Pakistan government has announced that their cricket team will not play India in the group stage contest of the T20 World Cup. The government did allow the team to travel to Sri Lanka for their matches. A look at the sequence of events that led to this decision.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in solidarity with Bangladesh’s ouster from the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, has decided not to play their group league game against India in Colombo on February 15. The decision has been taken despite the PCB holding a binding contract with the ICC and the BCCI on playing matches on neutral soil.The Pakistani government did however clear its national team to compete in the tournament which gets underway on February 7. Pakistan are due to play Netherlands in the tournament opener at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo.“The government of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the Twenty20 World Cup, however, the Pakistan team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February against India,” a Pakistan government release said.Here is a timeline of events that led to Pakistan’s decision:January 3: The BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman, who the franchise had aquired in the IPL mini-auction. The decision came due to deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh.January 6: Bangladesh ordered that broadcast of IPL season be stopped in the country. Further, BCB declared that if a single player was considered a “security liability” then the entire team’s safety could be at risk.January 12: BCB formally wrote to the ICC and asked for relocation of their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. The BCB suggested a “hybrid model”, similar to the 2023 Asia Cup.January 21: ICC Board votes against moving Bangladesh matches. The 14-2 decision saw only Pakistan coming out in support of Bangladesh. ICC maintained that an independent security assessment found “no credible threat” to players in India. They also gave Bangladesh a 24-hour deadline to confirm their travel.January 22: At a meeting that took place at a hotel in Dhaka between the national squad, BCB officials, and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh stuck to their decision and decided against travelling to India for the T20 World Cup.January 24: With Bangladesh deciding against playing the T20 World Cup matches in India, ICC formally replaced them with Scotland in Group C.January 24: After Bangladesh were removed from the T20 World Cup, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said a final decision on their participation would be taken after talking to Pakistan’s government.“Our stance [on World Cup participation] will be what the government of Pakistan instructs me,” he said. “The Prime Minister is not in Pakistan right now. When he returns, I’ll be able to give you our final decision. It’s the government’s decision. We obey them, not the ICC.”January 26: Naqvi met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the situation. “Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister … Shehbaz Sharif,” Naqvi tweeted. “Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision [on participation] will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.”February 1: Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif meet for the second time in a week in Lahore. The government cleared the national team to compete in the T20 World Cup but stopped them from playing arch-rivals and tournament co-hosts India on February 15.

If trust has been Nirmala Sitharaman’s byword for taxpayers so far, she took it further this year to improve ‘ease’ of filing and updating returns, and encouraging voluntary compliance to cut down on litigation. Sitharaman said the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which comes into force from April 1, is revenue-neutral, with no changes to income tax rates or slabs, but reducing the number of sections by nearly half and removing layers of interpretational ambiguity. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a single ‘tax year’, replacing the confusing distinction between assessment year and previous year. The redesigned income tax return forms will be notified shortly, with the govt promising simpler language and layouts that allow ordinary taxpayers to comply without professional assistance. The FM said the time limit for filing a revised tax return was being extended from nine months to 12 months after the end of the tax year, leaving enough room to fix mistakes without staring at a penalty. Taxpayers can now update their returns after reassessment proceedings have been initiated at a cost. An additional 10% tax rate will apply over and above the rate applicable for the relevant year. Such returns can also be filed to reduce earlier claimed losses.

More Time To Revise, Fix Mistakes

CA Ketan Vajani said, “The taxpayer can now take shelter under updated return and avoid penalties with 10% extra cost. An amendment is proposed with effect from assessment year 2026-27 and the benefit can be availed of even in the current financial year.” Gautam Nayak, tax partner at CNK & Associates added, “Instead of paying 25%, the taxpayer would have to pay 35%. However, this would enable closure of the matter without resorting to a drawnout and time-consuming reassessment and consequential penalty process. Of course, such updated return cannot be filed in prohibited cases, such as those where information is available under the Black Money Act, Prevention of Money-Laundering Act etc.” Currently, an additional Rs 8 lakh, she can now do so. In another move to cut down on disputes, the FM has proposed integration of assessment and penalty proceedings into a single, common order. Reducing paperwork and the prospect of physical interactions with tax officials, applications for lower/nil TDS certificates can be filed electronically. Tax starting at 25%, going up to 70%, of the differential tax and interest is payable depending on the delay in filing the updated return. Further, filing an updated return is now possible to reduce losses claimed earlier. For instance, if the original return had loss of Rs 10 lakh and the taxpayer wants to file an updated return with loss of Rs 8 lakh, she can now do so. In another move to cut down on disputes, the FM has proposed integration of assessment and penalty proceedings into a single, common order. Reducing paperwork and the prospect of physical interactions with tax officials, applications for lower/nil TDS certificates can be filed electronically.

