The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan kicks off with a high-stakes series opener at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. This series serves as the final dress rehearsal for both sides before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in February.

Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, enters with a new-look squad as marquee players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are currently unavailable. Sri Lanka, captained by Dasun Shanaka, will look to leverage their formidable home record and spin-heavy attack to gain an early advantage in what is expected to be a closely fought contest between the two Asian rivals.

SL vs PAK, 1st T20I: Match Details

• Date and Time: January 7 (Wednesday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm local
• Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

SL vs PAK Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 27 | Pakistan won: 16 | Sri Lanka won: 11 | No results: 0

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report

The Dambulla pitch is historically known to be a balanced surface, providing early assistance to seamers with the new ball while becoming increasingly conducive to spin as the game progresses. In T20Is at this venue, teams batting first have had a significant edge, winning six out of the nine matches played. The average first-innings score here is approximately 143, though a total of 170+ is considered highly competitive. As a night encounter, dew may become a factor in the second innings, potentially aiding the chasing side; however, the stadium’s history suggests that the captain winning the toss might still elect to bat first to put runs on the board and let the spinners dominate later.

Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2025, T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Team dynamics and key players

Sri Lanka: The hosts are expected to field a near full-strength lineup, featuring the world-class spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who are lethal in these conditions. Their batting relies on the consistency of Pathum Nissanka and the explosive potential of Kusal Mendis. With a deep middle order and familiarity with the slow Dambulla track, Sri Lanka will aim to choke Pakistan’s scoring in the middle overs. Their disciplined bowling unit and home-ground advantage make them a tough side to break down.

Pakistan: In the absence of several senior stars, the responsibility falls on skipper Salman Ali Agha and the explosive Saim Ayub. The return of all-rounder Shadab Khan after surgery is a massive boost, providing both a wicket-taking option and lower-order power. Sahibzada Farhan, currently Pakistan’s highest-ranked T20I batter, enters the series in peak form. The pace battery, led by Naseem Shah, will be critical in the powerplay to disrupt Sri Lanka’s top order before the spinners take over.

SL vs PAK, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sri Lanka wins the toss and bats first
• Sri Lanka powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Sri Lanka total score: 165-180

Case 2:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
• Pakistan powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Pakistan total score: 155-170

Match result: Sri Lanka to win the contest 

Also READ: No Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just a month away, and New Zealand have officially declared their intent with a squad built for the turning tracks of India and Sri Lanka. On January 7, 2026, New Zealand Cricket announced a 15-member unit that balances veteran savvy with the raw, record-breaking momentum of their newest star. The tournament, set to run from February 7 to March 8, will see the Black Caps navigate a challenging Group D that includes South Africa and Afghanistan. With a white-ball series in India scheduled for later this month as a final tune-up, the Kiwis are wasting no time in acclimating to the subcontinent. A

First-ever senior World Cup call-up for Jacob Duffy

The headline of the New Zealand selection is the inclusion of 31-year-old pacer Jacob Duffy, who earned his first-ever senior World Cup call-up following a historic 2025. Duffy transformed into a global bowling powerhouse over the last year, claiming a staggering 81 international wickets across all formats at a clinical average of 17. In a moment that etched his name into folklore, he surpassed Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old national record of 79 wickets in a calendar year during the December Test series against the West Indies. This prolific form saw him skyrocket to second place in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, making him the highest-ranked bowler in a squad that collectively boasts over 1,000 T20I caps.

His meteoric rise has also translated into a massive payday in the franchise circuit. During the IPL 2026 auction in December, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured Duffy for ₹2 crore, with Director of Cricket Mo Bobat labeling the signing a ‘bargain’ and essential injury cover. At the World Cup, Duffy will be the lone debutant in an otherwise seasoned pace battery featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Adam Milne, while Kyle Jamieson travels as the pace reserve.

