Former Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir has once again stirred the pot with a bold and controversial forecast for the T20 World Cup 2026. Just days after his ‘slogger’ dig at Abhishek Sharma, a prediction that seemed to gain weight as the opener struggled with three consecutive ducks, Amir has now claimed that the defending champions and hosts, India, will fail to qualify for the semifinals.

Mohammad Amir explains why Suryakumar Yadav’s India won’t reach T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

Speaking on the popular show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’, Amir suggested that India’s undefeated run in the group stages is a ‘mirage’ that will be exposed under the rising pressure of the Super 8s. Amir’s primary reason for backing India’s elimination centers on a perceived fragility in their batting lineup, particularly when faced with high-quality pace and movement.

Despite India finishing Group A with a perfect record, Amir pointed out that the team has relied far too heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective stability. He argued that except for the high-octane clash against Pakistan, the Indian batting unit has looked vulnerable and ‘collapsed’ in almost every game, often being rescued by the lower order or disciplined bowling. Using his full quotes to justify his skepticism, Amir stated:

“If you see their matches, the batting collapsed in all the games, barring the Pakistan contest. The pressure will rise in the Super 8 matches. The way in which South Africa and the West Indies have been playing, they can beat any team. I don’t think India will make it to the last four.” Amir said.

MOHD AMIR HAS PREDICTED THAT INDIA WON’T QUALIFY FOR THE WC SEMI FINAL 😭😭

We’ve already seen it before, the psychological impact of Amir’s statement on Abhishek Sharma.

Now It will be very difficult for India to reach the semis after this. pic.twitter.com/Tyx0v4goWY

— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) February 19, 2026

Also READ: Here’s why half of The Hundred teams might avoid signing Pakistani players in 2026

T20 World Cup 2026: India’s dominance in the group stage and roadmap for Super 8

Despite Amir’s grim outlook, India enters the next phase as the statistically dominant side of the tournament, having topped Group A with a flawless 4-0 record and a commanding net run rate of +2.500. The ‘Men in Blue’ navigated their group stage with professional ease, defeating the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands, alongside a marquee 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.

While the top order has faced criticism, the middle order, led by Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, has shown remarkable depth, often recovering from early wobbles to post match-winning totals. However, as the tournament transitions from the league phase to the Super 8s, the margin for error has evaporated, and India finds themselves in a high-stakes Group 1 alongside perennial contenders and dark horses.

India’s journey to the final four begins with a massive clash against an unbeaten South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a match many consider a ‘litmus test’ for India’s title credentials. Following the opener, India will travel to Chennai to face Zimbabwe on February 26, a side that earned their spot by knocking out Australia and defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka. The group stage concludes with a high-voltage encounter against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on March 1. With three games in ten days across different conditions, India must balance their playing XI and address the ‘Abhishek Sharma slump’ to ensure they secure one of the top two spots and prove Amir’s ‘collapse’ theory wrong.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: R Ashwin reflects on India’s form, highlights bright signs before Super 8

Brian Bennett has been in sensational form for Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026, emerging as the backbone of their historic campaign. The 22-year-old opener has displayed a level of unshakable composure that has left seasoned veterans in awe. He has now left behind legends like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler to achieve a massive milestone in the tournament’s history.

Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett leaves Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler behind with record-breaking feat

Bennett has officially set a new world record for the most runs scored in consecutive not-out innings in T20 World Cup history, reaching a staggering 175 runs without being dismissed. He surpassed Buttler’s 172 runs (2021) and Kohli’s 171 runs (2014-16) after playing a match-winning knock of 63 off 48 balls* against Sri Lanka on February 19.

Bennett’s journey in the tournament has been a masterclass in risk management; he started with a steady 48* against Oman, followed by a brilliant 64* in the shock upset over Australia and capped it off with the unbeaten fifty against the co-hosts. Remarkably, Bennett has achieved this feat without hitting a single six in the tournament so far, relying instead on 24 boundaries and elite strike rotation. This ‘invincible’ run has not only rewritten the record books but has established him as the gold standard for consistency in the shortest format.

