The ICC has rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India, instructing them to play as scheduled or face point forfeitures. The decision follows escalating tensions after the BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL amid political backlash over reported violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The BCB raised security concerns for their players and cited Pakistan's hybrid model participation as precedent. Bangladesh has since banned IPL broadcasts domestically. While the ICC conveyed its decision in a virtual meeting, the BCB claims no official communication has been received. Mustafizur has joined Pakistan Super League, and uncertainty continues as Bangladesh hasn't confirmed its next steps. (PC: AP)

India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad was overlooked for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand despite scoring a century in the previous series versus South Africa, triggering debate over selection choices. Former India player Robin Uthappa advised Gaikwad to persevere, saying success in Indian cricket demands resilience — especially for players outside major centres like Mumbai, Delhi and Punjab. Gaikwad, who debuted in ODIs in 2022, has had limited opportunities and was left out after Shreyas Iyer’s return from injury. Critics argue consistent runs and patience remain key for his India comeback. (PC: HT)

Joe Root’s form since 2021 has moved him near Sachin Tendulkar’s long-held Test runs record. He has scored 24 centuries in the last five years and has averaged above 55 in each season. Root is now less than 2,000 runs behind Tendulkar. His career has also been helped by strong fitness, with few injuries since his Test debut in 2012. This has allowed him to play most matches each year. England’s heavy Test schedule gives him steady chances to add more runs. At 35, Root already has close to 14,000 Test runs, more than Tendulkar had at the same age. (PC: HT)

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the Indian Super League will resume February 14 with all 14 clubs participating after being paused due to absence of commercial partner. The tournament will feature 91 matches in single-leg round-robin format on home-and-away basis. Participating clubs include Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammaden FC, Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, SC Delhi, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, and Inter Kashi. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey revealed a Rs 25 crore central pool for ISL conduct, with AIFF contributing Rs 14 crore. The I-League will also resume simultaneously with 11 clubs playing 55 matches.

The Indian Super League will resume on February 14 with all 14 clubs taking part, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday. The league was paused due to the lack of a commercial partner. Mandaviya said the decision followed a joint meeting of the government, the All India Football Federation and club officials. Traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will also play. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said the ISL will have 91 matches on a home and away basis. A central fund of Rs 25 crore has been set up to run the season until a partner is found. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to receive any IPL payment after Kolkata Knight Riders released him on the instruction of the BCCI. He was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the auction. Players usually insure their contracts and get part of the fee if they miss the season due to injury. Sources say this case is different. Mustafizur was released for off-field reasons linked to India-Bangladesh tensions. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also withdrawn his no-objection certificate. With the NOC cancelled, KKR may not be bound to pay him. Any insurance claim now depends on special clauses in his private policy. (PC: The Indian Express)

Dense fog delayed four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Jaipur on Tuesday. Poor visibility made it unsafe to start play in the morning. Punjab, led by Shubman Gill, were set to face Goa, while Shreyas Iyer’s Mumbai were scheduled to play Himachal Pradesh. Tosses planned for 9 am were pushed back as fog covered the city. Ground staff waited for conditions to improve. Gill was set to return after illness, while Iyer was making a comeback after injury. Both players are part of India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series starting January 11. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam stated the board doesn't feel secure sending their national team to India for the T20 World Cup amid current circumstances. The statement follows BCB's formal request to the International Cricket Council to shift Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches out of India. Bangladesh was scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. This strong move was triggered by BCCI instructing Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL contract. Aminul told reporters the next steps depend on ICC's response to their venue change request, marking an unprecedented escalation in cricket relations between India and Bangladesh. (PC: PTI)

BCCI ordered Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL 2026 contract without consulting all board officials or IPL Governing Council members. The decision, made at the highest BCCI level, stunned officials who learned about it through media reports. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia cited "recent developments" when announcing Mustafizur's release, who was bought for INR 9.20 crore at auction. Bangladesh responded with an unprecedented nationwide IPL telecast ban. The move follows escalating bilateral tensions after Hindu minorities were attacked and killed in Bangladesh, including a Hindu man being lynched and burned. Bangladesh Cricket Board now seeks to shift T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. (PC: AFP)

Bangladesh has suspended IPL 2026 broadcast following BCCI's directive to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, citing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced all IPL matches and related programs will remain suspended until further notice. This follows Bangladesh Cricket Board's formal request to ICC to relocate their 2026 Men's T20 World Cup matches from India, citing safety and security concerns. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh stated India welcomes all teams but emphasized it's Bangladesh's choice whether to participate. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the instruction to release Rahman due to recent developments. The IPL commences March 26. (PC: ANI)