A possible Pakistan boycott of the India match at the T20 World Cup 2026 could hit the tournament’s biggest revenue game. Industry estimates value the India-Pakistan clash at about $500 million, or nearly ₹4,500 crore, from broadcast, ads, sponsors, and tickets. The ICC said it hopes the PCB will consider the “long-term implications” for its own cricket and the global game. Reports say broadcasters may lose about ₹300 crore in ads if the match is not played. Both boards could lose around ₹200 crore each in direct and indirect income. A voluntary withdrawal may also expose the PCB to fines and withheld ICC payments. (PC: NDTV)

The ICC responded to Pakistan's decision to boycott their February 15 T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India, stating it "undermines the spirit and sanctity" of global cricket competitions. The ICC said selective participation contradicts fundamental sporting principles where all qualified teams compete equally per schedule. While awaiting official PCB communication, the ICC urged reconsideration given significant long-term implications for Pakistani cricket and the global ecosystem. Pakistan will participate in the tournament but skip only the India match. ICC playing conditions stipulate Pakistan would forfeit two points, and their net run rate would suffer, with the full 20 overs counted in calculations. (PC: NDTV)

The ICC has warned Pakistan of possible consequences after the government decided the national team will not play the T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo on February 15. In a statement, the world body said it is still waiting for official word from the Pakistan Cricket Board. It said global events require all teams to play scheduled matches. “Selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event,” the ICC said. It added that skipping matches hurts fairness and the interests of fans. The ICC urged the PCB to find a “mutually acceptable resolution” and noted possible long-term effects. (PC: X)

The International Cricket Council is yet to decide on any action after Pakistan said it will not play India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Sources said the ICC has not received any official letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board. The decision was announced by the Pakistan government, not the PCB. If Pakistan do not take the field on February 15, the match will be treated as a forfeit. Pakistan would lose points and suffer a net run rate hit. The ICC may consider further sanctions only after formal communication from the PCB. (PC: AP)

India U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 58 runs to enter the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Defending 252, India’s spinners dominated and bowled Pakistan out for 194. Captain Ayush Mhatre led from the front, while Kanishk Chouhan impressed and won Player of the Match. Vedant Trivedi scored a steady 68 to anchor India’s innings after early wickets. Pakistan started well but lost control as the pitch slowed and spin took over. With this win, India Under-19 will face Afghanistan in the semi-final. Pakistan Under-19 bowed out of the tournament. (PC: X)

Pakistan has approved its cricket team’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 but said it will not play the scheduled group match against India on February 15 in Colombo. The decision was announced by the Pakistan government. No specific reason was given for skipping the fixture. The move follows controversy after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament over venue concerns. The International Cricket Council said it has not received any formal communication from Pakistan so far. The BCCI also said it is awaiting official confirmation. Under ICC rules, a forfeited match can affect points and net run rate calculations. (PC: India Today)

Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open tennis title and completed his Career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic in the final in Melbourne. The 22-year-old beat the 10-time champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena. He became the youngest men’s player to win all four Grand Slam singles titles. The win gives Alcaraz his seventh major crown. Djokovic, 38, was chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title but fell short after taking the first set. Alcaraz raised his baseline game and secured key breaks from the second set onward. Djokovic later congratulated him at the net. (PC: BBC)

Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open 2026 tennis title and completed his Career Grand Slam with a four-set victory over Novak Djokovic in the final. Alcaraz beat the 10-time champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. He is now the youngest men’s player in tennis to win all four Grand Slam singles titles. Djokovic was chasing a record-extending 25th major crown but could not hold his early lead. Alcaraz raised his level after the first set and took control of long rallies. He secured a late break in the fourth set and served out the match. (PC: India Today)

Elena Rybakina claimed the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a dramatic final at Melbourne Park. Rybakina fought back after losing the second set and trailing 3-0 in the decider, winning five straight games and sealing victory with an ace. The fifth-seeded Kazakh earned her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam overall, avenging her 2023 final loss to Sabalenka. Sabalenka, seeking a third Melbourne crown, congratulated her opponent after the match. (PC: AP)

Novak Djokovic advanced to his 39th Grand Slam final after defeating defending champion Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a four-hour, nine-minute thriller at Rod Laver Arena. The 37-year-old became the oldest man in Open Era to reach Melbourne's final, where he's already won 10 titles. Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz, who survived a five-setter against Alexander Zverev. Joking about Alcaraz's delayed semifinal, Djokovic quipped, "I'm an old man. I need to go earlier to sleep." Seeking his record 25th Grand Slam to surpass Margaret Court, Djokovic said, "I just hope I have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him. Let God decide the winner!" (PC: HT)