Afghanistan-Sri Lanka white-ball series likely to be postponed indefinitely as West Asia conflict deepens
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.
Rishabh Pant loses India Test vice-captaincy and is dropped from the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series, while K L Rahul returns as deputy and young players earn maiden call-ups.
Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli slammed half-centuries as Afghanistan outclassed West Indies by 38 runs in the first T20 International in Dubai on Monday.
An Afghan national was arrested in West Bengal's Nadia district for allegedly entering India from Bangladesh without valid documents. The individual was apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) near the Fatepur border area and handed over to local police for further investigation.
England-born Richard Pybus has been appointed as the head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team, replacing Jonathan Trott.
West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an NDA rally, assuring that the Indian government is providing assistance to Indian citizens stranded in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict. He criticised the Congress party for allegedly making provocative statements and spreading rumours regarding the crisis.
New Zealand aims to regain their form against a formidable Afghanistan in their opening Group D match of the ICC T20 World Cup. Key players and strategies are under scrutiny as both teams seek a strong start in the tournament.
A hat-trick from all-rounder Shamar Springer sealed a consolation win for West Indies by 15 runs in their final T20I against Afghanistan at Dubai.
India has retained their top position in the ICC men's ODI team rankings following the latest annual update, with Australia securing the third spot. The update impacts direct qualification for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Hope to lead West Indies in T20 World Cup; Sampson, Joseph included
Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott praises his team's improved mental resilience after their T20 World Cup win against UAE, highlighting the impact of senior players and the need for more exposure against stronger nations.
This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.
'This measure aims to manage workload and ensure peak performance for national duties.'
India retains its top position in the ICC T20I rankings, followed by England and Australia. The rankings consider matches played since May 2025 at 100 per cent and the previous two years at 50 per cent.
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.
Afghanistan unit will be heading into the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka with hopes of replicating their historic performance during the 2024 edition
West Indies will look to maintain their winning form against a struggling Nepal side in their T20 World Cup Group C match at the Wankhede Stadium. West Indies have won both their matches so far, while Nepal are coming off a heavy defeat against Italy.
Iran was the chance to arrange a concert of nations, to actually be a Vishwaguru. Instead, we are watching from the sidelines as Pakistan, the same country that is apparently still at war with Afghanistan, hosts talks between US-Israel and Iran. The irony is hard to miss, points out Amberish K Diwanji.
Afghanistan will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised the idea of creating two separate T20I teams for Team India, advocating for 'A' team tours to provide players with more exposure instead.
If Trump wants peace with Iran, Pakistan will offer to help. If Trump seeks Pakistan's aid to spy on Iran, then too Munir will not hesitate to chip in. At the same time, the ISI will not hesitate to tip off Iran now and then, points out M R Narayan Swamy.
A senior Russian diplomat has expressed apprehension over the possibility of the US attempting to regain control of the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, amidst escalating military tensions in the region.
Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting supports Marco Jansen's late arrival for the IPL, acknowledging logistical challenges faced by South African players after the T20 World Cup.
Indian authorities have dismantled a terror module with suspected links to ISIS and other extremist organisations, allegedly involved in radicalising youth across multiple states.
Indian authorities have dismantled a terror module with suspected links to ISIS and other extremist organisations, allegedly involved in radicalising youth across multiple states.
We, Indians, forgot that for Pakistan, Kashmir dispute and blood feud with India is the raison detre for its existence. It is also the excuse with which the Pak army keeps its grip over the state. Peace in Kashmir and between India and Pakistan is against the interests of the Pak army, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).
The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.
Phunchuk Stobdan's forte was candour and strong views on India's defence. Naturally, India's adversaries were in awe of him, fearing his views and unyielding stand on boundary issues, remembers Tarun Vijay.
The decision marks a significant leadership transition as the administration seeks a commander who 'will implement Donald Trump and Hegseth's vision for the Army'.
ICC T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 2026. Check out the full schedule of T20 World Cup 2026.
India will play two T20 Internationals in Ireland on June 26 and June 28, preceding their tour of England. The matches will be held in Belfast, marking India's return to the city since 2007.
'In a volatile global market, India is pursuing a low-risk, low-return policy, akin to a SIP -- slow, steady investment.' 'Pakistan is following a high-risk, high-return policy.'
India will tour Ireland for a T20I series in June, preceding their white-ball tour of England. This series is part of Ireland's preparation for the upcoming summer and follows Paul Stirling's decision to step down as T20I captain.
Cricket Ireland is planning a Euro Nations Cup, with chairman Brian MacNeice targeting a 2027 launch.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mottaqi, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, emphasising the need for political and diplomatic solutions.
By appearing to privilege ideological affinity over strategic balance, India risks eroding the trust painstakingly built across West Asia. Once the perception takes hold that India's friendship is conditional and transactional, rebuilding credibility will be difficult, warns Amberish K Diwanji.
The ongoing Iran-US conflict is casting a shadow over global cricket, potentially disrupting the IPL 2026 due to travel disruptions and logistical challenges.
Pakistani security forces killed 13 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, amidst a surge in terrorist activities in the region.
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