Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates from January 19 to 22, 2026. With several senior players unavailable due to franchise commitments or workload management, opening batter Brandon King has been named captain for the tour. The series serves as a critical final preparation stage ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins in February.

Brandon King takes charge amidst senior absences

King steps into the leadership role in the absence of regular white-ball captain Shai Hope. King, who has previously captained the side during the home series against South Africa in 2024, will lead a squad that blends experienced internationals with emerging talent.

The squad selection has been heavily influenced by the ongoing SA20 league in South Africa. Key players like Hope, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford were all unavailable for selection due to their commitments with their respective franchises.

Additionally, the selection panel has opted to rest senior figures Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd to manage their workloads ahead of the grueling World Cup campaign.

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Injury returns and maiden call-ups

The series marks the return of fast bowler Shamar Joseph and aggressive opener Evin Lewis, both of whom have successfully completed their return-to-play protocols following injuries. Their inclusion provides a significant boost to the squad’s depth.

However, pace spearhead Alzarri Joseph remains sidelined. CWI confirmed that while his rehabilitation is progressing well, he has been left out as a precautionary measure to ensure his fitness for the World Cup.

In a move looking toward the future, all-rounder Quentin Sampson has received his maiden international call-up. Sampson earned his spot following a breakout season in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where his explosive performances caught the eye of the selectors.

West Indies squad for Afghanistan T20Is: Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar springer and Shimron Hetmyer.

Also READ: Afghanistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq return

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli continued his rich vein of form, anchoring India’s chase with a polished knock of 93 off 91 deliveries as the hosts overhauled a 301-run target to secure a four-wicket victory and go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series. Batting with trademark composure, Kohli once again controlled the tempo and ensured India stayed on course throughout the chase.The innings marked Kohli’s seventh successive fifty-plus score in ODI cricket since making his return in October last year, underlining his remarkable consistency in the format.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was full of praise for Kohli’s approach, highlighting the mental clarity that has defined the star batter’s recent performances. According to Ashwin, Kohli appears liberated at the crease, batting with a blend of youthful freedom and seasoned experience.“It looks like nothing is going on in his mind. You asked me what he has changed-he hasn’t changed anything; he is just not thinking about anything. He made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket. It seems like he is playing with the attitude of batting in his childhood, combined with the experience of so many years,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.Ashwin also reserved special mention for Shreyas Iyer, who marked his return to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff with a vital contribution. Iyer had been sidelined for months due to a spleen laceration but showed no signs of rust, scoring 49 off 47 balls and forging an important partnership with Kohli.Reflecting on Iyer’s body of work in the 50-over format, Ashwin described him as one of India’s most reliable performers in ODIs, even while acknowledging the unusual nature of his dismissal.“We know that Shreyas has been Mr. Consistent for India in ODI cricket. His dismissal was very unlike Shreyas; he never leaves the game like this-he generally finishes it. But it is very understandable; he is making a comeback, and that was a good ball by Jamieson,” he added.The second ODI of the series will be played on Wednesday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

High Commissioner of India to Kenya Adarsh Swaika met Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi on Monday, with both sides agreeing to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in New Delhi as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.According to a post by the High Commission of India in Nairobi, the meeting focused on recent and upcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting what it described as the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership.The two leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas, including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnerships, and people-to-people ties, rooted in the historic and enduring relationship between the two countries.“HC Adarsh Swaika called on Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi. Discussions focused on recent and forthcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership. They also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnership, and people-to-people ties, anchored in the historic and enduring relationship between India-Kenya,” the post read.Mudavadi, in a post on X, said Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests.He noted that his discussions with High Commissioner Swaika aimed to advance the long-term partnership between the two nations, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.He also said the two sides aligned on India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto. In addition, they discussed the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship forum shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics.Highlighting the decision to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, Mudavadi said the meeting would set a clear, results-driven agenda to deliver tangible outcomes for both countries.“Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests. I met with H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, to drive forward our long-term partnership in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. We aligned on India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President William Samoei Ruto, as well as the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship platform shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics,” the Prime Cabinet Secretary said.“We also agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, setting a clear, results-driven agenda focused on delivering tangible outcomes for both countries,” he added.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Kenya are maritime neighbours, and their modern relationship has developed into a strong and wide-ranging partnership, characterised by frequent high-level engagements, growing trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people connections.

