Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed Thursday it will not play T20 World Cup matches in India, risking expulsion from the tournament despite ICC's ultimatum. This follows the ICC's Wednesday rejection of Bangladesh's request to relocate matches from India to Sri Lanka, dismissing security concerns. Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul stated "we will not bow down" and cited the BCCI's withdrawal of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL due to extremist threats. Bangladesh is scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The ICC will likely replace Bangladesh with Scotland. BCB Vice-President Animul Islam Bulbul said they'll continue trying to change ICC's decision, though such reversal appears unlikely as the February 7 tournament approaches. (PC: AP)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to Saina Nehwal following her retirement announcement, praising her for carrying "Indian badminton to the world stage." Nehwal confirmed her retirement on Monday after being out of competitive action for two years due to severe knee degeneration that made training impossible. Tendulkar highlighted that her greatest achievement was "inspiring young athletes across the country to believe global success is possible." The shuttler revealed her knee couldn't sustain the eight-to-nine-hour training required for world-class competition, swelling after just one-to-two hours. Her career was significantly impacted by a 2016 Olympics knee injury, though she won 2017 World Championships bronze and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed it will not play its T20 World Cup matches in India, despite the risk of being removed from the tournament. The stance follows the ICC’s rejection of Bangladesh’s request to shift matches to Sri Lanka. The ICC said security assessments found no credible threat to Bangladesh players in India. Bangladesh Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said, “We will not bow down,” adding that player safety could not be compromised. Bangladesh is scheduled to play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Talks between the ICC and BCB have not led to a resolution. The ICC is now likely to replace Bangladesh with Scotland if the boycott continues. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has said players are uncertain about taking part in the T20 World Cup 2026 amid a venue dispute. “We’re not even sure yet whether we’ll go to the World Cup at all,” Das said. He added that players do not know where they will play or who their opponents will be. “No player knows which country we are going to or whom we will play against,” he said. Das also said the Bangladesh Cricket Board did not consult players before deciding not to play matches in India. The BCB has asked the ICC to shift Bangladesh’s games to Sri Lanka. Talks between the ICC and BCB remain unresolved. (PC: Mint)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has praised India head coach Gautam Gambhir, calling his role the “hardest job after the Prime Minister.” The remark followed a meeting in Nagpur ahead of the first T20I against New Zealand. Tharoor shared a photo on X and said Gambhir faces constant public scrutiny but remains calm. He described Gambhir as an old friend and praised his leadership. Responding on X, Gambhir thanked Tharoor for the support and said debates around a coach’s authority would settle with time. The five-match T20I series is part of India’s build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026. (PC: X)

Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning knock as India beat New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I in Nagpur. The opener smashed 84 off 35 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours. India posted 238 for 7.   Rinku Singh added an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls. Suryakumar Yadav scored 32 during a key partnership.   New Zealand’s chase was led by Glenn Phillips, who hit 78. But wickets fell regularly. Varun Chakravarthy took 2 for 37 as New Zealand finished on 190 for 7. (PC: AP)

The ICC Board has rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate T20 World Cup matches from India, with the proposal defeated 14-2 in a board vote. The ICC warned the Bangladesh Cricket Board that if the team refuses to travel to India for scheduled fixtures starting February 7, it will be replaced by Scotland. Bangladesh has one day to convey its final position. Currently, Bangladesh is scheduled to play three league matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Only Pakistan's PCB supported Bangladesh's request citing security concerns. The BCB proposed a group swap to play all matches in Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected this. The dispute escalated after BCCI removed Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026. (PC: AP)

The International Cricket Council has confirmed there will be no change to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule. Bangladesh’s matches will be played in India as planned.   The decision was taken during an ICC Board meeting after the Bangladesh Cricket Board requested a shift of venues to Sri Lanka.   The ICC said security reviews found no credible threat to players, officials, media, or fans. It added that changing the schedule so close to the tournament was not feasible and could set a bad precedent. (PC: AFP)

Bangladesh cricket captain Litton Das has declined to comment on the T20 World Cup 2026 controversy, stating it's "not safe" for him to respond. With just two weeks remaining, Bangladesh's participation remains uncertain due to a standoff with the ICC over the Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns. Despite numerous talks, the ICC appears reluctant to approve the request. When asked about World Cup preparation during a Bangladesh Premier League game Tuesday, Litton highlighted the uncertainty, saying "everyone is uncertain... the whole of Bangladesh is uncertain at this moment." The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. (PC: AP)

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul firmly rejected ICC pressure amid T20 World Cup venue dispute, stating Bangladesh won't accept "unreasonable conditions" if ICC "bows to BCCI pressure." He dismissed speculation about Scotland replacing Bangladesh, reiterating security concerns over playing in India. BCB requested games be moved to co-host Sri Lanka, citing BCCI's directive to Kolkata Knight Riders releasing Mustafizur Rahman amid India-Bangladesh political tensions. Weekend talks in Dhaka reached no agreement. ICC set January 21 deadline for resolution. Nazrul referenced Pakistan's past venue changes, arguing Bangladesh's request has "logical ground." Bangladesh are scheduled to play Group C matches in Kolkata and Mumbai against West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal. (PC: AFP)