India and Pakistan will collide in a high-stakes Group A encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, this marquee clash features two unbeaten heavyweights vying for group supremacy and a guaranteed ticket to the Super 8s.

India will enter the fray as favourites, boasting a clinical winning streak and a massive Net Run Rate of +3.050, while Pakistan arrives with a revamped spin-heavy arsenal led by the ‘mystery’ of Usman Tariq. The rivalry carries an emotional weight like no other, with India holding a dominant 7-1 head-to-head record in T20 World Cup history, though Pakistan’s recent form and familiarity with Sri Lankan tracks suggest a closer contest than the numbers imply.

T20 World Cup 2026: 3 key reasons India should back Sanju Samson over Abhishek Sharma for IND vs PAK Match

Choosing between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash on Sunday, February 15, is the ultimate selection dilemma. While Abhishek is a generational talent, here are three undeniable, high-impact reasons why India must stick with Samson:

1. Extreme medical risk vs match-readiness

A world-class athlete cannot be expected to perform at elite levels in the world’s most intense rivalry just days after being hospitalized. Abhishek Sharma has recently suffered a severe stomach infection that required hospitalization and led to a significant 2kg weight loss and physical depletion.

• The Fatigue Factor: Colombo’s tropical humidity is brutal. Playing a player whose body is still recovering from viral weakness is an invitation for mid-match dehydration or cramping. In a game decided by “nerves and fitness,” India cannot gamble on a player at 60% capacity.
• The Samson Edge: Sanju is in 100% physical condition. He proved his readiness against Namibia by striking a quickfire 22 off 8 balls. In a match where every sprint to the boundary and quick single matters, Samson provides the athletic reliability India needs.

2. Neutralizing the ‘mystery spin’ and Usman Tariq’s lefty trap

The R. Premadasa Stadium surface is notorious for being “tacky,” offering significant turn. Pakistan has a specific tactical weapon: the off-spinner Usman Tariq, whose side-arm action and mid-action pause create a “mystery” effect.

• The Lefty Trap: Off-spinners naturally turn the ball away from left-handers, making them a nightmare for lefties like Abhishek Sharma. Despite his status as a “spin-hitter,” Abhishek’s recent record against high-quality international spin shows a specific vulnerability. In the 2025/26 season, his strike rate against off-spin has dipped to 138.5 compared to his overall career strike rate of 194.45, as he often struggles to find the same timing when the ball is turning away from his hitting arc.
• The Samson Antidote: As a right-hander, Sanju Samson naturally neutralizes Tariq’s advantage. The ball turns into Samson’s hitting arc rather than away, making it significantly easier to maneuver and target the short boundaries. Samson’s refined technique against unconventional actions makes him the ideal tactical “shield” to prevent Tariq from running through the top order.

Also READ: Mohammad Amir mocks unwell Abhishek Sharma ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 clash

3. Strategic ‘double-keeper’ Insurance

In tournament play, team balance is the highest priority. With Ishan Kishan recently sustaining a foot injury from a Jasprit Bumrah yorker in the nets, India is one wrong step away from a wicketkeeping crisis.

• The Tactical Safety Net: If India drops Samson for Abhishek and Kishan’s foot injury flares up during the match, India would be forced to use an emergency keeper, which could be disastrous in a high-pressure chase.
• The Samson Edge: By playing Sanju, India has a world-class keeper already on the field. This “double-keeper” strategy ensures that if Kishan goes down mid-over, the transition is seamless. In a rivalry where one missed stumping can change history, this insurance is a tactical necessity that Abhishek simply cannot provide.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Is Abhishek Sharma fit for the high-voltage clash against Pakistan? Star Indian opener gives massive update

Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha during a practice session ahead of an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Pakistan, at R Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (PTI)

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: The marquee India vs Pakistan match on February 15 will take place on a used pitch in Colombo, with the surface expected to be slow and testing for batters, the TimesofIndia.com can confirm. The match will be played on the same pitch, where Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs on Friday.Interestingly, it was the fast bowlers who called the shots. Blessing Muzarabani (4/17) starred with the ball, registering the best bowling figures for Zimbabwe in a T20 World Cup match. Muzarabani and fellow pacer Brad Evans (3/17) shared seven wickets between them. The duo were superb with the new ball, slicing through Australia’s top order.

Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 169 for 2 and, in reply, the 2021 champions were bundled out for 146.At the pre-match press conference, Salman Ali Agha hinted that the spinners might play a big role on Sunday.“It’s possible that spinners dominate here,” Agha told reporters in Colombo.“I feel fast bowlers will also have a role to play. Fast bowling is such a skill that on any surface you can’t write it off. So I think they will surely have a role. We have good spinners but also quality pacers who can be called upon if needed,” he added.The big boundaries and the used surface could test India’s belligerent batting line-up. Pakistan might opt for a five-prong spin attack against India. It is likely they will field Abrar Ahmad, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub.India could also be tempted to add either Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav to their playing XI.After all these years, this could be the first time the focus shifts to Pakistan’s spinners versus Indian batters. Earlier, it used to be Pakistan’s pace attack against India’s batters. Times have changed, and the used surface could make the contest more balanced.

NEW DELHI: For decades, India’s fiscal federal system has had one core element that stood out: poorer states would be supported so that growth could be shared.The 16th Finance Commission has not broken that promise on paper. States will still receive 41 percent of the divisible pool of central taxes. But beneath that headline number, the logic of how money moves across the Union is beginning to change.For the first time, economic output shapes transfers. Long-running revenue deficit grants — once a fiscal buffer for states — have been eliminated. Parts of local government funding are now tied to performance benchmarks. Disaster funding is moving towards risk-indexed allocation rather than discretionary relief.The shift is subtle in design but important in consequence. Transfers are no longer only about closing gaps. They are increasingly about shaping behaviour — rewarding growth, nudging fiscal discipline, and linking public money to administrative capacity.“Considering India’s growth imperative, there is a need for at least a small shift in the devolution criteria towards efficiency,” the Commission said, capturing the direction of travel.

What a Finance Commission decides

Under Article 280 of the Constitution, a Finance Commission is appointed roughly every five years to recommend how Union tax revenues are shared with states and how that share is distributed among them.The 16th Commission covers the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. Its recommendations come at a time when India is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing major economies and set to become world’s third largest economy in the recommendation period.

The core decisions are twofold. Vertical devolution determines what share of central taxes goes to states. Horizontal devolution determines how that pool is divided among them. The vertical share remained unchanged. The horizontal framework has changed.

GDP contribution enters the formula

For the first time, contribution to national GDP has been included as a horizontal devolution criterion with a 10 percent weight. Karnataka gains 0.48 percentage points. Kerala gains 0.45 percentage point. Madhya Pradesh loses 0.50 percentage point. Bihar loses 0.11 percentage points . The formula now combines income distance, population, demographic performance, area, forest, GDP contribution. Income distance continues to drive equalisation. GDP contribution introduces an efficiency signal.In response to TOI queries, DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor at EY India, questioned the conceptual basis.“Linking devolution to production efficiency does not appear to be justified,” he said.He said variation in state GDP contribution reflects structural economic factors rather than fiscal management.“It is important to distinguish between efficiency of a production system and efficiency of a fiscal system. GSDPs and GDP are the outcome of the production system in a country which is largely driven by market forces. Inter-state variation in the contribution of the GSDP of an individual state to the overall GDP depends largely on the inter-state concentration of capital stock, inter-state movement of financial and human resources and state level availability of infrastructure,” Srivastava said.He said fiscal rules themselves reinforce divergence.“The differences in inter-state infrastructure depends largely on the limit of fiscal deficit of 3% of GSDP which is by definition higher for higher GSDP states,” he said. “Lowering of the weight attached to the income distance criterion and giving a relatively high weight to the contribution criterion would reduce the degree of equalization.”Ranen Banerjee, Partner and Leader, Economic Advisory, PwC India, said the change sends a policy signal rather than creating an immediate redistribution shock.“The introduction of contribution to GDP as a parameter is a bold step as it clearly puts growth and consequent improvement in the per capita incomes of citizens as an important imperative,” he told TOI.