Also READ: ‘Won’t be selected for T20 World Cup but’: Dale Steyn passionately backs South African player for the white-ball cricket

New Zealand’s spin-heavy strategy under Mitchell Santner and Group D ambitions

Captain Mitchell Santner will lead a side specifically engineered for subcontinental conditions, emphasizing spin depth as the team’s core pillar. Santner, entering his ninth senior ICC tournament, will anchor a slow-bowling contingent that includes specialist Ish Sodhi, both of whom famously debuted at the 2016 World Cup in India. The squad is further bolstered by multi-skilled all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, ensuring that New Zealand can field up to four or five spin options if required. In the batting department, the explosive Finn Allen and Tim Seifert (fresh off a BBL century for the Melbourne Renegades) provide the necessary firepower at the top.

New Zealand finds themselves in a high-stakes Group D, beginning its campaign on February 8 against a dangerous Afghanistan side in Chennai. The schedule poses a grueling test of adaptability:

• Feb 8: vs Afghanistan (Chennai)
• Feb 10: vs UAE (Chennai)
• Feb 14: vs South Africa (Ahmedabad)
• Feb 17: vs Canada (Chennai)

Despite current fitness concerns for Santner (adductor) and Ferguson (calf), the medical team expects a full-strength side by the opener. Notably, the team has also planned for short-term paternity leave for Ferguson and Henry, showing a modern, player-first approach to a high-pressure global campaign.

New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 15-member squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi

Also READ: Not Mohammed Shami! AB de Villiers labels Indian pacer ‘unlucky’ for missing out on T20 World Cup 2026 squad

The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (starting in February) takes a sharp turn through Dambulla this week. With the mega-event just around the corner, this three-match series serves as a critical dress rehearsal for both Asian giants.

While Sri Lanka will look to maximize their home advantage and fine-tune their spin combinations, Pakistan arrives with a new-look squad. The visitors have opted to rest several marquee players (including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who are featuring in the BBL), handing the reins to Salman Ali Agha to test the nation’s bench strength.

Squad outlook of Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Playing at home in Dambulla, Sri Lanka has doubled down on their greatest strength: spin. The squad features a terrifying array of slow-bowling options, including Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and the uncapped off-spinner Traveen Mathew. Dasun Shanaka continues to lead, bringing stability to a volatile format. The inclusion of “Slingers” like Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, alongside young talent Eshan Malinga, ensures that even when spin isn’t operating, the attack remains unorthodox and difficult to pick. The return of experienced campaigners like Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva adds muscle to the batting lineup, supporting the flair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

With their seniors in the BBL, Pakistan have unleashed a squad full of PSL performers and raw talent. The biggest headline is the inclusion of Usman Tariq, the mystery spinner whose paused action has baffled domestic batters. All eyes are on Shadab Khan. His return from injury is vital for Pakistan’s World Cup balance. Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay is expected to bring explosive power to the top order, while Sahibzada Farhan gets another extended run to cement his spot. Even without Shaheen and Rauf, the pace attack looks lethal with Naseem Shah leading the line, supported by the skiddy Mohammad Wasim Jnr and the emerging Mohammad Salman Mirza.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I series scheudule

Also READ: No Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

Squads

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Broadcast and Live Streaming details:

• Sri Lanka: Siyatha Television
• India: Sony Sports Network, Fan Code
• Pakistan: Tapmad

Also READ: Maheesh Theekshana set to become father, shares baby bump photo with wife Arthika

In Match 26 of Big Bash League Season 15 (BBL|15), Perth Scorchers return to Optus Stadium on Wednesday to face Melbourne Renegades. Currently occupying second place on the table with a 4-2 win record, the Scorchers are searching for their fourth consecutive victory – a result that would effectively cement their position within the top four.

Perth has turned their home ground into an impenetrable fortress, remaining undefeated in their last three matches at the venue. This dominance is fuelled by a high-performing core of local stars, including Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner, Aaron Hardie and the versatile Cooper Connolly. Their collective form has made the Scorchers one of the most balanced and intimidating units in the competition this season.

In contrast, the Melbourne Renegades arrive with a 2-3 record, desperately trying to keep their season alive. They travel to Perth with some renewed confidence after snapping a losing streak via a dramatic ‘derby’ win over the Stars, highlighted by a decisive knock from Josh Brown.

