The BCCI has dismissed the escalating diplomatic row with Bangladesh as having “no real consequences,” even as the neighboring country imposed a blackout on the IPL 2026 and formally requested the ICC to relocate its upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka.

BCCI’s “Business as Usual” Stance on Bangladesh’s Shocking Move

A former BCCI official has played down the impact of the Bangladesh government and Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision, calling the reaction a natural outcome of recent developments. He also insisted that neither India nor the IPL 2026 will face any real consequences.

Read Also: Mustafizur Rahman’s condition really bad amid IPL exit, India-Bangladesh row? Big revelation emerges

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The recent event now threatens to strain cricket ties between India and Bangladesh and presents a fresh challenge for the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the scheduling of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to get underway on February 7.

The former BCCI official was quoted as saying by ANI, “For every action, there is a reaction. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is merely doing what it believes is within its authority. ‘Takleef hui hai’ (they must have hurt), so obviously there will be a reaction.”

The Trigger: Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Ouster

The shocking release of Bangladesh pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad just before the IPL 2026 season sparked the controversy. The Indian cricket board had ordered the KKR to release Mustafizur from the IPL 2026 squad due to the political pressure, given the current situation of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

After violent incidents and the killing of members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, the Indian fans and politicians demanded a ban on Bangladeshi players in the IPL 2026, forcing the BCCI and KKR to take the harsh step, which is now seen as disrespectful by the BCB and government.

Bangladesh’s Two-Pronged Response

1. IPL Broadcast Suspension: The Bangladesh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered all domestic broadcasters to suspend the telecast of IPL 2026 matches indefinitely.

The ministry said in an official statement, “It is hereby informed that a directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to notice, whereby Bangladesh’s star cricketer Mr. Mustafizur Rahman has been excluded from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026.”

Read Also: “ICC needs to…”: Harbhajan Singh’s blunt take on Bangladesh’s request to shift T20 World Cup 2026 matches

The order further reads, “No reasonable justification for such a decision by the BCCI is known, and this decision has caused pain, distress, and anger among the people of Bangladesh. As a result, the government said it was compelled to act. Under these circumstances, until further instructions are issued, it is hereby ordered that the broadcast/telecast of all Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and related programs be suspended.”

2. ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Venue Change Request: Following an emergency meeting, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) submitted a formal request to the ICC.

The BCB asked the ICC to move Bangladesh’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India. However, the BCCI and governing body are yet to react to the BCB’s demand.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to ignite the cricketing world as it enters its fourth blockbuster season starting January 9. This edition promises a fresh competitive edge following a high-stakes mega auction and historic venue shifts to Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will launch the tournament in a high-octane opener against 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium. With five world-class franchises battling across 22 matches, the league continues to solidify its status as the premier global platform for women’s T20 cricket. Fans are particularly eager to see if a new leader or a recurring powerhouse will claim the trophy on February 5 in the Vadodara final.

Aakash Chopra picks the WPL 2026 winner

Former Indian cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has made a bold prediction, tipping the Delhi Capitals (DC) to finally secure their maiden title in 2026. Despite reaching the final in all three previous seasons, DC has famously struggled at the final hurdle, losing twice to Mumbai and once to RCB.

Chopra noted on JioStar’s ‘TATA WPL 2026 Predictions’ that the Capitals have “put together a very good squad” and deserve to break their jinx after being consistent finalists. This year, the team moves away from the veteran leadership of Meg Lanning and enters a new era under Jemimah Rodrigues. The young Indian star is riding a massive wave of momentum after her “instant classic” 127 off 134 balls* against Australia in the 2025 World Cup semi-final, which helped India chase down a record-breaking 339 to eventually claim the world title.

“I think Delhi Capitals will win, this time around. They have put together a very good squad and they have reached the finals all three times. Let them win it once,” Chopra said on Star Sports.

Also READ: Not Smriti Mandhana! Marizanne Kapp predicts India’s next captain after Harmanpreet Kaur

The Race for the Orange Cap in the WPL 2026

When it comes to individual brilliance, Chopra identified RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana as the “frontrunner” to clinch the Orange Cap for most runs this season. Mandhana is coming off a legendary 2025 calendar year where she became the first woman to score 1,700+ runs in a single year across formats, recently surpassing 10,000 international runs. While her WPL average of 24.84 has been modest compared to her international standards, her recent form, including centuries in all three formats in 2025—suggests a massive breakout season is imminent.

