The Times of India

Delhi Capitals cruised into their fourth straight WPL final with a dominant seven-wicket win over Gujarat Giants. After restricting Gujarat to 168/7, led by Chinelle Henrys 3/35, DC chased the target in 15.4 overs. Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee starred up top before Jemimah Rodrigues sealed a final clash with RCB.

Willow by Cricbuzz has announced major updates for the 2026 season, including free streaming of all four Team USA matches at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup on YouTube for the first time. The platform has also partnered with Jomboy Media for creator-led alternate telecasts and unveiled a revamped, faster viewing experience across its apps and devices.

Willow by Cricbuzz to Stream Team USA T20 World Cup Matches Free on YouTube in 2026

Are India favourites to win 2026 T20 World Cup? | Greenstone Lobo makes a HUGE PREDICTION

In Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, India arguably have the best quartet of bowlers at the T20 World Cup. Not to forget, Kuldeep Yadav might have to wait for his chances and the vastly improved Shivam Dube is no pushover. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team looks dangerous not just on paper but has also walked the talk on the field.

The Athletics Federation of India has set extremely high qualification standards for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes in 17 events required to match or break national records. With a reduced squad size, even record holders face challenges. The Federation Cup will be the final trials, though selectors retain discretion to pick medal prospects.

T20 World Cup: Bangladesh took a stand; Pakistans move reeks of desperation

Yuki Bhambri climbed to a career-high world No. 20 in the ATP doubles rankings, becoming the first Indian since Rohan Bopanna to enter the Top 20. The rise follows strong performances, including a solid Australian Open run, a US Open semifinal in 2025, and his maiden ATP 500 title in Dubai.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith has signed with PSL newcomers Sialkot Stallionz for the 2026 season, marking his first appearance in the league. Signed directly under league rules, Smith is expected to play a key leadership role. Despite going unsold in the IPL, he remains a top T20 performer after impressing in the Big Bash League.

Australias 3-0 T20 series loss to Pakistan sparked controversy after replays showed Cooper Connolly was wrongly stumped in the third match. Wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay broke the stumps with the glove not holding the ball, breaching ICC rules. The error went unchecked, angering fans and raising concerns over umpiring and sportsmanship despite Pakistans dominant win.

Pakistan Cricket Board faces potential legal action from T20 World Cup broadcasters over boycotting the India match. The ICC warned of financial penalties, possibly withholding Pakistan's revenue share. This decision, reportedly in solidarity with Bangladesh, could lead to a breach of contract lawsuit. Officials are preparing for severe repercussions, a PCB source said on Tuesday to news agency PTI.

American boxer Jarrell Miller won his heavyweight bout at Madison Square Garden but lost his toupee mid-fight after taking punches from Kingsley Ibeh. Spotting it come loose, he laughed and threw it into the crowd, then blamed his sudden hair loss on shampoo at his mothers house, calling the moment embarrassing but funny.

Reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju has been confirmed as the fourth participant for Norway Chess 2026, joining fellow Indian R Praggnanandhaa. The youngest world champion in history, Gukesh returns after a strong 2025 showing and a memorable win over Magnus Carlsen, highlighting Indias growing dominance in world chess.

Former Mumbai allrounder Shubham Ranjane, now representing USA, is reliving nostalgic moments after returning to Mumbai for the T20 World Cup. Excited to play at Wankhede, meet close friend Suryakumar Yadav, and face India, Ranjane calls it a proud, emotional homecoming as family cheers him on.

India's 1977/78 tour of Australia saw a remarkable turnaround. After losing the first two Tests, India secured their maiden wins Down Under, including a stunning series-levelling victory. The decider in Adelaide was a nail-biter, with India pushing Australia to the brink before ultimately losing the series 3-2.

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has slammed the ICC for urging the PCB to reconsider boycotting the India match at the T20 World Cup. Akmal questioned the ICC's past inaction on political issues affecting cricket between the two nations, including the Asia Cup and India's refusal to play in Pakistan.

