, including a proposal to move Bangladesh’s scheduled league matches (to Sri Lanka) by switching places with either Ireland or Zimbabwe (in Group B). The ICC rejected this idea, citing Sri Lanka’s rejection of ‘not wanting a new team’ in their group.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Bangladesh is placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, the West Indies and Nepal. Bangladesh will play its first three league matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the final one at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;

The ICC has given the BCB one extra day to finalise their stance on travelling to India for the T20 World Cup, starting in 15 days. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Aminul Islam, is hoping for a miracle from the apex body (the ICC) as he tries to salvage Bangladesh’s place in the forthcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The ICC officials held a meeting on Wednesday (Jan 21), informing the BCB that they will replace Bangladesh with another team should they decide against travelling to India. Aminul, in the meantime, has sought some time to speak with the Bangladeshi government before declaring their decision on Thursday, the deadline. Speaking to the media, Aminul said he asked for some time (from the ICC) to talk with his country’s government, while claiming that the board continues to feel unsafe to send its players across the border for the 20-team tournament starting in 15 days. Aminul added that the BCB still wants Bangladesh to play their scheduled league matches in Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host alongside India, and will revert to the governing body within the timeframe. Also read | ICC upholds Bangladesh's demands, reassures no changes in T20 World Cup schedule "I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time," Aminul said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "They said it's a valid point, and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them. I don't want to put pressure on the government. We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka. I know the ICC denied us, but we will talk to the government one more time. I will inform the ICC about the government's feedback,” he added. Speaking of finding a middle ground in just one day, considering both boards are firm with their stances, the BCB president said, "I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC. Who doesn't want to play in the World Cup? "The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup. But we don't think India is safe for our players. A government doesn't only consider the players, but they consider all, when it takes a decision." Per the report, Aminul was the only BCB representative invited to the ICC board meeting, where he kept his cricket board and country's stance, including a proposal to move Bangladesh’s scheduled league matches (to Sri Lanka) by switching places with either Ireland or Zimbabwe (in Group B). The ICC rejected this idea, citing Sri Lanka’s rejection of ‘not wanting a new team’ in their group. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, the West Indies and Nepal. Bangladesh will play its first three league matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the final one at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The ICC has given the BCB one extra day to finalise their stance on travelling to India for the T20 World Cup, starting in 15 days.&nbsp;

BCB hoping for last-minute ‘miracle’ from ICC as Bangladesh’s T20 WC fate stays in limbo

In the first T20I between India and New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, middle-order batter Rinku Singh on Wednesday ( Jan 21) made a strong return to international cricket. He scored an unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls, hitting four fours and three huge sixes. Before this match, Rinku last played a T20I against Australia in November, but that game was washed out due to rain. Prior to that, he featured against England in February last year, where he managed to score only nine runs.&nbsp;In today's match, Rinku played a crucial role in the final over of India’s innings, smashing Daryl Mitchell for 21 runs. Mitchell started the over with a length ball, which Rinku stepped out and struck straight down the ground for a six. Mitchell then tried a slower delivery, but Rinku powered it over mid-wicket into the stands for another six. He went on to hit two more boundaries as India collected 21 runs from the last over.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-india-skipper-rohit-sharma-says-quite-amazing-on-missing-t20-world-cup-2026-1769007705638">Ex- India skipper Rohit Sharma says 'quite amazing' on missing T20 World Cup 26</a>&nbsp;Alongside Rinku, Abhishek Sharma continued his excellent form with a brilliant 84 off 35 balls, including eight sixes and five fours. Captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32 off 22 balls, while Hardik Pandya contributed 25 off 16 balls. Overall, India’s batting looked strong, which is a positive sign for the team management with the World Cup just a month away.<h2>IND vs NZ, 1st T20I</h2>India began their 2026 T20I season with a strong win, defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the first match of the five-game series on Wednesday (Jan 21). Abhishek Sharma stole the spotlight with a fine knock of 84 runs and helped his team take a 1-0 lead in the series. The victory was a perfect start for India as they head into their final series before the T20 World Cup, which will begin on February 7 on home soil.

India began their 2026 T20I season with a strong win, defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the first match of the five-game series on Wednesday (Jan 21).

In the first T20I between India and New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, middle-order batter Rinku Singh on Wednesday ( Jan 21) made a strong return to international cricket. He scored an unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls, hitting four fours and three huge sixes. Before this match, Rinku last played a T20I against Australia in November, but that game was washed out due to rain. Prior to that, he featured against England in February last year, where he managed to score only nine runs. In today's match, Rinku played a crucial role in the final over of India’s innings, smashing Daryl Mitchell for 21 runs. Mitchell started the over with a length ball, which Rinku stepped out and struck straight down the ground for a six. Mitchell then tried a slower delivery, but Rinku powered it over mid-wicket into the stands for another six. He went on to hit two more boundaries as India collected 21 runs from the last over. Also Read - Ex- India skipper Rohit Sharma says 'quite amazing' on missing T20 World Cup 26 Alongside Rinku, Abhishek Sharma continued his excellent form with a brilliant 84 off 35 balls, including eight sixes and five fours. Captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32 off 22 balls, while Hardik Pandya contributed 25 off 16 balls. Overall, India’s batting looked strong, which is a positive sign for the team management with the World Cup just a month away. IND vs NZ, 1st T20I India began their 2026 T20I season with a strong win, defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the first match of the five-game series on Wednesday (Jan 21). Abhishek Sharma stole the spotlight with a fine knock of 84 runs and helped his team take a 1-0 lead in the series. The victory was a perfect start for India as they head into their final series before the T20 World Cup, which will begin on February 7 on home soil.

India began their 2026 T20I season with a strong win, defeating New Zealand by 48 runs in the first match of the five-game series on Wednesday (Jan 21).

IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: Rinku Singh makes strong comeback, smashes 21 runs in an over

From KL Rahul to AB de Villiers here is a look at five players with most runs without winning an IPL title. The list of players also consists of Chris Gayle, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant as teams prepare for the latest round of retentions. 

From KL Rahul to AB de Villiers here is a look at five players with most runs without winning an IPL title. The list of players also consists of Chris Gayle, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant as teams prepare for the latest round of retentions.&nbsp;

Meet 5 players with most runs without winning an IPL title ft AB de Villiers

India started their 2026 T20I campaign on a winning note as they beat New Zealand in the opening T20I of the five-match series on Wednesday (Jan 21). Playing at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur, Abhishek Sharma was the star of the show as he scored 84 runs and completed 5000 T20 runs to help India win. The 48-run win for India sees them lead 1-0 in the series as they made a perfect start to their final series before entering the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7 on home soil.<h2>India edge New Zealand</h2>Tasked with chasing a massive 239-run target, New Zealand did not have the best of starts as they lost Devon Conway on the second ball of the innings. The BlackCaps were soon 1-2 as they also lost Rachin Ravindra (1) on the third ball of the second over before Tim Robinson (21) and Glenn Phillips (78) steadied the ship with a good 51-run stand for the third wicket. Phillips was the aggressor of the two as he scored 78 off 40 and looked to have his side in the contest.&nbsp;However, Phillips’s wicket, coupled with a lack of big partnerships, saw the visitors lose ground and ultimately fall short of the target. Phillips and Mark Chapman (39 off 24) also had a healthy 79-run partnership, but the duo could not help New Zealand avoid the defeat.<h2>What happened earlier?</h2>Earlier, India hammered 238/7 batting first, their 44th 200-plus score in T20I cricket. South Africa are second with eight 200-plus scores in the format, followed by Australia with seven and Sri Lanka with six. India's 44th 200-plus score is also the most in T20 cricket, surpassing Somerset, who have notched up 40 200-plus totals in the shortest format. Abhishek Sharma scored 84 off 35 deliveries and completed 500 runs in the T20 format. He reached the landmark in 2988 deliveries, whereas all-rounder Andre Russell reached it in 2942 balls.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Additionally, a 22-ball fifty by Abhishek Sharma was also the quickest fifty in terms of balls faced for India against New Zealand in T20Is. The previous fastest was 23 balls each by KL Rahul (Auckland, 2020) &nbsp;and Rohit Sharma (Hamilton, 2020). Coming to the match, a blistering knock by opener Abhishek and valuable contributions from Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and captain Suryakumar Yadav helped Team India to post a daunting 238/7 runs in 20 overs against New Zealand in the first T20I.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Indian captain Suryakumar made 32 off 22 deliveries, including four boundaries and one six. Hardik &nbsp;scored 25 runs off 16 deliveries, including three fours and one six. Towards the end, left-handed batter Rinku slammed an unbeaten 44 off 20 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. With the ball, speedster Jacob Duffy (2/27) had good figures for New Zealand.

The 48-run win for India sees them lead 1-0 in the series as they made a perfect start to their final series before entering the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7 on home soil.

