Cricket dominates headlines with uncertainty looming over Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 hosted in India, as ICC prepares to replace
them with Scotland amid venue disputes.
RCB weighs options beyond Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026 home games. Abhishek Sharma's explosive 84 powers India to a commanding 1-0 lead in the T20I series against New Zealand. KKR bolsters coaching with Dishant Yagnik as fielding coach, while PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen advance in badminton. Plus, UCL wins for Barcelona and Liverpool, and more global action.
Bangladesh may be replaced by ICC in T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued an ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to confirm their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India by today, citing no credible security threats for refusing to travel. If Bangladesh persists, they will be replaced by Scotland, the next highest-ranked team, in Group C. This decision followed a board meeting where most directors voted against venue changes to Sri Lanka.
RCB hesitant about Chinnaswamy as IPL 2026 home
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remains reluctant to use M Chinnaswamy Stadium for their IPL 2026 home matches, highlighting unresolved "grey areas" that need addressing by the BCCI and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). While discussions continue, the franchise is considering alternatives like Navi Mumbai and Raipur as contingencies.
KKR appoint Dishant Yagnik as Fielding Coach
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have named former Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter Dishant Yagnik as their new fielding coach ahead of IPL 2026. The 42-year-old brings extensive experience from 50 First-Class matches and 41 List A games, where he scored over 2,600 runs combined.
Abhishek Sharma powers India to 1-0 lead in T20I series
Opener Abhishek Sharma smashed 84 off 35 balls, including eight sixes, to propel India to 238/7-their highest T20I total against New Zealand-in the series opener in Nagpur. Rinku Singh's unbeaten 44 bolstered the innings, leading to a 48-run victory as New Zealand managed 190/7. This gives India a 1-0 lead in the five-match warm-up series before the T20 World Cup.
Barcelona, Liverpool win in UCL
In UEFA Champions League matchweek 7, Liverpool maintained their unbeaten run with a convincing victory over Marseille, securing three points to climb to fourth in the top eight standings. Barcelona impressed by scoring four goals in their win over Slaia Praha, while Chelsea edged a thriller thanks to Moises Caicedo's decisive strike agianst Pafos.
PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen enter Indonesia Masters QF
PV Sindhu advanced to the Indonesia Masters quarterfinals with a gritty 22-20, 21-18 win over Japan's Manami Suizu in 53 minutes. Lakshya Sen also progressed, defeating Chinese Taipei's Wang Tzu Wei 21-13, 16-21, 21-14. Kidambi Srikanth joined them after beating Rasmus Gemke 21-17, 21-15.
Ethan Nwaneri joins Marseille on loan
Arsenal's 18-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has joined Marseille on loan until the end of the season, with the French club covering his salary but no buy option. Influenced by William Saliba's advice on Marseille's style under Roberto de Zerbi, Nwaneri seeks regular minutes after limited starts this campaign.
Senegal players to get sea-facing Lands after AFCON win
Senegal's national team, victors in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, will each receive 75 million CFA francs ($134,000) and 1,500 square-meter coastal plots on the Petite Cote from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The rewards, totaling over $3.7 million, also extend to federation staff amid national celebrations.