Despite a stellar T20I series, Ishan Kishan was surprisingly omitted from Yuzvendra Chahal's preferred XI for India's T20 World Cup opener. Chahal opted for the struggling Sanju Samson to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, a decision that raises eyebrows given Kishan's dominant recent form.

Rohit Sharma, honored with the Padma Shri, expressed deep gratitude for the prestigious civilian award, calling it a momentous occasion for his family. He reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to securing victories for India on the cricket field. This recognition celebrates his significant contributions as both a player and captain, marking a distinguished chapter in his illustrious career.

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the potential India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match cancellation is insignificant, stating the rivalry has lost its competitive edge. He argues India now dominates, making encounters feel one-sided, unlike past contests. Manjrekar asserts the tournament's value remains unaffected by this fixture's absence.

India's T20 juggernaut faces a crucial selection dilemma ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Sanju Samson's recent form under scrutiny. Despite a strong past record, his struggles against New Zealand have opened the door for Ishan Kishan's impressive resurgence, creating a headache for the management as they aim to defend their title.

Pat Cummins has withdrawn from the T20 World Cup due to a back injury, prioritizing a demanding Test schedule over a rushed return. Medical advice indicated a longer recovery was needed, prompting a conservative approach to ensure fitness for upcoming major Test series. Cummins hopes to return for the IPL, with his comeback guided by further scans.

Kareena Kapoor on ISPLs rise and backing young cricket dreams | Tigers of Kolkata

Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina have made history as the first mothers simultaneously ranked in the WTA Tour's top 10. This milestone highlights the WTA's Family Focus Program, supporting mothers in elite tennis. Both players expressed immense pride in their achievements, underscoring the challenges and rewards of returning to the top as mothers.

Despite Pakistan's men's team boycotting their T20 World Cup match against India, the women's A team is set to play their Indian counterparts in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. Preparations are on track for the February 15th fixture, highlighting a stark contrast in the handling of the women's game amidst the ongoing controversy.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have cultivated a quiet confidence, securing a WPL final spot through collective effort and belief. Key players like Lauren Bell and Gautami Naik highlight the team's balanced strength and clear roles. Despite early setbacks, RCB's resilience and recent strong performance position them well for the final after a strategic break.

Seventeen-year-old Anahat Singh achieved a career-defining victory at the Squash On Fire Open, defeating top seed Georgina Kennedy in the final. This PSA Bronze-level title marks her 15th overall and makes her the youngest Asian player to enter the world's top 20.

India's Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal is concerned about Sumit Nagal's hip strain ahead of the tie against the Netherlands. Nagal, India's top singles player, retired from a recent tournament and has been undergoing rehabilitation. He is set to begin on-court training this week, with his availability for the qualifiers still uncertain.

Dozens of players with Indian roots are representing other nations at the T20 World Cup, chasing dreams they couldn't fulfill in India's competitive cricket scene. From the US to Canada, Oman, and the UAE, these cricketers, including former age-group players and even professionals, are seizing second chances on the international stage, cherishing every moment.

Arshdeep Singh's recent Powerplay figures mask his true potential. Experts suggest deploying him strategically in the middle overs, where his variations and ability to build pressure are most effective. This approach, rather than early and late spells, can maximise his impact for India in upcoming tournaments, leveraging his skill with the semi-old ball.

Ravi Bishnoi the back up for Washington Sundar? | How Tilak Varma ticked all boxes for T20 World Cup

The ICC has not yet taken concrete steps regarding Pakistan's potential boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India. No emergency board meeting has been called, and the PCB has not formally communicated its intentions. This leaves the onus on the PCB to clarify its stance on selective participation.

Usman Khawaja backed Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq after Cameron Greens chucking gesture sparked debate. Khawaja urged restraint, saying Tariq was cleared twice and asked critics to stop jumping to conclusions. Tariq explained his action stems from a biological elbow issue and stressed he is not throwing. Tariq remains a key part of Pakistans T20 World Cup plans.

