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From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most runs in T20 World Cup history. This list also includes Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most runs in T20 World Cup history. This list also includes Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir

Meet top 5 Indian batters with most runs in T20 World Cup history

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Delhi Capitals (DC) in the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Thursday (Jan 4). Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB will be chasing their second WPL title. While, Delhi Capitals, captained by Jemimah Rodrigues, will be aiming to lift their first trophy after reaching the final for the fourth season in a row.&nbsp;<h2>RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final - Live streaming details</h2>As the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.<h2>When and where is RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final?</h2>The WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals will take place on Thursday (Feb 5), at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, starting at 7:30 PM IST.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-lowered-my-testosterone-levels-reveals-imane-khelif-paris-2024-gold-winning-controversial-boxer-1770266056629">'Lowered my testosterone levels,' reveals Imane Khelif, Paris 2024 gold-winning controversial boxer</a><h2>Where to watch RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final live?</h2>The Star Sports Network in India will broadcast the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals.<h2>Where to livestream RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final?</h2>The fans can watch the live streaming of the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals on the JioHotstar app and website in India.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/u-19-odi-world-cup-nothing-special-skipper-ayush-mhatre-on-how-sooryvanshi-s-innings-helped-india-beat-afg-1770263187532">U-19 ODI WC | 'Nothing special': Mhatre on Sooryvanshi's innings helping India</a><h2>What time will the toss take place?</h2>The toss for the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals will be held at 7:00 pm IST.<h2>RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final - Squads</h2>Delhi Capitals Women Squad: Lizelle Lee(w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Alana King, Taniya Bhatia, Lucy Hamilton, Pragati Singh and Eddla Srujana&nbsp;Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Squad: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh(w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Dayalan Hemalatha, Prathyoosha Kumar, Gautami Naik and Prema Rawat

As the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals  approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Delhi Capitals (DC) in the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Thursday (Jan 4). Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB will be chasing their second WPL title. While, Delhi Capitals, captained by Jemimah Rodrigues, will be aiming to lift their first trophy after reaching the final for the fourth season in a row. RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final - Live streaming details As the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India. When and where is RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final? The WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals will take place on Thursday (Feb 5), at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, starting at 7:30 PM IST. Also Read - 'Lowered my testosterone levels,' reveals Imane Khelif, Paris 2024 gold-winning controversial boxer Where to watch RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final live? The Star Sports Network in India will broadcast the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. Where to livestream RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final? The fans can watch the live streaming of the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Also Read - U-19 ODI WC | 'Nothing special': Mhatre on Sooryvanshi's innings helping India What time will the toss take place? The toss for the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals will be held at 7:00 pm IST. RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final - Squads Delhi Capitals Women Squad: Lizelle Lee(w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Alana King, Taniya Bhatia, Lucy Hamilton, Pragati Singh and Eddla Srujana Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Squad: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh(w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Dayalan Hemalatha, Prathyoosha Kumar, Gautami Naik and Prema Rawat

As the WPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals &nbsp;approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

RCB vs DC, WPL 2026 Final: When and where to watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals match live streaming in India?

T20 WC Bowling Records: Bangladesh's Shakib has most wickets (50), India's Arshdeep and Afghanistan's Farooqi have most wickets (17) in one edition while Sri Lanka'a Ajanthan Mendis has best bowling figures in an innings - 6/8 in 2007 T20 World Cup.

T20 WC Bowling Records: Bangladesh's Shakib has most wickets (50), India's Arshdeep and Afghanistan's Farooqi have most wickets (17) in one edition while Sri Lanka'a Ajanthan Mendis has best bowling figures in an innings - 6/8 in 2007 T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup Bowling Records: Meet bowlers with most wickets, best bowling, most runs conceded and more

India U-19 skipper Ayush Mhatre has put Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's innings in high regards after reaching the 10th 50-over World Cup final on Wednesday (Feb 4). Vaibhav scored a billegerent 33-ball 68 as opener as India U-19 chased down record 311-run target against Afghanistan U-19 in Harare, Zimbabwe with 7 wickets to spare. The opener's innings propelled India to a brilliant start as they had 90 runs on the board before 10 overs, setting up the stage for the next batters to come and win the match, which they did and skipper Mhatre described India captailizing on Sooryavanshi's innings as 'nothing special.'<h2>Mhatre regards Sooryavanshi's innings as base for record win vs AFG U-19 in World Cup semis</h2>"It was really important for us because after 10 overs we had 90 runs and that was fabulous for us," Mhatre said after the win. "He (Vaibhav) just released the pressure and we just wanted to build the innings. So it was really easy for us also to build the innings."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-won-t-play-the-match-against-india-because-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-reveals-reason-behind-boycott-1770253511196">T20 World Cup 2026 | Pak PM Sharif reveals reason behind India match boycott</a>The skipper also shared what followed after Sooryavanshi was out and said: There was a simple discussion after 10 overs and (with) 90 runs (on the board). We had to just bat for a long time, just look for a singles, doubles and just take a boundary from a loose ball. So nothing special, just play the merit of the ball."<h2>India U-19 batters clinical in record chase</h2>After Sooryavanshi got out in the 10th over, skipper Mhatre (62) added 114 runs for the second with Aaron George to take India U-19 past 200 well before 30th over. After the skipper was out, Vihaan Malhotra joined Geroge and the duo added 96 runs for the third wicket, taking India to 300 in the 40th over before Geroge was dismissed but not before a brilliant 115 off just 104 balls. Needing just 11 more runs, Malhorta, who remained not out on 38, took the team home along with Vedant Trivedi (unbeaten 5) with almost 8 overs to spare. India now play England U-19 on Friday (Feb 6) for their record sixth U-19 ODI World Cup title.

Vaibhav's 33-ball 68 propelled India to a brilliant start as they had 90 runs on the board before 10 overs in chase of 311, setting up the stage for the next batters to come and win the match, and skipper Mhatre described India captailizing on Sooryavanshi's innings as 'nothing special.'

India U-19 skipper Ayush Mhatre has put Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's innings in high regards after reaching the 10th 50-over World Cup final on Wednesday (Feb 4). Vaibhav scored a billegerent 33-ball 68 as opener as India U-19 chased down record 311-run target against Afghanistan U-19 in Harare, Zimbabwe with 7 wickets to spare. The opener's innings propelled India to a brilliant start as they had 90 runs on the board before 10 overs, setting up the stage for the next batters to come and win the match, which they did and skipper Mhatre described India captailizing on Sooryavanshi's innings as 'nothing special.' Mhatre regards Sooryavanshi's innings as base for record win vs AFG U-19 in World Cup semis "It was really important for us because after 10 overs we had 90 runs and that was fabulous for us," Mhatre said after the win. "He (Vaibhav) just released the pressure and we just wanted to build the innings. So it was really easy for us also to build the innings." Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026 | Pak PM Sharif reveals reason behind India match boycott The skipper also shared what followed after Sooryavanshi was out and said: There was a simple discussion after 10 overs and (with) 90 runs (on the board). We had to just bat for a long time, just look for a singles, doubles and just take a boundary from a loose ball. So nothing special, just play the merit of the ball." India U-19 batters clinical in record chase After Sooryavanshi got out in the 10th over, skipper Mhatre (62) added 114 runs for the second with Aaron George to take India U-19 past 200 well before 30th over. After the skipper was out, Vihaan Malhotra joined Geroge and the duo added 96 runs for the third wicket, taking India to 300 in the 40th over before Geroge was dismissed but not before a brilliant 115 off just 104 balls. Needing just 11 more runs, Malhorta, who remained not out on 38, took the team home along with Vedant Trivedi (unbeaten 5) with almost 8 overs to spare. India now play England U-19 on Friday (Feb 6) for their record sixth U-19 ODI World Cup title.

Vaibhav's 33-ball 68 propelled India to a brilliant start as they had 90 runs on the board before 10 overs in chase of 311, setting up the stage for the next batters to come and win the match, and skipper Mhatre described India captailizing on Sooryavanshi's innings as 'nothing special.'

U-19 ODI World Cup | 'Nothing special': Skipper Ayush Mhatre on how Sooryvanshi's innings helped India beat AFG

Ishan Kishan, after his 20-ball 53 in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa on Wednesday (Feb 4), is the front-runner to open the batting ahead of Sanju Samson come main tournament. The left-hand batter made a sensational comeback to the Indian team just before the T20 World Cup 2026 on the back of a strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) tournament and has put Samson, India's designated opener since T20 World Cup 2024, in spot. Samson's poor form including scoring just 40-odd runs in the recent five-T20I home series against New Zeland has also not helped his case. Kishan, after scoring 214 runs in three games vs NZ, has now shared his feeling about 'wanting to open', giving India a dilemma to settle about backing first choice player or in-form batter before they take on USA on Feb 7 in their T20 WC campaign opener in Mumbai.<h2>Kishan shares thoughts on opening batting in T20 WC warm up match vs SA</h2>Kishan's 20-ball 53 before being retired out was the highlight of his opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who himself scored 18-ball 24 before retiring hurt. The duo added 80 runs for the first wicket in just 5.3 overs, with Kishan hitting 22 &nbsp;of 29 runs in the 5th over bowled by Anrich Nortje which included three sixes and a four as well. The only thing which can go against him is that India preferring left-right combination at the top and hence giving Samson a go ahead.Speaking after the match, Kishan said: "I was really excited for Wednesday (Feb 4). I wanted to open the innings. Batting at number three, I enjoyed that situation, but with the World Cup coming up, no matter what position I bat in, my focus is always on doing my best for the team. I think it’s about staying in the present, watching the ball and playing the shots that are required at that point in time. I’m not putting too much thought or effort into it. I’m just reacting, watching the ball, and playing accordingly, and that seems to be working well for me."India squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku SinghIndia match schedule for T20 World Cup 2026: IND vs USA (Feb 7 in Mumbai), IND vs NAMIBIA (Feb 12 in Delhi), IND vs PAK (Feb 15 in Colombo), IND vs NETHERLANDS (Feb 18 in Ahmedabad)

Kishan made a sensational comeback to the Indian team just before the T20 World Cup 2026 on the back of a strong SMAT and has put Samson, India's designated opener since T20 WC 2024, in spot. The only thing which can go against him is that India preferring left-right combination at the top.

