Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council following Bangladesh’s removal from the 2026 T20 World Cup, accusing the governing body of applying different standards to different teams. The former Pakistan captain pointed to what he described as the ICC’s “inconsistency”, referencing how India’s concerns during the 2025 Champions Trophy were handled very differently.Afridi aired his views on social media platform X, highlighting what he believes is unequal treatment of member nations. He recalled how India had cited “security threats” to avoid travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, after which the ICC arranged for India’s matches to be played at a neutral venue in Dubai. India eventually progressed to the final, denying Pakistan the opportunity to host the title clash.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by the ICC’s inconsistency. It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,” Afridi wrote.Calling for a level playing field, Afridi emphasised that cricket’s global administrators must treat all nations equally.“Consistency and fairness are the foundation of global cricket governance. Bangladesh’s players and millions of its fans deserve respect — not mixed standards. The ICC should build bridges, not burn them,” he added.The ICC confirmed on Saturday that Scotland will take Bangladesh’s place in the upcoming T20 World Cup, describing it as a “difficult decision” after concluding that relocating Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka was not practical with the tournament just weeks away. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had refused to allow its team to travel to India, citing security concerns following Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from the IPL.Despite those claims, the ICC reiterated that its assessments found no credible or verifiable threat to Bangladesh players, officials or supporters in India, and therefore ruled out any change to the published schedule. Scotland’s inclusion from February 7 brought an end to prolonged uncertainty, during which the BCB had remained firm on its stance and even floated the idea of exchanging its group with Ireland.During Wednesday’s ICC Board meeting, Bangladesh’s proposal to move fixtures was rejected by a decisive 14–2 vote, with Pakistan the lone supporter.Announcing the outcome, the ICC said, “Bangladesh will no longer compete in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to participate in the tournament per the published match schedule.” It added, “The decision follows an extensive process undertaken by the ICC to address concerns raised by the BCB regarding the hosting of its scheduled matches in India.”Later, the BCB acknowledged the ruling, admitting there were no further options available. Media committee chairman Amjad Hossain said in Dhaka, “We have tried our best. We fully respect the ICC Board, and the Board’s majority decision was that the match cannot be relocated.”He continued, “Even after that, we tried in our own way and made requests. Since they will not do it or do not want to, there is nothing more we can do,” before reiterating, “We have accepted the ICC Board’s decision, as the ICC has said that we will not be able to go and play, nor can our match be shifted to Sri Lanka.”Hossain also confirmed that the board would not pursue further remedies. “In this case, we cannot go to India to play, and our stance remains the same. We are not going into any separate arbitration or any other process here.”Sources indicated that senior ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, were in Dubai on Friday, with an email later sent to BCB chairman Aminul Islam Bulbul formally conveying the decision. The ICC reiterated, “The ICC’s assessments concluded that there was no credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team, officials or supporters in India.“In light of these findings, and after careful consideration of the broader implications, the ICC determined that it was not appropriate to amend the published event schedule,” the statement added.The ICC also revealed it had given Bangladesh a 24-hour deadline to confirm participation. “As no confirmation was received within the deadline, the ICC proceeded in line with its established governance and qualification processes to identify a replacement team.”Scotland, ranked 14th in T20Is, were next in line. “Scotland are the next-highest ranked T20I team that had originally missed T20 World Cup qualification. They are currently ranked 14th, which in fact is ahead of competing teams Namibia, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, USA, Canada, Oman and Italy.“Scotland has been called up to take Bangladesh’s place in Group C, joining England, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies.”Scotland will face West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 in Kolkata, before meeting Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.Behind the scenes, Bangladesh Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul had advised against travelling to India despite repeated ICC assurances. In a last-ditch effort, the BCB also approached the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee, only to discover it could not hear appeals against decisions made by the ICC Board. Although independent security assessments rated the threat level as “low to moderate”, Nazrul, representing the interim government, directed that the team would not travel. A subsequent meeting with players was described as one-sided, with Nazrul informing the squad that they would not be allowed to take part in the tournament.

India beat New Zealand to clinch series (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India produced a ruthless all-round performance to crush New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I at Guwahati on Sunday and pocket the five-match series with a 3-0 score.After winning the toss, India opted to field, and their bowlers justified the decision with a disciplined and aggressive display.

