England Test skipper Ben Stokes sustained a severe facial injury from a cricket ball, following a difficult Ashes tour and ongoing groin recovery.

England captain Stokes suffers facial injury after being hit by ball

England Test skipper Ben Stokes sustained a severe facial injury from a cricket ball, following a difficult Ashes tour and ongoing groin recovery.

England Test captain Ben Stokes has suffered a severe facial injury after being struck by a cricket ball.
The 34-year-old all-rounder posted a picture on Instagram showing his right eye heavily swollen and bruised, a graze on his cheek and lip, and a bandage stuffed in his nose.
"You should see the state of the cricket ball," read Stokes' caption of the picture, alongside a laughing face emoji.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6984d91fbc965_1770314015.jpeg" width="362" height="638">
Stokes is back in England following a woeful Ashes tour, which ended with a 4-1 series loss to Australia last month.
Although Stokes has made it clear he wants to continue to captain the red-ball side, his position remains uncertain amid an England and Wales Cricket Board review.
England coach Brendon McCullum has labelled some of the ensuing fall-out from the Ashes "out of order".
Stokes is no longer a member of England's white-ball set-up and won't feature in the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka that starts this weekend.
He could next play for Durham in the early rounds of the County Championship before England begin their home Test season against New Zealand at Lord's on June 4 -- Stokes's 35th birthday.
Stokes is currently recovering from an adductor injury suffered during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January.
The injury prevented him from bowling in Australia's second innings and completed a frustrating tour for the England skipper, who bowled well throughout the series but struggled with the bat.
Stokes' groin problem is the latest of several injuries that have blighted his career.
In 2024, he tore his hamstring twice and he finished last season's home series against India on the sidelines due to a shoulder problem, having undergone an operation in late 2023 to deal with knee issues.
Stokes is contracted by England until the end of the 2027 home season summer and he may now avoid entering next month's auction for the Hundred, leaving him free to focus on the Test team.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav says team will travel to Colombo for ICC T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, despite Pakistan government boycotting the match.

'Our flight is booked, we are going there': Suryakumar on India's T20WC match against Pak

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav says team will travel to Colombo for ICC T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, despite Pakistan government boycotting the match.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav on Thursday said his team will travel to Colombo for its ICC T20 World Cup match against Pakistan even though the neighbouring country has announced a boycott of the game.&nbsp;
India are scheduled to face the arch-rivals in February 15 but Pakistan's cricket team has been told by its government to skip the game after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play in India on account of "security concerns".&nbsp;
"I feel their decision is not in my control. I wish I could take their decisions call but it is their call. We had played in the Asia Cup as well and we played them three times," Suryakumar said during the pre-tournament captains' press meet in Mumbai.&nbsp;
The World Cup begins on Saturday and India will take on USA in its opening match on the same evening.&nbsp;
"Our mindset is pretty clear. We have not said no (to playing against Pakistan). They have. ICC has given the fixture. Our flight is booked and we are going there (to Colombo)," "The team discussion is that we are playing first on February 7, then we will go there," he added.&nbsp;
"We played some good cricket against them. We have been told that the game is on 15th, the game is at a neutral venue and if we get an opportunity we will play. It's a difficult call for them (Pakistani players) as well," he observed.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the decision to skip the T20 World Cup match against India, calling it a considered move in support of Bangladesh.

Decision to boycott India game appropriate, we're with Bangladesh: Pak PM Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the decision to skip the T20 World Cup match against India, calling it a considered move in support of Bangladesh.

Calling Pakistan's boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India an "appropriate decision, the country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that it was a "considered stance" to support Bangladesh.
Pakistan's cricket team has been told by the government to skip the February 15 game in Colombo after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for refusing to play its games in India on account of "security concerns".
"We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we won't play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field,&rdquo; Sharif stated after a government meeting in Karachi.
"We have taken a very considered stance, and we should completely stand by Bangladesh, and I think this is a very appropriate decision. We are with Bangladesh," he added.
In response, Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul posted "Thank You, Pakistan" on his official Facebook page, while quoting Sharif's statement.
A livid ICC has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of serious consequences if it fails to show up for the high-profile match, which is a money magnet at the big event for sponsors, broadcasters and advertisers.
The world body has hoped that the PCB will "consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of."
Pakistan has reached Colombo for its other preliminary engagements, starting with a game against the Netherlands on Saturday.
The country's cricket board has already made it clear that it supports the government's position and would go by its advice even if a rematch against India crops up during the knockout stage.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had stated that the decision to drop Bangladesh was not fair and their security concerns should have been addressed.
The ICC's security assessment of Indian venues had placed the threat perception for Bangladesh in the low to moderate category.
Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India for its share of matches came after its pacer Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from the IPL on BCCI's instructions.
The Indian Board did not specify the reasons but it came amid increased attacks on Hindus there.

Ishan Kishan’s 20-ball 53 sets up India’s 30-run win over South Africa in T20 World Cup warm-up, highlighting dominant batting and strong bowling.

Ishan Kishan seals top-order slot as India beat South Africa by 30 runs in T20 WC warm-up

Ishan Kishan&rsquo;s 20-ball 53 sets up India&rsquo;s 30-run win over South Africa in T20 World Cup warm-up, highlighting dominant batting and strong bowling.