India started their 2026 T20I campaign on a winning note as they beat New Zealand in the opening T20I of the five-match series on Wednesday (Jan 21). Playing at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur, Abhishek Sharma was the star of the show as he scored 84 runs and completed 5000 T20 runs to help India win. The 48-run win for India sees them lead 1-0 in the series as they made a perfect start to their final series before entering the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7 on home soil. India edge New Zealand Tasked with chasing a massive 239-run target, New Zealand did not have the best of starts as they lost Devon Conway on the second ball of the innings. The BlackCaps were soon 1-2 as they also lost Rachin Ravindra (1) on the third ball of the second over before Tim Robinson (21) and Glenn Phillips (78) steadied the ship with a good 51-run stand for the third wicket. Phillips was the aggressor of the two as he scored 78 off 40 and looked to have his side in the contest. However, Phillips’s wicket, coupled with a lack of big partnerships, saw the visitors lose ground and ultimately fall short of the target. Phillips and Mark Chapman (39 off 24) also had a healthy 79-run partnership, but the duo could not help New Zealand avoid the defeat. What happened earlier? Earlier, India hammered 238/7 batting first, their 44th 200-plus score in T20I cricket. South Africa are second with eight 200-plus scores in the format, followed by Australia with seven and Sri Lanka with six. India's 44th 200-plus score is also the most in T20 cricket, surpassing Somerset, who have notched up 40 200-plus totals in the shortest format. Abhishek Sharma scored 84 off 35 deliveries and completed 500 runs in the T20 format. He reached the landmark in 2988 deliveries, whereas all-rounder Andre Russell reached it in 2942 balls. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Additionally, a 22-ball fifty by Abhishek Sharma was also the quickest fifty in terms of balls faced for India against New Zealand in T20Is. The previous fastest was 23 balls each by KL Rahul (Auckland, 2020) and Rohit Sharma (Hamilton, 2020). Coming to the match, a blistering knock by opener Abhishek and valuable contributions from Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and captain Suryakumar Yadav helped Team India to post a daunting 238/7 runs in 20 overs against New Zealand in the first T20I. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Indian captain Suryakumar made 32 off 22 deliveries, including four boundaries and one six. Hardik scored 25 runs off 16 deliveries, including three fours and one six. Towards the end, left-handed batter Rinku slammed an unbeaten 44 off 20 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. With the ball, speedster Jacob Duffy (2/27) had good figures for New Zealand.

The 48-run win for India sees them lead 1-0 in the series as they made a perfect start to their final series before entering the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7 on home soil.

IND vs NZ: Abhishek Sharma dazzles in Orange City as Men in Blue start 2026 T20I campaign on winning note

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma here is a look at five Indian batters with most fifties in IPL. The honourbale list also features the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Suresh Raina. 

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma here is a look at five Indian batters with most fifties in IPL. The honourbale list also features the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Suresh Raina.&nbsp;

Meet 5 Indian batters with most fifties in IPL ft Virat, Rohit

The last time India played in a T20 World Cup, they lifted the trophy under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in 2024. India beat South Africa in the final, ending a long wait for an ICC title. With that win, Rohit became only the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to win the T20 World Cup. Now in 2026, things are different. Rohit, who retired from T20Is after the 2024 victory, will not be part of the upcoming T20 World Cup starting in February and will instead watch from outside the team.&nbsp;Speaking on JioHotstar’s show ‘Captain Rohit Sharma’s Roadmap for T20 World Cup’, Rohit said it would feel strange to watch the tournament from home. He explained that he had played in every T20 World Cup since the beginning, so missing one feels different. While watching regular T20 matches does not affect him much, missing a World Cup makes the reality sink in.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We were talking about this at home, that it will be strange watching it from home, especially the T20 World Cup. From the time it started until now, I have been part of every World Cup, so it will feel different. When I watch the team playing T20 games, the feeling of missing out isn’t as much. But when you miss a World Cup, the reality really sinks in. That’s when you realise you’re not going to be part of it. So it will be a little weird. However, I will be somewhere in the stadium. It won’t be the same and it will be a different experience, but I’m actually looking forward to it. It will be quite amazing,” Rohit said on JioHotstar’s ‘Captain Rohit Sharma’s Roadmap for T20 World Cup’ show.&nbsp;&nbsp;India will also miss Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in this edition, as both retired from T20Is on the same day as Rohit after the 2024 triumph. This time, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team. Under his leadership, India have won over 72 per cent of their T20I matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-upholds-bangladesh-s-demands-reassures-no-changes-in-t20-world-cup-schedule-1769003244672">ICC upholds Bangladesh's demands, reassures no changes in T20 World Cup schedule</a>&nbsp;Rohit also shared his thoughts on the current Indian squad. He said that the players understand each other well, which will help the team moving forward. According to him, most of the squad has stayed the same for the past two years, with around 80-90 per cent of the players continuing from the last T20 World Cup.&nbsp;“When I watch the matches, I feel there is a strong sense of understanding within the team, developed through playing together. One positive aspect is that almost all of them are of a similar age, apart from a few exceptions. Otherwise, I think the average age is probably close to 25, which is always good, because you have to have a lot of discussions, a lot of open conversations and also some hard conversations when you are heading into a World Cup, as the only aim is to win it. For that, if you have to take certain hard calls where someone you play with, even a close friend, might feel bad, it should be okay. So I think it is very important to create that kind of relationship among players,” Rohit added.

India will also miss Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in this edition, as both retired from T20Is on the same day as Rohit after the 2024 triumph. This time, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team. Under his leadership, India have won over 72 per cent of their T20I matches. 



The last time India played in a T20 World Cup, they lifted the trophy under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in 2024. India beat South Africa in the final, ending a long wait for an ICC title. With that win, Rohit became only the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to win the T20 World Cup. Now in 2026, things are different. Rohit, who retired from T20Is after the 2024 victory, will not be part of the upcoming T20 World Cup starting in February and will instead watch from outside the team. Speaking on JioHotstar’s show ‘Captain Rohit Sharma’s Roadmap for T20 World Cup’, Rohit said it would feel strange to watch the tournament from home. He explained that he had played in every T20 World Cup since the beginning, so missing one feels different. While watching regular T20 matches does not affect him much, missing a World Cup makes the reality sink in. “We were talking about this at home, that it will be strange watching it from home, especially the T20 World Cup. From the time it started until now, I have been part of every World Cup, so it will feel different. When I watch the team playing T20 games, the feeling of missing out isn’t as much. But when you miss a World Cup, the reality really sinks in. That’s when you realise you’re not going to be part of it. So it will be a little weird. However, I will be somewhere in the stadium. It won’t be the same and it will be a different experience, but I’m actually looking forward to it. It will be quite amazing,” Rohit said on JioHotstar’s ‘Captain Rohit Sharma’s Roadmap for T20 World Cup’ show. India will also miss Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in this edition, as both retired from T20Is on the same day as Rohit after the 2024 triumph. This time, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team. Under his leadership, India have won over 72 per cent of their T20I matches. Also Read - ICC upholds Bangladesh's demands, reassures no changes in T20 World Cup schedule Rohit also shared his thoughts on the current Indian squad. He said that the players understand each other well, which will help the team moving forward. According to him, most of the squad has stayed the same for the past two years, with around 80-90 per cent of the players continuing from the last T20 World Cup. “When I watch the matches, I feel there is a strong sense of understanding within the team, developed through playing together. One positive aspect is that almost all of them are of a similar age, apart from a few exceptions. Otherwise, I think the average age is probably close to 25, which is always good, because you have to have a lot of discussions, a lot of open conversations and also some hard conversations when you are heading into a World Cup, as the only aim is to win it. For that, if you have to take certain hard calls where someone you play with, even a close friend, might feel bad, it should be okay. So I think it is very important to create that kind of relationship among players,” Rohit added.

India will also miss Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in this edition, as both retired from T20Is on the same day as Rohit after the 2024 triumph. This time, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team. Under his leadership, India have won over 72 per cent of their T20I matches.

Ex- India skipper Rohit Sharma says 'quite amazing' on missing T20 World Cup 2026

As soon as Suryakumar Yadav walked out for toss in the first T20I vs New Zealand at VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday (Jan 21), he joined an exlusive list of Indian players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya with 100+ T20I matches for India.

As soon as Suryakumar Yadav walked out for toss in the first T20I vs New Zealand at VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday (Jan 21), he joined an exlusive list of Indian players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya with 100+ T20I matches for India.

History made at toss: Surykumar joins exclusive list of Indian players

India’s Abhishek Sharma joined an elite group of batters on Wednesday (Jan 21) as he played an entertaining 84-run knock against New Zealand. Playing at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Abhishek completed 5000 T20 runs and added another feather to his already impressive hat. However, he was unfortunate to miss out on a hundred before being dismissed by Ish Sodhi.<h2>Abhishek runs riot</h2>In what was a brilliant 2025, Abhishek continued his form from where he left off and scored 84 runs in his first innings of 2026. His brilliant innings consisted of 8 sixes and 5 fours and was striking at 240, having smashed all his runs in 35 deliveries. Abhishek was given a good helping hand by skipper Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22) while Hardik Pandya also smashed 25 off 16.<h2>Most T20 runs for India</h2>1. Virat Kohli – 13543 Runs in 414 matches2. Rohit Sharma – 12248 Runs in 463 matches3. Shikhar Dhawan – 9797 Runs in 334 matches4. Suryakumar Yadav – 8975 Runs in 346 matches5. Suresh Raina – 8654 Runs in 336 matches23. Abhishek Sharma – 5002 Runs in 168 matches&nbsp;In the first T20I, India hammered 238/7 batting first, their 44th 200-plus score in T20I cricket. South Africa are second with eight 200-plus scores in the format, followed by Australia with seven and Sri Lanka with six.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;India's 44th 200-plus score is also the most in T20 cricket, surpassing Somerset, who have notched up 40 200-plus totals in the shortest format.&nbsp;Abhishek Sharma reached the landmark in 2988 deliveries, whereas all-rounder Andre Russell reached it in 2942 balls.&nbsp;Additionally, a 22-ball fifty by Abhishek Sharma was also the quickest fifty in terms of balls faced for India against New Zealand in T20Is. The previous fastest was 23 balls each by KL Rahul (Auckland, 2020) &amp; Rohit Sharma (Hamilton, 2020).&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Coming to the match, a blistering knock by opener Abhishek and valuable contributions from Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and captain Suryakumar Yadav helped Team India to post a daunting 238/7 runs in 20 overs against New Zealand in the first T20I.&nbsp;Indian captain Suryakumar made 32 off 22 deliveries, including four boundaries and one six. Hardik &nbsp;scored 25 runs off 16 deliveries, including three fours and one six.&nbsp;Towards the end, left-handed batter Rinku slammed an unbeaten 44 off 20 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. With the ball, speedster Jacob Duffy (2/27) had good figures for New Zealand. &nbsp;

Playing at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Abhishek Sharma completed 5000 T20 runs and added another feather to his already impressive hat. 

