Sports Bulletin For January 26: Tilak Varma's Return Delayed To Pakistan Planning To Boycott IND-PAK T20 WC Match

Sports Bulletin For January 26: From squad updates and injury concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 to major developments involving India and Pakistan, along with landmark moments in global cricket

and Indian sports administration, here are the top sports stories making headlines today.

1) Shreyas Iyer to Stay in India Squad for Remaining NZ T20Is as Tilak Varma's Return Delayed

Shreyas Iyer will remain in India's T20I squad for the rest of the ongoing series against New Zealand after Tilak Varma failed to recover in time. The BCCI confirmed that Tilak has resumed training at the Centre of Excellence but needs more time to regain full match fitness, ruling him out of the final two matches. The 23-year-old is expected to rejoin the squad on February 3, ahead of India's warm-up game for the T20 World Cup 2026.

2) Pakistan May Boycott Match Vs India In 2026 T20 WC: Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly considering skipping its group-stage match against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup as a form of protest against the ICC. Reports from Geo News suggest the PCB is also weighing the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament altogether, with the issue expected to be discussed in a high-level meeting involving PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

3) Washington Sundar Could Miss T20 World Cup 2026, Ravi Bishnoi Or Riyan Parag Identified As Replacement: Report

India may face a setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 as Washington Sundar's participation remains in doubt due to fitness concerns. Reports suggest the all-rounder could need another two weeks to fully recover, prompting the team management to consider backup options. Ravi Bishnoi is being viewed as a potential replacement, while Riyan Parag is also being monitored as an alternative.

4) India Could Play South Africa In T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Match: Report

India are likely to feature in at least one warm-up game before the T20 World Cup begins, with South Africa tipped to be their probable opponents ahead of the tournament opener in Mumbai on February 7, according to a report by Cricbuzz.

5) Former BCCI President IS Bindra, a Pillar of Indian Cricket's Rise, Dies at 84

Inderjit Singh Bindra, popularly known as IS Bindra, a towering personality in Indian cricket administration, passed away in New Delhi on Sunday at the age of 84. A former BCCI president, he was instrumental in modernising Indian cricket and played a key role in strengthening its governance and commercial framework, leaving a lasting impact on the sport in the country.

6) 'This Is The Brand Of Cricket We Want To Play': Suryakumar Yadav Makes Strong Statement After Series Win

India have dominated the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, sealing a 3-0 lead with a record chase in the latest match. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who registered his second successive fifty in the series, praised the team's fearless batting approach and said this aggressive style is the direction India want to continue with.

7) Ill-Health Ends Randhir Singh's Tenure As Olympic Council of Asia President Prematurely

Randhir Singh's term as president of the Olympic Council of Asia will end early due to health issues, with a new leader set to be elected at the General Assembly in Tashkent on Monday. The veteran Indian sports administrator had created history in September 2024 by becoming the first Indian to hold the OCA presidency, securing a four-year term until 2028. However, after around 17 months in office, the organisation will now move towards appointing a new president in Uzbekistan's capital.

8) Sunrisers Eastern Cape Beat Pretoria Capitals To Win Third SA20 Title

Sourav Ganguly's tough run in major finals continued as Sunrisers Eastern Cape beat Pretoria Capitals by six wickets to clinch their third SA20 title in four seasons. Chasing 159, Tristan Stubbs (63* off 41) and Matthew Breetzke (68* off 49) guided Sunrisers home with an unbeaten 114-run stand, finishing the chase with four balls remaining. Earlier, Dewald Brevis smashed a brilliant 101 off 56 balls, but Pretoria faltered late, adding just three runs in the final two overs after his dismissal.