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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to back down from its decision not to send the national men’s team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejecting its request to relocate matches to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh have consistently raised concerns over the safety and security of their players in India and have demanded that their fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament.

However, the ICC has remained unmoved, insisting that the World Cup schedule will not be altered so close to the start of the event.

Following an ICC board meeting on Wednesday, BCB president Aminul Islam revealed that Bangladesh had been warned of replacement if they refused to travel to India.

Despite the firm stance from the global body, Islam said he had requested additional time to consult the Bangladesh government before taking a final call.

“I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time,” Aminul said. “They said it’s a valid point and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them.”

The BCB president acknowledged the ICC’s position but reiterated Bangladesh’s concerns, stressing that the board does not believe India is a safe destination for its players.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the government. We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka,” he added.

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Aminul also confirmed that Bangladesh players are scheduled to meet the country’s sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, on Thursday afternoon as discussions intensify behind the scenes.

While holding firm on the security issue, Aminul admitted that all stakeholders in Bangladesh want the team to participate in the World Cup and expressed hope that the ICC might still reconsider.

“I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC,” he said.

“The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup. But a government doesn’t only consider players, it considers everything when taking a decision.”

In a statement issued after the board meeting, the ICC said Bangladesh’s request was rejected after extensive security assessments, including independent reviews.

“The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, officials, media personnel or fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” the ICC said.

The governing body added that making changes at this stage was not feasible and warned that altering the schedule without a credible security threat could set a dangerous precedent for future ICC events.

READ: Babar Azam thanks Sydney Sixers fans after BBL 15 exit

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has expressed gratitude to Sydney Sixers fans and teammates after his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) campaign came to an early end due to national team commitments.

The Sixers confirmed on Thursday that Babar will not be available for the Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes on Friday, with the right-hander required to return to Pakistan to join the national camp ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Babar had initially been cleared to play the full BBL season and was notably left out of Pakistan’s recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

However, he is now expected to be part of Pakistan’s home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as a crucial build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Pakistan batter wrapped up his first BBL stint with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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While it was a challenging tournament statistically, Babar remained upbeat about his experience in Australian conditions and his time with the Sixers.

“First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time,” Babar said in a farewell message.

“Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty. I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot.”

Babar Azam also reserved special praise for the Sixers’ supporters, highlighting the atmosphere at the SCG as one of the standout aspects of his stint.

“Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans there is always support there, lot of support, lot of encourage (sic), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much,” he added.

READ: T20 World Cup schedule intact as ICC rejects Bangladesh plea

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.

READ: Real Madrid top football rich list as world’s wealthiest club

Real Madrid stayed top of football’s rich list as Liverpool outstripped their English rivals for the first time, according to Deloitte’s Money League study on Thursday.

Spanish giants Madrid generated nearly 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in revenue in the 2024/25 season despite failing to win a major trophy.

The refurbishment of the club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium into a multi-purpose venue continues to pay rich dividends — Madrid’s 594 million euros of commercial revenues alone would be enough for a place in the top 10.

Barcelona climbed back into second place in Deloitte’s table (975 million euros) despite delays forcing them to play the whole season away from the Camp Nou, which is still being redeveloped.

Bayern Munich were third on the list (861 million euros), marginally ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, whose income was boosted by winning the Champions League for the first time.

The rest of the top 10 is dominated by Premier League clubs, with Liverpool leading the English contingent for the first time.

An expansion of Anfield, plus a return to the Champions League and winning the Premier League title, boosted the Reds’ revenue to 836 million euros.

Manchester City and Manchester United both slipped down the list.

Pep Guardiola’s City fell from second to sixth after an early exit from the Champions League and a third-placed Premier League finish following four consecutive titles.

United dropped behind Arsenal to eighth after missing out on the Champions League and finishing 15th in the Premier League.

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Together, the 20 top-earning clubs in Europe reported an 11 percent increase in revenues to 12.4 billion euros.