Ishan Kishan, after his 20-ball 53 in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa on Wednesday (Feb 4), is the front-runner to open the batting ahead of Sanju Samson come main tournament. The left-hand batter made a sensational comeback to the Indian team just before the T20 World Cup 2026 on the back of a strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) tournament and has put Samson, India's designated opener since T20 World Cup 2024, in spot. Samson's poor form including scoring just 40-odd runs in the recent five-T20I home series against New Zeland has also not helped his case. Kishan, after scoring 214 runs in three games vs NZ, has now shared his feeling about 'wanting to open', giving India a dilemma to settle about backing first choice player or in-form batter before they take on USA on Feb 7 in their T20 WC campaign opener in Mumbai. Kishan shares thoughts on opening batting in T20 WC warm up match vs SA Kishan's 20-ball 53 before being retired out was the highlight of his opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who himself scored 18-ball 24 before retiring hurt. The duo added 80 runs for the first wicket in just 5.3 overs, with Kishan hitting 22 of 29 runs in the 5th over bowled by Anrich Nortje which included three sixes and a four as well. The only thing which can go against him is that India preferring left-right combination at the top and hence giving Samson a go ahead. Speaking after the match, Kishan said: "I was really excited for Wednesday (Feb 4). I wanted to open the innings. Batting at number three, I enjoyed that situation, but with the World Cup coming up, no matter what position I bat in, my focus is always on doing my best for the team. I think it’s about staying in the present, watching the ball and playing the shots that are required at that point in time. I’m not putting too much thought or effort into it. I’m just reacting, watching the ball, and playing accordingly, and that seems to be working well for me." India squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh India match schedule for T20 World Cup 2026: IND vs USA (Feb 7 in Mumbai), IND vs NAMIBIA (Feb 12 in Delhi), IND vs PAK (Feb 15 in Colombo), IND vs NETHERLANDS (Feb 18 in Ahmedabad)

Kishan made a sensational comeback to the Indian team just before the T20 World Cup 2026 on the back of a strong SMAT and has put Samson, India's designated opener since T20 WC 2024, in spot. The only thing which can go against him is that India preferring left-right combination at the top.

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Enjoyed number 3 but...,' Kishan's blistering from puts Samson in spot ahead of India's title defence

Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed the reason behind boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals India. The two teams, slotted in Group A alongside Netherlands, Namibia, and USA, are scheduled to play on Feb 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka - which is co-hosting the tournament with India. This is the first time a Pakistan official, the PM nonetheless, has publicly shared the reason behind not playing India in the upcoming ICC tournament. The decision was announced on Sunday (Feb 1) with Sharif noting that 'politics should not mix with sports.'<h2>Shehbaz Sharif shares why Pakistan boycotting India match in T20 World Cup 2026</h2>Speaking to his cabinate on Wednesday (Feb 4), Sharif, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, said: "We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won't play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field. We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision."Also Check: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-watch-gambhir-reacts-to-pakistan-boycotting-india-match-on-feb-15-1770181270521">T20 World Cup 2026 | WATCH - Gambhir reacts to Pakistan boycotting India match on Feb 15</a>Notably, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland after it refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup matches citing security concerns. The International Cricket Council (ICC) denied Bangladesh's request and were eventually replaced.Paksitan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi had called out the ICC over the double standards, invoking India's example of Champions Trophy 2025. After India refused to travel to Pakistan (host) for the tournament, the matches were shifted to Dubai in UAE and India came out triumphant in the tournament.<h2>What is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-itself-a-member-and-beneficiary-icc-warns-pakistan-of-implications-of-not-playing-india-1769995014124">ICC's response</a> to Pakistan boycotting India match</h2>The ICC has warned the PCB of 'long-term' implications of their stance. Pakistan, which were with Bangladesh in its demand of shifting matches outside India, will however be taking part in the tournament as confirmed in the same Feb 1 statement. The ICC althoug has not received any official confirmation from the PCB over the boycott and has also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-no-icc-meeting-scheduled-for-now-to-discuss-pak-boycotting-india-match-report-1770081239701">not convened any board meeting to discuss possible sanctions</a>. By boycotting India match, Pakistan has made it hard for itself to advance to the next stage of the tournament while making it easier for India as they will be awarded full points of the match, shall the boycott goes through.

This is the first time a Pakistan official, the PM nonetheless, has publicly shared the reason behind not playing India on Feb 15 in Colombo in the upcoming ICC tournament. The decision was announced on Sunday (Feb 1) with Sharif noting that 'politics should not mix with sports.'

Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed the reason behind boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals India. The two teams, slotted in Group A alongside Netherlands, Namibia, and USA, are scheduled to play on Feb 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka - which is co-hosting the tournament with India. This is the first time a Pakistan official, the PM nonetheless, has publicly shared the reason behind not playing India in the upcoming ICC tournament. The decision was announced on Sunday (Feb 1) with Sharif noting that 'politics should not mix with sports.' Shehbaz Sharif shares why Pakistan boycotting India match in T20 World Cup 2026 Speaking to his cabinate on Wednesday (Feb 4), Sharif, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, said: "We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won't play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field. We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision." Also Check: T20 World Cup 2026 | WATCH - Gambhir reacts to Pakistan boycotting India match on Feb 15 Notably, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland after it refused to travel to India for the T20 World Cup matches citing security concerns. The International Cricket Council (ICC) denied Bangladesh's request and were eventually replaced. Paksitan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi had called out the ICC over the double standards, invoking India's example of Champions Trophy 2025. After India refused to travel to Pakistan (host) for the tournament, the matches were shifted to Dubai in UAE and India came out triumphant in the tournament. What is ICC's response to Pakistan boycotting India match The ICC has warned the PCB of 'long-term' implications of their stance. Pakistan, which were with Bangladesh in its demand of shifting matches outside India, will however be taking part in the tournament as confirmed in the same Feb 1 statement. The ICC althoug has not received any official confirmation from the PCB over the boycott and has also not convened any board meeting to discuss possible sanctions. By boycotting India match, Pakistan has made it hard for itself to advance to the next stage of the tournament while making it easier for India as they will be awarded full points of the match, shall the boycott goes through.

This is the first time a Pakistan official, the PM nonetheless, has publicly shared the reason behind not playing India on Feb 15 in Colombo in the upcoming ICC tournament. The decision was announced on Sunday (Feb 1) with Sharif noting that 'politics should not mix with sports.'

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Won't play the match against India because...': Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif reveals reason behind boycott

Ishan Kishan has all but potentially sealed his place at the top following his glitz and blitz against South Africa in India’s only warm-up fixture in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (Feb 4). Kishan opened with Abhishek Sharma, with his team captain Suryakumar Yadav also hinting at sticking with the same combination heading into the showpiece event, possibly closing doors for under-fire Sanju Samson. However, his quick-fire start helped others to build on the momentum and post a massive score of 240 for six, eventually seeing India stand tall with 30 runs in the end.&nbsp;India batted first and punished the South African bowlers inside the powerplay. The two left-handed openers took the attack to the opposition with disdain, scoring 80 runs inside the first six overs. Kishan completed his fifty by then, with the help of seven sixes. Abhishek Sharma also retired on 24*.&nbsp;See Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-5-highest-run-scorers-for-india-in-warm-up-game-vs-south-africa-t20-world-cup-ishan-kishan-hardik-pandya-1770224733060">Meet 5 highest run-scorers for India in warm-up game vs SA</a> &nbsp;The middle order exploded big time, with Tilak Varma (45 off 19 balls), captain Suryakumar Yadav (30 from 16 deliveries) and Axar Patel (35* in 22 balls), all contributing. Returning Tilak Varma had the best strike rate of them all (236.84). However, Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya’s late splurge of runs saw India post a mammoth 240 in the first innings. &nbsp;While Rinku scored 16 in 13 balls, Pandya smashed three sixes and two fours in his 10-ball 30.<h3>No Bumrah, no worries!</h3>India rested its ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for all the right reasons, and even without him, the bowling attack did fairly well to keep the Proteas’ run chase under check, eventually beating them by 30 runs. &nbsp;For South Africa, captain Aiden Markram’s form was a boost at the top, with Rya Rickelton's 21-ball 44 also coming in handy for the last time’s runners-up. In Quinton de Kock’s absence, the South African top order did enough, but it was the lower middle order that saved them from embarrassment.&nbsp; &nbsp;Jason Smith (35), Tristan Stubbs (45*) and Marco Jansen (31) were among runs, but the target was too much as they surrendered by 30 runs. &nbsp;

Kishan slammed seven maximums during his brief stay out in the middle against South Africa in India's lone warm-up fixture. 

Ishan Kishan has all but potentially sealed his place at the top following his glitz and blitz against South Africa in India’s only warm-up fixture in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (Feb 4). Kishan opened with Abhishek Sharma, with his team captain Suryakumar Yadav also hinting at sticking with the same combination heading into the showpiece event, possibly closing doors for under-fire Sanju Samson. However, his quick-fire start helped others to build on the momentum and post a massive score of 240 for six, eventually seeing India stand tall with 30 runs in the end. India batted first and punished the South African bowlers inside the powerplay. The two left-handed openers took the attack to the opposition with disdain, scoring 80 runs inside the first six overs. Kishan completed his fifty by then, with the help of seven sixes. Abhishek Sharma also retired on 24*. See Pics | Meet 5 highest run-scorers for India in warm-up game vs SA The middle order exploded big time, with Tilak Varma (45 off 19 balls), captain Suryakumar Yadav (30 from 16 deliveries) and Axar Patel (35* in 22 balls), all contributing. Returning Tilak Varma had the best strike rate of them all (236.84). However, Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya’s late splurge of runs saw India post a mammoth 240 in the first innings. While Rinku scored 16 in 13 balls, Pandya smashed three sixes and two fours in his 10-ball 30. No Bumrah, no worries! India rested its ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah for all the right reasons, and even without him, the bowling attack did fairly well to keep the Proteas’ run chase under check, eventually beating them by 30 runs. For South Africa, captain Aiden Markram’s form was a boost at the top, with Rya Rickelton's 21-ball 44 also coming in handy for the last time’s runners-up. In Quinton de Kock’s absence, the South African top order did enough, but it was the lower middle order that saved them from embarrassment. Jason Smith (35), Tristan Stubbs (45*) and Marco Jansen (31) were among runs, but the target was too much as they surrendered by 30 runs.

Kishan slammed seven maximums during his brief stay out in the middle against South Africa in India's lone warm-up fixture.&nbsp;

Kishan over Samson? Ishan’s 20-ball blitz settles opening slot talk as India crush SA in warm-up

India played its only 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up tie against South Africa on Wednesday (Feb 4) in Navi Mumbai, with several batters toying with the cricket ball for fun. Let’s check out the five highest run-getters for India against the Proteas.

India played its only 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up tie against South Africa on Wednesday (Feb 4) in Navi Mumbai, with several batters toying with the cricket ball for fun. Let’s check out the five highest run-getters for India against the Proteas.

