Sports Bulletin January 4: Bangladesh refuse to come to India for T20 World Cup; Arsenal, Barcelona start 2026 with Wins

Have a look at the Top Stories across the World on January 4. From Bangladesh's decision on the T20 World Cup to Arsenal, Barcelona starting 2026 on winning notes.

1. Bangladesh won't come to India for T20 World Cup

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that they will not travel to India to participate in the T20 World Cup 2026. The request follows BCCI's directive to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026, amid political tensions post-Sheikh Hasina's 2024 ouster. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul instructed BCB to demand the shift, arguing a contracted player's exclusion questions national team security.

2. Bangladesh announce squad for T20 World Cup

The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on January 4, 2026, in Dhaka. Litton Kumer Das captains the side,

with Mohammed Saif Hassan as vice-captain.

Squad: Litton Kumer Das (C), Mohammed Saif Hassan (VC), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Qazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Md Shaifuddin, Shoriful Islam.

3. Damien Martyn comes out of Coma amid Meningitis battle

Australian cricket legend Damien Martyn, 54, has awakened from an induced coma following a severe meningitis diagnosis. His wife updated that the former Aussie player is recovering well at the Gold Coast Hospital and has made a lot of improvements in the recent days.

4. Ricky Ponting surprised after Shubman snub

Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain and current Punjab Kings head coach, says he was surprised after Shubman Gill was left out of the India squad for T20 World Cup 2026. Gill was snubbed after a series of underwhelming outings, and Ponting says 'I couldn't believe that'. He also admitted the depth of Indian cricket which reflected from the decision.

5. Arsenal beat Bournemouth to extend lead

Arsenal staged a comeback to defeat Bournemouth 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League clash on January 3, 2026, extending their lead at the top to six points. Gabriel's early error gifted Evanilson the opener, but the defender quickly equalized. Declan Rice's second-half brace-his first in the Premier League-put Arsenal ahead, assisted by Ødegaard and substitute Saka. Eli Junior Kroupi's late stunner made it tense, but the Gunners held on for a fifth straight win.

6. Barcelona start 2026 with derby win

Barcelona claimed a dramatic 2-0 victory over Espanyol in the Catalan derby on January 3, 2026, extending their La Liga lead to seven points. Despite Espanyol dominating much of the tense match and creating numerous chances, former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia made several outstanding saves to keep Barcelona level. Late substitutes shone: FermÍn López assisted both goals, with Dani Olmo curling in a stunning opener in the 86th minute and Robert Lewandowski sealing the win with a clever chip in the 90th.

7. ISL schedule to be released next week: AIFF

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced that Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 dates will be revealed next week, following its Emergency Committee meeting on January 3, 2026. AIFF will conduct the league after their breakaway from FSDL. The season, featuring 14 teams including promoted Inter Kashi, is expected to start mid-January, likely the third week.