The BCCI has reacted to reports that Bangladesh plans to ask the ICC to move its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is scheduled to play group games in Kolkata and Mumbai in the February–March event. The move is linked to recent tension after Mustafizur Rahman was released by KKR on BCCI orders. A BCCI source said shifting matches would be a “logistical nightmare” as teams, hotels, flights and broadcast crews are already booked. The board added that the schedule cannot be changed at will. Bangladesh officials have said they will write to the ICC citing security concerns. (PC X)

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has reacted after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. The left-arm pacer was bought for ₹9.20 crore at the mini auction but was removed after the BCCI asked the franchise to do so. Speaking to BDCrictime, Mustafizur said, “If they release me, there’s nothing I can do.” Sources said KKR could not drop him on its own under league rules. The move came amid political criticism of the team and its owners. KKR said it will now pick a replacement player as allowed by the board.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has spoken after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. The decision followed instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India amid political and social backlash. Speaking to BDcrictime, Mustafizur said, “What else can you do if you are dropped?” He was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini-auction. The BCCI said the move was preventive and confirmed KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player as per IPL rules. (PC: Reuters)

India on Saturday announced its squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill will lead the team, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. Iyer’s return is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is also back in the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel were dropped. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah remain unavailable due to fitness and workload management. The three-match series begins on January 11 in Vadodara. (PC: PTI)

India have named their 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, 2026, with Shubman Gill returning as captain. Veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included, while Shreyas Iyer is vice-captain subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Rishabh Pant keeps his place as wicketkeeper-batter and Mohammed Siraj returns to the ODI setup. Hardik Pandya is rested due to workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup, and Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are not selected. Venues are Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore. (PC: NDTV)

Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday confirmed that they have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The statement came hours after the BCCI ordered the franchise to part ways with the player. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the move followed recent developments in Bangladesh. KKR said the release was done after due process and talks with the board. The franchise added that it will be allowed to sign a replacement under IPL rules. Mustafizur was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini auction. He has played 60 IPL matches for five teams.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move to India Today, saying the decision was taken after recent developments. Mustafizur was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini-auction in December. His signing later drew criticism from political and social groups following events in Bangladesh. The board said the franchise can name a replacement if it wishes. The move leaves KKR short of an overseas pace option for the coming season. (PC: India Today)

India’s ODI squad for the three-match home series against New Zealand is set to be announced by the BCCI today, with major selection drama brewing around key names. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant looks likely to be dropped, sparking debate after his inconsistent domestic form and lack of ODI chances in 18 months. Meanwhile, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is in contention for a return, backed by strong domestic performances, though fitness remains a question. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya may be rested to manage workloads, and other senior players like Shreyas Iyer are racing against time to prove fitness ahead of the series starting January 11. (PC: AP)

Ravichandran Ashwin has warned that ODI cricket's future appears uncertain post-2027 World Cup, particularly after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's era concludes. Speaking on his YouTube show "Ash ki Baat," the off-spinner expressed concerns about the format's relevance amid thinning ODI calendars. While asserting Test cricket will endure in a T20-dominated age, Ashwin doubts ODIs enjoy similar guarantees. He highlighted how Vijay Hazare Trophy viewership surged when Rohit and Virat returned, emphasizing that star power currently drives fan engagement. With 156 wickets in 116 ODIs, Ashwin questioned what happens when these superstars retire. The BCCI recently mandated contracted players feature in domestic 50-over competitions, requiring at least two appearances before international commitments. (PC: PTI)

Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s long absence from the Indian team may soon end, with selectors reportedly reconsidering his place ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shami hasn’t played an ODI since March 2025 and a Test since June 2023, but his strong domestic form — including 37 wickets in his last 10 matches — has put him back on the BCCI’s radar. Sources say fitness remains the key concern, but discussions are ongoing, and a recall, potentially in the upcoming series vs New Zealand, isn’t ruled out. His experience could bolster India’s pace attack if he stays fit and in form. (PC: AFP)