However, Chopra was quick to name DC opener Shafali Verma as a potent threat to Mandhana’s ambitions. Shafali currently sits as the fourth-highest run-getter in WPL history with 865 runs at a staggering strike rate of 162.59, and after ending 2025 with a T20I average of 52.12, she remains the most explosive weapon in the Delhi arsenal.

“I think it could be RCB captain, Smriti Mandhana, to score the most number of runs this WPL season. Smriti Mandhana might be the frontrunner in the race to win the Orange Cap and she might even win it. Alongside her, I feel, Shafali Verma, who will open for the Delhi Capitals, could be a strong contender as well.”

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.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is entering a new era. After the high of their Women’s Premier League 2024 title and the disappointment of 2025, the franchise underwent a massive tactical overhaul during the November 2025 Mega Auction.

RCB superstar Ellyse Perry withdrawn from WPL 2026

However, the biggest shockwave hit the camp just three days ago: Ellyse Perry has officially withdrawn from WPL 2026 due to personal reasons. In her place, RCB have signed Mumbai’s domestic standout Sayali Satghare. This unexpected shift has forced the management to pivot from ‘star-power reliance’ to a more balanced, role-based ‘Indian core’ strategy. With the season opener against Mumbai Indians scheduled for January 9 at the DY Patil Stadium, the team is scrambling to integrate new international signings like Lauren Bell and Grace Harris into a unit that must now learn to thrive without its greatest legend.

RCB’s best playing XI for WPL 2026

1. Smriti Mandhana (Captain): The heartbeat of the franchise, Smriti enters 2026 after a prolific international season where she dominated the 2025 Women’s World Cup on home soil. Her role as the aggressive anchor is more critical than ever in Perry’s absence; she remains the most expensive Indian player in league history and is currently averaging 38.45 in T20Is over the last 12 months with a strike rate of 138.

2. Georgia Voll (Overseas – AUS): Signed for INR 60 Lakh at the mega auction, Voll is the explosive solution to RCB’s opening woes. A rising star from the Big Bash, she recently made headlines by becoming one of the youngest to score a domestic T20 century. Her ‘see-ball, hit-ball’ approach allows Mandhana the freedom to settle, providing RCB with a much-needed right-left dynamic at the top.

3. Dayalan Hemalatha: Secured for INR 30 Lakh, Hemalatha is the tactical bridge in the top order. After a resurgent 2025 international season where she showcased her ability to take on spin in the middle overs, she provides the stability required at Number 3. Her experience in high-pressure Indian conditions makes her a reliable backup to the aggressive openers.

4. Grace Harris (Overseas – AUS): The ‘powerhouse’ of the middle order, Harris was a steal at INR 75 Lakh. With a career T20I strike rate of 155+, she is the designated ‘spin-killer.’ In a lineup missing Perry’s stability, Harris’s ability to clear the boundary at will and her handy off-spin make her the most important overseas player in the XI.

Also READ: BCCI announces complete schedule for WPL 2026; Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle Mumbai Indians in the opener

5. Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper): The premier finisher in world cricket, Richa’s stock has never been higher. Coming off a blistering 40 (16)* in the 4th T20I against Sri Lanka just last week, she enters WPL 2026 in red-hot form. Her power hitting in the “death overs” (overs 16-20) remains RCB’s biggest weapon to turn 150-run totals into 180+.

6. Nadine de Klerk (Overseas – SA): Re-signed for INR 65 Lakh, de Klerk is now the frontline seam-bowling all-rounder following Perry’s exit. She proved her worth in the 2025 World Cup semi-finals with a match-winning 2-wicket haul. She provides the “glue” in the lower middle order, capable of playing long innings or providing 4 overs of disciplined medium-pace.

7. Pooja Vastrakar: RCB broke the bank to secure India’s premier pace all-rounder. Vastrakar brings elite death bowling and lower-order pyrotechnics. After a 2025 international season where she became India’s leading wicket-taker in the Powerplay, her dual-threat capability offers RCB the balance they lacked in previous years.

8. Shreyanka Patil: The ‘Purple Cap’ hero of 2024 is back to full fitness after a frustrating 2025 sidelined by a shin injury. Her return is a massive boost; she recently proved her rhythm in the Women’s CPL 2025, and her ability to bowl the tough overs in the Powerplay and at the death with her off-spin is unmatched in the league.

9. Radha Yadav: A high-intensity left-arm spinner and world-class fielder, Radha was brought in to bolster the spin department. Her international experience of 75+ T20Is and her ability to squeeze runs in the middle overs (economy of 6.40 in 2025) makes her the perfect partner for Shreyanka.

