Elena Rybakina claimed the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a dramatic final at Melbourne Park. Rybakina fought back after losing the second set and trailing 3-0 in the decider, winning five straight games and sealing victory with an ace. The fifth-seeded Kazakh earned her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam overall, avenging her 2023 final loss to Sabalenka. Sabalenka, seeking a third Melbourne crown, congratulated her opponent after the match. (PC: AP)

Novak Djokovic advanced to his 39th Grand Slam final after defeating defending champion Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a four-hour, nine-minute thriller at Rod Laver Arena. The 37-year-old became the oldest man in Open Era to reach Melbourne's final, where he's already won 10 titles. Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz, who survived a five-setter against Alexander Zverev. Joking about Alcaraz's delayed semifinal, Djokovic quipped, "I'm an old man. I need to go earlier to sleep." Seeking his record 25th Grand Slam to surpass Margaret Court, Djokovic said, "I just hope I have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him. Let God decide the winner!" (PC: HT)

Pakistan Cricket Board awaits government approval for T20 World Cup 2026 participation following ICC's removal of Bangladesh as host. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss potential boycott options, including skipping the India match. However, former cricketer Rashid Latif criticized Pakistan's delayed response, stating "the time for a strike has passed." Latif argued Pakistan should have withdrawn immediately when Bangladesh lost hosting rights, suggesting last week's ICC meeting was the optimal moment. While acknowledging government authority over the decision, Latif proposed Pakistan could still refuse playing India, even in a potential final. The PCB will announce its final decision this Friday or next Monday. (PC: NDTV)

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli’s verified Instagram account, followed by over 270 million users, became active again after briefly disappearing overnight on January 30. The sudden absence of the account led to widespread speculation and concern among fans, with many questioning whether it had been deactivated or suspended. Social media platforms were flooded with discussions, and some fans even sought clarification from Kohli’s wife, actor Anushka Sharma. However, no official statement was issued by Kohli or his team. The account’s reappearance on January 31 brought relief to followers, though the reason behind the temporary disappearance remains unclear. (PC: AP)

Pakistan is considering forfeiting its T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India, according to media reports. The Pakistan Cricket Board has discussed the option of skipping the February 15 fixture in Colombo to show solidarity with Bangladesh. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the proposal and its possible effects. A source was quoted as saying, “A total boycott is not the priority, but Pakistan could forfeit the India match.” The report added that the PCB may present the move as a government directive, arguing this would protect it from ICC sanctions linked to political interference. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi's threat to withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026 over Bangladesh's venue dispute has drawn strong criticism from Pakistani cricket veterans. Former Test captain Muhammad Hafeez, ex-PCB Chairman Khalid Mahmood, and secretary Arif Ali Abbasi urged PCB to send the team, warning against damaging ICC and member board relations. Officials noted no other board supported Bangladesh's demand to move matches from India, and Bangladesh won't appeal ICC's decision. Former players including Inzamam ul Haq, Mohsin Khan, and Haroon Rasheed cautioned against sacrificing Pakistan's cricket interests, especially since all their matches are in Sri Lanka, not India. (PC: AFP)

Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma shattered the world record for highest individual score in men's T20I cricket without facing a single dot ball. In the third T20I against New Zealand on January 25 at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the left-handed opener scored an unbeaten 68 runs from just 20 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes at a phenomenal strike rate of 340.00. His innings is the only 50+ score among 1,793 such knocks by batters from 12 full-member teams without a dot ball. Abhishek also recorded the highest strike rate in any T20I innings of 20+ balls and achieved India's second-fastest fifty in just 14 deliveries. (PC: PTI)

The ICC could allow Bangladesh back into the T20 World Cup 2026 if Pakistan decides to withdraw, according to a media report. Bangladesh were earlier removed after refusing to travel to India over security concerns. Pakistan is the only team that supported Bangladesh’s request to shift matches out of India. A report said that if Pakistan pulls out, Bangladesh would be offered the vacant spot and play matches in Sri Lanka. “Bangladesh would be given the opportunity to replace them,” an official was quoted as saying. Pakistan has named its squad but is yet to take a final decision. The tournament begins on February 7. (PC: X)

Bangladeshi media organisations have claimed the ICC denied accreditation to their journalists for the T20 World Cup 2026. Reports said between 130 and 150 journalists from Bangladesh applied, but none were approved. BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain said, “As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected.” Some photojournalists said earlier approvals were later withdrawn. The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Senior journalists said Bangladesh has covered ICC events for decades. The ICC media department has not issued any statement on the matter so far. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan has delayed a final decision on taking part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi said all options remain open and a decision will be taken by Friday or next Monday.   The uncertainty follows the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after Dhaka refused to travel to India over security concerns. Pakistan has raised objections to the move and may even skip its group match against India in Colombo.   The ICC has warned Pakistan against any boycott, saying withdrawal could lead to severe sanctions. The PCB said government clearance is required before confirming participation.