Sports Bulletin For January 18: A busy weekend across global sport brought fresh developments, standout performances, off-field controversies, and administrative updates spanning cricket, football, and franchise
leagues.
From major tournament discussions to individual milestones and evolving team situations, here's a quick roundup of the top headlines making waves.
1) Ireland Confirms No Venue Shift as Bangladesh Urges ICC to Swap T20 World Cup Groups: Report
The uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh's involvement in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 deepened on Sunday after Cricket Ireland stated that their group-stage matches will remain in Sri Lanka, dismissing any possibility of a venue change. This clarification came shortly after reports suggested that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had approached the ICC with a proposal to swap groups with Ireland in an attempt to avoid playing in India.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Cricket Ireland officials made it clear that no adjustments would be made to their schedule and that the governing body had already given them full confirmation. "We've received definitive assurances that we won't move from the original schedule. We're definitely playing the Group Stage in Sri Lanka," a CI representative told Cricbuzz, indicating that the ICC has no intention of altering the tournament layout.
2) IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Daryl Mitchell Smashes Back-To-Back Centuries Against India
Daryl Mitchell smashes back-to-back hundreds for New Zealand against India in the ongoing ODI series in the 3rd ODI. He now has 4 hundreds against India in India in ODIs.
3) England's Pakistan Origin Cricketers Get Indian Visas For T20 World Cup
Amid reports of delays in visa approvals for several Pakistani-origin cricketers travelling to India for the ICC T20 World Cup, the ICC has stepped in to speed up the process for all 42 affected players and officials.
England's Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, and Saqib Mahmood-along with Netherlands' Zulfiqar Saqib and Canada staff member Shah Saleem Zafar-have already received their visas, PTI reported. USA players Ali Khan and Shayan Jahangir are also among those initially affected.
The ICC is now coordinating the remaining clearances for Pakistani-origin members from the UAE, USA, Italy, Bangladesh, and Canada. Visa appointments for these teams are scheduled for early next week, signalling that the process is close to completion.
All participants must receive their visas by the January 31 deadline.
4) Shubman Gill's Personal Water Purifier A Routine Practice, Not Linked To Indore Water Contamination: Report
New reports reveal that India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has been travelling with a personal water purifier for a while, and his practice is unrelated to the recent water contamination incident in Indore, the venue for the third ODI against New Zealand. Gill drew attention after media outlets linked his purifier to the city's water crisis.
According to Cricbuzz and Dainik Jagran, Gill adopted this strict hydration routine after recovering from dengue, which affected his 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. Using a personal purifier has since become a regular part of his fitness regimen.
5) PSL Team Owner Says Pakistani League Is Better Than IPL
Lahore Qalandars owner and Pakistani politician Atif Rana has claimed that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is the best T20 competition in the world-surpassing even the IPL. He argued that the PSL's draft system ensures greater balance and competitiveness among teams compared to other leagues.
6) FIFPro Calls For ISL To Respect Players' Contractual Privileges Ahead Of Resumption
With the Indian Super League's delayed kickoff approaching, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has urged the organisers to honour players' contractual rights. The league, now set to begin on February 14 after weeks of uncertainty, has left several footballers without salaries for an extended period.
7) Smriti Mandhana Breaks Harmanpreet Kaur's Record Of Highest Score By An Indian Player In WPL
Smriti Mandhana starred for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their WPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals, smashing 96 off 61 balls at the DY Patil Stadium. Though she narrowly missed a century, her knock - featuring 13 fours and three sixes - set a new record for the highest score by an Indian in the WPL, surpassing Harmanpreet Kaur's 95* from the 2024 season.
8) Jude Bellingham At Centre Of Controversy After Spanish YouTuber's Training Claim
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has landed in controversy after Spanish YouTuber Raúl Álvarez Genes alleged that the midfielder has been frequently partying across Spain and drinking heavily. Genes even claimed on his channel that Bellingham "sweats out rum" during training, suggesting it has affected his performance.