The Bangladesh High Court questioned the BCBs failure to ensure a safe, harassment-free environment for women cricketers. It asked why such inaction should not be declared unlawful, without lawful authority, and against public interest. The court ordered BCB to implement its anti-sexual harassment policy and submit a report, following a writ over delayed action on harassment allegations.

Sri Lanka dropped Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva from Dasun Shanakas 15-member T20 World Cup squad after modest returns since his recall. He scored 43 runs and took one wicket in three games. Injured pacer Eshan Malinga was included. Co-host Sri Lanka begin their campaign against Ireland in Colombo.

Tilak Varma marked his return from injury with an all-round showing in India As warm-up against USA, batting fluently and bowling extended spells. With no visible rust, the 23-year-old strengthened his case as Indias No. 3 for the T20 World Cup, even as selection debates intensify around the second opener and backup bowling options.

Vedant Trivedi played a crucial rescue knock of 68 against Pakistan in the U19 World Cup 2026 after Indias collapse, helping the team post 252. The Ahmedabad batter showed discipline, mental strength and patience on a tough pitch. His comeback followed earlier failures, a missed England tour, and years of technical, fitness and mindset-focused training.

Pakistans decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India has reignited the debate over politics in cricket. While the ICC has raised concerns over selective participation, the move contrasts with Pakistans past, when teams like New Zealand, Australia, England and Bangladesh repeatedly refused to tour the country due to security fears, forcing Pakistan into years of isolation.

FanCode has been awarded the broadcast rights for the upcoming 2025-26 ISL season with KPS Studios bagging the production rights. A total of seven parties had shown interest. The truncated season gets underway on February 14 - after a five month delay.

Pakistan's boycott of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match is projected to cause a massive financial loss of USD 250 million. This decision risks significant revenue for all stakeholders, including the ICC and India's broadcaster, JioStar, which faces estimated advertising losses of Rs 200-250 crore.

ISPL | Sanskar Dhyani on missed playoffs, tennis cricket journey

Harbhajan Singh slammed Pakistan's decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India as unnecessary drama. He questioned the logic behind the conditional approval, suggesting it's a ploy to mislead people and project solidarity with Bangladesh. Singh highlighted the ICC's rejection of Bangladesh's request and Pakistan's past revenue-driven approach to matches despite political tensions.

Tilak Varma will play for India A in one of their T20 World Cup warm-up matches against the USA or Namibia before joining the senior squad. Ayush Badoni captains the India A side, which also features Riyan Parag and Mayank Yadav returning from injuries. These preparatory games are crucial for the players' World Cup readiness.

ISPL: Why Delhi Superheros are out of playoff race

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticized the politicization of cricket, calling Pakistan's boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India disgraceful. He urged urgent dialogue to resolve the escalating row, emphasizing that sport should unite people. Tharoor also commented on the Mustafizur Rahman situation, deeming Bangladesh's reaction an overreaction.

Carlos Alcaraz is still processing his historic Australian Open victory, becoming the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam by defeating Novak Djokovic. He plans to commemorate the monumental win with a kangaroo tattoo on his leg. Despite the disbelief and overwhelming emotions, Alcaraz is already looking ahead, acknowledging the relentless nature of professional tennis.

Pakistan has confirmed participation in the T20 World Cup but will forfeit their match against India on February 15. Sunil Gavaskar believes this decision might not be final, citing Pakistan's history of players reversing retirement calls due to public pressure. India is expected to proceed with the fixture as scheduled.

Babar Azam shattered T20I records, surpassing Virat Kohli with his 39th half-century as Pakistan thrashed Australia 3-0. A dominant batting display, including Saim Ayub's 56 and Shadab Khan's quickfire 46, set a formidable target. Pakistan's bowlers, led by Mohammad Nawaz's 5-wicket haul, then dismantled Australia for 96, securing a resounding series win.

The BCCI fully supports the ICC's stance on sportsmanship after Pakistan's government announced their team would boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated they will await formal discussions with the ICC before commenting further. The ICC emphasised that selective participation undermines the integrity of global sporting events.