Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 during the 2026 auction of The Hundred, sparking criticism from several Indian cricket fans. The franchise, owned by the same group as Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced online calls for boycott after the signing. Many fans questioned the move because Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since 2009. The England and Wales Cricket Board earlier clarified that selections must be based on performance, not nationality. Despite the controversy, the signing highlights growing international participation in the league ahead of the 2026 season. (PC: Getty Images)

The India national cricket team has answered years of criticism by winning three ICC titles in less than two years, ending a long trophy drought that followed the 2013 Champions Trophy. India’s resurgence began with the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, followed by victory in the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Earlier near-misses including the 2014 T20 World Cup final and the 2019 Cricket World Cup semifinal had led critics in Western media to label the team “frauds” or “chokers.” Former captain Virat Kohli faced intense scrutiny during that barren period. With the recent titles, India has firmly re-established itself as one of the most dominant white-ball teams in world cricket. (PC: BCCI)

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is set to be honoured with the Cricketer of the Year award at the annual BCCI Naman Awards later this month. The recognition comes despite Gill being dropped from India’s squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Gill earned the honour after an outstanding 2025 season, finishing as one of the top run-scorers in international cricket across formats. His consistent performances in Tests and ODIs and growing leadership role helped him edge past several senior players for the prestigious award. The ceremony, organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, will take place in New Delhi. (PC: X)

Former India captain Rahul Dravid will receive the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI’s annual Naman Awards in Delhi on March 15. Shubman Gill is set to be named the BCCI Cricketer of the Year after a strong run with the bat. He led India’s Test side during the 2025 tour of England. Dravid retired from international cricket in 2012. He later coached the India Under-19 team and led them to the 2018 World Cup title. He became India’s senior team coach in 2021. Under him, India finished runners-up at the 2023 ODI World Cup and won the 2024 T20 World Cup. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iran has announced it will not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the national team cannot compete in a tournament hosted partly in the United States under the current circumstances. The decision comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States, Canada and Mexico are scheduled to co-host the 2026 tournament. (PC: AP)  

A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya at a police station in Pune over allegations of insulting the national flag during celebrations after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Advocate Wajid Khan requested that police register an FIR, claiming Pandya wrapped the Indian tricolour around his body and behaved inappropriately during the celebrations. Police confirmed receiving the complaint but have not yet provided further details. Pandya, who played a key role in India’s title win, finished the tournament with strong performances with both bat and ball. (PC: X)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the prize money for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday. India received about Rs 24.25 crore after winning the tournament. New Zealand, the runners-up, earned around Rs 13.08 crore. South Africa and England, who lost in the semi-finals, received about Rs 9 crore each. Pakistan earned about Rs 4.80 crore from the prize pool. The total prize money for the tournament was $11.25 million (around Rs 103 crore). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced a reward of Rs 131 crore for the Indian team and support staff after their title win. (PC: AFP)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly criticised former cricketer and politician Kirti Azad after his remarks about the Indian team taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple sparked controversy. After India’s 96-run win over New Zealand in the final, Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav and others visited a Hanuman temple with the trophy. Azad questioned the move on social media, asking why the trophy was not taken to a mosque, church or gurdwara, saying it belonged to people of all faiths. Gambhir termed the comment “degrading,” accusing Azad of diluting the team’s historic victory. Several cricketers also criticised Azad’s statement. (PC: AFP)

India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory celebrations sparked controversy after former cricketer and MP Kirti Azad criticised the team for taking the trophy to a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad. Azad argued that the World Cup represents people of all religions and should not be linked to a single faith. Responding to questions about the remarks, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan dismissed the issue, calling it a “useless question” and urging reporters to focus on India’s historic triumph instead. Kishan said the team had achieved something special for the nation and that discussions should highlight their cricketing success rather than political or religious debates. (PC: PTI)

India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was fined 15% of his match fee by the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct during the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.   The ICC said Arshdeep violated Article 2.9, which relates to throwing the ball at or near a player in a dangerous or inappropriate manner.   The incident happened in the 11th over of New Zealand’s innings when Arshdeep’s throw struck Daryl Mitchell on the body.   The moment caused brief tension on the field, but both players later shook hands.   “I went to say sorry to Mitchell. My throw reverse-swung a bit and hit his body,” Arshdeep said after the match.   India won the final by 96 runs. (PC: NDTV)