He said states are already competing on growth and investment metrics.“The states have been competing in attracting investments and improving their ease of doing business as well as articulating ambitious growth targets,” Banerjee said. “The signalling through this indicator could possibly work towards restraining populist expenditures and encouraging capital output enhancing expenditures that lead to economic growth.”He added the numerical impact remains modest.“While this may not be counted as a structural shift given the highest negative impact of just 50 basis points in the share of a state with all the changes in the weights and introduction of this parameter, it is a big incentive for states to perform well and provide growth to its population,” he said.Rumki Majumdar, Economist at Deloitte India, said the shift formally introduces performance into federal fiscal thinking.“The introduction of GDP contribution marks an important evolution: for the first time, economic performance finds measured recognition in horizontal devolution,” she said.

Revenue deficit grants end

The Commission has eliminated revenue deficit grants entirely, ending a mechanism historically used to support fiscally weaker states.The Commission’s reasoning is behavioural. It argues that persistent revenue support created ‘adverse incentive structures’ and weakened fiscal reform pressure.Srivastava said stronger design could still have been built around subsidy discipline.“One possible approach could have been to more explicitly exclude excessive or unjustified subsidies in the assessment of states’ expenditure needs during the award period,” he said. “Designing calibrated fiscal incentives or disincentives linked to subsidy discipline may enhance accountability.”

Local body transfers: performance now matters

Local bodies will receive Rs 7.91 lakh crore between 2026 and 2031, with 60 percent going to rural bodies and 40 percent to urban bodies.

Within this, 80 percent is basic grants and 20 percent is performance-linked.Performance conditions include audited accounts publication, property tax system strengthening, and own revenue growth targets.Majumdar said transparency reform is foundational.“Uniform on-budget reporting becomes the first step toward discipline,” she said.She said transparency alone is insufficient without incentive design.“A shift to uniform, on-budget accounting will ensure states remain committed to the path of fiscal prudence. That said, transparency will have to paired with targeted incentives for efficiency and progressive designs,” she said.

Disaster funding

The Commission has expanded formula-based disaster allocations using a disaster risk index based on hazard, exposure and vulnerability.Banerjee said the framework attempts to balance predictability with flexibility.“The sixteenth finance commission’s disaster relief and mitigation fund related recommendations have built in fiscal flexibility,” he said.He said extreme disaster funding scales with the size of the event.“The risk to extreme tail end disaster events that essentially entails relief has been adequately provided for with a graded contribution from states and centre based on the size of relief,” he said.He said fund stockpiling is controlled while allowing emergency replenishment.“The commission has also recommended capping of accumulation in the SDRF to the extent of past 3 years allocation,” he said.“In the event the fund gets depleted on account of a disaster, it has given provision for its replenishment,” he said.He said mitigation spending remains underused.“The challenge has been utilisation of the State Disaster Mitigation Funds,” he said.“Work on mitigation measures utilising the mitigation funds will be the best way to bring down the risks to be within modelled risk scenarios,” he said.Srivastava said tail-risk disasters remain a central government stabilisation responsibility.“Tail-risk disasters refer to high impact, low probability events such as natural disasters and pandemics,” he said.

(Credit -Sandeep Adhwaryu)

“In the macro-fiscal stabilization framework, dealing with these disasters is largely the responsibility of the central government,” he said.He said fiscal rule flexibility may be necessary in extreme events.“This calls for some flexibility in the fiscal deficit to GDP targets provided in the Centre’s FRBM Act,” he said.He cited pandemic precedent.“For events such as Covid-19 also, it was the central government that increased its fiscal deficit to an inordinately high level of 9.2% of GDP in 2020-21 to cope with the Covid led economic contraction,” he said.He said long-term catastrophic planning remains incomplete.“There is also a case to plan for dealing with disasters like pandemics, nuclear and biological holocausts in advance,” he said.Majumdar framed the shift as systemic resilience building.“When the next black swan arrives, the question is not whether models predicted it, but whether financing can move at the speed of need,” she said.“By modernising risk indices, widening eligibility and introducing market-based risk transfer, the framework somewhat ensures that public finances retain the agility required for a new era of tail-risk volatility,” she said.

