Visa delays have raised concerns for the USA cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup in India. Three Pakistan-born players, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil, are waiting for travel clearance, a day after fast bowler Ali Khan faced a similar issue. The squad is in Sri Lanka for final preparations. Officials said the players attended visa appointments but were told the process was still under review. Sources added that no applications have been rejected and that more information has been sought by Indian authorities. The International Cricket Council said all required documents were submitted. The USA begin their campaign on February 7 in Mumbai. (PC: X)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said it will not withdraw its request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, even after the ICC turned down the appeal. The issue was discussed in a video meeting between the two bodies on Tuesday. BCB officials again cited “security concerns” as the reason for their demand. The ICC responded that the tournament schedule had already been announced and asked Bangladesh to reconsider its position. In a statement later, the BCB said it was still in talks with the ICC and had not altered its stand. The row comes weeks before the tournament begins. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh's Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul reiterated his country won't play 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India, suggesting Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or UAE as alternative venues. Responding to reports about BCCI proposing different Indian states and Pakistan Cricket Board's hosting interest, Nazrul stated "India means India," refusing any venue within the country. The controversy emerged after BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman amid rising anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India over reported attacks on Hindu minorities. Bangladesh Cricket Board wrote twice to ICC requesting venue changes, though the world body reportedly rejected initial requests. Nazrul emphasized Bangladesh won't compromise on this issue while awaiting ICC's response. (PC: News 18)

The ICC has rejected claims that it agreed with Bangladesh’s safety concerns about playing the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, sources said on Monday. Bangladesh sports adviser Azif Nazrul had said the ICC security team wrote to the Bangladesh Cricket Board and warned of higher risks if Mustafizur Rahman plays, fans wear Bangladesh jerseys, or elections near. ICC sources said no such letter was issued and an official statement will follow. The BCB has written twice to the ICC and asked that the event be moved to Sri Lanka. BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board is still waiting for a reply from the ICC on the matter. (PC: India Today)

The ICC will respond to Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to relocate T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India between Monday and Tuesday. BCB cited security concerns, requesting games be moved from Kolkata and Mumbai to Sri Lanka after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released bowler Mustafizur Rahman following BCCI suggestions. However, ICC is unlikely to accept, instead proposing Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as alternate venues. Bangladesh rejected Chennai, with BCB president stating government consultation is required. The Bangladesh government expects direct Indian communication regarding security. ICC may cite Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat's recent officiating in Vadodara to address security concerns. With under four weeks remaining before competition, ICC seeks urgent resolution. (PC: AFP)

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI in Vadodara to take a 1–0 lead in the series on Sunday. Chasing 301, India were well placed before Virat Kohli was out for 93 in the 42nd over. His dismissal triggered a brief slide in the middle order. Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer fell quickly as pressure built. With Washington Sundar injured, Harshit Rana came in and hit 29 to steady the chase. KL Rahul stayed calm at the other end and finished the game with a six. Earlier, New Zealand posted 300, led by Daryl Mitchell’s 84. (PC: India Today)

Virat Kohli said he does not feel good when fans cheer his arrival after the dismissal of a teammate, after such a reaction followed Rohit Sharma’s wicket in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Kohli said he had seen the same response when MS Dhoni walked in to bat during IPL games. “I honestly do not feel good about it,” Kohli said, adding that he stays focused on the match and feels grateful for fan support. Kohli was out for 93, missing his 85th international hundred. India chased 300 to win by four wickets, with KL Rahul finishing the game late.

India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill is set to lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, marking his return after a two-month injury layoff caused by a neck problem suffered during the South Africa Test series. Gill, 26, who has played only three T20Is recently, said the series is crucial for preparing for the 2027 50-over World Cup and to assess player roles. He also highlighted the value of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the squad. Despite being omitted from the T20 World Cup squad, Gill remains committed to his leadership role. (PC: Reuters)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar surprised Jemimah Rodrigues with a bat-shaped guitar in Mumbai. He then joined her for a duet, keeping a promise made during India’s Women’s World Cup campaign. Jemimah was delighted as she opened the custom-made gift. The two sat together and sang “Yeh Dosti,” a famous song from Sholay. Jemimah later shared the moment online and wrote, “Sunil sir kept his promise.” The meeting happened just before the start of the Women’s Premier League. (PC: Jemimah Rodrigues/Instagram)

Bangladesh Cricket Board finance committee chairman M Nazmul Islam sparked controversy by calling former captain Tamim Iqbal "an Indian agent" on Facebook after Tamim advised against emotional decision-making regarding T20 World Cup participation in India. Current and former players, including Taskin Ahmed, Mominul Haque, and Taijul Islam, condemned the remark. The Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) expressed shock, calling it "utterly condemnable" and insulting to the cricketing community. CWAB submitted a protest letter demanding a public apology and accountability. The controversy erupted after Bangladesh requested the ICC to move T20 World Cup matches out of India following BCCI's instruction to KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman without explanation. (PC: NDTV)