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Relations between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are currently strained after BCB withdrew from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns. The decision came amid growing tensions following the release of Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).&nbsp;&nbsp;While the release sparked debate, it’s important to note that franchise cricket and international cricket are very different matters. &nbsp;There were no security issues before Mustafizur's release, and if there were genuine security concerns, why didn’t the BCB communicate them well in advance before Mustafizur’s release? This suggests a possible countermove, which Bangladesh failed to manage properly, adding to the current tension.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-batters-with-fastest-fifties-in-t20-world-cup-1769428494290">Meet top 5 batters with fastest fifties in T20 World Cup</a>&nbsp;Furthermore, the BCCI has a long history of supporting Bangladesh in its cricket development. The roots of this support go back to a landmark moment in 2000 when Bangladesh became the 10th country to gain Test-playing status. Bangladesh’s journey to Test cricket began during their maiden appearance in the 1999 ODI World Cup. The team impressed the world by defeating Scotland in their first-ever match and creating a major upset by beating Pakistan by 62 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;While their performance on the field was a catalyst, the real push came from former BCCI President and then ICC chief Jagmohan Dalmiya. He used his influence to ensure a unanimous vote from the ICC, helping Bangladesh achieve full Test status.<h2>First Test in 2000 against India</h2>Bangladesh played their inaugural Test against India on November 10, 2000, in Dhaka under captain Naimur Rahman. India, led by Sourav Ganguly, won the match by nine wickets, but Bangladesh showed early promise. Animul Islam became the first Bangladeshi to score a century in Test cricket, making 145 runs off 380 balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reflecting on the moment, Islam recalled the overwhelming emotions when he learned of Bangladesh’s Test status, describing heartfelt celebrations with teammates and a deep sense of achievement for the nation.<h2>3 wins in first 31 Tests</h2>Since then, Bangladesh’s journey in Test cricket has been challenging. They lost 28 of their first 31 Tests and had to wait until 2005 to win their first series, against Zimbabwe. Their first away series win came in 2009 against the West Indies. Despite struggles, Bangladesh has slowly established itself as a competitive side in world cricket.&nbsp;Despite struggles in the early years, Bangladesh slowly established itself as a competitive side. Today, even amid tensions over the T20 World Cup and IPL matters, Bangladesh should remember the BCCI’s support in their early years and approach future relations with gratitude and respect.&nbsp;

BCB’s T20 World Cup withdrawal raises tensions with BCCI, but past collaboration shows the strong cricketing bond between India and Bangladesh.

Relations between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are currently strained after BCB withdrew from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns. The decision came amid growing tensions following the release of Mustafizur Rahman by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While the release sparked debate, it’s important to note that franchise cricket and international cricket are very different matters. There were no security issues before Mustafizur's release, and if there were genuine security concerns, why didn’t the BCB communicate them well in advance before Mustafizur’s release? This suggests a possible countermove, which Bangladesh failed to manage properly, adding to the current tension. Also read | Meet top 5 batters with fastest fifties in T20 World Cup Furthermore, the BCCI has a long history of supporting Bangladesh in its cricket development. The roots of this support go back to a landmark moment in 2000 when Bangladesh became the 10th country to gain Test-playing status. Bangladesh’s journey to Test cricket began during their maiden appearance in the 1999 ODI World Cup. The team impressed the world by defeating Scotland in their first-ever match and creating a major upset by beating Pakistan by 62 runs. While their performance on the field was a catalyst, the real push came from former BCCI President and then ICC chief Jagmohan Dalmiya. He used his influence to ensure a unanimous vote from the ICC, helping Bangladesh achieve full Test status. First Test in 2000 against India Bangladesh played their inaugural Test against India on November 10, 2000, in Dhaka under captain Naimur Rahman. India, led by Sourav Ganguly, won the match by nine wickets, but Bangladesh showed early promise. Animul Islam became the first Bangladeshi to score a century in Test cricket, making 145 runs off 380 balls. Reflecting on the moment, Islam recalled the overwhelming emotions when he learned of Bangladesh’s Test status, describing heartfelt celebrations with teammates and a deep sense of achievement for the nation. 3 wins in first 31 Tests Since then, Bangladesh’s journey in Test cricket has been challenging. They lost 28 of their first 31 Tests and had to wait until 2005 to win their first series, against Zimbabwe. Their first away series win came in 2009 against the West Indies. Despite struggles, Bangladesh has slowly established itself as a competitive side in world cricket. Despite struggles in the early years, Bangladesh slowly established itself as a competitive side. Today, even amid tensions over the T20 World Cup and IPL matters, Bangladesh should remember the BCCI’s support in their early years and approach future relations with gratitude and respect.

BCB’s T20 World Cup withdrawal raises tensions with BCCI, but past collaboration shows the strong cricketing bond between India and Bangladesh.

Betrayal or memory loss? How BCCI once backed Bangladesh to gain Test status in 2000

Bihar made a powerful comeback in the Ranji Trophy by defeating Manipur by 568 runs on Monday (Jan 26) in the Plate Group final, securing a well-deserved promotion to the Elite Group. The match saw Bihar dominate from start to finish at the Moin Ul Haq Stadium in Patna with strong batting, sharp bowling, and disciplined fielding. The win also marked a turnaround for Bihar, who had previously earned their place in the Elite Group during the 2022–23 season but slipped back to the Plate Group in 2024–25.&nbsp;&nbsp;The team ensured their promotion in commanding fashion, showing they are ready for the tougher challenges in the Elite Group. Bihar set the tone early with a big first innings score of 522 runs. Skipper Sakibul Gani played a solid innings, scoring 108 runs, while wicket-keeper batsman Bipin Saurabh stole the show with a brilliant 143. Their batting handled both spin and pace with ease, leaving Manipur under constant pressure.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-does-a-u-turn-team-s-decision-to-participate-in-t20-wc-expected-soon-1769431630954">Pakistan does a U-turn: Team's decision to participate in T20 WC expected soon</a>

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&nbsp;In response, Manipur struggled to build partnerships and could manage only 264 runs, leaving Bihar with a huge first-innings lead and full control of the game.&nbsp;The second innings belonged to opener Piyush Singh, who played the innings of his career, scoring an unbeaten 216 from 322 balls. He combined patience with smart attacking shots to tire out the Manipur bowlers. Raghuvendra Pratap Singh supported him with a strong 90, helping Bihar post 505 for six before declaring early in the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;This set Manipur a mammoth target of 764 runs, which was very difficult to achieve. Bihar’s bowlers quickly wrapped up as spinners Suraj Kumar Kashyap and Himanshu Singh struck early, reducing Manipur to 50 for five in just 14 overs. Despite a brief fightback from 19-year-old Pheiroijam Jotin, who scored 74, pacer Akash Raj ended their resistance. Manipur were bowled out for 195, handing Bihar a massive 568-run victory.

Bihar crushed Manipur by 568 runs in the Ranji Trophy Plate final to earn promotion back to the Elite Group, led by big innings from Piyush Singh, Sakibul Gani, and Bipin Saurabh.


Bihar made a powerful comeback in the Ranji Trophy by defeating Manipur by 568 runs on Monday (Jan 26) in the Plate Group final, securing a well-deserved promotion to the Elite Group. The match saw Bihar dominate from start to finish at the Moin Ul Haq Stadium in Patna with strong batting, sharp bowling, and disciplined fielding. The win also marked a turnaround for Bihar, who had previously earned their place in the Elite Group during the 2022–23 season but slipped back to the Plate Group in 2024–25. The team ensured their promotion in commanding fashion, showing they are ready for the tougher challenges in the Elite Group. Bihar set the tone early with a big first innings score of 522 runs. Skipper Sakibul Gani played a solid innings, scoring 108 runs, while wicket-keeper batsman Bipin Saurabh stole the show with a brilliant 143. Their batting handled both spin and pace with ease, leaving Manipur under constant pressure. Also read | Pakistan does a U-turn: Team's decision to participate in T20 WC expected soon

Bihar crushed Manipur by 568 runs in the Ranji Trophy Plate final to earn promotion back to the Elite Group, led by big innings from Piyush Singh, Sakibul Gani, and Bipin Saurabh.

Bihar thrash Manipur by 568 runs to secure Elite Group return in Ranji Trophy

Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain as the final call is now set to be taken by the country’s top leadership. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently held a crucial meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issue, signalling that the matter has moved beyond cricket administration. The 2022 edition runners-up have been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, with all their group matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model. Earlier, reports suggested that Pakistan had even threatened to boycott the tournament in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board after Bangladesh refused to travel to India, citing security concerns.&nbsp;Mohsin Naqvi shared the update through his official X handle after the meeting, writing, “Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-is-bindra-remembering-the-former-bcci-chief-who-passed-away-last-night-1769426556797">Who was IS Bindra? Remembering the former BCCI chief who passed away last night</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mohsin Naqvi

The development comes shortly after the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. Bangladesh had pulled out due to security concerns over travelling to India, a move that created fresh controversy and uncertainty around the competition. The ICC’s firm stance reportedly caused unease within the PCB, which had publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute.&nbsp;&nbsp;Uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation intensified on Saturday (Jan 24) when Naqvi confirmed that the final decision would be made by the federal government. This made it clear that the issue is no longer limited to cricket administration and now involves diplomatic and political considerations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally scheduled to start their campaign against the Netherlands. They are then due to face the USA on 10 February, followed by the high-voltage match against India on 15 February. Pakistan will conclude their group stage against Namibia on 18 February.&nbsp;As per the current plan, all of Pakistan’s group matches will be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and the final, both matches are scheduled to take place in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will be held in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 participation hangs in the balance after PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi met PM Shehbaz Sharif. Final decision is expected on Friday or next Monday amid boycott talks.

Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain as the final call is now set to be taken by the country’s top leadership. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently held a crucial meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issue, signalling that the matter has moved beyond cricket administration. The 2022 edition runners-up have been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, with all their group matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model. Earlier, reports suggested that Pakistan had even threatened to boycott the tournament in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board after Bangladesh refused to travel to India, citing security concerns. Mohsin Naqvi shared the update through his official X handle after the meeting, writing, “Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.” Also read | Who was IS Bindra? Remembering the former BCCI chief who passed away last night

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 participation hangs in the balance after PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi met PM Shehbaz Sharif. Final decision is expected on Friday or next Monday amid boycott talks.