In-form Ishan Kishan&rsquo;s minute-a-mile half-century helped him lock his place in the top order as India completed a 30-run victory over South Africa in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.
Ishan went hammer and tongs to smash seven sixes and two fours as his 20-ball 53 underlined another dominant show from Indian batters, who piled up a massive 241 for five on a placid wicket here at the DY Patil Stadium.
The T20 World Cup defending champions then used as many as nine bowling options including three overs from Abhishek Sharma (2/32), restricting South Africa to 210/7.
However, frontline pacer Harshit Rana (0/16) left the field after sending down his only over of the night, in which he pulled out of his run-up twice and eventually did not return to the action.
South Africa experimented by sending George Linde (0) to open with Aiden Markram (38 retired out), which did not yield any result, with the former being dismissed for a four-ball duck in the first over from Arshdeep Singh (1/29).
Ryan Rickelton hit a 21-ball 44 with three sixes and four boundaries, while Jason Smith struck 35 off 23 balls with four fours and a six.
While Dewald Brevis (2) fell cheaply, Tristan Stubbs smacked four sixes to make a 21-ball 45 not out.
India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, took no part in the match.
Earlier in the first half, Ishan showed his array of strokes, including some powerful flicks on the on-side that went sailing over the ropes to make the only half-century of the game.
Ishan, who struck 103 in the final T20 against New Zealand last week, came out firing on all cylinders to put on an 80-run stand with Abhishek (24 off 17 balls, retired out) inside the powerplay.
With Sanju Samson struggling for runs, Ishan is expected to open the batting alongside Abhishek in the tournament opener against USA at Wankhede on February 7.
Ishan walked away immediately after bringing up his fifty, as India maximised their opportunity to have one final hit before the USA game.
Playing on familiar turf, the wicketkeeper-batter set the tone with a fiery knock. As many as 29 came in the fifth over of the game when Ishan tore into Anrich Nortje, smacking four sixes and a four.
On one occasion, he even tried to move away from a bouncer, but Nortje&rsquo;s delivery hit the blade and sailed over the fine leg fielder for a six.
However, if Ishan was in his top form, Abhishek certainly did not appear in his usual elements but still managed three fours and a six during his stay.
Tilak Varma, who had proved his fitness and preparedness for the ICC event after an injury lay-off in the previous outing for India A here two nights ago, was cleaned up by Marco Jansen after he had raced to 45 off only 19 balls with three sixes and as many fours.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav (30 off 16 balls; 2 fours, 2 sixes) also looked to maximise his time in the middle even though his trademark leg-side flicks did not always come out well. Suryakumar also enjoyed a lifeline when he was dropped on 18.
Vice-captain Axar hit a few lusty blows for a 23-ball 35, but it was Hardik Pandya who provided late fireworks, clobbering three sixes and two fours to make 30 off 10 balls before falling to Corbin Bosch.
Rinku Singh, who was hit on the helmet off a Bosch delivery, made 16.
Brief scores: India 240/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45; Marco Jansen 1/18) beat South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45 not out; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs.

Aaron George’s 115 helps India chase 311 against Afghanistan, securing a place in the U19 World Cup final against England.

U19 World Cup: Aaron's classy hundred carries India to final

Aaron George&rsquo;s 115 helps India chase 311 against Afghanistan, securing a place in the U19 World Cup final against England.