Subsidy discipline

The Commission has recommended subsidy rationalisation, improved targeting, sunset clauses and stronger disclosure.Banerjee said fiscal deficit limits already create indirect discipline.“The fiscal federalism structure has an in-built mechanism that penalises fiscal profligacy by states,” he said.“This is through capping of the fiscal deficit that means limiting the borrowing that a state can undertake,” he said.He said adjustment pressures fall on capital spending.“When states are faced with serious fiscal constraints on account of excessive subsidy, the borrowing limit forces it to rationalise expenses,” he said.“Given the rigidity of expenditure for salaries, pension and interest payments, the casualty of such rationalisation is the capital expenditure,” he said.

Representative image

He said transparency can create market pressure.“More transparency on the fiscal condition of a state should upward pressure on the yields of the state development loans raised by the states making borrowing more expensive,” he said.Srivastava said stronger incentive architecture could have been considered.“One possible approach could have been to more explicitly exclude excessive or unjustified subsidies in the assessment of states’ expenditure needs,” he said.“Designing calibrated fiscal incentives or disincentives linked to subsidy discipline may enhance accountability,” he said.

A quieter federal shift

The Commission does not abandon equalisation. Income distance remains the dominant driver.But incentive-linked federalism now sits alongside support-based transfers.Growth versus redistribution, performance versus protection and fiscal discipline versus political economy pressures now operate within the same transfer structure.Over the next five years, states will adjust spending, borrowing and welfare design around this framework.

PUDUCHERRY: Union home minister Amit Shah took a dig at the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of lying repeatedly about the India-US trade deal. Addressing a public meeting at Karaikal, Puducherry’s enclave, 140km south of its headquarters, during his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Shah brushed aside the opposition charges and maintained that the interests of the farmers and fishermen were “protected 100%” in the agreement. He said the farmers’ interests were compromised only during the previous UPA govt. “Rahul Gandhi’s policy is to lie, lie loudly and repeat it,” he said. Shah paid tributes to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terror attack. He said the previous Congress-led UPA govt had not retaliated strongly to the terror attacks, but the NDA govt led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out Balakot airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan. Shah complimented the NDA govt led by All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder-president and chief minister N Rangasamy of curbing corruption, ensuring political stability and strengthening Puducherry’s autonomy. He charged that the previous Congress govt led by former chief minister V Narayanasamy of turning Puducherry into an ‘ATM for the Gandhi family’. He said the previous govt had sold UG, PG and diploma medical seats, including those reserved for SC and ST candidates, to rich people. The NDA secured 44% vote share in the 2021 assembly polls and the alliance “aims at securing 60% and winning 24 out of 30 seats in Puducherry in the ensuing polls,” he added. Shah later met the office-bearers of the BJP party’s Puducherry unit and chaired a meeting with Rangasamy, election in-charges and state in-charges at Karaikal in the afternoon, marking the commencement of seat-sharing talks.

Tarique Rehman (PTI image)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman on Saturday said that Dhaka’s foreign policy would be guided by the principle that “people come first,” including in its ties with India.In his first address after the party’s sweeping electoral victory, Rahman said that the country’s national interest would remain the central focus of his government’s external engagement.Responding to a question on relations with New Delhi, Rahman said: “The interests of Bangladesh and its people comes first and it will determine our foreign policy,” he said.Rahman also used his first address to call for national unity following the decisive mandate. The BNP secured more than a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, the first since the 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.According to the Election Commission, the BNP-led alliance won 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance secured 77 seats. Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League was barred from contesting the polls.In his speech, Rahman dedicated the victory to those who, he said, had sacrificed for democracy. “Freedom loving pro-democracy people of the country have once again brought victory to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” he said.“This victory belongs to Bangladesh, belongs to democracy, this victory belongs to people who aspired to and have sacrificed for democracy,” he added.He urged political forces to work together despite differences. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united,” Rahman said.

