India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified that India hasn't refused to play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, stating the denial came from the other side. "Humne manaa nahi kiya hai khelne. Unhone mana kiya hai," Suryakumar said at the captains' day event, confirming India's flights to Colombo are already booked for the February 15 match. Pakistan's government denied permission for their team to play the high-profile clash, viewed as solidarity with Bangladesh, who were ousted after refusing to play in India citing security concerns. ICC warned Pakistan Cricket Board that boycotting could invite punitive sanctions, noting it wouldn't serve cricket's broader interests. 

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup, calling them "brothers" and thanking Bangladeshi supporters for backing Pakistan. Speaking at the pre-tournament captains' press conference in Colombo, Agha said, "It's really sad to not see them playing the World Cup," while hoping Bangladesh fans continue supporting Pakistan. Bangladesh was ejected from the tournament after ICC found no substance in their security concerns over traveling to India. The BCB had protested after BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad. Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh's concerns, but ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Pakistan government subsequently barred their team from playing India. (PC: X)

Former England captain Nasser Hussain sparked controversy on Sky Sports' cricket podcast, questioning ICC's consistency after Bangladesh's T20 World Cup ouster. He asked whether ICC would similarly penalize India for government-mandated boycotts, stating, "With power comes responsibility." Social media users criticized Hussain's hypocrisy, recalling England's 2003 World Cup boycott of Zimbabwe under his captaincy, where he said he was "proud" of the decision. ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India citing security concerns, following BCCI's removal of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL amid attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Pakistan subsequently boycotted their February 15 India match in Colombo, with PM Shehbaz Sharif declaring solidarity with Bangladesh. (PC: NDTV)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav broke his silence on Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India and said his team is ready to play. The match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Speaking before the tournament, he said, “We did not say no. The refusal has come from their side.” He added that the ICC confirmed the fixture and the government cleared a neutral venue. “Our flight to Colombo is booked. We are going,” he said. Pakistan’s government has asked its team not to play India. If Pakistan do not show up, India could receive a walkover and two points. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court on Thursday modified its January 2017 order that had barred Anurag Thakur from involvement in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) affairs, saying he is now free to participate according to its rules. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi applied the doctrine of proportionality, noting that the earlier “cease and desist” direction was not meant to be a lifelong ban. Thakur, a former BCCI president and Union minister, had tendered an unqualified apology in 2017, leading to dropping of contempt proceedings. (PC: ANI)

The Indian government is working to bring back a Formula 1 race at the Buddh International Circuit after more than 10 years. Officials are trying to fix tax and rule problems that led to the Indian Grand Prix ending in 2013. Authorities earlier treated the race as entertainment, not sport, which raised costs through heavy taxes and duties. Sources said ministries are now reviewing these rules and speaking with Formula 1 officials. The race ran from 2011 to 2013 and drew large crowds. No return date is confirmed yet. India must still compete with other countries for a slot on the packed F1 calendar. (PC: India Today)

A section of officials in the Bangladesh Cricket Board has raised concerns over Pakistan national cricket team boycotting the India match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. They said the decision could hurt global cricket revenue. One BCB director told a local outlet, “If the India-Pakistan match does not take place, the entire cricketing world will face financial losses.” The official added, “We did not want such losses.” Reports say Pakistan skipped the match in support of Bangladesh after the team was removed from the tournament. Officials also warned that lower ICC income would reduce member payouts and affect smaller cricket boards. (PC: NDTV)

After over a decade's absence, India's government intensifies efforts to revive Formula 1 at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports targets removing tax burdens and bureaucratic obstacles that caused the Indian Grand Prix's 2013 cancellation. The race ran successfully 2011-2013, with Sebastian Vettel winning all three editions for Red Bull Racing. However, financial disputes arose when authorities classified F1 as entertainment rather than sport, imposing steep entertainment and luxury taxes plus customs duties on racing equipment, devastating promoter Jaypee Sports International's finances after their USD 400 million circuit investment. Despite India's growing automotive culture and aspirational middle class, securing calendar placement amid 24 existing races remains challenging, requiring long-term commitment proof to Formula 1 Management. (PC: Reuters)

Two centuries after cricket arrived in Italy, the Azzurri make their ICC World Cup debut against Scotland in Kolkata on Monday. Herbert Kilpin's 1899 Milan Foot-Ball and Cricket Club spawned football giant AC Milan, but cricket developed slowly. Italy's stunning second-place finish behind Netherlands at July's European qualification, including a shocking 12-run victory over heavily-favored Scotland, secured their T20 World Cup 2026 berth. The 15-player squad mixes home-based players with Australian, South African, and English talent qualifying through Italian heritage. Coach Kevin O'Brien targets Super Eight qualification, drawing parallels to Ireland's 2007 debut. Leg-spinner Crishan Kalugamage, who moved from Sri Lanka at 15, embodies Italy's cricket journey, balancing his pizza chef job with 700-kilometer round trips for matches. (PC: Reuters)

The ICC has warned Pakistan Cricket Board of potential legal action from T20 World Cup broadcasters if Pakistan boycotts the February 15 match against India in Colombo. The ICC could withhold Pakistan's entire annual revenue share of approximately $35 million to compensate broadcasters. A PCB source confirmed the board is preparing for significant repercussions, noting that appeals to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee would likely fail. The source emphasized broadcasters would be within their rights to sue both PCB and ICC for major contract breach, as the four-year broadcasting deal was based on Pakistan-India matches. Pakistan hasn't officially informed ICC despite following government directives to boycott. (PC: AFP)