India’s Abhishek Sharma joined an elite group of batters on Wednesday (Jan 21) as he played an entertaining 84-run knock against New Zealand. Playing at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Abhishek completed 5000 T20 runs and added another feather to his already impressive hat. However, he was unfortunate to miss out on a hundred before being dismissed by Ish Sodhi. Abhishek runs riot In what was a brilliant 2025, Abhishek continued his form from where he left off and scored 84 runs in his first innings of 2026. His brilliant innings consisted of 8 sixes and 5 fours and was striking at 240, having smashed all his runs in 35 deliveries. Abhishek was given a good helping hand by skipper Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22) while Hardik Pandya also smashed 25 off 16. Most T20 runs for India 1. Virat Kohli – 13543 Runs in 414 matches 2. Rohit Sharma – 12248 Runs in 463 matches 3. Shikhar Dhawan – 9797 Runs in 334 matches 4. Suryakumar Yadav – 8975 Runs in 346 matches 5. Suresh Raina – 8654 Runs in 336 matches 23. Abhishek Sharma – 5002 Runs in 168 matches In the first T20I, India hammered 238/7 batting first, their 44th 200-plus score in T20I cricket. South Africa are second with eight 200-plus scores in the format, followed by Australia with seven and Sri Lanka with six. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli India's 44th 200-plus score is also the most in T20 cricket, surpassing Somerset, who have notched up 40 200-plus totals in the shortest format. Abhishek Sharma reached the landmark in 2988 deliveries, whereas all-rounder Andre Russell reached it in 2942 balls. Additionally, a 22-ball fifty by Abhishek Sharma was also the quickest fifty in terms of balls faced for India against New Zealand in T20Is. The previous fastest was 23 balls each by KL Rahul (Auckland, 2020) & Rohit Sharma (Hamilton, 2020). ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Coming to the match, a blistering knock by opener Abhishek and valuable contributions from Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and captain Suryakumar Yadav helped Team India to post a daunting 238/7 runs in 20 overs against New Zealand in the first T20I. Indian captain Suryakumar made 32 off 22 deliveries, including four boundaries and one six. Hardik scored 25 runs off 16 deliveries, including three fours and one six. Towards the end, left-handed batter Rinku slammed an unbeaten 44 off 20 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. With the ball, speedster Jacob Duffy (2/27) had good figures for New Zealand.

Playing at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Abhishek Sharma completed 5000 T20 runs and added another feather to his already impressive hat.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ: Abhishek Sharma joins elite list with entertaining knock, narrowly misses out on hundred

Ishan Kishan celebrated his return to India's T20I team with a four on the first ball he faced. Kishan came to bat in the second over after Sanju Samson was dismissed on a rather soft dismissal. Kishan got a slot ball first up by Kyle Jamieson and samshed it down the ground for a four during the first T20 vs New Zealand on Wednesday (Jan 21) at the VCA stadium in Nagpur. The innings, however, lasted only four more ball which included another four as well. Eventually, Kishan was dismissed for 8 runs off 5 ball, hitting two boundaries, in his first international match since Novemver 2023.<h2>Kishan has skipper Suryakumar's backing</h2>Kishan's inclusion has been made possible by the shock exclusion of India's Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill. His call-up in the national squad came on the back of a sensational Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) - India's premier domestic T20 tournament - where he led Jharkhand to the title. Kishan scored 517 runs in 10 innings of the tournament at an average of 57 a staggering strike rate of 197.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2026-updated-points-table-and-qualifcation-scenarios-rcb-through-but-what-about-others-1768982858996">WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios - RCB through but what about others</a>Speaking at the press conference on the eve of the 1st T20I, SKY said: “Ishan Kishan will play at No. 3. He is part of the World Cup squad and deserves to play.”<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/history-made-at-toss-surykumar-joins-exclusive-list-of-indian-players-with-100-or-more-t20i-matches-1769007652499">SKY joins exclusive list of Indian players</a></h2>As soon as Suryakumar Yadav walked out for toss in the first T20I vs New Zealand, he joined an exlusive list of Indian players. This was SKY's 100th T20I match for India - making him only the fourth player to acheive the milestone. Rohit leads the list with 159 appearance for India in T20Is, followed by Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya with 125 matches each. Virat and Rohit, however, announced their retirement from the format after India's T20 World Cup title win in 2024 edition. Suryakumar was made India's captain as Rohit's replacement and will now lead India in 2026 T20 World Cup as defending champion. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, starts Feb 7 with India taking on the USA.

The innings, however, lasted only four more ball which included another four as well. Eventually, Kishan was dismissed for 8 runs off 5 ball, hitting two boundaries, in his first international match since Novemver 2023.

Ishan Kishan celebrated his return to India's T20I team with a four on the first ball he faced. Kishan came to bat in the second over after Sanju Samson was dismissed on a rather soft dismissal. Kishan got a slot ball first up by Kyle Jamieson and samshed it down the ground for a four during the first T20 vs New Zealand on Wednesday (Jan 21) at the VCA stadium in Nagpur. The innings, however, lasted only four more ball which included another four as well. Eventually, Kishan was dismissed for 8 runs off 5 ball, hitting two boundaries, in his first international match since Novemver 2023. Kishan has skipper Suryakumar's backing Kishan's inclusion has been made possible by the shock exclusion of India's Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill. His call-up in the national squad came on the back of a sensational Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) - India's premier domestic T20 tournament - where he led Jharkhand to the title. Kishan scored 517 runs in 10 innings of the tournament at an average of 57 a staggering strike rate of 197. Also Read - WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios - RCB through but what about others Speaking at the press conference on the eve of the 1st T20I, SKY said: “Ishan Kishan will play at No. 3. He is part of the World Cup squad and deserves to play.” SKY joins exclusive list of Indian players As soon as Suryakumar Yadav walked out for toss in the first T20I vs New Zealand, he joined an exlusive list of Indian players. This was SKY's 100th T20I match for India - making him only the fourth player to acheive the milestone. Rohit leads the list with 159 appearance for India in T20Is, followed by Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya with 125 matches each. Virat and Rohit, however, announced their retirement from the format after India's T20 World Cup title win in 2024 edition. Suryakumar was made India's captain as Rohit's replacement and will now lead India in 2026 T20 World Cup as defending champion. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, starts Feb 7 with India taking on the USA.

The innings, however, lasted only four more ball which included another four as well. Eventually, Kishan was dismissed for 8 runs off 5 ball, hitting two boundaries, in his first international match since Novemver 2023.

IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: 'Starts with 4, out four balls later': Kishan fails in first international match for India since November 2023

In the first T20I of the five-match series between India and New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Wednesday (Jan 21) became the fourth Indian cricketer to play 100 T20I matches. With this milestone, Yadav joined an elite list comprising Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Rohit leads the chart with 159 appearances, while Kohli and Pandya have played 125 T20Is each.&nbsp;The Mumbai batter made his T20I debut in March 2021 against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In 100 matches so far, he has amassed 2,820 runs at an average of 35.25 and an impressive strike rate of 163.00. The 35-year-old is currently the third-highest run-scorer for India in the shortest format.&nbsp;<h2>Most T20I matches for India</h2><ul><li>Rohit Sharma - 159 matches</li><li>Virat Kohli - 125 matches</li><li>Hardik Pandya - 125* matches</li><li>Suryakumar Yadav - 100* matches</li><li>MS Dhoni - 98 matches</li></ul>Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-upholds-bangladesh-s-demands-reassures-no-changes-in-t20-world-cup-schedule-1769003244672">ICC upholds Bangladesh's demands, reassures no changes in T20 World Cup schedule</a><h2>Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I record against New Zealand</h2>Suryakumar has played nine T20I matches against New Zealand and has scored 316* runs, including one century and one half-century. His average against New Zealand in T20Is is an impressive 45.14.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2026-updated-points-table-and-qualifcation-scenarios-rcb-through-but-what-about-others-1768982858996">WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios - RCB through but what about others</a><h2>IND vs NZ, 1st ODI match update</h2>At the time of writing, India were 68 for two at the end of the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were at the crease. India had a slow start as opener Sanju Samson was out for 10 runs. Ishan Kishan also failed to make an impact and was dismissed for eight runs by Jacob Duffy. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy (1/16) and Kyle Jamieson (1/30) picked up one wicket each.&nbsp;With eight wickets remaining, India will aim to build a strong total. On the other hand, New Zealand will try to restrict India to a low score. It will be interesting to see how the New Zealand bowlers handle India’s powerful batting lineup.

With this milestone, Suryakumar joined the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Rohit has featured in 159 T20Is, while Kohli and Hardik have both played 125 matches. 

In the first T20I of the five-match series between India and New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Wednesday (Jan 21) became the fourth Indian cricketer to play 100 T20I matches. With this milestone, Yadav joined an elite list comprising Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Rohit leads the chart with 159 appearances, while Kohli and Pandya have played 125 T20Is each. The Mumbai batter made his T20I debut in March 2021 against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In 100 matches so far, he has amassed 2,820 runs at an average of 35.25 and an impressive strike rate of 163.00. The 35-year-old is currently the third-highest run-scorer for India in the shortest format. Most T20I matches for India Rohit Sharma - 159 matches Virat Kohli - 125 matches Hardik Pandya - 125* matches Suryakumar Yadav - 100* matches MS Dhoni - 98 matches Also Read - ICC upholds Bangladesh's demands, reassures no changes in T20 World Cup schedule Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I record against New Zealand Suryakumar has played nine T20I matches against New Zealand and has scored 316* runs, including one century and one half-century. His average against New Zealand in T20Is is an impressive 45.14. Also Read - WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios - RCB through but what about others IND vs NZ, 1st ODI match update At the time of writing, India were 68 for two at the end of the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were at the crease. India had a slow start as opener Sanju Samson was out for 10 runs. Ishan Kishan also failed to make an impact and was dismissed for eight runs by Jacob Duffy. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy (1/16) and Kyle Jamieson (1/30) picked up one wicket each. With eight wickets remaining, India will aim to build a strong total. On the other hand, New Zealand will try to restrict India to a low score. It will be interesting to see how the New Zealand bowlers handle India’s powerful batting lineup.