Pakistan does a U-turn: Team's decision to participate in T20 WC expected soon

IS Bindra, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a towering figure in Indian cricket administration, passed away on Sunday (Jan 25) at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. Along with Jagmohan Dalmiya, Bindra was one of the key architects who helped turn Indian cricket into a powerful global brand and a billion-dollar industry.<h2>Who was Bindra?</h2>IS Bindra was known for his sharp vision, strong leadership, and deep love for the game. He spent most of his life working behind the scenes to strengthen cricket in India, especially in Punjab. He served as the President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) from 1978 to 2014, a remarkable tenure of over three decades. Under his leadership, Punjab became one of the best-organised cricketing states in the country.&nbsp;Also read | Meet top 5 batters fastest to 23,000 international runs&nbsp;One of his biggest achievements was the construction of the Mohali Cricket Stadium. It soon became one of India’s most important international venues, hosting several memorable matches. In 2015, the stadium was renamed IS Bindra Stadium to honour his massive contribution to cricket infrastructure. It was a proud moment that reflected how much respect he earned in the cricketing world.&nbsp;Bindra also served as the BCCI President from 1993 to 1996. During this time, he worked to strengthen domestic cricket, improve administration, and increase India’s influence in world cricket. He played a key role in shaping policies that made Indian cricket more professional and financially strong. His calm decision-making and long-term thinking set new standards for cricket governance.&nbsp;Alongside Jagmohan Dalmiya, Bindra was instrumental in bringing the 1987 ODI World Cup to India. This tournament changed the future of Indian cricket. It proved that India could successfully host major global events and opened doors for bigger sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and commercial growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;That moment laid the foundation for India to become the financial powerhouse of world cricket.Bindra always believed in building strong systems. He focused on grassroots development, better facilities, and giving young players the right platforms to grow. He also mentored many young administrators and helped create a professional culture in cricket management.&nbsp;Even after his passing, his legacy will live on through the stadiums he built, the systems he strengthened, and the powerful position India holds in world cricket.

Former BCCI president IS Bindra passed away at 84, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cricket. From building Mohali Stadium to shaping cricket’s commercial growth, his vision transformed the game.


IS Bindra, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a towering figure in Indian cricket administration, passed away on Sunday (Jan 25) at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. Along with Jagmohan Dalmiya, Bindra was one of the key architects who helped turn Indian cricket into a powerful global brand and a billion-dollar industry. Who was Bindra? IS Bindra was known for his sharp vision, strong leadership, and deep love for the game. He spent most of his life working behind the scenes to strengthen cricket in India, especially in Punjab. He served as the President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) from 1978 to 2014, a remarkable tenure of over three decades. Under his leadership, Punjab became one of the best-organised cricketing states in the country. Also read | Meet top 5 batters fastest to 23,000 international runs One of his biggest achievements was the construction of the Mohali Cricket Stadium. It soon became one of India’s most important international venues, hosting several memorable matches. In 2015, the stadium was renamed IS Bindra Stadium to honour his massive contribution to cricket infrastructure. It was a proud moment that reflected how much respect he earned in the cricketing world. Bindra also served as the BCCI President from 1993 to 1996. During this time, he worked to strengthen domestic cricket, improve administration, and increase India’s influence in world cricket. He played a key role in shaping policies that made Indian cricket more professional and financially strong. His calm decision-making and long-term thinking set new standards for cricket governance. Alongside Jagmohan Dalmiya, Bindra was instrumental in bringing the 1987 ODI World Cup to India. This tournament changed the future of Indian cricket. It proved that India could successfully host major global events and opened doors for bigger sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and commercial growth. That moment laid the foundation for India to become the financial powerhouse of world cricket. Bindra always believed in building strong systems. He focused on grassroots development, better facilities, and giving young players the right platforms to grow. He also mentored many young administrators and helped create a professional culture in cricket management. Even after his passing, his legacy will live on through the stadiums he built, the systems he strengthened, and the powerful position India holds in world cricket.

Former BCCI president IS Bindra passed away at 84, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cricket. From building Mohali Stadium to shaping cricket’s commercial growth, his vision transformed the game.

Who was IS Bindra? Remembering the former BCCI chief who passed away last night

Indian T20 cricket has advanced tenfold since its inception, with several superstars emerging. Here, we look at the top five batters with the quickest T20I fifty to their name.

Indian T20 cricket has advanced tenfold since its inception, with several superstars emerging. Here, we look at the top five batters with the quickest T20I fifty to their name.

Meet 5 batters to hit the fastest T20I fifty for India; current star on no 2

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League concluded with Perth Scorchers winning its record sixth title. It’s time we look at the five highest run-getters from this edition.

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League concluded with Perth Scorchers winning its record sixth title. It’s time we look at the five highest run-getters from this edition.

Meet 5 batters with most runs in BBL 15; top-scorer to also play T20 WC

Punjab Kings (PBKS) officially commenced their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the first pre-season camp, which was held in Udaipur from January 16 to 20. The five-day camp brought together a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent. The camp was attended by key squad members, including the IPL’s leading wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, alongside middle-order batter Shashank Singh. They were joined by a promising group of youngsters, including Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Vishal Nishad, and Pravin Dubey, with the management focusing on team bonding and role clarity ahead of the new season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shashank, who just recovered from a minor injury, emphasised that the camp was crucial for reconnecting with teammates and integrating the new faces.&nbsp;"The core focus was mostly on the bonding because obviously we met after so long," Shashank said. “The energy was superb. We were all very positive, just like last year. The place where we had the camp was lovely, perfect weather conditions and a perfect ground setup. We really enjoyed it and got exactly what we wanted from this camp.”&nbsp;Shashank emerged as one of the key players for the team last season, scoring an impressive 350 runs in 14 games at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 153.5. With 21 players retained from the previous season, the franchise is looking to build on the momentum from last year.&nbsp;During the camp, the aggressive batter was particularly impressed by the development shown by the team’s emerging stars.&nbsp;"There are so many young players in our team—Suryansh, Priyansh, Pyla, and Vishal. It was so good to be with them," he shared. "They (young players) have become more eager, more mature, and more excited for this year. It helps to share my experience with them because they keep asking questions. Getting to know their thoughts and talking about our strengths has been amazing."&nbsp;On a personal level, Shashank used the sessions to regain his rhythm and credited the franchise’s medical team for their constant support during his rehabilitation.&nbsp;"For me, this game is more about the mental setup. This camp really helped me get into a better mental space," said Shashank. "I am just getting into the groove and trying to be fitter. I feel I’ll be match-fit in a week or two."&nbsp;Signing off with a message for the loyal ‘Sher Squad’, Shashank promised a season defined by entertainment and fighting spirit.&nbsp;"I want to thank our fans for always supporting us. I feel our fans are the best fans. I am pretty sure that this year, in all the games, that red and golden vibe will be there on the ground," he concluded. “We will make sure that we entertain you, and when you leave the ground, you will have a smile on your face.”

Shashank, who just recovered from a minor injury, emphasised that the camp was crucial for reconnecting with teammates and integrating the new faces.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) officially commenced their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the first pre-season camp, which was held in Udaipur from January 16 to 20. The five-day camp brought together a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent. The camp was attended by key squad members, including the IPL’s leading wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, alongside middle-order batter Shashank Singh. They were joined by a promising group of youngsters, including Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Vishal Nishad, and Pravin Dubey, with the management focusing on team bonding and role clarity ahead of the new season. Shashank, who just recovered from a minor injury, emphasised that the camp was crucial for reconnecting with teammates and integrating the new faces. "The core focus was mostly on the bonding because obviously we met after so long," Shashank said. “The energy was superb. We were all very positive, just like last year. The place where we had the camp was lovely, perfect weather conditions and a perfect ground setup. We really enjoyed it and got exactly what we wanted from this camp.” Shashank emerged as one of the key players for the team last season, scoring an impressive 350 runs in 14 games at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 153.5. With 21 players retained from the previous season, the franchise is looking to build on the momentum from last year. During the camp, the aggressive batter was particularly impressed by the development shown by the team’s emerging stars. "There are so many young players in our team—Suryansh, Priyansh, Pyla, and Vishal. It was so good to be with them," he shared. "They (young players) have become more eager, more mature, and more excited for this year. It helps to share my experience with them because they keep asking questions. Getting to know their thoughts and talking about our strengths has been amazing." On a personal level, Shashank used the sessions to regain his rhythm and credited the franchise’s medical team for their constant support during his rehabilitation. "For me, this game is more about the mental setup. This camp really helped me get into a better mental space," said Shashank. "I am just getting into the groove and trying to be fitter. I feel I’ll be match-fit in a week or two." Signing off with a message for the loyal ‘Sher Squad’, Shashank promised a season defined by entertainment and fighting spirit. "I want to thank our fans for always supporting us. I feel our fans are the best fans. I am pretty sure that this year, in all the games, that red and golden vibe will be there on the ground," he concluded. “We will make sure that we entertain you, and when you leave the ground, you will have a smile on your face.”

Shashank, who just recovered from a minor injury, emphasised that the camp was crucial for reconnecting with teammates and integrating the new faces.

‘Young players have become more mature’: Punjab Kings’ Shashank Singh ahead of IPL 2026

Team India could face either India-A or South Africa in their only ‘potential’ T20 World Cup warm-up tie ahead of the marquee event, which starts on February 7. With no official practice game lined up for the tournament’s co-host, the BCCI is working on arranging one (on February 4) to check the match fitness of those recovering from respective injuries, including Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar. The latest report suggests that India could play the Proteas or an intra-squad game against India-A.&nbsp;Following Team India’s final bilateral T20I fixture against New Zealand on January 31, the Men in Blue will assemble in Mumbai on February 2, with the potential warm-up match scheduled two days later at the Brabourne Stadium (on February 4). A Times of India (TOI) report suggests that the Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been tasked to prepare all-rounder Riyan Parag, recovering from a shoulder injury, for the practice match should the need arise. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2026-t20-world-cup-play-in-india-would-not-be-safe-for-us-bangladesh-government-to-bcb-amid-tournament-snub-1769340738068">‘Going to India to play World Cup would not be safe for us,’ Bangladesh govt to BCB amid tournament snub</a>&nbsp;An unnamed BCCI source close to the information revealed that Washington’s recovery is taking longer than expected, but Varma’s is on the right track, with the BCCI and CoE doctors monitoring him closely. The source added that although Varma could miss India’s tournament opener (against the USA) on February 7, he would likely retain full fitness before their second group game five days later on February 12 against Namibia. &nbsp;The selectors, however, are confident of having a fully-fit Tilak Varma available for selection for the marquee T20 World Cup tie against Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. &nbsp;“Washington’s recovery from the side strain is taking longer than expected. The selectors are preparing for a situation where he is unable to be fit in the initial matches of the World Cup. Tilak’s recovery has been good. His return to play is being chalked out at the moment. &nbsp;"The team management is confident he will be in prime shape by the second match on Feb 12. The selectors want the team to settle down by the match against Pakistan in Colombo on Feb 15,” a BCCI source said, as quoted by TOI. &nbsp;Although a team can make changes to its squad till January 30, the tournament’s technical committee can always allow injury replacements even during the tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, the report also states that Parag is slated to play two simulation matches (on January 28 and 30) before reaching the CoE (on January 31) for fitness clearance. The right-handed all-rounder has been asked to report in Mumbai on February 2.&nbsp;

While Ravi Boshnoi replaced Varma in the T20I squad for the ongoing New Zealand series, Shreyas Iyer was named Washington's replacement.

