Indian sprinter Animesh Kujur says he aims to run “10-flat” in the 100 metres in 2026 after a strong breakthrough year. The 22-year-old became India’s fastest man in 2025, clocking 10.18 seconds in the 100m and 20.32 seconds in the 200m. He also won a medal at the Asian Athletics Championships and competed at the World Championships. Kujur said he raced too often last year and plans to focus more on training this season. He targets the Senior Federation meet in May and hopes to contend for medals in the 200m and 4x100m relay at the Asian Games in September. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh plans to formally ask the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing player safety concerns after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh cannot feel safe playing in India if contracted players are excluded and wants Sri Lanka as an alternative host. The move has heightened cricket and political tensions between the neighbouring countries ahead of the February tournament. (PC: Reuters)

Bangladesh has decided not to travel to India for its T20 World Cup matches and has written to the ICC seeking to move the games to Sri Lanka, a senior government adviser said on Sunday. The team was due to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai from February. The move follows the BCCI order to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its IPL squad. A Bangladesh Cricket Board director said the board is concerned about player security. The BCB has also said it will seek a formal explanation from the BCCI and review the no-objection certificate given to the player. (PC: HT)

The BCCI has directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its IPL squad, raising fresh questions over India-Bangladesh cricket ties. KKR had signed the player in the December auction. League rules do not allow teams to drop a player after the auction without board approval. Following the move, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is considering approaching the ICC to shift its T20 World Cup matches from India, citing security concerns. India is due to tour Bangladesh later this year, but officials said the series will depend on government clearance. A similar freeze has existed between India and Pakistan for years. (PC: HT)

The BCCI has reacted to reports that Bangladesh plans to ask the ICC to move its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is scheduled to play group games in Kolkata and Mumbai in the February–March event. The move is linked to recent tension after Mustafizur Rahman was released by KKR on BCCI orders. A BCCI source said shifting matches would be a “logistical nightmare” as teams, hotels, flights and broadcast crews are already booked. The board added that the schedule cannot be changed at will. Bangladesh officials have said they will write to the ICC citing security concerns. (PC X)

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has reacted after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. The left-arm pacer was bought for ₹9.20 crore at the mini auction but was removed after the BCCI asked the franchise to do so. Speaking to BDCrictime, Mustafizur said, “If they release me, there’s nothing I can do.” Sources said KKR could not drop him on its own under league rules. The move came amid political criticism of the team and its owners. KKR said it will now pick a replacement player as allowed by the board.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has spoken after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. The decision followed instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India amid political and social backlash. Speaking to BDcrictime, Mustafizur said, “What else can you do if you are dropped?” He was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini-auction. The BCCI said the move was preventive and confirmed KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player as per IPL rules. (PC: Reuters)

India on Saturday announced its squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill will lead the team, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. Iyer’s return is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is also back in the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel were dropped. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah remain unavailable due to fitness and workload management. The three-match series begins on January 11 in Vadodara. (PC: PTI)

India have named their 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026, with Shubman Gill returning as captain. Veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included, while Shreyas Iyer is vice-captain subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Rishabh Pant keeps his place as wicketkeeper-batter and Mohammed Siraj returns to the ODI setup. Hardik Pandya is rested due to workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup, and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are not selected. Venues are Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore. (PC: NDTV)

Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday confirmed that they have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The statement came hours after the BCCI ordered the franchise to part ways with the player. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the move followed recent developments in Bangladesh. KKR said the release was done after due process and talks with the board. The franchise added that it will be allowed to sign a replacement under IPL rules. Mustafizur was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini auction. He has played 60 IPL matches for five teams.