Jasprit Bumrah led the attack superbly, finishing with figures of 3 for 17 and setting the tone from the outset. Harshit Rana struck early to remove Devon Conway, while Hardik Pandya kept things tight and picked up two key wickets, including Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. Spinner Ravi Bishnoi was outstanding in the middle overs, claiming 2 for 18 and breaking a crucial partnership by dismissing Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman.Phillips was New Zealand’s top-scorer with 48, while Chapman contributed 32 and captain Mitchell Santner added a late 27. However, the visitors struggled to build sustained momentum as wickets fell regularly. Despite Santner’s late hitting, New Zealand were restricted to a modest 153 for 9 in their 20 overs.In reply, India made light work of the chase. The hosts suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson was bowled first ball, but that only sparked a fierce counterattack. Ishan Kishan played a brisk knock before falling, setting the platform for Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav to take charge.Abhishek was sensational, blasting 68 not out off just 20 balls, while Suryakumar produced a trademark innings of 57 not out from 26 deliveries. The duo punished anything loose, found the boundaries at will, and kept the scoreboard racing. India reached 155 for 2 in just 10 overs, completing one of their most dominant chases in T20I cricket.The comprehensive win sealed the series for India and highlighted their depth, confidence, and firepower as they continued to build momentum at the international stage.

In a blistering display of power-hitting at the Barsapara Stadium, Abhishek Sharma has etched his name into the record books during the third T20I against New Zealand on January 25, 2026. Chasing a target of 154, the young southpaw turned the game into a personal highlight reel from the very first over. His assault reached a crescendo in the 6th over against Jacob Duffy, as he raced to a 14-ball fifty, decorated with five boundaries and four towering sixes. By reaching the milestone in just 14 deliveries, Sharma has officially claimed the second spot on the list of fastest T20I half-centuries by an Indian. He now sits only behind the legendary Yuvraj Singh, further solidifying his status as a modern-day great in the shortest format of the game.

Abhishek Sharma’s destructive innings breaks records in 3rd T20I vs New Zealand

Abhishek’s performance in Guwahati was nothing short of a demolition job, as he dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack with surgical precision. Coming off a series of high-scoring games, Abhishek entered the crease and immediately signaled his intent, despite losing Sanju Samson for a golden duck at the other end. He took a particular liking to the pace of Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, using his signature bat speed to clear the ropes with ease and reaching his half-century in the final over of the powerplay. This 14-ball milestone is not just his personal best but now stands as the fastest fifty ever recorded against New Zealand in T20I history. By the time he was done, he had provided India with their second-highest powerplay score ever, ensuring that the chase of 154 was a mere formality and putting the Kiwis’ bowlers in a state of absolute shock.

Elite Top 5: Fastest fifties against full member teams

• 12 Balls – Yuvraj Singh (India vs England, 2007): The undisputed gold standard of T20 cricket. In the inaugural T20 World Cup in Durban, Yuvraj famously smashed Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over to reach fifty in just 12 balls. This remains the fastest half-century ever recorded by a player from a Full Member nation and is arguably the most iconic moment in the format’s history.
• 13 Balls – Jan Frylinck (Namibia vs Zimbabwe, 2025): A historic moment for Associate cricket, Frylinck stunned Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Promoted to open, he unleashed a barrage of boundaries against Trevor Gwandu and Blessing Muzarabani, reaching the milestone in 13 balls. It stands as the fastest fifty ever scored by an Associate player against a Full Member team.
• 14 Balls – Abhishek Sharma (India vs New Zealand, 2026): In the series-deciding third T20I in Guwahati, Abhishek produced the performance of a lifetime. Reaching fifty in just 14 balls, he equaled the third-fastest mark globally and became the second-fastest Indian to reach the milestone, trailing only Yuvraj’s legendary 2007 effort.
• 14 Balls – Colin Munro (New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2016): Playing at Eden Park, Munro destroyed the Sri Lankan attack in a chase of 142. He needed only 14 balls to reach his fifty, hitting seven sixes and just one four. It remains the fastest half-century by a New Zealander and held the second-place spot for Full Member nations for a decade.
• 15 Balls – Quinton de Kock (South Africa vs West Indies, 2023): In a record-breaking match at Centurion where South Africa chased down 259, De Kock set the tone with a 15-ball fifty. His clinical opening assault helped the Proteas reach 100 in just 5.3 overs, proving his status as one of the most destructive keepers the game has ever seen.