Aaron George's silken hundred seamlessly merged with the explosive fifties from IPL stars Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, guiding India to the ICC U19 World Cup final with a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in Harare on Wednesday.
India now face England in the summit clash here on Friday. It will be India's 10th final in the U19 showpiece, a testimony to BCCI's structured junior cricket programme that unearths serious talent.
India seemed to have a tough task ahead once Afghanistan piled 310 for four, built around hundreds by Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazal (101). But India cantered past the target in 41.1 overs and it was also their highest-ever chase in the U19 World Cup.
Aaron (115, 104b) led the chase with a hundred of impeccable pace and precision placements of his shots. He received ample backing from Suryavanshi (68, 33b) and Mhatre (62, 59b) as India kept their run-rate above seven all the while.
As is his vaunt, Sooryavanshi gave a flying start to India&rsquo;s innings with a flurry of boundaries, mainly off off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran. There was a slice of fortune too when Niazal dropped the left-hander on 22 at point off Abdul Aziz.
But around that lapse, Sooryavanshi batted quite aggressively, even pulling off a stunning helicopter shot six off pacer Nooristani Omarzai. There were repeated attempts to play pull shots in his innings, which eventually became his undoing &mdash; an aimless hoick off Omarzai ended in the hands of Osman Sadat inside the circle.
The opening wicket alliance stopped at 93, but Aaron then combined with Mhatre to add another 114 runs in just over 17 overs to take India past 200 in the 27th over.
Mhatre, who has been struggling for his rhythm in this tournament, made a fifty at the right moment, displaying his full selection of shots. Once again, Aaron played the anchor's role to perfection as Mhatre took all the risks to keep his side much ahead of the asking rate.
Mhatre&rsquo;s dismissal did not deter Aaron, and he batted on as composedly as he has been doing in this innings. Apart from his unflappability and situational awareness, the aesthetics of Aaron&rsquo;s batting was also impressive. Not one shot was hit in anger, as the right-hander, who migrated from Kottayam, Kerala, to Hyderabad, batted with seldom seen elan at this age of range-hitting.
His cover drives off Zadran and Roohullah Arab were a sight for sore eyes, and even his lofted shots which fetched him sixes were bereft of stress. He just flowed into the shot with a high elbow and still head, and the maximum over long-on off Omarzai can hold a pride of place in a cricket museum.
Aaron went past his hundred in 95 balls with an exquisite tuck past mid-wicket for a four. Aaron and Vihan Malhotra added 96 runs for the third wicket alliance as India sauntered to a win. However, Aaron could not stay long enough to see his side touching the tape.
"I knew I was batting well, so the conversion (with team management) definitely mattered. I'm glad I trusted the process and kept believing in my game. Everyone played to their full potential, and I'm very happy to see our top order doing so well. We are looking forward to the big final," said George in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Earlier, Shinozada and Niazai led the way with magnificent hundreds as Afghanistan posted a challenging total. Faisal top-scored with 110 off 93 balls, while Niazai sparkled with an unbeaten 101-run knock off 86 deliveries as the Indian bowlers struggled to pick wickets at regular intervals.
Opting to bat, Afghanistan were off to a solid start with the opening duo of Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai adding 53 runs before pacer Deepesh Devendran effected the first breakthrough in the 13th over. It was a length ball and as Ahmadzai shaped up to drive, he got a slight inside-edge that went through to wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu. Ahmadzai made 31 in 39 balls.
Faisal then added 64 runs for the second wicket with Sadat, setting up Afghanistan for a strong total. However, spin-bowling all-rounder Kanishk Chouhan struck for India at the start of the 25th over as he had Sadat caught at long-off after the batter played a reckless shot. Sadat made 39, but consumed 70 balls for that.

MS Dhoni supports Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s right to decide their future, stresses performance over age, and backs India’s T20 team ahead of the World Cup.

Dhoni Backs Kohli, Rohit; Stresses on Performance Over Age

MS Dhoni supports Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s right to decide their future, stresses performance over age, and backs India&rsquo;s T20 team ahead of the World Cup.

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has thrown his weight behind senior batting stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, saying nobody should tell them whether they can continue or not, while backing the "dangerous" Indian T20 team to defend its world title on home turf.
In an interview to sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru facilitated by tile and stone-installation company MYK Laticrete, which roped in Dhoni as its brand ambassador, the reclusive superstar gave rare views on Indian cricketing matters.
"Sorry, what's the question?" he quipped at first when the debate surrounding the possibility of Rohit (38) and Kohli (37) playing the 2027 ODI World Cup was brought up during the nearly half-hour interaction.
But he quickly took a more serious tone and asked, "Why not, why somebody should not play the World Cup?"
"For me, age is not a criteria, performance, fitness these are criteria. I always feel nobody should be told anything. But things should be clear that everyone will be treated the same way.
"When I made my debut I was 24, nobody told me anything and now when I am playing for India for 10 years, 20 years or whatever, nobody needs to come and tell me about my age," he asserted.
The 44-year-old, who still plays in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, stressed on the need for experience in the side.
"Whether Rohit or Virat or other names that will come up in next five years... whether they can or cannot play the next World Cup, it's not for us to decide, it's for them to decide. If they keep playing well, if they have the urge to do well for the country, then why not," he said.
"You can't get experienced people. You can't get a 20-year-old who is experienced unless it's a Sachin Tendulkar! You know you get experience at that age only if you start playing when you're 16 or 17."
Dhoni said a player cannot be considered experienced unless he has handled pressure for a prolonged time in his career.
"If you're calling 20 games and 25 games as experience, then they are not experienced because you need people to be under the pump in the job that they are doing.
"...I have to play 80 games, 85 games to experience that and then to know how to tame my heart, how to tame my emotion, how to handle the pressure. So I feel the right combination of experience and youthfulness is very important."
India's current head coach Gautam Gambhir has been non-committal on the future of Rohit and Kohli, both of whom only play ODIs now.
Dhoni said any player who is able to stay fit and perform should be able to keep his place irrespective of their age.
"Treat everyone equally. People are performing, they'll be there. People are not performing, they won't be there...if the guy is not fit you can chuck him out at any point of time. If he's not performing anyways you'll check him out.
"So there should not be any question regarding any individual when it comes to selection. There's only one criteria. You're performing, you're fit, keep on playing.
 India dangerous but beware of dew The discussion then moved towards the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Dhoni was the first Indian captain to win it back in 2007 and when asked about the chances of the Suryakumar Yadav-led current side, he said the hosts will have to be mindful of the dew factor at this time of the year.
"It's one of the most dangerous teams...what all is needed in a good team, everything is there. They have the experience especially when it comes to this format, the experience is vast.
"They have played under pressure. What worries me, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things. So even when I was playing, you know, something that really scared me was dew where the toss becomes crucial," he explained.
"You know, nobody should get injured, whatever roles are given, people should accomplish their roles for the team. And if that's the case, I don't want to jinx it by saying anything, but it's one of the most dangerous teams," he said.