Adviser’s remarks on ‘Hindu extremism’

Even as Rahman adopted a measured tone on foreign policy, his adviser Humayun Kabir made pointed remarks about radicalisation in the region.In an interview with PTI, Kabir said, “Radicalisation is a problem in South Asia. We see Hindu extremism and far-right intolerance growing in Indian society, and in Pakistan, we also hear of extremist elements. In Bangladesh, it is not at that level, but there are some issues.”He called for stronger regional cooperation and information sharing to counter extremism and said a BNP government would seek “balanced relations” with all countries, including India.“What we want are balanced relations. We will not limit our relationships to a single country,” Kabir said, referring to criticism that the previous government was overly aligned with New Delhi.

PM Modi congratulates Rahman

Soon after the results were declared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman on his party’s victory and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strong bilateral ties.In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.” He added, “I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals.”PM Modi also spoke with Rahman and reaffirmed India’s commitment to close bilateral ties. In a post on X, PM said, “Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections.” He added, “I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.” The BNP, in turn, thanked India for recognising the electoral verdict and expressed hope that relations would strengthen under the new government.

What the BNP’s victory means for India

Rahman’s return marks a significant political shift in Dhaka. The 60-year-old leader returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain. He is the son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.Under Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, India and Bangladesh developed close strategic and security ties. However, relations saw strains after her ouster.The BNP’s earlier terms in office were marked by periodic friction with India, particularly during its 2001–06 coalition with Jamaat-e-Islami, when New Delhi raised concerns about insurgent groups allegedly operating from Bangladeshi territory. In contrast, India viewed Hasina as a dependable partner on security cooperation.Despite that history, Rahman has recently signalled a pragmatic approach. In previous remarks, he has emphasised “mutual respect and mutual understanding” in ties with India.Several sensitive issues are expected to shape the next phase of bilateral relations — including border security, alleged illegal migration, water-sharing of transboundary rivers such as the Teesta, and the safety of minorities.The safety of the Hindu community, in particular, remains a closely watched issue. Just days before the elections, a 62-year-old Hindu trader, Susen Chandra Sarkar, was hacked to death in Mymensingh district. Authorities have said investigations are ongoing. India has previously expressed concern over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, calling them a matter of grave concern.

Rahul Gandhi and Piyush Goyal (R)

NEW DELHI: Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday continued his barrage of attacks on Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi over his concerns on the India-US trade deal, saying that “he is exposing himself with his own foolishness.” He once again put forward the Centre’s clarification on the trade pact, which followed nearly a year of negotiations, as the war of words over the issue continued.He also alleged that the Lok Sabha LoP is “trying to sabotage India’s growth story with his politics of negativity.”

Taking aim at Rahul Gandhi, Goyal claimed he had countered Rahul’s “fearmongering,” which he said was misleading farmers and exporters, by presenting what he described as “hard facts” on the India-US trade deal.He posted on X, writing in three points:

Clarifying further on the deal, Goyal added, “Rahul ji, both Indian farmers and textile workers stand to gain hugely by the US trade deal and other FTAs done by the NDA Govt… and the people of India trust PM Modi. Your bundle of lies will fail.”Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi also stepped up his attack on the recently finalised trade deal with Washington, claiming that the agreement would hurt India’s cotton farmers and textile exporters. In a post on X, he alleged that the government had walked into a “trap” that leaves millions of families staring into an “abyss of unemployment.”“18% Tariff versus 0% – Let me explain how the Prime Minister, a master at telling lies, and his Cabinet are spreading confusion on this. And how they’re deceiving the country’s cotton farmers and textile exporters through the India-US trade deal.”Rahul said that after Indian garments were subjected to an 18% tariff in the US market, he raised in Parliament the issue of a special concession being extended to Bangladesh. According to him, a minister replied, “If we want the same benefit, we’ll have to import cotton from the US.”