Team India could face either India-A or South Africa in their only ‘potential’ T20 World Cup warm-up tie ahead of the marquee event, which starts on February 7. With no official practice game lined up for the tournament’s co-host, the BCCI is working on arranging one (on February 4) to check the match fitness of those recovering from respective injuries, including Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar. The latest report suggests that India could play the Proteas or an intra-squad game against India-A. Following Team India’s final bilateral T20I fixture against New Zealand on January 31, the Men in Blue will assemble in Mumbai on February 2, with the potential warm-up match scheduled two days later at the Brabourne Stadium (on February 4). A Times of India (TOI) report suggests that the Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been tasked to prepare all-rounder Riyan Parag, recovering from a shoulder injury, for the practice match should the need arise. Also read | ‘Going to India to play World Cup would not be safe for us,’ Bangladesh govt to BCB amid tournament snub An unnamed BCCI source close to the information revealed that Washington’s recovery is taking longer than expected, but Varma’s is on the right track, with the BCCI and CoE doctors monitoring him closely. The source added that although Varma could miss India’s tournament opener (against the USA) on February 7, he would likely retain full fitness before their second group game five days later on February 12 against Namibia. The selectors, however, are confident of having a fully-fit Tilak Varma available for selection for the marquee T20 World Cup tie against Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. “Washington’s recovery from the side strain is taking longer than expected. The selectors are preparing for a situation where he is unable to be fit in the initial matches of the World Cup. Tilak’s recovery has been good. His return to play is being chalked out at the moment. "The team management is confident he will be in prime shape by the second match on Feb 12. The selectors want the team to settle down by the match against Pakistan in Colombo on Feb 15,” a BCCI source said, as quoted by TOI. Although a team can make changes to its squad till January 30, the tournament’s technical committee can always allow injury replacements even during the tournament. Meanwhile, the report also states that Parag is slated to play two simulation matches (on January 28 and 30) before reaching the CoE (on January 31) for fitness clearance. The right-handed all-rounder has been asked to report in Mumbai on February 2.

While Ravi Boshnoi replaced Varma in the T20I squad for the ongoing New Zealand series, Shreyas Iyer was named Washington's replacement.

India could face ‘India-A’ in the T20 World Cup warm-up tie; Riyan Parag asked to prepare as backup - Report

Yuvraj Singh was one of cricket’s biggest match winners, let alone for India, and what he has trained in Abhishek Sharma has done wonders for India since.&nbsp;Abhishek is Team India’s premier T20I opener, surging to top form since elevating his hitting game playing for the SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL. While it hasn’t been long since he made his India debut, Abhishek is breaking batting records for fun, be it for his strike-rate, number of sixes in a game or for the quickest fifty and hundreds in the format.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-abhishek-sharma-s-blitzkrieg-sweeps-new-zealand-in-guwahati-india-pocket-t20i-series-3-0-1769357449038">IND vs NZ: Abhishek's blitzkrieg sweeps New Zealand in Guwahati, India pocket T20I series 3-0</a> &nbsp;Against New Zealand in the recently concluded 3rd T20I in Guwahati, he almost broke his mentor Yuvraj’s fastest T20I fifty record (12 balls), scoring his in 14 balls, the second quickest for India in T20Is. The left-armer knows his strengths and weaknesses, having openly talked about them earlier during this series, including having a limited range of shots. Despite that, he has managed to scale heights in this trending format, making everyone proud, including Yuvraj, who took to his social media handle (X) to take a sly dig at him while expressing pride over his performance. &nbsp;“Still can’t get a 50 off 12 balls, can you? 🤪 Well played - keep going strong! 💪🏻 @OfficialAbhi04 #IndVSNz,” Yuvraj wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Still can’t get a 50 off 12 balls, can you? 🤪 Well played - keep going strong! 💪🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialAbhi04?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialAbhi04</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndVSNz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndVSNz</a> <a href="https://t.co/6MQe1p6sx4">pic.twitter.com/6MQe1p6sx4</a>&mdash; Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/2015464254967808415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, sharing his thoughts on his 14-ball fifty, the fastest for India in this series, Abhishek said, “That's what my team wants from me, and I just want to execute all the time. But obviously, it's not easy to do it every time, but I think it's all about mental as well and the atmosphere you get around your dressing room as well. &nbsp;Speaking on breaking Yuvraj’s 12-ball fifty record, the Indian opener said it’s almost impossible (for anyone) to do so. &nbsp;“That's more than impossible for anyone (to break Yuvraj's fastest T20 fifty record), but still, you never know. Any batsman could do it because I think all the batters have been batting really well in this series as well, and going forward, it's going to be fun,” Abhishek said. &nbsp;In Guwahati, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to field first. Restricting the Kiwis to 153 for nine in the first innings, the hosts gave themselves a strong chance to seal the series, which they eventually did (3-0). &nbsp;After India lost opener Sanju Samson early for the second game running, Abhishek and Ishan Kishan went berserk, stitching a 50-plus stand inside four overs. Kishan departed next on a 13-ball 28, before Suryakumar and Abhishek added 102 for the third wicket to see India home with 10 overs and eight wickets remaining.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fantastic striking on display in Guwahati 🤩 An unbeaten 💯-run partnership seals the chase for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>! Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/YzRfqi0li2">https://t.co/YzRfqi0li2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/CuV4IxcnGh">pic.twitter.com/CuV4IxcnGh</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/2015457393124262340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Abhishek remained unbeaten on 68 off 20 balls, smashing five sixes and seven fours. Captain SKY completed his consecutive fifty, registering 57 not out, including three sixes and six fours.

Abhishek Sharma now holds the record for the second-fastest fifty for India in the men's T20Is.

Yuvraj Singh was one of cricket’s biggest match winners, let alone for India, and what he has trained in Abhishek Sharma has done wonders for India since. Abhishek is Team India’s premier T20I opener, surging to top form since elevating his hitting game playing for the SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL. While it hasn’t been long since he made his India debut, Abhishek is breaking batting records for fun, be it for his strike-rate, number of sixes in a game or for the quickest fifty and hundreds in the format. Also read | IND vs NZ: Abhishek's blitzkrieg sweeps New Zealand in Guwahati, India pocket T20I series 3-0 Against New Zealand in the recently concluded 3rd T20I in Guwahati, he almost broke his mentor Yuvraj’s fastest T20I fifty record (12 balls), scoring his in 14 balls, the second quickest for India in T20Is. The left-armer knows his strengths and weaknesses, having openly talked about them earlier during this series, including having a limited range of shots. Despite that, he has managed to scale heights in this trending format, making everyone proud, including Yuvraj, who took to his social media handle (X) to take a sly dig at him while expressing pride over his performance. “Still can’t get a 50 off 12 balls, can you? 🤪 Well played - keep going strong! 💪🏻 @OfficialAbhi04 #IndVSNz,” Yuvraj wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Abhishek Sharma now holds the record for the second-fastest fifty for India in the men's T20Is.

IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: Mentor Yuvraj takes sly dig at Abhishek Sharma’s 14-ball fifty, says ‘still can’t get…’

Abhishek Sharma was hot on his heels on Sunday (Jan 25) as India beat New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I of the five-match series. Playing at the Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, it was Abhishek’s 12-ball fifty that sealed the deal for the hosts as they won the series 3-0 with T20 World Cup less than two weeks away. India also had captain Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah to thank as they contributed to the winning cause.<h2>Abhishek reigns supreme</h2>Tasked to chase 154 runs to win, India made the worst possible start as they lost Sanju Samson (0) on the first ball of the innings. However, that did not make a huge difference for India as Ishan Kishan (28 off 13) and Abhishek scored runs left, right and centre. &nbsp;The pair stitched a stand of 53 runs for the second wicket before captain Suryakumar Yadav joined the party.&nbsp;Abhishek, with his exploit, scored the second-fastest T20I fifty for India as he brought that tally in just 14 balls. He narrowly missed out on breaking Yuvraj Singh’s record for fastest T20I fifty for India, with the former batter doing so in 12 balls against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>Quickest 50 against a FM team (by balls)</h2>12 balls Yuvraj Singh vs Eng Durban 200713 balls Jan Frylinck vs Zim Bulawayo 202514 balls Colin Munro vs SL Auckland 201614 balls Abhishek Sharma vs NZ Guwahati 2026 *15 Quinton de Kock vs WI Centurion 2023&nbsp;In the end, an unbeaten 68 off 20 for Abhishek and 57 off 26 for captain Suryakumar Yadav saw India win the match with 10 overs to spare. They also pocketed the series 3-0 with two matches still to go in the series.<h2>What happened in New Zealand innings?</h2>On the first ball of the sixth over, Bumrah’s perfectly delivered ball got the better of Seifert as he was dismissed for 12 off 11. It was New Zealand’s third wicket, having already lost Devon Conway (1) in the first over, while Rachin Ravindra (4) was swept by Hardik Pandya in the next over. Interestingly, Conway was dismissed for the fifth time by Harshit Rana, gaining the upper hand on the batter. However, it was Burmah’s delivery against Seifert that made the headlines.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;After Seifert’s dismissal, New Zealand were34/3 in 5.1 overs, Glenn Phillips (48 off 40) and Mark Chapman (32 off 23) stabilising the innings. Chapman was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi as he produced the breakthrough for the Men in Blue. New Zealand would soon go from 86/3 to 112/6, losing key wickets in the middle overs.&nbsp;Ultimately, the Kiwis were restricted to 153/9 in their 20 overs, with captain Mitchell Santner playing a key knock of 27 runs.&nbsp;For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 17/3 in four overs, while Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi bagged two wickets each.

Playing at the Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, it was Abhishek Sharma’s 12-ball fifty that sealed the deal for the hosts as they won the series 3-0 with T20 World Cup less than two weeks away. 

