Arjun Tendulkar (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Goa’s experiment of promoting all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to open the innings has failed to yield results in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.Arjun opened the innings for the third consecutive match and once again failed to make an impact with the bat. Opening against Punjab, he faced eight deliveries and scored just one run before being dismissed by Sukhdeep Bajwa.

Earlier in the tournament, Arjun opened the innings for the first time against Mumbai and managed 24 runs, before following it up with scores of 8 against Uttarakhand and 19 against Sikkim.

Arjun Tendulkar’s last four matches:

Recently, Yograj Singh, father of former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, claimed that Arjun is being coached incorrectly.Yograj said that while significant emphasis has been placed on Arjun’s bowling, the 25-year-old is, in fact, a proper batter. During a recent interaction, Yograj revealed details of his conversation with Arjun, alleging that the all-rounder did not get enough opportunities to bat before attending a camp at his academy.The 67-year-old added that after spending around a week batting at his academy, Arjun went on to score a century on his Ranji Trophy debut.“They are focusing on his bowling; I don’t know what is wrong with the coaches. Basically, he is a batter. When he came to my academy for a camp, I was asked to take care of him. One day, he was hit by a ball and I took him to the hospital. He was fine after that. I told him to put on his pads, but he said that they don’t give him the chance to bat,” Yograj said on Ravishh Bisht’s YouTube channel.Yograj also revealed that he had requested Arjun’s former Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Mumbai Indians, to allow him to open the innings in a few matches, but the request was turned down.“I told him that I had never seen him bat, so we went to the indoor nets. He was on fire, hitting balls all across the park. I asked his coach, ‘Why don’t you give him the chance to bat?’ but he was making excuses. I also told him that he is a proper batter and he plays like his father. So, Arjun batted at my academy for a week and went on to score a hundred in the Ranji Trophy days later. Even when he was playing for Mumbai Indians, I had asked the management to make him open for a few games, but they didn’t listen,” he added.

An IPL match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants. (File photo)

Bangladesh on Monday banned the broadcast of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, citing the removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the tournament. The decision followed instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release the Bangladesh fast bowler from their 2026 squad.The IPL season is scheduled to begin on March 26.

The ban came a day after Bangladesh decided not to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup and asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move all of its group matches to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.

What Bangladesh government said

“It has come to attention that Mustafizur Rahman, a star player from Bangladesh, has been instructed to be dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches,” the Bangladesh government said in an official statement.“No logical reason for such a decision (Rahman’s release) by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the notification said.“In this situation, until further notice, it is requested by order to stop the broadcasting/telecasting of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest,” the release added.Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the decision to ask KKR to release Rahman was taken due to “developments all around,” without giving further details.Relations between India and Bangladesh have been under strain since the removal of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 after anti-government protests. She was later sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal over her alleged role in a crackdown during the protests, in which several students were killed. Violence against minorities has been reported since her removal.

Joe Root, now second only to India icon Sachin Tendulkar in overall Test runs, struck 15 boundaries during a commanding 242-ball innings that powered England to 384 in their first innings. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Joe Root kept the door open for a possible return to Australia after producing a masterclass 160 in the fifth Ashes Test on Monday, with the England great showing no signs of winding down. The 35-year-old brought up his second hundred of the series in Sydney, his 41st in Tests, drawing level with Australian legend Ricky Ponting for third place on the all-time list.Root, now second only to India icon Sachin Tendulkar in overall Test runs, struck 15 boundaries during a commanding 242-ball innings that powered England to 384 in their first innings.

With England’s next Ashes tour of Australia scheduled in four years’ time, Root would be 39, leading many to believe that this might have been his final appearance Down Under. His acknowledgement of the crowd as he left the field added to that sentiment, but Root was quick to play down such interpretations.“I think you might be looking into it a little bit too much,” Root said when asked if it was a farewell.“I just felt like we’ve had some amazing support throughout this series, and we’ve not been able to achieve what we set out to as a group.“But at no point has that (support) ever wavered, and that’s never wavered whenever I’ve come out here on tour, it’s been exceptional. And it’s a way of saying thank you, really.”Pressed on whether he could return for another Ashes series in Australia, Root remained non-committal but hopeful.“Who knows? We’ll see. I’d love to, but we’ll see how things unfold in time,” he said.The century was Root’s second of the series, following his sublime unbeaten 138 in the Brisbane day-night Test, which ended a long wait for a hundred in Australia after three previous Ashes tours.Only Tendulkar, with 51 Test centuries, and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, with 45, have more hundreds than Root, who is also closing in on Tendulkar’s record tally of 15,921 Test runs, having amassed 13,937 so far.Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann was effusive in his praise, describing Root as “the best player outside of Bradman” after the Sydney innings.“I’ve said it before, once he ticked off the hundred in Australia, he’ll be the greatest player outside of Bradman, statistically,” Lehmann said on ABC radio.“He’ll break all the records. He’ll beat Tendulkar, he’ll make more hundreds than anyone else. And it’ll take a lot of catching because he’s quite fit.”