With this milestone, Suryakumar joined the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Rohit has featured in 159 T20Is, while Kohli and Hardik have both played 125 matches.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: Suryakumar joins Rohit, Virat in elite list as fourth Indian to achieve THIS milestone

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (Jan 21) upheld Bangladesh’s demands not travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. In an official statement released by the apex body of cricket, the ICC has reassured that they will continue with the same schedule and plan to make no changes despite Bangladesh threatening to pull out of the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7. The decision was taken following an ICC Board meeting via video conference, which was convened to discuss the way forward after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had asked that its matches be moved out of India to Sri Lanka.<h2>ICC upholds BCB’s demands</h2>An ICC spokesperson’s statement in relation to the decision read, "Over the past several weeks, the ICC has engaged with the BCB in sustained and constructive dialogue, with the clear objective of enabling Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament. During this period, the ICC has shared detailed inputs, including independent security assessments, comprehensive venue-level security plans and formal assurances from the host authorities, all of which consistently concluded that there is no credible or verifiable threat to the safety or security of the Bangladesh team in India.”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;“Despite these efforts, the BCB maintained its position, repeatedly linking its participation in the tournament to a single, isolated and unrelated development concerning one of its players’ involvement in a domestic league. This linkage has no bearing on the tournament’s security framework or the conditions governing participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;According to media reports, on January 21, the ICC held a key meeting during which all stakeholders voted on Bangladesh’s request. Reports indicate that the demands were rejected by a vote of 14-2, leaving Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in doubt unless the BCB changes its stance. At present, the Bangladesh government has refused to give the BCB permission to travel to India and has insisted on a hybrid model in which the team would not play in India.

In an official statement released by the apex body of cricket, the ICC has reassured that they will continue with the same schedule and plan to make no changes despite Bangladesh threatening to pull out of the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (Jan 21) upheld Bangladesh’s demands not travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. In an official statement released by the apex body of cricket, the ICC has reassured that they will continue with the same schedule and plan to make no changes despite Bangladesh threatening to pull out of the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7. The decision was taken following an ICC Board meeting via video conference, which was convened to discuss the way forward after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had asked that its matches be moved out of India to Sri Lanka. ICC upholds BCB’s demands An ICC spokesperson’s statement in relation to the decision read, "Over the past several weeks, the ICC has engaged with the BCB in sustained and constructive dialogue, with the clear objective of enabling Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament. During this period, the ICC has shared detailed inputs, including independent security assessments, comprehensive venue-level security plans and formal assurances from the host authorities, all of which consistently concluded that there is no credible or verifiable threat to the safety or security of the Bangladesh team in India.” ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds “Despite these efforts, the BCB maintained its position, repeatedly linking its participation in the tournament to a single, isolated and unrelated development concerning one of its players’ involvement in a domestic league. This linkage has no bearing on the tournament’s security framework or the conditions governing participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli According to media reports, on January 21, the ICC held a key meeting during which all stakeholders voted on Bangladesh’s request. Reports indicate that the demands were rejected by a vote of 14-2, leaving Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in doubt unless the BCB changes its stance. At present, the Bangladesh government has refused to give the BCB permission to travel to India and has insisted on a hybrid model in which the team would not play in India.

In an official statement released by the apex body of cricket, the ICC has reassured that they will continue with the same schedule and plan to make no changes despite Bangladesh threatening to pull out of the T20 World Cup, which starts on Feb 7.

ICC upholds Bangladesh's demands, reassures no changes in T20 World Cup schedule

From Shakib Al Hasan to Shahid Afridi, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup history. This list also includes Lasith Malinga, Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan

From Shakib Al Hasan to Shahid Afridi, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup history. This list also includes Lasith Malinga, Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan

Meet top 5 bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup history

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to clear their stand on their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. BCB, who have communicated its reluctance to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, will have to convey its decision to the apex body of cricket in less than 24 hours or risk losing its place in the tournament. If the latter is the case, Scotland could be approached to replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup.<h2>Scotland to feature in T20 World Cup 2026?</h2>According to media reports circulating on Wednesday (Jan 21), the ICC held a key meeting where all the stakeholders voted. It is reported that Bangladesh’s demands were turned down with a vote of 14-2, meaning their participation in the T20 World Cup remains a doubt unless BCB changes it stands. Currently, the Bangladesh government has denied permission to the BCB to travel to India for the T20 World Cup and insisted it demands a hybrid model under which it will not play in India.&nbsp;The BCB has stated that there will be security issues for the Bangladesh players if they travel to India. Currently, both nations are in a diplomatic row over violent attacks on the Hindu community in the nation.&nbsp;The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, clearing the way for the fixtures to go ahead as scheduled.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;The decision was taken at an ICC Board meeting held via video conference on Wednesday. The meeting was convened after the BCB raised concerns over security and formally sought a change in venues.&nbsp;According to the ICC, the Board examined multiple security assessments, including independent evaluations.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;All of them, the governing body said, found no credible threat to the safety of Bangladesh players, team officials, media personnel, or fans at any of the tournament venues in India.“The ICC Board noted that relocating matches under the present circumstances could jeopardise the sanctity of ICC events and undermine the organisation’s neutrality as a global governing body,” the ICC said in a statement.&nbsp;If the current stand does not change in the next 24 hours, Bangladesh could miss the T20 World Cup, with Scotland replacing them. While there is no official word on Scotland’s participation, the ICC looks ready with a plan B in case Bangladesh fails to make the deadline.

BCB, who have communicated its reluctance to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, will have to convey its decision to the apex body of cricket in less than 24 hours or risk losing its place in the tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to clear their stand on their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. BCB, who have communicated its reluctance to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, will have to convey its decision to the apex body of cricket in less than 24 hours or risk losing its place in the tournament. If the latter is the case, Scotland could be approached to replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup. Scotland to feature in T20 World Cup 2026? According to media reports circulating on Wednesday (Jan 21), the ICC held a key meeting where all the stakeholders voted. It is reported that Bangladesh’s demands were turned down with a vote of 14-2, meaning their participation in the T20 World Cup remains a doubt unless BCB changes it stands. Currently, the Bangladesh government has denied permission to the BCB to travel to India for the T20 World Cup and insisted it demands a hybrid model under which it will not play in India. The BCB has stated that there will be security issues for the Bangladesh players if they travel to India. Currently, both nations are in a diplomatic row over violent attacks on the Hindu community in the nation. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to shift Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, clearing the way for the fixtures to go ahead as scheduled. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli The decision was taken at an ICC Board meeting held via video conference on Wednesday. The meeting was convened after the BCB raised concerns over security and formally sought a change in venues. According to the ICC, the Board examined multiple security assessments, including independent evaluations. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds All of them, the governing body said, found no credible threat to the safety of Bangladesh players, team officials, media personnel, or fans at any of the tournament venues in India. “The ICC Board noted that relocating matches under the present circumstances could jeopardise the sanctity of ICC events and undermine the organisation’s neutrality as a global governing body,” the ICC said in a statement. If the current stand does not change in the next 24 hours, Bangladesh could miss the T20 World Cup, with Scotland replacing them. While there is no official word on Scotland’s participation, the ICC looks ready with a plan B in case Bangladesh fails to make the deadline.

BCB, who have communicated its reluctance to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, will have to convey its decision to the apex body of cricket in less than 24 hours or risk losing its place in the tournament.

T20 World Cup 2026: Scotland to replace Bangladesh? ICC gives BCB 24-hour ultimatum - Report

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026&nbsp;has entered the final stage of the group matches, with only seven games are left before the playoffs, following Tuesday’s exciting match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. The race for the playoff spots is heating up as the 2024 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are already through to the playoffs after winning all five of their matches and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. While, the other four teams are still competing for the remaining two playoff spots. Mumbai Indians are currently in second place with four points, even after losing to Delhi Capitals.&nbsp;&nbsp;UP Warriorz, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants also have four points each from five matches and are currently at the the third, fourth and fifth positions respectively. As the tournament heads into its final phase, let’s take a look at the updated points table and each team’s playoff qualification scenario in WPL 2026.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2026-coco-gauff-leaving-fashion-to-naomi-osaka-enters-r3-with-perfect-win-1768987523177">Australian Open 2026: Coco Gauff, leaving fashion to Naomi Osaka, enters R3 with 'perfect' win</a>

<h2>WPL 2026 playoff qualification scenarios</h2><h3>Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)</h3>So far, RCB is the only team to have officially qualified for the playoffs. To finish at the top of the table and earn a direct place in the final, they need to win at least one of their remaining three matches.<h3>Mumbai Indians (MI)</h3>The defending champions have lost three matches in a row, including their yesterday's defeat against Delhi Capitals. To stay in the playoff race, MI must win both of their remaining matches. They will also need at least two of the teams below them to fail to reach four wins.<h3>UP Warriorz (UPW)</h3>UP Warriorz started this season poorly with three straight losses, however, back-to-back wins have lifted them to third place. Winning all three of their remaining matches will secure them a playoff spot. Even two wins could be enough if Gujarat Giants lose two matches and Delhi Capitals lose one out of their remaining matches.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/alcaraz-survives-208-km-h-serves-by-hanfmann-to-enter-round-3-in-australian-open-2026-watch-1768982815264">WATCH | Alcaraz survives 208 km/h serves to enter round 3 in Aus Open 2026</a><h3>Delhi Capitals (DC)</h3>Three-time finalists Delhi Capitals face the toughest road to the playoffs. They need to win all three of their remaining matches and have to improve their net run rate with strong performances. Their recent win over Mumbai Indians has kept their hopes alive and maintained their chance of another top-table finish.<h2>Gujarat Giants (GG)</h2>Gujarat Giants began the season strongly with three wins but have lost next three matches in a row and dropped to fifth place. To qualify to the playoffs, they must win all their remaining matches. Two wins may also be enough if Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz fail to reach eight points.<h2>WPL 2026 - Points Table</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Team</td><td>M</td><td>W</td><td>L</td><td>T</td><td>N/R</td><td>PT</td><td>NRR</td></tr><tr><td>Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB-W) (Q)</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>10</td><td>1.882</td></tr><tr><td>Mumbai Indians (MI-W)</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>0.046</td></tr><tr><td>UP Warriorz (UPW-W)</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>-0.483</td></tr><tr><td>Delhi Capitals (DC-W)</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>-0.586</td></tr><tr><td>Gujarat Giants (GG-W)</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>-0.864</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