Meet 5 highest run-scorers for India in warm-up game vs SA

Indian Under-19 opener Aaron George, 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and captain Aayush Mhatre took it upon themselves to corner Afghanistan and complete the highest successful run chase (311) in ICC Men’s Under-19. India U-19 beat high-flying Afghanistan by seven wickets on Wednesday (Feb 4) in the second semifinal in Harare to seal the final date with England. While George completed his maiden U-19 WC hundred on the day it mattered, it was Sooryavanshi’s blitz start that put India on the front foot from the word go.&nbsp;Chasing 311 after Afghanistan’s Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai hit respective yet stunning hundreds in the first innings, pushing India’s back against the wall, the Indian openers made light work of the run chase. The left-right combination continued to do wonders for the Boys in Blue, as Vaibhav and Aaron added 90 for the first wicket inside the 10th over. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/age-is-not-a-criteria-ms-dhoni-backs-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-for-one-last-dance-in-2027-odi-world-cup-1770203180729">‘Age is not a criteria’: MS Dhoni backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for one last dance in 2027</a>&nbsp;The left-handed Sooryavanshi was all over the Afghanistan bowlers, and after getting a couple of chances, he unleashed his wide range of shots to put the Afghan team on the backfoot. His dismissal on a quick-fire 68 off just 33 balls, including four maximums and nine fours, gave Afghanistan little hope, only for captain Mhatre to take the innings forward from that point. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener completed a crucial fifty (62 off 59 balls) while adding 114 runs for the second wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;After he got out, the player-in-form Vihaan Malhotra joined George in the middle, who brought up his first hundred in this competition, helping India close in on a historic run chase. He, however, got out on 115. &nbsp;It was about time before the pair helped India complete the highest successful run chase in the Under-19 World Cup history, setting up a dream finale against England on Friday (Feb 6) in Harare. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Riding high on confidence and results, the Afghanistan openers added 53 for the first wicket before two centurions took charge and put their team’s nose in front.&nbsp;

India will take on England in the ICC Men's Under-19 final on Friday (Feb 6) in Harare. 

Indian Under-19 opener Aaron George, 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and captain Aayush Mhatre took it upon themselves to corner Afghanistan and complete the highest successful run chase (311) in ICC Men’s Under-19. India U-19 beat high-flying Afghanistan by seven wickets on Wednesday (Feb 4) in the second semifinal in Harare to seal the final date with England. While George completed his maiden U-19 WC hundred on the day it mattered, it was Sooryavanshi’s blitz start that put India on the front foot from the word go. Chasing 311 after Afghanistan’s Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai hit respective yet stunning hundreds in the first innings, pushing India’s back against the wall, the Indian openers made light work of the run chase. The left-right combination continued to do wonders for the Boys in Blue, as Vaibhav and Aaron added 90 for the first wicket inside the 10th over. Also read | ‘Age is not a criteria’: MS Dhoni backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for one last dance in 2027 The left-handed Sooryavanshi was all over the Afghanistan bowlers, and after getting a couple of chances, he unleashed his wide range of shots to put the Afghan team on the backfoot. His dismissal on a quick-fire 68 off just 33 balls, including four maximums and nine fours, gave Afghanistan little hope, only for captain Mhatre to take the innings forward from that point. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener completed a crucial fifty (62 off 59 balls) while adding 114 runs for the second wicket. After he got out, the player-in-form Vihaan Malhotra joined George in the middle, who brought up his first hundred in this competition, helping India close in on a historic run chase. He, however, got out on 115. It was about time before the pair helped India complete the highest successful run chase in the Under-19 World Cup history, setting up a dream finale against England on Friday (Feb 6) in Harare. Meanwhile, Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Riding high on confidence and results, the Afghanistan openers added 53 for the first wicket before two centurions took charge and put their team’s nose in front.

India will take on England in the ICC Men's Under-19 final on Friday (Feb 6) in Harare.&nbsp;

History in Harare: India pull off record run chase to set up U-19 WC final vs England

England head coach Brendon McCullum has thrown his weight behind Harry Brook, while seeking privacy in his Wellington nightclub instance last year, for which the ECB had already reprimanded him and those involved in the ugly incident. After guiding England to a T20I series win over Sri Lanka, McCullum hits back at the media and also the ECB for releasing all of the findings of that instance every time something arises. Brook, who was at the centre of things during an altercation with a nightclub bouncer ahead of assuming ODI captaincy in New Zealand, was apparently punched in the face and later fined by the ECB for his involvement.&nbsp;Although this instance came to light just after England conceded the away Ashes this winter, (getting) reminded of it now and then, despite things being taken care of cleanly and under the wrap, upsets McCullum.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sl-vs-eng-3rd-t20i-jacob-bethell-spins-england-to-series-win-over-sri-lanka-will-jacks-1770142089127">SL vs ENG, 3rd T20I: Jacob Bethell spins England to series win over Sri Lanka</a> &nbsp;"I don't think we need to release all of those findings every time something arises in the media," McCullum said of the Brook story, the Wellington nightclub instance. "Others will have their own opinions…The process was done internally at the ECB, which we were all a part of. The boys were under no uncertain terms about how we felt about it, but now our job is to support them. &nbsp;"And, to be honest, I find it quite annoying that we keep going on and on about it, because these are young men who are under immense pressure and they've put their hand up for something they've been disciplined for, and piling onto them is not helpful for anyone,” he added.<h3>How Brook’s lie was a blessing in disguise for others</h3>Speaking in Brook’s defence amid reports of him lying about going out alone that night in Wellington, McCullum reminded everyone of how it safeguarded other players, and that the criticism he (Brook) is facing is unfair. Brendon also appreciated his white-ball captain, calling him a strong leader and someone with a very good head on his shoulders. &nbsp;"I think he was quite keen to put his hand up when the information came that it was going to land in the media. He was hopeful that it had been dealt with internally, as we all were. &nbsp;"He is a strong leader, he's a young man, but he's got a very good head on his shoulders, and I know people will say he's not that clever. &nbsp;"I couldn't disagree with that more. He wears his intelligence lightly, and he's a very strong leader, and he's someone that they play for in their dressing-room as well, and our job is to just keep looking after him because he is still young,” McCullum on Brook.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Brook will lead England at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Placed in Group C, England will have the West Indies, Scotland, debutants Italy and Nepal as the remaining teams in their group.&nbsp;

Just a night before he assumed his ODI captaincy in New Zealand, Harry Brook got involved in an ugly altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington. 

England head coach Brendon McCullum has thrown his weight behind Harry Brook, while seeking privacy in his Wellington nightclub instance last year, for which the ECB had already reprimanded him and those involved in the ugly incident. After guiding England to a T20I series win over Sri Lanka, McCullum hits back at the media and also the ECB for releasing all of the findings of that instance every time something arises. Brook, who was at the centre of things during an altercation with a nightclub bouncer ahead of assuming ODI captaincy in New Zealand, was apparently punched in the face and later fined by the ECB for his involvement. Although this instance came to light just after England conceded the away Ashes this winter, (getting) reminded of it now and then, despite things being taken care of cleanly and under the wrap, upsets McCullum. Also read | SL vs ENG, 3rd T20I: Jacob Bethell spins England to series win over Sri Lanka "I don't think we need to release all of those findings every time something arises in the media," McCullum said of the Brook story, the Wellington nightclub instance. "Others will have their own opinions…The process was done internally at the ECB, which we were all a part of. The boys were under no uncertain terms about how we felt about it, but now our job is to support them. "And, to be honest, I find it quite annoying that we keep going on and on about it, because these are young men who are under immense pressure and they've put their hand up for something they've been disciplined for, and piling onto them is not helpful for anyone,” he added. How Brook’s lie was a blessing in disguise for others Speaking in Brook’s defence amid reports of him lying about going out alone that night in Wellington, McCullum reminded everyone of how it safeguarded other players, and that the criticism he (Brook) is facing is unfair. Brendon also appreciated his white-ball captain, calling him a strong leader and someone with a very good head on his shoulders. "I think he was quite keen to put his hand up when the information came that it was going to land in the media. He was hopeful that it had been dealt with internally, as we all were. "He is a strong leader, he's a young man, but he's got a very good head on his shoulders, and I know people will say he's not that clever. "I couldn't disagree with that more. He wears his intelligence lightly, and he's a very strong leader, and he's someone that they play for in their dressing-room as well, and our job is to just keep looking after him because he is still young,” McCullum on Brook. Meanwhile, Brook will lead England at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Placed in Group C, England will have the West Indies, Scotland, debutants Italy and Nepal as the remaining teams in their group.

Just a night before he assumed his ODI captaincy in New Zealand, Harry Brook got involved in an ugly altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington.&nbsp;

McCullum Hits Back at Media: ENG coach demands privacy for Brook over Wellington nightclub incident

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just three sleeps away, and the status around the marquee India vs Pakistan Group A game on Feb 15 in Colombo continues to stay in limbo. However, despite the Pakistan government’s latest directives on Men in Green not taking the field against India on the very day, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels everything will take the backseat when the time comes, and that the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup will 100 per cent take place.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashwin’s comments have come on the backdrop of ICC swiftly taking note of the Pakistan government’s remarks on the matter, which, later, also subtly warned the PCB of long-term implications of boycotting the India game. Ashwin said he is sure that this decision will be overturned, and all parties concerned will agree to a showdown between the two Asian giants on Feb 15.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/age-is-not-a-criteria-ms-dhoni-backs-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-for-one-last-dance-in-2027-odi-world-cup-1770203180729">‘Age is not a criteria’: MS Dhoni backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for one last dance in 2027</a> &nbsp;Explaining reasons behind this, Ashwin said that plenty of business decisions are involved in this one game; he added that the Pakistan Cricket Board is also at risk of failing to shoulder the financial burden of forfeiting the India game, with the ICC likely to ask them to pay from its pockets.&nbsp; &nbsp;“100 per cent, the match between India and Pakistan will happen. I feel that it will happen. The next 3-4 days will see these decisions being overturned. And that’s my hunch, and I hope I want to see the India-Pakistan encounter. Because there are a lot of business decisions in this.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Pakistan has another problem. There may also be financial loss as you will have to reimburse the broadcasters for whatever loss they have incurred,” he said. &nbsp;Ashwin said, considering all factors, the PCB would have to compromise and agree to face India in the marquee game in Group A. &nbsp;“So, I think they will have to come to a compromise. The financial thing involved in this will mean that other ICC member countries, too, will face a loss. In the ICC meeting, all these members will say because of Pakistan, we are getting these losses. PSL is also going to happen. Even in PSL, players can say that we will not come,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Ash ki Baat.<h3>Same yet different!</h3>Ashwin explained the difference between previous instances, when several teams decided against travelling to hosting nations (including Australia and West Indies in Sri Lanka in 1996 and England and New Zealand in Zimbabwe in 2003), because of security and travel issues, and this time, where, despite both boards agreeing on hybrid models, Pakistan decided against facing India at a neutral venue.&nbsp; &nbsp;“We will talk of the 1996 World Cup and also of the 2003 World Cup. Teams refused to travel to Sri Lanka. They fortified the matches. In the 2003 World Cup also, teams forfeited matches due to security and travel. But those are venue-based problems. Right now. Pakistan and India will be playing in a neutral venue. There is no problem with the venue also. So, after all of this. To say I will not play a particular opponent is just not acceptable in many ways. I hope better sense prevails and these matches do take place,” Ashwin added.

