Pakistan's decision to boycott its Twenty20 World Cup match against India has drawn widespread support from fans and administrators who hailed the move as a long-overdue stand in a rivalry in which sport and geopolitics have collided.
The International Cricket Council has sought an explanation from Pakistan on how the 'Force Majeure' clause can be invoked to justify the team's refusal to play the T20 World Cup match against India.
The auction of The Hundred on Thursday was meant to be a celebratory milestone for the England and Wales Cricket Board. Instead, it has triggered a controversy in India.
'While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board's position remains unchanged.'
Pakistan on Sunday announced a boycott of its high-profile men's T20 World Cup group league match against India, a move that is likely to have repercussions, even as the government cleared the national team's participation in the rest of the global event, starting February 7.
'Four other teams bid for him and KKR outbid everyone, that is a different story. And if he was included in the auction, it was BCCI's call. Removing a player will not make any difference...'
'But you'll see that something always happens before every World Cup. I can say this from my experience of three World Cups -- it does have an effect.'
Former Australia speedster Brett Lee would love to see India and Pakistan clashing in a T20 World Cup blockbuster in Colombo on February 15.
Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma calls Pakistan's decision to boycott the India clash at the ICC T20 World Cup unfortunate and politically driven.
Citing heavy losses all around, SLC urges PCB to reconsider boycott of Indo-Pak fixture
T20WC Boycott: Broadcasters may move court against PCB
PCB writes to ICC to invoke 'force majeure', global body asks for justification
The Bangladesh cricket team was arriving for prayers at the mosque when the shooting occurred but all members were safe, a team coach told Reuters.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday dismissed the impression that the announcement of the World Cup squad meant that the country has decided to take part in next month's ICC mega event.
India's recent T20 World Cup victory signals a new era of dominance in the format, driven by strategic gameplay, exceptional talent, and the financial power of the BCCI, while other teams struggle to compete.
As the controversy erupted surrounding the removal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned whether this action would improve the security of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Scotland, a late entry into the T20 World Cup, is set to face West Indies in their opening match. Scotland aims to prove their worth and cause upsets against higher-ranked teams, while West Indies look to leverage their experience and firepower.
Despite Pakistan's government boycotting the men's T20 World Cup match against India, no directive has been issued to the Pakistan Women's A team ahead of their Rising Stars Asia Cup clash with India in Bangkok.
India's tour of Bangladesh, which was scheduled for August this year, has been postponed to 2026 'owing to international cricketing commitments', the BCCI announced on Saturday.
'Should China's interest in the Teesta River projects be approved, it would likely result in heightened Chinese presence near the Siliguri corridor.'
Inderjit Bindra, who raised Indian cricket on the world stage in the 1990s and early years of this century, passed into the ages on Sunday. 26 years ago, Mr Bindra spoke at length to Rediff about his vision for Indian cricket, an interview which we republish in his memory.
Ashiqur Rahman on Tuesday revealed he has contracted the deadly virus and is currently being treated at a city hospital.
Sunil Gavaskar mocks Pakistan's boycott of the India match, predicts a U-turn and warns of ICC action.
Spiritual orator Aniruddhacharya on Monday lauded BCCI's directive for IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman
The Bangladesh cricket team will tour Pakistan for a white-ball series in May, which will include three T20Is and as many ODIs.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha on Thursday stressed that the decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India was taken by their government and is "not in our control."
Mohammed Azharuddin backs BCCI; BJP and Congress clash over Mustafizur Rahman issue
Amid the ongoing debate over remarks made by Hindu spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur against actor Shah Rukh Khan over the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate questioned the role of the BCCI and the ICC in allowing Bangladeshi players to be part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction pool.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz named new Bangladesh ODI skipper
Bangladesh cricketer Saif Hassan was stuck at the Kolkata airport as he was fined for staying in India on an expired visa and had to pay Rs 21,600 as fine before he could fly back home.
Asia Cup: Nurul Hasan returns to Bangladesh squad after three years, Litton Das to lead
Lahore Qalandars announced the direct signing of Mustafizur Rahman for the Pakistan Super League's Season 11 following the release of the Bangladesh pacer by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
Only one trainer is allowed with the cricketer inside the stadium with both using separate water bottles, seats and toilets.
With Rashid and Ahmed currently unavailable, Liam Dawson is the squad's only specialist spinner, meaning Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell may be required to bowl more than initially planned.
The Indian women's cricket team's white-ball home series against Bangladesh next month has been postponed by the BCCI, which is aiming to work out an alternate assignment for the world champion side in the same window.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has allowed pacer Mustafizur Rahman to play for IPL side Delhi Capitals for a limited duration of May 18 to 24.
Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a match-winning all-round performance, taking four wickets and scoring an unbeaten 40, to lead Afghanistan to a five-wicket victory over UAE in the T20 World Cup.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said India has left the decision on the uncertain T20 World Cup match against Pakistan to the ICC and will abide by its ruling.
Harbhajan Singh says ICC is justified in acting against Pakistan over its refusal to play India, warning of legal action and strict sanctions.
The source said that the PCB has now started the search for a new head coach of the Test side, and there could be an overhaul of the support staff as well.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances