Sports Bulletin For January 12: Here's a look at the sports updates, where a whirlwind of action, controversy, and major developments has unfolded across
cricket and football.
From India's injury setback in the NZ ODI series and a potential venue shake-up for Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches, to off-field concerns troubling the ECB and Manchester United's FA Cup exit - here are the top stories you need to know today.
1) BCCI Confirms Washington Sundar's Injury, LSG Star Ayush Badoni Named Replacement For Remainder Of NZ Series
India suffered a setback in the middle of their ODI series against New Zealand, with Washington Sundar ruled out of the final two matches. The all-rounder picked up a side strain during the first ODI in Vadodara, leaving the field in discomfort while bowling.
On Monday, the BCCI confirmed that Sundar felt sudden pain in his left lower rib and will undergo further scans, with specialists to decide his recovery plan.
To replace him, the selectors have brought in 26-year-old Ayush Badoni. The Lucknow Super Giants batter, who has been a steady performer in domestic cricket and the IPL since 2022, has earned his first call-up to the Indian ODI squad.
2) Two New Venues for Bangladesh? ICC may relocate T20 World Cup 2026 Matches
The ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board remain at odds over Bangladesh's T20 World Cup venues. Citing rising tensions with India, the BCB has twice requested that their matches be shifted out of India, claiming concerns over player safety-especially after the BCCI asked KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman amid protests in India.
While the ICC has rejected the relocation request and assured full security arrangements, the deadlock continues.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the ICC is now considering alternate Indian venues for Bangladesh's group-stage games. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram have been approached as potential hosts, with the TNCA already expressing interest. Bangladesh were originally slated to play most of their matches in Kolkata, but the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai are now being evaluated as replacements.
3) No Spectators Might Be Allowed For 3 WPL Matches In Navi Mumbai Because Of ELection Day
Three WPL 2026 matches at the DY Patil Stadium may be held without fans due to the Navi Mumbai municipal elections on January 15.
As per ESPNcricinfo, local police have told the BCCI they cannot provide full security for the Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz game on election day. The fixtures on January 14 (Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz) and January 16 (Gujarat Giants vs RCB) may also be impacted.
4) Former Pakistan Cricketer Calls ICC 'Unnecessary' As It Is 'Dominated By Indians Now'
Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has criticised the ICC, saying the body is becoming "irrelevant" if it cannot check the BCCI's growing influence. Speaking at an event, Ajmal said the ICC must make fair, independent decisions for the good of world cricket, adding that if it cannot stand up to the Indian board, its existence serves little purpose.
5) Barcelona Beat Real Madrid 3-2 In Spanish Super Cup Final
Raphinha bragged a brace as Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3-2 to retain the Spanish Super Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabi.
6) Michael Carrick Touted As Favourite To Take Over Interim Manager Role At Man United - Report
Multiple reports suggest that former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is now the leading candidate for the interim head coach role, as the club looks for stability after parting ways with Ruben Amorim earlier this month. According to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, both Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have been interviewed, while uncertainty continues over Darren Fletcher's short-term stint.
United's management hopes to finalise the appointment before the squad reconvenes for training on Wednesday, with an official announcement likely within the next two days.
7) ECB Mulls Player Curfew After Drinking Allegations Rock Ashes Tour: Report
The ECB is considering enforcing a tighter curfew for players amid rising worries over alcohol use and off-field behaviour, following England's heavy Ashes loss in Australia. The idea is being discussed ahead of the team's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7.
8) Manchester United Shown The Door! Red Devils Crash Out Of FA Cup After 1-2 Loss To Brighton
Manchester United's woes deepened on Sunday as the managerless side crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 loss to Brighton. Brajan Gruda opened the scoring in the first half, followed by a second from ex-United forward Danny Welbeck after the break. Benjamin Sesko pulled one back late on, but it wasn't enough, and the night got worse when youngster Shea Lacey was sent off in stoppage time.