PS vs MR, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 26; 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 4:15 pm Local
• Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth

PS vs MR, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 21 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | Melbourne Renegades won: 05 | No result/Tied: 0

Perth Stadium Pitch Report

Optus Stadium in Perth is renowned for offering significant extra bounce and raw pace, which play directly into the hands of the bowling attack. Batters can expect a difficult time handling the fast bowlers, particularly when they target a hard length, making it difficult to score freely.

In addition to the surface speed, the large square boundaries provide an extra layer of protection for the bowlers, forcing batters to take higher risks to clear the rope. Historically, conditions favour the bowlers early on; however, as the pitch levels out, the surface typically becomes slightly more manageable for batting during the second innings.

Squads

Perth Scorchers: Mitchell Marsh, Sam Fanning, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Brody Couch, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jhye Richardson, Laurie Evans, Joel Paris, David Payne, Corey Rocchiccioli

Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Oliver Peake, Will Sutherland (c), Matthew Spoors, Gurinder Sandhu, Caleb Jewell, Jason Behrendorff, Hassan Khan, Sam Elliott, Callum Stow, Andrew Tye

Also READ: BBL|15 – Jamie Overton shines in Adelaide Strikers’ thrilling win over Sydney Thunder

PS vs MR, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Renegades’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Renegades’ total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bowls first
• Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 60-70 (6 overs)
• Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-180

Match result: Perth Scorchers to win the contest.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Stuart Broad reveals the truth behind verbal altercation between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne

A dramatic moment from the ILT20 final has now landed Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah in trouble with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 22-year-old left-arm pacer has been fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after a heated on-field exchange in Dubai.

Naseem Shah Fined by ICC for Code of Conduct Breach After ILT20 Final Clash

Babar Azam’s Pakistan teammate Naseem Shah, who was playing for Desert Vipers, has been sanctioned by the ICC following a heated on-field exchange with MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard during the high-stakes ILT20 final on January 4 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

Naseem was fined 10 percent of his match fee for breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The International League T20 (ILT20) confirmed the development on Monday (January 5).

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Read Also: Harbhajan Singh under fire for chilling with Pakistan cricketers; ILT20 2025-26 video breaks internet

The Incident: What Sparked the Naseem Shah vs Kieron Pollard Clash?

The incident unfolded in the 11th over of the MI Emirates’ chase against the Desert Vipers in the ILT20 title decider at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After Pollard defended a ball back to Naseem, the Pakistani pacer picked it up with a smile.

This gesture did not go down well with the West Indies legend, with the moment leading to a heated verbal exchange between the two. Both Pollard and Naseem angrily marched toward each other, with the MI Emirates captain clearly fuming and the Pakistani pacer not ready to back down.

The situation escalated quickly, forcing the on-field umpires to step in. Desert Vipers batter Jason Roy also helped calm things down as both players were separated. Despite the intervention, the tension remained visible between the two, but Naseem had a final say in the summit clash.

HEATED MOMENT BETWEEN NASEEM SHAH & POLLARD IN ILT20 FINAL 🔥pic.twitter.com/dUuXWLkt5g

— junaiz (@dhillow_) January 4, 2026

The Official Verdict: Match Referee’s Ruling and Sanctions

The match referee, Simon Taufel, found Naseem in breach of Article 2.5** of the ICC Code of Conduct and handed him a fine. He escaped any suspension.

The ILT20 wrote on its official website: “Desert Vipers pacer Naseem Shah has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct following the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Final against MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on 4 January.

Read Also: ICC in crisis as players of Pakistani descent struggle to get Indian visas for T20 WC 2026

Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal. The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Simon Taufel.”

The Match Result: Vipers Triumph Amid Controversy

The drama did not derail the Desert Vipers’ campaign. Naseem Shah had the last laugh by dismissing Pollard for 28 later in the ILT20 2025-26 final on Sunday.

The Vipers thrashed MI Emirates by 46 runs to claim their maiden ILT20 title, thanks to an unbeaten half-century from captain Sam Curran and a brilliant spell (3/18) by Naseem in Dubai.