KALYAN: Dombivli witnessed a violent clash between Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers late Monday night in the Tukaram Nagar area, escalating political tensions ahead of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections. During the incident, a life-threatening attack was allegedly carried out on Omnath Natekar, the husband of BJP’s Panel No. 29 candidate Arya Natekar. He sustained serious injuries and has been admitted to a private AIMS Hospital in Dombivli, where he is currently undergoing treatment.Apart from Omnath Natekar, two other BJP workers and one Shiv Sena office-bearer sustained minor injuries in the altercation.According to BJP leaders, the incident occurred when Omnath Natekar arrived at a housing society in the Tukaram Nagar area along with three to four supporters to attend a meeting related to election campaigning.During the meeting, Shiv Sena candidate Nitin Patil and his supporters allegedly confronted the BJP workers. BJP leaders claim that Nitin Patil and his supporters were seen threatening BJP office-bearers asking to not go inside building for meeting, following which the situation turned violent.BJP has alleged that Nitin Patil, his brother Ravi Patil, along with their family members and several supporters, attacked Omnath Natekar after accusing him of distributing money. When Natekar denied the allegation and asked them to provide proof or money, the argument escalated into a physical assault, leaving him severely injured and bleeding.Following the incident, BJP office-bearers gathered outside the Dombivli police station and staged a protest, demanding strict action against the accused. Based on the complaint, the Dombivli police registered a case of attempted murder under BNS Act Section 109 against Shiv Sena candidates Nitin Patil and Ravi Patil both contesting election from same panel, along with Roshan Ravi Patil, Yash Nitin Patil, and three other individuals.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena candidate Nitin Patil has denied the allegations of assault and claimed that BJP office-bearers had come to the area to distribute money as part of election inducements. He alleged that he and his supporters were only trying to stop the BJP workers, which led to the confrontation.It is noteworthy that although Shiv Sena and BJP are contesting the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections as allies, both parties are contesting separately in Panel No. 29. This has resulted in frequent confrontations between workers of the two parties. Just a day earlier, Shiv Sena had accused BJP office-bearers in the same panel of distributing money to voters.The incident has further intensified political tensions in the area, prompting increased police vigilance ahead of the civic polls.

In a striking tactical move that has sent shockwaves through the Big Bash League, a high-profile international star Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan became the first overseas player in tournament history to be ‘retired out’ during a crucial mid-season clash. The incident occurred on January 12 at Sydney’s ENGIE Stadium during a high-stakes encounter between the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder.

Retired Out: Melbourne Renegades’ batter Mohammad Rizwan hooked after sluggish 26 (23) against Sydney Thunder

With the Renegades struggling to find momentum in the death overs, the team management made the ruthless decision to recall their anchor in favor of more explosive firepower. While the move was strategically sound according to commentators, it has sparked a massive debate across social media regarding the treatment of veteran players in the franchise era. Ultimately, the tactical gamble served as a centerpiece for one of the most talked-about matches of the BBL 15 season, highlighting the increasingly cutthroat nature of T20 cricket.

Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rizwan saw his difficult BBL campaign reach a humiliating nadir as he was forced to leave the field “retired out” for a laboured 26 runs off 23 balls. Coming in at No. 4, Rizwan struggled to find his rhythm on a tacky surface, taking four deliveries just to open his account and later entering a scoring shell where he managed only 10 runs in 12 balls. Recognizing that the run rate was stagnating, Renegades captain Will Sutherland signaled Rizwan to return to the pavilion at the end of the 18th over to allow for a final flourish.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Alyssa Healy announces retirement from international cricket, India series to be her final farewell

The failed gamble in BBL|15: Renegades’ late-innings stutter

The decision to recall Rizwan was intended to maximize the final two overs, but the plan backfired almost instantly. The incoming captain, Sutherland, was run out for just 1 off 1 ball after a straight drive from Hassan Khan was deflected onto the stumps by bowler Daniel Sams. The Renegades, who were poised for a big total after a 62-run opening stand between Josh Brown (35) and Tim Seifert (29), managed only 16 runs in the final 12 deliveries following the retirement. They eventually finished on 170/8, a score that felt at least 15 runs short given the platform. Hassan was the only one to provide genuine impetus in the middle order, finishing with a valiant 46 off 31 balls.

Despite the tactical drama, the Thunder secured a dramatic 4-wicket victory via the DLS method in a rain-interrupted chase. The Thunder were reeling at 95/6 after a clinical spell from Gurinder Sandhu (4/42), but a revised target of 140 in 16 overs set the stage for a Chris Green masterclass. Green turned the game on its head in the 14th over, smashing Sandhu for three consecutive sixes to shift the momentum entirely. Alongside Nic Maddinson (30)*, who hit the winning run, Green finished unbeaten on 34 off just 13 balls.

Also READ: Wasim Akram predicts the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2026

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