The ICC has warned Pakistan of long-term implications of boycotting the marquee India game at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just three sleeps away, and the status around the marquee India vs Pakistan Group A game on Feb 15 in Colombo continues to stay in limbo. However, despite the Pakistan government’s latest directives on Men in Green not taking the field against India on the very day, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels everything will take the backseat when the time comes, and that the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup will 100 per cent take place. Ashwin’s comments have come on the backdrop of ICC swiftly taking note of the Pakistan government’s remarks on the matter, which, later, also subtly warned the PCB of long-term implications of boycotting the India game. Ashwin said he is sure that this decision will be overturned, and all parties concerned will agree to a showdown between the two Asian giants on Feb 15. Also read | ‘Age is not a criteria’: MS Dhoni backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for one last dance in 2027 Explaining reasons behind this, Ashwin said that plenty of business decisions are involved in this one game; he added that the Pakistan Cricket Board is also at risk of failing to shoulder the financial burden of forfeiting the India game, with the ICC likely to ask them to pay from its pockets. “100 per cent, the match between India and Pakistan will happen. I feel that it will happen. The next 3-4 days will see these decisions being overturned. And that’s my hunch, and I hope I want to see the India-Pakistan encounter. Because there are a lot of business decisions in this. “Pakistan has another problem. There may also be financial loss as you will have to reimburse the broadcasters for whatever loss they have incurred,” he said. Ashwin said, considering all factors, the PCB would have to compromise and agree to face India in the marquee game in Group A. “So, I think they will have to come to a compromise. The financial thing involved in this will mean that other ICC member countries, too, will face a loss. In the ICC meeting, all these members will say because of Pakistan, we are getting these losses. PSL is also going to happen. Even in PSL, players can say that we will not come,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Ash ki Baat. Same yet different! Ashwin explained the difference between previous instances, when several teams decided against travelling to hosting nations (including Australia and West Indies in Sri Lanka in 1996 and England and New Zealand in Zimbabwe in 2003), because of security and travel issues, and this time, where, despite both boards agreeing on hybrid models, Pakistan decided against facing India at a neutral venue. “We will talk of the 1996 World Cup and also of the 2003 World Cup. Teams refused to travel to Sri Lanka. They fortified the matches. In the 2003 World Cup also, teams forfeited matches due to security and travel. But those are venue-based problems. Right now. Pakistan and India will be playing in a neutral venue. There is no problem with the venue also. So, after all of this. To say I will not play a particular opponent is just not acceptable in many ways. I hope better sense prevails and these matches do take place,” Ashwin added.

The ICC has warned Pakistan of long-term implications of boycotting the marquee India game at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"100% it will happen": Ashwin dismisses Pakistan's threat to boycott India T20 World Cup clash

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni dismissed the age criteria for batting veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are chasing to win the ODI World Cup in Africa (in 2027) together. Both in their late 30s, Virat and Rohit play only one format (One-Day Cricket) and aim to stick around and prove their mettle heading into the next ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, Dhoni, 44, remains part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team in the Indian Premier League and will continue for another season, starting in March this year.&nbsp;Speaking about age catching up with the batting veterans, Dhoni, who himself counters questions around it after almost every IPL season since his international retirement seven years ago, said it (age) doesn't even matter, while mentioning the parameters he thinks do the most. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-toss-becomes-crucial-dhoni-shares-what-worries-him-about-1770178247735">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Toss becomes crucial': Dhoni on what worries him about India's title defence</a>&nbsp;“Why not (on Kohli, Rohit playing next ODI WC)? The thing is, why somebody should not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria. Performance, fitness, these are the criteria. &nbsp;“Is age a factor? No. Fitness factor? Yes. Even if you are 22 and not fit, you cannot play international cricket.” Dhoni emphasised. “If they keep performing and have the urge to do well for the country, then why not? How do you get experienced people otherwise?” &nbsp;Dhoni, who led India to its maiden T20 crown 19 years ago (in 2007), says it takes years of cricket and performances to gain any experience to excel at this level, unless, of course, you’re Sachin Tendulkar. &nbsp;“You cannot get a 20-year-old who is experienced unless it is someone like Sachin Tendulkar,” he noted. “If people are performing, they will be there, otherwise not. If they are not fit, you can chuck them out.” &nbsp;Meanwhile, since the Australian tour late last year, both Kohli and Rohit succeeded big time in the One-Dayers. While Kohli has been among runs, smashing 616 in nine matches at 88, also claiming the top spot in ODI rankings for batters in the meantime, Rohit clicked occasionally, hitting 409 runs at just above 50.&nbsp; &nbsp;Considering Team India’s next ODI assignment is in July this year, questions around Virat and Rohit’s future continue to burn bright.&nbsp;

Dhoni, who himself counters questions around the age factor after almost every IPL season since his international retirement seven years ago, said it (age) doesn't even matter, while mentioning the parameters he thinks do the most.

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni dismissed the age criteria for batting veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are chasing to win the ODI World Cup in Africa (in 2027) together. Both in their late 30s, Virat and Rohit play only one format (One-Day Cricket) and aim to stick around and prove their mettle heading into the next ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, Dhoni, 44, remains part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team in the Indian Premier League and will continue for another season, starting in March this year. Speaking about age catching up with the batting veterans, Dhoni, who himself counters questions around it after almost every IPL season since his international retirement seven years ago, said it (age) doesn't even matter, while mentioning the parameters he thinks do the most. Also read | T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Toss becomes crucial': Dhoni on what worries him about India's title defence “Why not (on Kohli, Rohit playing next ODI WC)? The thing is, why somebody should not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria. Performance, fitness, these are the criteria. “Is age a factor? No. Fitness factor? Yes. Even if you are 22 and not fit, you cannot play international cricket.” Dhoni emphasised. “If they keep performing and have the urge to do well for the country, then why not? How do you get experienced people otherwise?” Dhoni, who led India to its maiden T20 crown 19 years ago (in 2007), says it takes years of cricket and performances to gain any experience to excel at this level, unless, of course, you’re Sachin Tendulkar. “You cannot get a 20-year-old who is experienced unless it is someone like Sachin Tendulkar,” he noted. “If people are performing, they will be there, otherwise not. If they are not fit, you can chuck them out.” Meanwhile, since the Australian tour late last year, both Kohli and Rohit succeeded big time in the One-Dayers. While Kohli has been among runs, smashing 616 in nine matches at 88, also claiming the top spot in ODI rankings for batters in the meantime, Rohit clicked occasionally, hitting 409 runs at just above 50. Considering Team India’s next ODI assignment is in July this year, questions around Virat and Rohit’s future continue to burn bright.

Dhoni, who himself counters questions around the age factor after almost every IPL season since his international retirement seven years ago, said it (age) doesn't even matter, while mentioning the parameters he thinks do the most.

‘Age is not a criteria’: MS Dhoni backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for one last dance in 2027

T20 World Cup batting records: Sri Lanka (260/6) hit highest team total, Kohli has most runs (1292), most runs in one edition (319) and most 50s (15). Gayle, meanwhile, has hit most 6s (63), most tons (2), most sixes in an innings (11), and most runs in boundaries in an innings (88).

T20 World Cup batting records: Sri Lanka (260/6) hit highest team total, Kohli has most runs (1292), most runs in one edition (319) and most 50s (15). Gayle, meanwhile, has hit most 6s (63), most tons (2), most sixes in an innings (11), and most runs in boundaries in an innings (88).

T20 World Cup batting records: Gayle and Kohli lead in 7 of 9 records

T20 World Cup past winners: Only India (2007 & 2024), West Indies (2012 & 2016), and England (2009 & 2022) have won two titles with Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014), and Australia (2021) winning once each.

T20 World Cup past winners: Only India (2007 &amp; 2024), West Indies (2012 &amp; 2016), and England (2010 &amp; 2022) have won two titles with Pakistan (2009), Sri Lanka (2014), and Australia (2021) winning once each.

T20 World Cup: Only three teams, including India, have two titles - Can you guess all past winners

India head coach Gautam Gambhir, on Tuesday (Feb 3), refused to give a reaction on Pakistan's boycott of India match on in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. India, entering the tournament as the defending champions, are in Group A along with Pakistan, USA, Netherland, and Namibia. Pakistan are expected to play India on Feb 15 in Colombo in a Group A fixture and failure to do so will see India getting full match points, given skipper Suryakumar Yadav is present at the toss. The boycott can potentially hurt Pakistan's chances to move to the next stage while making it easier for India to advance.<h2>Gambhir gives first reaction on Pakistan boycotting India match in T20 World Cup 2026</h2>India coach Gambhir was spotted at Delhi airport on Tuesday (Feb 3) when the reporters asked him about his thoughts on Pakistan's boycott of India match in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The head coach, while thanking the reporters for their well-wished, refused to answer the Pakistan question. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Indian Cricket Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir leaves for Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/6fBlclolVO">pic.twitter.com/6fBlclolVO</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2018681998835888267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While Pakistan has given no official reason for boycotting India match, it is possible that the step has been taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, which have been replaced in the tournament by Scotland. ICC replaced Bangladesh after the Asian country's refusal to travel to India for the World Cup matches, citing security threat.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-toss-becomes-crucial-dhoni-shares-what-worries-him-about-1770178247735">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Toss becomes crucial': Dhoni on what worries him about India's title defence</a>Pakistan had supported Bangladesh's demand of shifting the matches outside India but ICC did not budge. After Bangladesh's replacement, Pakistan left their participation in limbo, confirming only on Sunday (Feb 1) that they will play the tournament but not India.India squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.Pakistan squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

While Pakistan has given no official reason for boycotting India match, it is possible that the step has been taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, which have been replaced in the tournament by Scotland. Pakistan are expected to play India on Feb 15 in Colombo in a Group A fixture.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir, on Tuesday (Feb 3), refused to give a reaction on Pakistan's boycott of India match on in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. India, entering the tournament as the defending champions, are in Group A along with Pakistan, USA, Netherland, and Namibia. Pakistan are expected to play India on Feb 15 in Colombo in a Group A fixture and failure to do so will see India getting full match points, given skipper Suryakumar Yadav is present at the toss. The boycott can potentially hurt Pakistan's chances to move to the next stage while making it easier for India to advance. Gambhir gives first reaction on Pakistan boycotting India match in T20 World Cup 2026 India coach Gambhir was spotted at Delhi airport on Tuesday (Feb 3) when the reporters asked him about his thoughts on Pakistan's boycott of India match in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The head coach, while thanking the reporters for their well-wished, refused to answer the Pakistan question. Have a look at the video below:

While Pakistan has given no official reason for boycotting India match, it is possible that the step has been taken in solidarity with Bangladesh, which have been replaced in the tournament by Scotland. Pakistan are expected to play India on Feb 15 in Colombo in a Group A fixture.

