Sports

New Delhi: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on February 7, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will feature 20 teams, many of which include players of Indian origin. While Team India represents the Blue Jersey, several players with Indian roots will be facing the national team—fulfilling their cricketing dreams on the international stage, albeit for other countries. In total, around 40 Indian-origin cricketers will take part in the tournament, showcasing their skills for nations other than India. These players grew up dreaming of representing India but found opportunities abroad to play at the highest level. Countries and Number of Indian-Origin Players Canada: 11 players USA: 9 players Oman: 7 players UAE: 7 players New Zealand: 2 players ...

New Delhi: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Among the biggest stars of the tournament is India’s Hardik Pandya, widely regarded as one of the world’s most lethal all-rounders. Known for his ability to change a match with both bat and ball, Pandya can be a nightmare for opposition teams. Ahead of the mega-event, here are five all-rounders like Hardik Pandya who could dominate the tournament and give their teams a major edge. 1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is another all-rounder capable of making an impact with both bat and ball. Famous for his audacious no-look sixes, Rashid initially rose to prominence as a bowler but has honed his batting to become a formidable T20 threat. In 111 T20 I...

New Delhi: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has opened up about an emotional moment from his career, revealing how Virat Kohli supported him during a difficult phase in the 2021 Indian Premier League. Kishan, who recently returned to India’s T20 setup after a long absence, shared the incident during a podcast appearance. The 28-year-old earned a recall to the national side after a standout performance in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was subsequently included in the squad for the T20 series against New Zealand and the 2026 T20 World Cup. He carried his domestic form into international cricket, scoring his maiden T20I century during the New Zealand series. Reflecting on his struggles, Kishan said the 2021 IPL season was one of the most disappointing periods of his career...

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the tragic attack in Pahalgam, cricket encounters between the two nations have often grabbed headlines. Last year, during the Asia Cup, the clash on the field created a stir, and more recently, Pakistan opted out of playing against India in the T20 World Cup. In the midst of this, we bring you a special story highlighting three rare cricketers who have had the unique distinction of representing both India and Pakistan in international cricket. 1) Amir ElahiAmir Elahi played a total of six Test matches in his career. He made his debut for India in 1947 in Sydney. Later, between 1952 and 1953, he represented Pakistan in five Test matches. Across domestic and international cricket, Elahi claimed a remarkable total ...

The Pakistan government has declared that its cricket team will not play against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, sending shockwaves across the cricketing world. Speculation has risen that the International Cricket Council (ICC) could impose sanctions on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for this decision. However, Pakistani media reports suggest that the PCB will not reverse its decision, having explored legal avenues to avoid an ICC ban. No Signs of ReversalAccording to Telecom Asia Sports, PCB sources indicate there is no intention to change the boycott decision. The directive came directly from the Pakistan government, and the PCB stated it cannot act until the government changes its stance. Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Aga had previously echoed this, adding that the team wo...

Pakistan is drawing widespread criticism for its double standard regarding matches against India. While the country’s men’s team has announced a boycott of India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the same team could potentially face India in the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup, which begins during the World Cup. India-Pakistan Clash Scheduled in Women’s TournamentAccording to ESPNcricinfo, the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup will commence on 13 February, with India and Pakistan scheduled to meet on 15 February in Bangkok. Pakistan’s women’s team has not received any instructions to skip this match, highlighting the inconsistency in Pakistan’s approach. Interestingly, the announcement to boycott India in the T20 World Cup coincided with India and Pakistan facing each other in the U19 World Cup ...

Pakistan has stirred a controversy ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, a move that could prove costly for the country. The Pakistan government announced that its team will boycott the February 15 match against India, while still participating in the tournament. ICC’s ResponseFollowing the announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement warning Pakistan that such a decision will not be tolerated. The ICC added that strict action could be taken if Pakistan does not reconsider its stance. However, according to a Cricbuzz report, there is still no clarity on the ICC’s upcoming meeting regarding this issue. The report also noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not officially informed the ICC of its intent to skip the India clash. Government Directive...

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 set to begin on 7 February, co-host Sri Lanka has announced its squad for the tournament. Dasun Shanaka will lead the side as captain, while Dhananjaya de Silva, struggling with form, has been dropped and replaced by Kamindu Mendis. Opening Match and ScheduleSri Lanka will kick off their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on 8 February. The team will also face Oman (12 Feb), Australia (16 Feb), and Zimbabwe (19 Feb) in the group stage. Sri Lanka last lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in 2014, defeating India in the final. Experienced Batting and Bowling Line-upThe Sri Lankan squad combines experience in both batting and bowling. The batting line-up features Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, supported by captain Shanaka and K...

The Indian Under-19 cricket team, led by Ayush Mhatre, has been in outstanding form at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, advancing to the semifinals without losing a single match. In their last Super Six encounter, India defeated Pakistan by 58 runs, securing their place in the final four. Semifinal Opponent and DateIndia will face Afghanistan in the semifinal of the U19 World Cup. The match is scheduled for 4 February 2026. VenueThe game will be held at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe. Where to Watch Live Television: The semifinal will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network. Online Streaming: Live coverage will also be available on the JioHotstar app and website. Squads for the Semifinal India U19: Ayush Mhatre (captain), R.S. Ambrish, Kanisk Chouhan, Div...

The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is set to kick off on 13 February, as announced by Delhi Sports and Education Minister Ashish Sood. The opening ceremony will be graced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Promoting Sports Culture in DelhiThe Delhi government is organizing this grand sports festival to promote sports culture and participation among the city’s youth. The initial phase will feature seven sports: kabaddi, football, athletics, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, and squash. Over 20,000 athletes are expected to participate. The month-long event will take place across 16 stadiums and multiple venues, including Bawana, Vikas Puri, and Najafgarh, ensuring that youth from all areas have an equal opportunity to compete. During the announcement, Minister Sood also unveiled the official mascot...