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COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday announced a 15- member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to commence on February 7.

The event will run until March 8, with Sri Lanka jointly hosting it alongside India.

All-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who was named as their skipper in their preliminary squad in December, will captain the team.

Overall, the squad is balanced with several experienced inductees. The batting lineup will be bolstered by Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Pathum Nissanka.

Whereas the bowling lineup comprises fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Dushmantha Chameera, who will be strongly supported by ace spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

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Notably, the Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, who was called up for the England series, has been left out, with in-form batter Pavan Rathnayake taking his place.

The 2014 champions are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign on February 8 against Ireland, followed by a fixture against Oman on Feb 12.

They will face Australia on Feb 16, with their final group-stage fixture against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

Sri Lanka’s group stage fixtures:

February 8: v Ireland, Colombo

February 12: v Oman, Pallekele

February 16: v Australia, Pallekele

February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo

READ: T20 World Cup: $500m at stake if Pakistan skips India clash

Pakistan’s boycott of the high-stakes India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 could lead to substantial losses for Indian broadcasters and disrupt the global cricket landscape.

A day earlier, the government of Pakistan approved the men’s cricket team’s participation in the T20 World Cup after weeks of uncertainty, but instructed them not to take the field against India on 15 February.

According to a report by NDTV, the overall commercial worth of a single India-Pakistan T20 fixture is estimated at around $500 millions (approximately Rs 450 billion), encompassing broadcast rights, advertising premiums, sponsorship activations, tickets, and related commercial activities.

The report further states that advertising slots during an India-Pakistan T20 match are priced at around Rs 2.5 million and Rs 4 million for a 10-second spot, which is higher than for knockout fixtures featuring India against other top teams.

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One of the major sufferings would be borne by the official broadcast rights holder, with advertising revenue from India and Pakistan alone projected at Rs 3 billion, the report cites.

Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to incur an immediate loss of approximately Rs 2 billion.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif has highlighted the rationale for not playing India and how the decision could affect finances.

“Whether it is in India or Pakistan, 60–70 percent of people watch the World Cup because of India-Pakistan matches,” he said during an exclusive interview with Times of India.

“When a market of this size is shaken, the impact is not limited to one broadcaster,” Latif added. “India is affected, the BCCI is affected, and ultimately the ICC is also affected.”

He further noted that the decision will also impact Australia and England.

“Now that Pakistan has joined, it will impact Australia and England financially as well,” he concluded.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan squad touches down in Sri Lanka for T20 World Cup

COLOMBO: The Pakistan cricket team on Monday reached Sri Lanka for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7.

In a post on X, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the team’s arrival in Sri Lanka.

“The national squad reached Colombo from Lahore. The team will take rest tommorow and will play a warm-up fixture against Ireland on February 4,” the caption of the post read.

The 15-member squad, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, includes key names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, as Pakistan begin preparations for their opening match of the tournament.

The T20 World Cup is set to begin on Feb 7 across Sri Lanka and India.

 

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The Green Shirts are scheduled to play a warm-up game against Ireland on 4 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

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The same venue will also host Pakistan’s first two group-stage fixtures, where the 2009 champions will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, followed by a clash against the USA on 10 February.

Pakistan’s third group match will be against Namibia on 18 February.

However, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will remain overshadowed by the political situation surrounding the high-profile clash against India.

The Green Shirts are set to boycott their group-stage match against arch-rivals India on 15 February, following directives issued by the Government of Pakistan.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

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

READ: Is T20 World Cup in India to be moved amid Nipah virus outbreak?

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India; however, reports are swirling over potential schedule changes due to the Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal.

Last week, Indian media reported an outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, prompting authorities to quarantine around 100 people as part of an emergency health response.

The Nipah virus is a bat-borne zoonotic disease — it can be spread from animals to humans, and is regarded as particularly lethal, with high fatality rates in severe cases.

Concerns about the virus intensified after several media outlets reported that England and Australia had advised against travel to India due to the outbreak.

However, the reports were downplayed after the Indian Ministry of Health released an official statement.

“Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were undertaken through coordinated efforts of Central and State health agencies, which ensured timely containment of the cases,” the Ministry said in an official statement.