T20 World Cup 2026 | WATCH - Gambhir reacts to Pakistan boycotting India match on Feb 15

Former India skipper MS Dhoni, under whom the team won inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, has declared the Suryakumar Yadav-led team as 'one of the most dangerous' in the upcoming edition of the tournament. India enter T20 World Cup 2026, which starts Feb 7, as defending champions, having won the last edition under Rohit Sharma in 2024. Dhoni, however, warned of dew which, according to India's most successful captain, can change things including toss. The 20-team tournament is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka with dew expected to play a role in the tournament.<h2>Dhoni's verdict on current India team for T20 World up 2026</h2>"It’s one of the most dangerous teams,” Dhoni said at an event recently about India’s chances of retaining the title. "You know, they would have already started batting or bowling. But what all is needed in a good team? Everything is there.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-it-will-be-not-out-mcc-makes-changes-to-how-batter-is-declared-hit-wicket-out-1770175676616">'It will be not out': MCC makes changes to how a batter is declared hit-wicket out</a>"They have the experience. Especially when it comes to this format, the experience is vast. They have played under pressure. Whoever is playing whatever roles they are playing in the team, they have been in that situation for a considerable period of time," the former skipper added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Are India favourites to defend their crown ? Who better than <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> to answer … <a href="https://t.co/9FSVFCJzIM">pic.twitter.com/9FSVFCJzIM</a>&mdash; Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatinsapru/status/2018747307500666985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Dew will be a crucial factor in T20 World Cup 2026</h2>While the Indian team has the talent and players to retain the title, Dhoni says 'dew' is something which can change a lot of things."What worries me? Again, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things. So, even when I was playing, something that really scared me was dew. Where the toss becomes crucial and all of that," Dhoni said.India, which are in Group A along with Paksita, USA, Namibia, and Netherland, start their campaign on Feb 7 against the USA in Mumbai. India next play Namibia on Feb 12 in Delhi before taking on Pakistan on Feb 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. India vs Pakistan, however, is uncertain as of now with Pakistan government announcing boycott of the match. India finish the group stage matches against Netherlands on Feb 18 in Ahmedabad.If we are playing 10 matches with some of the best teams, we will come out as winners more often than not, if the conditions remain neutral,” he noted.&nbsp;

India, which are in Group A along with Paksita, USA, Namibia, and Netherland, start their campaign on Feb 7 against the USA in Mumbai. India enter T20 World Cup 2026 as defending champions, having won the last edition under Rohit Sharma in 2024.

Former India skipper MS Dhoni, under whom the team won inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, has declared the Suryakumar Yadav-led team as 'one of the most dangerous' in the upcoming edition of the tournament. India enter T20 World Cup 2026, which starts Feb 7, as defending champions, having won the last edition under Rohit Sharma in 2024. Dhoni, however, warned of dew which, according to India's most successful captain, can change things including toss. The 20-team tournament is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka with dew expected to play a role in the tournament. Dhoni's verdict on current India team for T20 World up 2026 "It’s one of the most dangerous teams,” Dhoni said at an event recently about India’s chances of retaining the title. "You know, they would have already started batting or bowling. But what all is needed in a good team? Everything is there. Also Read: 'It will be not out': MCC makes changes to how a batter is declared hit-wicket out "They have the experience. Especially when it comes to this format, the experience is vast. They have played under pressure. Whoever is playing whatever roles they are playing in the team, they have been in that situation for a considerable period of time," the former skipper added.

India, which are in Group A along with Paksita, USA, Namibia, and Netherland, start their campaign on Feb 7 against the USA in Mumbai. India enter T20 World Cup 2026 as defending champions, having won the last edition under Rohit Sharma in 2024.

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Toss becomes crucial': Dhoni on what worries him about India's title defence

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced some changes in the cricketing laws including the definition of hit-wicket. The changes will be discussed by the ICC in their next meeting for ratification before becoming part of international cricket, likely from October 1, 2026. A total of 73 'material changes' have been done in the latest rivision along with some linguistic changes as well. This is the thrid time that MCC has amended laws since 2017 code came in effect: first in 2019 and then again in 2022. It is also upto the national boards to introduce the changes in the their domestic system as the changes are not binding at all.<h2>What is the new hit-wicket law says?</h2>According to the new hit-wicket law, the batter will be declared out if he/she falls onto the stumps while trying to find the balance after receving the ball. The MCC has defined the term recieving the ball in the latest change and said: "Receiving the ball lasts until the batter has gained control of their balance after playing the ball. If the batter is off balance because of the shot they played, hops around for a few steps, and falls onto their stumps, that is as a result of the action they took to receive the ball. The ball may be long gone, but the striker is still out Hit wicket".Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2026-eliminator-dc-w-vs-gg-w-delhi-capitals-beat-gujarat-giants-to-seal-finale-date-with-royal-challengers-bengaluru-1770141255299">WPL 2026, Eliminator: Delhi beat Gujarat to seal finale date with Bengaluru</a>The new law also states when a batter won't be declared hit-wicket out, that is, is he/she come into the contact of a fielder while finding balance. "If, however, the contact with the fielder is purely incidental - perhaps they are falling onto the stumps - and in doing so their bat brushes the wicketkeeper, that will not protect them. If a part of the batter's equipment becomes detached and makes any contact with another player before hitting the stumps, then they cannot be out Hit wicket. So if the batter accidentally lets go of the bat, and it hits the wicket, the batter will be out Hit wicket. However, if the bat hits the wicketkeeper and then the wicket, it will be Not out."

The changes will be discussed by the ICC in their next meeting for ratification before becoming part of international cricket, likely from October 1, 2026. A total of 73 'material changes' have been done in the latest rivision along with some linguistic changes as well. 

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced some changes in the cricketing laws including the definition of hit-wicket. The changes will be discussed by the ICC in their next meeting for ratification before becoming part of international cricket, likely from October 1, 2026. A total of 73 'material changes' have been done in the latest rivision along with some linguistic changes as well. This is the thrid time that MCC has amended laws since 2017 code came in effect: first in 2019 and then again in 2022. It is also upto the national boards to introduce the changes in the their domestic system as the changes are not binding at all. What is the new hit-wicket law says? According to the new hit-wicket law, the batter will be declared out if he/she falls onto the stumps while trying to find the balance after receving the ball. The MCC has defined the term recieving the ball in the latest change and said: "Receiving the ball lasts until the batter has gained control of their balance after playing the ball. If the batter is off balance because of the shot they played, hops around for a few steps, and falls onto their stumps, that is as a result of the action they took to receive the ball. The ball may be long gone, but the striker is still out Hit wicket". Also Read - WPL 2026, Eliminator: Delhi beat Gujarat to seal finale date with Bengaluru The new law also states when a batter won't be declared hit-wicket out, that is, is he/she come into the contact of a fielder while finding balance. "If, however, the contact with the fielder is purely incidental - perhaps they are falling onto the stumps - and in doing so their bat brushes the wicketkeeper, that will not protect them. If a part of the batter's equipment becomes detached and makes any contact with another player before hitting the stumps, then they cannot be out Hit wicket. So if the batter accidentally lets go of the bat, and it hits the wicket, the batter will be out Hit wicket. However, if the bat hits the wicketkeeper and then the wicket, it will be Not out."

The changes will be discussed by the ICC in their next meeting for ratification before becoming part of international cricket, likely from October 1, 2026. A total of 73 'material changes' have been done in the latest rivision along with some linguistic changes as well.&nbsp;

'It will be not out': MCC makes changes to how a batter is declared hit-wicket out

Rookie English all-rounder Jacob Bethell proved his worth, however, not with the bat, but with the ball this time, as she spun England to complete a clean sweep over Sri Lanka, with his four-wicket haul in the final T20I in Pallekele on Tuesday (Feb 3). While Bethell returned with four wickets, his fellow spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks picked three to floor Sri Lanka. These three-match T20Is served as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;With Sri Lanka closing in on the run chase, needing 21 off just 18 balls with four wickets remaining, Bethell’s over turned the game upside down, as he snared three wickets in a dramatic over to skittle Sri Lanka on 116, picking up his career-best four for 11.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jos Buttler stunner that swung the match in England’s favour 😮‍💨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonySportsNetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/kc90M4vu1d">pic.twitter.com/kc90M4vu1d</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2018736971221471687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“It was one of the most fun games I have been part of,” said England captain Harry Brook. "We showed we can adapt to challenging conditions. Today we bowled 16 overs of spin, and to do that against a Sri Lankan side in their own conditions is really satisfying."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-warns-pcb-of-legal-action-from-indian-broadcaster-jiostar-after-t20-world-cup-match-boycott-threat-1770129040457">T20 World Cup: ICC warns PCB of legal action from JioStar after India match boycott threat - Report</a> &nbsp;Earlier, England had mustered only 128 for nine but showcased their depth and nous, defending a total that looked well below par on a surface offering turn and bounce. After just four overs from the quicks, the spinners took centre stage and wove a web around the Sri Lankan batters, much as they had throughout the tour. The spinners had been pivotal in England’s ODI series triumph in Colombo last week and again proved the ace up their sleeve. &nbsp;Meanwhile, England head to India to launch their T20 World Cup campaign with momentum at their backs, while Sri Lanka have plenty of soul-searching to do with their frailties against spin brutally exposed.<h3>Bethell, Jacks seal improbable win for England</h3>Bethel found able allies in Will Jacks, who bagged three wickets, while fellow tweakers Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson chipped in with one apiece to keep the hosts on a tight leash. &nbsp;Sam Curran, England’s hero in the opening game with a hat-trick, showed his all-round pedigree in the dead rubber, carving out a career-best 58 from 48 balls to rescue the side that had slipped to 60 for six. &nbsp;Returning quick Dushmantha Chameera, back after a groin injury, was a rare bright spark for Sri Lanka, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is. His five for 24 are the best figures in England-Sri Lanka contests and the third-best ever at Pallekele. &nbsp;“Very disappointing. We need to address a few areas, especially the options we take against spin bowling," said Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka. "I thought we had addressed that issue in the last game, but the old problems resurfaced again.” &nbsp;Both sides begin their World Cup campaign next Sunday, with Sri Lanka hosting Ireland in Colombo while England face Nepal in Mumbai.&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

These three-match T20Is served as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Rookie English all-rounder Jacob Bethell proved his worth, however, not with the bat, but with the ball this time, as she spun England to complete a clean sweep over Sri Lanka, with his four-wicket haul in the final T20I in Pallekele on Tuesday (Feb 3). While Bethell returned with four wickets, his fellow spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks picked three to floor Sri Lanka. These three-match T20Is served as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. With Sri Lanka closing in on the run chase, needing 21 off just 18 balls with four wickets remaining, Bethell’s over turned the game upside down, as he snared three wickets in a dramatic over to skittle Sri Lanka on 116, picking up his career-best four for 11.

