Sports

The Pakistan government announced on Sunday that its men’s team will boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India, signaling that they do not wish to play against India in the tournament. ICC May Impose SanctionsFollowing Pakistan’s decision, speculation is mounting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) could impose sanctions on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The ICC may take strict action to address the potential revenue loss resulting from the absence of this marquee clash. The India-Pakistan T20 encounter is estimated to generate approximately $25 million (over ₹2,200 crore) in revenue. Its cancellation could inflict significant financial losses on all stakeholders involved in the tournament. Broadcasters Face Major LossesDue to the historically intense ri...

The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on 7 February, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. A total of 350 players have been selected across 20 teams, with each side announcing its 15-member squad. Among them are several players making their T20 World Cup debut who have the potential to single-handedly change the course of a game. Here are five such players to watch: Abhishek Sharma – IndiaSince making his T20 debut for India after the last World Cup, Abhishek Sharma has become the world’s number one T20 batsman. The 25-year-old has scored 1,297 runs in 38 matches, including two centuries and eight fifties, at a strike rate of nearly 195. Dewald Brevis – South AfricaKnown for his explosive batting, Dewald Brevis can completely shift a game’s momentum. In 21 T20 Internationals, he has sco...

Young Indian cricketer Tilak Varma made an impressive return to the field after undergoing surgery in January, starring in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match for India A against the USA. 38 Runs Off 24 BallsVarma, batting at number three, scored a quick 38 runs off 24 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. He looked comfortable at the crease, showcasing his trademark reverse sweep against spin bowlers. His innings came to an end when he was dismissed by Shubham Ranjane. Wicket with First BallTilak also contributed with the ball, taking a wicket on his very first delivery, dismissing opening batsman Andrej Goss, who was well-set on 44 runs. He bowled just one over in the match, highlighting his part-time bowling skills. With this performance, Tilak is set to join the ma...

Sri Lanka suffered a major setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 as their star fast bowler Ishan Malinga has been ruled out due to injury. Malinga dislocated his shoulder during the third T20 match against England, forcing him to sit out. The 24-year-old seamer sustained the injury in Sunday’s match at Pallekele, and Sri Lanka confirmed he will not feature in the upcoming T20 clash against England. Impressive Form: 8 Wickets in 8 MatchesMalinga has been in exceptional form in recent months, climbing the bowling rankings rapidly. After a stellar debut in the 2025 Indian Premier League, he made his international debut in November 2025. In his T20 career so far, he has claimed 8 wickets in 8 matches with an impressive strike rate of 17.1. For the third T20, Sri Lanka has not named ...

The Pakistan government’s decision to withdraw from the high-profile T20 World Cup clash against India, scheduled in Colombo on February 15, has drawn reactions from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, with many emphasizing that politics should not interfere with sports. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary stated that Pakistan’s move will have no impact on India and stressed the importance of keeping sports and politics separate. He said, “What will happen if Pakistan doesn’t play against India? The decision makes no difference to us. India is a very big country, and Pakistan’s actions do not affect us in any way.” Other local leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging that sporting ties between the two neighbours should continue wherever possible, despite the ongoin...

The India A squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches has been announced, featuring Tilak Varma and the returning Mayank Yadav. India A will play warm-up fixtures against USA on 2 February and Namibia on 6 February ahead of the tournament starting 7 February 2026. Tilak Varma Back in ActionTilak Varma, who missed India’s T20 series against New Zealand due to injury, has been included in the India A squad to gain additional match practice before the World Cup. He is fully fit and will join the main India squad following the warm-up matches. Mayank Yadav ReturnsAfter recovering from an injury sustained during IPL 2025, fast bowler Mayank Yadav makes his comeback in the India A team. Yadav has previously played three T20 internationals for India. Other Notable InclusionsAyush ...

A cloud of uncertainty has emerged over the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, threatening significant economic repercussions for Sri Lanka. If the match does not take place, experts warn that the country’s economy could face substantial losses. Colombo in TurmoilThe Pakistani government’s decision not to play against India on 15 February has sent shockwaves through Colombo’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The announcement on 2 February 2026 heightened concerns among local businesses and investors, who had been counting on the high-profile match to give a major boost to the economy. Hotels and Airlines on EdgeThe India-Pakistan match is more than just a sporting event—it represents a major financial opportunity. Months of advance bookings had been made at Colombo’s top hotels, ant...

New Delhi: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is just around the corner. Ahead of the main tournament starting February 7, the ICC has confirmed the schedule for warm-up matches, set to take place from February 2 to 6. A total of 16 practice games will be held across four cities in both host nations, giving teams a chance to fine-tune their strategies. Venues in India and Sri LankaIn India, matches will be played at: BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai In Sri Lanka, the matches will take place at: SSC Cricket Ground, Colombo R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Colombo Cricket Club Ground Tickets for high-profile warm-up matches, such as India vs South Africa in Navi Mumbai, ...

New Delhi: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is set to begin on February 7. While India is hosting, several players of Indian origin are representing other national teams. Here’s a look at five Indian-origin cricketers who could make a big impact in the tournament: 1. Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)35-year-old Keshav Maharaj, a bowling all-rounder and left-arm spinner of Indian origin, will be part of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. Maharaj’s spin bowling could be effective in Asian conditions. He has taken 43 wickets in 43 T20 internationals so far. 2. Saurabh Netravalkar (USA)Born in Mumbai, Saurabh Netravalkar is a fast bowler leading the USA team. In 41 T20 internationals, he has taken 40 wickets at an impressive average of 6.85, showcasing his poten...

New Delhi: Pakistan continues to make headlines for controversial actions ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The latest development: Pakistan has announced it will boycott its scheduled Group Stage match against India on February 15 in Sri Lanka. While the team has not publicly stated the reason, analysts suggest the decision is made in solidarity with Bangladesh. Rashid Latif Comments on ICC ReactionFormer Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif spoke to Hindustan Times Digital about the situation, saying: "I believe Pakistan made this decision last week. The timing is crucial. They deliberately delayed the announcement. The T20 World Cup is just a week away, and the political scenario in Southeast Asia has completely changed." Latif criticized the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh issu...