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India’s Hardik Pandya takes the catch to dismiss New Zealand’s Devon Conway (AP Photo)

Hardik Pandya produced a moment of magic in the field during India’s third T20I against New Zealand at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, pulling off a stunning catch that set the tone early in the contest. With India already leading the five-match series 2-0, the hosts came out sharp once again after captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first.Handed the new ball, Harshit Rana made an immediate impact. On the third delivery of the opening over, New Zealand opener Devon Conway stepped out of his crease, looking to loft the ball over mid-off. However, the timing deserted the left-hander, and the ball hung in the air longer than expected.For a split second, it appeared the shot might sail over Hardik Pandya, but the all-rounder judged it perfectly. Taking a couple of quick steps to his left, Hardik launched himself into the air and completed a sensational leaping catch, drawing loud cheers from the Guwahati crowd and giving India an early breakthrough.

Explaining the decision to bowl first, Suryakumar said the surface looked good and the possibility of dew later in the evening made chasing the preferred option. He also urged his players to stick to their strengths and play fearlessly while remaining grounded.The India skipper highlighted the value of all-round contributions, singling out Hardik Pandya for his long-standing impact with both bat and ball, and praising Shivam Dube for his recent performances. He also noted how such players provide balance and flexibility to the side.For the third T20I, India rested Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, bringing in Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi as part of their rotation strategy, with the series advantage already in hand.

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President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday addressed the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, highlighting the pillars of India’s democracy, the legacy of national icons, and the collective efforts of citizens in building a stronger nation. She spoke about the Constitution’s ideals, the cultural and patriotic significance of Vande Mataram, and the inspiration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.The president further talked about the achievements of women, the contributions of farmers, tribal communities, workers, and youth, as well as India’s economic growth and reforms. Here are the key quotes from her address:

On Constitution

“The ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution define our republic. The framers of the Constitution have provided a strong foundation for the spirit of nationalism and the unity of the country through constitutional provisions.”

On Vande Mataram

“The great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati composed the song “Vande Mataram Yenbom”, in the Tamil language, meaning “Let us chant Vande Mataram”, and connected the masses on an even larger scale with the spirit of Vande Mataram. Translations of this song in other Indian languages also became popular. Sri Aurobindo translated this song into English. Vande Mataram, composed by the venerable Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is our lyrical national prayer.“

On Netaji

“Two days ago, on 23rd January, the nation paid its respectful tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. Since 2021, Netaji’s Jayanti has been celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’ so that the people, especially the youth, can draw inspiration from his indomitable patriotism. Netaji’s slogan ‘Jai Hind’ is the declaration of our national pride…”

On women

“Our women are breaking traditional stereotypes and forging ahead. They are actively contributing to the overall development of the country. More than ten crore women associated with self-help groups are redefining the process of development. Women are making their mark in every field, from agriculture to space, from self-employment to the armed forces. In the field of sports, our daughters have set new benchmarks globally. Last year in November, the daughters of India scripted a golden chapter in sporting history by winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and subsequently the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. Last year, the final match of the Chess World Cup was played between two Indian women. These examples are a testament to the dominance of India’s daughters in the world of sports. The people of the country are proud of them.”

Collective contribution

“The brave soldiers of our three armed forces are always vigilant to protect the motherland. Our dedicated policemen and Central Armed Police Forces personnel are always ready to ensure the internal security of our countrymen. Our farmers, the food providers, produce nutritious food for our countrymen. Our hardworking and talented women are setting new standards in many fields. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and all health workers care for the health of our countrymen. Our dedicated sanitation workers play a key role in keeping the country clean. Our enlightened teachers shape future generations. Our world-class scientists and engineers give new directions to the country’s development. Our hardworking brothers and sisters rebuild the nation. Our promising youth and children, with their talent and contributions, strengthen our faith in the country’s bright future… Thus, all conscious and sensitive citizens are advancing the progress of our republic.”