Also READ: ‘I had to resign because of this’: Former Pakistan legend makes explosive Babar Azam allegation amidst T20 World Cup 2026

Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwe: Ultimate ‘surprise package’ of the T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe have been the ultimate ‘surprise package’ of the T20 World Cup 2026, storming into the Super 8s as the undefeated leaders of Group B. Under the fearless leadership of Sikandar Raza, the Chevrons have orchestrated two of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history by defeating giants Australia and Sri Lanka.

Their victory over the Lankans in Colombo was particularly impressive, as they successfully chased down a challenging 179-run target with three balls to spare. The team’s success is built on a perfect blend of youthful energy from Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, combined with the clutch finishing of Raza and Ryan Burl. By finishing above three Test-playing nations with 7 points (three wins and one washout), Zimbabwe have fired a warning shot to the rest of the world. As they head into the next round, this resurgent African side is no longer just a participant, they are genuine contenders for a semi-final spot.

Also READ: Pakistan to lift T20 World Cup 2026? Here’s how Australia’s group stage exit benefits Salman Ali Agha’s side

In a surprising reveal that has touched fans across both nations, Marcus Stoinis, who is currently representing Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026, recently named a legendary Indian player as his ultimate career mentor. Despite the fierce rivalry on the field, Stoinis admitted that his growth as a finisher was deeply influenced by the guidance of this former World Cup winner.

Australia’s Marcus Stoinis picks Indian cricket legend as his ultimate mentor

As per ANI, Stoinis opened up about the profound impact Yuvraj Singh has had on his career, elevating him from a mere teammate to a true life mentor.

Recalling their days playing together in the IPL, Stoinis praised the Indian star’s unique approach to the game, stating, “I played with Yuvraj Singh in the IPL. Although I was playing with him, I describe him more as a mentor. I was quite young, and he was obviously very experienced.”

Stoinis was particularly in awe of Yuvraj’s effortless power, describing it as a ‘relaxed, rhythmical power’ that stood out from the brute force typical of modern hitters. He further emphasized Yuvraj’s character, noting, “Very nice guy, very helpful. I mean, to a young overseas player coming to the IPL, he was very good to me. Nothing but absolute respect.”

Also READ: Former Indian cricketer raises concerns over Abhishek Sharma’s batting approach ahead of the Super 8 clash against South Africa

Stoinis and Australia’s dismal T20 World Cup 2026 campaign

While Stoinis finds solace in his off-field connections, his on-field experience in the T20 World Cup 2026 has been nothing short of a nightmare. Australia have been shockingly eliminated from the group stages, failing to make the Super 8s for the first time in nearly two decades. Despite Stoinis’ individual efforts, including a valiant attempt to anchor the middle order, the ‘Mighty Aussies’ looked like a shadow of their former selves.

Their campaign unraveled after a stunning defeat to Zimbabwe, where the Australian batting lineup collapsed for just 146 runs, followed by a clinical eight-wicket thrashing at the hands of Sri Lanka. The final nail in the coffin was the rain-induced washout between Ireland and Zimbabwe on February 17, which mathematically ended Australia’s journey. Stoinis and his team are now left to play a meaningless final match against Oman at Pallekele, marking a historic low for Australian cricket in a tournament where they were once favourites.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar predicts one change in India’s playing XI for the Super 8 clash against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026

The T20 World Cup 2026 was supposed to be a celebration of cricket at its finest. Co-hosted across two passionate nations, filled with electric atmospheres and genuine upsets, the group stage delivered everything fans could have asked for. Then came the Super 8 draw,  and the celebration turned into a controversy.

All four teams that won their groups India, Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa have been thrown into the same Super 8 bracket. Meanwhile the teams that actually lost matches in the group stage are sitting in a comparatively comfortable second bracket. Fans are furious, former players are baffled and the ICC is on the defensive. To understand how this happened, one needs to understand a single decision the ICC made before a single ball was bowled.

How the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 pre-seeding format creates a Super 8 group with all group winners

Before the tournament began, the ICC assigned fixed seeds to the top eight teams in the world based on their historical rankings. India were locked in as A1. England as C1. Australia as B1. New Zealand as D1. These designations were permanent meaning no matter how these teams performed in the group stage, their Super 8 slot was already decided.

The idea made practical sense on paper. If India’s Super 8 position is fixed in advance, broadcasters can sell prime-time advertising slots months ahead. Fans can book flights and hotels without gambling on whether their team qualifies or which city they will play in. Sponsors get certainty. Venues get preparation time. The entire commercial machinery of a modern World Cup runs more smoothly.

The problem arrived when Australia pre-seeded as B1 crashed out of the group stage entirely. Under this system, whoever replaced them simply inherited Australia’s slot. That team was Zimbabwe. And suddenly a side that had never reached a Super 8 in their history was dropped into a bracket position built for one of the world’s top teams, sitting alongside India, West Indies and South Africa.

Pre-Seed Team and Super 8 Slot

Fans logic: Why winning your T20 World Cup 2026 group became a punishment

This is where the system truly broke down. In any fair tournament structure, finishing first in a group earns a reward, an easier path, a better draw, some recognition of superior performance. In the T20 World Cup 2026, it earned teams a nightmare.

Because the pre-seeded slots were fixed around historical rankings rather than actual group stage results, the four teams that genuinely topped their groups all ended up on the same side of the bracket. India, Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa, all unbeaten, all deserving of recognition, are now being forced to eliminate each other before the semi-finals even begin.

South Africa won every match they played. West Indies were dominant from start to finish. Yet because New Zealand and England were pre-seeded into the other bracket before the tournament started, these genuine group winners are being treated as the harder draw. Two of these four unbeaten teams will be going home before the last four not because they were not good enough, but because a spreadsheet decided their fate in advance.

Pre-tournament seedings is the worse way to decide super 8, I mean let the results of the game decide group & if Pakistan had problem in coming to India then they were most welcomed to forfeit at group stage.

ICC need to take cricket seriously, this shouldnt be the way forward!!

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) February 19, 2026

ICC are a sham. What’s the point of a pool stage if the Super 8s are predetermined by seedings? All four countries that finished first in their pools are now in the same Super 8 group.

— Josh Viljoen (@thejoshviljoen) February 19, 2026

Pre decided seedings k!lls all the joy of unpredictability of who would face whom in the Super 8s 👎

— Udit (@udit_buch) February 11, 2026

Not a fan of the pre seedings of teams from ICC.

It’s almost clear which 2 teams are qualifying for the Super-8 stage.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) February 11, 2026

So thanks to the utter and total incompetence of the organization that is the @ICC we will now have all four group winners in one super 8 group. Whoever decided that “pre-seeding” was a good idea should be imprisoned for life.

One of the dumbest decisions in cricket tournament…

— Dale (@ncakos316) February 19, 2026

• The unfairness: South Africa and West Indies finished first in their groups but are seeded below England and New Zealand who both lost matches
• The competitive cost: Teams in the first round had no real incentive to win their group because finishing second actually leads to an easier Super 8 path
• The dead rubber problem: Several final group stage matches lost their edge entirely once teams realised topping the group could work against them

Group 1 – The Powerhouse Bracket

Also READ: Pakistan to lift T20 World Cup 2026? Here’s how Australia’s group stage exit benefits Salman Ali Agha’s side

How 2nd place teams got an easier path to the T20 World Cup 2026 semis

While Group 1 resembles a war zone, Group 2 tells a completely different story. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand,  every single one of them a second-place finisher, have been handed what many are calling a gift-wrapped route to the semi-finals.

Pakistan lost a match in the group stage. Sri Lanka did too. England and New Zealand, despite their pre-seeded status, were far from convincing. Yet all four find themselves grouped together in a bracket that is statistically far less threatening than the one containing four unbeaten sides. A team in Group 2 has a significantly better chance of reaching the last four than any team in Group 1,  purely because of where the ICC placed them before the tournament started.

• Group 2 makeup: Pakistan (A2), Sri Lanka (B2), England (C1 pre-seed), New Zealand (D1 pre-seed)
• The pathway problem: Second place finishers face a softer route to the semis than first place finishers
• The incentive damage: The entire purpose of a group stage competing to finish first has been rendered meaningless

Sri Lanka may not play a single T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at home

Perhaps the strangest casualty of this entire system is Sri Lanka themselves,  one of the two host nations. A co-host would reasonably expect some guarantee of playing their biggest matches on home soil. In 1996 and 2011, co-hosts were given exactly that assurance. Not in 2026.