10. Arundhati Reddy: Reddy joins RCB for INR 75 Lakh after a career-best year that saw her reclaim her spot in the Indian national side. Known for her “never-give-up” attitude and a deadly yorker, she provides the third seam option. Her recent international form includes 7 wickets in the T20 World Cup, the joint-most for India.

11. Lauren Bell (Overseas – ENG): RCB’s most expensive auction buy at INR 90 Lakh, “The Shard” is the pace spearhead. Standing 6’2″, the England international generates bounce and swing that is rare in the WPL. Currently ranked in the ICC Top 5 for T20I bowlers, her opening spells will be the key to breaking opposition top orders.

Tactical Breakdown

• The Opening Pair: With Sophie Devine moving to Gujarat Giants, RCB secured Georgia Voll, who holds the joint-highest score in WPL history. She will partner Smriti Mandhana to provide a right-left explosive start.
• The Power Middle-Order: Grace Harris is a massive acquisition from the auction. Her ability to dismantle spin and pace makes her the primary engine of this lineup. Richa Ghosh continues her role as the finisher who can also anchor if the top order collapses.
• The Perry Replacement: While Sayali Satghare has joined as a replacement, she may start on the bench as RCB utilizes their four overseas slots for Harris, Voll, de Klerk, and Bell. Nadine de Klerk provides the seam-bowling all-rounder balance that Perry once offered.
• Indian Bowling Core: RCB have one of the strongest Indian bowling units this year. Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy provide international-quality pace, while the spin duo of Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav will be lethal on the dry tracks in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
• Overseas Pace: Lauren Bell will lead the attack with her ability to swing the new ball, a crucial factor in the evening matches in Navi Mumbai.

Impact Player Options

• Sayali Satghare: If the pitch favors pace, she can come in for one of the spinners.
• Linsey Smith: An excellent left-arm orthodox option if the team decides to bench an overseas pacer for an extra spinner.

Also READ: Lauren Bell reacts after becoming the most expensive buy for RCB in WPL 2026 Auction

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

In a gripping low-scoring encounter at the International Sports Stadium in Coffs Harbour, Joel Davies emerged as the all-round hero, steering the Sydney Sixers to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat in the 24th match of BBL|15 on January 5, 2026. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Sixers restricted the Heat to a meagre 114/9, setting up a tense chase that Davies anchored with an unbeaten 35. His figures of 2/19 complemented a sharp bowling display, earning him Player of the Match honours.​

Sydney Sixers’ bowling stranglehold fold Brisbane heat for a low score

The Sixers came out firing with the ball and made immediate inroads during the powerplay, giving away only 33 runs while picking up two crucial wickets. Jack Wildermuth tried to counterattack with a brisk 31 from 17 balls, striking two boundaries and clearing the ropes twice, but his stay ended when Sean Abbott struck, leaving the Heat 33 for 2. Jack Edwards trapped Lachlan Hearne lbw for a single, and the pressure kept mounting as Ben Dwarshuis and Abbott struck again. Nathan McSweeney departed for 11, Matt Renshaw managed only 2, and by the drinks break in the 10th over the Heat were reeling at 58 for 5.

Joel Davies then ripped through the tail, first removing Xavier Bartlett and then bowling Matthew Kuhnemann in quick time to make it 74 for 8. Hugh Weibgen showed some fight with a determined 24 before a run-out ended his resistance at 91 for 9. Hayden Kerr’s miserly spell of 1 for 12 and a disciplined all-round effort restricted the Heat to a sluggish 114 for 9, with Oli Patterson and Thomas Balkin unbeaten, in what turned out to be the lowest total of the tournament on a testing Coffs Harbour surface.

Also WATCH: Sean Abbott rattles Jack Wildermuth’s stumps with a peach of a delivery in BBL|15

Joel Davies’ resilient rescue act takes Sixers home against Heat in BBL|15

In pursuit of 115, the Sixers stumbled early as wickets fell in the powerplay. Babar Azam made two, Josh Philippe departed for a duck, and Daniel Hughes scored 15, reducing them to 32 for three inside six overs. The situation worsened when Moises Henriques holed out for 26, and drinks arrived with a tense 53/6.

Rescue came through Davies at number seven. Calm and assured, he rebuilt with Hayden Kerr, the pair adding an unbeaten 62 for the eighth wicket from 46 balls. Davies struck three fours and a six in a brisk 26-ball knock, while Kerr’s 27 not out held firm. Matthew Kuhnemann threatened, but the pair crossed 100 in the 17th over and finished with eight balls to spare comfortably.

