The Times of India

The standoff is over. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a U-turn over their boycott of the February 15 game against India at the T20 World Cup. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup will go ahead as scheduled.

Aiden Markram's explosive 59 powered South Africa to a commanding 213/4 against Canada. Despite a valiant 64 from Navneet Dhaliwal, Canada fell short, finishing at 156/8. Lungi Ngidi's 4/31 and a late surge from David Miller and Tristan Stubbs secured a dominant 57-run victory for the Proteas in their T20 World Cup opener.

Cricket's governing body, the ICC, met with Pakistan and Bangladesh boards. Discussions covered the T20 World Cup and South Asian cricket growth. Bangladesh will face no penalties for its absence from the recent T20 World Cup. The nation will also host an ICC event before 2031. This reaffirms Bangladesh's importance in global cricket.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has urged Pakistan to play the scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, saying it would serve the interests of the global cricket ecosystem. The appeal came after BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul's visit to Pakistan, where he praised the PCB for its support and sportsmanship.

Muhammad Zohaib was sent back from the UAE squad due to disciplinary issues, with the ECB refusing further comment. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem said India-Pakistan tensions do not affect his team, stressing unity among players of different nationalities. He praised coach Lalchand Rajputs guidance and said the team is well prepared for their match against New Zealand, drawing confidence from their historic 2023 win over them.

Associate teams have set the tone at the T20 World Cup, and Scott Edwards-led Netherlands will look to build on their strong showing against Pakistan when they face Gerhard Erasmus' Namibia in Delhi. While the Dutch may carry momentum from a high-intensity opener, Namibias consistency promises a closely-fought Group A encounter.

BCCI announced annual player contracts for Indias mens and womens teams for 202526. Grade A includes Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and women stars Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. Senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in Grade B, signalling a shift toward younger players and a new phase in Indian cricket.

Punjab Kings have commenced their IPL preparations with an overseas training camp in Abu Dhabi, focusing on fitness and team cohesion. This follows a successful pre-season camp in Udaipur. The franchise aims to build on their strong 2025 runners-up finish, led by Shreyas Iyer, as they target their maiden IPL title.

Ian Bishop warned that England are a dangerous T20 World Cup team due to their powerful batting and strong bowling options. He praised players like Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid. England proved their strength by narrowly beating Nepal by four runs, with Jacob Bethell and Brook scoring key half-centuries and bowlers taking timely wickets to defend 184.

Zimbabwe dominated Oman in their T20 World Cup match, winning by eight wickets. Fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Brad Evans dismantled Omans batting to limit them to 103 runs. In reply, Brian Bennetts unbeaten 48 and Brendan Taylors 31 guided Zimbabwe to a comfortable chase in just over 13 overs. The win highlighted Zimbabwes strong bowling attack and Bennetts excellent form.

Indias presence on the BWF calendar has been cut, with the Syed Modi International downgraded to Super 100 and events in Guwahati and Odisha dropped, leaving just two tournaments. The India Open retains Super 750 status. BWF also announced major World Tour changes, higher prize money, new formats, and expanded competitions to boost global growth and player opportunities from 2027.

Nepal's cricket team gave a strong performance against England in their T20 World Cup debut. They narrowly missed a win, scoring just four runs less than England's 185. Nepali batters displayed impressive skills against world-class bowlers. Their passionate fans created a vibrant atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium. This close match highlights Nepal's growing presence in international cricket.

Italy captain Wayne Madsen is likely to miss the rest of the T20 World Cup league stage after dislocating his shoulder while fielding against Scotland. Coach John Davison said scans will determine his return but called it doubtful. Despite the setback, Italy showed fight in the chase, and Davison hopes Madsen can still travel with the team and help as part of the coaching staff.

Manu Bhaker secured a silver medal in the women's 25m pistol at the Asian Championship after a close shoot-off loss. Compatriot Esha Singh claimed bronze, while the Indian team, including Bhaker and Singh, dominated the team event to win gold. Naamya Kapoor also won junior gold in a tense shoot-off.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra urged the ICC and top nations to offer sustained opportunities to associate teams like Nepal, citing their thrilling T20 World Cup 2026 performance against England. He criticized token participation, emphasizing that genuine growth requires regular bilateral series and tournaments, not just fleeting applause after major events.