Tribal Empowerment

“Under the ‘National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission’, more than 6 crore screenings have been conducted so far. Nearly one lakh forty thousand students are receiving education in Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and many students have performed exceptionally well in competitive examinations. Such campaigns in health and education are working to bring harmony between the traditions and modern development among the tribal communities. The ‘Dharti Aaba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ and the ‘PM-JANMAN Yojana’ have empowered all tribal communities, including PVTG communities.”

Farmers

“Our Annadata farmers are the backbone of our society and economy. Generations of hardworking farmers have made our country self-reliant in food grains. It is due to the hard work of our farmers that we are able to export agricultural products. Many farmers have presented highly impressive examples of success. Priority is being given to ensuring that our farmers receive fair prices for their produce, access to loans at lower interest rates, effective insurance coverage, good quality seeds, irrigation facilities, fertilizers for increased production, access to modern agricultural practices, and encouragement for organic farming. The ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi” is honouring the contribution of our farmers and strengthening their efforts.”

Economic Growth and Reform

“India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Despite global uncertainties, India is recording continuous economic growth. We are moving towards achieving our goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy in the near future. By investing in the creation of world-class infrastructure, we are rebuilding our economic strength at a much larger scale. In this journey of shaping our economic destiny, Atma-nirbharata and Swadeshi are our guiding principles. The most important decision for the economic integration of the country after Independence, the implementation of GST, has established the system of ‘One Nation, One Market. The recent decisions to make the GST system even more effective will further strengthen our economy. Four Labour Codes have been issued in the field of labour reforms. These will benefit our workers and will also accelerate the development of enterprises.”

National voters’ day

“Today, January 25th, is celebrated as National Voters’ Day in our country. Our adult citizens enthusiastically cast their votes to elect their representatives. Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar believed that exercising the right to vote ensures political education. Our voters, in line with Babasaheb’s vision, are demonstrating their political awareness… The increasing participation of women in voting is a powerful dimension of our republic. Women being active and empowered is extremely important for the country’s development. National efforts being made for their health, education, safety, and economic empowerment have increased women’s participation in many sectors.”

Digital India

“Beneficiaries are being directly connected to facilities through technology. ‘Ease of Living’ is being emphasised with the goal of improving everyday life. Efforts have been made to achieve national goals through public participation over the past decade. Important national campaigns have been transformed into mass movements. Local institutions in every village and city have been made instruments of ushering in progressive change. Building Viksit Bharat is the shared responsibility of all citizens. Society has immense power. Revolutionary changes occur when the efforts made by the government receive active support from society. For example, our people have adopted the digital payment system on a massive scale. Today, more than half of the world’s digital transactions take place in India. From buying goods at the smallest shop to paying for an auto-rickshaw ride, the use of digital payments has become an impressive example for the global community. I hope that all citizens will actively participate in achieving other national goals in a similar manner.”

England head coach Brendon McCullum speaks with Joe Root before the start of play at The Kia Oval on August 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo/Getty Images)

Joe Root backed England head coach Brendon McCullum after England’s loss in the Ashes, saying he remains confident about the direction of the team. His comments came after England beat Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Colombo.Root joined Harry Brook and Ben Stokes in supporting McCullum, whose role has come under scrutiny following England’s 4-1 defeat to Australia in the Ashes series.

“I think Baz is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. Obviously, we’re disappointed with the way things went out in Australia, but I still think there’s a lot more really exciting things to come from this group,” Root said after the second ODI win against Sri Lanka.Root also spoke about the impact McCullum has had on his own game. “If you look at my own personal game, the time that he’s been the coach, it’s improved tenfold.”Since McCullum became England’s Test coach in 2022, Root has scored 16 centuries in 46 Tests, underlining a strong phase in his career.“Obviously, it’s more fun when you win. But I’m still having the best time of my life. I get to turn up and do the thing that I love every day with a great group of people, some brilliant minds and some experts that you can constantly keep improving and developing under,” Root added.Root played a key role in England’s five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday. Chasing 220, he scored 75 off 90 balls, hitting five fours. He also took two wickets, dismissing Asitha Fernando for 0 and Dunith Wellalage for 20.The win helped England level the three-match ODI series 1-1. The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue in Colombo on January 27.