These three-match T20Is served as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

SL vs ENG, 3rd T20I: Jacob Bethell spins England to series win over Sri Lanka

Delhi Capitals (DC) have reached yet another Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, this time after beating Gujarat Giants in a lop-sided Eliminator in Vadodara on Tuesday (Feb 3). Chasing 169, Delhi completed the target with seven wickets and 26 balls remaining, setting up the finale date with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday (Feb 6).&nbsp;After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Delhi was off to a flyer, removing the GG opener Sophie Devine inside the second over. Beth Mooney and Anushka Sharma added 29 for the second wicket before two quick scalps, including captain Ashleigh Gardner’s wicket on a first-ball duck, put them on the backfoot. Kanika Ahuja was the next to depart, as Gujarat’s back was against the wall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-i-pleaded-and-pleaded-ponting-on-asking-dc-to-not-trade-abhishek-in-ipl-1770132572343">'I pleaded and pleaded': Ponting on asking DC to not trade Abhishek in IPL</a> &nbsp;However, the momentum switched towards them following a flourishing fifth-wicket partnership between Mooney and Georgia Wareham (35), which helped Gujarat close in on a 150-mark in this crucial Eliminator. Although opener Mooney remained unbeaten on 62 off 51 balls, carrying her bat and hitting six fours, a late blitz from Kashvee Gautam (18 off 10) propelled Gujarat to a fighting 168 for seven in the first innings.<h3>Delhi all over Gujarat</h3>The Delhi openers took no time before going berserk, with Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee adding 89 for the first wicket, all inside eight overs. The start put them in the driver’s seat, with Laura Wolvaardt and skipper Jemimah Rodrigues unleashing a wide range of strokes to end all hopes for a miraculous win for the Giants.&nbsp; &nbsp;While Laura remained unbeaten on 32 off 24 balls, Indian star batter Rodrigues whacked a quick-fire 23-ball 41, hitting a six and four fours to see her side home.&nbsp; &nbsp;Here is what both captains said – &nbsp;“Yeah, obviously, you know, probably wasn't the most ideal start. I think Moons (Mooney) did a fantastic job of kind of rescuing the innings with Georgia Wareham. You know, we felt like that was enough at halfway if we bowled well, but ultimately, when you don't start the powerplay, either taking wickets or restricting runs, it kind of brings that team in, and obviously, they took the powerplay on, which is what they do. That's their ammo, and yeah, they obviously did that brilliantly today,” GG captain Gardner said. &nbsp;“This final feels different. With GG, the last two games did not go our way. If you keep believing as a team, magic happens. (What changed) Nothing. Even our team meeting was short. We tried not to overthink. To trust ourselves. When you keep calm, things fall into place. A lot of credit goes to our bowlers. Our bowlers won us the game. They make my job easy as captain. One more game to go, and we keep the same plans. Today was a restoration for us,” Delhi captain Rodrigues noted.

Delhi Capitals will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026 finale on Friday (Feb 6).

Delhi Capitals (DC) have reached yet another Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, this time after beating Gujarat Giants in a lop-sided Eliminator in Vadodara on Tuesday (Feb 3). Chasing 169, Delhi completed the target with seven wickets and 26 balls remaining, setting up the finale date with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday (Feb 6). After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Delhi was off to a flyer, removing the GG opener Sophie Devine inside the second over. Beth Mooney and Anushka Sharma added 29 for the second wicket before two quick scalps, including captain Ashleigh Gardner’s wicket on a first-ball duck, put them on the backfoot. Kanika Ahuja was the next to depart, as Gujarat’s back was against the wall. Also read | 'I pleaded and pleaded': Ponting on asking DC to not trade Abhishek in IPL However, the momentum switched towards them following a flourishing fifth-wicket partnership between Mooney and Georgia Wareham (35), which helped Gujarat close in on a 150-mark in this crucial Eliminator. Although opener Mooney remained unbeaten on 62 off 51 balls, carrying her bat and hitting six fours, a late blitz from Kashvee Gautam (18 off 10) propelled Gujarat to a fighting 168 for seven in the first innings. Delhi all over Gujarat The Delhi openers took no time before going berserk, with Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee adding 89 for the first wicket, all inside eight overs. The start put them in the driver’s seat, with Laura Wolvaardt and skipper Jemimah Rodrigues unleashing a wide range of strokes to end all hopes for a miraculous win for the Giants. While Laura remained unbeaten on 32 off 24 balls, Indian star batter Rodrigues whacked a quick-fire 23-ball 41, hitting a six and four fours to see her side home. Here is what both captains said – “Yeah, obviously, you know, probably wasn't the most ideal start. I think Moons (Mooney) did a fantastic job of kind of rescuing the innings with Georgia Wareham. You know, we felt like that was enough at halfway if we bowled well, but ultimately, when you don't start the powerplay, either taking wickets or restricting runs, it kind of brings that team in, and obviously, they took the powerplay on, which is what they do. That's their ammo, and yeah, they obviously did that brilliantly today,” GG captain Gardner said. “This final feels different. With GG, the last two games did not go our way. If you keep believing as a team, magic happens. (What changed) Nothing. Even our team meeting was short. We tried not to overthink. To trust ourselves. When you keep calm, things fall into place. A lot of credit goes to our bowlers. Our bowlers won us the game. They make my job easy as captain. One more game to go, and we keep the same plans. Today was a restoration for us,” Delhi captain Rodrigues noted.

Delhi Capitals will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026 finale on Friday (Feb 6).

WPL 2026, Eliminator: Delhi Capitals beat Gujarat Giants to seal finale date with Bengaluru

Former Delhi Capitals coach and Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has revealed that he 'pleaded' the IPL franchise to not trade India opener Abhishek Sharma. The DC coach is now with Punjab Kings and Abhishek plays for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ponting said he found Abhishek special one he saw him bat but he was traded to SRH where he forms one half of the destructive opening combination with Travis Head. Abhishek is now also one of the most fearsome attacking openers in the world cricket, set to play his first ICC tournament in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 which begins on Feb 7.<h2>Ponting reveals he pleaded DC to not trade Abhishek</h2>"I was his first IPL coach," Ponting said on the ICC review. "He debuted with me, I think as a 17-year-old at Delhi and made an immediate impact. I think he hit his first ball for four or six straight back over the bowler's head with that classical sort of straight bat and held the pose. And you could just see then as a 17-year-old that there was something extra special.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-warns-pcb-of-legal-action-from-indian-broadcaster-jiostar-after-t20-world-cup-match-boycott-threat-1770129040457">ICC warns PCB of legal action from JioStar after India match boycott threat</a>"We ended up trading him away from Delhi, but I pleaded and pleaded and pleaded and said, please don't do this. We've got to [keep him], there's an absolute superstar in the making here. And that's what it's turned out to be. I've got really high hopes for him this time."Abhishek had hit unbeaten 46 off 19 balls on his IPL debut while playing for Delhi Capitals. He is now a rock at the top for SRH, hitting 1753 runs in 71 innings for them, at a strike rate of 162.16.<h2>Abhishek's failure makes India vulnerable</h2>Ponting also opined that Abhishek's form would be crucial for India's defence of the T20 World Cup. "[It's] a real positive to be honest. He can be the leading run-scorer and potentially the Player of the Tournament. That's how good I think he is. And if he does, that makes India even harder to beat. If he doesn't, then they're as vulnerable as anybody else. So that's how important I think he is to this World Cup for India."

Abhishek had hit unbeaten 46 off 19 balls on his IPL debut while playing for Delhi Capitals. He is now a rock at the top for SRH, hitting 1753 runs in 71 innings for them, at a strike rate of 162.16.

Former Delhi Capitals coach and Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has revealed that he 'pleaded' the IPL franchise to not trade India opener Abhishek Sharma. The DC coach is now with Punjab Kings and Abhishek plays for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ponting said he found Abhishek special one he saw him bat but he was traded to SRH where he forms one half of the destructive opening combination with Travis Head. Abhishek is now also one of the most fearsome attacking openers in the world cricket, set to play his first ICC tournament in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 which begins on Feb 7. Ponting reveals he pleaded DC to not trade Abhishek "I was his first IPL coach," Ponting said on the ICC review. "He debuted with me, I think as a 17-year-old at Delhi and made an immediate impact. I think he hit his first ball for four or six straight back over the bowler's head with that classical sort of straight bat and held the pose. And you could just see then as a 17-year-old that there was something extra special. Also Read: ICC warns PCB of legal action from JioStar after India match boycott threat "We ended up trading him away from Delhi, but I pleaded and pleaded and pleaded and said, please don't do this. We've got to [keep him], there's an absolute superstar in the making here. And that's what it's turned out to be. I've got really high hopes for him this time." Abhishek had hit unbeaten 46 off 19 balls on his IPL debut while playing for Delhi Capitals. He is now a rock at the top for SRH, hitting 1753 runs in 71 innings for them, at a strike rate of 162.16. Abhishek's failure makes India vulnerable Ponting also opined that Abhishek's form would be crucial for India's defence of the T20 World Cup. "[It's] a real positive to be honest. He can be the leading run-scorer and potentially the Player of the Tournament. That's how good I think he is. And if he does, that makes India even harder to beat. If he doesn't, then they're as vulnerable as anybody else. So that's how important I think he is to this World Cup for India."

Abhishek had hit unbeaten 46 off 19 balls on his IPL debut while playing for Delhi Capitals. He is now a rock at the top for SRH, hitting 1753 runs in 71 innings for them, at a strike rate of 162.16.

'I pleaded and pleaded': Ponting on asking DC to not trade Abhishek in IPL

Since missing out on being picked in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in India and Sri Lanka, and reflecting on his T20I future by mentioning ‘that ship has sailed’, Test veteran Steve Smith is picked as the marquee signing by Sialkot Stallionz in PSL 2026. Sialkot is one of the two new franchises making their debut in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Smith, who hasn’t represented Australia in T20Is in two years, will make his debut in this league, joining forces with former Test captain and teammate Tim Paine, who is Sialkot’s coach for its first season.&nbsp;Since competing in the home Ashes this winter, where he captained Australia to a 4-1 victory, Smith peaked with the bat in the recently concluded Big Bash League season 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ricky-ponting-snubs-australia-names-india-as-his-t20-world-cup-2026-winner-1770122762291">"They’ll be hard to beat": Ricky Ponting snubs Australia, names his T20 World Cup 2026 winner</a> &nbsp;Playing for Sydney Sixers, Smith scored 299 runs at an average of 60 and a strike rate of 167.97, leading his team to another BBL final, where they fell shy to the six-time winner, Perth Scorchers. Opening the batting with PSL and Pakistan star Babar Azam, the 36-year-old slammed a hundred and twin fifties, while Babar endured his poor maiden BBL. &nbsp;Taking to his social media handle (X), Paine welcomed Steve Smith to Sialkot Stallionz. &nbsp;"One of the all-time great players is a PSL Stallionz!", Paine posted on X. "Huge for our franchise and the PSL T20."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">One of the all time great players is a <a href="https://twitter.com/PSLStallionz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PSLStallionz</a> !!! Huge for our franchise and the <a href="https://twitter.com/thePSLt20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thePSLt20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newera?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newera</a> <a href="https://t.co/ynUj33aikh">https://t.co/ynUj33aikh</a>&mdash; Tim Paine (@tdpaine36) <a href="https://twitter.com/tdpaine36/status/2018618764385047001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The PSL 2026 starts on March 26 with the final on May 3.&nbsp;<h3>No Smith in Australia’s T20 WC squad –</h3>Smith was never a first-choice for the Australian selectors for the T20 World Cup, given that they always have their hands full for the top three.&nbsp;However, even after they made last-minute changes to the final 15 by dropping Matthew Short for Matt Renshaw, the selectors cleared their intentions about Smith’s T20I future. &nbsp;The batting mega star, however, has vowed to stick around and realise his dream of competing at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Smith hasn't represented Australia in the men's T20Is in two years, while also making his PSL debut this season.