Arshi Gupta, a 9-year-old from Faridabad, became the youngest driver selected for the F1 Academys Discover Your Drive (DYD) programme. Noticing her early love for speed, her father guided her into karting, leading to international training and wins in the UAE, UK, and India. Her journey highlights not only her exceptional talent but also Indias limited motorsport infrastructure.

Jammu & Kashmir secured a Ranji Trophy semifinal spot. They beat former champions Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs. Auqib Nabi took a career-best 12 wickets. This performance was crucial in restricting Madhya Pradesh. Jammu & Kashmir will now face the winner of Andhra versus Bengal. The other semifinal features Uttarakhand against Karnataka.

KL Rahul scored a brilliant century to lead Karnataka to a four-wicket victory against Mumbai. This win secured Karnataka's place in the Ranji Trophy semifinals. Rahul's 130 runs were crucial in chasing down the target. Ravichandran Smaran also played a vital role with an unbeaten 83. Karnataka will now face Uttarakhand in the next round.

Scotland secured a dominant 73-run victory over T20 World Cup debutants Italy. George Munsey's explosive 84 laid the foundation, followed by Michael Leask's stellar all-round performance, including a four-wicket haul and a rapid unbeaten cameo. Italy's chase faltered early, despite a fighting fifty from Ben Manenti.

Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri are questioning Pakistan's approach to Babar Azam at the T20 World Cup, citing his slow starts and perceived loss of power. Experts suggest a more aggressive batting style and potentially a change in batting order to alleviate pressure on the star batter.

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Head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav for his calm leadership, stating the captain's man-management skills have significantly eased the coaching role. Gambhir highlighted Suryakumar's ability to connect with players and foster a relaxed dressing-room atmosphere, emphasizing his effectiveness under pressure and his crucial role in India's campaign.

Italy's T20 World Cup debut was marred by captain Wayne Madsen's serious shoulder injury early in their match against Scotland. While Madsen was sidelined, Scotland's George Munsey smashed 84, guiding them to a formidable 207/4, the tournament's first 200+ score. The extent of Madsen's injury and his future participation remain uncertain.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat, who is currently the bowling coach of the UAE team in the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, explains why injuries are increasing among fast bowlers, how the modern calendar impacts recovery, and why there is no single formula for success in T20Is.

India pacer Harshit Rana has undergone successful knee surgery and is now focused on recovery after being ruled out of the T20 World Cup. He sustained the injury during a warm-up match against South Africa, leading to Mohammed Siraj's inclusion as his replacement in the squad.

India secured a stunning 3-2 Davis Cup victory over the Netherlands, with Dhakshineswar Suresh emerging as the hero. The unranked Suresh delivered a perfect three-from-three performance, including a decisive singles win and a crucial doubles triumph alongside Yuki Bhambri. This remarkable upset sets India up for a tie against South Korea.

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan dreams of international cricket returning to his homeland, a sentiment echoed by passionate fans. Despite enduring hardships, Afghans' love for cricket fuels their aspirations. Fans debate whether Rashid or former captain Mohammad Nabi is the greater inspiration, both having significantly impacted the sport's growth in the nation.

Mohammed Siraj made a surprise return to India's T20I side, taking 3-29 to help them defeat the USA by 29 runs in their 2026 T20 World Cup opener. Called up as a replacement for an injured all-rounder, Siraj initially thought the offer was a joke before being convinced by his captain. He expressed philosophical acceptance of his unexpected opportunity.

Nepal's valiant effort against England in the T20 World Cup opener, pushing the champions to the final ball, garnered widespread admiration. Former pace great Dale Steyn even offered his services, highlighting Nepal's impressive rise. Despite a narrow four-run loss, Nepal's courageous chase and spirited performance have captured global attention.

Italy's cricket team is making its T20 World Cup debut against Scotland at Eden Gardens, a moment skipper Wayne Madsen admits will bring nerves. Despite playing on artificial wickets back home, the Italians are confident after winning practice matches. Coach John Davison noted the good batting pitch, a contrast to their usual surfaces.

ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja flew to Lahore Sunday to meet top Pakistan board officials in a bid to end the standoff over Pakistans announced boycott of the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo. Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Amin Ul Islam Bulbul also attended the meeting at Gaddafi Stadium.