Abhishek Sharma was hot on his heels on Sunday (Jan 25) as India beat New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I of the five-match series. Playing at the Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, it was Abhishek’s 12-ball fifty that sealed the deal for the hosts as they won the series 3-0 with T20 World Cup less than two weeks away. India also had captain Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah to thank as they contributed to the winning cause. Abhishek reigns supreme Tasked to chase 154 runs to win, India made the worst possible start as they lost Sanju Samson (0) on the first ball of the innings. However, that did not make a huge difference for India as Ishan Kishan (28 off 13) and Abhishek scored runs left, right and centre. The pair stitched a stand of 53 runs for the second wicket before captain Suryakumar Yadav joined the party. Abhishek, with his exploit, scored the second-fastest T20I fifty for India as he brought that tally in just 14 balls. He narrowly missed out on breaking Yuvraj Singh’s record for fastest T20I fifty for India, with the former batter doing so in 12 balls against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Quickest 50 against a FM team (by balls) 12 balls Yuvraj Singh vs Eng Durban 2007 13 balls Jan Frylinck vs Zim Bulawayo 2025 14 balls Colin Munro vs SL Auckland 2016 14 balls Abhishek Sharma vs NZ Guwahati 2026 * 15 Quinton de Kock vs WI Centurion 2023 In the end, an unbeaten 68 off 20 for Abhishek and 57 off 26 for captain Suryakumar Yadav saw India win the match with 10 overs to spare. They also pocketed the series 3-0 with two matches still to go in the series. What happened in New Zealand innings? On the first ball of the sixth over, Bumrah’s perfectly delivered ball got the better of Seifert as he was dismissed for 12 off 11. It was New Zealand’s third wicket, having already lost Devon Conway (1) in the first over, while Rachin Ravindra (4) was swept by Hardik Pandya in the next over. Interestingly, Conway was dismissed for the fifth time by Harshit Rana, gaining the upper hand on the batter. However, it was Burmah’s delivery against Seifert that made the headlines. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli After Seifert’s dismissal, New Zealand were34/3 in 5.1 overs, Glenn Phillips (48 off 40) and Mark Chapman (32 off 23) stabilising the innings. Chapman was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi as he produced the breakthrough for the Men in Blue. New Zealand would soon go from 86/3 to 112/6, losing key wickets in the middle overs. Ultimately, the Kiwis were restricted to 153/9 in their 20 overs, with captain Mitchell Santner playing a key knock of 27 runs. For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 17/3 in four overs, while Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi bagged two wickets each.

Playing at the Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, it was Abhishek Sharma’s 12-ball fifty that sealed the deal for the hosts as they won the series 3-0 with T20 World Cup less than two weeks away.&nbsp;

IND vs NZ: Abhishek's blitzkrieg sweeps New Zealand in Guwahati, India pocket T20I series 3-0

Jasprit Bumrah made a hallmark return to the Playing XI on Sunday (Jan 25) against New Zealand as he scalped Tim Seifert on the first ball of his spell. Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Bumrah was right on the money as he made his return to the side, having skipped the Raipur T20I. The moment went quickly viral with netizens in awe of the Indian speedster ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jasprit Bumrah into the attack... ..And he starts off with a beauty 🤩🎯 Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/YzRfqi0li2">https://t.co/YzRfqi0li2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/CtrzYiAXgA">pic.twitter.com/CtrzYiAXgA</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/2015424510456102924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Bumrah on the money</h2>On the first ball of the sixth over, Bumrah’s perfectly delivered ball got the better of Seifert as he was dismissed for 12 off 11. It was New Zealand’s third wicket, having already lost Devon Conway (1) in the first over, while Rachin Ravindra (4) was swept by Hardik Pandya in the next over. Interestingly, Conway was dismissed for the fifth time by Harshit Rana, gaining the upper hand on the batter. However, it was Burmah’s delivery against Seifert that made the headlines.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;After Seifert’s dismissal, New Zealand were34/3 in 5.1 overs, Glenn Phillips (48 off 40) and Mark Chapman (32 off 23) stabilising the innings. Chapman was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi as he produced the breakthrough for the Men in Blue. New Zealand would soon go from 86/3 to 112/6, losing key wickets in the middle overs.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Ultimately, the Kiwis were restricted to 153/9 in their 20 overs, with captain Mitchell Santner playing a key knock of 27 runs.&nbsp;For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 17/3 in four overs, while Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi bagged two wickets each.&nbsp;India were given a target of 154 runs to win the match and therefore the series, as they already lead 2-0. A win in Guwahati also means India build perfect momentum for the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7.

On the first ball of the sixth over, Jasprit Bumrah’s perfectly delivered ball got the better of Tim Seifert as he was dismissed for 12 off 11.

Jasprit Bumrah made a hallmark return to the Playing XI on Sunday (Jan 25) against New Zealand as he scalped Tim Seifert on the first ball of his spell. Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Bumrah was right on the money as he made his return to the side, having skipped the Raipur T20I. The moment went quickly viral with netizens in awe of the Indian speedster ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

On the first ball of the sixth over, Jasprit Bumrah’s perfectly delivered ball got the better of Tim Seifert as he was dismissed for 12 off 11.

Watch: Jasprit Bumrah makes hallmark return, scalps Tim Seifert on first ball in Guwahati

From Rohit Sharma to Harmanpreet Kaur here is a look at five sports personalities honoured with Padma Awards ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day. The list features the likes of Vijay Amritraj, Savita Punia and legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili.

From Rohit Sharma to Harmanpreet Kaur here is a look at five sports personalities honoured with Padma Awards ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day. The list features the likes of Vijay Amritraj, Savita Punia and legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili.

From Rohit Sharma to Harmanpreet Kaur, 5 sports personalities honoured with Padma Awards

Legendary Indian cricket duo Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been honoured with the Padma Shri award, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, for their excellent service in the sport. In an announcement made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday (Jan 25) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, Rohit and Harmanpreet were awarded the prestigious honour. The list also saw Vijay Amritraj, former tennis player, awarded with Padma Bhushan for his services to the sport.<h2>Rohit, Harmanpreet awarded with Padma Shri</h2>Having enjoyed a sensational 2025, Rohit led the Indian men’s cricket team to Champions Trophy 2025 glory in the UAE in March. Months later, on November 2, India’s women’s team scripted history as they won the ODI World Cup for the first time, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur playing a key role. While being the captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit has forged great numbers, losing just one match in the last three ICC tournaments. &nbsp;Under Rohit’s captaincy, India had previously won the 2024 T20 World Cup and were runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship (WTC).&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Harmanpreet’s success comes after she helped India win their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup. The Women in Blue beat South Africa in the final while beating record champions Australia in the semis. Harmanpreet has also won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) twice, doing so with the Mumbai Indians in 2023 and 2025.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>Vijay Amritraj awarded with Padma Bhushan</h2>On the other hand, legendary tennis player Vijay Amritraj was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his services to the game. Amritraj, who defeated greats of the game like Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe amongst elites, led India to two Davis Cup runner-up finishes in 1974 and 1987. His career high ATP rank of No.16 is the highest for any player in the singles circuit. Amritraj was a two-time quarterfinalist at Wimbledon in 1973 and 1982, while also reaching the same feat at the US Open in 1973 and 1974.&nbsp;Elsewhere, &nbsp;Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, K Pajanivel, and Praveen Kumar will all be given Padma Shris. Meanwhile, deceased Georgian wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili will receive the Padma Shri posthumously.

In an announcement made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday (Jan 25) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur were awarded the prestigious honour. 

Legendary Indian cricket duo Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have been honoured with the Padma Shri award, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, for their excellent service in the sport. In an announcement made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday (Jan 25) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, Rohit and Harmanpreet were awarded the prestigious honour. The list also saw Vijay Amritraj, former tennis player, awarded with Padma Bhushan for his services to the sport. Rohit, Harmanpreet awarded with Padma Shri Having enjoyed a sensational 2025, Rohit led the Indian men’s cricket team to Champions Trophy 2025 glory in the UAE in March. Months later, on November 2, India’s women’s team scripted history as they won the ODI World Cup for the first time, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur playing a key role. While being the captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit has forged great numbers, losing just one match in the last three ICC tournaments. Under Rohit’s captaincy, India had previously won the 2024 T20 World Cup and were runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship (WTC). ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Harmanpreet’s success comes after she helped India win their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup. The Women in Blue beat South Africa in the final while beating record champions Australia in the semis. Harmanpreet has also won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) twice, doing so with the Mumbai Indians in 2023 and 2025. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Vijay Amritraj awarded with Padma Bhushan On the other hand, legendary tennis player Vijay Amritraj was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his services to the game. Amritraj, who defeated greats of the game like Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe amongst elites, led India to two Davis Cup runner-up finishes in 1974 and 1987. His career high ATP rank of No.16 is the highest for any player in the singles circuit. Amritraj was a two-time quarterfinalist at Wimbledon in 1973 and 1982, while also reaching the same feat at the US Open in 1973 and 1974. Elsewhere, Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, Baldev Singh, Bhagwandas Raikwar, K Pajanivel, and Praveen Kumar will all be given Padma Shris. Meanwhile, deceased Georgian wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili will receive the Padma Shri posthumously.

In an announcement made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday (Jan 25) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur were awarded the prestigious honour.&nbsp;

Republic Day 2026: Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur honoured with Padma Shri award; Vijay Amritraj receives Padma Bhushan

Perth Scorchers extended their Big Bash League (BBL) dominance by winning a record sixth title, beating Sydney Sixers by six wickets at Perth Stadium on Sunday (Jan 25). Chasing 133, Scorchers made a strong start with openers Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen putting on 80 runs in just over eight overs, putting the Sixers under pressure early. Despite a couple of quick dismissals, big-hitter Josh Inglis guided the team home, finishing the match with a six. Earlier, the Scorchers’ bowlers did a brilliant job, restricting the Sixers to 132, with Jhye Richardson and David Payne taking three wickets each, while Mahli Beardman claimed two.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SIX OF THE BEST IN THE WEST 🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBL15?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBL15</a> <a href="https://t.co/GAmXVaylVs">pic.twitter.com/GAmXVaylVs</a>&mdash; KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBL/status/2015389393159078296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Openers set the tone, Inglis seals win</h2>The Scorchers’ chase was powered by an explosive opening stand between Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen. Marsh looked in complete control, playing aggressive shots through the off-side, while Allen complemented him with clean hitting and quick running between the wickets. Their partnership of 80 runs in just 8.2 overs effectively ended the Sixers’ hopes of a comeback.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-batters-fastest-to-21-000-international-runs-1769165649624">Meet top 5 batters fastest to 21,000 international runs</a>&nbsp;After their dismissal, Aaron Hardie and skipper Ashton Turner failed to make a mark, leaving the team needing a solid finish. That responsibility fell on Josh Inglis, whose experience and big-hitting ability ensured a comfortable finish. Inglis’ final six not only sealed the win but also highlighted his value as a match-winner in high-pressure situations.<h2>Scorchers’ bowling dominates Sixers</h2>The victory was set up by Perth’s disciplined bowling attack. After electing to field first, Jhye Richardson and David Payne led the way with three wickets each, while Mahli Beardman chipped in with two crucial dismissals. The Sixers struggled to build partnerships, with Steve Smith, Josh Philippe, and Moises Henriques all falling for just 24 runs respectively.&nbsp;None of the batters managed to score big, and the total of 132 was always going to be challenging to defend against a strong Scorchers batting lineup. This win marks Perth’s ninth appearance in a BBL final and reinforces their position as the most consistent team in the league’s history. With six titles to their name, the Scorchers continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the Big Bash League.

