Category: Sports

Former Australia fast bowler and ex-Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has explained why he deleted a social media post questioning the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) handling of Bangladesh’s concerns regarding participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Gillespie said he took down the post after receiving abusive responses on X for raising what he described as a simple and logical question.

“Because I got abused for asking a simple question that’s why,” Gillespie said in response to a user asking why the tweet had been deleted.

Jason Gillespie deleted his post on X today in which he questioned the ICC for not allowing Bangladesh to play outside India. Why @dizzy259 ? pic.twitter.com/WyA4Qwdhmr

— CricFollow (@CricFollow56) January 25, 2026

The controversy began after the ICC removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup and replaced them with Scotland following the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) refusal to send its team to India due to security concerns.

In the now-deleted post, Gillespie questioned why Bangladesh could not play its matches outside India, pointing to past precedents.

He noted that India had previously declined to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan and was allowed to play those games at neutral venues. “Can someone make this make sense?” he asked in the post.

Soon after sharing the message, Gillespie faced a wave of hostile and abusive comments, which led him to delete the tweet.

Bangladesh’s concerns largely stemmed from a recent Indian Premier League incident (IPL) involving fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was reportedly dropped from the tournament after receiving threats from Hindu extremist groups. 

Bangladesh cited the episode as evidence that if a single player could not be protected, the safety of an entire national squad could not be guaranteed.

The ICC rejected the argument, stating that the IPL incident was a domestic issue and unrelated to the World Cup’s security arrangements.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has openly backed Bangladesh’s position. Reports suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering several protest options, including a possible boycott of its February 15 match against India in Colombo.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also delayed a final decision on Pakistan’s participation in the tournament after meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, saying the board will announce its stance by Friday or early next week.

Amid reports of “no Australian broadcaster being interested” in the upcoming Pakistan-Australia T20 series, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports have secured the broadcast rights for the same, CODE Sports and CODE Cricket Australia’s Chief Cricket Writer Daniel Cherny confirmed Tuesday.

Fox Cricket/Kayo Sports has picked up the Australian broadcast rights to the Pakistan v Australia T20 series starting Thursday night. @codecricketau @codesportsau

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 27, 2026

The announcement comes hours after earlier reports, mainly by Indian media, claimed that no Australian broadcaster had picked up the rights due to the absence of major cricketing names in the Australian side.

The series, which begins on Thursday night, will feature three matches scheduled for January 29, January 31 and February 1.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s T20I squad has received a boost with the return of former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Both missed Pakistan’s recent three-match series in Sri Lanka.

Shadab Khan also returns and will lead a strong spin unit that includes Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq.

Pakistan’s squad also features Salman Ali Agha as captain, along with Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan.

The series has also gained extra attention after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a promotional video for the tour. The promo blends traditional Pakistani hospitality with a subtle jab at India, and it quickly sparked reactions across social media.

The video shows an Australian guest enjoying local food in Lahore, only to ask who will pay the bill. Players and locals respond that “Agha Ji” will take care of it. The promo then highlights Pakistan’s welcoming culture as Salman Ali Agha tells the guest, “You are our guest.”

The standout moment comes when a taxi driver refuses to accept fare from the Australian passenger. The guest thanks him but forgets to shake hands. The driver smiles and says, “You forgot to shake hands. Looks like you also stayed with our neighbors.”

The line drew strong reactions online, as users praised the subtle dig at India and called it one of the best moments of the promo.

The handshake reference comes after a series of diplomatic and cricketing tensions, including India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup 2025.

The promo ends with Salman Ali Agha delivering a strong message. “While we take pride in our hospitality, when it comes to cricket, we are fully prepared for the competition,” he says.

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam delivered a strong statement ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 by smashing 21 runs off five balls against left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi during an intra-squad practice session.

The face-off took place as Pakistan’s players resumed preparations following their return from overseas leagues. 

The brief but explosive exchange quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts focusing on Babar’s aggressive intent against the team’s strike bowler.

Babar, who recently returned from the Big Bash League 2025–26 after representing Sydney Sixers, showed clear attacking intent. 

On the opening delivery, he stepped down the pitch and launched Shaheen straight down the ground for a six. He followed it with a clean strike over the covers on a low full toss.

Shaheen then tested Babar with a short ball, but the right-hander stayed ready and pulled it confidently for another six. The bowler changed his angle and came around the wicket on the fifth delivery, only for Babar to flick the low full toss into the leg side for a boundary, completing a 21-run burst off five balls.

Shaheen also returned home after his BBL stint with Brisbane Heat, where injury limited his involvement. Both players have now shifted focus to Pakistan’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, which forms an important part of preparations for the T20 World Cup.

The T20I series will take place on January 29, January 31 and February 1, starting at 4 pm (Pakistan Standard Time).

