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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to replace Bangladesh with Scotland at the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following Bangladesh’s continued refusal to travel to India for the tournament, according to a report by Cricbuzz.

The report claims ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta formally informed board members on Saturday that Bangladesh were not complying with the governing body’s earlier decision to stick to the existing schedule.

With no breakthrough after weeks of discussions, the ICC moved to enforce its stance and extend a formal invitation to Scotland, who will now take Bangladesh’s place at the marquee event.

The decision brings an end to nearly three weeks of back-and-forth between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the ICC.

The dispute centred on Bangladesh’s refusal to play their World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns, and their insistence on relocating fixtures to Sri Lanka.

According to the report, the ICC informed the BCB via email on Friday evening after Bangladesh conveyed that its government had not granted permission for the team to travel to India for the tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7.

The matter had escalated earlier this week when the ICC Board held an emergency video conference on Wednesday.

During the meeting, a majority of directors reportedly voted in favour of replacing Bangladesh should they continue to reject the agreed schedule.

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The BCB was given until Thursday to consult its government and confirm whether it would travel to India. However, both the Bangladesh government and the board reiterated their position.

Bangladesh were drawn in Group C and were set to play their first three matches in Kolkata, followed by a group-stage fixture in Mumbai.

Security concerns first surfaced earlier this month after the BCCI, on January 3, instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad.

While no official reason was cited, the move came amid worsening diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.

A day later, the BCB formally wrote to the ICC, stating, after consultation with the government, that the national team would not travel to India for its World Cup matches, a stance it maintained despite multiple rounds of talks.

Scotland’s inclusion is understood to be based on their consistent performances in recent ICC tournaments and their current world ranking of 14.

They narrowly missed out on progression at the 2024 T20 World Cup and have registered notable wins in past editions, including victories over West Indies (2022) and Bangladesh (2021).

As per the revised arrangement, Scotland will slot into Group C, where they are scheduled to face West Indies, Italy and England in Kolkata, before travelling to Mumbai to play Nepal.

While the ICC has yet to issue an official public statement, sources quoted in the report insist the decision is final, effectively ending Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 and underlining the ICC’s firm position amid mounting geopolitical tensions.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting on 29 January.

The series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 29 January to 1 February. The games will start at 4pm PKT with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm PST.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the T20I squad after missing the three-match away series against Sri Lanka in January.

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Shadab Khan will continue to build on his comeback in the previous T20I series and will form part of a strong spin-bowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq.

Pakistan squad and player support personnel are expected to convene in Lahore on Saturday, 24 January and will begin their preparations for the series the following day.

Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 February and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for Australia series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

Player support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to visit Pakistan in the near future, reaffirming the world governing body’s commitment to supporting the development of football in the country.

Speaking to ‘Pakistan TV Digital’ on the sidelines of the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Infantino said he had already conveyed his intention to travel to Pakistan to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Infantino expressed optimism over recent changes within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), noting that a new leadership setup is in place and moving in the right direction.

“I will come to Pakistan very soon. I promised the prime minister,” Infantino said. “We now have a new president of the federation who is doing a fantastic job.”

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The FIFA president described Pakistan as a country with immense footballing potential and stressed his desire to see it rise among Asia’s leading teams.

“Pakistan is a great football country,” he said. “We need to bring Pakistan to the top of Asia for sure. We are working on that.”

Pakistan’s engagement with FIFA has seen noticeable progress in recent months. In December, FIFA appointed Pakistani lawmaker Syeda Amnah Batool to its Institutional Reforms Committee, a move seen as a step toward deeper institutional cooperation.

Earlier, in November 2025, FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa visited Pakistan, where he held meetings with football officials and government representatives to discuss the development of infrastructure and governance in the sport.

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Sydney Sixers have confirmed that Pakistan star batter Babar Azam will not feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

The Sixers made the announcement just over 24 hours before the knockout fixture, stating that Babar has been instructed to return to Pakistan to join the national team camp ahead of upcoming international commitments.

“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches,” the franchise said in a statement.

“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

The Challenger clash will determine who faces the Perth Scorchers in the BBL final, scheduled to be held in Perth on Sunday.

Babar Azam had initially been cleared to play the full tournament and was notably not selected for Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

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However, he is reportedly set to play the home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as the final preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes confirmed that the franchise had expected the Pakistan batter to be available throughout the finals.

“The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia,” Haynes said.

“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches.”

Babar Azam concludes his maiden BBL campaign with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday confirmed there would be no changes to the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule or groups despite Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka amid security concerns.

The marquee event is set to commence on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

The decision came following an ICC Board meeting earlier in the day, held to discuss Bangladesh’s participation in the mega event.

According to the global cricket governing body, the decision was taken after security threats were cleared.

“Considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials, and fans at any tournament venues in the country,” ICC said.

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“It was noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body,” the statement added.

Bangladesh are slotted in Group C alongside West Indies, Nepal, and England.

As per the original itinerary, the Tigers’ first three matches are scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with their last group stage fixture to be played in Mumbai.

For those unaware, the whole situation arose after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and had requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

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Sialkot’s newly inducted Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise has officially revealed its name ahead of the landmark season 11, confirming long-standing rumours by branding the team as Sialkot Stallionz.

The announcement was made through a 3D animated video posted on the team’s official X account.

The video introduced the franchise’s identity, with the caption:
“You guessed it. You waited. Now, I am proud to officially introduce SIALKOT STALLIONZ. Excited to be part of the Pakistan Super League journey.”

From the heart of Sialkot,
a name that carries resilience and pride.
Introducing Sialkot Stallionz. 🐎🔥#SialkotStallionz pic.twitter.com/MCyDxyS8Eg

— Sialkot Stallionz (@PSLStallionz) January 21, 2026

The name has strong domestic cricket roots, paying homage to the iconic Sialkot Stallions, a powerhouse of Pakistan’s domestic T20 cricket.