Perth Scorchers claim record sixth BBL title, defeating Sydney Sixers with strong batting and bowling performances, continuing their dominance in the Big Bash League.

Perth Scorchers extended their Big Bash League (BBL) dominance by winning a record sixth title, beating Sydney Sixers by six wickets at Perth Stadium on Sunday (Jan 25). Chasing 133, Scorchers made a strong start with openers Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen putting on 80 runs in just over eight overs, putting the Sixers under pressure early. Despite a couple of quick dismissals, big-hitter Josh Inglis guided the team home, finishing the match with a six. Earlier, the Scorchers’ bowlers did a brilliant job, restricting the Sixers to 132, with Jhye Richardson and David Payne taking three wickets each, while Mahli Beardman claimed two.

Perth Scorchers claim record sixth BBL title, defeating Sydney Sixers with strong batting and bowling performances, continuing their dominance in the Big Bash League.

BBL 2025-26 Final: Perth Scorchers outclass Sydney Sixers to secure sixth title

Bangladesh will not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the ICC replacing them with Scotland in Group C. Following weeks of drama and rising tensions between the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the apex body (ICC) over the venue row, the Bangladesh government’s decision not to send its team to India due to security concerns led to the inevitable. However, with the first showpiece event of the year starting in less than two weeks, the BCB has accepted ICC’s decision and vows not to take any legal action against it.&nbsp;Speaking to the media following Saturday’s board meeting in Dhaka, Amzad Hossain, the BCB's media committee chairman, claimed that the Bangladesh board acknowledges ICC’s decision and that they will not reach out to any arbitration over this matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-update-2026-t20-world-cup-schedule-bangladesh-exit-scotland-pakistan-slated-in-group-a-amid-walkout-claims-1769323436918"> ICC updates T20 World Cup schedule after Bangladesh’s exit; Pakistan slated in Group A amid walkout claims</a>&nbsp;"We have accepted the decision of the ICC board," Amzad said. "Since the ICC has said that we cannot go and play or they cannot shift our games to Sri Lanka, in this case, we cannot go and play in India. Our position remains the same. We are not going to any separate arbitration or anything here."However, what made headlines was the Bangladesh government’s remarks on the Bangladesh team's security in India, which Hossain also echoed, saying, ‘going to play in the World Cup would not be safe’ for the team, its staff, fans and journalists.&nbsp;“We have spoken with the government. The government has said that going to India to play in the World Cup would not be safe for us, for our players, journalists, or anyone accompanying the team,” Hossain said.&nbsp;He added that the BCB also offered several proposals to the ICC, including swapping groups with one of Ireland or Zimbabwe (both in Group B); the ICC denied doing so, citing Sri Lanka’s refusal to have a new team in the group.&nbsp;“We have tried our best. We fully respect the ICC Board, and the Board’s majority decision was that the match cannot be relocated,” Hossain said. “Even after that, we tried in our own way and made requests. Since they will not do it or do not want to, there is nothing more we can do.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, it all unfolded after the BCCI instructed IPL team KKR to release seamer Mustafizur Rahman over recent chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh. Irked with the lack of clarity on this, the BCB retaliated by first suspending all IPL-related activities in India and then by formally writing to the ICC, urging them to move its scheduled league matches from India to Sri Lanka (the tournament’s co-host). The ICC rejected BCB's plea on two occasions, eventually replacing them with Scotland for the T20 World Cup.

With the first showpiece event of the year starting in less than two weeks, the BCB has accepted ICC’s decision and vows not to take any legal action against it.

Bangladesh will not participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the ICC replacing them with Scotland in Group C. Following weeks of drama and rising tensions between the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the apex body (ICC) over the venue row, the Bangladesh government’s decision not to send its team to India due to security concerns led to the inevitable. However, with the first showpiece event of the year starting in less than two weeks, the BCB has accepted ICC’s decision and vows not to take any legal action against it. Speaking to the media following Saturday’s board meeting in Dhaka, Amzad Hossain, the BCB's media committee chairman, claimed that the Bangladesh board acknowledges ICC’s decision and that they will not reach out to any arbitration over this matter. Also read | ICC updates T20 World Cup schedule after Bangladesh’s exit; Pakistan slated in Group A amid walkout claims "We have accepted the decision of the ICC board," Amzad said. "Since the ICC has said that we cannot go and play or they cannot shift our games to Sri Lanka, in this case, we cannot go and play in India. Our position remains the same. We are not going to any separate arbitration or anything here." However, what made headlines was the Bangladesh government’s remarks on the Bangladesh team's security in India, which Hossain also echoed, saying, ‘going to play in the World Cup would not be safe’ for the team, its staff, fans and journalists. “We have spoken with the government. The government has said that going to India to play in the World Cup would not be safe for us, for our players, journalists, or anyone accompanying the team,” Hossain said. He added that the BCB also offered several proposals to the ICC, including swapping groups with one of Ireland or Zimbabwe (both in Group B); the ICC denied doing so, citing Sri Lanka’s refusal to have a new team in the group. “We have tried our best. We fully respect the ICC Board, and the Board’s majority decision was that the match cannot be relocated,” Hossain said. “Even after that, we tried in our own way and made requests. Since they will not do it or do not want to, there is nothing more we can do.” Meanwhile, it all unfolded after the BCCI instructed IPL team KKR to release seamer Mustafizur Rahman over recent chaos and regular attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh. Irked with the lack of clarity on this, the BCB retaliated by first suspending all IPL-related activities in India and then by formally writing to the ICC, urging them to move its scheduled league matches from India to Sri Lanka (the tournament’s co-host). The ICC rejected BCB's plea on two occasions, eventually replacing them with Scotland for the T20 World Cup.

With the first showpiece event of the year starting in less than two weeks, the BCB has accepted ICC’s decision and vows not to take any legal action against it.

‘Going to India to play World Cup would not be safe for us,’ Bangladesh govt to BCB amid tournament snub

Pakistan cricket and controversy are a match made in heaven, as another turmoil made headlines on Sunday (Jan. 25). Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir’s son Sulaman is now in the news for all the wrong reasons after he was accused of sexually assaulting a housemaid. The news came into the limelight on Sunday after a First Investigation Report (FIR) was filed against Sulaman at a police station on the outskirts of Lahore.<h2>Sulaman Qadir accused of sexual assault</h2>"It is submitted that I work as a domestic helper/maid. I work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On 22.01.2026, the owner of the house, Salman Qadir, son of Abdul Qadir, called me and said, 'Come to the farmhouse tomorrow morning; I have to take you along to get the cleaning done,'" the FIR read.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;"Upon reaching there, he started molesting me. He forcibly removed my clothes and began committing sexual assault (ziyadti) against me. The accused committed rape (zina-bil-jabar) with me by force, committing a grave injustice. Strict legal action should be taken against him for this," the statement added.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;According to the FIR report, the incident happened on Jan 22 at Qadir’s farmhouse in Lahore. The report stated that Qadir molested the female housemaid, forcibly removed clothes, and began committing sexual assault.&nbsp;The police are currently investigating the case, and Sulaman is likely to face judicial action if found guilty. The complainant further alleged that on Jan 23, at around 10:00 am, she was picked up in Sulaman Qadir's car from outside Green City and taken to Farm House No. 2 near the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy, Newas Barki, as quoted by India Today.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir’s son Sulaman is now in the news for all the wrong reasons after he was accused of sexually assaulting a housemaid in Lahore.

Pakistan cricket and controversy are a match made in heaven, as another turmoil made headlines on Sunday (Jan. 25). Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir’s son Sulaman is now in the news for all the wrong reasons after he was accused of sexually assaulting a housemaid. The news came into the limelight on Sunday after a First Investigation Report (FIR) was filed against Sulaman at a police station on the outskirts of Lahore. Sulaman Qadir accused of sexual assault "It is submitted that I work as a domestic helper/maid. I work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On 22.01.2026, the owner of the house, Salman Qadir, son of Abdul Qadir, called me and said, 'Come to the farmhouse tomorrow morning; I have to take you along to get the cleaning done,'" the FIR read. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds "Upon reaching there, he started molesting me. He forcibly removed my clothes and began committing sexual assault (ziyadti) against me. The accused committed rape (zina-bil-jabar) with me by force, committing a grave injustice. Strict legal action should be taken against him for this," the statement added. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli According to the FIR report, the incident happened on Jan 22 at Qadir’s farmhouse in Lahore. The report stated that Qadir molested the female housemaid, forcibly removed clothes, and began committing sexual assault. The police are currently investigating the case, and Sulaman is likely to face judicial action if found guilty. The complainant further alleged that on Jan 23, at around 10:00 am, she was picked up in Sulaman Qadir's car from outside Green City and taken to Farm House No. 2 near the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy, Newas Barki, as quoted by India Today.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir’s son Sulaman is now in the news for all the wrong reasons after he was accused of sexually assaulting a housemaid in Lahore.