Sri Lanka will go head-to-head against Pakistan in the first of the three-match T20I series. This article provides detailed information on SL vs PAK Live Streaming for the 1st T20I of the tour.

Sri Lanka would like to begin the year with a win over Pakistan, against whom they lost the last game in the T20I format of the game, which was a part of the tri-series.

The home side would want to start afresh under the leadership of Dasun Shanka, who returns as the captain of the side in this format for the series against Pakistan and England, followed by the T20 World Cup.

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As far as Pakistan is concerned, the visitors would want to build on the good performances that they delivered in the year gone by and gain momentum for the T20 World Cup.

The Salman Ali Agha-led side would look to put on a strong performance with bat, ball, and in the field to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

SL vs PAK Free Live Streaming in India, Live Telecast- 1st T20I, Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026:

TV Rights In India

The rights to televise the SL vs PAK T20I series in India are with Sony Sports. The first SL vs PAK T20I will be broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 2, and Star Sports 5.

Live Streaming Platform in India:

The live stream of the SL vs PAK Test can be accessed through the Sony Liv app and website.

Fans can also buy a Vi or Jio SIM to watch the online streaming of the SL vs PAK T20I match.

When will the match take place?

The game will take place on January 7. It will start at 7:00 PM IST.

Where will the match be played?

The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.

How to watch the Live Telecast of the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match on television?

The live telecast of the first SL vs PAK Test will be available on the Sony Sports Network.

How to live stream the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan online on mobile?

Sony Liv will live-stream the first match of the SL vs PAK T20I series. Cricket lovers in this part of the world can watch the live streaming of the match on their mobiles, laptops, and connected TVs.

Conclusion

As far as the squads for both teams are concerned, the selectors have shown faith in the core that has been with the team in the last year or so and would back it to come good in the opening match of the series.

The first match of the series promises to offer a good battle between bat and ball as both teams have players who can turn the game in their team’s favour in no time, courtesy of a match-winning performance in their respective departments.

That is the reason why fans cannot afford to miss the game and can watch the action through live telecast and live streaming.

One of the most unforgettable moments in modern cricket history still lives fresh in the minds of fans. Yuvraj Singh smashing six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad in Durban during the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 became an image that defined an era.

That explosive assault turned Yuvraj Singh into a global superstar overnight and became a golden chapter in the legendary Indian all-rounder’s glittering career. For Stuart Broad, it was a painful early moment, but it later shaped everything that made him one of England’s greatest fast bowlers.

Stuart Broad Relives the Carnage of the 2007 T20 World Cup Over

Years later, Stuart Broad once again looked back at that night on a cricket podcast hosted by Matthew Hayden. He openly accepted that the over in Durban was one of the lowest points of his career.

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At the same time, the former England fast bowler explained how that brutal experience pushed him to grow, improve, and eventually become one of the most successful fast bowlers in Test history with more than 600 wickets.

Read Also: Cricket Australia bans broadcaster ABC for attacking George Bailey and officials amid Ashes

Stuart Broad said on Matthew Hayden’s All Over Bar the Cricket podcast, “I wish it never happened, but weirdly, it was the making of me, in a sense. I look back and think maybe if it didn’t happen, I would have floated around for five years thinking I’m pretty cool and not had the career that I have had. Although it was an awful experience, it didn’t cost us the World Cup because we were already out.”

‘The Hard Slap on the Face’

The Englishman admitted that he was young, inexperienced, and mentally unprepared for that match. Stokes said that the only positive was that England was already out of the 2007 T20 World Cup, so the India clash was a dead rubber, and they already had our flights booked for the next morning.

Stuart Broad recalled it was the second match of a doubleheader at the same ground, leaving very little time for preparation, and he felt completely lost before stepping onto the field. Broad recalled that there were barely 20 minutes between the two matches.

Like many young players, Broad felt confident and carefree, only to be brought crashing back to reality in the harshest way possible, thanks to Yuvraj. He further noted, “When I reflect on it, my preparation was very poor; I didn’t attach anything to what ball I was going to bowl.

