There is a dramatic twist in the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup boycott row, with the ICC opening formal talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board over the February 15 match. Pakistan had earlier announced it would skip the game in support of Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament. According to reports, the PCB reopened dialogue after the ICC warned of possible financial damage if the team does not play. An ICC official said, “There would be a dialogue, not confrontation.” The ICC also said the force majeure claim needs clear reasons. The PCB has said it will consult its government and discuss possible next steps.

Ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match against Namibia in Delhi on February 12, the Indian cricket team has cancelled an optional practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, signalling a strategic decision by team management. After starting their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, India opted to rest key players amid injury and fitness concerns, including the recent loss of pacer Harshit Rana and illness for Jasprit Bumrah and Abhishek Sharma. Meanwhile, all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to join the squad in Delhi, bolstering India’s options ahead of the crucial fixture. (PC: The Times of India)

Former International Cricket Council chairman Ehsan Mani has criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India. The Pakistan government has told its team not to play India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Mani said the move was driven by frustration and political involvement. He urged both sides to talk instead of taking drastic steps. Mani said early dialogue could have avoided the crisis. He added that only direct talks between top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board and ICC can resolve the issue. (PC: AFP)

India beat USA by 29 runs in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. India had a poor start after choosing to bat and slipped to 46 for 4 in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma was out for a golden duck. Shadley van Schalkwyk took three quick wickets and finished with 4 for 25. Suryakumar Yadav held the innings together with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls. India posted 161 for 9 on a slow pitch. USA fought hard in the chase but reached only 132 for 8. Mohammed Siraj took 3 for 29 to seal the result.

India began their Group A match of the T20 World Cup against USA with an early setback after being sent in to bat first at Wankhede Stadium. USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and chose to bowl. Ishan Kishan opened with a six to get off the mark. But Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck to Ali Khan. Tilak Varma then joined Kishan to rebuild the innings. Sanju Samson was not included in the playing XI. Mohammed Siraj replaced the unwell Jasprit Bumrah. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav were also left out for this game. (PC: NDTV)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly refuted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistani commentators’ claims that India has been “bullying” Pakistan in cricket, particularly after Pakistan’s decision to potentially boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. Gavaskar stressed that India has historically taken the first step in sporting and cultural exchanges, citing Pakistani players and commentators in the IPL and invitations extended by India that were not reciprocated. He said India isn’t bullying anyone but “minding its own business” and questioned Pakistan’s use of the term, urging them to “stand up to the bully” if they truly believe it. (PC: PTI)

India seam bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to a knee injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Friday. Rana sustained the injury during preparations and was assessed by the team’s medical staff, who advised against his participation in the tournament. In his absence, the BCCI has named experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj as his replacement in the squad. The change strengthens India’s bowling options as the team looks to maintain balance and depth ahead of crucial World Cup matches. (PC: Reuters)

India’s Under-19 cricket team dominated the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare, thrashing England by 100 runs to win a record-extending sixth title. After winning the toss and batting first, India piled up a massive 411/9, powered by a sensational 175 off 80 balls from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — the highest individual score in a U19 final. Captain Ayush Mhatre (53) and others contributed as England struggled to chase. Despite a brilliant 115 from Caleb Falconer, England were bowled out for 311, falling well short of the target. (PC: Instagram)

A WhatsApp message from childhood coach Manish Ojha fueled Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's historic 175-run performance in the U19 World Cup final. After India's semi-final, Ojha reminded the 14-year-old that centuries had eluded him despite strong starts. Sooryavanshi responded with calculated brutality, smashing 15 sixes and 15 boundaries to dismantle England and seal India's sixth title. Starting cautiously at 15 off 17 balls, he reached his century in 55 deliveries and plundered 75 more runs in just 25 balls. He became India's leading U19 run-getter with 1,414 runs in 25 matches. His coach believes he's ready for senior team selection, potentially for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 7.

India claimed their record-extending sixth ICC U19 World Cup title, defeating England by 100 runs in Harare on February 6. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered a historic 80-ball 175 studded with a record 15 sixes, powering India to a mammoth 411-run total. England were bundled out for 311 in response. Captain Ayush Mhatre's side topped their fifth consecutive final appearance with victory. India previously won the tournament in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, reaching the decider for a record 10th time. England, undefeated before the final and seeking their second title after 1998, saw their dreams dashed by Sooryavanshi's innings for the ages. (PC: BCCI)