The pre-determined bracket structure means that if Sri Lanka advances to the semi-finals, they must travel to India to play their match. At the same time, a separate pre-existing agreement guarantees that if Pakistan reaches the semis, the Colombo venue is reserved specifically for their game. Since Pakistan and Sri Lanka are both in Group 2 and cannot face each other in the semi-finals, the result is almost surreal, Sri Lanka could end up watching another team play a semi-final in their own stadium while they travel to a foreign country for theirs.

• The travel reality: Sri Lanka must travel to India for their semi-final if they qualify
• The Pakistan clause: Colombo is pre-allocated to Pakistan’s semi-final regardless of Sri Lanka’s progress
• The historical comparison: Previous co-hosts in 1996 and 2011 were protected from exactly this situation.

Also READ: Explained: Which teams will India face in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026?

In a heartwarming moment amid the high-pressure T20 World Cup 2026, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya ensured his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma’s 25th birthday was truly unforgettable, hosting an intimate cake-cutting ceremony at the team hotel in Ahmedabad on Thursday, February 19. The celebration, which took place just days before India’s crucial Super 8 encounter against South Africa, offered a rare glimpse into the personal life of the star cricketer and has since gone viral across social media platforms .

Mahieka Sharma’s birthday celebration: Cake, candles and romance

A video from the private birthday celebration has now surfaced on social media, capturing the couple’s joyful evening at the team hotel. In the clip, Mahieka can be seen cutting her birthday cake while Hardik stands beside her, cheering her on with evident affection. The model looked stunning in an orange-and-pink outfit, perfectly complementing Pandya, who kept it stylish in a pink shirt .

After cutting the cake, Mahieka sweetly fed a piece to Hardik as others in attendance sang ‘Happy Birthday’ for her. The venue was beautifully decorated with red heart-shaped balloons and roses, adding a romantic touch to the celebration that took place shortly after India’s final group stage match against the Netherlands.

Here’s the video:

Hardik Pandya celebrates his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma’s birthday at the team hotel in Ahmedabad#HardikPandya #MahiekaSharma pic.twitter.com/tgBiGWvtj3

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 20, 2026

Ishan Kishan joins Mahieka Sharma’s birthday bash

The birthday celebration wasn’t just limited to the couple. Several Indian team members joined in to make Mahieka’s day special, creating memorable moments of camaraderie. Opening batter Abhishek Sharma’s sister, Komal Sharma, was seen dancing with Team India star Ishan Kishan during the celebrations at the team hotel in Ahmedabad .

A video showing Ishan Kishan and Komal Sharma dancing and vibing to music has also captured fans’ attention. The left-handed batter showcased his dance moves while dressed in classy all-black attire, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma’s sister Komal Sharma dancing together at Mahieka Sharma’s birthday 🔥

Loving this brother sister duo 😅❤️ #IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/6W9WXeaYax

— Ayush Cricket (@AyushCricket32) February 20, 2026

Also READ: Hardik Pandya’s romantic birthday wish for girlfriend Mahieka Sharma breaks the internet

Hardik’s performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026

Pandya’s romantic gestures have been complemented by stellar performances in the T20 World Cup 2026. He recently won the Player of the Match award against Namibia, scoring 52 runs and claiming two wickets to help India secure their place in the Super 8 stage with a perfect group-stage record .

Against the Netherlands, Pandya contributed a crucial 30 off 21 balls with three sixes at the Narendra Modi Stadium, helping India post a formidable total of 193 for 6. He also picked up a wicket in that match .

So far in the tournament, Hardik has made vital contributions for the team, scoring 87 runs from four games at a strike rate of 155.53 and claiming five wickets at an average of 22.20 and an economy rate of 7.92.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – R Ashwin reflects on India’s form, highlights bright signs before Super 8

India continued their dominant run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, finishing at the top of their group with a flawless record in the league stage. Clinical with both bat and ball, the Men in Blue ticked almost every box as they outplayed their opponents to seal a comfortable passage into the Super 8 stage.

Now, the challenge intensifies. India are set to face South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe in Group 1 of the Super 8s. Their first assignment is a blockbuster encounter against the Proteas on Sunday (February 22) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With both teams carrying strong momentum into the next phase, the contest promises to be a defining moment in the tournament.

