India’s 14-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit a record 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England in Harare. It is the highest score by an Indian player in any ICC limited-overs final across men’s, women’s and youth levels. He reached his hundred in 55 balls, one of the fastest in tournament history. His innings included 15 fours and 15 sixes. The 15 sixes are the most in a single Under-19 World Cup innings. This is also the highest individual score in an Under-19 World Cup final. His knock put India in a strong position in the title match. (PC: India Today)

The Pakistan Cricket Board may invoke the Force Majeure clause after pulling out of the T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo, according to sources. PCB is expected to tell the ICC that it acted on government instructions and will attach an official boycott post as proof. The ICC has warned of possible sanctions, including fines and other action. BCCI officials said the Force Majeure claim is a “weak argument.” One official said Pakistan still played India in the Under-19 World Cup the same day. He added that Pakistan’s prime minister is the board’s patron, showing close government links. (PC: The Indian Express)

Smriti Mandhana created history by becoming the first captain from a winning team to win the orange cap in WPL or IPL's 18-year history. The 29-year-old led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second WPL title with a stunning 87 off 41 balls against Delhi Capitals in a record chase of 204. She became the highest run-getter of the 2026 season with 377 runs, the first Indian to win the orange cap, and registered the highest individual score in a WPL final while chasing. Mandhana joined Harmanpreet Kaur as only the second captain to win WPL twice, partnering with Georgia Voll for a crucial 163-run stand. ([PC: BCCI/WPL)

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified that India hasn't refused to play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, stating the denial came from the other side. "Humne manaa nahi kiya hai khelne. Unhone mana kiya hai," Suryakumar said at the captains' day event, confirming India's flights to Colombo are already booked for the February 15 match. Pakistan's government denied permission for their team to play the high-profile clash, viewed as solidarity with Bangladesh, who were ousted after refusing to play in India citing security concerns. ICC warned Pakistan Cricket Board that boycotting could invite punitive sanctions, noting it wouldn't serve cricket's broader interests. 

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup, calling them "brothers" and thanking Bangladeshi supporters for backing Pakistan. Speaking at the pre-tournament captains' press conference in Colombo, Agha said, "It's really sad to not see them playing the World Cup," while hoping Bangladesh fans continue supporting Pakistan. Bangladesh was ejected from the tournament after ICC found no substance in their security concerns over traveling to India. The BCB had protested after BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad. Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh's concerns, but ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Pakistan government subsequently barred their team from playing India. (PC: X)

Former England captain Nasser Hussain sparked controversy on Sky Sports' cricket podcast, questioning ICC's consistency after Bangladesh's T20 World Cup ouster. He asked whether ICC would similarly penalize India for government-mandated boycotts, stating, "With power comes responsibility." Social media users criticized Hussain's hypocrisy, recalling England's 2003 World Cup boycott of Zimbabwe under his captaincy, where he said he was "proud" of the decision. ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India citing security concerns, following BCCI's removal of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL amid attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Pakistan subsequently boycotted their February 15 India match in Colombo, with PM Shehbaz Sharif declaring solidarity with Bangladesh. (PC: NDTV)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav broke his silence on Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India and said his team is ready to play. The match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Speaking before the tournament, he said, “We did not say no. The refusal has come from their side.” He added that the ICC confirmed the fixture and the government cleared a neutral venue. “Our flight to Colombo is booked. We are going,” he said. Pakistan’s government has asked its team not to play India. If Pakistan do not show up, India could receive a walkover and two points. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court on Thursday modified its January 2017 order that had barred Anurag Thakur from involvement in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) affairs, saying he is now free to participate according to its rules. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi applied the doctrine of proportionality, noting that the earlier “cease and desist” direction was not meant to be a lifelong ban. Thakur, a former BCCI president and Union minister, had tendered an unqualified apology in 2017, leading to dropping of contempt proceedings. (PC: ANI)

The Indian government is working to bring back a Formula 1 race at the Buddh International Circuit after more than 10 years. Officials are trying to fix tax and rule problems that led to the Indian Grand Prix ending in 2013. Authorities earlier treated the race as entertainment, not sport, which raised costs through heavy taxes and duties. Sources said ministries are now reviewing these rules and speaking with Formula 1 officials. The race ran from 2011 to 2013 and drew large crowds. No return date is confirmed yet. India must still compete with other countries for a slot on the packed F1 calendar. (PC: India Today)

A section of officials in the Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised concerns over Pakistan national cricket team boycotting the India match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. They said the decision could hurt global cricket revenue. One BCB director told a local outlet, “If the India-Pakistan match does not take place, the entire cricketing world will face financial losses.” The official added, “We did not want such losses.” Reports say Pakistan skipped the match in support of Bangladesh after the team was removed from the tournament. Officials also warned that lower ICC income would reduce member payouts and affect smaller cricket boards. (PC: NDTV)