India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 will be announced on Saturday, while the ISL continues to remain uncertain this season. Check out the latest sports
news across the globe in the Sports Bulletin for December 19.
Selectors to announce India's T20 WC Squad on Saturday
BCCI selectors, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, will announce India's 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 2026, on December 20 in Mumbai. The squad for the preceding five-match T20I series against New Zealand will also be revealed. Captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to join Agarkar for a press conference. Discussions focus on form, injuries, and balancing the team for home conditions.
Josh Inglis set to play entire IPL after 8.6 crore LSG deal
Lucknow Super Giants secured Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis for ₹8.6 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, reuniting him with coach Justin Langer. Initially expected to miss most of the season due to his April wedding and honeymoon, reports suggest Inglis may adjust plans-potentially delaying the honeymoon-to be available for the full IPL, starting late March. This follows controversy over his limited availability disclosure to former team Punjab Kings.
KKR coach Nayar gives Auction verdict in Future IPL
KKR were at the centre of a major squad overhaul in the most recent auction, as they snapped up 13 players on a combined fee of Rs 63.85 crore. But their head coach Abhishek Nayar opines the auction concept will disappear in the coming years, stressing the evolution of the franchises as they rely more on scouting, ground research and other profiling of the players.
All ISL teams except one send signed letter to AIFF
Twelve Indian Super League clubs, excluding East Bengal, jointly wrote to AIFF demanding amendments to "commercially restrictive" constitutional clauses for better viability. With the Master Rights Agreement expired and no new commercial partner found, clubs warned of potential league collapse. They proposed a club-led consortium model as majority owners if issues persist, urging urgent action at the AIFF AGM on December 20 to ensure the league's sustainability and future operations.
Shikhar Dhawan launches residential cricket academy
Retired Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has launched the DA One Residential Cricket Academy in collaboration with Alliance International School in Banur, near Zirakpur-Rajpura. The facility offers world-class coaching, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a holistic program combining cricket training with education. Aimed at nurturing young talents, it focuses on skill development, physical fitness, mental strength, and overall personality growth, providing a structured pathway for aspiring cricketers from grassroots to professional levels.
Jharkhand win SMAT 2025 title
Jharkhand clinched their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, defeating Haryana by 69 runs in the final at Pune. Captain Ishan Kishan led with a blistering 49-ball 101, partnering Kumar Kushagra (81 off 38) for a 177-run stand, powering Jharkhand to 262/3-the highest total in an SMAT final. Bowlers then restricted Haryana to 193, with Sushant Mishra and Bal Krishna taking three wickets each in a dominant display.
UPCA announces full refund after Fog abandons match
The fourth India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball bowled due to dense fog and poor visibility. Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association announced full ticket refunds: automatic for online purchases via original payment mode, while offline buyers can collect in person at Ekana Stadium's Gate No. 2 from December 20-22 with valid tickets and ID proof. This rare weather abandonment highlighted scheduling concerns in northern India during winter.