SHAME! Pakistan cricketer's son accused of sexual assault by housemaid

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday (Jan 25) named their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from Feb 7 to March 8. The selection signals a clear shift in Pakistan’s T20 plans, with fast bowler Haris Rauf and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan left out of the squad. The team was announced at a press conference in Lahore, attended by PCB Director of High Performance and national selector Aqib Javed, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and T20 captain Salman Ali Agha.&nbsp;A major talking point is the inclusion of several players who will play their first senior World Cup. Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq have all earned maiden call-ups for an ICC tournament.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcb-director-resigns-following-bangladesh-s-controversial-t20-world-cup-2026-snub-1769317590598">BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s controversial T20 World Cup 26 snub</a>&nbsp;Babar Azam, the highest run-scorer in men’s T20 Internationals, returns to secure his place in the team. Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan are expected to strengthen the top order. All-rounders Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf will play key roles with both bat and ball. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah will lead the pace attack, while Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the ICC’s “Fusion Formula,” Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka and will not travel to India during the tournament. If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals or final, then there knockout matches will be held in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout games will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-3rd-t20i-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-new-zealand-match-live-streaming-in-india-1769319465690">IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch match live streaming in India?</a>&nbsp;Pakistan is placed in Group A along with India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia. They will start their campaign against the Netherlands on Feb 7 in Colombo, then face the USA on Feb 10, India on Feb 15 and Namibia on Feb 18.<h2>Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026</h2>Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq

Pakistan is placed in Group A along with India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia. They will start their campaign against the Netherlands on Feb 7 in Colombo, then face the USA on Feb 10, India on Feb 15, and Namibia on Feb 18.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday (Jan 25) named their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from Feb 7 to March 8. The selection signals a clear shift in Pakistan’s T20 plans, with fast bowler Haris Rauf and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan left out of the squad. The team was announced at a press conference in Lahore, attended by PCB Director of High Performance and national selector Aqib Javed, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and T20 captain Salman Ali Agha. A major talking point is the inclusion of several players who will play their first senior World Cup. Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq have all earned maiden call-ups for an ICC tournament. Also Read - BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s controversial T20 World Cup 26 snub Babar Azam, the highest run-scorer in men’s T20 Internationals, returns to secure his place in the team. Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan are expected to strengthen the top order. All-rounders Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf will play key roles with both bat and ball. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah will lead the pace attack, while Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the team. Under the ICC’s “Fusion Formula,” Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka and will not travel to India during the tournament. If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals or final, then there knockout matches will be held in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout games will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad. Also Read - IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch match live streaming in India? Pakistan is placed in Group A along with India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia. They will start their campaign against the Netherlands on Feb 7 in Colombo, then face the USA on Feb 10, India on Feb 15 and Namibia on Feb 18. Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026 Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq

Pakistan is placed in Group A along with India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia. They will start their campaign against the Netherlands on Feb 7 in Colombo, then face the USA on Feb 10, India on Feb 15 and Namibia on Feb 18.

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan announce squad, Babar returns; Rizwan, Rauf miss out

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the updated 2026 T20 World Cup schedule following Bangladesh’s exit due to a venue change row. Replacing Bangladesh with Scotland, the next highest-ranked non-qualified team, the ICC placed the newly inducted side in Group C, which already has two former winners, the West Indies and England, as well as the tournament’s debutants, Italy and Nepal. While Scotland comes in place of Bangladesh in Group C, the updated schedule also sees Pakistan, placed in Group A, retain their spot amid talks of PCB pulling out of the showpiece event in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The updated fixtures list for the Men’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> 2026 📋 More details ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/M61nOzx2fF">https://t.co/M61nOzx2fF</a> <a href="https://t.co/deynITDuV3">pic.twitter.com/deynITDuV3</a>&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/2015067068899676212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After the ICC officially announced its decision to remove Bangladesh from the upcoming 20-team tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi, also Pakistan’s interior minister, threatened to pull its cricket team out of the multi-team event, adding that the Pakistani government would decide its team’s tournament fate.<h3>What happened between Bangladesh and India? &nbsp;</h3>Ahead of this marquee event, the BCCI directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release seamer Mustafizur Rahman over political unrest, chaos and regular killings of minorities in Bangladesh. Irked over the lack of clarity and unreasonable explanation behind BCCI’s call, the BCB acted swiftly, holding back-to-back meetings with its board members.&nbsp; &nbsp;Soon after, they retaliated by first suspending all IPL-related telecasts in Bangladesh and later formally writing to the ICC, asking them to move their scheduled league matches to Sri Lanka (the tournament’s co-host alongside India) due to security concerns in India. &nbsp;The ICC addressed the matter and, upon getting the threat levels (in India) rechecked by itself and an independent security agency, reassured Bangladesh of no threats to any of their players, staff, fans or even journalists travelling to India for the showpiece event of the year; thus, denying BCB’s request. &nbsp;The Bangladesh Cricket Board, however, chased them again, offering different proposals, including swapping its Group (B) with Ireland or Zimbabwe, only to face flat rejection from the apex body. The ICC, following the second meeting with the BCB officials, gave them the deadline to choose between travelling to India or being ready to be replaced. &nbsp;After the BCB declared its decision against travelling to India, the ICC communicated its decision to Bangladesh and Scotland.&nbsp; &nbsp;"The decision follows an extensive process undertaken by the ICC to address concerns raised by the BCB regarding the hosting of its scheduled matches in India," ICC's statement read. "Over a period of more than three weeks, the ICC engaged with the BCB through multiple rounds of dialogue conducted in a transparent and constructive manner, including meetings held both via video conference and in-person. &nbsp;"As part of this process, the ICC reviewed the concerns cited by the BCB, commissioned and considered independent security assessments from internal and external experts, and shared detailed security and operational plans covering federal and state arrangements, as well as enhanced and escalating security protocols for the event. These assurances were reiterated at several stages, including during discussions involving the ICC Business Corporation (IBC) Board. &nbsp;"The ICC’s assessments concluded that there was no credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team, officials or supporters in India. &nbsp;"In light of these findings, and after careful consideration of the broader implications, the ICC determined that it was not appropriate to amend the published event schedule,” it read. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the 20-team tournament gets underway in less than two weeks in India and Sri Lanka.

The PCB chief threatened to pull Pakistan out of the T20 World Cup in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the updated 2026 T20 World Cup schedule following Bangladesh’s exit due to a venue change row. Replacing Bangladesh with Scotland, the next highest-ranked non-qualified team, the ICC placed the newly inducted side in Group C, which already has two former winners, the West Indies and England, as well as the tournament’s debutants, Italy and Nepal. While Scotland comes in place of Bangladesh in Group C, the updated schedule also sees Pakistan, placed in Group A, retain their spot amid talks of PCB pulling out of the showpiece event in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

The PCB chief threatened to pull Pakistan out of the T20 World Cup in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.&nbsp;

ICC updates T20 World Cup schedule after Bangladesh’s exit; Pakistan slated in Group A amid walkout claims

Pretoria Capitals will go up against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 2025-26 final on Sunday (Jan 25) at Newlands in Cape Town, with both teams aiming to deliver their best performance as they compete for the championship. Pretoria Capitals were the first team to secure a spot in the final, while Sunrisers Eastern Cape took a longer route to get there but will be full of confidence as they prepare to play their fourth SA20 final in a row. The Capitals came out on top the last time these two teams met and will be hoping for a similar result. However, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, will be looking to step up their game and maintain their winning momentum.<h2>Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 Final - Live streaming details</h2>As the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.&nbsp;<h2>When and where is Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 final?</h2>The final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape will take place on Sunday (Jan 25), at Newlands in Cape Town, starting at 7 PM IST.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcb-director-resigns-following-bangladesh-s-controversial-t20-world-cup-2026-snub-1769317590598">BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s controversial T20 World Cup 26 snub</a><h2>Where to watch Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 final?</h2>The Star Sports Network in India will broadcast the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape.<h2>Where to livestream Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 final?</h2>The fans can watch the live streaming of the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape on the JioHotstar app and website in India.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-fifa-president-gianni-infantino-praises-football-s-magic-globally-says-it-transforms-people-s-life-del-piero-wenger-1769098245439">Davos 2026: FIFA President Gianni Infantino praises football's magic globally, says 'it transforms people's life'</a><h2>What time will the toss take place?</h2>The toss for the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape will be held at 6:30 pm IST.<h2>Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 Final - Squads</h2>Sunrisers Eastern Cape Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Jonny Bairstow, Jordan Hermann, Matthew Breetzke, James Coles, Tristan Stubbs(c), Marco Jansen, Chris Green, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Christopher King, JP King, Patrick Kruger, Beyers Swanepoel, Mitchell Van Buuren, Chris Wood, Lewis Gregory and Allah Ghazanfar&nbsp;Pretoria Capitals Squad: Shai Hope(w), Bryce Parsons, Connor Esterhuizen, Dewald Brevis, Sherfane Rutherford, Jordan Cox, Roston Chase, Keshav Maharaj(c), Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Gideon Peters, Andre Russell, Codi Yusuf, Meeka eel Prince, Daniel Smith, Will Smeed, Tymal Mills, Sibonelo Makhanya, Wihan Lubbe, Keith Dudgeon and Junaid Dawood

As the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India. 

Pretoria Capitals will go up against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 2025-26 final on Sunday (Jan 25) at Newlands in Cape Town, with both teams aiming to deliver their best performance as they compete for the championship. Pretoria Capitals were the first team to secure a spot in the final, while Sunrisers Eastern Cape took a longer route to get there but will be full of confidence as they prepare to play their fourth SA20 final in a row. The Capitals came out on top the last time these two teams met and will be hoping for a similar result. However, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, will be looking to step up their game and maintain their winning momentum. Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 Final - Live streaming details As the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India. When and where is Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 final? The final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape will take place on Sunday (Jan 25), at Newlands in Cape Town, starting at 7 PM IST. Also Read - BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s controversial T20 World Cup 26 snub Where to watch Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 final? The Star Sports Network in India will broadcast the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Where to livestream Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 final? The fans can watch the live streaming of the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Also Read - Davos 2026: FIFA President Gianni Infantino praises football's magic globally, says 'it transforms people's life' What time will the toss take place? The toss for the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape will be held at 6:30 pm IST. Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 Final - Squads Sunrisers Eastern Cape Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Jonny Bairstow, Jordan Hermann, Matthew Breetzke, James Coles, Tristan Stubbs(c), Marco Jansen, Chris Green, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Christopher King, JP King, Patrick Kruger, Beyers Swanepoel, Mitchell Van Buuren, Chris Wood, Lewis Gregory and Allah Ghazanfar Pretoria Capitals Squad: Shai Hope(w), Bryce Parsons, Connor Esterhuizen, Dewald Brevis, Sherfane Rutherford, Jordan Cox, Roston Chase, Keshav Maharaj(c), Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Gideon Peters, Andre Russell, Codi Yusuf, Meeka eel Prince, Daniel Smith, Will Smeed, Tymal Mills, Sibonelo Makhanya, Wihan Lubbe, Keith Dudgeon and Junaid Dawood

As the final between Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.&nbsp;

Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, SA20 Final: When and where to watch match live streaming in India?

