With just two weeks remaining until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway, the build-up has been anything but calm. Off-field drama has taken centre stage, led by Pakistan’s uncertainty over participation amid political tensions and symbolic protest plans, while teams continue finalising WC squads and strategies. Here’s the latest
Pakistan to Wear Black Armbands vs India, to Support Bangladesh
Pakistan will go ahead with its highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo after receiving official clearance from the government, ending speculation over a possible boycott. The approval came following discussions between PCB chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, Pakistan may still register a symbolic protest in support of Bangladesh, which was replaced by Scotland in the tournament schedule after declining to tour India due to security concerns. Reports suggest the team could wear black armbands or issue a public statement during the match, adding a diplomatic edge to the marquee encounter.
Riyan Parag received T20 World Cup Call Up as Washington Sundar replacement?
India all-rounder Washington Sundar is unlikely to recover in time for the T20 World Cup starting February 7 after suffering a side strain that requires at least two weeks of rehabilitation. With the clock ticking, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering Riyan Parag as a potential replacement. Parag has been asked to work with the Centre of Excellence to get match-fit, as selectors assess backup options ahead of the tournament.
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Is Tilak Varma fit to play T20 World Cup?
The BCCI has confirmed that Tilak Varma will miss the entire T20I series against New Zealand due to injury, despite earlier plans for him to feature in the final two matches. Shreyas Iyer will continue as his replacement. Tilak is expected to link up with the Indian squad on February 3 and is likely to return to action in the warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Why Bangladesh is not playing T20 World Cup 2026? Rajeev Shukla clarifies
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has alleged that Pakistan played a role in influencing Bangladesh’s decision to not play T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India. Shukla said India had wanted Bangladesh to participate, but the situation escalated after Bangladesh’s government refused clearance unless matches were held in Colombo. According to Shukla, altering the entire tournament schedule at the last moment was impractical, prompting the International Cricket Council to reject venue changes and replace Bangladesh with Scotland. He suggested Pakistan’s stance added to the confusion, complicating efforts to find a workable solution.
West Indies Opener Retires Ahead of T20 World Cup
West Indies opener Evin Lewis has retired after being left out of the Caribbean side’s 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite having 67 T20I caps and featuring in the recent Afghanistan series, Lewis found no place in the squad led by Shai Hope, with Johnson Charles named as backup keeper instead. Shortly after the announcement, Lewis posted a cryptic message thanking fans for supporting his 10-year international career and hinting at departure. Cricket West Indies have made no official statement, while Lewis has since made his Instagram account private, further fuelling uncertainty around his future.
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Shai Hope Backs West Indies to Reignite T20 World Cup Glory
West Indies captain Shai Hope has expressed confidence that his team can bounce back from their disappointing Super Sixes exit at the last T20 World Cup at home. Speaking at the squad announcement, Hope acknowledged recent struggles but believes the experienced 15-man unit has the skill and power to compete consistently. Returning to India, where West Indies last lifted the T20 World Cup in 2016, Hope said the focus will be on finding early momentum and sustaining it. He stressed that better synchronisation and situational awareness could help the side reach the latter stages and potentially reclaim the trophy.
Why Haris Rauf was Left Out of Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad? Hesson explains
Haris Rauf was the biggest omission as Pakistan named their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, beginning February 7 in India, with matches to be played in Sri Lanka. Despite his strong record in past ICC events, the pacer failed to make the cut as selectors opted for a more versatile pace attack. Head coach Mike Hesson revealed that Rauf was considered but overlooked because the selected fast bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah — can operate effectively across all three phases of an innings. “We considered Haris Rauf, Wasim Jr, and Ahmed Daniyal, but they couldn’t make it because the other three Shaheen, Salman, and Naseem can bowl in all three phases,” said the head coach.
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Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan? Rahane picks India’s opener for T20 World Cup 2026
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has called on the Indian team management, led by Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, to show faith in Sanju Samson ahead of the T20 World Cup. Rahane believes Samson should be given clear backing and assured he won’t be dropped during the New Zealand series or the global tournament. He suggested that Samson’s inconsistency may stem from trying to mirror Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive approach, rather than playing his natural game. Rahane stressed that clarity of role and consistent selection could help Samson deliver his best at the international level.
Rohit Sharma Hails Tilak Varma as a Proven Big-Match Player
India captain Rohit Sharma has lavished praise on Tilak Varma, calling him a cricketer built for pressure situations. Rohit revealed that he sensed something special about Tilak during their time together at Mumbai Indians, highlighting his confidence, clarity, and hunger to take responsibility. He pointed to Tilak’s unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan as a defining knock, played under immense pressure. According to Rohit, Tilak’s temperament and mindset set him apart, repeatedly rescuing the team in tough moments. As India monitor his fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup, Rohit believes Tilak has already shown signs of being a genuine big-match performer.
Stay tuned for daily updates.
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