Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi claims the ICC backed down, not Pakistan, in the T20 World Cup standoff over the India match. Pakistan withdrew its boycott after negotiations, with the February 15 Colombo fixture proceeding as scheduled. Sethi asserts Pakistan's 15-day notice was strategic, aimed at securing concessions for Bangladesh regarding sanctions and revenue protection. He claims Pakistan no longer relies on ICC revenue, earning more from the Pakistan Super League than its USD 144 million ICC share (2024-27 cycle). However, PTI reports Pakistan faced potential USD 38 million annual losses if penalized. The standoff ended after Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC negotiations yielded understanding on sanctions. (PC: AP)

Amid earlier controversy over a proposed boycott, the Pakistan government has reversed its decision and agreed to play the India vs Pakistan fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The reversal is significant; canceling the marquee clash was expected to cost the International Cricket Council (ICC) around $174 million in broadcast, sponsorship, and gate revenues. After negotiations involving the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board, and other cricket authorities, Pakistan confirmed participation, preserving the fixture’s commercial and sporting value in the tournament. (PC: X)

England star Jos Buttler called Indian sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi “the best player I’ve ever seen” following the 14‑year‑old’s remarkable performance in the Under‑19 World Cup 2026 final. Sooryavanshi scored a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls, leading India to a commanding win and earning Player of the Tournament honours. Buttler’s praise came on the Love for Cricket podcast, where he highlighted the young batter’s extraordinary talent at such a young age. The English pacer Mark Wood also acknowledged the boldness of Buttler’s claim, sparking global conversation about Sooryavanshi’s future in cricket. (PC: IANS)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has responded after Pakistan agreed to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla thanked the International Cricket Council for resolving the dispute. He said an “amicable solution” was reached after ICC meetings with Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket officials. “All kudos to ICC for taking this initiative and bringing cricket back to the forefront,” Shukla told reporters. Pakistan had earlier refused to play but reversed its stand after ICC decisions on Bangladesh’s status and future hosting rights. Shukla said the February 15 match will go ahead and called it “good news” for the tournament. (PC: HT)

Music from Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar was featured during a figure skating routine at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Several clips shared online show Russian-Georgian skater Anastasiia Gubanova performing to the film’s title track. She opened her routine with the Hindi song “San Sanana” from Asoka and then switched to the Dhurandhar track “Jogi”. Viewers noted her red-and-gold costume and a red bindi as part of the performance look. Social media users widely shared the videos and called it a cross-cultural music moment. Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, released in December last year and stars Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. (PC: HT)

Music from Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar was featured during a figure skating routine at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Several clips shared online show Russian-Georgian skater Anastasiia Gubanova performing to the film’s title track. She opened her routine with the Hindi song “San Sanana” from Asoka and then switched to the Dhurandhar track “Jogi”. Viewers noted her red-and-gold costume and a red bindi as part of the performance look. Social media users widely shared the videos and called it a cross-cultural music moment. Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, released in December last year and stars Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. (PC: HT)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar presented his final Test match jersey to Ayush Mhatre, captain of India’s Under‑19 team, in Mumbai as a special honour following India’s record‑extending sixth ICC U19 World Cup title win in Zimbabwe. Mhatre led the young side to victory over England and returned home to celebrations from fans and family. The gesture symbolises a passing of the torch between generations and recognises Mhatre’s leadership and performance throughout the tournament. The moment highlighted the rising talent in Indian cricket and the pride surrounding the U19 champions. (PC: Instagram)

Pakistan’s interior minister and chairman of the PCB Mohsin Naqvi referred to Field Marshal Asim Munir during a press conference held amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board chief said he and the government were not afraid of “threats” from India or the International Cricket Council. He said, “Neither am I intimidated… he never gets afraid.” The remarks came shortly before Pakistan confirmed it would play the February 15 match in Colombo. The Pakistan Cricket Board agreed after consultations led by the government and discussions with other cricket boards and partner countries. (PC: HT)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down several major demands from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as talks continue over Pakistan’s potential boycott of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. The PCB had sought ICC intervention for an India‑Pakistan bilateral series, an India‑Pakistan‑Bangladesh tri‑series, and a guarantee on India touring Bangladesh in 2026 — all were rejected, with the ICC stating such bilateral or tri‑nation series are outside its mandate and that tours are decided bilaterally. Discussions involving the PCB, ICC, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are ongoing as Pakistan weighs its participation after earlier boycott threats. 

After India’s Under-19 World Cup win, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s stunning 175* against England has sparked a loud debate about fast-tracking him into the senior Indian team. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor drew parallels with Sachin Tendulkar’s early rise, saying India “didn’t keep Tendulkar waiting” and pushing for Suryavanshi’s call-up, noting his extraordinary talent. However, selectors can’t yet include him in the senior side because ICC age rules require him to be 15 before playing international cricket — his birthday is in March 2026. The buzz underlines how exceptional his performances have been and the excitement surrounding his future. (PC: X)