India have dominated New Zealand in the first two matches and now have a chance to wrap up the five-match T20I series. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will face Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand side in the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday (Jan 25). India hold a 2-0 lead after convincing wins in Nagpur and Raipur, while the visitors will be hoping for a strong fightback to stay in the series.<h2>India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I - Live streaming details</h2>As the third T20I between India and New Zealand approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.<h2>When and where is India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I?</h2>The third T20I between India and New Zealand will take place on Sunday (Jan 25), at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting at 7 PM IST.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcb-director-resigns-following-bangladesh-s-controversial-t20-world-cup-2026-snub-1769317590598">BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s controversial T20 World Cup 26 snub</a><h2>Where to watch India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I live?</h2>The Star Sports Network in India will broadcast the third T20I between India and New Zealand.<h2>Where to livestream India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I?</h2>The fans can watch the live streaming of the third T20I between India and New Zealand on the JioHotstar app and website in India.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-fifa-president-gianni-infantino-praises-football-s-magic-globally-says-it-transforms-people-s-life-del-piero-wenger-1769098245439">Davos 2026: FIFA President Gianni Infantino praises football's magic globally, says 'it transforms people's life'</a><h2>What time will the toss take place?</h2>The toss for the third T20I between India and New Zealand will be held at 6:30 pm IST.<h2>India vs New Zealand T20I squads -</h2>India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk) and Ravi Bishnoi &nbsp;New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi and Kristian Clarke (only for the first three games)

As the third T20I between India and New Zealand approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

India have dominated New Zealand in the first two matches and now have a chance to wrap up the five-match T20I series. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will face Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand side in the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday (Jan 25). India hold a 2-0 lead after convincing wins in Nagpur and Raipur, while the visitors will be hoping for a strong fightback to stay in the series. India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I - Live streaming details As the third T20I between India and New Zealand approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India. When and where is India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I? The third T20I between India and New Zealand will take place on Sunday (Jan 25), at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting at 7 PM IST. Also Read - BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s controversial T20 World Cup 26 snub Where to watch India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I live? The Star Sports Network in India will broadcast the third T20I between India and New Zealand. Where to livestream India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I? The fans can watch the live streaming of the third T20I between India and New Zealand on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Also Read - Davos 2026: FIFA President Gianni Infantino praises football's magic globally, says 'it transforms people's life' What time will the toss take place? The toss for the third T20I between India and New Zealand will be held at 6:30 pm IST. India vs New Zealand T20I squads - India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk) and Ravi Bishnoi New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi and Kristian Clarke (only for the first three games)

As the third T20I between India and New Zealand approaching, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch India vs New Zealand match live streaming in India?

From Rohit Sharma to Babar Azam, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20 Internationals. This list also includes Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler and Paul Stirling

From Rohit Sharma to Babar Azam, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20 Internationals. This list also includes Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler and Paul Stirling

Meet top 5 batters with most runs in T20Is

Ishtiaque Sadeque has resigned from his position as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. The chairman of the BCB’s Game Development Committee submitted his resignation on Saturday (Jan 24) and said that he stepped down because of family and personal reasons. Sadeque was elected as a director from Category 2 (Dhaka Clubs) in the BCB elections held last October, securing the highest number of votes in his group with 42.&nbsp;His resignation came on the same day when the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially announced that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns about playing in India and claiming that those concerns were not properly addressed by the ICC. The decision sparked strong criticism and widespread public debate.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aryna-sabalenka-ends-canadian-teen-dream-to-stroll-into-australian-open-2026-quarter-final-1769314659733">Aryna Sabalenka ends Canadian teen's dream to stroll into Australian Open quarters</a>&nbsp;Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sadeque said he could not give enough time and effort to his responsibilities due to family commitments. He added that he felt he was not doing justice to such an important role and decided to step aside.&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is true that I am resigning. I believe that I am unable to dedicate the time required for such a large community like Game Development, where I am currently serving, because of my family and personal commitments. I cannot provide the effort necessary to accelerate Game Development. For this reason, I feel a personal sense of regret that I am not doing justice to this position. That is why I am resigning from here," Ishtiaque told Cricbuzz.&nbsp;“The claim that I am leaving because of any misunderstanding, relationship issues with anyone on this board, or due to any hurt feelings or grievances, is completely false. Everyone who was with me tried their best in their own way”.&nbsp;"I believe that whoever succeeds me in Game Development will be able to take Bangladesh's cricket forward. They have my full support. Even though I will no longer be on the board-I mean, they will have my complete support. Thank you very much," he added.&nbsp;<h2>What ICC said</h2>The ICC stated that Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland after the BCB refused to play unless the venue was moved from India to Sri Lanka. The ICC said several discussions took place, but no solution was reached and after Bangladesh’s appeal failed, the ICC decided to continue with the original schedule.&nbsp;According to the ICC, their security review found no real or confirmed threat to the Bangladesh team, officials, or fans in India. Based on this assessment, the ICC said there was no reason to change the venue.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dewald-brevis-full-of-praise-for-mentor-sourav-ganguly-ahead-of-sa20-final-says-you-learn-a-lot-but-1769275497095">Dewald Brevis full of praise for 'mentor' Sourav Ganguly ahead of SA20 final</a>&nbsp;Scotland was selected as Bangladesh’s replacement based on ICC rankings, despite finishing behind Italy, the Netherlands and Jersey in the European qualifiers. &nbsp;Scotland previously played in the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups and performed well against teams like Australia and England.&nbsp;In the 2026 tournament, Scotland will be part of Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy and Nepal. They will begin their campaign against West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata.

Scotland was chosen as Bangladesh’s replacement based on ICC rankings, even though they finished behind Italy, the Netherlands and Jersey in the European qualifiers. Scotland previously played in the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups and performed well against teams like Australia and England.

Ishtiaque Sadeque has resigned from his position as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. The chairman of the BCB’s Game Development Committee submitted his resignation on Saturday (Jan 24) and said that he stepped down because of family and personal reasons. Sadeque was elected as a director from Category 2 (Dhaka Clubs) in the BCB elections held last October, securing the highest number of votes in his group with 42. His resignation came on the same day when the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially announced that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns about playing in India and claiming that those concerns were not properly addressed by the ICC. The decision sparked strong criticism and widespread public debate. Also Read - Aryna Sabalenka ends Canadian teen's dream to stroll into Australian Open quarters Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sadeque said he could not give enough time and effort to his responsibilities due to family commitments. He added that he felt he was not doing justice to such an important role and decided to step aside. "It is true that I am resigning. I believe that I am unable to dedicate the time required for such a large community like Game Development, where I am currently serving, because of my family and personal commitments. I cannot provide the effort necessary to accelerate Game Development. For this reason, I feel a personal sense of regret that I am not doing justice to this position. That is why I am resigning from here," Ishtiaque told Cricbuzz. “The claim that I am leaving because of any misunderstanding, relationship issues with anyone on this board, or due to any hurt feelings or grievances, is completely false. Everyone who was with me tried their best in their own way”. "I believe that whoever succeeds me in Game Development will be able to take Bangladesh's cricket forward. They have my full support. Even though I will no longer be on the board-I mean, they will have my complete support. Thank you very much," he added. What ICC said The ICC stated that Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland after the BCB refused to play unless the venue was moved from India to Sri Lanka. The ICC said several discussions took place, but no solution was reached and after Bangladesh’s appeal failed, the ICC decided to continue with the original schedule. According to the ICC, their security review found no real or confirmed threat to the Bangladesh team, officials, or fans in India. Based on this assessment, the ICC said there was no reason to change the venue. Also Read - Dewald Brevis full of praise for 'mentor' Sourav Ganguly ahead of SA20 final Scotland was selected as Bangladesh’s replacement based on ICC rankings, despite finishing behind Italy, the Netherlands and Jersey in the European qualifiers. Scotland previously played in the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups and performed well against teams like Australia and England. In the 2026 tournament, Scotland will be part of Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy and Nepal. They will begin their campaign against West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata.

Scotland was selected as Bangladesh’s replacement based on ICC rankings, despite finishing behind Italy, the Netherlands and Jersey in the European qualifiers. Scotland previously played in the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups and performed well against teams like Australia and England.

BCB director resigns following Bangladesh’s controversial T20 World Cup 2026 snub

Delhi Capitals delivered a complete all-round performance to beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026 in Vadodara on Saturday (Jan 24), ending RCB’s unbeaten run and moving to second place on the points table. Batting first, RCB were bowled out for their lowest WPL total (109) after losing early wickets and never recovering. Minnu Mani and Shree Charani controlled the middle overs, while Nandani Sharma finished with three wickets at the death.&nbsp;&nbsp;In reply, Delhi chased the target comfortably, reaching it with seven wickets in hand and twenty-six balls to spare. Laura Wolvaardt anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42, supported by Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp, as DC boosted their net run rate significantly today. Now, let's look at how both the captains reacted after the game.&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-the-only-indian-cricketer-to-smash-a-century-on-republic-day-1769186855729"> Meet the ONLY Indian cricketer to smash a century on Republic Day</a><h3>Jemimah Rodrigues, DC captain</h3>Jemimah was proud of how her team stayed calm and followed the plan. “Credit to the team. It's kept believing and executing plans,” she was quoted as saying at the presentation. She admitted there was pressure when Smriti Mandhana was batting but felt one good catch changed the game. “We just kept talking about attacking the stumps,” she added. Praising her players, she said, “Minnu was excellent, Kapp was Kapp.” Jemimah also spoke about learning from past matches, saying, “Last time we played RCB I held Kapp back, didn't do that today. That was the learning.”&nbsp;<h3>Smriti Mandhana, RCB captain</h3>&nbsp;Smriti accepted the defeat and focused on improving. “In tournaments like these, you'll take these losses,” she said. She explained the pitch conditions, adding, “The wicket is playing different everyday. Last game it kept low, today it was spongy.” On the total, she said, “We thought 140-plus was good,” but admitted more runs were needed. She was unhappy with the fielding, saying, “Won't be happy with the fielding today.” Still, she backed her team, adding, “Knowing our girls, they'll work harder.” She also praised the bowlers and said, “Sayali and Bell have been brilliant in the powerplay.”

Delhi Capitals ended RCB’s unbeaten run in WPL 2026 with a dominant win, bowling them out for their lowest total and chasing comfortably, led by Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 42 to move second on the points table.


