Sports Bulletin For January 2: From major international cricketing developments to high-profile controversies and landmark comebacks, the sports world has witnessed a flurry of headline-making moments.
From scheduling shake-ups involving India and Bangladesh to the BCCI's stance on IPL participation, alongside iconic figures returning to the biggest stages, here are the top sports stories making waves right now.
1) Bangladesh Announces India Tour Schedule For 2026 Amid Mustafizur Rahman Controversy
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced its 2026 international schedule, confirming a tour of India in August-September featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, which will take the place of the postponed 2025 series that was shelved amid political tensions.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of growing anti-Bangladesh sentiment in parts of India following reports of Hindu lynching incidents in Bangladesh, with some groups also targeting Kolkata Knight Riders over the inclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman in their IPL 2026 squad, leading to calls for boycotts and protests.
2) BCCI Breaks Silence On Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Participation
Amid the backlash surrounding Bangladeshi players featuring in the IPL, the BCCI has reportedly maintained that it has received no formal representation on the matter. According to IANS, board sources said there has been no instruction or policy decision to bar Bangladeshi cricketers, including Mustafizur Rahman, from taking part in the league.
3) India To Play Extra T20Is Against Sri Lanka In 2026 For Cyclone Relief
The BCCI has proposed adding extra T20I fixtures during India's 2026 tour of Sri Lanka to aid relief efforts after Cyclone Ditwah, a move confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket chairman Shammi Silva on January 2. Silva revealed that India had earlier offered to play two T20Is in December 2025 to raise funds, but logistical challenges ruled it out, and the additional matches are now being explored alongside the originally scheduled WTC Test series in August 2026.
4) Shubman Gill Meets Man City's Erling Haaland In An Epic Sports Crossover
India's ODI and Test skipper Shubman Gill recently caught up with Manchester City and Norway star Erling Haaland in a meeting believed to have been facilitated by Nike. Photos and videos shared on Gill's team Instagram showed the two exchanging gifts, with Gill holding a Norway jersey and Haaland presenting him with signed Nike boots, moments that have since gained traction on social media.
5) Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement
Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has confirmed that he will bring his Test career to an end after the fifth Ashes match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which begins on Sunday, January 4. The game will mark his 88th appearance in the format, fittingly at the venue where he made his Test debut against England back in 2011.
6) J&K Police Launch Investigation After Cricketer Wears Helmet With 'Palestine Logo'
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has initiated an initial inquiry into reports of a cricketer donning a helmet bearing a Palestine flag during a tournament played on the outskirts of Jammu. Videos of the incident have circulated widely on social media, and according to reports, the player has been summoned by the police for questioning.
7) Aiden Markram Leads Star-Studded South Africa Squad For 2026 T20 World Cup
Aiden Markram has been named captain of South Africa for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with Quinton de Kock back in the squad after coming out of international retirement and Anrich Nortje returning following injury. The squad features first-time World Cup selections for Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka and Jason Smith, while Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have missed out.
8) Venus Williams Creates History, All Set To Become The Oldest Woman To Represent In Australian Open
Venus Williams is set to return to Grand Slam action at the Australian Open later this month after receiving a wildcard entry, marking her first appearance at the tournament in five years. At 45, the seven-time major champion will become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japan's Kimiko Date.