As the tournament heads into its final phase, let’s take a look at the updated points table and each team’s playoff qualification scenario in WPL 2026.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has entered the final stage of the group matches, with only seven games are left before the playoffs, following Tuesday’s exciting match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. The race for the playoff spots is heating up as the 2024 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are already through to the playoffs after winning all five of their matches and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. While, the other four teams are still competing for the remaining two playoff spots. Mumbai Indians are currently in second place with four points, even after losing to Delhi Capitals. UP Warriorz, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants also have four points each from five matches and are currently at the the third, fourth and fifth positions respectively. As the tournament heads into its final phase, let’s take a look at the updated points table and each team’s playoff qualification scenario in WPL 2026. Also Read - Australian Open 2026: Coco Gauff, leaving fashion to Naomi Osaka, enters R3 with 'perfect' win

As the tournament heads into its final phase, let’s take a look at the updated points table and each team’s playoff qualification scenario in WPL 2026.

WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios - RCB through but what about others

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named former Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batsman Dishant Yagnik as their new fielding coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season. His appointment adds another experienced figure to an already strong support staff. Yagnik begins a new phase in his coaching career with KKR after spending many years as fielding coach of the Rajasthan Royals across several seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During his playing days, he represented Rajasthan in domestic cricket and featured in 25 IPL matches between 2011 and 2014. After retiring, he stayed involved in the league as a fielding coach and became known for his sharp focus on fielding techniques.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is expected to play an important role in improving KKR’s fielding standards as part of a fresh support staff, led by head coach Abhishek Nayar, DJ Bravo as mentor, Shane Watson as assistant coach, Tim Southee as bowling coach and Andre Russell as power coach.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2026-updated-points-table-and-qualifcation-scenarios-rcb-through-but-what-about-others-1768982858996">WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios - RCB through but what about others</a>&nbsp;Off the field, KKR have also made bold moves at the auction. They signed Cameron Green for INR 25.2 crore as a long-term option to replace Russell. The franchise then secured Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana for INR 18 crore after competing with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.&nbsp;&nbsp;In total, KKR added 13 players and ended the auction with INR 45 lakh left. The team now looks well balanced with a mix of experience, young talent and a new coaching staff as they gear up for IPL 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bollywood-cricket-heroes-own-stake-in-europe-based-t20-league-ashes-stars-set-to-feature-1768986716477">Bollywood, cricket heroes own stake in Europe-based T20 league | details inside</a><h2>KKR squad for IPL 2026</h2>Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, ⁠Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Cameron Green, Tejasvi Singh, Finn Allen, Karthik Tyagi, Prashant Solanki, Tim Seifert, Rahul Tripathi,, Daksh Kamra, Rachin Ravindra, Akash Deep, Matheesha Pathirana and Sarthak Ranjan&nbsp;

A wicketkeeper-batter in his playing days, Yagnik enjoyed a solid domestic career with Rajasthan and made 25 IPL appearances between 2011 and 2014.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named former Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batsman Dishant Yagnik as their new fielding coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season. His appointment adds another experienced figure to an already strong support staff. Yagnik begins a new phase in his coaching career with KKR after spending many years as fielding coach of the Rajasthan Royals across several seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During his playing days, he represented Rajasthan in domestic cricket and featured in 25 IPL matches between 2011 and 2014. After retiring, he stayed involved in the league as a fielding coach and became known for his sharp focus on fielding techniques. He is expected to play an important role in improving KKR’s fielding standards as part of a fresh support staff, led by head coach Abhishek Nayar, DJ Bravo as mentor, Shane Watson as assistant coach, Tim Southee as bowling coach and Andre Russell as power coach. Also Read - WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios - RCB through but what about others Off the field, KKR have also made bold moves at the auction. They signed Cameron Green for INR 25.2 crore as a long-term option to replace Russell. The franchise then secured Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana for INR 18 crore after competing with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. In total, KKR added 13 players and ended the auction with INR 45 lakh left. The team now looks well balanced with a mix of experience, young talent and a new coaching staff as they gear up for IPL 2026. Also Read - Bollywood, cricket heroes own stake in Europe-based T20 league | details inside KKR squad for IPL 2026 Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, ⁠Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Cameron Green, Tejasvi Singh, Finn Allen, Karthik Tyagi, Prashant Solanki, Tim Seifert, Rahul Tripathi,, Daksh Kamra, Rachin Ravindra, Akash Deep, Matheesha Pathirana and Sarthak Ranjan

A wicketkeeper-batter in his playing days, Yagnik enjoyed a solid domestic career with Rajasthan and made 25 IPL appearances between 2011 and 2014.

IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders appoint Dishant Yagnik as fielding coach for upcoming season

From Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan here is a look at five bowlers fastest to 100 T20I wickets. The list also features the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

From Arshdeep Singh to Rashid Khan here is a look at five bowlers fastest to 100 T20I wickets. The list also features the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi.&nbsp;

Meet 5 bowlers fastest to 100 T20I wickets ft Rashid Khan (Test playing nations only)

The ICC has released the latest rankings for the top batters in January 2026, and Indian veteran Virat Kohli, who held the number one spot in the lead-up to the New Zealand ODIs, has been replaced. Check out the top five as of January 21, 2026.

The ICC has released the latest rankings for the top batters in January 2026, and Indian veteran Virat Kohli, who held the number one spot in the lead-up to the New Zealand ODIs, has been replaced. Check out the top five as of January 21, 2026.

Meet top 5 highest-ranked ODI batters in January 2026; Kohli no longer no. 1

From Abhishek Sharma to Sanju Samson, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with highest strike rates in T20Is. This list also includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh and SuryaKumar Yadav

From Abhishek Sharma to Sanju Samson, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with highest strike rates in T20Is. This list also includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh and SuryaKumar Yadav

From Abhishek Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 Indian batters with highest strike rates in T20Is

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell toppled India’s Virat Kohli to gain a spot in the ICC ODI batter’s ranking on Wednesday (Jan 21) in the latest announcement. Mitchell, who was named Player of the Series against India in the recently concluded ODI series, slammed two hundreds while missing out on another, giving a fine account of himself. Mitchell’s exploits saw New Zealand win the ODI series 2-1, while he has now been rewarded on a personal note for his performance.<h2>Daryl Mitchell takes top spot</h2>On the back of some impressive batting performances spanning from the Australia tour to the New Zealand ODIs at home put Virat at the top after over four years, but Mitchell, who registered back-to-back centuries to seal Kiwis' first-ever ODI series win in India and became the 'Player of the Series' with 352 runs in three matches, removed Virat from the top of the charts with two centuries he would cherish for a lifetime.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Virat was the second-highest run-getter in the series, with 240 runs, including 93 in the first ODI and a valiant 124 in 108 balls at Indore during a tough run-chase of 338 runs. While Virat's efforts throughout the series took fans back to his days of dominance from 2016-19, it was not enough to give India a series win and him more time at the top spot.&nbsp;With 845 rating points, Mitchell clears Virat (795 points), who is dropped to the second spot. The Kiwi would get to hold on to the top ranking for more time, with loads of T20I action coming up, including the T20 World Cup. His previous reign as the numero uno was cut short for just three days when he was surpassed by Rohit during November following a 'Player of the Series' effort in Australia, which produced 202 runs, including 121* at Sydney.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran (third, 764 ranking points) swaps spots with India's Rohit Sharma (fourth, 757). Despite his two fifties, Indian skipper Shubman Gill is in fifth. Glenn Phillips, who scored a quickfire 106 in the ODI series finale, made a 16-spot jump to number 20th.&nbsp;Phillips also rose 14 spots to equal-31st on the list for ODI all-rounders, where Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai reigns supreme.

Daryl Mitchell, who was named Player of the Series against India in the recently concluded ODI series, slammed two hundreds while missing out on another, giving a fine account of himself.

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell toppled India’s Virat Kohli to gain a spot in the ICC ODI batter’s ranking on Wednesday (Jan 21) in the latest announcement. Mitchell, who was named Player of the Series against India in the recently concluded ODI series, slammed two hundreds while missing out on another, giving a fine account of himself. Mitchell’s exploits saw New Zealand win the ODI series 2-1, while he has now been rewarded on a personal note for his performance. Daryl Mitchell takes top spot On the back of some impressive batting performances spanning from the Australia tour to the New Zealand ODIs at home put Virat at the top after over four years, but Mitchell, who registered back-to-back centuries to seal Kiwis' first-ever ODI series win in India and became the 'Player of the Series' with 352 runs in three matches, removed Virat from the top of the charts with two centuries he would cherish for a lifetime. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Virat was the second-highest run-getter in the series, with 240 runs, including 93 in the first ODI and a valiant 124 in 108 balls at Indore during a tough run-chase of 338 runs. While Virat's efforts throughout the series took fans back to his days of dominance from 2016-19, it was not enough to give India a series win and him more time at the top spot. With 845 rating points, Mitchell clears Virat (795 points), who is dropped to the second spot. The Kiwi would get to hold on to the top ranking for more time, with loads of T20I action coming up, including the T20 World Cup. His previous reign as the numero uno was cut short for just three days when he was surpassed by Rohit during November following a 'Player of the Series' effort in Australia, which produced 202 runs, including 121* at Sydney. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran (third, 764 ranking points) swaps spots with India's Rohit Sharma (fourth, 757). Despite his two fifties, Indian skipper Shubman Gill is in fifth. Glenn Phillips, who scored a quickfire 106 in the ODI series finale, made a 16-spot jump to number 20th. Phillips also rose 14 spots to equal-31st on the list for ODI all-rounders, where Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai reigns supreme.