After being left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, Steve Smith signs with new PSL team Sialkot Stallionz to push for a comeback and eye the 2028 Olympics.

Steve Smith Joins Sialkot Stallionz to Revive T20 Career

After being left out of Australia&rsquo;s T20 World Cup squad, Steve Smith signs with new PSL team Sialkot Stallionz to push for a comeback and eye the 2028 Olympics.

Snubbed from Australia's T20 World Cup squad despite strong form, veteran batter Steve Smith has signed with new Pakistan Super League franchise Sialkot Stallionz in a bid to force his way back into the national short-format side.
Despite starring in the Ashes and enjoying an excellent Big Bash League season with the Sydney Sixers, Smith was ignored for the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Smith, who has expressed his desire to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics -- which will see cricket return in the T20 format -- is the first player signed by Stallionz, according to a report in cricket.com.au.
The 36-year-old has already indicated that he will take a day-to-day approach to his playing future, saying, "One day I might wake up and say I've had enough."
The Stallionz and Hyderabad Kingsmen are the two new franchises to feature in 2026 PSL, taking the total number of teams to eight.
The Stallionz have appointed former Australia Test captain and current 'A' team coach Tim Paine as its coach, while former pacer Jason Gillespie will be in charge of the Hyderabad side.
The first PSL auction in the tournament's history will take place on February 11, but Smith has been roped in as a "direct signing", with each side allowed to secure one player before the draft day, the report added.
Smith scored 299 runs in six innings for Sydney Sixers in the BBL.

India will host the 2027 Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship in Delhi, offering eight Olympic quota spots for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, alongside the ISSF World Cup. Over 300 shooters from 20 countries are expected to compete.

India to Host 2027 Asian Shooting Championship in Delhi

India will host the 2027 Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship in Delhi, offering eight Olympic quota spots for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, alongside the ISSF World Cup. Over 300 shooters from 20 countries are expected to compete.

India will host next year's Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship in Delhi where eight quota places for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be up for grabs, marking a historic first for the country's shooting calendar which already features an Olympic qualifier in the World Cup.
The eight slots in the Asian competition will be in addition to the 12 quota places that will be on offer in the World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) from April 21 to 30 next year, also to be held in Delhi.
The allotment of the Asian event was confirmed by the Asian Shooting Confederation in a letter to the National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) president Kalikesh Singh Deo. The NRAI stated that the dates for the Asian qualifier will be finalised in due course.
"We congratulate National Rifle Association of India for winning the hosting rights of Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2027 where eight Quota Places will be distributed for the LA 2028 Olympics. We are confident that, under your leadership, the championship will be organised to the highest standards and will be a great success," the letter, which is in PTI's possession, stated.
Speaking to PTI, NRAI secretary general Pawankumar Singh said it is a proud moment for the country. "This is the first time India will be hosting two Olympic quota competitions and we are very proud of that. We will host the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun (April 21-30) in New Delhi and the Asian Championships in Rifle and Pistol here at the Karni Singh Ranges," said Singh.
"The dates for the Asian Championships will be announced later but we are very happy that the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has shown faith in our abilities to organise major competitions. This shows the growing clout of Indian shooting sport and the confidence the international body has in us," he added.
Singh said he was hopeful India would make full use of the two competitions to secure as many quota places as possible.
The ISSF had decided against giving Olympic qualification slots in the World Cups during the Paris Olympic Games cycle, but these events have regained that status for the Los Angeles cycle.
"Indian shooters will hopefully capitalise on this opportunity and aim for the maximum quota allocation of 24 places for a country, surpassing the 22 quotas they secured ahead of the Paris Games," Singh said.
Delhi will host this year's Asian Championships (Rifle/Pistol) from Wednesday at the Karni Singh Ranges. Over 300 shooters from 20 countries will compete across junior and senior categories.

Sunil Gavaskar says Pakistan may make a U-turn on boycotting the India match but urges the ICC to take legal action over the decision.

ICC should take action: Gavaskar, Harbhajan slam Pakistan's boycott of T20WC match against India

