Author: A Sports

DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday revealed that they are in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking a “practical” solution to move the national team’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India.

India forced Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman to quit the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, prompting anger in Dhaka.

With ties tense between the two countries, Bangladesh wants the ICC to shift their World Cup games from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

The World Cup begins on February 7 and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four group matches in India.

Senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official Nazmul Abedeen Fahim told AFP on Wednesday that talks were ongoing with the ICC “regarding security issues”.

A BCB statement said it would “continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities”, seeking an “affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team”.

The ICC have not commented.

Bangladesh international Mustafizur was snapped up at IPL auction in December by the Kolkata Knight Riders for more than $1 million.

But he was let go on the Indian cricket board’s “advice” after what it called “recent developments”.

Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.

India’s foreign ministry last month condemned what it called “unremitting hostility against minorities” in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating the scale of the violence.

The BCB on Wednesday said it was “firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being” of the team.

READ: Nasir Hossain’s 90* powers Dhaka past Noakhali in BPL 2026

SYLHET: An imperious unbeaten knock from Nasir Hossain guided Dhaka Capitals to a commanding seven-wicket victory over winless Noakhali Express in a one-sided Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 clash here on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest target of 134, Dhaka suffered an early wobble as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdullah Al Mamun departed cheaply, leaving the Capitals struggling at 14 for two.

However, Nasir Hossain steadied the innings with a decisive third-wicket partnership alongside Irfaan Shukkur, adding 59 runs to wrest control back from Noakhali.

Shukkur contributed 12 off 11 deliveries before falling to Zahir Khan, but Nasir found an able partner in Imad Wasim thereafter.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

The pair stitched together an unbeaten 61-run stand, comfortably steering Dhaka to victory with 35 balls to spare.

Nasir was the standout performer, finishing unbeaten on 90 off 50 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and two sixes. Imad provided brisk support, scoring 29 off just 16 deliveries to seal the chase emphatically.

Earlier, Noakhali Express endured another difficult outing with the bat after being sent in. Their innings faltered early as they slipped to 40 for five inside 10 overs.

Skipper Haider Ali and Mohammad Nabi then attempted a rescue act, adding 90 runs for the sixth wicket to lift their side to a respectable total.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Haider scored 47 off 36 balls, including three fours and a six, before being dismissed in the final over, while Nabi remained unbeaten on 42 off 33, striking two fours and two sixes.

Despite the late recovery, Noakhali could only manage 133 for six in their 20 overs.

Dhaka Capitals’ bowling effort was a collective one, with Imad Wasim, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Ziaur Rahman, Nasir Hossain and Abdullah Al Mamun all picking up a wicket apiece.

The victory marks Dhaka Capitals’ second win from five matches, placing them fifth on the points table.

Noakhali Express, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom, still searching for their first win after five outings in their debut season.

READ: Weather forecast for Dambulla ahead of first Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I

DAMBULLA: The stage is set for the first T20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Wednesday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), kicking off the cricketing year 2026.

Concerns had emerged over the Dambulla weather after persistent rain on Tuesday forced Pakistan to cancel their training session, casting doubts over whether showers could interfere with the series opener.

The stadium was fully covered as captains Salman Ali Agha and Dasun Shanaka unveiled the series trophy ahead of the match.

Weather forecasts, however, suggest a largely playable day in Dambulla.

Temperatures are expected to hover around 22°C, with a RealFeel of 21°C. Humidity is high at 73%, giving the air a slightly heavy feel, but no rain is expected.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Skies are fully overcast with 100% cloud cover, which may dim natural light, though visibility remains strong at 11 km, and mist or fog is not anticipated thanks to a high cloud ceiling of 9,100 metres.

Northeasterly winds at 13 km/h, gusting up to 32 km/h, could influence some bowling and fielding moments.

The remaining two T20Is of the series are scheduled at the same venue on January 9 and 11.

Historically, Pakistan leads the head-to-head record, having won 16 of 27 T20Is against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.