Daryl Mitchell, who was named Player of the Series against India in the recently concluded ODI series, slammed two hundreds while missing out on another, giving a fine account of himself.

ICC Rankings: Impressive Daryl Mitchell topples Virat Kohli to take top spot for ODI batters

England white-ball captain Harry Brook has ackonwledged his mistake on New Zealand tour prior to Ashes and vowed to not repea the same mistake again. The incident happened in Wellington in October last year and Brook was fined $40,000 along with a final warning for his off-field conduct. The statement comes as England get ready to play in a three-match ODI and T20I series in Sri Lanka before the T20 World Cup 2026 which starts Feb 7 in India and Sri Lanka.<h2>Brook acknowledges mistake on NZ tour</h2>"Obviously I made a terrible mistake," Brook said. "Not only as a player, but as a captain. It's very unprofessional and I should be leading from the front.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2026-coco-gauff-leaving-fashion-to-naomi-osaka-enters-r3-with-perfect-win-1768987523177">Aus Open 2026: Gauff, leaving fashion to Osaka, enters R3 with 'perfect' win</a>"I've learnt from my mistakes, I've reflected a lot on what's happened and I know it wasn't the right thing to do. I want to say sorry to my team-mates, to all the fans that travel far and wide to watch, spend a lot of money on coming out to watch us play cricket and supporting us, and to the ECB for putting them in a tricky situation, and it'll never happen again. I'm extremely sorry," the England skipper added.<h2>What had happened - Brook's New Zealand drama explained</h2>Brook had gotten into an altercation with with a bouncer of a Wellington nightclub while trying to get entry. The player, admittedly, was under influence of alcohol. The bouncer of the nighclub denied entry to Brook, suspecting the England captain to be drunk and the matter escalated. Brook later informed the England Cricket Board (ECB) about the incident himself during which he was not physically injured. He was fined the maximum amount after the investigation but remained the captain of the white-ball teams.

Brook had gotten into an altercation with with a bouncer of a Wellington nightclub while trying to get entry in October last year. The player, admittedly, was under influence of alcohol. The bouncer of the nighclub denied entry to Brook, suspecting the England captain to be drunk.

England white-ball captain Harry Brook has ackonwledged his mistake on New Zealand tour prior to Ashes and vowed to not repea the same mistake again. The incident happened in Wellington in October last year and Brook was fined $40,000 along with a final warning for his off-field conduct. The statement comes as England get ready to play in a three-match ODI and T20I series in Sri Lanka before the T20 World Cup 2026 which starts Feb 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Brook acknowledges mistake on NZ tour "Obviously I made a terrible mistake," Brook said. "Not only as a player, but as a captain. It's very unprofessional and I should be leading from the front. Also Read - Aus Open 2026: Gauff, leaving fashion to Osaka, enters R3 with 'perfect' win "I've learnt from my mistakes, I've reflected a lot on what's happened and I know it wasn't the right thing to do. I want to say sorry to my team-mates, to all the fans that travel far and wide to watch, spend a lot of money on coming out to watch us play cricket and supporting us, and to the ECB for putting them in a tricky situation, and it'll never happen again. I'm extremely sorry," the England skipper added. What had happened - Brook's New Zealand drama explained Brook had gotten into an altercation with with a bouncer of a Wellington nightclub while trying to get entry. The player, admittedly, was under influence of alcohol. The bouncer of the nighclub denied entry to Brook, suspecting the England captain to be drunk and the matter escalated. Brook later informed the England Cricket Board (ECB) about the incident himself during which he was not physically injured. He was fined the maximum amount after the investigation but remained the captain of the white-ball teams.

Brook had gotten into an altercation with with a bouncer of a Wellington nightclub while trying to get entry in October last year. The player, admittedly, was under influence of alcohol. The bouncer of the nighclub denied entry to Brook, suspecting the England captain to be drunk.

England white-ball captain Harry Brook 'sorry to my team-mates' for nightclub bouncer altercation in New Zealand

After acquiring almost all it could in the Asian sub-continent market for close to two decades now, the franchise-based cricket league fever has reached Europe, with a Bollywood celebrity co-owning a to-be-launched new Europe-based T20 league, also featuring several cricket heroes among team owners and Ashes stars, who are listed to take part in it. Bollywood A-lister Abhishek Bachchan is the co-owner of this new cricket league, with veterans like Steve Waugh and Glenn Maxwell named franchise owners. Among those set to play include Test veteran Steve Smith and Australia’s white-ball captain Mitchell Marsh.&nbsp;On Wednesday (Jan 21), Waugh and Maxwell, picked in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, were revealed as owners of a team in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which runs out to Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. Former New Zealand international cricketers, Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, are also named owners of another franchise, with the remaining three teams yet to be sold in this league, originally meant to be launched last summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-pcb-officially-writes-to-icc-endorsing-support-to-bangladesh-over-venue-row-1768978590436">T20 World Cup: PCB officially writes to ICC endorsing support to Bangladesh over venue row</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, the three already-sold teams are based in Amsterdam, Belfast and Edinburgh, and the remaining ones are in Dublin, Rotterdam, and Glasgow. &nbsp;Waugh, a World Cup-winning Australian captain, is part of a group of investors for Amsterdam Flames, and Maxwell, on the other hand, co-owns stakes in Irish Wolves. The Kiwi pair, however, is part of the Edinburgh franchise owners group. &nbsp;Meanwhile, ETPL is a joint venture between Cricket Ireland and the India-based Rules Global (Rules X), alongside strategic partners with Cricket Scotland and KNCB (the Netherlands Cricket Board). Abhishek Bachchan, the league's co-founder, has three other Indian investors, including former Delhi Capitals (IPL) Dhiraj Malhotra.<h3>More details about ETPL’s first season</h3>An ESPNcricinfo report suggests that ETPL’s first season, sanctioned by the ICC and to be based across multiple countries, is scheduled to take place between August 26 and September 30 this year. Although it begins 10 days after The Hundred’s finale, the dates could potentially clash with the CPL 2026, the schedule of which is yet to be announced. &nbsp;Waugh, however, has confirmed two Australians (Smith and Marsh) and Scotland captain Scott Edwards, among those signed with the Amsterdam-based team, adding that talks with more T20 superstars, including Tim David from Australia, are ‘positive’.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Captain Mitchell Marsh signs for Amsterdam Flames. <a href="https://t.co/nuQV9n2XDc">pic.twitter.com/nuQV9n2XDc</a>&mdash; European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/etplofficial/status/2013843801870061871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We've approached a number of players and haven't had one negative comment at all," Waugh said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp; &nbsp;"They're just so fascinated by it. I think because I haven't been involved too much in cricket, they must think, well, this is a serious project. And they know what I stand for: the values, and teamwork, and working together, and being successful. They're fascinated by the fact that it's going to be in Europe. &nbsp;"And the potential to expand cricket into almost a new market and to have an impact on the players in Europe and the continental players, to make them better. As a player, you want to make the players around you better, and as you get older, you realise that's really important. It's not so much about yourself, but it's the impact you have on people around you. And the players we're talking about, Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh, they're at the stage of their career where they want to help develop other players,” he said.

Waugh and Maxwell, picked in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, were revealed as owners of a team in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which runs out to Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

After acquiring almost all it could in the Asian sub-continent market for close to two decades now, the franchise-based cricket league fever has reached Europe, with a Bollywood celebrity co-owning a to-be-launched new Europe-based T20 league, also featuring several cricket heroes among team owners and Ashes stars, who are listed to take part in it. Bollywood A-lister Abhishek Bachchan is the co-owner of this new cricket league, with veterans like Steve Waugh and Glenn Maxwell named franchise owners. Among those set to play include Test veteran Steve Smith and Australia’s white-ball captain Mitchell Marsh. On Wednesday (Jan 21), Waugh and Maxwell, picked in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, were revealed as owners of a team in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which runs out to Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. Former New Zealand international cricketers, Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, are also named owners of another franchise, with the remaining three teams yet to be sold in this league, originally meant to be launched last summer. Also read | T20 World Cup: PCB officially writes to ICC endorsing support to Bangladesh over venue row Meanwhile, the three already-sold teams are based in Amsterdam, Belfast and Edinburgh, and the remaining ones are in Dublin, Rotterdam, and Glasgow. Waugh, a World Cup-winning Australian captain, is part of a group of investors for Amsterdam Flames, and Maxwell, on the other hand, co-owns stakes in Irish Wolves. The Kiwi pair, however, is part of the Edinburgh franchise owners group. Meanwhile, ETPL is a joint venture between Cricket Ireland and the India-based Rules Global (Rules X), alongside strategic partners with Cricket Scotland and KNCB (the Netherlands Cricket Board). Abhishek Bachchan, the league's co-founder, has three other Indian investors, including former Delhi Capitals (IPL) Dhiraj Malhotra. More details about ETPL’s first season An ESPNcricinfo report suggests that ETPL’s first season, sanctioned by the ICC and to be based across multiple countries, is scheduled to take place between August 26 and September 30 this year. Although it begins 10 days after The Hundred’s finale, the dates could potentially clash with the CPL 2026, the schedule of which is yet to be announced. Waugh, however, has confirmed two Australians (Smith and Marsh) and Scotland captain Scott Edwards, among those signed with the Amsterdam-based team, adding that talks with more T20 superstars, including Tim David from Australia, are ‘positive’.