The atmosphere at the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium in Vadodara was electric this Sunday evening as the Delhi Capitals (DC) Women officially punched their ticket to the WPL 2026 Playoffs. In a high-stakes 20th match of the season, DC overcame the UP Warriorz (UPW) by five wickets, fueled by a clinical bowling masterclass from Marizanne Kapp and a composed pursuit led by Laura Wolvaardt.

Marizanne Kapp destroys UP Warriorz’s top order in a ‘Do or Die’ fixture

Winning the toss and electing to bowl, Delhi Capitals made their intentions clear from the very first delivery. Chinelle Henry set the tone by dismissing the dangerous Meg Lanning for a golden duck. However, it was Kapp who turned the match into a nightmare for the Warriorz. Kapp’s opening spell was a display of elite seam bowling, finishing with remarkable figures of 3/30.

Kapp dismantled the UPW core, removing Charli Knott (12) and the set Deepti Sharma (24) just as a partnership began to brew. The South African veteran then used a successful DRS referral to trap Deandra Dottin (5) LBW, leaving the Warriorz reeling at 52/5 within ten overs. Despite a late-order cameo from Shikha Pandey, who remained unbeaten on 23 off 13 balls, and a steady 10 from Sophie Ecclestone, UPW were restricted to a subpar 122/8. The DC bowling unit operated like a well-oiled machine, with Shree Charani and Henry chipping in with two wickets apiece to keep the pressure relentless.

Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues seal playoff berth for Delhi Capitals

Chasing a modest target of 123, Delhi Capitals faced an early hiccup when Lizelle Lee fell to Dottin in the second over. However, Wolvaardt stepped up to anchor the innings with a sophisticated 47 off 36 balls. Displaying her trademark cover drives and impeccable timing, Wolvaardt shared a crucial 73-run stand with Shafali Verma (29), effectively taking the game away from the Warriorz.

The match saw a brief flurry of drama during the middle overs as Deepti struck twice, removing Wolvaardt and Henry in quick succession. When Kapp fell for a duck to Ecclestone, the Vadodara crowd held its breath with the score at 101/5. But captain Jemimah Rodrigues showed nerves of steel, smashing a blistering 34 off just 18 deliveries. Rodrigues’ aggressive approach shifted the momentum back instantly, as she hammered five boundaries to close the game with 8 balls to spare.

With this victory, the Delhi Capitals cement their status as title favorites, moving into the top three on the table and securing their postseason spot. For the UP Warriorz, the defeat marks a somber end to a challenging campaign, as fans in the stands celebrated DC’s clinical storm into the playoffs.

Also READ: DC-W vs UPW: Here’s why Amy Jones, Chloe Tryon and Shweta Sehrawat are not playing in today’s WPL 2026 clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

Delhi Capitals have qualified for the Eliminator 🔥👏#WPL2026 #DCvsUPW pic.twitter.com/cHuVgj3nWZ

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 1, 2026

DCW with a fantastic bowling display to restrict #UPW to 122/8 🎯

Marizanne Kapp (3 wickets), Chinelle Henry & Sree Charani starred as Delhi Capitals choked UP Warriorz in Vadodara! A low total of 123 to chase in this must-win clash—victory seals DC’s spot in the Eliminator &… pic.twitter.com/hJMqWNXHsK

— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) February 1, 2026

A successful powerplay for #DC 🙌

Delhi Capitals’ bowlers struck early, claiming 3 wickets in the powerplay against UP Warriorz in their must-win WPL 2026 clash at Vadodara! Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry led the charge, leaving UPW reeling. DC on top in this crucial contest!… pic.twitter.com/8CRXCvoxFx

— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) February 1, 2026

Marizanne Kapp in WPL 2026:

at NAVI MUMBAI

Wickets – 3
Average – 32.3
Economy – 6.1

at VADODARA

Wickets – 7
Average – 12.7
Economy – 5.6#DCvsUPW #WPL2026

— Sahil Pednekar 🇮🇳 (@statsbysahil) February 1, 2026

Thank you Chinelle Henry🫡
Thank You Marizanne Kapp 👑

Nd Well Done Captain Jemi 🫂👏🏼🫶🏼

— 🐇🐰🐇 (@Pdg091) February 1, 2026

Big game. Big moment. Big Kapp 💥

Marizanne Kapp shines with 4-0-30-3 vs UPW in DC’s most crucial match of the campaign 🔥#WPL2026 #TATAWPL #DCvUPW pic.twitter.com/LhDHwqh0nm

— Arshy (@imArshit) February 1, 2026

🚨 HISTORY BY DELHI CAPITALS 🚨

Finally, Delhi Capitals has made it through to the Playoffs after beating UP Warriorz 👏🏼

After the first 4 matches, DC were almost out of the WPL, but they made a comeback to remember in the last 4 matches🔥#WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/YE7YfVXwHB

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 1, 2026

Delhi Capitals is definitely a complete unit & one of the strongest teams in the WPL 2026. DC is definitely peaking at the right time.

– Shafali Verma starts the proceedings quickly. She starts with a bang & a handy bowler too
– Lizelle Lee is a run machine that keeps going on &… pic.twitter.com/axvjoKuteW

— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) February 1, 2026

2023 – Finalist.
2024 – Finalist.
2025 – Finalist.
2026 – Qualified into Playoffs.

DELHI CAPITALS – MOST CONSISTENT TEAM IN WPL HISTORY ✅ pic.twitter.com/9iE1fjzBmp

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 1, 2026

DELHI CAPITALS WOMEN IN WPL
2023: Runners-up
2024: Runners-up
2025: Runners-up
2026: Qualified for Eliminator@DelhiCapitals#WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/qiSjsYkywp

— RAHIL (@RahilSherasiy19) February 1, 2026

Also READ: Ashleigh Gardner reveals her favourite women cricketer in fun rapid-fire challenge

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

BHIWANDI: A 12-year-old boy from Bhiwandi died last Friday, three weeks after being mauled by a stray dog while playing outside his house on Jan 10. His relatives blamed inadequate treatment facilities at the govt-run Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital in Bhiwandi and for making them shuttle between hospitals, but the facility’s authorities said all necessary care was provided on time. The hospital said he had received three anti-rabies vaccine doses and was scheduled to get the final one on Jan 28 but his condition worsened the day prior. Health officials said an autopsy report on the cause of death was awaited. IGM Hospital’s superintendent Dr Madhavi Pandhare said the death could have been due to rabies spreading to the brain or because of low immunity.

The child, Hamid Khan, had sustained deep wounds to the face and near the ribs in the dog attack and was rushed to IGM Hospital. Doctors administered the first anti-rabies shot and considering the severity of his injuries, referred him to Thane Civil Hospital for a surgeon’s opinion. At the Thane hospital, doctors advised the family to admit Hamid. The family said they couldn’t afford to travel 16km daily from their Bhiwandi home and brought him back to IGM Hospital. He was given anti-rabies jabs there on Jan 13 and Jan 17.But on Jan 27, Hamid’s condition worsened and he developed respiratory issues. Doctors at IGM Hospital again referred him to Thane Civil Hospital, citing the need for advanced care. From Thane, he was shifted to govt-run Kasturba Hospital in Chinchpokli after doctors said he required ICU treatment. Hamid died during treatment at Kasturba Hospital. Accusing IGM Hospital of negligence, the family alleged it had effectively become only “a referral centre”. Dr Pandhare said all necessary treatment, including tetanus toxoid injections, anti-rabies vaccine, anti-rabies serum and antibiotics, was given, and the child was referred to the Thane hospital only for surgical opinion. She said when he returned with breathing issues on Jan 27, he was critical and required isolation, prompting the referral to the Thane hospital.Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh said he would raise the issue of alleged inadequate treatment facilities for dog bites in the constituency during the next assembly session and sought a case against negligent hospital staffers.