READ: PCB forwards proposed T20I schedule to Cricket Australia: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared a proposed schedule for the Australia men’s team’s upcoming T20I tour, sources confirmed on Wednesday, as both sides gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, the PCB has forwarded two draft schedules to Cricket Australia (CA) for a three-match series, suggesting that the visitors could arrive in Pakistan on either January 26 or 27, with departure planned for February 2 or 3.

The proposed format envisions two back-to-back fixtures, followed by a one-day break before the final T20I.

Two of the three matches are expected to be scheduled over the weekend, with tentative dates set for January 29, 31, and February 1 for the concluding clash.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Historically, Pakistan and Australia have met 28 times in T20Is, with the Kangaroos winning 14 matches and the Green Shirts securing 12 victories. One match ended in a tie, while another produced no result.

Currently, Pakistan’s men in green are in Sri Lanka for their first international assignment of the year, facing the hosts in a three-match T20I series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS).

The series begins today, with the remaining matches scheduled for January 9 and 11.

The Sri Lanka series also serves as crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will run from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka.

READ: PCB unveils eight qualified bidders ahead of PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday moved closer to expanding the Pakistan Super League (PSL), unveiling eight of the ten qualified bidders for the auction of two new teams ahead of season 11.

The board has been revealing each bidder individually through the league’s official social media channels since Monday, with the final two bidders expected to be announced later on Wednesday.

The highly anticipated auction is scheduled for Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, as the upcoming edition of the PSL is set to run from March 26 to May 3.

Inverex Solar Energy was the first bidder revealed, followed by OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile.

Subsequent announcements introduced Jazz, DSM, i2c, Prism Estate & Builders, while Walee emerged as the eighth qualified bidder.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: Star pacer named in New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad

KATHMANDU: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has revealed the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with experienced all-rounder Rohit Paudel named captain.

Paudel, who will be leading Nepal in their second T20 World Cup appearance, will be supported by fellow all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee as vice-captain.

The squad features a strong spin contingent led by Sandeep Lamichhane, accompanied by left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, with Airee and Basir Ahamad providing additional spin options.

All-rounders form the core of Nepal’s line-up, with Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami adding depth to both batting and bowling.

The batting unit is anchored by Kushal Bhurtel at the top, with Aasif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Sundeep Jora, and Nandan Yadav rounding out a flexible middle and lower order.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Nepal’s pace attack will be led by Sompal Kami and Karan KC, supported by Nandan Yadav and Sher Malla, giving the side a balanced bowling attack across formats.

For the unversed, Nepal are drawn in Group C and will open their campaign against two-time champions England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 8.

Their remaining group-stage fixtures, against Italy, West Indies, and Bangladesh, will also take place at the same venue on February 12, 15, and 17.

Nepal made their T20 World Cup debut in 2024 in the tournament co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA but failed to advance past the group stage, losing all four of their matches.

Nepal squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla and Lokesh Bam.

READ: Jacob Bethell slams maiden ton to leave final Ashes Test on knife edge

AUCKLAND: New Zealand on Wednesday confirmed their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

The announcement comes as pace spearhead Jacob Duffy prepares for his first senior World Cup, after earning 106 T20I caps and finishing 2025 in sensational form.

Duffy, currently the world’s second-ranked T20I bowler, ended the year with 81 international wickets across 36 matches at an astonishing average of 17, surpassing Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year record of 79 wickets in a single calendar year.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BLACKCAPS (@blackcapsnz)

The squad retains a familiar core, with pacers Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, and pace-bowling all-rounder Jimmy Neesham forming a potent seam attack.

Spin responsibilities will primarily rest on captain Mitchell Santner, with Ish Sodhi as the lone specialist spinner, while all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra provide depth with both bat and ball.

New Zealand’s batting line-up features a strong mix of experience and explosive firepower.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and wicket-keeper Tim Seifert, fresh off a prolific Big Bash League campaign with the Melbourne Renegades.

The squad also accounts for potential short-term absences, with Ferguson and Henry expected to take paternity leave during the tournament. Kyle Jamieson will travel as a pace-bowling reserve to provide cover.