Italy's Thomas Draca dreams of meeting his idol Hardik Pandya at the T20 World Cup, aiming to emulate his fearless approach and charisma. Draca, mentored by legends Dennis Lillee and Carlos Brathwaite, is eager to represent Italy in their maiden World Cup appearance and learn from Pandya's game.

US President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for the American cricket team in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with the nation backing their journey. Despite being a developing cricket nation, the USA squad, largely of Indian origin, is gaining global attention. Defending champions India recently defeated the USA by 29 runs in a closely contested match.

While Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 squad was announced, fast bowler Haris Rauf was notably absent, sparking online debate. A video of Rauf flying kites surfaced amidst this, drawing criticism. Head coach Mike Hesson cited the versatility of the selected pace attack as the reason for Rauf's omission. Pakistan secured a narrow win in their opening match.

Gautam Gambhir hosted a special dinner for the Indian cricket team at his New Delhi residence ahead of their T20 World Cup match against Namibia on February 12, with BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla also attending. India began their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, scoring 161/9 thanks to Suryakumar Yadavs unbeaten 84. The USA were restricted to 132/8 by Indian bowlers

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed rumors of any tension between head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli, describing their relationship as cordial. Despite past IPL run-ins and speculation surrounding Kohli's career phases, Saikia stated he's never witnessed them fighting. Their successful partnership in India's 2025 Champions Trophy win further underscores unity.

Dhakshineswar Suresh emerged as India's Davis Cup hero, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Netherlands. The 25-year-old clinched the decisive fifth rubber, marking his second Davis Cup appearance with a remarkable three-win haul. This historic win propels India into Qualifiers Round 2, their first since the format's revamp.

Sri Lanka launched their T20 World Cup campaign with a 20-run victory over Ireland. Kamindu Mendis starred with an unbeaten half-century, guiding Sri Lanka to 163. Ireland faltered in their chase, with spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga taking three wickets each, restricting the visitors to 143 and securing a dominant win.

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Namibia are banking on the experience of 2011 World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten as they prepare for their fourth straight T20 World Cup. With Kirsten on board as a consultant, the Gerhard Erasmus-led side has begun preparations in Delhi, focusing on conditions, range-hitting, and adapting to the conditions ahead of their tournament opener against the Netherlands.

Rafael Nadal sent support to Lindsey Vonn after her shocking crash in the Winter Olympics downhill event, calling her an inspiration and urging her to stay strong. Vonn was injured just seconds into her run and taken to hospital by helicopter. Teammate Breezy Johnson won gold but expressed concern for Vonn, while her sister called the crash heartbreaking. Vonn had been attempting a comeback despite a ruptured ACL.

India finished sixth at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships with five medals, including one gold by Tejaswin Shankar in the mens heptathlon. Shankar scored 5993 points, breaking his national indoor record. Pooja and Tajinderpal Singh Toor won silvers, while Ancy Sojan and Aadrash Ram Jothi Shankar took bronze. China topped the table with 34 medals, but India showed strong performances and progress in athletics.

India's Davis Cup Qualifiers tie against the Netherlands is heading to a decisive fifth rubber after Sumit Nagal lost his reverse singles match. Despite an earlier dramatic doubles win for India, Jesper de Jong defeated Nagal, leveling the tie at 2-2. Dhakshineswar Suresh now faces Guy de Ouden in the winner-takes-all decider.

Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus spoke about the challenges of limited exposure, the growth of cricket back home, and why the tag of Associate no longer fits in T20 cricket. Namibia will start their campaign against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday.

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Nepal impressed the cricket world despite a narrow four-run loss to England in the T20 World Cup. Former stars Yuvraj Singh, Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, and Dale Steyn praised their fighting spirit and potential. England scored 184, while Nepal chased bravely but ended on 180/6. Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Lokesh Bam led the chase, showing Nepals growing strength in international cricket.

England narrowly defeated Nepal by four runs in their T20 World Cup opener, a match that saw the associate nation push the former champions to the brink. Captain Harry Brook expressed surprise at Nepal's aggressive batting against spinner Adil Rashid. Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel lauded his team's effort, stating they aimed to compete strongly and weren't just participating.