Denmark badminton star Mia Blichfeldt criticized "unacceptable" and "highly unprofessional" conditions at India Open, questioning how World Championships could be held there. The ongoing tournament at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium faced multiple controversies: bird droppings halted HS Prannoy's match, monkeys appeared in stands, and Anders Antonsen withdrew citing severe Delhi pollution. Blichfeldt stated the "tough" conditions made focusing on performance "extremely difficult," stressing players and frustrating participants at the Super 750 event. BWF acknowledged seasonal challenges affecting air quality and temperature while defending the venue upgrade from KD Jadhav Stadium. The federation promised improvements before August's World Championships, thanking players for feedback while reaffirming commitment to high-quality standards. (PC: Instagram)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board sacked top official Najmul Islam following massive player boycotts of the Bangladesh Premier League and Dhaka Premier League. The controversy erupted after Najmul stated Bangladeshi players wouldn't be compensated if they refused to travel to India for T20 World Cup 2026, while criticizing their tournament performances. The Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh, led by Mohammad Mithun, demanded Najmul's resignation through a press conference, threatening further boycotts. Players didn't appear for BPL and DPL matches, forcing BCB's immediate action. BCB President assumed Acting Chairman of Finance Committee responsibilities. The incident occurred amid Bangladesh's ongoing dispute with ICC over relocating their World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns. (PC: AP)

During the India Open badminton tournament at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, a men’s singles match between HS Prannoy and Loh Kean Yew was halted twice after bird droppings fell onto the main court, forcing play interruptions. The unusual incident came despite the Badminton Association of India (BAI) insisting the arena was clean and pigeon-free, contradicting earlier statements and raising questions about venue maintenance. The match resumed after officials cleaned the court, with Prannoy eventually losing in three games. The episode follows broader concerns about stadium conditions tied to previous reports of animals in spectator areas and criticism from players about hygiene. 

India assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate refused to shield his players after India’s comprehensive seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI, stating the match exposed glaring flaws in the team’s bowling attack. He pointed out ineffective bowling, particularly from the spinners, and stressed that India failed collectively rather than as individuals. New Zealand chased the target comfortably, losing only three wickets, with India’s bowlers struggling to build pressure. Pacers Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed one. Daryl Mitchell’s composed knock earned him the Player of the Match award. (PC: NDTV)

Visa delays have raised concerns for the USA cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup in India. Three Pakistan-born players, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil, are waiting for travel clearance, a day after fast bowler Ali Khan faced a similar issue. The squad is in Sri Lanka for final preparations. Officials said the players attended visa appointments but were told the process was still under review. Sources added that no applications have been rejected and that more information has been sought by Indian authorities. The International Cricket Council said all required documents were submitted. The USA begin their campaign on February 7 in Mumbai. (PC: X)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said it will not withdraw its request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, even after the ICC turned down the appeal. The issue was discussed in a video meeting between the two bodies on Tuesday. BCB officials again cited “security concerns” as the reason for their demand. The ICC responded that the tournament schedule had already been announced and asked Bangladesh to reconsider its position. In a statement later, the BCB said it was still in talks with the ICC and had not altered its stand. The row comes weeks before the tournament begins. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh's Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul reiterated his country won't play 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India, suggesting Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or UAE as alternative venues. Responding to reports about BCCI proposing different Indian states and Pakistan Cricket Board's hosting interest, Nazrul stated "India means India," refusing any venue within the country. The controversy emerged after BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman amid rising anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India over reported attacks on Hindu minorities. Bangladesh Cricket Board wrote twice to ICC requesting venue changes, though the world body reportedly rejected initial requests. Nazrul emphasized Bangladesh won't compromise on this issue while awaiting ICC's response. (PC: News 18)

The ICC has rejected claims that it agreed with Bangladesh’s safety concerns about playing the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, sources said on Monday. Bangladesh sports adviser Azif Nazrul had said the ICC security team wrote to the Bangladesh Cricket Board and warned of higher risks if Mustafizur Rahman plays, fans wear Bangladesh jerseys, or elections near. ICC sources said no such letter was issued and an official statement will follow. The BCB has written twice to the ICC and asked that the event be moved to Sri Lanka. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board is still waiting for a reply from the ICC on the matter. (PC: India Today)

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)