Sports News Bulletin February 3: T20 World Cup 2026, ISL and Injury Updates

From off-field developments reshaping Indian football to major talking points ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, today's sports news bulletin covers key updates across disciplines. The stories

include a significant shift in ISL broadcast rights, uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's World Cup campaign, player fitness boosts for India, national honours in cricket, injury-led squad changes, and ranking movements after the Australian Open.

1. Pakistan Arrive in Sri Lanka Amid Uncertainty Over India Clash

Pakistan's men's cricket team has arrived in Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, even as doubts remain over their scheduled group-stage match against India. The 15-member squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, landed in Colombo following a directive from the Pakistani government advising the team not to play India. The situation continues to draw attention as tournament organisers await clarity on Pakistan's participation in the high-profile fixture.

2. FanCode Secures ISL Commercial Rights in Sharply Reduced Deal

The Indian Super League (ISL), India's top-tier professional football competition since 2014, will see FanCode take over its commercial rights after winning the AIFF's latest tender. The digital platform secured broadcast and streaming rights (Package B) with a bid of ₹8.62 crore, while KPS Studios won world feed production rights for around ₹5.2 crore. The deal marks a steep drop from previous seasons, with the current valuation nearly 97 per cent lower than JioStar's earlier ₹275 crore annual agreement.

3. Tilak Varma Passes Fitness Test in India A Win Over USA

Tilak Varma made a successful return to competitive cricket after lower abdominal surgery, scoring 38 and taking a wicket in India A's 38-run win over the USA in a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match. The game, played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, saw an IPL-heavy India A side dominate in a high-scoring contest. Tilak's all-round showing will come as a boost for Indian team management ahead of the global tournament.

4. Rohit Sharma Thanks Government After Receiving Padma Shri

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed gratitude to the Government of India after being conferred with the Padma Shri. In a message shared via Doordarshan Sports, Rohit called the honour a special moment for his family and acknowledged those who supported his journey from early cricket to national captaincy. Emphasising team success over personal milestones, Rohit said his focus remains on winning matches and major trophies for India.

5. Pat Cummins Pulls Out of T20 World Cup, Targets IPL Return

Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed that a "minor setback" ended his hopes of featuring in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The fast bowler, who has struggled with a recurring back injury, said he ran out of time to be fully fit and chose not to risk his long-term health. Cummins has been replaced by Ben Dwarshuis and is now aiming to return during the IPL, with an eye on Australia's demanding 2027 schedule.

6. Novak Djokovic Rises to World No. 3 After Australian Open Run

Novak Djokovic has climbed one spot to No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings following his run to the Australian Open final. The 38-year-old reached his 38th Grand Slam final but fell short of a record-extending 25th major title. Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals to reach his first Slam final since Wimbledon 2024, marking his return to the Top 3 for the first time since August 2024.