Sunil Gavaskar says Pakistan may make a U-turn on boycotting the India match but urges the ICC to take legal action over the decision.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar foresees Pakistan making a "U-turn" but regardless of that, he called on the ICC to take legal action against the country for boycotting its T20 World Cup match against India on February 15.
Pakistan's government decided against granting permission to its cricket team to play the high-profile game in Colombo and though no official reason has been given, it is being widely construed as a gesture of solidarity with Bangladesh. Bangladesh were ousted from the World Cup after refusing to play their matches in India, citing security concerns.
"I think in the next four or five days, when reactions start pouring in from across the world and even from their former players, there is a possibility that Pakistan will change their stance," Gavaskar quipped on 'India Today'.
The tournament gets underway on February 7 and Pakistan are due to play all their games in Sri Lanka as part of an agreement with the BCCI and ICC.
"What's new in this? We all know Pakistan cricketers retire and then, four days later, take back their retirement, saying 'our fans told us to play more'. This might happen again," Gavaskar said.
"Pakistan players have set examples. They keep coming back from retirement. So something like that might happen before the 15th," he joked.
Both Gavaskar and Harbhajan said ICC would be justified in acting against Pakistan.
Among the available options, the world body could dock Pakistan's World Test Championship points, make them stagnant in ICC rankings, and prompt top member nations to refuse to travel there.
"If Pakistan does not have a valid reason to justify withdrawing from the big match against India, or if they cannot show grounds for breaching the contract, then action will be taken by the ICC Board," he said.
"I don't know what action they will take, but I think there are so many other boards involved, so it's not just going to be one person's decision. However, it should be something that ensures no other team in the future also considers doing that.
"The ICC will probably take legal action against Pakistan over the refusal to play against India, but what the result of such an action would be, I can't say," he added.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan, speaking on his YouTube channel, said the ICC should not spare Pakistan for the last-minute decision.
"They didn't have a problem earlier. They've now stepped into what was Bangladesh's issue. This decision can affect the ICC, so the ICC has every right to take legal action. It can impact the entire tournament," he said.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla backed the ICC’s warning to Pakistan over its proposed boycott of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo.

ICC right to pull up Pakistan for boycotting Indo-Pak fixture: Rajeev Shukla

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla backed the ICC&rsquo;s warning to Pakistan over its proposed boycott of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla on Monday said the the International Cricket Council (ICC) was right in warning Pakistan of severe repercussions for its selective pullout from the high-profile T20 World Cup contest against India in Colombo on February 15.
Pakistan's decision, conveyed through an official government statement, is being seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds.
The ICC has already warned Pakistan Cricket Board the a boycott of the marquee fixture could lead to punitive sanctions and said that the decision is not in the interest of the the game in general.
"The ICC has issued a big statement on this subject. It has highlighted element of sportsmanship. We completely agree with the ICC. BCCI will not make any comment until we speak to the ICC," Shukla told reporters here.
The raging controversy was sparked by Bangladesh pacer's Mustafizur Rahman's ouster from the IPL on instructions of the BCCI for unspecified reasons.
Bangladesh refused to travel to India after that citing security concerns.
Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor said the game can't be held to ransom like the way it is being at the moment.
"It is pretty disgraceful that sport has been politicised in this way on both sides, frankly. I don't think that Mustafizur (Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman) should have been denied his contract to play in Kolkata. It was most unfortunate intrusion of politics," Tharoor told reporters.
"I think the Bangladeshi reaction was an overreaction but it is also a reflection of the same and Pakistan is trying to show its solidarity with Bangladesh. This whole thing is spiralling out of control.
"I honestly think this is now a wake up call for all concerned to contact each other on an emergency basis, the ICC could be the platform for it - just say, let's call off this nonsense...You can't go on like this forever," he said.
The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, drawing peak global viewership, sponsorship interest and broadcast revenues.
The host broadcaster could incur advertisement revenue losses which could be anything in the range of Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore for a marquee game whose 10 second commercial slot can cost up to Rs 40 lakh.
While a walkover would hand full points to India, the ICC retains the authority to impose financial penalties on the PCB.
To get a walkover, the opposition team needs to be present on the ground for the coin toss.
The Indian team will therefore travel to Sri Lanka and Suryakumar Yadav will be walking out for the toss.
Once Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha doesn't appear, the match referee will award a walkover and two points to India.
There could also be a host of sanctions awaiting Pakistan, including docking of WTC points, no movement in ICC rankings, top member nations refusing to travel there and last but not the least -- sanctions on participation of players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Pakistan are scheduled to open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.
All their matches will be played at the SSC ground in Colombo.

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Star footballer Lionel Messi,&nbsp;who recently broke Pele's&nbsp;record no. of goals for one club by netting his 644th career goal for Barcelona on Tuesday, will be sending limited edition 'Messi' beer bottles to all the goalkeepers against whom he scored. Celebrating&nbsp;Messi's&nbsp;achievement,&nbsp;famous beer brand Budweiser released a short film titled 'Kings aren't made overnight' that features the limited edition 'Messi' beer bottle. In its promo, the Argentine can be seen writing a note to every&nbsp;goalkeeper, which would be sent along with the beers and goes on to&nbsp;say, 'No goal is easy!'

'Messi' beer bottles for goalkeepers against whom Messi scored

Star footballer Lionel Messi,&nbsp;who recently broke Pele's&nbsp;record no. of goals for one club by netting his 644th career goal for Barcelona on Tuesday, will be sending limited edition 'Messi' beer bottles to all the goalkeepers against whom he scored. Celebrating&nbsp;Messi's&nbsp;achievement,&nbsp;famous beer brand Budweiser released a short film titled 'Kings aren't made overnight' that features the limited edition 'Messi' beer bottle. In its promo, the Argentine can be seen writing a note to every&nbsp;goalkeeper, which would be sent along with the beers and goes on to&nbsp;say, 'No goal is easy!'