Since missing out on being picked in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in India and Sri Lanka, and reflecting on his T20I future by mentioning ‘that ship has sailed’, Test veteran Steve Smith is picked as the marquee signing by Sialkot Stallionz in PSL 2026. Sialkot is one of the two new franchises making their debut in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Smith, who hasn’t represented Australia in T20Is in two years, will make his debut in this league, joining forces with former Test captain and teammate Tim Paine, who is Sialkot’s coach for its first season. Since competing in the home Ashes this winter, where he captained Australia to a 4-1 victory, Smith peaked with the bat in the recently concluded Big Bash League season 15. Also read | "They’ll be hard to beat": Ricky Ponting snubs Australia, names his T20 World Cup 2026 winner Playing for Sydney Sixers, Smith scored 299 runs at an average of 60 and a strike rate of 167.97, leading his team to another BBL final, where they fell shy to the six-time winner, Perth Scorchers. Opening the batting with PSL and Pakistan star Babar Azam, the 36-year-old slammed a hundred and twin fifties, while Babar endured his poor maiden BBL. Taking to his social media handle (X), Paine welcomed Steve Smith to Sialkot Stallionz. "One of the all-time great players is a PSL Stallionz!", Paine posted on X. "Huge for our franchise and the PSL T20."

Smith hasn't represented Australia in the men's T20Is in two years, while also making his PSL debut this season.

Steve Smith joins Sialkot Stallionz as marquee signing for PSL 2026

Pakistan Cricket is in hot water after its government directed its cricket team to forfeit the marquee India match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Last Sunday, the Government of Pakistan’s official social media handle (X) mentioned that the Men in Green will participate in the 20-team tournament; however, they also clarified that Pakistan will not take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo in their scheduled Group A fixture, threatening to boycott the game. The apex body, the ICC, has issued fresh warnings to the PCB over facing potential legal actions from the Indian broadcaster JioStar.&nbsp;According to the news agency PTI, the ICC has informed the PCB that JioStar is plotting legal action against them should they not change their stance. Besides battling legal notices, the ICC could also impose heavy financial penalties on Pakistan Cricket for failing to fulfil its obligations, also including withholding PCB’s entire annual revenue share, which is nearly $35 million. &nbsp;What would hurt PCB more is that the ICC could ask them to pay the broadcasters out of its purse.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-250-million-risk-why-an-india-pakistan-2026-t20-world-cup-boycott-could-tank-revenues-1770117294726">The $250M Risk: Why an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott could tank revenues</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, considering that Mohsin Naqvi, also an interior minister in the Pakistan government, chairs PCB, the cricket board is unlikely to go against its government’s decision, thus preparing for a deadly blow both on and off the field. Barring the potential (abovementioned) sanctions that could follow, Pakistan Cricket is also likely to be docked WTC points, with the ICC also restricting teams from touring Pakistan in future. &nbsp;"If Pakistan doesn't relent and play against India, not only will they face financial penalties, perhaps a lawsuit from broadcasters, but also any efforts to go to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) are likely to fail," a source close to the information said in a chat to PTI. "The PCB might face problems regardless of their government directive to not play India, as they are playing all their matches at a neutral venue (Sri Lanka) as per their wishes and not in India.” &nbsp;"Secondly, while the Indian government has not given permission to its team to play in Pakistan, it has not stopped them from playing against Pakistan at neutral venues in the Asia Cup or ICC events even after the May conflict," the source added. &nbsp;Explaining if the Indian broadcaster (JioStar) is within its rights to legally challenge the PCB for pulling out of the India game, the source said, "When the ICC signed its four-year deal with the broadcaster for all ICC events, the contract included Pakistan and India matches, based on which the broadcaster made the payments to the ICC.” &nbsp;“So, the broadcaster will be within its rights to take the PCB and ICC to court over a major breach of the contract,” the source added.

The apex body, the ICC, has issued fresh warnings to the PCB over facing potential legal actions from the Indian broadcaster JioStar for pulling out of the India game at the T20 World Cup. 

Pakistan Cricket is in hot water after its government directed its cricket team to forfeit the marquee India match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Last Sunday, the Government of Pakistan’s official social media handle (X) mentioned that the Men in Green will participate in the 20-team tournament; however, they also clarified that Pakistan will not take the field against India on February 15 in Colombo in their scheduled Group A fixture, threatening to boycott the game. The apex body, the ICC, has issued fresh warnings to the PCB over facing potential legal actions from the Indian broadcaster JioStar. According to the news agency PTI, the ICC has informed the PCB that JioStar is plotting legal action against them should they not change their stance. Besides battling legal notices, the ICC could also impose heavy financial penalties on Pakistan Cricket for failing to fulfil its obligations, also including withholding PCB’s entire annual revenue share, which is nearly $35 million. What would hurt PCB more is that the ICC could ask them to pay the broadcasters out of its purse. Also read | The $250M Risk: Why an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott could tank revenues Meanwhile, considering that Mohsin Naqvi, also an interior minister in the Pakistan government, chairs PCB, the cricket board is unlikely to go against its government’s decision, thus preparing for a deadly blow both on and off the field. Barring the potential (abovementioned) sanctions that could follow, Pakistan Cricket is also likely to be docked WTC points, with the ICC also restricting teams from touring Pakistan in future. "If Pakistan doesn't relent and play against India, not only will they face financial penalties, perhaps a lawsuit from broadcasters, but also any efforts to go to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) are likely to fail," a source close to the information said in a chat to PTI. "The PCB might face problems regardless of their government directive to not play India, as they are playing all their matches at a neutral venue (Sri Lanka) as per their wishes and not in India.” "Secondly, while the Indian government has not given permission to its team to play in Pakistan, it has not stopped them from playing against Pakistan at neutral venues in the Asia Cup or ICC events even after the May conflict," the source added. Explaining if the Indian broadcaster (JioStar) is within its rights to legally challenge the PCB for pulling out of the India game, the source said, "When the ICC signed its four-year deal with the broadcaster for all ICC events, the contract included Pakistan and India matches, based on which the broadcaster made the payments to the ICC.” “So, the broadcaster will be within its rights to take the PCB and ICC to court over a major breach of the contract,” the source added.

The apex body, the ICC, has issued fresh warnings to the PCB over facing potential legal actions from the Indian broadcaster JioStar for pulling out of the India game at the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

T20 World Cup: ICC warns PCB of legal action from JioStar after India match boycott threat - Report

Ricky Ponting has handed Australia a reality check ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins this Saturday (Feb 7) in India and Sri Lanka. Coming off a series loss against Pakistan (0-3) in Pakistan, Australia is in Group B alongside the tournament’s co-host, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Oman and Ireland. Although they still boast several A-listers and match winners, Punter feels they are as good as anyone but not among the favourites for the T20 title. Ponting handpicked the defending champions, India, to lift the T20 World Cup this year.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia will enter this 20-team tournament without Pat Cummins, who continues to recover from a back injury that aggravated following the third Test in Adelaide during the Ashes. Besides him, the lack of depth in the middle order, despite having veterans Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and even Tim David, could hurt Australia on the subcontinent pitches, something Ponting is aware of. Also, Steve Smith’s absence makes the batting look more fragile for the former winners.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sanjay-manjrekar-slams-pakistan-india-game-boycott-threat-t20-world-cup-beating-them-is-like-beating-minnows-1770120805286">Sanjay Manjrekar slams Pakistan’s boycott threat: ‘Beating them is like beating minnows’</a> &nbsp;Without talking much about his side’s chances of pushing above their weight and winning a tournament with a lesser-experienced squad at the helm, Ponting said, “If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody.” &nbsp;Commenting on which team he thinks is heads and shoulders ahead of them all, Ponting said, “India probably start as the clear favourites because of the conditions, the talent and the group of players they have put together. They’ll be hard to beat. But I really do think we’ll see Australia there come semi-final time,” he added while chatting with the ICC.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia begins its T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11, with Sri Lanka hosting all its group games.<h3>Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad -</h3>Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa &nbsp;Travelling reserve: Sean Abbott

Australia recently lost the away three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with their batters failing to apply themselves on dusty bowls in Lahore. 

Ricky Ponting has handed Australia a reality check ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins this Saturday (Feb 7) in India and Sri Lanka. Coming off a series loss against Pakistan (0-3) in Pakistan, Australia is in Group B alongside the tournament’s co-host, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Oman and Ireland. Although they still boast several A-listers and match winners, Punter feels they are as good as anyone but not among the favourites for the T20 title. Ponting handpicked the defending champions, India, to lift the T20 World Cup this year. Meanwhile, Australia will enter this 20-team tournament without Pat Cummins, who continues to recover from a back injury that aggravated following the third Test in Adelaide during the Ashes. Besides him, the lack of depth in the middle order, despite having veterans Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and even Tim David, could hurt Australia on the subcontinent pitches, something Ponting is aware of. Also, Steve Smith’s absence makes the batting look more fragile for the former winners. Also read | Sanjay Manjrekar slams Pakistan’s boycott threat: ‘Beating them is like beating minnows’ Without talking much about his side’s chances of pushing above their weight and winning a tournament with a lesser-experienced squad at the helm, Ponting said, “If you look at the squad, I think they have as good a chance as anybody.” Commenting on which team he thinks is heads and shoulders ahead of them all, Ponting said, “India probably start as the clear favourites because of the conditions, the talent and the group of players they have put together. They’ll be hard to beat. But I really do think we’ll see Australia there come semi-final time,” he added while chatting with the ICC. Meanwhile, Australia begins its T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11, with Sri Lanka hosting all its group games. Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad - Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa Travelling reserve: Sean Abbott

Australia recently lost the away three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with their batters failing to apply themselves on dusty bowls in Lahore.&nbsp;

"They’ll be hard to beat": Ricky Ponting snubs Australia, names his T20 World Cup 2026 winner

Former Indian cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar has slammed Pakistan’s India-game boycott threat at the 2026 T20 World Cup, saying it doesn’t matter even if that happens, as Pakistan is no longer in India’s league, and that beating them feels like beating a minnow team. Amid all the talks and high stakes related to this game, Manjrekar feels the marquee India-Pakistan fixture no longer holds its hype, and it’s all drama in the lead-up to this match. Meanwhile, his harsh remarks have come on the back of the Pakistan government’s decision to forfeit the scheduled Group A game against India on Feb 15 in Colombo.&nbsp;“India-Pakistan match, if it does not happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game has never lived up to the hype and the drama we built up before the match,” Manjrekar said while speaking on Instagram. “Now, when India beats Pakistan, it is almost like India is beating the minnows. Earlier, you could have felt good on beating Pakistan.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-250-million-risk-why-an-india-pakistan-2026-t20-world-cup-boycott-could-tank-revenues-1770117294726">The $250M Risk: Why an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott could tank revenues</a> &nbsp;A Times of India (TOI) report claims that Manjrekar thinks that India’s high-quality contests have now been reduced to a handful of teams, including Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa. Meanwhile, at the 20-team tournament, starting this Saturday (Feb 7), co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue are placed in Group A, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia.&nbsp;<h3>India-Pakistan T20 WC standoff</h3>The news of Pakistan forfeiting the marquee India game in Colombo broke the internet the past Sunday, with analysts, naysayers, former cricketers, broadcasters and who’s who of the cricket world, commenting on the matter, while speculating its repercussions. &nbsp;Although the ICC swiftly took note of the matter, replying with a subtle warning to the PCB of the long-term implications of this boycott, they have yet to receive in writing the PCB’s stance on its government’s decision, which reads that Pakistan will not take the field against India in Colombo.&nbsp; &nbsp;"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026. However, the Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February, 2026, against India," a Government of Pakistan post announced on Sunday.&nbsp;

Manjrekar's harsh remarks have come on the back of the Pakistan government’s decision to forfeit the scheduled Group A game against India on Feb 15 in Colombo.