The team claimed six National T20 Cup titles between 2005 and 2012 and remains one of the most successful sides in the country’s domestic history.

Sialkot Stallions also held a world-record 25-match unbeaten run, a feat that still stands as a benchmark in Pakistan’s T20 circuit.

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The team’s legacy includes notable players such as Shoaib Malik, Imran Nazir and Haris Sohail, among others.

The newly named PSL franchise was acquired by OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan, during the historic PSL 2026 auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8.

OZ Developers won the bid with a record price of Rs 1.85 billion, securing the rights to the Sialkot franchise.

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Veteran batter Shoaib Malik has announced his retirement from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ahead of landmark season 11.

Shoaib shared the news on his social media handle, recalling cherished memories over the past decade.

“I cherish every single moment and friendship I have made on and off the field throughout my 10 years of the Pakistan Super League as a player,” he wrote.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik)

“It’s time to call it a day. However, my passion and motivation to serve for the betterment of cricket will always stay. Thank you PSL.”

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For the unversed, Shoaib Malik has been a mainstay of the PSL since its very beginning, having represented four different franchises – Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. He played his last match for Quetta Gladiators in PSL X.

He is currently the fourth-leading run-scorer in the history of the PSL, accumulating a total of 2,350 runs with an average of 33.09 across 92 games.

In addition to his batting prowess, Malik has also showcased his all-round capabilities, taking 17 wickets over the years.

Overall, Malik is the sixth-highest run getter in T20 cricket with 13571 runs to his name.  The right-hander has notched up 83 half-centuries at a strike rate of 127.24.

Besides his T20 career, Malik was a key member of Pakistan’s 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad and captained the national side in all three formats during his career.

In total, the all-rounder played 446 international matches for Pakistan, accumulating 11867 runs with the help of 12 centuries and 61 half-centuries alongside 218 scalps.

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Pakistan’s star fast bowler Haris Rauf is unlikely to be included in the national team’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to reliable sources.

According to sources, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is reportedly not keen on including Rauf in the squad for the mega-event, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Rauf, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in the Asia Cup final against India on September 28, 2025, has been out of the national T20 setup since that game.

The 32-year-old endured a difficult outing in the high-pressure final, conceding 50 runs in 3.4 overs while defending 146, a performance that raised doubts about his ability to handle crucial moments on the biggest stage.

Despite his absence from recent T20 internationals, Rauf remains Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the format, having claimed 133 wickets in 94 matches at an economy rate of 8.38.

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The fast bowler, however, has been in impressive rhythm in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, where he is currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

Rauf has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 7.96 for Melbourne Stars, a strong reminder of his potential.

Still, reports suggest that Hesson is considering alternative pace options for the World Cup, possibly prioritising bowlers with more recent T20I experience and those who have demonstrated consistency under pressure.

Pakistan’s selection process has moved to the next stage, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly having already submitted a preliminary squad list to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

However, the final squad announcement is expected in the coming days. PCB officials can make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31.

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BRISBANE: Sydney Sixers opener Babar Azam once again fell cheaply during his side’s must-win encounter against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set to chase 172, Babar Azam and Steve Smith opened the innings for Sixers with the latter fresh off a century, quickly finding his rhythm.

Smith crunched three fours off the opening over from Michael Neser, taking the total to 15 in the first over.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a full on leg delivery, handing an easy catch to mid on. The right-hander was caught for one from seven deliveries.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a fuller delivery, offering an easy catch to mid-on. He made one of seven deliveries.

Overall, Babar Azam scored 202 runs in 10 matches at an average of 25.25 with the help of two half-centuries. Notably, his strike rate remained modest at 104.12.

Sydney Sixers will need to win this match to qualify for the final four stage of the tournament and keep their title hopes alive.

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Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

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KARACHI: Pakistan TV (PTV) broke a 232-year-old first-class cricket record to register a thrilling two-run victory against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

PTV came from the back on the final day to pull off an extraordinary victory in the history of the game, successfully defending a target of just 40 runs.

With this feat, PTV became the first team in the 253-year history of first-class cricket to defend a target as low as 40, eclipsing a record that had stood unbroken for 232 years.

The contest appeared firmly tilted in SNGPL’s favour for most of the match. PTV were dismissed for 166 in their first innings, with Amad Butt’s unbeaten 46 offering the lone resistance.

SNGPL’s bowling attack was disciplined and incisive, led by Shehzad Gul’s four-wicket haul, while Shahnawaz Dahani and Sajid Khan chipped in with two wickets apiece.

In reply, SNGPL posted 238, gaining a healthy 72-run lead. Their innings was rescued by wicketkeeper-batter Saifullah Bangash, who played a counter-attacking knock of 71 after the side had slumped to 94-6.

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For PTV, left-arm spinner Ali Usman starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Amad Butt and Israr Hussain took three each to keep the deficit within reach.

However, PTV’s second innings failed to ignite, as they were bowled out for 111, setting SNGPL a seemingly straightforward target of 40.

Once again, Shehzad Gul proved the chief tormentor, tearing through the batting line-up with a five-wicket haul.

However, what followed rewrote the record book as PTV launched an improbable fightback, led by a sensational spell from Ali Usman, who ran riot to claim figures of 6 for 9.

Meanwhile, Amad Butt provided relentless support at the other end, claiming the remaining four wickets. SNGPL bundled out for just 37, handing PTV a stunning two-run victory.

The previous record for the lowest successful defence in first-class cricket dated back to 1794, when Oldfield defended a target of 41 against the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s Old Ground.

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