Hayden Kerr and Joel Davies lead an incredible recovery for the Sydney Sixers to take them over the line 🙌#SydneySixers #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/WT3aJaZiiT

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 5, 2026

Also READ: David Warner’s century in vain as Hobart Hurricanes pull off a record run chase at ENGIE Stadium

Legendary West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo appeared on the Beard Before Wicket podcast to discuss his transition from a global playing icon to his new high-profile mentoring role. During the wide-ranging conversation with hosts Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, the 42-year-old was asked to assemble a ‘dream team’ that he believes represents the absolute pinnacle of the shortest format.

Bravo, who recently joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) support staff for the 2026 season, curated a lineup that balances the raw, intimidating power of the Caribbean with the technical brilliance and tactical genius he witnessed during his record-breaking career. His selections offer a fascinating look into the mind of a player who has won more T20 titles than anyone else in the history of the sport.

West Indies batting juggernaut balanced by Indian technical mastery

The top order of Bravo’s XI is a terrifying prospect for any bowling attack, led by the explosive opening combination of Chris Gayle and Shane Watson. Bravo explained that this left-right pairing provides the perfect aggression for the powerplay, with both players possessing the ability to decide a match within the first six overs.

To provide the necessary stability amidst this carnage, he placed Virat Kohli at number three, describing him as the ‘ultimate anchor’ required to navigate difficult middle-overs phases. The middle order then transitions back into pure destructive power with the inclusion of Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard, creating a bridge to a finish spearheaded by the legendary MS Dhoni. Bravo notably described Dhoni as his ‘brother from another mother,’ emphasizing that Dhoni’s tactical calm and finishing ability make him the undisputed heart of the team’s batting structure.

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend Mahieka Sharma shares adorable interaction with Rohit Sharma’s son Ahaan

A statistical powerhouse of global bowling specialists

Bravo’s bowling unit is an extraordinary collection of specialists, featuring a group of players who have collectively claimed thousands of wickets across the globe. At the forefront is the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine, whom Bravo considers the two most difficult bowlers to read in the history of the format. He highlighted Rashid’s relentless wicket-taking ability and Narine’s uncanny economy rate as the perfect middle-overs squeeze.

For the death-overs attack, he chose the pioneer of the modern-day yorker, Lasith Malinga, alongside himself and the raw pace of Andre Russell. Bravo noted that this unit doesn’t just rely on physical skill but on a collective ‘cricket intelligence,’ explaining that with Malinga and himself at the death, no target would be safe. This selection serves as a final tribute to the Champion’ era of cricket, where specialists reigned supreme and redefined how T20 games are won.

Dwayne Bravo picks his all-time T20 World XI

Also WATCH: Naseem Shah and Kieron Pollard engage in a heated verbal exchange during ILT20 final between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates

Pretoria Capitals host Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the 14th match of SA20 2025-26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on January 5. Sunrisers hold a slight edge in recent form and head-to-head battles, but Capitals seek a home boost to climb the table.​

Sunrisers Eastern Cape sit second with 12 points from 4 matches (2 wins, 1 loss, 1 no result), boasting a strong net run rate of +3.035.​ Pretoria Capitals languish in fifth with 7 points from 4 outings (1 win, 2 losses, 1 no result), holding a modest NRR of +0.250.​ A win propels either side toward playoff contention in the tight mid-table race.​

Sunrisers lead recent clashes 3-2 over the last five encounters, including a dominant 48-run victory earlier this season.​ In their latest meeting at St George’s Park, Sunrisers posted 188/6 before restricting Capitals to 140.​ Capitals struggle chasing against Sunrisers’ pace attack, losing by margins of 52 and 48 runs previously.​

PC vs SEC, SA20 2025-26: Match details

• Date and Time: January 5 (Monday); 9:00 pm IST / 03:30 pm GMT / 5:30 pm Local
• Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion

PC vs SEC, Head-to-Head Record in SA20 2025-26:

Matches played: 8 | Pretoria Capitals won: 4 | Durban’s Super Giants won: 4 | No result/Tied: 0

SuperSport Park Pitch Report

SuperSport Park offers pace, bounce, and true carry, favoring batters with quick outfields and average first-innings scores around 160-180 in T20s. Chasing teams have won 64 of 110 T20s here, though recent SA20 games show teams batting first succeeding with 180+ totals.​ Expect pacers like to exploit early movement, while spinners find limited turn.​

Squads

Pretoria Capitals: Will Smeed, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Shai Hope, Dewald Brevis, Roston Chase, Andre Russell, Bryce Parsons, Codi Yusuf, Gideon Peters, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lungi Ngidi, Tymal Mills, Lizaad Williams, Sibonelo Makhanya, Wihan Lubbe, Keith Dudgeon, Junaid Dawood, Sherfane Rutherford, Jordan Cox, Daniel Smith, Meeka eel Prince