Former Indian cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar has slammed Pakistan’s India-game boycott threat at the 2026 T20 World Cup, saying it doesn’t matter even if that happens, as Pakistan is no longer in India’s league, and that beating them feels like beating a minnow team. Amid all the talks and high stakes related to this game, Manjrekar feels the marquee India-Pakistan fixture no longer holds its hype, and it’s all drama in the lead-up to this match. Meanwhile, his harsh remarks have come on the back of the Pakistan government’s decision to forfeit the scheduled Group A game against India on Feb 15 in Colombo. “India-Pakistan match, if it does not happen, no big deal. Honestly, for a long time now, the actual game has never lived up to the hype and the drama we built up before the match,” Manjrekar said while speaking on Instagram. “Now, when India beats Pakistan, it is almost like India is beating the minnows. Earlier, you could have felt good on beating Pakistan.” Also read | The $250M Risk: Why an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott could tank revenues A Times of India (TOI) report claims that Manjrekar thinks that India’s high-quality contests have now been reduced to a handful of teams, including Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa. Meanwhile, at the 20-team tournament, starting this Saturday (Feb 7), co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue are placed in Group A, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. India-Pakistan T20 WC standoff The news of Pakistan forfeiting the marquee India game in Colombo broke the internet the past Sunday, with analysts, naysayers, former cricketers, broadcasters and who’s who of the cricket world, commenting on the matter, while speculating its repercussions. Although the ICC swiftly took note of the matter, replying with a subtle warning to the PCB of the long-term implications of this boycott, they have yet to receive in writing the PCB’s stance on its government’s decision, which reads that Pakistan will not take the field against India in Colombo. "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026. However, the Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February, 2026, against India," a Government of Pakistan post announced on Sunday.

Manjrekar's harsh remarks have come on the back of the Pakistan government’s decision to forfeit the scheduled Group A game against India on Feb 15 in Colombo.

Sanjay Manjrekar slams Pakistan’s boycott threat: ‘Beating them is like beating minnows’

India and Pakistan are staring at a potential no-contest at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins this Saturday (Feb 7). The standoff has sparked intense fears of a $250 million revenue loss among all stakeholders, including the two cricket boards and the ICC. While the Pakistan government has officially signalled a boycott of the Feb 15 clash against its arch-rivals in Colombo, the situation remains fluid. However, should the PCB remain adamant, the financial and structural fallout would be almost unimaginable for the sport to bear.&nbsp;Such is the magnitude of this marquee clash at the international level, where these two teams (since at least 2012/13) only meet during ICC and ACC events, including the World Cups, Champions Trophy and Asia Cups. Despite ever-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan (owing to their strained geopolitical relations), the two Asian heavyweights faced off in group stages at all recently concluded ICC and ACC tournaments, including last year’s Asia Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup, to name a few.<h3>All rides on IND-PAK game</h3>However, in case of the PCB confirming its non-participation for the India game at the T20 World Cup, for which <a href="T20 World Cup 2026 | No ICC meeting scheduled for now to discuss Pak boycotting India match - Report">they need to formally write to the ICC about forfeiting the game, which they haven’t done yet</a>, alongside the apex body and JioStar, the PCB will also risk losing millions in revenue and two crucial points. Besides, JioStar could also face a loss of INR 200 – INR 250 crore in advertisement revenue, whose 10-second commercial slot can cost up to 40 lakh. &nbsp;While Team India will receive a walkover, Pakistan could again risk its chances of sealing a playoff spot at the 20-team tournament, with the ICC also retaining the authority to impose a series of penalties, including financial ones, on the PCB. &nbsp;Sami-ul-Hasan Burney, a former ICC and PCB communications head, put together the volume this particular match holds in international cricket, saying, “As regards the sanctions or the losses, as I said, the one match is costing USD 250 million (everything accounted for, not just the broadcaster’s loss). Pakistan’s annual revenue is USD 35.5 million, so there is a big, big difference,” he said in a chat with PTI. &nbsp;Meanwhile, it all began after the BCCI directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release seamer Mustafizur Rahman over internal chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh. His release irked fans and BCB, who then decided against travelling to India for the showpiece event, citing security concerns. &nbsp;Following weeks of drama, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, before Pakistan jumped into the conversation, threatening to boycott the tournament on the pretext of injustice done to the BCB over the venue change row. While Pakistan later agreed to participate, they just announced a boycott of the India game in Group A.

While Team India will receive a walkover, Pakistan could again risk its chances of sealing a playoff spot at the 20-team tournament, with the ICC also retaining the authority to impose a series of penalties, including financial ones, on the PCB.

India and Pakistan are staring at a potential no-contest at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins this Saturday (Feb 7). The standoff has sparked intense fears of a $250 million revenue loss among all stakeholders, including the two cricket boards and the ICC. While the Pakistan government has officially signalled a boycott of the Feb 15 clash against its arch-rivals in Colombo, the situation remains fluid. However, should the PCB remain adamant, the financial and structural fallout would be almost unimaginable for the sport to bear. Such is the magnitude of this marquee clash at the international level, where these two teams (since at least 2012/13) only meet during ICC and ACC events, including the World Cups, Champions Trophy and Asia Cups. Despite ever-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan (owing to their strained geopolitical relations), the two Asian heavyweights faced off in group stages at all recently concluded ICC and ACC tournaments, including last year’s Asia Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup, to name a few. All rides on IND-PAK game However, in case of the PCB confirming its non-participation for the India game at the T20 World Cup, for which they need to formally write to the ICC about forfeiting the game, which they haven’t done yet, alongside the apex body and JioStar, the PCB will also risk losing millions in revenue and two crucial points. Besides, JioStar could also face a loss of INR 200 – INR 250 crore in advertisement revenue, whose 10-second commercial slot can cost up to 40 lakh. While Team India will receive a walkover, Pakistan could again risk its chances of sealing a playoff spot at the 20-team tournament, with the ICC also retaining the authority to impose a series of penalties, including financial ones, on the PCB. Sami-ul-Hasan Burney, a former ICC and PCB communications head, put together the volume this particular match holds in international cricket, saying, “As regards the sanctions or the losses, as I said, the one match is costing USD 250 million (everything accounted for, not just the broadcaster’s loss). Pakistan’s annual revenue is USD 35.5 million, so there is a big, big difference,” he said in a chat with PTI. Meanwhile, it all began after the BCCI directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release seamer Mustafizur Rahman over internal chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh. His release irked fans and BCB, who then decided against travelling to India for the showpiece event, citing security concerns. Following weeks of drama, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, before Pakistan jumped into the conversation, threatening to boycott the tournament on the pretext of injustice done to the BCB over the venue change row. While Pakistan later agreed to participate, they just announced a boycott of the India game in Group A.

While Team India will receive a walkover, Pakistan could again risk its chances of sealing a playoff spot at the 20-team tournament, with the ICC also retaining the authority to impose a series of penalties, including financial ones, on the PCB.

The $250M Risk: Why an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott could tank revenues

Former Australia opener Usman Khawaja has backed Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq for being called 'chucker.' Tariq's side-arm action became viral after he dismissed Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green in the second of the three T20I in the recently-concluded series. After being dismissed, Green, while back to the dugout, was seen gesturing like Tariq's action and clearly not pleased with it. The former Aussie opener, who is of Pakistan origin, however, has came in full support of Tariq and asked people to stop jumping to conclusions.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-had-a-follow-up-scan-cummins-reveals-why-is-he-missing-from-australia-squad-1770086022487">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Had a follow-up scan': Cummins reveals why is he missing from Australia squad</a><h2>Ex-Aussie Khawaja backs Pak's Tariq in action controversy vs AUS in T20I series</h2>Taking to Instagram, Khawaja posted on stories: "There aren’t many things worse than being called a chucker in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is just doing his beest and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions," he added. Have a look at Tariq's action below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">If the ICC has already cleared Usman Tariq&#39;s bowling action ICC should penalise Cameron Green for this stupid gesture. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PCB</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/usmantariq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#usmantariq</a> <a href="https://t.co/wPfAh3ge2t">pic.twitter.com/wPfAh3ge2t</a>&mdash; 𝑭𝒂𝒉𝒂𝒅 🇵🇰 (@FahadChishte) <a href="https://twitter.com/FahadChishte/status/2017662112395628641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Pak spinner, also explained his action, which he said is because of a biological condition. "There are two corners on my elbow which make it hard for me to straighten. That causes confusion for the spectators. I have given two tests at labs in Pakistan. My action was cleared. I was confident about my actiion because I know that I am not throwing."<h2>Tariq part of Pak's T20 World Cup 2026</h2>Tariq, who played only one T20I in the series against Australia which his team won 3-0, is part of Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 squad as well. Pakistan are placed in Group A along with India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. The Men in Green are scheduled to play vs Netherlands (Feb 7), vs USA (Feb 10), vs India (Feb 15), and vs Namibia (Feb 18). Pakistan, however, has decided to boycott the match against India for which the ICC has warned them of 'long-term implications.'

Tariq's side-arm action became viral after he dismissed Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green in the second of the three T20I in the recently-concluded series. The Pak spinner, who is part of Pakistan's WC squad, also explained his action, which he said is because of a biological condition.

Former Australia opener Usman Khawaja has backed Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq for being called 'chucker.' Tariq's side-arm action became viral after he dismissed Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green in the second of the three T20I in the recently-concluded series. After being dismissed, Green, while back to the dugout, was seen gesturing like Tariq's action and clearly not pleased with it. The former Aussie opener, who is of Pakistan origin, however, has came in full support of Tariq and asked people to stop jumping to conclusions. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Had a follow-up scan': Cummins reveals why is he missing from Australia squad Ex-Aussie Khawaja backs Pak's Tariq in action controversy vs AUS in T20I series Taking to Instagram, Khawaja posted on stories: "There aren’t many things worse than being called a chucker in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is just doing his beest and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions," he added. Have a look at Tariq's action below:

Tariq's side-arm action became viral after he dismissed Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green in the second of the three T20I in the recently-concluded series. The Pak spinner, who is part of Pakistan's WC squad, also explained his action, which he said is because of a biological condition.

PAK vs AUS T20Is | 'Have some perspective': Ex-Aussie Khawaja backs Pak spinner in bowling action cotroversy vs Australia

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