Former India captain Rohit Sharma had a disappointing outing in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, scoring just 61 runs. His highest score was 26. In the final match at Indore, he managed only 11 while chasing 338. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull questioned whether Rohit still has the hunger to play the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. He pointed to long gaps in ODI cricket. Former India coach Ravi Shastri echoed the view, saying hunger and desire are key, especially after achieving so much. (PC: AP)

In the series‑deciding third One Day International at Holkar Stadium, Indore, New Zealand posted a commanding 337/8 in 50 overs, largely due to centuries by Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106) that resurrected their innings after early losses and set India a daunting 338‑run chase. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana took three wickets each for India but couldn’t contain the Kiwi batsmen’s big partnership. India, chasing the target, lost early wickets and were under pressure during the run chase as they attempted to clinch the series. The match is drawing intense attention as both teams vie for victory in this decider. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh has sought Pakistan’s support amid a dispute over travelling to India for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, sources said on Sunday. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has refused to play matches in India, citing security concerns, despite an ICC assessment finding no specific threats. Officials in Dhaka have reportedly contacted Islamabad, and Pakistan Cricket Board has indicated it could reconsider its own participation if the issue remains unresolved. The tournament, organised by the International Cricket Council, is scheduled to start on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. (PC: NDTV)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has responded to controversy after the absence of a customary handshake between the captains of India and Bangladesh at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 toss in Bulawayo. Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar, standing in for the ill skipper Azizul Hakim, and India captain Ayush Mhatre did not exchange pleasantries, sparking debate. The BCB called the omission “completely unintentional” and due to a momentary lapse in concentration, insisting there was no disrespect intended and reminding players of sportsmanship standards. The board reiterated its commitment to cricketing values and has taken the matter seriously. (PC: HT)

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has received official clearance from the Karnataka government to host IPL 2026 and international cricket matches, ending months of uncertainty since a tragic stampede during RCB’s 2025 IPL celebration that claimed lives and raised safety concerns. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) now has permission to organise top-tier cricket at the iconic venue, subject to compliance with safety and security norms. The decision paves the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and other events to return home, much to the relief of fans and the cricketing community. (PC: X)

Tension between India and Bangladesh was visible during their Group B match at the Under-19 World Cup in Bulawayo on Saturday. After the toss, Indian captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh skipper Md Azizul Hakim Tamim did not shake hands. Both captains walked away without speaking or making eye contact.   There was also no interaction during the national anthems. Indian opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi later exchanged words with Bangladesh players.   The incident comes amid rising political strain between the two countries. Similar no-handshake scenes were earlier seen in India–Pakistan matches.

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)