The ICC will respond to Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to relocate T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India between Monday and Tuesday. BCB cited security concerns, requesting games be moved from Kolkata and Mumbai to Sri Lanka after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released bowler Mustafizur Rahman following BCCI suggestions. However, ICC is unlikely to accept, instead proposing Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as alternate venues. Bangladesh rejected Chennai, with BCB president stating government consultation is required. The Bangladesh government expects direct Indian communication regarding security. ICC may cite Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat's recent officiating in Vadodara to address security concerns. With under four weeks remaining before competition, ICC seeks urgent resolution. (PC: AFP)

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI in Vadodara to take a 1–0 lead in the series on Sunday. Chasing 301, India were well placed before Virat Kohli was out for 93 in the 42nd over. His dismissal triggered a brief slide in the middle order. Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer fell quickly as pressure built. With Washington Sundar injured, Harshit Rana came in and hit 29 to steady the chase. KL Rahul stayed calm at the other end and finished the game with a six. Earlier, New Zealand posted 300, led by Daryl Mitchell’s 84. (PC: India Today)

Virat Kohli said he does not feel good when fans cheer his arrival after the dismissal of a teammate, after such a reaction followed Rohit Sharma’s wicket in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Kohli said he had seen the same response when MS Dhoni walked in to bat during IPL games. “I honestly do not feel good about it,” Kohli said, adding that he stays focused on the match and feels grateful for fan support. Kohli was out for 93, missing his 85th international hundred. India chased 300 to win by four wickets, with KL Rahul finishing the game late.

India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill is set to lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, marking his return after a two-month injury layoff caused by a neck problem suffered during the South Africa Test series. Gill, 26, who has played only three T20Is recently, said the series is crucial for preparing for the 2027 50-over World Cup and to assess player roles. He also highlighted the value of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the squad. Despite being omitted from the T20 World Cup squad, Gill remains committed to his leadership role. (PC: Reuters)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar surprised Jemimah Rodrigues with a bat-shaped guitar in Mumbai. He then joined her for a duet, keeping a promise made during India’s Women’s World Cup campaign. Jemimah was delighted as she opened the custom-made gift. The two sat together and sang “Yeh Dosti,” a famous song from Sholay. Jemimah later shared the moment online and wrote, “Sunil sir kept his promise.” The meeting happened just before the start of the Women’s Premier League. (PC: Jemimah Rodrigues/Instagram)

Bangladesh Cricket Board finance committee chairman M Nazmul Islam sparked controversy by calling former captain Tamim Iqbal "an Indian agent" on Facebook after Tamim advised against emotional decision-making regarding T20 World Cup participation in India. Current and former players, including Taskin Ahmed, Mominul Haque, and Taijul Islam, condemned the remark. The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) expressed shock, calling it "utterly condemnable" and insulting to the cricketing community. CWAB submitted a protest letter demanding a public apology and accountability. The controversy erupted after Bangladesh requested the ICC to move T20 World Cup matches out of India following BCCI's instruction to KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman without explanation. (PC: NDTV)

India batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20 Internationals against New Zealand, starting January 21, after undergoing surgery for an abdominal/groin issue in Rajkot, confirmed by the BCCI. He was discharged from hospital and is now stable and recovering, but will resume training only after full symptom resolution and healing. The board said his availability for the final two matches of the five-game series will be assessed based on his progress during return-to-training and skill phases. His absence is a setback for India’s T20I plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. (PC: PTI)

Haryana Police registered a case against national shooting coach Ankush Bharadwaj for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old national-level shooter in Faridabad. The incident occurred on December 16, 2025, after the athlete competed at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in South Delhi. The FIR alleges Bharadwaj asked the minor to meet him at his Surajkund hotel to review performance, then persuaded her to his room where the assault occurred. He allegedly threatened to harm her career and family if she disclosed the incident. The case was registered under POCSO Act Section 6 and BNS Section 351(2) following the victim's mother's complaint. The National Rifle Association of India suspended Bharadwaj pending inquiry. (PC:  Instagram/ankush597)

Bangladesh has said it will not play its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, citing security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has asked the International Cricket Council to shift their matches to a neutral venue. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said the issue is not just about safety but also national dignity. “We do not want to play at the cost of national humiliation,” he said. Bangladesh wants to play in Sri Lanka instead. The row follows Mustafizur Rahman’s release from IPL side KKR after security concerns were raised. (PC: PTI)

Arjun Tendulkar is set to marry fiancée Saaniya Chandhok in a three-day ceremony from March 3-5, 2026, according to Times of India reports. The wedding will be an intimate, private affair with a curated guest list comprising family, close friends, and select cricket community members. The couple got engaged in August 2025 in a low-key ceremony, with Sachin Tendulkar confirming the news during a Reddit AMA. Saaniya Chandhok is an entrepreneur and designated Partner-Director at Mr Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP. She's the granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai, head of Graviss Group, which manages Mumbai's Intercontinental Hotel and recorded Rs 624 crore revenues in FY23-24. (PC: Instagram)