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)

Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton. The former world No. 1 said her decision was forced by a severe knee problem. “I thought it’s enough. I can’t push it anymore,” she said on a podcast. Saina last played at the Singapore Open in 2023. She revealed that her cartilage has worn out and she has arthritis. “My knee was giving up in one or two hours,” she said. Saina won Olympic bronze in 2012 and inspired a generation of Indian shuttlers. (PC: R. V. Moorthy)

Bangladesh has responded strongly to reports of an ICC ultimatum over the 2026 T20 World Cup. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said the country will not accept “unreasonable pressure” to play in India. He said International Cricket Council has not formally warned Bangladesh about exclusion. Nazrul added that venue changes were allowed earlier in similar cases. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has held talks with the ICC. Reports say Scotland could replace Bangladesh if they pull out. The T20 World Cup begins on February 7. (PC: AFP)

Bangladesh has hardened its stand amid uncertainty over its participation in the T20 World Cup, raising concerns about playing matches in India. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh will not accept conditions it sees as unfair or unreasonable. He dismissed speculation that the team could be dropped from the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has sought a venue change, citing security issues. Talks with the International Cricket Council have so far failed to break the deadlock. The tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month. (PC: X)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering major changes to its annual central contract system, according to reports. Under the proposed model, the Grade A category may be removed. If approved, senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to be placed in Grade B. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has suggested scrapping the A+ category and retaining only A, B and C grades. Final decisions and financial details are likely at the next BCCI apex council meeting. (PC: NDTV)

National pole vault record holder Dev Meena and fellow athlete Kuldeep Yadav were forcibly deboarded from a train at Panvel station by a Travelling Ticket Examiner who prohibited them from carrying their poles which is an essential sport equipment. The athletes were stranded for nearly five hours while explaining their situation to authorities after returning from the All India Inter-University Championships. A viral video shows Meena questioning the treatment, wondering about harassment faced by junior athletes if international competitors face such issues. The 19-year-old Meena holds India's national record at 5.35m, set in April 2025, though significantly trailing the Asian record (6m) and world record (6.27m by Armand Duplantis). The incident sparked nationwide controversy.