Amid the build-up to this high-profile fixture, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in with his thoughts on a possible change in India’s playing XI.

Sunil Gavaskar suggests one change in India’s playing XI for the match against South Africa

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar predicted one likely tweak to the Indian combination. According to him, all-rounder Axar Patel could return to the playing XI for the Super 8 matches. Gavaskar was uncertain about whom Axar would replace, mentioning Arshdeep Singh as a possibility. He also raised doubts about whether Washington Sundar will retain his spot but indicated that he believes Washington is likely to continue in the team. He further explained that the conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, especially a pitch expected to offer very little turn, may not suit a specialist wrist-spinner like Kuldeep Yadav, which could influence the team management’s selection decision.

“I feel Axar Patel will definitely come back to the playing XI for the Super 8 games. Now, whether he comes in place of Arshdeep Singh, we will have to wait and see. Whether Washington keeps his place is another aspect we don’t know. My feeling is that Washington will probably keep his place. On a ground like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on a pitch with hardly any turn, the team management might not go with Kuldeep Yadav,” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar pointed out that Kuldeep did not feature prominently against South Africa in the earlier five-match T20I series, implying that he may not be central to the current strategy against the Proteas. He emphasized Washington’s batting ability at number eight as a key advantage, highlighting the value of added depth and power in the lower order. Based on this combination of past usage and team balance, Gavaskar concluded that the only likely change in the XI would be Axar coming in for Arshdeep, while Washington is expected to retain his place.

“Kuldeep also did not play too many matches against South Africa in the five-match T20I series. My feeling is that Washington Sundar, being able to bat at number eight and hit the ball, gives him an advantage. So I feel only the return of Axar Patel in place of Arshdeep Singh will be the change,” he added.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar reveals how Abhishek Sharma can rediscover his lost mojo in T20 World Cup 2026

Why the India-South Africa clash could shape the road to the final?

The India versus South Africa encounter carries weight far beyond two points. Both sides were finalists in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, where India lifted the trophy in a memorable showdown. That rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to Sunday’s contest.

In the ongoing edition as well, both teams are widely regarded as the frontrunners to reach the final. Their squad depth, recent form and big-match temperament make them stand out in Group 1. While West Indies and Zimbabwe are capable sides and can spring surprises, their recent record against India and South Africa does not inspire the same level of confidence.

A win in this opening Super 8 fixture would not only give momentum but also a psychological edge. In a tightly contested group, net run rate and head-to-head results could play a decisive role in determining who advances to the final. For India, maintaining their unbeaten streak will be crucial. For South Africa, it’s a chance to send a statement. With pride, history and a potential finalist spot at stake, the Ahmedabad showdown could very well shape the destiny of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Also READ: ICC announces complete list of teams qualified for the T20 World Cup 2028

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced its men’s central contracts for the 2026 season, introducing a new contract structure and expanding the list of centrally contracted players. The new contracts are effective from January 1 to December 31, 2026 .

Key changes made by BCB in the 2026 contract structure

The BCB has made significant changes to its central contract system for the 2026 season:

A+ category removed: The board has decided to eliminate the top-tier ‘A+’ category from the contract list. This decision was made due to the scarcity of cricketers who regularly play across all three formats for Bangladesh . As a result, no player has been placed in the A+ category this year.

Expanded player pool: The total number of centrally contracted players has increased from 22 in 2025 to 28 in the 2026 list.

Four-tier system: Players are now distributed across four grades: A, B, C and D with corresponding monthly retainers.

Grade-wise contract list and salaries

Here’s the complete breakdown of Bangladesh players in each grade along with their monthly salaries:

Also READ: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma face Grade B demotion as Shubman Gill enters top bracket of BCCI central contracts for 2025-26

The 2026 central contracts feature several significant changes based on player performances and career decisions:

Taskin Ahmed downgraded: The pacer, who was the sole A+ category player in 2025, has been downgraded to Grade A. This decision follows an Achilles injury that kept him out of all Test matches in 2025, though he remained active in white-ball cricket.

Mushfiqur Rahim moves to Grade B: The veteran batter has moved down to Grade B following his retirement from ODIs in March 2025.

Young players promoted: Strong performances earned promotions for several young cricketers. Tanzid Hasan, who was Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer in T20Is in 2025 with 775 runs in 27 matches, has been promoted to Grade B. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who topped the wicket charts in both ODIs and T20Is last season, also earned a promotion to Grade B.

First-time contract recipients: Batters Saif Hassan and Parvez Hossain Emon, along with spinners Hasan Murad and Tanvir Islam, have received central contracts for the first time. They have all been placed in Grade D .

Notable omissions: Test opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy has failed to make the cut in the 2026 contract list . Veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah, who had retired from all formats, was not included in the new list as expected .

Players returning to contracts: Spinner Nayeem Hasan, batter Shamim Hossain, and wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan have regained their positions in the central contracts after being previously omitted.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Shahid Afridi delivers blistering reality check to Shadab Khan after Pakistan’s underwhelming group stage run

The much-awaited battle between West Indies Women and Sri Lanka Women kicks off today at the picturesque National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. With ICC Women’s Championship points on the line, both teams are looking to establish dominance early in this three-match ODI series.

The series serves as a critical litmus test for two teams that rely heavily on their world-class captains. While the West Indies enjoy the home-ground advantage and the return of some legendary firepower, Sri Lanka arrive with the momentum of a side that has become a giant killer in recent months.

West Indies: Experience reigns supreme

The Windies boast a ‘Golden Generation’ roster. With Stafanie Taylor, Hayley Matthews, and Deandra Dottin in the same XI, they have arguably the most experienced trio in women’s cricket. The emergence of youngsters like Jannillea Glasgow provides the necessary youthful energy to balance the veterans.

Sri Lanka: The rising force

Sri Lanka’s success almost always mirrors the form of star captain Chamari Athapaththu. However, they are no longer a one-woman show. Vishmi Gunaratne has shown she can handle the opening duties, and Kavisha Dilhari has evolved into one of the best young all-rounders in the game. Their ability to rotate strike and build partnerships will be key against the Windies’ aggressive bowling.

WI-W vs SL-W, ODI series, Complete Schedule

Also READ: West Indies unveil 15-member Women’s squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka

WI-W vs SL-W, Squads

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Stafanie Taylor, Jahzara Claxton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Shawnisha Hector, Ashmini Munisar, Realeanna Grimmond, Shunelle Sawh, Chinelle Henry

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Imesha Dulani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani

Broadcast & Live Streaming Details

• India: FanCode
• Caribbean Islands: ESPN Caribbean, Disney+

Also READ: WI-W vs SL-W, 1st ODI, Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between West Indies Women and Sri Lanka Women?

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

In an emotional farewell that captured the profound bond between a coach and his team, Jonathan Trott broke down in tears during his final press conference as Afghanistan’s head coach following his team’s 82-run victory over Canada in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday. The 44-year-old former England international, whose three-and-a-half-year tenure ends after this tournament, struggled to contain his emotions when asked to reflect on his journey with the Afghan side .

An emotional moment for Jonathan Trott

The press conference at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium took an emotional turn when Trott was asked about his time with the team. Words failed him as tears welled up, forcing a brief pause while he composed himself. “Well, I just think, and I could sit here and tell you so many stories of things that I’ve seen with my own eyes, but in the talent, yes – I said I didn’t want to get upset,” Trott admitted, wiping away tears.

What followed was a heartfelt tribute to a team he described as possessing “natural raw talent” that needed only “a little bit of structure to the mindset, professionalism, and the high standards” to flourish on the international stage .

Afghanistan’s consolation victory in a bittersweet T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan signed off from the tournament with an emphatic win over tournament debutants Canada, their second win of the campaign. Earlier defeats to New Zealand and the heartbreak of a double Super Over loss to South Africa meant the 2024 semi-finalists could not progress to the Super 8 stage, with South Africa and New Zealand advancing from Group D .

Opener Ibrahim Zadran starred with an unbeaten 95 off 56 balls the highest individual score by an Afghan in this World Cup – while veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi claimed remarkable figures of 4 for 7 to bundle Canada out for 118 .

Trott’s emotional reflection about the Afghan team: From chaos to cohesion

Trott’s emotional response stemmed from witnessing the team’s remarkable transformation since he took charge in July 2022 . He recalled his first tour with the team in Ireland, contrasting the “chaotic” beginnings with the polished outfit that now commands respect worldwide.