Messi&nbsp;to send gift to goalkeepers against whom he scored Limited edition 'Messi' beer bottles for goalkeepers Messi&nbsp;broke Pele's&nbsp;record of max goals for a club

Star footballer Lionel Messi,&nbsp;who recently broke Pele's&nbsp;record number of goals for one club by netting his 644th career goal for Barcelona on Tuesday, will be sending limited edition 'Messi' beer bottles to all the goalkeepers against whom he scored. Celebrating&nbsp;Messi's&nbsp;achievement,&nbsp;famous beer brand Budweiser released a short film titled 'Kings aren't made overnight' which features the limited edition 'Messi' beer bottle. In its promo, the Argentine can be seen writing a note to every&nbsp;goalkeeper, which would be sent along with the beers, as he goes on to&nbsp;say, 'No goal is easy!'

India pacer Harshit Rana is likely to be ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a knee injury, with captain Suryakumar Yadav admitting his recovery is doubtful.

India pacer Harshit Rana set to be ruled out of T20 World Cup

India pacer Harshit Rana is likely to be ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a knee injury, with captain Suryakumar Yadav admitting his recovery is doubtful.

Young India speedster Harshit Rana is set to be ruled out of the T20 World Cup because of a knee injury sustained in a warm-up game with skipper Suryakumar Yadav admitting on Friday that he is "not looking good".
Suryakumar didn't rule him out just yet, but dropped enough hints that one of head coach Gautam Gambhir's 24-year-old protege is unlikely to recover in time to play any of the matches, starting with the lung-opener against the USA on Saturday.
"Harshit Rana has not been ruled out yet, the physios are assessing him but he does not look good," Suryakumar said at the pre-match press conference in Mumbai on Friday.
The Indian captain might have kept his cards close to his chest but reliable sources in the team asserted that Rana has no chance of recovering at any stage of the tournament.
"Don't worry, we have 11 players for tomorrow. But it obviously would be a big blow because you make a squad of 15 after a lot of thought and he was included after some thought process," said Suryakumar.
"But if he is not available going forward, we will then set different combinations. We have enough players and combinations against all teams that we can have for this tournament but if we miss him (for not being available), we will definitely miss him," he added.
Rana could bowl only one over in the warm-up game against South Africa in which he conceded 16 runs and then hobbled off the field with a knee injury.
Although Rana is not a first eleven certainty with an economy rate of 10.60 in nine T20Is, he certainly would have been a handy inclusion in specific conditions. He is also a useful lower-order hitter.
In place of Rana, the pacers who could be in contention are Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj among the experienced ones.
All-rounder Washington Sundar is already looking doubtful with a side strain and rib muscle tear.
"We will see which (other) fast bowlers have done really well for the last one or two years or if there is any bowler who can bat as well," Suryakumar said of available options.
"But there is no hard and fast rule that he can bat, because if you are expecting someone at No.9 or No.10 to come out and hit a six, then what are the other eight (players) doing before him? We will see, we do have a few options but we will pick the best one," he added.

Defending champions India open their T20 World Cup campaign against USA at Wankhede Stadium, aiming to become the first team to retain the title.

India Set to Defend Title, Faces USA in T20 World Cup Opener

Defending champions India open their T20 World Cup campaign against USA at Wankhede Stadium, aiming to become the first team to retain the title.

The weight of expectations will sit lightly on their shoulders when a marauding India open their T20 World Cup campaign against a spirited USA in Mumbai on Saturday, hoping to become the first team to defend the coveted crown.
World number one India have only gone from strength to strength despite losing two pillars in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from their title-winning campaign of 2024, ratcheting up an overall nine series wins since, including a rampant run in the Asia Cup last year.
The final pieces of the puzzle have also fallen in place for them with skipper Suryakumar Yadav making a strong comeback after a horrendous run with the bat in 2025. Ishan Kishan has made an explosive return as well to claim the opening slot as wicketkeeper-batter.
An on-song Ishan will pair up with Abhishek Sharma, who is marked for excellence and domination in the world event given his pedigree and batting approach tailor-made for the slam-bang format.
India's run-up to this tournament has been compared to the Australia of 2007 ODI World Cup, a different era and in a different format. But the notion gets fuel from the fact that there isn't a single base that they have not covered.
Suryakumar's return to form, the assurance of Tilak Varma in the middle and the rich arsenal of all-rounders in Hardik Pandya, vice-captain Axar Patel and Shivam Dube makes this batting line-up incredibly tough to stop.
Also in the ranks is Rinku Singh, another batter of high calibre who would have his task cut-out as a finisher.
Jasprit Bumrah has been handled with utmost care as India have come to realise his true value and requisite presence for big-ticket events. He will have the tidy Arshdeep Singh for company with the new ball, while Harshit Rana's presence could also extend that batting line-up.
When in flow, Rana can crank up pace a notch or two above 140kmph which again provides another dimension to this Indian fast-bowling attack.
In Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, India have two of the world's best spinners for the format but their challenge would be to overcome the dew factor, which the legendary MS Dhoni has singled out as the trouble that could irritate the co-hosts.
In their bid to ensure the best possible squad of 15 is available for this tournament, selectors and team management have meticulously carved out this group. It doesn't include either Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal, and India's pursuit of excellence could also keep the mercurial Sanju Samson off the playing eleven.
Suryakumar is set to find some familiar faces donning the US jersey when he takes the field here on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium.
It's a venue where he once played and shared the dressing room with Shubham Ranjane, with Harmeet Singh and Saurabh Netravalkar being the other 'once-local' players.
The collective knowledge of the pitch and conditions at this venue will help the three travelling 'Mumbaikars' give additional confidence to their team as they look to build on the success from the previous tournament in their backyard.
The USA had not only beaten a former champion Pakistan with their persistence but also thrown up punches against India in a campaign which saw them making the Super Eight stage two years ago. It will be imperative to build on the momentum for the gutsy side.
The USA team won eight of their nine matches last year and are coming into this T20 World Cup with a three-week camp in Sri Lanka, ensuring an adequate buildup even though they cross paths with higher-ranked teams only in world events.
Skipper Monank Patel has led from the front with the bat and was backed up well by the likes of Saiteja Mukkamalla and Milind Kumar, while the experience of the Indian troika in Netravalkar, Harmeet and Ranjane will be vital in the bowling department.
In their second warm-up match, the USA gave a fine account of themselves against New Zealand when they ran the Kiwis close in a high-scoring contest losing by only seven runs.
The shorter boundary limits of the Wankhede Stadium and flatness of the pitch will thus drive USA to believe they have a similar chance against India, provided their batters find a way against the Indian pace attack.
Teams (from):
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vc), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
USA: Monank Patel (c), Andries Gous (wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shayan Jahangir, Harmeet Singh, Shehan Jayasuriya, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Milind Kumar, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar.
Match starts at 7:00pm IST.