BENGALURU: What was meant to be an early-morning joyride turned into a tragedy of unimaginable proportions when a “speeding” SUV was reduced to a mangled heap of metal and shattered glass, snuffing out seven lives — six students, five of them minors, and a bike rider — near Kambalipura Gate in Hoskote taluk of Bengaluru Rural district on Friday.After hitting a bike, the SUV rear-ended a moving truck. In a matter of moments, the Dobbaspet-Hoskote Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) was transformed into a chilling scene of devastation. Police said the accident occurred between 4.15am and 4.30am.

A senior police officer told TOI the SUV was mangled beyond recognition, with all its six occupants found dead inside the vehicle. The deceased were identified as Ahram Sharif, 16; Ashvin Nayar, Eethan George, Ayan Ali, Bharath – all 17 years old; Mohammed Farhan Shaik, 18; and Gagan, 26.Also see: (Photos) 160kmph on 100kmph road: How a joyride ended in 7 fatalities in BengaluruWhile Gagan was riding a bike, the other six were travelling in an XUV 700. Balasubramaniam, 32, the driver of the truck, was injured.

About 15 minutes after the multi-vehicle crash, a Brezza headed towards Bengaluru airport rammed into the truck’s detached axle and wheel housing still lying on road. The car was damaged and its two occupants suffered minor injuries. Naresh, who was driving the Brezza, alerted police. Police said the six students were heading towards Devanahalli from Hoskote when, near Kambalipura Gate, Ayan — who was reportedly driving the XUV 700 at 150-160kmph — lost control while speeding and rammed into the bike ridden by Gagan, flinging him into the air. He died on the spot.

SUV scraped against barrier for 150 metres

The impact was so severe that the truck’s rear axle and housing broke and separated, causing the heavy vehicle to veer off the main carriageway and on to the service road before it toppled.The truck driver, though, escaped with minor injuries. Chandrakanth MV, SP of Bengaluru Rural, said: “After hitting the truck, the SUV crashed into a crash barrier and scraped against it for almost 150m before coming to a halt.”

Ashvin, a resident of Kothanur, and Eethan, from Hulimavu, were I PU students at RV PU College. Ahram, a resident of HV R Layout, and Ayan, of Kothanur, were Class 10 students at CMR School. Bharath, a resident of Frazer Town, was a Class 10 student at Shobhana Memorial School, while Mohammed, from Kammanahalli, was pursuing Class 10 through a correspondence course. Gagan, a resident of Devanayakanahalli in Channarayapatna taluk, was a warehouse supervisor.Also read: Bengaluru multi-vehicle collision: Family loses breadwinner in tragedy; 7 dead

Speed limit: 100kmph

The posted speed limit on STRR is 100 kmph.Despite the presence of CCTV cameras and speed radars along the highway, officials were unable to immediately obtain specific footage of the crash.Balasubramani, the driver of the truck that was rear-ended by the SUV, said the impact was sudden and severe. “The road was calm and I was moving steadily in my lane when my vehicle was hit from behind and toppled within seconds. I lost consciousness,” he said.Also read: ‘I thought he was studying’: Secret dawn drive turns fatal for 6 boys in BengaluruWhen he came to and looked around from the overturned truck, he was stunned by the scale of the destruction. “The force of the collision was so intense that my truck’s axle and the entire housing were torn apart. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” he said from his hospital bed.

In the high-octane world of T20 cricket, where power hitting and lightning-fast reflexes are usually the domain of the young, a group of seasoned veterans has consistently defied the biological clock. The T20 World Cup, often seen as a young man’s game, has witnessed several “golden oldies” proving that skill, temperament, and fitness can triumph over age. These players have not just participated; they have left an indelible mark on the tournament’s history, inspiring a generation of cricketers to prolong their careers through sheer discipline.

