Sports Bulletin For January 19: A busy week in sports delivered major developments across cricket and football. Key decisions from global boards, injury
updates to star players, coaching moves in Indian football, knockout tournament drama in Africa, and a new domestic champion in India all shaped the headlines. Here's a quick look at the top stories making waves.
1) Bangladesh given huge Ultimatum by ICC, Date Revealed for Final Verdict
Bangladesh's participation in the T20 World Cup hangs in the balance, with the ICC giving the BCB a strict deadline of January 21 to confirm whether the team will travel to India. After another round of discussions in Dhaka on Saturday, the BCB reiterated that it is willing to play only in co-host Sri Lanka, not India. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the ICC has asked Bangladesh to submit its final decision, making it clear that the board's request cannot be accommodated due to major logistical and organisational challenges. If Bangladesh withdraws, Scotland is likely to take their spot.
2) Pat Cummins Set to Miss Opening Matches of 2026 T20 World Cup, Confirms George Bailey
Australia has suffered a setback ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with chief selector George Bailey confirming that Pat Cummins is unlikely to be available for the opening phase of the tournament. The Australian skipper is still recovering from a lumbar bone stress injury-microfractures in his lower spine-that he picked up before the 2025-26 Ashes and which ruled him out of most of the series. Although Cummins briefly returned for the Adelaide Test and claimed six wickets, the injury flared up again, ending his Ashes campaign. Bailey, who had earlier held out hope for his early return, clarified the timeline while announcing the T20I squad for the Pakistan series, saying Cummins is expected to join the World Cup squad only later in the tournament.
3) Not Tied Down to an Image: Sunil Gavaskar Explains Secret Behind Virat Kohli's Remarkable Consistency
Sunil Gavaskar has shed light on what drives Virat Kohli's remarkable consistency, saying the star batter's greatest asset is his freedom from public expectations. After India's 1-2 ODI defeat to New Zealand, Gavaskar noted on the broadcast that Kohli's adaptability in any situation sets him apart. Kohli was India's top performer with 240 runs at an average of 80, including a brilliant 124 in Indore, nearly pulling off a challenging chase despite little support from the rest of the lineup. It was his third hundred and fifth fifty-plus score in nine matches since his comeback in September. Gavaskar said Kohli's success comes from clarity and flexibility, adding, "He isn't restricted by an image. Many players feel compelled to live up to how they're perceived. He doesn't. He focuses purely on the job in front of him. "
4) PSL Introduces Player Auction, Expands Purse to $1.6 Million Ahead of 11th Edition
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced major changes to the Pakistan Super League, introducing its biggest restructuring since the league began in 2016. The long-running draft system will now be replaced by a full player auction, starting with the 11th edition of the tournament, which kicks off on March 26.
5) AIFF Floats Tender for ISL 2025-26 Broadcast Rights as Shortened Season Nears Kickoff
The All India Football Federation has released the Request for Proposal for broadcast rights of the shortened ISL 2025-26 season, signalling progress toward the league's much-delayed restart. Set to begin on February 14, the season will feature all 14 clubs and a total of 91 home-and-away matches. Issued on January 18, the RFP follows extensive discussions between the AIFF, clubs and the sports ministry to stabilise the league after FSDL's exit. Interested bidders must submit queries by January 27 and file their bids by February 1, with proposals scheduled to be opened on February 2.
6) Senegal Beat Morocco To Win AFCON Following Dramatic Walk-Off
Senegal clinched a tense Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco on January 18, despite a heated moment that nearly saw the team walk off the field. Coach Pape Thiaw urged his players to leave in protest over a contentious refereeing call, but Sadio Mane intervened to restore calm. The match was ultimately settled in extra time, with Pape Gueye firing a stunning long-range strike in the fourth minute to secure the title.
7) Pamela Conti Poised to Take Charge of India U-17 Women's Team Ahead of AFC Asian Cup: Report
The All India Football Federation is close to naming former Italian midfielder Pamela Conti as the new head coach of the Indian U-17 women's team, ahead of the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup. Conti, Italy's 2004 Player of the Year, has reportedly become the frontrunner for the role, according to the Times of India.
8) Vidarbha Beat Saurashtra By 38 Runs To Win Vijay Hazare Trophy
Vidarbha defeated Saurashtra to clinch the Vijay Hazare Trophy, thanks to MOTM Atharva Taide's hundred and Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute's brilliant bowling spell.