Australia’s campaign suffers a blow as pacer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to injury, adding to the team’s growing concerns.

Australia Faces Major Setback: Hazlewood Out of T20 World Cup

Australia&rsquo;s campaign suffers a blow as pacer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to injury, adding to the team&rsquo;s growing concerns.

In a major setback to an already depleted Australia, their premier pacer Josh Hazlewood was on Friday ruled out of the T20 World Cup after "running out of time" to recover from a hamstring injury.&nbsp;
Australia would not be naming any replacement for the 35-year-old bowler.
It was earlier stated by Cricket Australia that Hazlewood would be able to join the squad during the middle and later stages of the tournament, beginning Saturday and to be played at venues across India and Sri Lanka.
"We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super 8 stage but the latest indications he is still some time away and accelerating his program will carry too much risk," selector Tony Dodemaide said.
"We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games so will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time," he added.
Nathan Ellis and Tim David are on track to be available for the group stage while Adam Zampa will be available for the first match in Colombo next week.
Australia's practice match against the Netherlands was abandoned last night but the team still has a six-day preparation window before the first pool game against Ireland on February 11.
Australia will play their four preliminary games in Colombo and Pallekele.
Hazlewood was ruled out of the 2025-26 Ashes series due to a lingering Achilles injury that occurred during his rehabilitation from a previous hamstring strain.
Earlier, seasoned pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the entire tournament due to a persistent back injury and was replaced in the 15-man squad by Ben Dwarshuis.
Mitchell Starc's T20I retirement has already robbed the squad of an all-weather bowler.

India’s Under-19 team will rely on its powerful batting line-up to challenge an unbeaten England in the ICC U19 World Cup final in Harare, aiming for a record sixth title.

India vs England: U19 ICC World Cup 2025 Final Showdown

India&rsquo;s Under-19 team will rely on its powerful batting line-up to challenge an unbeaten England in the ICC U19 World Cup final in Harare, aiming for a record sixth title.

In pursuit of a record-extending sixth title, the Indian Under-19 cricket team would bank on its swashbuckling batting line-up when it takes on a gritty England in what promises to be an evenly-matched summit clash of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Harare on Friday.
India's successful chase of a massive total to humble Afghanistan in the semifinal, where skipper Ayush Mhatre and opener Aaron George finally produced innings of substance, augurs well for the five-time champions, aiming to regain the trophy they last lifted in 2022.
India have shown tremendous resolve from the very first group match against the United States.
In the semifinal, they decimated a hardened Afghanistan side to maintain an blemish-free record despite being in pursuit of a 300-plus target.
They now face another unbeaten team in England.
India will be aware that England have reached this far after knocking out defending champions Australia and will be high on confidence.
To pull off the win, India will need a collective performance befitting the quality in their line-up, studded with batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose firestorm approach has left opposition teams struggling for answers.
Sooryavanshi, who turns 15 next month, has already struck three half-centuries and a blazing century in the final could be the driving force that propels India to the title.
However, he will need to exercise caution against an England side boasting of a strong pace battery, led by Manny Lumsden, who has been pivotal to their campaign.
He could prove more than a handful if India's top-order batters indulge in nonchalant shot selection.
India's record in the finals of the global age-group tournament has been brilliant.
This marks their 10th appearance in the summit clash.
Having beaten England in their only previous final meeting &mdash; in the 2022 West Indies edition &mdash; history is also on their side.
The return to form of Mhatre, who finally broke his half-century drought in the semifinal against Afghanistan, has given India plenty to cheer about.
Adding more heft is a solid middle order with Vihaan Malhotra contributing several fine innings and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu proving his worth with two half-centuries and assured work behind the stumps.
India's pace attack of Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel and R.S. Ambrish has stood up well so far, but the challenge could be sterner against an England side that thrives on pace bowling.
India may therefore look to lean more on their spin duo of Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel for greater control, though the final call will depend on the pitch conditions.
The absence of an Indian bowler in the tournament's top five wicket-takers, led by England&rsquo;s Manny Lumsden with 15 scalps, could be a mild concern.
However, India's strength has been collective bowling performances even though there have been occasional lapses, as seen when Afghanistan piled up a stiff 300-plus total in the semifinal.
England will lean heavily on their prolific run-getters.
Ben Mayes is in sublime form after a highest score of 191 and two half-centuries, making him the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 399 runs.
Skipper Thomas Rew has also been in good touch, smashing a century in the semifinal against Australia and adding two unbeaten half-centuries to tally 299 runs, the fourth-highest aggregate in the competition.
But their openers, Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores, have clearly been struggling.
On the bowling front, Lumsden has been incisive, and England will be hoping he receives crucial support from right-arm quick Sebastian Morgan and left-armer James Minto as they bid for their second U19 World Cup title, the first coming way back in 1998.
Teams (from):
England: Thomas Rew (c, wk), Ralphie Albert, Ali Farooq, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Farhan Ahmed, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Isaac Mohammed, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Joseph Moores, Sebastian Morgan.
India: Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Aaron George, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, Khilan Patel, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Mohamed Enaan, Udhav Mohan, Harvansh Pangalia, Kishan Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi.
Match starts at 1:00 pm.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second Women’s Premier League title, chasing 204 with Mandhana and Voll starring in a record 165-run partnership.