“I remember my first trip when we were in Ireland, and I saw things that made me realise these boys are so talented and focused,” Trott said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I remember seeing Ibra (Ibrahim Zadran) for the first time, I remember seeing Azmat (Azmatullah Omarzai) for the first time, I remember seeing Gurbaz (Rahmanullah Gurbaz) for the first time and thinking, what amazing players. Let’s try and build on what we’ve got, this natural raw talent.” 

The outgoing coach emphasized how far the team has progressed: “That first tour to where we are now is chalk and cheese.”

Throughout his emotional address, Trott repeatedly redirected credit to his players, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances from which Afghan cricket emerges. Unlike established cricketing nations, Afghanistan lacks permanent home facilities, academies, and structured coaching pathways for young players .

“They operate at such a high level compared to what they’re afforded compared to other countries, yet they can come on this stage and compete and almost people expect us to be in the semifinals and finals, which I find amazing,” Trott observed .

Drawing a poignant contrast with his own privileged upbringing, he added: “The amount of coaching I’ve had compared to the coaching that these guys are now operating at international levels is chalk and cheese. So, I take my hat off to every single one of them.”

For Trott, the most satisfying aspect of his tenure extended far beyond on-field achievements. He spoke movingly about witnessing players transform not just as cricketers but as individuals capable of changing their families’ circumstances .

“The great joy for me in this job is being able to see the players develop off the field as well and lives change, not just on the field but the ability for players to change their families’ fortunes and trajectory as a family and as a group of people,” he said. “Forget the cricket side, seeing guys equipping themselves and developing as young boys when I took over and developing into young men is something that is very worthwhile.” 

Trott’s tenure, which began in July 2022 after Graham Thorpe was originally slated for the role but couldn’t take it up, saw Afghanistan reach unprecedented heights . Under his guidance, the team reached their first T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024 and came agonizingly close to the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2023 .

Reflecting on key achievements, Trott recalled: “Beating Pakistan for the first time in a World Cup, beating England, bilateral series wins away from home against teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, all these sorts of things.”

What next for Trott?

With his Afghanistan chapter closed, Trott admitted uncertainty about his future while hinting at a possible desire to coach England – the team he represented with distinction as a player .

“I’m not going to let you put words in my mouth,” he remarked when directly asked about the England job, before adding with characteristic honesty: “I’ve really enjoyed this and I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe have a couple of days off and see how it goes.” 

On coaching England specifically, he conceded: “I’m very proud of where I played my cricket and always like to see the England side do well. I’d be lying. I’d love to one day hopefully have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart.” 

Also READ: Fans react as Afghanistan end T20 World Cup 2026 with 82-run win over Canada in head coach Jonathan Trott’s farewell game

Even in farewell, Trott offered constructive guidance for the team’s continued development. He identified the need to build greater depth in seam bowling to complement their world-class spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, particularly with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South African conditions .

“The consistency and development of some more seamers that will aid the spinners and not just be heavily reliant on spinners, develop some seam bowlers so that when the team plays in conditions perhaps like the World Cup in 2027, they’ll be able to handle all different varieties of conditions,” Trott advised .

As Trott walked away from his final press conference as Afghanistan head coach, the emotion on display underscored a truth that transcended cricket.

Here’s the video: 

It was an emotional press conference for Jonathan Trott, it shows how profoundly meaningful the experience was for him and how much he loved working with Afghanistan Cricket Team.
Thank you coach and all the best @Trotty

Via @ICC #T20WorldCup #AFGvCAN pic.twitter.com/CvvKBjnVJN

— Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) February 19, 2026

Also READ: ICC announces complete list of teams qualified for the T20 World Cup 2028

As India march into the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with an unbeaten record, former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has provided a detailed assessment of the defending champions’ form, highlighting both concerns and encouraging signs ahead of their crucial clash against South Africa on February 22 . Through his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin has offered nuanced insights into the team’s performances, selection dilemmas, and the challenges that await in the tournament’s decisive phase.