New Zealand have been drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE, opening their campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.

READ: Bangladesh risk forfeiting points over T20 World Cup matches in India

Bangladesh could face serious consequences if they opt out of travelling to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with reports suggesting the team may be forced to forfeit points if they fail to fulfil their fixtures.

According to ESPNcricinfo, differing versions have emerged following a virtual meeting between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held on Tuesday.

The call was convened after the BCB formally approached the ICC on Sunday, requesting that Bangladesh’s matches scheduled in India be shifted to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

Reports claim the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request and conveyed during the meeting that the team would need to travel to India to participate in the tournament.

Failure to do so, the ICC reportedly warned, could result in Bangladesh forfeiting points in the competition.

However, the BCB has denied receiving any such ultimatum, insisting that no formal instruction or threat of sanctions was communicated by the ICC during the discussion.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As of now, neither the ICC nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an official statement clarifying the outcome of the meeting.

The situation has escalated amid heightened tensions following the abrupt release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

Mustafizur was picked up in the December auction for INR 9.2 crore before being released on reported directives from the BCCI, a move that prompted a strong reaction from the BCB and is believed to have triggered its approach to the ICC.

The uncertainty comes less than a month before the start of the 20-team T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Bangladesh have been placed in Group C and are slated to play their opening three matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14.

They will wrap up their group-stage campaign against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

READ: Mustafizur Rahman registers for PSL 11 after IPL snub

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has signed up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 following his release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The left-arm pacer’s registration was confirmed by the league through its official social media platforms, where a banner featuring Mustafizur was shared to welcome him to what the PSL termed the “new era” of the tournament.

“Batters better shake carefully… its going to Fizz in the #NewEra. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11!” the league captioned the post.

The post highlighted his vast international experience, which includes 15 Tests, 116 ODIs and 126 T20Is for Bangladesh.

Mustafizur’s move to the PSL comes in the backdrop of a turbulent few days for the bowler, who was recently released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2026 season.

The decision was reportedly taken on directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparking controversy in Bangladesh.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded strongly to the development, with the country’s youth and sports adviser Asif Nazrul stating on Sunday that the board would seek an explanation over Mustafizur’s sudden exclusion from the IPL.

The issue has since escalated beyond cricket, with the BCB announcing that Bangladesh’s men’s team will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns.

Adding to the strained situation, Bangladesh’s government earlier this week announced a ban on the broadcast and coverage of the IPL within the country.

READ: Key player returns as Sri Lanka name squad for Pakistan T20Is

HARARE: Pakistan’s rising star Sameer Minhas etched his name in history on Tuesday, smashing the record fastest century in Youth ODIs during the U19 tri-series final against Zimbabwe at Old Hararians.

The 19-year-old opener reached the milestone in just 42 balls, breaking India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s previous record of 52 balls set last year against England.

Minhas, who had also scored a 56-ball hundred against the UAE in last December’s ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, went on to finish unbeaten on 114 off just 51 deliveries, hitting 17 fours and five sixes.

His blazing innings powered Pakistan to a comfortable seven-wicket victory while chasing Zimbabwe’s modest total of 159, securing the tri-series with 202 balls to spare.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Earlier, Zimbabwe, put in to bat by Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf, managed 158 in 44.4 overs.

Michael Blignaut’s patient half-century could not prevent Umar Zaib-led Pakistan’s attack from running through the Chevrons’ line-up.

Zaib was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for 20 runs in seven overs, while Abdul Subhan took two. Mohammad Sayyam, Ahmed Hussain, and Daniyal Ali Khan contributed one wicket each.

Fastest centuries in U19 ODIs

• Sameer Minhas (Pakistan) – 42 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2026
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) – 52 balls vs England, 2025
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) – 56 balls vs UAE, 2025
• Qasim Akram (Pakistan) – 63 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2022
• Jayden Draper (Australia) – 65 balls vs India, 2025

READ: Mustafizur Rahman registers for PSL 11 after IPL snub