RCB wins second WPL title after six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second Women&rsquo;s Premier League title, chasing 204 with Mandhana and Voll starring in a record 165-run partnership.

Displaying absolute dominance, a Smriti Mandhana-inspired Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their second Women's Premier League trophy with a six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals, who failed to seize the moment on the biggest stage despite playing in their fourth final in Vadodara on Thursday.
RCB captain Mandhana looked in imperious touch on her way to a magnificent 87 off 41 balls, while Georgia Voll smashed 79 in 54 deliveries during a 165-run partnership for the second wicket with her skipper, which paved the way for a memorable title triumph.
This was after skipper Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion with a scintillating half-century and Chinelle Henry blazed away to a 15-ball 35 to lift Delhi Capitals to an imposing 203 for four. Laura Wolvaardt (44 not out off 25 balls) and Lizelle Lee (37 off 30 balls) also made quick runs after DC were put in. Rodrigues slammed 57 off 37 balls.
In reply, RCB completed the record chase with two balls remaining while joining Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in the WPL. In the stiff chase, RCB lost the big wicket of Grace Harris (9) early, but skipper Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll kept them in the contest by scoring quickly and keeping pace with the required run rate.
Both Mandhana and Georgia drove anything that was pitched up with ease, pulled and cut the short balls with authority as RCB reached 100 exactly at the halfway mark, requiring 104 runs in 60 balls. Meanwhile, Mandhana, having just hit two sixes, raced to her fifty in 23 balls with a sublime boundary against Sneh Rana. Voll was also at her best at the other end, dispatching everything that was in her arc with utter disdain.
The equation came down to 54 of 36 balls after Mandhana smashed Shree Charani for two boundaries to take RCB to 150 in 14 overs. The two continued to dominate until Voll gave her wicket away to Minnu Mani, raising DC hopes. However, RCB held their nerves to emerge winners.
Earlier, the Royal Challengers were on the money in the first three overs with Lauren Bell and Sayali Satghare conceding just nine runs as Shafali Verma and Lee did not get enough width to free their arms. However, the fourth over bowled by Satghare saw the Capitals release the pressure with Lee clobbering the medium pacer's half-volley and half-tracker for two successive sixes &mdash; one over long-off and another over mid-wicket.
There was then an appeal for a stumping thanks to Richa Ghosh's enterprise, and it was followed by Satghare failing to latch on to a difficult caught-and-bowled chance, ending an eventful over that yielded the Capitals 20 runs and gave them the much-needed momentum after the sluggish start.
With DC reaching 36 after five overs, skipper Smriti Mandhana introduced Arundhati Reddy into the attack, and Shafali straightaway collected two fours. However, Reddy hit back with the wicket of Shafali with a short ball, which was smartly taken by Ghosh behind the stumps.
The classy Laura Wolvaardt began with an exquisite boundary before Lee welcomed off-spinner Shreyanka Patil into the attack with two fours and a six on the trot, lifting DC to 72 for one in seven overs. It took compatriot Nadine de Klerk to end the dangerous Lee's stay in the middle, as the opener skied one for Grace Harris to run in from long-on to complete a clean catch.
Rodrigues joined Wolvaardt, and the duo found the gaps at will with their stylish batting to keep RCB under pressure with a partnership of 76 runs.
In the end though, RCB had the last laugh, once again, in a rematch of the 2024 final.
Brief scores: Delhi Capitals 203/4 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 44, Jemimah Rodrigues 57). RCB 204/4 in 19.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 87, Georgia Voll 79).

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