Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi denied pushing for bilateral cricket talks with India during Sunday's ICC meeting in Lahore, insisting discussions focused solely on "getting respect for Bangladesh." His clarification follows Pakistan's reversal of its T20 World Cup boycott threat against India's February 15 Colombo match. Speculation had suggested Pakistan conditioned withdrawal on resuming bilateral series with India, dormant since 2012-13. Naqvi categorically rejected these claims, stating the government reversed its boycott only after ICC acknowledged injustice toward Bangladesh. The ICC subsequently called Bangladesh's absence "unfortunate," promised no sanctions, and awarded them hosting rights for a 2028-31 event. A PTI report claims undisclosed "concessions" were offered to Pakistan, details pending post-tournament disclosure. (PC: X)

The ICC confirmed no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding the T20 World Cup controversy. Bangladesh retains rights to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee under existing regulations. As part of the understanding, Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028-2031, subject to standard hosting processes, demonstrating confidence in their capabilities. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta emphasized Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving long-term investment despite short-term disruptions. An ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB President Aminul Islam in Lahore Sunday, finalizing a roadmap through mutual consultation after Pakistan's initial boycott announcement. (PC: AFP)

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi claims the ICC backed down, not Pakistan, in the T20 World Cup standoff over the India match. Pakistan withdrew its boycott after negotiations, with the February 15 Colombo fixture proceeding as scheduled. Sethi asserts Pakistan's 15-day notice was strategic, aimed at securing concessions for Bangladesh regarding sanctions and revenue protection. He claims Pakistan no longer relies on ICC revenue, earning more from the Pakistan Super League than its USD 144 million ICC share (2024-27 cycle). However, PTI reports Pakistan faced potential USD 38 million annual losses if penalized. The standoff ended after Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC negotiations yielded understanding on sanctions. (PC: AP)

Amid earlier controversy over a proposed boycott, the Pakistan government has reversed its decision and agreed to play the India vs Pakistan fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The reversal is significant; canceling the marquee clash was expected to cost the International Cricket Council (ICC) around $174 million in broadcast, sponsorship, and gate revenues. After negotiations involving the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board, and other cricket authorities, Pakistan confirmed participation, preserving the fixture’s commercial and sporting value in the tournament. (PC: X)

England star Jos Buttler called Indian sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi “the best player I’ve ever seen” following the 14‑year‑old’s remarkable performance in the Under‑19 World Cup 2026 final. Sooryavanshi scored a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls, leading India to a commanding win and earning Player of the Tournament honours. Buttler’s praise came on the Love for Cricket podcast, where he highlighted the young batter’s extraordinary talent at such a young age. The English pacer Mark Wood also acknowledged the boldness of Buttler’s claim, sparking global conversation about Sooryavanshi’s future in cricket. (PC: IANS)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has responded after Pakistan agreed to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla thanked the International Cricket Council for resolving the dispute. He said an “amicable solution” was reached after ICC meetings with Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket officials. “All kudos to ICC for taking this initiative and bringing cricket back to the forefront,” Shukla told reporters. Pakistan had earlier refused to play but reversed its stand after ICC decisions on Bangladesh’s status and future hosting rights. Shukla said the February 15 match will go ahead and called it “good news” for the tournament. (PC: HT)

Music from Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar was featured during a figure skating routine at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Several clips shared online show Russian-Georgian skater Anastasiia Gubanova performing to the film’s title track. She opened her routine with the Hindi song “San Sanana” from Asoka and then switched to the Dhurandhar track “Jogi”. Viewers noted her red-and-gold costume and a red bindi as part of the performance look. Social media users widely shared the videos and called it a cross-cultural music moment. Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, released in December last year and stars Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. (PC: HT)

Music from Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar was featured during a figure skating routine at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Several clips shared online show Russian-Georgian skater Anastasiia Gubanova performing to the film’s title track. She opened her routine with the Hindi song “San Sanana” from Asoka and then switched to the Dhurandhar track “Jogi”. Viewers noted her red-and-gold costume and a red bindi as part of the performance look. Social media users widely shared the videos and called it a cross-cultural music moment. Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, released in December last year and stars Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. (PC: HT)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar presented his final Test match jersey to Ayush Mhatre, captain of India’s Under‑19 team, in Mumbai as a special honour following India’s record‑extending sixth ICC U19 World Cup title win in Zimbabwe. Mhatre led the young side to victory over England and returned home to celebrations from fans and family. The gesture symbolises a passing of the torch between generations and recognises Mhatre’s leadership and performance throughout the tournament. The moment highlighted the rising talent in Indian cricket and the pride surrounding the U19 champions. (PC: Instagram)

Pakistan’s interior minister and chairman of the PCB Mohsin Naqvi referred to Field Marshal Asim Munir during a press conference held amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board chief said he and the government were not afraid of “threats” from India or the International Cricket Council. He said, “Neither am I intimidated… he never gets afraid.” The remarks came shortly before Pakistan confirmed it would play the February 15 match in Colombo. The Pakistan Cricket Board agreed after consultations led by the government and discussions with other cricket boards and partner countries. (PC: HT)