“It is no coincidence that the clubs in the top half of the ranking are those with the ability to focus on commercial revenue development, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group.

“There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets.

“The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations.”

The first 32-team Club World Cup had an impact, helping lift Bayern into the top three for the first time since 2020/21, while Benfica, in 19th spot on the 20-team list, are the first entrant outside the traditional “big five” leagues of England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France in four years.

Arsenal were the highest-earning women’s team for the first time after winning the Champions League.

The Gunners, with revenues of 25.6 million euros, edged out London rivals Chelsea and Barcelona.

READ: Harry Kane double fires Bayern Munich into Champions League last 16

Harry Kane scored twice in three second-half minutes as Bayern Munich saw off Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Bayern joined Arsenal in sealing a top-eight finish in the 36-team table with a game to spare, avoiding a potential two-legged knockout play-off round.

The six-time European champions sit second in the standings behind Arsenal ahead of their last league-phase outing at PSV Eindhoven next week.

Kane headed in from a corner before winning and converting a penalty to put the hosts firmly in control.

The England captain had a chance for a hat-trick but missed a late spot-kick, after Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae had been dismissed for a second yellow card.

Bayern’s Champions League defeat at Arsenal remains their only loss in all competitions this season, in which they have also already opened up an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga.

Kane’s second goal was his 34th of the campaign, bringing Bayern’s total tally to 103 strikes from 29 games.

Bayern Munich were sluggish in the opening half, perhaps unsettled by the absence of their 9,300-strong ultra contingent, with the lower stand closed due to a UEFA sanction for setting off pyrotechnics.

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The best chance of the opening half fell to Belgian champions Union SG.

With half an hour played, an unmarked Promise David got away from the Bayern defence and had just Neuer to beat, but headed his effort directly at the goalkeeper.

Bayern needed a set-piece to break the deadlock with 52 minutes gone.

Michael Olise lofted the ball into the six-yard area, and Kane found space at the near post to head his side in front.

One minute later, Kane was felled by Union’s keeper Kjell Scherpen and stepped up to double Bayern’s lead.

Kim, handed a rare start with Dayot Upamecano out sick, was sent off in the 63rd minute, picking up a second yellow for yanking Raul Florucz’s arm as the winger went on the attack.

But the red card did not disrupt Bayern’s flow.

Kane uncharacteristically blasted a penalty against the bar with 10 minutes left, while Olise chipped another opportunity over with just Scherpen to beat.

READ: Mujeeb’s hat-trick powers Afghanistan to series win over West Indies

DUBAI: Afghanistan sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series with a commanding 39-run victory over West Indies, thanks to a hat-trick-laden four-wicket haul from Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Set a daunting 190 run target here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, West Indies batting lineup faltered and were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs.

West Indies’ chase started on a shaky note as Alick Athanaze was run out in the second over for eight.

After an early wicket, Evin Lewis and skipper Brandon King revived the chase with a 29-run partnership.

However, Mujeeb ran through the middle order as he picked up both Lewis and Johnson Charles in successive deliveries to leave himself on a T20I hat-trick.

As a result, the West Indies were reduced to 38-3 in eight overs.

With the team in deep trouble, Shimron Hetmyer joined hands with Brandon King, and together they steadied the West Indies ship with a 68-run partnership from 33 balls.

The pair launched a recovery and brought the total to 106 in 13.3 overs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi broke the threatening stand with Hetmyer’s wicket, who was caught after scoring 46 from just 17, which included six maximums.

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Mujeeb came back to bowl his final over and picked up Brandon King’s wicket to complete a hat-trick, and then followed it by cleaning Quentin Sampson.

King top-scored with 50 off 41 balls, striking four sixes and two fours.

His spell broke the back of West Indies batting lineup and handed Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match to spare.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb was the pick of the bowlers, returning with figures of 4 for 21.

Earlier, put into bat first, Afghanistan racked up 189-4 in their allotted 20 overs.

After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1) and Ibrahim Zadran(220) in the first five overs, Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli stabilized the innings.