The standoff involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to intensify, with a new twist now emerging ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. 

What began with Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament could now lead to their return, not due to a policy shift by the ICC, but only if Pakistan withdraws. 

The possibility surfaced after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi delayed a final decision on Pakistan’s participation after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. 

Naqvi had sought guidance on whether Pakistan should take part in the tournament following Bangladesh’s exclusion. A decision was expected after the meeting, but Naqvi later announced on X that the final call would be taken either on Friday or next Monday. 

According to media reports, internal discussions within the ICC suggest that a Pakistan withdrawal could open the door for Bangladesh to be reinstated into the tournament. In that scenario, Bangladesh would take Pakistan’s place in Group A and play all of their matches in Sri Lanka, in line with the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s original request before its removal.

Sources indicate that such a move would not reflect a change in the ICC’s stance on Bangladesh’s security concerns. Instead, Bangladesh’s return would come as a result of the vacancy created by Pakistan’s exit.

The controversy began when the ICC officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 and replaced them with Scotland. The decision followed the BCB’s refusal to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

Tensions escalated after a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) incident involving Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was reportedly dropped from the tournament after receiving threats from Hindu extremist groups. 

Bangladesh pointed to the episode as evidence that if a single player could not be protected, the safety of an entire national team during a World Cup could not be guaranteed.

The ICC dismissed the argument, stating that the IPL incident was a domestic matter and unrelated to the World Cup’s security framework. The explanation failed to ease concerns and drew criticism from several quarters, including Pakistan.

Pakistan openly backed Bangladesh’s position. Reports suggest the PCB is weighing multiple protest options, including a possible boycott of its February 15 match against India in Colombo.

The board has continued to criticise the ICC’s handling of the situation, while Pakistan keeps all options on the table, including a formal protest or a withdrawal from matches against India.

Former Pakistan batting great Mohammad Yousuf has raised serious concerns over global cricket governance, questioning the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision-making after Bangladesh was removed from T20 World Cup 2026.

In a strongly worded post on X, Yousuf highlighted Bangladesh’s massive contribution to cricket viewership and warned that sidelining the country over security concerns reflects poor governance and selective decision-making.

“The combined cricket viewership of New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Nepal, Netherlands, Ireland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan is broadly equivalent to the viewership Bangladesh generates on its own,” Yousuf wrote. “Ten nations combined generate around 178 million viewers, while Bangladesh alone accounts for nearly 176 million.”

The combined cricket viewership of
New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Nepal, Netherlands, Ireland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan
is broadly equivalent to the viewership Bangladesh generates on its own.
10 nations combined:178 million
Bangladesh alone: 176 million
In…

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) January 26, 2026

Yousuf argued that a sport driven by global audiences cannot afford to ignore the concerns of a country that holds such a large fan base. “In a sport driven by global audiences, sidelining Bangladesh’s legitimate security concerns raises serious questions about consistency and governance,” he said. “When accommodation becomes selective, fairness disappears. Cricket cannot be administered by influence, only by principle.”

The remarks came after the ICC officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026 and replaced them with Scotland. The decision followed the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) refusal to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

The controversy escalated after a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) incident involving Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was reportedly dropped from the tournament after receiving threats from Hindu extremist groups. 

Bangladesh cited the incident as evidence that if a single player could not be protected, the safety of an entire national team could not be guaranteed during a World Cup.

The ICC rejected the argument, stating that the IPL incident was a domestic matter and had no connection with the security arrangements planned for the World Cup. Despite this clarification, the decision triggered criticism from several quarters, including Pakistan.

Pakistan openly supported Bangladesh’s stance. According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering multiple protest options, including a possible boycott of its February 15 match against India in Colombo.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed the team about the board’s position in Lahore on Sunday. 

“Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision not to play in India during the World Cup is based on principles. PCB rejects ICC’s double standards,” Naqvi said. “We supported Bangladesh keeping in mind cricket’s golden principles. We will follow whatever decision the Pakistani government makes.”

Naqvi later met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to discuss Pakistan’s future in the tournament. While the meeting ended without a final announcement, reports suggest that Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain.

PCB has criticised ICC’s decision and indicated that a final call will be made by Friday or early next week. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz has reportedly entrusted the PCB chairman with making the decision, as Pakistan keeps all options open, including a formal protest or a boycott of matches against India.

The T20 World Cup 2026 has come under uncertainty after a deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India, threatening the International Cricket Council (ICC) event.

According to Indian media reports, multiple Nipah virus cases have been detected in West Bengal, prompting strict quarantines and an emergency health response just weeks before the tournament is set to begin on February 7.

Reports say around 100 people have been quarantined following five confirmed cases, including healthcare workers. At least two nurses in Kolkata are reportedly in critical condition.

The outbreak has raised alarm as teams, officials, and fans prepare to travel across India for the global event.