Bhiwandi: A 12-year-old boy from Bhiwandi died last Friday, three weeks after being mauled by a stray dog while playing outside his house on Jan 10. His relatives blamed inadequate treatment facilities at the govt-run Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital in Bhiwandi and for making them shuttle between hospitals, but the facility’s authorities said all necessary care was provided on time. The hospital said he had received three anti-rabies vaccine doses and was scheduled to get the final one on Jan 28 but his condition worsened the day prior. Health officials said an autopsy report on the cause of death was awaited. IGM Hospital’s superintendent Dr Madhavi Pandhare said the death could have been due to rabies spreading to the brain or because of low immunity.

The child, Hamid Khan, had sustained deep wounds to the face and near the ribs in the dog attack and was rushed to IGM Hospital. Doctors administered the first anti-rabies shot and considering the severity of his injuries, referred him to Thane Civil Hospital for a surgeon’s opinion. At the Thane hospital, doctors advised the family to admit Hamid. The family said they couldn’t afford to travel 16km daily from their Bhiwandi home and brought him back to IGM Hospital. He was given anti-rabies jabs there on Jan 13 and Jan 17.But on Jan 27, Hamid’s condition worsened and he developed respiratory issues. Doctors at IGM Hospital again referred him to Thane Civil Hospital, citing the need for advanced care. From Thane, he was shifted to govt-run Kasturba Hospital in Chinchpokli after doctors said he required ICU treatment. Hamid died during treatment at Kasturba Hospital. Accusing IGM Hospital of negligence, the family alleged it had effectively become only “a referral centre”. Dr Pandhare said all necessary treatment, including tetanus toxoid injections, anti-rabies vaccine, anti-rabies serum and antibiotics, was given, and the child was referred to the Thane hospital only for surgical opinion. She said when he returned with breathing issues on Jan 27, he was critical and required isolation, prompting the referral to the Thane hospital.Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh said he would raise the issue of alleged inadequate treatment facilities for dog bites in the constituency during the next assembly session and sought a case against negligent hospital staffers.

JAMMU: Jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid’s Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) said Sunday it had submitted an assembly resolution seeking citizenship and legal status for former militants’ wives and children who came from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under a 2010 rehabilitation policy. The J&K assembly’s budget session begins on Monday.Langate Shiekh Khursheed, AIP MLA and Rashid’s brother, said those who came under the rehabilitation policy continue to remain without citizenship or legal recognition, leading to denial of their basic rights including education, healthcare, employment opportunities and identity documents.The UPA govt at the Centre had announced the rehabilitation policy in 2010 during Omar Abdullah’s earlier stint as chief minister of the erstwhile J&K state. Omar had then described the rehabilitation of such militants as a “humanitarian issue with nothing sinister or dangerous”.Officials had, however, cited stringent criteria and said only 350 of over 1,200 applications were accepted. Citizenship for such families has been a long-pending demand, with PDP having backed it earlier.Addressing a news conference on Sunday, Khursheed explained the AIP’s resolution. “The resolution urges both the J&K govt and the Centre to grant citizenship or appropriate legal status, issue valid domicile and identity documents, and ensure dignity, security and constitutional safeguards for these individuals,” said Khursheed, the lone MLA of his party.Dwelling on other issues, Khursheed pushed for steps to ensure Mehraj Malik, Doda’s arrested AAP MLA, is allowed to attend the assembly session. Khursheed said he had personally handed over a letter to chief minister Omar last week requesting him to convene an all-party meeting and pass a resolution urging LG Manoj Sinha to ensure Malik’s presence in the House. Malik, AAP’s only MLA in J&K, was held last year under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly misbehaving with senior officials during a protest.Khursheed said he had submitted another assembly resolution seeking transfer of all power projects in the Union Territory to the J&K govt. “This will help ensure cheaper electricity, strengthen power infrastructure and enhance revenue.”Khursheed lamented that he had submitted several resolutions in the 2025 budget session but none was taken up. These pertained to release of political prisoners, restoration of Article 370 and J&K’s statehood. “I am hopeful my party’s resolutions will be taken up this time,” Khursheed said.