Delhi Capitals delivered a complete all-round performance to beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026 in Vadodara on Saturday (Jan 24), ending RCB’s unbeaten run and moving to second place on the points table. Batting first, RCB were bowled out for their lowest WPL total (109) after losing early wickets and never recovering. Minnu Mani and Shree Charani controlled the middle overs, while Nandani Sharma finished with three wickets at the death. In reply, Delhi chased the target comfortably, reaching it with seven wickets in hand and twenty-six balls to spare. Laura Wolvaardt anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42, supported by Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp, as DC boosted their net run rate significantly today. Now, let's look at how both the captains reacted after the game. Also read | Meet the ONLY Indian cricketer to smash a century on Republic Day Jemimah Rodrigues, DC captain Jemimah was proud of how her team stayed calm and followed the plan. “Credit to the team. It's kept believing and executing plans,” she was quoted as saying at the presentation. She admitted there was pressure when Smriti Mandhana was batting but felt one good catch changed the game. “We just kept talking about attacking the stumps,” she added. Praising her players, she said, “Minnu was excellent, Kapp was Kapp.” Jemimah also spoke about learning from past matches, saying, “Last time we played RCB I held Kapp back, didn't do that today. That was the learning.” Smriti Mandhana, RCB captain Smriti accepted the defeat and focused on improving. “In tournaments like these, you'll take these losses,” she said. She explained the pitch conditions, adding, “The wicket is playing different everyday. Last game it kept low, today it was spongy.” On the total, she said, “We thought 140-plus was good,” but admitted more runs were needed. She was unhappy with the fielding, saying, “Won't be happy with the fielding today.” Still, she backed her team, adding, “Knowing our girls, they'll work harder.” She also praised the bowlers and said, “Sayali and Bell have been brilliant in the powerplay.”

Delhi Capitals ended RCB’s unbeaten run in WPL 2026 with a dominant win, bowling them out for their lowest total and chasing comfortably, led by Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 42 to move second on the points table.

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

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, here is a look at five active batters with most international hundreds. The list also features the likes of Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson after the list was updated with Virat scoring his 83rd hundred. 

From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, here is a look at five active batters with most international hundreds. The list also features the likes of Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson after the list was updated with Virat scoring his 83rd hundred.&nbsp;

Meet 5 active batters with most international hundreds ft Virat Kohli

Delhi Capitals produced a complete all-round performance to end Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s unbeaten run in WPL 2026, handing them their first defeat of the season and climbing to second place on the points table with a big boost to their net run rate.&nbsp;Asked to bat first, RCB had a rare off day as their top order failed to give them a solid start. Grace Harris looked eager to score quickly but edged Marizanne Kapp behind the stumps while trying to force the pace. Smriti Mandhana followed soon after, once again falling to spin as Minnu Mani struck with just her second delivery. The early wickets put RCB under pressure, and they struggled to rebuild their innings.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-scotland-batters-with-most-runs-in-t20-world-cup-1769260853995">Meet top 5 Scottish batters with most runs in T20 World Cup</a>&nbsp;Delhi’s spinners took full control during the middle overs. Minnu Mani and Shree Charani bowled with great discipline, kept the runs in check, and forced mistakes from the batters. Mani removed both Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, while Charani’s tight lines made scoring difficult. Boundaries dried up, and RCB kept losing wickets at regular intervals.&nbsp;Nandani Sharma finished the innings strongly by picking up three quick wickets at the end. Her spell ensured RCB were bowled out for the lowest total in their WPL history. Chasing a modest target, Delhi Capitals started steadily but lost two early wickets. Shafali Verma played her usual attacking shots but could not stay long at the crease.&nbsp;Lizelle Lee also failed to make an impact as Sayali Satghare removed both openers in quick time. Despite the wickets, Delhi remained calm and focused. Laura Wolvaardt then took charge of the chase with a composed knock. She rotated the strike well, found gaps, and waited for loose deliveries.&nbsp;Wolvaardt stayed unbeaten on forty two and was well supported by Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp. The trio made sure there were no late scares. Delhi reached the target comfortably with seven wickets in hand and twenty six balls to spare, sealing a big win.&nbsp;Delhi moved to second place and got a big boost for their campaign.

Delhi Capitals ended RCB’s unbeaten run with a dominant all-round show in WPL 2026, bowling them out cheaply and chasing the target with ease to move up to second on the points table.


Delhi Capitals produced a complete all-round performance to end Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s unbeaten run in WPL 2026, handing them their first defeat of the season and climbing to second place on the points table with a big boost to their net run rate. Asked to bat first, RCB had a rare off day as their top order failed to give them a solid start. Grace Harris looked eager to score quickly but edged Marizanne Kapp behind the stumps while trying to force the pace. Smriti Mandhana followed soon after, once again falling to spin as Minnu Mani struck with just her second delivery. The early wickets put RCB under pressure, and they struggled to rebuild their innings. Also read | Meet top 5 Scottish batters with most runs in T20 World Cup Delhi’s spinners took full control during the middle overs. Minnu Mani and Shree Charani bowled with great discipline, kept the runs in check, and forced mistakes from the batters. Mani removed both Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, while Charani’s tight lines made scoring difficult. Boundaries dried up, and RCB kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Nandani Sharma finished the innings strongly by picking up three quick wickets at the end. Her spell ensured RCB were bowled out for the lowest total in their WPL history. Chasing a modest target, Delhi Capitals started steadily but lost two early wickets. Shafali Verma played her usual attacking shots but could not stay long at the crease. Lizelle Lee also failed to make an impact as Sayali Satghare removed both openers in quick time. Despite the wickets, Delhi remained calm and focused. Laura Wolvaardt then took charge of the chase with a composed knock. She rotated the strike well, found gaps, and waited for loose deliveries. Wolvaardt stayed unbeaten on forty two and was well supported by Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp. The trio made sure there were no late scares. Delhi reached the target comfortably with seven wickets in hand and twenty six balls to spare, sealing a big win. Delhi moved to second place and got a big boost for their campaign.

Delhi Capitals ended RCB’s unbeaten run with a dominant all-round show in WPL 2026, bowling them out cheaply and chasing the target with ease to move up to second on the points table.

WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals outclass RCB to hand them first defeat of season

Pretoria Capitals are one step away from the SA20 title as they take on SunRisers Eastern Cape in the summit clash on Sunday (Jan 24) at Newlands in Cape Town. In what will be a repeat of the final from the inaugural season of the SA20, Pretoria will be bidding on the young shoulders of Dewald Brevis as he gets ready to make his mark in the final. Brevis played a match-winning 75-run knock in the SA20 Qualifier 1 and will be eager to deliver his side’s maiden title on Sunday as he looks to continue with the brilliant form.<h2>Brevis speaks on Ganguly and other mentors</h2>Ahead of the final, Brevis answered some key questions on his team’s approach and how excited he is to deliver the SA20 title. He opened up on how important it is to spend time with mentors like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and others. Interestingly, Ganguly is currently in charge of the Pretoria side in the SA20 and has enjoyed a stellar run so far, with them standing a win away from the title.&nbsp;“As a young player, it’s great to work alongside coaches and with a lot of players like MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming and others. You do learn a lot, but it's the time you spend off the field that we really learn so much, like the smaller things in life. That's really what matters,” Brevis said while answering WION’s Aditya Pimpale during the JioStar Press Room.&nbsp;“Like when you see how people are as a person, the character, I think that's super important. But to be able to have a coach like Sourav Ganguly here with us means a lot. I think if you ask all our young players, even older players, like we all learned a lot from Sourav sir.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Bryce Parsons played a key role in Qualifier 1 for Pretoria Capitals as they punched their direct ticket to the final. Parsons played a blistering knock of 60 runs and laid the foundation for the win. Brevis praised his seniors for mentoring young players like Parsons, who have become instant hits.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;“Bryce Parsons learned a lot and you could see it in the previous game when you looked at him the way he played. And just for myself, I really can say with all honesty, like I grew a lot in this last month, just how I feel when I'm out there, how clear and just small things. And there's more of a calmness, I would say, because we have people like Sourav Ganguly in the dressing room,” Brevis added.&nbsp;The SA20 final will start at 7:00 p.m. IST (3:30 p.m. local time) on Sunday as both teams push for the title at Newlands, Cape Town.

Bryce Parsons played a blistering knock of 60 runs and laid the foundation for Pretoria Capitals win the SA20 Qualifier 1. Dewald Brevis praised his seniors for mentoring young players like Parsons, who have become instant hits.

Pretoria Capitals are one step away from the SA20 title as they take on SunRisers Eastern Cape in the summit clash on Sunday (Jan 24) at Newlands in Cape Town. In what will be a repeat of the final from the inaugural season of the SA20, Pretoria will be bidding on the young shoulders of Dewald Brevis as he gets ready to make his mark in the final. Brevis played a match-winning 75-run knock in the SA20 Qualifier 1 and will be eager to deliver his side’s maiden title on Sunday as he looks to continue with the brilliant form. Brevis speaks on Ganguly and other mentors Ahead of the final, Brevis answered some key questions on his team’s approach and how excited he is to deliver the SA20 title. He opened up on how important it is to spend time with mentors like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and others. Interestingly, Ganguly is currently in charge of the Pretoria side in the SA20 and has enjoyed a stellar run so far, with them standing a win away from the title. “As a young player, it’s great to work alongside coaches and with a lot of players like MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming and others. You do learn a lot, but it's the time you spend off the field that we really learn so much, like the smaller things in life. That's really what matters,” Brevis said while answering WION’s Aditya Pimpale during the JioStar Press Room. “Like when you see how people are as a person, the character, I think that's super important. But to be able to have a coach like Sourav Ganguly here with us means a lot. I think if you ask all our young players, even older players, like we all learned a lot from Sourav sir. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Bryce Parsons played a key role in Qualifier 1 for Pretoria Capitals as they punched their direct ticket to the final. Parsons played a blistering knock of 60 runs and laid the foundation for the win. Brevis praised his seniors for mentoring young players like Parsons, who have become instant hits. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli “Bryce Parsons learned a lot and you could see it in the previous game when you looked at him the way he played. And just for myself, I really can say with all honesty, like I grew a lot in this last month, just how I feel when I'm out there, how clear and just small things. And there's more of a calmness, I would say, because we have people like Sourav Ganguly in the dressing room,” Brevis added. The SA20 final will start at 7:00 p.m. IST (3:30 p.m. local time) on Sunday as both teams push for the title at Newlands, Cape Town.

Bryce Parsons played a blistering knock of 60 runs and laid the foundation for Pretoria Capitals win the SA20 Qualifier 1. Dewald Brevis praised his seniors for mentoring young players like Parsons, who have become instant hits.

Dewald Brevis full of praise for 'mentor' Sourav Ganguly ahead of SA20 final, says 'you learn a lot, but...'

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Dewald Brevis full of praise for 'mentor' Sourav Ganguly ahead of SA20 final