“No additional Nipah Virus Disease cases have been detected so far. The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place,” it added.

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The official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also rejected any proposal to relocate the T20 World Cup fixtures.

“We take any potential health risk seriously, especially ahead of major tournaments. At this stage, we have not identified any credible threat. If the situation changes, decisions will be taken in consultation with local authorities and the government,” a BCCI official told an Indian sports outlet.

“There is absolutely no question of moving matches away from Kolkata,” he added.

The official also dismissed concerns about the virus and stated that no discussions had been held about the intact mega-event schedule.

“Everything is safe at the moment. If the government or local administration advises otherwise, we will respond accordingly. For now, there is no discussion about changing World Cup plans due to Nipah virus concerns,” he concluded.

READ: Bids roll in for Multan Sultans ahead of PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The ownerless franchise of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Multan Sultans has received six bids ahead of the auction, the league’s social media handle confirmed on Monday.

The announcement was made via PSL’s social media accounts, revealing the total number of bidders for the franchise auction.

“The numbers are in. Six bids submitted for Multan Sultans,” the caption of the post read.

On 14 January 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally initiated the process to sell the ownership rights of the PSL franchise Multan Sultans, issuing an advertisement inviting interested parties to submit bids for the auction.

The PCB confirmed that bids are being sought for the franchise rights of the 2021 PSL champions. The deadline for submitting documents for the technical proposal was originally set for January 30 and was later moved forward.

The process began after the departure of Multan Sultans’ former owner, Ali Tareen, who announced in November that he was stepping away from the franchise.

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The reason for Tareen’s departure was strained relations with the PCB that had persisted for over a year, ultimately reaching a point of no return.

Subsequently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board would assume control of the franchise upon expiry of the existing ownership agreement on December 31, 2025.

The initial plan was for the PCB to operate the team for a year before auctioning it in 2027.

However, strong valuations achieved in the recent auction are understood to have encouraged the PCB to proceed with the sale of Multan Sultans earlier than planned.

The landmark auction, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre last month, saw FKS Group and OZ Developers acquire the newly added franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot for Rs1.75 billion and Rs1.85 billion, respectively, expanding the PSL to eight teams from season 11.

For the unversed, the PSL 11 is set to kick off from 26 March with the auction to take place on 11 February.

READ: Lahore Qalandars’ David Wiese set to miss PSL 11

Lahore Qalandars on Monday confirmed that experienced all-rounder David Wiese will not take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 due to unforeseen circumstances and important family commitments.

The franchise, in an official statement, said it fully respects Wiese’s decision to prioritise his family and expressed hope that the veteran will return in future editions of the league.

Wiese has been associated with Lahore Qalandars for the past seven seasons, building a strong bond with the franchise and its fanbase.

The South African-born all-rounder has played a key role in the Qalandars’ rise in the PSL, contributing with both bat and ball and also serving as a senior figure within the team’s leadership group.

The Qalandars highlighted Wiese’s calmness under pressure and his mentorship of younger players as major factors behind his long-standing importance to the side.

“David has been an integral part of the Lahore Qalandars family and our leadership group for many years. His contributions extend far beyond on-field performances,” Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana said.

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“We fully respect his decision to prioritise his family at this time and look forward to welcoming him back in the coming seasons,” he added.

David Wiese, while sharing his sentiments, described his time with Lahore Qalandars as more than just cricket and thanked the franchise and supporters for their love over the years.

“Being part of Lahore Qalandars has been more than just cricket; it’s been a family,” Wiese said.

“The brotherhood within the team, the positive and supportive environment, and the passion everyone brings every day make this franchise truly special,” he added.

The all-rounder also said the respect he received from the Qalandars camp and fans, including being affectionately called ‘Murshad,’ is something he will always cherish, while reaffirming his intention to return in the coming seasons.

“I’m proud to have been part of a group that values teamwork, growth, and the spirit of the game, and I look forward to returning and contributing to the team’s journey in the seasons ahead,” Wiese concluded.

