With the T20 World Cup edging closer, the build-up is starting to feel a bit messy. Injuries are piling up, squads are being tweaked, and fresh talking points surface. From Pakistan’s new mystery spinner and Australia losing a key leader to India’s growing presence off the field, here’s a round-up of the biggest stories shaping the tournament narrative right now.
‘Bhatta hai’: Fans accuse Pakistan’s Mystery spinner Usman Tariq of Chucking
Pakistan have found themselves with a new subplot. Enter Usman Tariq, a 28-year-old off-spinner who has gone from relative obscurity to the centre of online debate. Tariq first caught attention during a T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe, where his variations and a hat-trick put him firmly on the radar.
The noise has been louder off the field than on it. Social media users have questioned his bowling action, with accusations flying freely.
What makes Tariq intriguing is the unknown. He hasn’t bowled against elite opposition yet, but his action, pace through the air and confidence make him a potential wildcard, especially if Pakistan end up facing India deep into the tournament.
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Tariq reportedly chose cricket after watching MS Dhoni’s biopic, not the usual origin story for a Pakistan spinner.
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Australia Lose Pat Cummins and Top-order Batter — and still say NO to Steve Smith
Australia’s T20 World Cup plans have taken a hit. Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from a persistent back injury that limited him to just one Test this summer. Cummins had already missed the latter part of the Ashes in an effort to be fit for the World Cup, but time has finally beaten the plan.
Matt Short has also been dropped, this time for form, leaving Australia to reshuffle just weeks before their opener. The replacements are Ben Dwarshuis and Matt Renshaw
What’s raised eyebrows is who hasn’t been called up. Once again, Steve Smith remains on the outside, with selectors sticking firmly to their preferred T20 blueprint. Cummins’ absence strips Australia of leadership and control with the new ball.
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Nitin Menon, Padmanabhan in Umpire’s List for Mega Event
Elite Panel umpire Nitin Menon will officiate in his fourth T20 World Cup, reinforcing his status as one of the ICC’s most trusted officials. The Indore-based umpire previously featured in the 2021, 2022 and 2024 editions and was part of the on-field team for a semi-final at the last World Cup.
Joining him is Anantha Padmanabhan, who will make his T20 World Cup debut, a significant milestone for Indian officiating depth.
Menon is also set to mark another landmark, officiating in his 150th international match, making him the first Indian umpire to reach that figure across formats.
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T20 World Cup 2026 News Updates
Fans on social media have questioned his unusual bowling action, but the ICC has cleared Usman Tariq of any illegal action after assessment.
Yes. Pat Cummins has been ruled out due to a recurring back injury and will not feature in Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign.
Australia have opted to stick with their existing T20 structure, bringing in Ben Dwarshuis and Matt Renshaw instead of reshuffling the squad to include Steve Smith.
Nitin Menon and Anantha Padmanabhan will officiate at the tournament, with Menon appearing in his fourth T20 World Cup and Padmanabhan making his debut.
Pakistan have named their squad, but questions around logistics and participation remain a live talking point ahead of the tournament.
The tournament begins on February 7, 2026, with matches hosted across India and Sri Lanka.