India’s Suryakumar Yadav(PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his confidence in out-of-form India skipper Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 7. Despite a rough run in 2025, where Yadav has scored just 218 runs in 19 innings at a strike rate of 123.16, Ponting urged the Indian batter to trust his natural game and maintain his aggressive approach. “That’s as big a surprise for me, just looking at his recent form. He’s been such a solid and consistent contributor for India in T20 cricket for a long time and just hasn’t been able to find it of late,” Ponting told ICC. He added, “He’s an interesting one because when I’ve seen him play his best, he’s taken six or eight or 10 balls to get going and then just lets it all go.”

Ponting highlighted Yadav’s fearless style, comparing him to Australia’s Travis Head. “He plays all of his shots and backs himself, and a bit like Travis Head, where it almost looks like they don’t ever fear getting out,” he said. “That’s what I’d say to him. I’d be saying, think about scoring runs, don’t think about getting out. Trust yourself, back yourself. You’re proven to be as good as anybody in the world in the T20 format and go and prove it to everybody once again.” The former Aussie great also praised India’s decision to appoint 31-year-old Axar Patel as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup. Ponting lauded Patel’s versatility, noting, “I mean, actually, Patel’s been their go-to man, really hasn’t he? The last few series, he’s been their pinch hitter at different times. They’ve batted him up the order at number three. When they’ve needed that left-hand, right-hand combination, he’s been the man to go out and try and do it for them, and he’s obviously ever consistent with his left-arm off spin as well.” Ponting admitted he was surprised by the exclusion of India ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill from the T20 squad. Gill, who has struggled in recent white-ball cricket, has 291 runs in 15 innings with a highest score of 47. “Yeah, I couldn’t believe that,” Ponting said during an appearance on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan. He added, “I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket. And the last time that I really saw much of him play was the Test series against England in the UK, where he batted as well as I’ve ever seen anybody bat.” Despite his surprise, Ponting praised India’s batting depth, suggesting that leaving Gill out reflects the strength of the squad. “I mean one, I’m surprised, but two, it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” he explained. “If you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesn’t get picked in a World Cup squad, then it goes to show how many good players they do have.” Ponting’s comments underline his belief that while individual form can fluctuate, backing one’s instincts and leveraging team depth remain key in high-pressure tournaments like the T20 World Cup.

Mustafizur Rahman was sold to KKR for Rs 9.2 Crore in the IPL auction. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Amid escalating tensions between Bangladesh and India, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced that its national team will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The development comes after Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer, was instructed to be released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). TimesofIndia.com takes a deep dive into the ongoing controversy.

What sparked the row between BCCI and BCB?

The BCCI on Saturday instructed KKR to release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad after calls from India’s ruling party BJP politicians and religious leaders.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move to ANI, citing recent circumstances.

Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been released by the KKR.

“Due to the recent developments which are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad, and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” Saikia said.Mustafizur has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the past. The left-arm seamer has picked up 65 wickets in 60 matches overall in his IPL career. He was acquired by KKR at the IPL auction late last year for Rs 9.2 crore. Mustafizur was the only Bangladesh cricketer to find an IPL team.

What did KKR say?

“Kolkata Knight Riders confirm that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of the IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming IPL,” KKR said in a statement.“BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.”

What was BCB’s first reaction?

In response, the BCB revoked the No Objection Certificate granted to Mustafizur for the IPL with immediate effect, barring him from travelling to India even if the franchise were to reconsider its decision. The BCB called an emergency meeting at 9:30 pm on Saturday in response to the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL franchise KKR.“It is not possible to arrange a board meeting so quickly. So, we have arranged to call an emergency meeting at 9:30 pm to know about the matter in detail. Then, we will get a clear overview and may issue a media release. For being extremely busy with the BPL, we don’t have the full information. That’s why we have called the emergency meeting,” BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul told reporters in Dhaka.

BCB won’t travel to India for T20 World Cup

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided not to send its team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns.

