Author: WebDesk

Jaker Ali has been left out of Bangladesh’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, which begins next month. Taskin Ahmed has earned a recall after missing the last series, and the side will be led by Litton Das. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Saif Hassan as the team’s vice-captain. Saif’s appointment as vice-captain is a testament to his rise with the bat in white-ball cricket. His stocks have risen since the Asia Cup last year. Jaker, who led Bangladesh in the absence of Litton last year, has been dropped from the side for the first time since…

In a significant development amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Indian football’s top tier, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced its decision to conduct the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025-26 season. This move comes after months of delay caused primarily by the absence of a new commercial rights holder, following the expiry of the previous agreement. The decision was formalised during a meeting of the AIFF’s Emergency Committee, which reviewed and endorsed recommendations from a specially formed ISL Coordination Committee. Established in late December 2025, this committee comprised representatives from three state associations: Navas Meeran from Kerala,…

Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith refused to comment on Usman Khawaja’s remarks about being treated indifferently and experiencing racial stereotyping, but he did call out critics who targeted him after the first Ashes Test, when he suffered back spasms. On Friday, Khawaja announced that he will retire after the upcoming fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. In doing so, he also reflected on his career, discussed the difficulties he faced rising through the ranks, and made some stirring remarks. “I’m not going into the mind of Usman Khawaja. He’s had a great career,” Smith said. “In terms of preparation, I think…

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 after the Kolkata Knight Riders released him from the squad following an instruction from the BCCI. In line with IPL regulations, the Knight Riders can sign a replacement player from those who went unsold at the auction, which took place in Abu Dhabi last month. Mustafizur, who has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches, was one of the three frontline pacers KKR acquired at the auction for INR 9.2 crore. The left-arm pacer was the only Bangladesh cricketer to be picked. Since making his debut in 2016,…

South Africa have picked Jason Smith and Tony de Zorzi over Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton in their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7. The team will be led by Aiden Markram. Kagiso Rabada has been recalled after missing the T20Is against India. The veteran pacer proved his fitness by playing in the last couple of SA20 matches. Rabada, along with Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, will spearhead the fast-bowling attack, which also features the inexperienced Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch. Smith has earned a surprise call-up following a blistering 41 off just…

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) pitch curator Adam Lewis has downplayed concerns regarding the nature of the pitch being prepared for the upcoming fifth Ashes Test, which begins on January 4. Two of the four Tests played in the Ashes series concluded within the first two days. The pitch curators in Perth and Melbourne faced significant criticism for preparing surfaces that resulted in short matches. In the most recent Ashes Test at the MCG, a total of 36 wickets fell inside two days, placing the SCG pitch under the spotlight. Ahead of the Ashes finale, pictures of the SCG pitch…

Seamer Matthew Potts is all set to play in the upcoming fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after being named alongside Shoaib Bashir in England’s XII on January 2. Gus Atkinson is the only omission from the team that secured victory in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, having been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Potts, who has taken 36 wickets at an average of 29.44, is most likely to play his 11th Test, having last featured in December 2024. Historically, the SCG has offered assistance to spinners, which is why England have kept their…

The Eden Gardens pitch, where the match between India and South Africa finished inside three days, has officially been rated ‘satisfactory’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC). In November, Eden Gardens hosted the first Test of the two-match series, which was won by South Africa. The pitch drew considerable criticism from different corners of the world. Variable bounce and sharp turn were the defining characteristics of the Eden surface. Despite all the discussion surrounding the nature of the wicket and the early end to the match, the pitch has avoided demerit points. According to the ICC, ‘satisfactory’ is the second…

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) season due to a knee injury. Brisbane Heat confirmed that, after consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the pacer has decided to return to Pakistan, where he will undergo rehabilitation. “After consulting with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical staff during the past 24 hours, it was agreed that Afridi would cut short his Big Bash League stint to return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup,” said a statement from Brisbane Heat. The left-arm pacer picked…

Jamie Smith and Saqib Mahmood have been left out of England’s provisional squad for the T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Recovering from an injury that ruled him out of the last two Ashes Tests, Jofra Archer is included in the 15-man squad, along with Josh Tongue, who has been recalled after his sensational five-wicket haul in the Boxing Day Test a few days ago. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) made the announcement alongside the naming of England’s T20I and ODI squads for next month’s white-ball tour of Sri…