I didn’t get myself in the right headspace for an international fixture. At that stage I’ve only played seven or eight ODIs and haven’t played a Test by then. I’ve got the long blond hair, thinking I’ve got a bit going on here. And then smack them in the face, as hard as you can.”

Read Also: Bazball over! ECB spares Ben Stokes, hands Brendon McCullum ‘obey or exit’ ultimatum after Ashes disaster

The Reinvention: How Broad Used Humiliation as Fuel

Stuart Broad explained that moment forced change much earlier than it does for most cricketers. He pointed out that many players only realize the need to improve in their late twenties after facing setbacks. Broad said his wake-up call came when he was just 20 or 21.

The criticism after those sixes pushed him to work harder, plan better, and take every detail of preparation seriously. He built a strict system around his game, focusing on mindset, discipline, and preparation as he learned how to recognize when things were going wrong and how to pull himself back into rhythm, both in skill and body language.

He signed off by saying, “For me, that slap in the face came at 20-21, so I didn’t waste five years going, ‘I need to get better, I need to learn this delivery.’ I built this structure around my game called Warrior Mode, which connected everything around preparation to get it right. By the time I was actually 25-26, I was where I wanted to be as an elite performer. I knew when I bowled crap, when my body language was bad, and how to get it back.”

Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in the first of the three-match T20I series. The SL vs PAK Match Preview provides today’s match details for the first match.

SL vs PAK Match Preview- 1st T20I, Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026:

Date and Venue:

The SL vs PAK match will be played on January 7 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. The game will start at 7:00 PM IST.

Squads:

Sri Lanka

Dasun Shanaka (c) Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pawan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Ratnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Trevin Mathew, Kamil Mishara

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Pakistan

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

SL vs PAK Key battles:

Pathum Nissanka vs Mohammad Salman Mirza

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka, who was in good form in 2025, would like to carry that into the first match of 2026 and deliver a match-winning performance against Pakistan.

Nissanka will have to tackle the bowling of Mohammad Salman Mirza, who has had a good start to his international career and would want to build on it by bowling his team to victory in this particular match.

Kusal Mendis vs Abrar Ahmed

Nissanka’s partner at the top of the order, Kusal Mendis would also aim for a good start to the year with the T20 World Cup in sight.

Mendis will take on Abrar Ahmed, who is expected to find a place in the playing XI for the first T20I.

Fakhar Zaman vs Dushmantha Chameera

Experienced opener Fakhar Zaman would look to play in an aggressive manner if he gets to open the innings in the upcoming match.

Fakhar will be up against Dushmantha Chameera, who will be entrusted to pick wickets with the new ball.

Sahibzada Farhan vs Wanindu Hasaranga

Sahibzada Farhan, who had a few decent outings last year, would hope to replicate the same performance in the first game of the year.

Sahibzada Farhan will face the challenge of Wanindu Hasaranga, who will handle Sri Lanka’s spin bowling department and will look to pick wickets at regular intervals for the team while maintaining his economy in order to create pressure on the batters.

SL vs PAK Key Players:

SL – Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga

PAK– Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmad

SL vs PAK Weather Report:

There is a 65% chance of rain during day two of the game in Dambulla, with a maximum temperature of 24°C and a minimum of 18°C.

Conclusion

Both teams will look to give it their all in the series opener in a bid to win the match and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have officially approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking the relocation of their matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 away from India. The move follows growing unease within the board over player safety, intensified by the recent release of star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, BCB president Aminul Islam confirmed that the board has written to the ICC and will decide its next course of action based on the global body’s response.

BCB President explains his decision to approach ICC

Aminul Islam revealed that the decision was taken after extensive internal deliberations. “You know that we, along with all the directors of the cricket board, held two meetings before taking this decision and at this moment we do not feel secure sending our team to India to play the World Cup,” he said.

According to Aminul, the BCB’s letter to the ICC clearly outlines their concerns and requests. He emphasized that security is the primary issue driving the board’s stance, not competitive or political considerations. The BCB is now awaiting feedback from the ICC and expects a formal meeting to discuss the matter further.