The Nipah virus, which spreads from animals such as bats to humans, carries a high fatality rate and has no vaccine or cure, increasing concerns over public safety during a major international tournament.

Alongside health fears, the World Cup already faces controversy after the ICC removed Bangladesh from the competition following their refusal to play matches in India over security concerns.

The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to play in Sri Lanka and replaced them with Scotland.

According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also considering protest options following the ICC’s decision to expel Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup.

The protest options include a possible boycott of Pakistan’s high-profile February 15 match against India in Colombo.

Under ICC rules, such a move would cost Pakistan two points but could cause significant financial losses for the ICC due to the commercial value of a Pakistan-India fixture.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met national team players in Lahore on Sunday and briefed them on the board’s position. The players expressed full support for the PCB’s stance.

Naqvi is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Pakistan’s final position on the tournament.

According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring various protest options, including a potential boycott of their February 15 match against India in Colombo, following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to expel Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup.

PCB holds the option to skip the India match, which would result in only a two-point deduction for Pakistan. 

However, such a move could inflict significant financial losses on the ICC, given the commercial value of an Pak-India encounter. Reports indicate that even if Pakistan decides to participate in the World Cup, the board will keep its options open regarding future decisions.

On Sunday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with national cricket team players in Lahore and briefed them on the board’s position regarding the T20 World Cup and the players fully supported Naqvi’s principled stance.

“Bangladesh Cricket Board’s position on not playing in India during the World Cup is based on principles. PCB rejects ICC’s double standards,” Naqvi stated. “We have supported Bangladesh keeping in mind cricket’s golden principles. We will follow whatever decision the Pakistani government makes.”

The players expressed their solidarity, saying: “We all stand with PCB’s principled position.”

Naqvi emphasized that politicised cricket serves no one’s interests. “Politics-infused cricket benefits no one. Everyone should follow cricket’s principles. Our players are talented and know how to compete in every respect. Success in any field comes through teamwork,” he said.

The controversy stems largely from a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) incident where Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the tournament after receiving threats from Hindu extremist groups. 

Bangladesh argued that if India couldn’t protect a single player in their domestic league, how could they ensure the safety of an entire national team during the World Cup.

However, ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request and replaced them with Scotland in the group. 

PCB Chairman is expected to hold an important meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today to discuss the matter. The consultation will determine Pakistan’s final stance on participating in the tournament, with the board maintaining that it will follow the government’s decision on the issue.

Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has tipped Pakistan’s Khawaja Mohammad Nafay as a player to watch at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, triggering a wave of reactions from fans.

Following Pakistan’s squad announcement at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his assessment. “This KM [Khawaja Mohammad] Nafay is a player to keep an eye on this World Cup,” the former off-spinner wrote, immediately catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts on both sides.

This KM Nafay is a player to keep an eye on this World Cup. #T20WorldCup2026 https://t.co/jQxfC7P0lF

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) January 25, 2026

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled their 15-member contingent for the tournament earlier in the day, with the team set to face the Netherlands in their Group A opener on February 7 in Colombo. 

PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed, captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson made the announcement.

Ashwin’s post quickly went viral, drawing diverse reactions from the cricket community. Pakistani fans responded with everything from light-hearted humour to genuine appreciation for the cross-border recognition.

“Trolling level thoda casual hai ,” joked one Indian user.

Another Pakistani supporter noted the irony: “Indian fans hyping Nafay more than us Respect or coping?”

Several fans showed wholehearted support for Ashwin’s observation. “Ashwin Eyes on Future ♥️,” wrote one enthusiast, while an Indian supporter responded: “If you are saying then….we will keep an eye.”

Many agreed with Ashwin’s assessment, posting comments like “Exactly, he’s an exciting talent to watch” and “Yes he’s very talented player,” highlighting growing consensus about Nafay’s potential.

The exchange showcased a rare moment of camaraderie between rival fan bases, who united in their appreciation of emerging talent despite the traditional India-Pakistan rivalry.

Nafay joins five other players in receiving their maiden mega-event call-ups: captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq. 

The squad also features experienced campaigners including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Naseem Shah, who have all represented Pakistan in previous T20 World Cups since 2021.

Pakistan will use their upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia which is scheduled for 29 and 31 January, and 1 February at Gaddafi Stadium.

The 23-year-old right-handed batter from Karachi has one of cricket’s most unique stories. Born on 13 February 2002, Nafay plays as a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper. 

The Karachi youngster gained popularity by posting his performances on social media, which caught the attention of PSL team management. In December 2023, Quetta Gladiators picked him in the players’ draft for the 2024 Pakistan Super League.

Nafay announced his arrival on the big stage with a stunning innings against Lahore Qalandars on 19 February 2024, scoring 60 runs off just 31 balls for his maiden T20 half-century.