READ: Shahid Afridi comments on Pakistan’s boycott of India in T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday weighed in on the federal government’s decision to boycott the national team’s group-stage clash against arch-rivals India in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

On Sunday, the government confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the 20-team tournament but will not take the field against India on 15 February.

The decision came shortly after a key meeting between Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, following which the final stance regarding Pakistan’s participation and match commitments was clarified.

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Reacting to the development, Shahid Afridi took to the social media platform X and reiterated his long-standing view that cricket has historically served as a bridge between nations even when political ties remain strained.

“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the T20 World Cup, but I stand behind my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote.

The former all-rounder also urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take responsibility and demonstrate fairness through action, not just statements.

“This is the moment for the ICC to lead and prove, through decisions rather than statements, that it is committed to fairness,” he added.

READ: Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka to partake in T20 World Cup 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team on Monday departed for Sri Lanka to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played from 7 February to 8 March.

The 15-member squad, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, includes key names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, as Pakistan begin preparations for their opening match of the tournament.

Pakistan will spend the first two days in Sri Lanka resting after travel before turning their focus to match readiness.

The Green Shirts are scheduled to play a warm-up game against Ireland on 4 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

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The same venue will also host Pakistan’s first two group-stage fixtures, where the 2009 champions will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, followed by a clash against the USA on 10 February.

Pakistan’s third group match will be against Namibia on 18 February.

However, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will remain overshadowed by the political situation surrounding the high-profile clash against India.

The Green Shirts are set to boycott their group-stage match against arch-rivals India on 15 February, following directives issued by the Government of Pakistan.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

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

READ: Usman Khawaja backs Usman Tariq amid “chucking” controversy

Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has come out in support of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq following a controversial incident during the second T20I against Australia.

During the game, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture widely interpreted as questioning Tariq’s bowling action.

The incident occurred after Green, who had been looking in control at the crease, was dismissed for 35 runs off Tariq’s delivery, caught by Shadab Khan.

Broadcast cameras captured Green making a gesture that many fans and analysts took as implying an illegal action, or “chucking.”

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This is not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. The spinner was reported during PSL 9 and 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

While Green has not publicly addressed the gesture, Khawaja, who played alongside him for Australia, expressed his support for Tariq on Instagram, sharing the views of cricket journalist Paul Dennett.

“There aren’t many things worse than being called a ‘chucker’ in cricket,” Usman Khawaja wrote.

“The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions.”

Usman Tariq has previously explained that the natural bend in his elbows can create confusion for spectators.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: Novak Djokovic hints at retirement after Australian Open loss

Novak Djokovic leaves the Australian Open still stuck on 24 Grand Slam titles and with fresh doubts about how many more tries he will have at winning an outright-record 25th.

The 38-year-old, Djokovic, has consistently dismissed talk of retirement and said he is eyeing the defence of his Olympic gold at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

But after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the final on Sunday, the Serb suggested he may not be back in Melbourne.

“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months,” he told the crowd at Rod Laver Arena. “So it has been a great ride. I love you guys.”

Djokovic has won a record 10 Australian Opens and until Sunday had never lost a final there.

But for all his success, Djokovic has not always had an easy relationship with the Melbourne fans.

“I want to just say in the end that you guys, particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia,” he said.

“That much love, support, positivity. I tried to give you back with good tennis over the years.”

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It had the ring of a farewell speech and did not appear to have been just an emotional response to defeat. He said he had prepared two speeches, one for winning and the other for losing.

Novak Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023, drawing him level with the Australian Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list.

But age and injuries, plus the emergence of world number one Alcaraz and number two Jannik Sinner, have left him unable to win another.

Before Sunday, his previous Grand Slam final had been in 2024, when he lost the Wimbledon decider, again to Alcaraz.

Last year, he reached the semi-finals of all four majors but got no further, with Alcaraz and Sinner sharing the spoils.

He rolled back the years to defeat Sinner, 14 years his junior, in a five-set semi-final marathon in Melbourne.

But after Djokovic won the first set, the 22-year-old Alcaraz took a stranglehold on the final to sweep to victory 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

Underlining where Djokovic is now in the pecking order of men’s tennis, he admitted he had not expected to reach another major final.

READ: Pakistan Shaheens squad announced for series against England Lions