India’s perfect record: The good, the bad and the unconvincing

India completed the group stage with four comprehensive victories, topping Group A with wins against the USA, Namibia, Pakistan and the Netherlands . However, Ashwin believes the team hasn’t yet fired on all cylinders, particularly with the bat. Following the 17-run victory over the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18, he described India’s batting performance as “below par” despite the win.

“India wasn’t extremely good today with the bat, not extremely efficient. But it is such a solid team that even on an ordinary day, they can put you away. They were below par, not at their best,” Ashwin observed . This assessment carries weight given India’s reputation as tournament favourites and the high standards they’ve set since their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

Abhishek Sharma’s form: The elephant in the room

The most significant concern heading into the Super 8s is opener Abhishek Sharma’s disastrous run of form. The left-hander has registered three consecutive ducks in the tournament, becoming the first Indian opener to achieve this unwanted milestone in T20 World Cup history . Against the Netherlands, he was bowled by off-spinner Aryan Dutt, continuing a worrying pattern.

Despite these failures, Ashwin has strongly advocated for patience, insisting that dropping Abhishek would be a mistake. “This is Abhishek’s game. It happens. He was not well either. He has scored runs, it’s not like that. Not like you will remove him from the team now. When he is on song, he wins games for India within the powerplay,” he stated.

Ashwin has identified a clear tactical pattern that opposition teams are exploiting against Abhishek. Off-spinners are being deployed early in his innings, bowling tight lines that restrict his ability to free his arms and clear his front foot for big swings.

“Abhishek clears his front foot and tries to swing. So an off-spinner bowling has become a trend now. When we played RR vs SRH as well, I bowled 3 consecutive overs and did not go for many. He had to get out but narrowly escaped. It is becoming a trend. They are trying to bowl tight lines. Because it is closer, it is not in his range,” Ashwin explained .

The veteran spinner remains confident this is not a technical flaw but a temporary rough patch. “It is not a technical glitch. Abhishek used to play like this always. But this can play on your head. But I really hope he gets some runs, and he has to come good. He has got three nots on the trot, but that doesn’t change how lethal a batter he is in T20 cricket,” he added.

Batting depth: India’s greatest strength

Despite concerns about top-order consistency, Ashwin highlighted India’s extraordinary batting depth as a crucial advantage. Against the Netherlands, when Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma struggled to accelerate, the middle order absorbed the pressure and delivered .

“Surya played a very diligent knock. For the acceleration point, Dube, Hardik, and Rinku were there. They knew they could catch up on the scoring rate,” Ashwin noted, praising captain Suryakumar Yadav’s responsible approach.

The platform provided by Shivam Dube’s 66 off 31 balls and Hardik Pandya’s cameo ensured India reached a competitive total, demonstrating that even on an off day, this batting unit possesses remarkable resilience.

Tilak Varma’s role: Timing over power

One of the more subtle points Ashwin raised was the importance of recognising different batting styles within the lineup. Tilak Varma, returning from injury, has faced criticism for not matching the power-hitting of his teammates. Ashwin offered a nuanced defense.

“Tilak Varma is coming back after an injury. We talk about power and strength, but also the sweet spot and timing as the basic essence of batting. Tilak is not a big power hitter. For him, timing and the sweet spot are most important. Please remember you can play like Vaibhav, but you can also play like Tilak, who relies on timing and picks the gaps,” he explained.

This insight reflects the tactical flexibility India possesses – the ability to adapt approaches based on match situations rather than adhering rigidly to a power-hitting template.

Bowling strength: The unsung hero

While batting concerns dominate discussions, India’s bowling attack has been consistently outstanding throughout the group stage. The return of Kuldeep Yadav has added variety to a spin department already boasting Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel.

Kuldeep is on the verge of becoming India’s highest wicket-taking spinner in T20Is, needing just two wickets to surpass Yuzvendra Chahal’s tally of 96 . His ability to extract turn and bounce even on flat surfaces makes him a potent weapon in the Super 8s, where matches will be played on diverse Indian pitches.

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Jasprit Bumrah’s precision and Hardik Pandya’s incisive medium-pace complete a well-rounded attack that Ashwin believes can defend any total.

India’s fixtures in the Super 8 round

India’s Super 8 campaign begins with a blockbuster encounter against South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad – a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final. They will then face Zimbabwe in Chennai on February 26 before concluding the group stage against the West Indies in Kolkata on March 1.

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