Both batters display authority at the crease, stitching an imperious 115-run stand to power their side to a commanding total.

Atal hit three sixes and two fours, whereas Rasooli’s 68 from 39 was laced with three sixes and five fours.

For West Indies, Matthew Forde took two wickets.

The third and final T20I of the series will be played on Thursday.

READ: Williamson, Neesham, Fernando steer Rajshahi into BPL final

Opener Abhishek Sharma struck 84 off 35 balls to set up a convincing 48-run win for India in the first of five T20 internationals against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Abhishek smashed eight sixes to get India off to a flying start before a late unbeaten cameo of 44 by Rinku Singh helped the hosts reach 238-7 after being invited to bat first in Nagpur.

New Zealand could only muster 190-7 in response as regular wickets helped India take a 1-0 lead in the warm-up series ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Glenn Phillips hit a valiant 78 off 40 balls and briefly threatened a fightback in his 79-run partnership with Mark Chapman, who made 39.

But Phillips’ exit in the 14th over off left-arm spinner Axar Patel ended New Zealand’s hopes despite a sloppy fielding display by the hosts.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy took two key wickets including Tim Robinson, for 21, and Chapman.

Shivam Dube also took two wickets in two balls with his medium pace in the final over.

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Abhishek was in fine flow despite India losing two early wickets — his fellow opener Sanju Samson for 10 and Ishan Kishan, back in the side for the first time since 2023, for eight.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav put on 99 runs for the third wicket with Abhishek, making a 22-ball 32.

Suryakumar, 35, started slowly but gained some momentum as he attempts to end his recent slump in form ahead of the World Cup.

Suryakumar, formerly the ICC’s top-ranked T20I batter, has failed to score a fifty in his 23 innings in the format dating back to October 2024.

He holed out off the left-arm spin of his opposite number Mitchell Santner.

Abhishek kept up the charge and raced to his seventh T20 fifty for India in 22 balls, but finally fell to Ish Sodhi after he mistimed a hit to long-on.

India lost a couple more quick wickets and the run-scoring dipped before Rinku cracked three sixes and four fours in his 20-ball knock to finish with a flourish.

The second match is on Friday in Raipur.

READ: Williamson, Neesham, Fernando steer Rajshahi into BPL final

MIRPUR: James Neesham’s brisk knock and Kane Williamson’s composed innings, complemented by Binura Fernando’s four-wicket haul propelled Rajshahi Warriors into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 final with a victory over Sylhet Titans here at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 166, Titans’ batting lineup struggled and could eventually muster 153-8 at the end of their innings.

Binura Fernando inflicted a poor start on Titans as they lost the opener, Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam for a duck.

As a result, Sylhet Titans were reduced to 7-2 in 2.4 overs.

Following the early hiccup, Parvez Hossain Emon and Sam Billings put the chase back on track with a 69-run partnership.

The duo brought the total to 76 until the 10th over of the game when a miscommunication between both batters resulted in a runout.

The well-set batter Emon had to go after scoring 48 from 34 balls, which included two sixes and five fours. With this wicket, Rajshahi Warriors sniffed an opening.

The game turned on its head in the 12th and 13th over when Moeen Ali and Sam Billings were sent back to pavilion. Moeen made seven while Billings made 37 from 28, featuring three fours and a six.

As a result, Sylhet Titans slumped to 107-5 in 13.2 overs with Afif Hossain and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the crease.

The duo tried to arrest the slide, adding a brief 19-run partnership. Yet they were dismissed in quick succession, with the asking rate soaring.

Therefore, with wickets tumbling at the end, Sylhet Titans required 24 off the last over. But Binura Fernando held his nerve and conceded just 11 runs to guide Rajshahi into the final.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Binura Fernando starred with the ball and picked up a four-wicket haul.

Earlier, put into bat first, Rajshahi Warriors scored 165-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

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Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan provided a rapid start, adding 41 in 4.4 overs. Farhan hit four boundaries and a six before getting caught.

