Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi scripted history with a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final against England, recording the highest individual score ever in a tournament final. His knock included 15 fours and 15 sixes, surpassing Unmukt Chand's 2012 record of 111*. Cricket legends worldwide praised the prodigy. Virender Sehwag wrote "you can't stop the sun from rising," while Michael Vaughan called it "very, very special." Yusuf Pathan hailed his fearless attitude, and Irfan Pathan praised his big-match temperament. Combined with Ayush Mhatre's fifty, India posted 411/9 against England in the final.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a stunning 175 off 80 balls to power India to a record 411/9 against England in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare. The 14-year-old opener set the tone with aggressive stroke play from the start. His knock is the fastest century in an U19 World Cup final. He also became the first player to score 150 or more in a title clash. The total is the highest ever in a knockout match in the tournament. Captain Ayush Mhatre made 53 off 51 balls. Abhigyan Kundu scored 40, and Kanishk Chouhan added 37 late runs. (PC: X)

The Pakistan Cricket Board may change its stand on a possible boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma said. The PCB has not yet given the ICC a final reply on whether it will play the group match. Sharma predicted a reversal after February 12. He said the board is expected to confirm participation and added, “Pakistan will play India.” His comment comes as the ICC waits for official clarity on the fixture. There has been no formal response from the PCB so far on his claim or the reported boycott plan. (PC: HT)

India’s 14-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit a record 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England in Harare. It is the highest score by an Indian player in any ICC limited-overs final across men’s, women’s and youth levels. He reached his hundred in 55 balls, one of the fastest in tournament history. His innings included 15 fours and 15 sixes. The 15 sixes are the most in a single Under-19 World Cup innings. This is also the highest individual score in an Under-19 World Cup final. His knock put India in a strong position in the title match. (PC: India Today)

The Pakistan Cricket Board may invoke the Force Majeure clause after pulling out of the T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo, according to sources. PCB is expected to tell the ICC that it acted on government instructions and will attach an official boycott post as proof. The ICC has warned of possible sanctions, including fines and other action. BCCI officials said the Force Majeure claim is a “weak argument.” One official said Pakistan still played India in the Under-19 World Cup the same day. He added that Pakistan’s prime minister is the board’s patron, showing close government links. (PC: The Indian Express)

Smriti Mandhana created history by becoming the first captain from a winning team to win the orange cap in WPL or IPL's 18-year history. The 29-year-old led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second WPL title with a stunning 87 off 41 balls against Delhi Capitals in a record chase of 204. She became the highest run-getter of the 2026 season with 377 runs, the first Indian to win the orange cap, and registered the highest individual score in a WPL final while chasing. Mandhana joined Harmanpreet Kaur as only the second captain to win WPL twice, partnering with Georgia Voll for a crucial 163-run stand. ([PC: BCCI/WPL)

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified that India hasn't refused to play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, stating the denial came from the other side. "Humne manaa nahi kiya hai khelne. Unhone mana kiya hai," Suryakumar said at the captains' day event, confirming India's flights to Colombo are already booked for the February 15 match. Pakistan's government denied permission for their team to play the high-profile clash, viewed as solidarity with Bangladesh, who were ousted after refusing to play in India citing security concerns. ICC warned Pakistan Cricket Board that boycotting could invite punitive sanctions, noting it wouldn't serve cricket's broader interests. 

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup, calling them "brothers" and thanking Bangladeshi supporters for backing Pakistan. Speaking at the pre-tournament captains' press conference in Colombo, Agha said, "It's really sad to not see them playing the World Cup," while hoping Bangladesh fans continue supporting Pakistan. Bangladesh was ejected from the tournament after ICC found no substance in their security concerns over traveling to India. The BCB had protested after BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad. Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh's concerns, but ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Pakistan government subsequently barred their team from playing India. (PC: X)

Former England captain Nasser Hussain sparked controversy on Sky Sports' cricket podcast, questioning ICC's consistency after Bangladesh's T20 World Cup ouster. He asked whether ICC would similarly penalize India for government-mandated boycotts, stating, "With power comes responsibility." Social media users criticized Hussain's hypocrisy, recalling England's 2003 World Cup boycott of Zimbabwe under his captaincy, where he said he was "proud" of the decision. ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India citing security concerns, following BCCI's removal of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL amid attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Pakistan subsequently boycotted their February 15 India match in Colombo, with PM Shehbaz Sharif declaring solidarity with Bangladesh. (PC: NDTV)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav broke his silence on Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India and said his team is ready to play. The match is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Speaking before the tournament, he said, “We did not say no. The refusal has come from their side.” He added that the ICC confirmed the fixture and the government cleared a neutral venue. “Our flight to Colombo is booked. We are going,” he said. Pakistan’s government has asked its team not to play India. If Pakistan do not show up, India could receive a walkover and two points. (PC: HT)