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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

ADELAIDE: David Warner’s valiant unbeaten half-century went in vain as Adelaide Strikers edged out Sydney Thunder by six runs in a tense Big Bash League (BBL) 15 encounter at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, ending the visitors’  playoff hopes.

After winning the toss, Warner opted to field, a decision that initially paid dividends as Sydney Thunder struck early to leave the Strikers wobbling at 19-2 inside the first two overs.

However, wicketkeeper-batter Mackenzie Harvey and Jason Sangha steadied the innings with a crucial 68-run stand for the third wicket.

Sangha was the first to depart after scoring 31 off 23 deliveries, while Harvey followed soon after with a composed 38 off 34 balls.

From there, Liam Scott anchored the lower-middle order with an unbeaten 49 off 32 balls, striking seven boundaries to lift Adelaide Strikers to a competitive 165-8 in their 20 overs.

Wes Agar was the standout bowler for Thunder with three wickets, while Nathan McAndrew picked up two.

Chasing 166, Sydney Thunder got off to a promising start through a fluent 73-run opening partnership between David Warner and Matthew Gilkes.

The stand was broken by Jamie Overton, who dismissed Gilkes for 43 off 33 balls, an innings laced with four fours and two sixes.

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Warner continued to battle at one end but found limited support as wickets fell regularly.

Nic Maddinson provided a brief spark with a brisk 21 off 14 balls before becoming Overton’s second victim.

With 44 required off the final four overs, Thunder remained in the hunt, largely due to Warner’s presence at the crease.

The equation came down to 13 runs off the final over, bowled by Luke Wood, but he restricted Thunder to just six runs.

Warner finished unbeaten on 67 off 51 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, but it was not enough to drag his side over the line.

Jamie Overton was named Player of the Match for his decisive three-wicket haul, while Lloyd Pope chipped in with two scalps.

The defeat leaves Sydney Thunder rooted to the bottom of the BBL 15 standings with just one win from seven matches.

Adelaide Strikers, meanwhile, climbed to fifth place with three victories from six games, keeping their playoff ambitions alive.

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

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka recalled Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva to the T20I squad on Tuesday for a three-match home series against Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

All-rounder De Silva has not played a T20I match since June 2024 against the Netherlands.

The 18-member squad will be led by Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka gear up for the T20 World Cup next month, which they co-host with India.

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Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series, scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11.

All matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla.

The series holds added significance as it serves as a key build-up assignment ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Sri Lanka T20i 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 reveals first three qualified bidders for PSL 11 auction

Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday that the little-known Liam Rosenior will be their new head coach on a six-year deal, replacing Enzo Maresca.

The 41-year-old said earlier Tuesday during a farewell press conference at Ligue 1 club Strasbourg that he had “verbally agreed” on the move to Stamford Bridge.

The move was rubber-stamped shortly afterwards.

“I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club,” Rosenior said in a statement on Chelsea’s website.

“This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies.

“My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies.”

Rosenior has just three years’ experience as a manager and has never coached in the Premier League.

He had been widely touted as the frontrunner to succeed Maresca since the Italian was sacked on Thursday.

Strasbourg and Chelsea are owned by the same consortium, BlueCo.

The former Hull City manager will become Chelsea’s fourth permanent boss since BlueCo took control of the Londoners in 2022.

Rosenior said he had wanted to announce the news himself in Strasbourg because of his deep feelings for the club.

“Everything is agreed, and it will probably go through in the next few hours,” he told reporters.

“I’m here because I care about this club and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”

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Liam Rosenior, whose father Leroy was also a player and then a manager, has never faced the kind of media glare that will await him in west London.

“I’m so excited about the future. I cannot lie. My whole life I’ve worked to be a coach,” he said.

“To be presented with this opportunity to manage a world-class football club is something I’ve always dreamed of.

“With that is a mixed emotion of sadness of what I’m leaving behind.”

Rosenior played in the Premier League and Championship. His clubs included Fulham, Reading and Hull City.

He worked as a coach at Derby under Phillip Cocu and Wayne Rooney.

He briefly replaced Rooney on an interim basis in 2022 and later that year took over as manager of Hull in the Championship, England’s second flight.

He was sacked after 18 months and in July 2024 was appointed by Strasbourg, who he guided to seventh place in Ligue 1 last season.

Maresca won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup during his first season at Stamford Bridge.

But tensions emerged in recent weeks and his reign came to an abrupt end on New Year’s Day.

Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane took charge of Chelsea for Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

They travel to London rivals Fulham on Wednesday.

READ: Visa concerns for Pakistan-origin players in India World Cup 2026

Cricketers of Pakistan origin or holding green passports could face significant hurdles in securing visas to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources revealed on Tuesday.

The T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka under the tournament’s hybrid model.

However, several associate nation teams, including Italy, Oman, UAE, Canada, and the USA, have players of Pakistani descent or dual nationality, and these players are reportedly encountering difficulties in the visa application process for travel to India.

According to sources, the cricket boards of these five nations have formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for guidance, but have received neither a response nor any assurance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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The situation has raised concerns among the associate boards, who fear that players with Pakistani passports or heritage may face restrictions or delays, potentially affecting team selection and preparation.

Historically, cricketers of Pakistani origin have encountered similar visa challenges, adding to the apprehension ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Officials from the concerned boards have initiated internal consultations and raised the issue collectively, emphasising the need for clarity. “Despite contacting the ICC, no guarantees have been provided so far,” sources said.

With the tournament just weeks away, uncertainty remains over whether these players will be able to participate in matches held in India.

READ: Steve Smith shatters multiple records with Sydney Ashes century

SYDNEY: Australia’s modern-day great Steve Smith produced another masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), breaking multiple records with an unbeaten century in the fifth Ashes Test against England.

Leading the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, Smith struck his first hundred of the series and remained unbeaten on 129 at stumps on day three, guiding Australia to 518 for 7 in reply to England’s 384.

The hosts ended the day with a commanding 134-run lead as Smith once again dictated terms in cricket’s oldest rivalry.

With this knock, Smith moved past England legend Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, taking his tally to 3682 runs, now trailing only Sir Don Bradman’s seemingly untouchable mark of 5028.

Most Runs in Ashes History

• Don Bradman (AUS) – 5028 runs in 37 matches

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 3682* runs in 41* matches

• Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 3636 runs in 41 matches

• Alan Border (AUS) – 3222 runs in 42 matches

• Steve Waugh (AUS) – 3173 runs in 45 matches

It also lifted him to second place on the list of most Ashes centuries, with 13 hundreds, again behind only Bradman, who scored 19.

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The century was Smith’s 18th as captain, six of which have come against England, the most by any skipper against a single opponent.

Most Ashes Hundreds

• Don Bradman (AUS) – 19

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 13

• Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 12

• Steve Waugh (AUS) – 10

• Wally Hammond & David Gower (ENG) – 9

Smith’s run aggregate against England across formats now stands at 5085, placing him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli on the list of most international runs scored against a single opponent.

Additionally, Smith has now amassed 1225 runs at the SCG at an average of just over 72, including five centuries, figures surpassed only by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Moreover, Smith also moved past Rahul Dravid to climb to seventh on the all-time list of Test centuries and is now just one hundred shy of equalling Kumar Sangakkara.

Most Test Hundreds

• Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 51

• Jacques Kallis (SA) – 45

• Ricky Ponting (AUS)/Joe Root (ENG) – 41

• Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 38

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 37

• Rahul Dravid (IND) – 36

READ: PCB unveils fourth qualified bidder for PSL 11 auction

SYDNEY: Run-machine Travis Head hit a swashbuckling 163 and Steve Smith a composed unbeaten 129 as Australia built a 134-run lead over England to seize control on day three of the fifth and final Ashes Test on Tuesday.

It was a destructive opener Head’s third ton of the series, to go with the phenomenal match-winning 123 he made in Perth and 170 at Adelaide.

Smith was equally impressive, with his first hundred of the series driving the hosts to 518-7 by stumps at a packed Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in reply to England’s 384.

Beau Webster was alongside him on 42 at the close.

Australia lead the series 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes, with England desperate for another morale-boosting win after victory at the previous Test in Melbourne.

Head brought up three figures off just 105 balls and seemed destined to score 200.

But he came undone in the third over after lunch by the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell, who was bowling for the first time in the series.

In his second over, Bethell trapped the 32-year-old lbw attempting a sweep shot to end a magnificent knock.

Skipper Smith treated Bethell with contempt, launching him for a big six on his way to a 37th Test hundred.

It was Smith’s 13th Ashes century to move past England legend Jack Hobbs. Only Donald Bradman with 19 has more.

Usman Khawaja, in his 88th and last Test after announcing his retirement, fell lbw to Brydon Carse for 17 while Alex Carey made 16 before Josh Tongue enticed an edge.

Nightwatchman Michael Neser made 24 and Cameron Green 37.

Head resumed on 91 and Neser on one after Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) were out on Monday.

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Head clattered an early midwicket boundary off Ben Stokes and reached three figures with his 17th four, crunched through the covers from Tongue, windmilling his bat in celebration.

It was his 12th century and first in Sydney to cement his reputation as one of the game’s most versatile batsmen.

Head only moved to the top of the order in the second innings of the first Test in Perth due to Khawaja’s back injury, but he has made the position his own.

With his hundred secure, he banged three straight fours off Matthew Potts then had a massive let-off on 121 when he pulled Carse and Will Jacks dropped a sitter near the ropes.

Neser ably stuck around for 90 balls to foil England, who wasted their last two reviews on him.

Batting like a top-order batsman, he smacked four boundaries before getting a thin edge to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith off Carse.

Smith, on 12, was dropped at leg slip by Zak Crawley but safely made it to lunch and passed 50 with a drive down the ground.

When Khawaja departed, Carey produced a series of textbook strokes before being dismissed in similar fashion to his last two Tests.

Unruffled, Smith slammed Stokes to the ropes for four to put Australia in the lead for the first time and, steely eyed, kept going to yet another stylish century.

All-rounder Green came into the Test under increasing pressure after failing to fire with either bat or ball through the series, with his automatic selection being questioned.

He produced a glorious cover drive and a big six to show flashes of what he can do.

But he then needlessly spooned Carse to Ben Duckett in the deep to throw away his wicket.

READ: PCB unveils fourth qualified bidder for PSL 11 auction