From wily spinners to steady all-rounders, these icons have showcased the associate spirit and the enduring class of major cricketing nations. On February 9, 2026, the record books were rewritten once again when Oman’s Aamir Kaleem stepped onto the field, reminding the world that the fire of competition doesn’t fade with time.

Top 5 oldest players featured in T20 World Cup history

1. Aamir Kaleem (Oman) – 44 years, 81 days

In the 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup, Oman’s Kaleem etched his name into the annals of cricket history. At the age of 44 years and 81 days, he became the oldest player ever to feature in the tournament during a match against Zimbabwe in Colombo. A versatile all-rounder known for his slow left-arm orthodox bowling and gritty batting, Kaleem was a late addition to the squad as an injury replacement. Despite the pressure of the big stage, his inclusion was a testament to his longevity in the Associate circuit. Kaleem, who debuted in 2015, has been a cornerstone of Omani cricket, and his record-breaking appearance at the SSC Ground remains a beacon of hope for veteran cricketers globally.

2. Ryan Campbell (Hong Kong) – 44 years, 34 days

Before Kaleem’s ascent, the record was held by Ryan Campbell, a man whose career trajectory was as unique as his batting style. Campbell originally played for Australia in the early 2000s, famously known for being the man who pioneered the “scoop” shot. However, it was with Hong Kong in the 2016 T20 World Cup that he made history. At 44 years and 34 days, Campbell opened the batting against Scotland in Nagpur. His transition from an Australian international to a veteran leader for Hong Kong remains one of the most heartwarming stories in cricket. His presence provided invaluable experience to a growing Hong Kong side, proving that tactical brilliance is timeless.

Also READ: Top 5 Associate Nations with most wins in T20 World Cup ft. Netherlands 

3. Frank Nsubuga (Uganda) – 43 years, 285 days

Uganda’s Frank Nsubuga is the definition of a cult hero in Associate cricket. Making his appearance in the 2024 T20 World Cup at the age of 43, Nsubuga didn’t just show up; he dominated. During Uganda’s historic first-ever World Cup win against Papua New Guinea, Nsubuga delivered one of the most economical spells in the tournament’s history, conceding just 4 runs in his 4 overs while picking up 2 wickets. Having played for Uganda since 2001, Nsubuga’s journey spanned over two decades of the country’s cricketing evolution. His fitness levels, often attributed to a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle, allowed him to compete with players half his age.

4. Brad Hogg (Australia) – 43 years, 45 days

Brad Hogg is perhaps the most famous name on this list, representing a full member nation at an age when most players have long since moved into the commentary box. The left-arm chinaman bowler had retired from international cricket in 2008, only to make a sensational comeback through the Big Bash League. His performances were so potent that he was recalled to the Australian national side for the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. At 43 years and 45 days, his last appearance came against Pakistan. Hogg’s trademark tongue-poking delivery stride and infectious energy made him a fan favorite, and his 100+ T20 wickets after the age of 40 remain a staggering statistical feat.

5. Khurram Khan (UAE) – 42 years, 273 days

Khurram Khan is widely regarded as the greatest cricketer to ever represent the United Arab Emirates. A prolific left-handed batter and a reliable left-arm spinner, Khurram led the UAE into the 2014 T20 World Cup. At 42 years and 273 days, he faced Zimbabwe in Sylhet, showcasing the same elegance that had defined his decade-long career. Interestingly, Khurram balanced his cricket career while working a full-time job as a flight purser for Emirates Airlines. His ability to perform at the elite level while managing professional commitments made him an inspiration for amateur and associate cricketers alike.

Also READ: Top 5 lowest totals in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history

In Dubai’s increasingly competitive real estate market, celebrity endorsements are emerging as a key marketing tool, with developers turning to Bollywood stars to attract Indian buyers and investors.The shift comes at a time when the emirate is entering a crucial phase, with nearly 83,000 new homes scheduled for completion this year. As supply rises, developers are moving beyond traditional sales pitches centred on amenities and views, instead marketing an aspirational lifestyle linked to the “Dubai dream” — often fronted by familiar faces from Indian cinema.