Waugh and Maxwell, picked in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, were revealed as owners of a team in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which runs out to Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

Bollywood, cricket heroes own stake in Europe-based T20 league; Ashes stars set to feature

Amid reports of PCB halting all preparations for next month’s T20 World Cup in a move to back BCB’s stance against sending its cricket team to India over security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board has officially written to the apex body (the ICC) endorsing support to Bangladesh over the ongoing venue row. Following recent instances of chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh and India's retaliation to it, the country's sports advisor stood by his government’s stance of not sending their cricket team to India, having already communicated the same to the ICC numerous times and taking a 'no' for an answer each time.&nbsp;On Tuesday (Jan 20), a day before the deadline ends for the BCB to take a final call on its team’s T20 World Cup future, the PCB sends out a clear message to the governing body and all other participating members by backing the BCB’s call not to travel to India, where they feel their players and support staff aren’t safe.&nbsp; &nbsp;An ESPNcricinfo report claims that the ICC has called a Board meeting on Wednesday (Jan 22) to address this matter and come up with a solution, with the 20-team tournament close to two weeks away. However, it remains unclear if PCB’s email led to ICC scheduling a board meeting. &nbsp;Although the timing of PCB’s email to the ICC could have raised eyebrows, the apex body is ‘highly-unlikely’ to accept BCB’s plea of Sri Lanka, the co-host alongside India, hosting all Bangladesh matches, like it’s doing in Pakistan’s case; that, although, that remains a different story. The ICC is clear about its stance and even conveyed the same message to the BCB during their recent meeting in Dhaka over the weekend. &nbsp;The BCB, with its government support, is also unfazed by ICC’s verdict, sticking to its stance of sending the Bangladesh Team to India for the first showpiece event of the year. The ICC, however, even issued an ultimatum to Bangladesh, which its sports advisor has denied having any awareness of, to either continue with the original schedule (of playing its league matches in India, across two cities) or be ready to be replaced by the next highest-ranked non-qualified team, Scotland in this case. &nbsp;Meanwhile, this move by the PCB has come on the back of week-long speculations around their involvement in this matter, which included unverified reports of Pakistan offering to host Bangladesh’s T20 WC matches without holding any staging rights, and also <a href="T20 World Cup: PCB vows to reconsider participation if BCB's concerns aren't met - Report">reviewing its participation in the World Cup</a>. &nbsp;Placed in Group C, Bangladesh has England, the West Indies, Nepal and the tournament debutants, Italy, as remaining members. Bangladesh is scheduled to play their first three league matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and their final group game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;

The ICC has called a board meeting on Wednesday (Jan 22) to address this matter and come up with a solution, with the 20-team tournament close to two weeks away.

Amid reports of PCB halting all preparations for next month’s T20 World Cup in a move to back BCB’s stance against sending its cricket team to India over security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board has officially written to the apex body (the ICC) endorsing support to Bangladesh over the ongoing venue row. Following recent instances of chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh and India's retaliation to it, the country's sports advisor stood by his government’s stance of not sending their cricket team to India, having already communicated the same to the ICC numerous times and taking a 'no' for an answer each time. On Tuesday (Jan 20), a day before the deadline ends for the BCB to take a final call on its team’s T20 World Cup future, the PCB sends out a clear message to the governing body and all other participating members by backing the BCB’s call not to travel to India, where they feel their players and support staff aren’t safe. An ESPNcricinfo report claims that the ICC has called a Board meeting on Wednesday (Jan 22) to address this matter and come up with a solution, with the 20-team tournament close to two weeks away. However, it remains unclear if PCB’s email led to ICC scheduling a board meeting. Although the timing of PCB’s email to the ICC could have raised eyebrows, the apex body is ‘highly-unlikely’ to accept BCB’s plea of Sri Lanka, the co-host alongside India, hosting all Bangladesh matches, like it’s doing in Pakistan’s case; that, although, that remains a different story. The ICC is clear about its stance and even conveyed the same message to the BCB during their recent meeting in Dhaka over the weekend. The BCB, with its government support, is also unfazed by ICC’s verdict, sticking to its stance of sending the Bangladesh Team to India for the first showpiece event of the year. The ICC, however, even issued an ultimatum to Bangladesh, which its sports advisor has denied having any awareness of, to either continue with the original schedule (of playing its league matches in India, across two cities) or be ready to be replaced by the next highest-ranked non-qualified team, Scotland in this case. Meanwhile, this move by the PCB has come on the back of week-long speculations around their involvement in this matter, which included unverified reports of Pakistan offering to host Bangladesh’s T20 WC matches without holding any staging rights, and also reviewing its participation in the World Cup. Placed in Group C, Bangladesh has England, the West Indies, Nepal and the tournament debutants, Italy, as remaining members. Bangladesh is scheduled to play their first three league matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and their final group game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The ICC has called a board meeting on Wednesday (Jan 22) to address this matter and come up with a solution, with the 20-team tournament close to two weeks away.

T20 World Cup: PCB officially writes to ICC endorsing support to Bangladesh over venue row

India and New Zealand will square off in the first of the five T20Is starting on Wednesday (Jan 21) in Nagpur. Since conceding the home ODI series to the Kiwis for the first time, the hosts are more motivated than ever to compensate for that loss. Although both teams have their best players back for this marquee series, Team India could have some headaches surrounding team selection. Check out what Team India’s XI for the opener could look like.<h3>No Shreyas Iyer for opener?</h3>Returning to the T20I side, although as an injury replacement for Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer might have to wait a tad extra for his chance, as T20I captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-t20i-deserves-to-play-skipper-suryakumar-confirms-ishan-kishan-at-number-3-1768912763603">Suryakumar Yadav confirmed in-form Ishan Kishan at number three for the first game</a>. Coming off a brilliant white-ball domestic run, the left-handed batter was a surprise inclusion to the side for the New Zealand T20Is and the World Cup, offering his captain and the selectors more options to pick from. &nbsp;"Ishan will play third [No. 3]. Because [he's] in our World Cup team, we have picked him first. So, it's his responsibility, and he has to play. He has been doing well in domestic cricket. He hasn't played for the Indian team for 1-1.5 years. We have picked him in the World Cup team, and he deserves to play,” India’s T20I captain SKY said of Kishan’s batting position.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🗣️🗣️ Ishan Kishan will play at no.3 Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/surya_14kumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@surya_14kumar</a> on the inclusion of <a href="https://twitter.com/ishankishan51?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ishankishan51</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>&#39;s Playing XI in the 1⃣st T20I against New Zealand. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/sZ3AB7RKVH">pic.twitter.com/sZ3AB7RKVH</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/2013611255177847020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kishan's rich vein of form would benefit India, besides providing them with a back-up gloveman option (to Sanju Samson). The flashy batter hit the right notes during the recently concluded SMAT for Jharkhand, smashing 517 runs in 10 matches, including two hundreds and as many fifties; he even whacked a match-winning hundred in the finale, helping his team lift the trophy for the first time. Ishan's last appearance for India, however, came more than two years ago (Nov 2023) during the home T20I series against Australia. &nbsp;Barring Kishan’s inclusion, India’s XI could look similar to what they fielded against South Africa late last year, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opening the innings and captain SKY walking out at number four. The hosts could have two all-rounders in Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya batting at five and six, respectively, while also recalling T20 specialist Rinku Singh at number seven.&nbsp; &nbsp;Vice-captain Axar Patel makes a perfect number eight for India, with the defending world champions contemplating picking between Kuldeep Yadav and in-form Varun Chakarvarthy as the specialist spinner. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh would likely be the two pacers for the series opener.<h3>Team India’s predicted XI for 1st T20I against NZ –</h3>Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Varun CV, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh

Both India and New Zealand would have selection headaches heading into the series opener in Nagpur.

India and New Zealand will square off in the first of the five T20Is starting on Wednesday (Jan 21) in Nagpur. Since conceding the home ODI series to the Kiwis for the first time, the hosts are more motivated than ever to compensate for that loss. Although both teams have their best players back for this marquee series, Team India could have some headaches surrounding team selection. Check out what Team India’s XI for the opener could look like. No Shreyas Iyer for opener? Returning to the T20I side, although as an injury replacement for Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer might have to wait a tad extra for his chance, as T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed in-form Ishan Kishan at number three for the first game. Coming off a brilliant white-ball domestic run, the left-handed batter was a surprise inclusion to the side for the New Zealand T20Is and the World Cup, offering his captain and the selectors more options to pick from. "Ishan will play third [No. 3]. Because [he's] in our World Cup team, we have picked him first. So, it's his responsibility, and he has to play. He has been doing well in domestic cricket. He hasn't played for the Indian team for 1-1.5 years. We have picked him in the World Cup team, and he deserves to play,” India’s T20I captain SKY said of Kishan’s batting position.

Both India and New Zealand would have selection headaches heading into the series opener in Nagpur.

IND vs NZ 1st T20I: No Iyer? Kishan at 3. Check India’s predicted playing XI

Delhi Capitals stayed alive in the WPL 2026 with a strong seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday (Jan 20). Chasing 155, Delhi showed calm and control, with captain Jemimah Rodrigues leading the way with an unbeaten 51. The win made the playoff race tighter and put Mumbai under pressure, handing them their third loss in a row. Delhi reached the target with six balls to spare, finishing the game with confidence and belief.<h3>Proud of how we handled the chase: Rodrigues</h3>DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who was also named ‘Player of the Match’, credited the team effort and especially Marizanne Kapp for setting the tone in the chase. She said she wanted to share the award with Kapp but was told it was not allowed. Jemimah praised Kapp’s running between the wickets, calling it a big reason behind their strong start. “I am proud of the way the team bowled and then batted under pressure,” Jemimah said. “What really helped was Kapp’s running between the wickets. It made everything easier for me and gave us good momentum.”&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Talking about her own innings, she shared how she focused on giving herself time at the start. “I spoke to a few people I trust, and they told me to be patient in the first few balls. I knew that if I crossed the first 10 balls, it would get easier. I had clarity in my mind, and that helped me play my shots.”<h3>We were 20-30 runs short: Kaur</h3>Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that her team did not bat well enough. She felt they were at least 20 to 30 runs short of a good total. “We couldn’t execute our plans with the bat,” Harmanpreet said. “This has been troubling us throughout the tournament. We need to push harder in the powerplay.”&nbsp;She also spoke about the injury issues in the squad but made it clear she was not using them as an excuse. “Before the tournament, we were struggling with injuries. It’s not an excuse, but whoever opens the batting has to take responsibility.” Harmanpreet praised Vaishnavi Sharma for her impact with the ball. “She is the one who kept us in the game. We bowled badly in the powerplay, but her wicket of Shafali was the turning point."

Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in WPL 2026 as Jemimah Rodrigues starred with an unbeaten fifty. Harmanpreet Kaur said MI were 20–30 runs short and must improve their batting in the Vadodara clash.

Delhi Capitals stayed alive in the WPL 2026 with a strong seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday (Jan 20). Chasing 155, Delhi showed calm and control, with captain Jemimah Rodrigues leading the way with an unbeaten 51. The win made the playoff race tighter and put Mumbai under pressure, handing them their third loss in a row. Delhi reached the target with six balls to spare, finishing the game with confidence and belief. Proud of how we handled the chase: Rodrigues DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who was also named ‘Player of the Match’, credited the team effort and especially Marizanne Kapp for setting the tone in the chase. She said she wanted to share the award with Kapp but was told it was not allowed. Jemimah praised Kapp’s running between the wickets, calling it a big reason behind their strong start. “I am proud of the way the team bowled and then batted under pressure,” Jemimah said. “What really helped was Kapp’s running between the wickets. It made everything easier for me and gave us good momentum.” Also read | Talking about her own innings, she shared how she focused on giving herself time at the start. “I spoke to a few people I trust, and they told me to be patient in the first few balls. I knew that if I crossed the first 10 balls, it would get easier. I had clarity in my mind, and that helped me play my shots.” We were 20-30 runs short: Kaur Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that her team did not bat well enough. She felt they were at least 20 to 30 runs short of a good total. “We couldn’t execute our plans with the bat,” Harmanpreet said. “This has been troubling us throughout the tournament. We need to push harder in the powerplay.” She also spoke about the injury issues in the squad but made it clear she was not using them as an excuse. “Before the tournament, we were struggling with injuries. It’s not an excuse, but whoever opens the batting has to take responsibility.” Harmanpreet praised Vaishnavi Sharma for her impact with the ball. “She is the one who kept us in the game. We bowled badly in the powerplay, but her wicket of Shafali was the turning point."

Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in WPL 2026 as Jemimah Rodrigues starred with an unbeaten fifty. Harmanpreet Kaur said MI were 20–30 runs short and must improve their batting in the Vadodara clash.

WPL 2026, MI-W vs DC-W: Here's how both captains reacted after the game

Delhi Capitals kept their WPL 2026 campaign alive with a seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday (Jan 20). The result tightened the playoff race and put Mumbai under pressure as it was their third straight defeat. Chasing a modest score of 155, Delhi stayed calm, with captain Jemimah Rodrigues leading from the front with a composed half-century.<h2>Mumbai fight through Brunt and Harmanpreet</h2>Mumbai batted first but struggled for rhythm. Openers S Sajana and Hayley Matthews failed to score freely. Sajana was out for nine, while Matthews made only 12. The early wickets pushed Mumbai on the back foot. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver Brunt then tried to rebuild. The pair added 78 runs and brought stability.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nail-biters-only-smallest-victories-in-india-vs-new-zealand-t20is-1768924431484">Nail-biters only: Smallest victories in India vs New Zealand T20Is</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Harmanpreet scored 41 from 33 balls with seven boundaries before getting caught. After her dismissal, Mumbai lost momentum. Nicole Carey fell for 12, but Brunt continued to anchor the innings.Brunt played a mature knock, finishing unbeaten on 65 from 45 balls with six fours and two sixes. Her effort helped Mumbai reach 154 for five in 20 overs, a total that was competitive but chaseable.<h2>Delhi chase with calm and class</h2>Delhi started strongly through Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee. The pair added 57 runs in the power play and set the tone. Shafali scored 29 from 24 balls, while Lee played aggressively. Debutant Vaishnavi broke the partnership. Lee looked set for a half-century but was stumped for 46 from 28 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. After that, Delhi depended on Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt to control the chase.&nbsp;Wolvaardt was run out in the 17th over in an unfortunate moment, but Rodrigues stayed calm. She rotated the strike and found boundaries when needed. Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 51 from 37 balls with five fours and a six. Marizanne Kapp finished the match in style with a six off the final ball of the 19th over. It was Delhi’s second win of the season and a timely boost to their playoff hopes, while Mumbai now faces a difficult path ahead.&nbsp;

Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front with an unbeaten fifty as Delhi Capitals defeated Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in a WPL clash, keeping their playoff hopes alive and putting MI under pressure.


Delhi Capitals kept their WPL 2026 campaign alive with a seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday (Jan 20). The result tightened the playoff race and put Mumbai under pressure as it was their third straight defeat. Chasing a modest score of 155, Delhi stayed calm, with captain Jemimah Rodrigues leading from the front with a composed half-century. Mumbai fight through Brunt and Harmanpreet Mumbai batted first but struggled for rhythm. Openers S Sajana and Hayley Matthews failed to score freely. Sajana was out for nine, while Matthews made only 12. The early wickets pushed Mumbai on the back foot. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver Brunt then tried to rebuild. The pair added 78 runs and brought stability. Also read | Nail-biters only: Smallest victories in India vs New Zealand T20Is Harmanpreet scored 41 from 33 balls with seven boundaries before getting caught. After her dismissal, Mumbai lost momentum. Nicole Carey fell for 12, but Brunt continued to anchor the innings. Brunt played a mature knock, finishing unbeaten on 65 from 45 balls with six fours and two sixes. Her effort helped Mumbai reach 154 for five in 20 overs, a total that was competitive but chaseable. Delhi chase with calm and class Delhi started strongly through Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee. The pair added 57 runs in the power play and set the tone. Shafali scored 29 from 24 balls, while Lee played aggressively. Debutant Vaishnavi broke the partnership. Lee looked set for a half-century but was stumped for 46 from 28 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. After that, Delhi depended on Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt to control the chase. Wolvaardt was run out in the 17th over in an unfortunate moment, but Rodrigues stayed calm. She rotated the strike and found boundaries when needed. Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 51 from 37 balls with five fours and a six. Marizanne Kapp finished the match in style with a six off the final ball of the 19th over. It was Delhi’s second win of the season and a timely boost to their playoff hopes, while Mumbai now faces a difficult path ahead.

Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front with an unbeaten fifty as Delhi Capitals defeated Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in a WPL clash, keeping their playoff hopes alive and putting MI under pressure.

Jemimah Rodrigues shines as Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians in a thriller

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has acknowledged the uncertainty over the team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to start from Feb 7 next month. The captain's comments come amid Bangladesh board's refusal to send the team to India citing 'players safety' concerns. The apex body is yet to release an official statement on the matter but reports suggest that a decision is expected by January 21. According to media reports, the ICC has asked Bangladesh to either come to India to get replaced by Scotland.<h2>Bangladesh captain Litton Das on T20 World Cup 2026</h2>"If we had known who our group opponents were [in the World Cup] or which country we were going to, that would have helped," Litton said after his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) side Rangpur Riders' exit from the tournament on Tuesday (Jan 20). "You have seen that we have announced the squad, but until now, no player knows which country we are going to or whom we will play against. Like me, the whole of Bangladesh is now uncertain."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-jellyfish-naomi-osaka-with-a-hat-a-veil-and-an-umbrella-sails-through-australian-open-2026-round-1-1768916354188">'Jellyfish' Osaka sails through Australian Open 2026 round 1</a>Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three group matches in Kolkata on February 7 (vs West Indies), February 9 (vs Italy) and February 14 (vs England) before the final match in Mumbai on February 17 (vs Nepal).<h2>Why Bangladesh is refusing to travel to India?</h2>The whole matter started when Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad of IPL 2026. He was bought by the team for INR 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction and was the only player to be bought at the auction from the country. Immediatley after, Bangladesh stopped the broadcast of the league in the country for idefinite period and asked the ICC to move the venues of its matches. The apex body has held the discussions with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials but no positive outcome has been reached so far with Bangladesh firm on the demand of not wanting to play in India.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three group matches in Kolkata on February 7 (vs West Indies), February 9 (vs Italy) and February 14 (vs England) before the final match in Mumbai on February 17 (vs Nepal).

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has acknowledged the uncertainty over the team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to start from Feb 7 next month. The captain's comments come amid Bangladesh board's refusal to send the team to India citing 'players safety' concerns. The apex body is yet to release an official statement on the matter but reports suggest that a decision is expected by January 21. According to media reports, the ICC has asked Bangladesh to either come to India to get replaced by Scotland. Bangladesh captain Litton Das on T20 World Cup 2026 "If we had known who our group opponents were [in the World Cup] or which country we were going to, that would have helped," Litton said after his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) side Rangpur Riders' exit from the tournament on Tuesday (Jan 20). "You have seen that we have announced the squad, but until now, no player knows which country we are going to or whom we will play against. Like me, the whole of Bangladesh is now uncertain." Also Read - 'Jellyfish' Osaka sails through Australian Open 2026 round 1 Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three group matches in Kolkata on February 7 (vs West Indies), February 9 (vs Italy) and February 14 (vs England) before the final match in Mumbai on February 17 (vs Nepal). Why Bangladesh is refusing to travel to India? The whole matter started when Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad of IPL 2026. He was bought by the team for INR 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction and was the only player to be bought at the auction from the country. Immediatley after, Bangladesh stopped the broadcast of the league in the country for idefinite period and asked the ICC to move the venues of its matches. The apex body has held the discussions with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials but no positive outcome has been reached so far with Bangladesh firm on the demand of not wanting to play in India.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play their first three group matches in Kolkata on February 7 (vs West Indies), February 9 (vs Italy) and February 14 (vs England) before the final match in Mumbai on February 17 (vs Nepal).

'Whole of Bangladesh is uncertain': Skipper Litton Das on travelling to India for T20 World Cup 2026

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