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs (c), Lewis Gregory, Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Senuran Muthusamy, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje, Chris Wood, Allah Ghazanfar, JP King, Christopher King, Jordan Hermann, Mitchell Van Buuren, Tharindu Rathnayake, James Coles, Beyers Swanepoel, Lutho Sipamla

Also READ: Faf du Plessis recalls MS Dhoni’s iconic act after Donovan Ferreira’s stunning run-out for Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2025-26

PC vs SEC, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sunrisers Eastern Cape wins the toss and bowls first
• Pretoria Capitals’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Pretoria Capitals’ total score: 165-175

Case 2:

• Pretoria Capitals wins the toss and bowls first
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s total score: 175-185

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also WATCH: Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford unleash a flurry of sixes on MI Cape Town bowlers in SA20 2025-26

Sydney Sixers’ seam attack seized early control of their Big Bash League 2025-26 clash against Brisbane Heat at Coffs Harbour, with Sean Abbott producing a spellbinding dismissal of Jack Wildermuth that lit up the 24th match of BBL|15. ​ The Heat, sent in after the Sixers won the bat flip, limped to 89/8 in 15.4 overs as the hosts’ experienced bowling group repeatedly exposed their brittle top and middle order. ​

Sean Abbott’s spectacular delivery floors Jack Wildermuth in BBL|15

Brisbane Heat’s innings had finally begun to find some momentum through Wildermuth, who counter-attacked superbly with 31 off just 17 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 182.35. Having watched partners fall around him, Wildermuth took it upon himself to go downtown and break the early stranglehold imposed by the Sixers’ new-ball pair.​

Abbott, into his second over, responded with a classic fast-bowler’s reply – a full, bustling delivery that honed in on off stump before jagging back late. Wildermuth, looking to launch down the ground, left a gaping corridor between bat and pad, and the late movement was enough to send the middle stump cartwheeling, leaving the Coffs Harbour crowd roaring as the lights flashed in dramatic fashion. The dismissal, recorded at 3.6 overs with Heat 33/2, broke a dangerous stand and halted the only sustained surge of scoring Brisbane had managed in the powerplay.​

Abbott’s figures at that stage, 2 for 18 off three overs, underlined his impact, as he complemented the headline wicket of Wildermuth by trapping Jimmy Peirson lbw for 10 off 10 later in the innings. His disciplined lengths, subtle seam movement and refusal to over-pitch for cheap boundaries epitomized the Sixers’ bowling blueprint on a surface offering just enough help if bowlers hit the top of off.​

Here’s the video:

Sean Abbott doing what Sean Abbott does in the Big Bash.

Taking wickets! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/ZJcL1TK6ff

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 5, 2026

Also READ: David Warner’s century in vain as Hobart Hurricanes pull off a record run chase at ENGIE Stadium

Sydney Sixers’ bowlers dismantle Brisbane Heat lineup

The Heat’s scorecard told the story of a lineup repeatedly rebuilt and then broken again, with only Wildermuth and Hugh Weibgen offering any meaningful resistance. After a modest Powerplay 1 that yielded 33 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first four overs, Brisbane crawled to 50/5 by 7.6, then 58/5 at drinks, never once threatening to impose themselves on the contest.​

Ben Dwarshuis set the tone early, removing Nathan McSweeney for 11 and Max Bryant for 3 to finish with an incisive 2 for 19 from 2.4 overs, repeatedly angling the ball across the right-handers and dragging their strokes into the infield. At the other end, Jack Edwards (1 for 27) and Hayden Kerr (1 for 4 off two overs) used the seam-friendly conditions smartly, with Kerr allowing just four runs in his spell to choke the scoring rate in the middle overs.​

Joel Davies’ left-arm angle further tightened the squeeze, as he removed Xavier Bartlett and Matthew Kuhnemann in quick succession to return 2 for 19 from his full quota, triggering a collapse from 72/6 to 74/8. With Lachlan Hearne lbw for 1, Matt Renshaw dismissed for 2, and Oli Patterson unable to accelerate in his unbeaten 6 from 9, the Heat’s projected total hovered around a modest 104, underlining how comprehensively the Sixers’ attack had dictated terms.​ Brisbane Heat got bowled out for a low total of 114/9 setting  up a target of 115 against Sydney Sixers.

Also READ: BBL|15: Josh Brown sizzles as Renegades edge Stars in Melbourne derby thriller at the MCG