Despite the wicket, Tanzid kept the scoreboard ticking until his departure in the sixth over. He made 32 off 15, striking four sixes and a four.

After a solid start, Rajshahi Warriors stuttered in the middle as they lost three quick wickets in the ninth and 10th over.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (7) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0) were dismissed on consecutive deliveries, which was followed by another wicket of SM Meherob (0).

As a result, Rajshahi Warriors were reduced to 80-5 in 10.3 overs.

With the Warriors in dire straits, the New Zealand duo of Williamson and James Neesham held the innings together with a 77-run partnership.

Kane Williamson played the second fiddle while Neesham remained the core aggressor.

The pair took the total to 157 in 18.5 overs as Neesham departed after scoring 44 from 26 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

Meanwhile, Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 from 38 with the help of two sixes and a boundary.

For Sylhet Titans, Salman Irshad topped the wicket charts with three wickets to his name.

The tournament final will be played between Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors on 23 January at the same venue.

READ: Dominant England, Afghanistan seal victories in U19 World Cup

HARARE: Ben Mayes’ record 191 powered England to a crushing 252-run victory over Scotland, while Afghanistan continued their winning run with a resounding nine-wicket win against Tanzania in the U19 World Cup group stage fixtures.

Batting first, England racked up a massive 404-6 in their 50 overs, thanks to a monumental second wicket partnership between Joseph Moores and Ben Mayes.

After opener Ben Dawkins got out in the second over for five runs, Mayes joined Moores and forged an 188-run stand, which laid a foundation for a big total.

The pair batted briskly and kept the Scottish bowlers at bay with Mayes scoring his half-century on 32 balls. At this stage, the scorecard read 102-1.

Meanwhile, Dawkins also provided support from the other end and kept the scoreboard ticking.

The stand eventually culminated on the first ball of the 24th over as Moores got out after scoring 81 from 65, which was laced with four boundaries and five sixes.

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Despite the wicket, Mayes remained unfazed and stitched a couple of stands with middle-order batters.

There were some other brief contributions from England batters, but Ben Mayes remained dominant and posted a record score for the Three Lions in Youth ODIs.

He was eventually dismissed in the 45th over after amassing 191 from 117 balls. His record-breaking knock was peppered with 18 fours and eight sixes.

At the time of his dismissal, England’s scorecard read 354-5 in 45.2 overs.

For Scotland, Jake Woodhouse stood out with three wickets to his name.

In reply, Scotland could not get going and were bowled out for 152 in 44.5 overs.

After a positive 38-run start from the openers, Scotland lost their way and lost wickets in heaps.

Luke Hands and Alex Green combined to rattle the top order, with Caleb Falconer and Ralphie Albert cutting through the rest of the batting lineup.

Finlay Carter was the only silver lining for Scotland, who top scored with 34 from 55 with the aid of four boundaries.

Ethan Ramsay was the other batter to impress, who remained unbeaten on 20 from 23 balls. The right-hander struck four boundaries.

For England, all-rounder Caleb Falconer scalped three wickets.

Earlier, in a Group D fixture, Afghanistan sealed a nine-wicket victory over Tanzania.

Tanzania could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as Nooristani Omarzai led the bowling attack, skittling them for 85 in 36 overs.

Augustino Mwamele remained Tanzania’s top scorer with 14 goals.

For Afghanistan, it was Nooristani who wreaked havoc with the ball and tore through the opposition’s batting lineup.

The right-arm medium pacer returned with the figures of 5/9 in seven overs. Uzairullah Niazai also supported him well with two wickets to his name.

In reply, the Young Afghan Atlans chased down a mere 86-run target in 12.4 overs. The result marked Afghanistan’s third consecutive victory.

READ: Hurricanes eliminate Haris Rauf’s Stars in rain-hit BBL 15 knockout

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.

READ: Hurricanes eliminate Haris Rauf’s Stars in rain-hit BBL 15 knockout