Celebrity-led marketing push

In recent months, several developers have signed high-profile Bollywood actors, transforming marketing campaigns into star-driven branding exercises.Luxury developer DAMAC Properties has brought on actors Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor to promote its premium residential portfolio, targeting high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) in India as well as the Indian diaspora. Danube Properties has adopted a broader strategy, appointing Shah Rukh Khan as its global brand ambassador while also collaborating with Kartik Aaryan to appeal to younger, mid-market buyers.Imtiaz Developments has partnered with Hrithik Roshan to position its projects as design-led luxury offerings, while HRE Development recently launched a project featuring Salman Khan as the brand’s face.Industry observers say the approach reflects the growing importance of emotional branding in a crowded market.

Bollywood and the ‘trust’ factor

For Indian buyers evaluating overseas property investments, familiarity plays a significant role. Real estate experts say celebrity endorsements help build trust and recall in a market that can otherwise appear complex to first-time international investors.“The celebrity becomes a differentiator in a crowded marketplace. Aspirational branding helps developers command pricing power and achieve faster sales absorption,” said Sankey Prasad, Chairman of Sterling Ark Holding.Dubai’s investment appeal is also supported by financial considerations. Rental yields in Dubai typically range between 6% and 10%, compared with 2% to 4% in major Indian cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. The absence of tax on rental income and capital gains, along with long-term residency options such as the 10-year Golden Visa for investments above AED 2 million, continues to draw Indian investors.

Marketing strategy amid rising supply

Analysts say the growing reliance on celebrity endorsements is also a response to an expanding supply pipeline, Economic Times reports. With a large number of residential units expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027, concerns about oversupply have emerged in certain micro-markets, including Jumeirah Village Circle and Business Bay.Developers are using star-led campaigns to differentiate projects, shorten sales cycles and encourage existing Indian expatriates in Dubai to shift from renting to ownership.

Buyers urged to focus on fundamentals

Despite the marketing push, real estate advisors caution buyers against relying solely on celebrity appeal.“A celebrity can enhance brand recall, but it cannot compensate for weak fundamentals such as poor connectivity, unrealistic pricing or execution risks,” said Ritu Kanth Ojha, a Dubai-based real estate advisor.As Dubai’s property market navigates a high-supply phase, industry experts say investment decisions should continue to be driven by location, developer track record and long-term value rather than promotional appeal.

Lorcan Tucker vs Oman (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Ireland delivered a dominant all-round performance to crush Oman by 96 runs in their Group B match, powered by a stunning innings from captain Lorcan Tucker and a disciplined bowling display.Sent in to bat, Ireland had a shaky start, losing early wickets and slipping to 47 for 3 as Oman’s spinners applied pressure.

Shakeel Ahmed struck early, removing Tim Tector, Ross Adair and Harry Tector, while veteran Aamir Kaleem added to Ireland’s troubles by dismissing Curtis Campher. Oman looked in control at that stage, but the momentum completely changed once Tucker settled in.Tucker played a sensational knock, smashing 94 off just 51 balls with 10 fours and four sixes. He built a crucial 101-run partnership with Gareth Delany, who scored a quick 56, to steady the innings. Later, Tucker and George Dockrell launched a brutal late assault, adding 70 runs in just 19 balls. Dockrell’s explosive 35 off nine balls included five sixes, and Ireland went on a run spree in the final overs, scoring 86 runs in the last four overs. Their innings ended at a massive 235 for five, the highest team total of the tournament so far.In reply, Oman showed some fight through Aamir Kaleem (50) and Hammad Mirza (46), but once both were dismissed, the chase collapsed. Eight Oman batters failed to reach double figures, and the team was bowled out for 139 in 18 overs. Josh Little led the bowling with figures of 3 for 16, supported by Matthew Humphreys, Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell.Despite the big win, Ireland remained fourth in the group standings, while Oman suffered their third straight loss.