Sports Bulletin For January 25: ICC To Punish If Pakistan Boycott T20 World Cup, Uganda Could Enter As Replacement

Sports Bulletin For January 25: From growing uncertainty around the 2026 T20 World Cup to major squad decisions, administrative shake-ups and landmark sporting honours, the sports world witnessed several

key developments on Sunday. Here's a quick look at the top stories making headlines across cricket, tennis and Indian sport.

1) ICC To Sanction Pakistan Over T20 World Cup Boycott: Report

The ICC is reportedly unhappy with the Pakistan Cricket Board's recent signals about withdrawing from the 2026 T20 World Cup, just days before the tournament begins on February 7. Reports suggest the global body could take strict action if Pakistan opts out, including blocking bilateral series, restricting foreign players in the PSL, and barring the team from the Asia Cup.

2) Uganda To Replace Pakistan If They Boycott T20 World Cup

After Bangladesh's confirmed withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup, attention has shifted to Pakistan's stance on the tournament starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan was the only ICC full member to back Bangladesh's request to move its group matches out of India, a proposal the ICC rejected following independent security reviews. If Pakistan also opts out, Uganda is expected to be invited based on T20I rankings and will join India, Namibia, USA and the Netherlands in Group A.

3) Ravichandran Ashwin, Vijayan among 4 in sports to get Padma Shri

Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and veteran cricketer R Ashwin were among the sportspersons honoured with Padma awards ahead of the 76th Republic Day. Sreejesh received the Padma Bhushan, while Paralympics champion Harvinder Singh, ex-football captain IM Vijayan, Ashwin and coach Satyapal Singh were conferred the Padma Shri.

4) Babar-Shaheen Make The Cut, Rizwan Snubbed As Pakistan Announce Squad For T20 World Cup

Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi were included in Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad, while Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf were left out. The PCB unveiled the 15-member team on January 25, with Pakistan set to open their Group A campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

5) BCB Senior Official Ishtiaque Sadeque steps down after Bangladesh's T20 World Cup ouster

Ishtiaque Sadeque, considered a key associate of BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul, has stepped down as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Notably, his resignation came soon after the ICC confirmed Bangladesh's withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup.

6) Novak Djokovic Advances To Australian Open Quarterfinals Following Jakub Mensik's Withdrawal

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals after Jakub Mensik withdrew from their fourth-round match due to an abdominal injury. The Czech player announced the setback on social media, describing his withdrawal as a heartbreaking decision.

7) Scotland's first reaction to surprise T20 World Cup call-up goes viral

Scotland reacted with an "Always Ready" message after earning a surprise entry into the 2026 T20 World Cup following Bangladesh's withdrawal over security concerns. The ICC invited Scotland as the highest-ranked team outside the qualified list, and they have been placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal and West Indies.

8) Delhi High Court Hits Pause On Selection Of Two Athletes Weeks Ahead Of Winter Olympics

The Delhi High Court has stayed the selection of two Indian athletes for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina after a challenge to the IOA's decision-making process. Cross-country skier Manjeet questioned the nomination of Stanzin Lundup, claiming he was ignored despite a higher FIS ranking and alleging procedural irregularities. India has secured two quotas for the Games, with Alpine skier Arif Khan already qualified based on his world ranking.