“So we wrote a letter to the ICC, and in the letter we clearly stated what we wanted to say. We are expecting them to tell us to have a meeting with them soon where we will express our concern,” Aminul added.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release: Reason of dispute

The controversy stems from Mustafizur being released from his IPL contract following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision, taken ahead of the IPL season, has been viewed by Bangladeshi officials as a worrying signal regarding the treatment and security of Bangladeshi players in India.

The BCB believes that if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer can be prevented from participating in a domestic league, it raises broader concerns about the national team’s safety during a major ICC event hosted partly in India.

Aminul made it clear that the BCB has not engaged in any direct communication with the BCCI over the issue. “We are not communicating with BCCI because this is an ICC event. We are communicating with the ICC,” he stated.

He also noted that the clauses cited in the letter fall within the framework of the ICC’s hosting and participation agreements, suggesting that Bangladesh believes it has a legitimate procedural basis for raising the concern.

Also READ: Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL snub – BCCI responds to Bangladesh’s demand of shifting their T20 World Cup matches

India-Bangladesh relations and future tours

The incident has sparked speculation that India may be reluctant to tour Bangladesh for a scheduled white-ball series in September, given the strained relationship between the two boards. However, Aminul was keen to separate cricketing ties from security considerations.

“Cricket between the two countries, like playing a bilateral series or playing in the World Cup, is one thing and security concern is another matter,” he added. “So for now, we are thinking about the World Cup issue.”

Also READ: IPL 2026 – 3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out

The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to ignite on January 9, bringing a month of high-octane cricket to Mumbai and Vadodara. Following India’s historic ODI World Cup 2025 triumph, the domestic league has reached a fever pitch, with fans eager to see the world’s best talents return to Indian shores. This season features an expanded schedule and a renewed focus on aggressive, result-oriented play. Among the five competing franchises, the Gujarat Giants have become the center of attention due to a series of high-profile staff and roster overhauls.

Gujarat Titans bring in three-time World Cup winner as fielding coach for WPL 2026

In a landmark move to fortify their defense, the Giants have officially appointed legendary England wicketkeeper-batter and three-time World Cup winner Sarah Taylor as their new fielding coach for WPL 2026. Taylor, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted cricketers in history, brings a wealth of tactical experience from both the women’s and men’s professional circuits.

Speaking to IANS on January 6, 2026, Taylor emphasized a culture of fearlessness and precision ahead of their tournament opener. “The focus is to get the girls ready for the first game on the 10th, while also ensuring they enjoy themselves and play with real aggression in the field. Matches can often be won or lost through fielding, catches, run-outs, and moments like those, so we want the girls to be fully prepared and ready for whatever comes their way,” Taylor stated.

Taylor’s appointment is a clear statement of intent from the Adani-owned franchise, which has identified fielding lapses as a primary reason for their previous struggles. By integrating Taylor into a coaching staff that includes head coach Michael Klinger and bowling coach Pravin Tambe, the Giants are banking on her ‘Gold Standard’ expertise to transform them into the sharpest unit in the league.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

The Giants’ road to redemption ahead of WPL 2026 

The Giants will enter WPL 2026 with the weight of history on their shoulders and a desperate need for consistency. After finishing at the rock bottom of the points table in the first two seasons (2023 and 2024), the franchise finally tasted success in WPL 2025, achieving a historic milestone by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time.

Under the tactical leadership of Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who replaced Beth Mooney as captain last season, the Giants secured a third-place finish with a balanced record of four wins and four losses. For the 2026 edition, the franchise has doubled down on this winning formula by retaining Gardner as captain for a staggering ₹3.5 crore.

The squad has been significantly bolstered with marquee signings, including New Zealand icon Sophie Devine and India’s swing specialist Renuka Singh Thakur. With a revamped roster featuring power-hitters like Danni Wyatt-Hodge and emerging Indian talents like Kashvee Gautam and Titas Sadhu, the Giants are no longer the league’s underdogs. Gardner’s retention as the first overseas player to lead the team full-time signals a long-term vision to move beyond the Eliminator and secure their maiden WPL title.

Also READ: From emerging player to WPL 2026 winner: Deepti Sharma shares bold predictions for the Women’s Premier League

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