Bangladesh Cricket Board’s press release on not travelling to India for the T20 World Cup

“The board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours, and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh national team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” read a BCB-issued press release.“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India, and considering the advice from the Bangladesh government, the board of directors resolved that the Bangladesh national team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions.“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India,” the press release added.

Mustafizur Rahman in action

BCB mentioned that the decision was made “to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members and other stakeholders.”

What did Bangladesh sports and law adviser Asif Nazrul say?

Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul called for the BCB not to travel to India and to request a relocation of its matches to Sri Lanka. He wrote on his official Facebook page, describing it as a response to what he termed extremist communal policies in India.“Bangladesh cricket team will not attend the upcoming World Cup in India. Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken the decision today. I am welcoming this decision, which has been taken in response to the extremist communal policies taken by India,” he wrote.

Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh bowls during the Asia Cup match between Bangladesh and Hong Kong at Zayed Cricket Stadium on September 11, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

In an earlier post, Asif Nazrul said he had directed the BCB to take up the issue with the ICC, stressing that if even one Bangladeshi cricketer did not feel safe in India, the entire national team could not reasonably be expected to travel there.“I have instructed the board to make it clear that when even an individual Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, is unable to play in India, the entire Bangladesh cricket team cannot feel safe travelling there to play in the World Cup. I have also directed the board to formally request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka,” he wrote.

What will ICC and BCCI do?

It now remains to be seen how the ICC and BCCI reacts to BCB’s formal request to the global cricket body. Will they relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka? Bangladesh are scheduled to play three league matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. A decision is expected soon, with the tournament set to begin in a month’s time on February 7.

ICC chairman Jay Shah looks on during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Semi-Final match between India and Australia at DY Patil Stadium on October 30, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

It would result in a logistical nightmare with not much time left for the multi-nation event and it will be interesting to see whether ICC agrees to the demand or acts tough. The TimesofIndia.com reached out to BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, who refused to comment on the issue.

Will IND–BAN follow the IND–PAK template?

Under an existing arrangement, Pakistan play all their matches in Sri Lanka, allowing India and Pakistan to face each other only at neutral venues in multi-nation tournaments.Last year, the Indian government introduced a policy limiting sporting engagement with Pakistan to multi-nation events, linked to India’s planned bid for the 2036 Olympics. In 2024, only a Pakistani junior contingent travelled to Chennai for the South Asian Athletics Championships, with no senior Pakistan team visiting India for any sport since. Whether the current standoff between India and Bangladesh evolves along similar lines remains to be seen.

What is driving the geopolitical strain between India and Bangladesh?

Bilateral relations between the two countries have been under strain since the mass uprising in Bangladesh in 2024 that led to the removal of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina. New Delhi has expressed concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, allegations that Dhaka has denied. At the same time, Bangladesh has raised its own concerns regarding incidents of violence against religious minorities in India.

No IPL broadcast in Bangladesh

The government of Bangladesh has directed that all broadcasts and telecasts of the IPL be suspended in Bangladesh following the decision to drop Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the KKR’s squad.“There is no logical reason for this decision of the Indian Cricket Board and such a decision has distressed, shocked and angered the people of Bangladesh,” the government order stated. “A request has been made to stop the promotion/broadcast of all games and events of the IPL until further orders,” read the statement.

Jamie Smith of England (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Joe Root’s record-equalling 41st Test hundred ended as a lonely high point in England’s innings as a familiar lower-order collapse dragged the side down to 384, despite the former captain standing tall with a sublime 160. While Root was showered with praise and admiration, the mood shifted sharply after Jamie Smith threw his wicket away with a shot that left both camps stunned. Smith was batting on 41 and looked set to help push England beyond 450, having already established himself as a key figure with 434 runs against India last year, including a century and two fifties. Instead, a moment of recklessness undid his work. Taking on Marnus Labuschagne in the all-rounder’s first over, Smith charged down the pitch to a dragged-back short ball. The off-side heave was mistimed, and Scott Boland calmly completed the catch at deep cover.

The dismissal triggered widespread criticism, with reactions cutting across national lines. Justin Langer was particularly scathing on air. “What I do know is not for the first time in this series, Jamie Smith has played one of the dumbest shots you’ll ever see in Test cricket,” the former Australia coach said. “He was lucky earlier; he had a very soft dismissal off a no-ball to Cameron Green. Test cricket goes for five days; this is dumb cricket. Marnus Labuschagne is pumped.” Brett Lee was equally blunt in his assessment. “The golden arm strikes again! Marnus Labuschagne just bowled bumper after bumper after bumper – at 129km/hr – but it’s effective,” Lee said. “His 14th Test wicket – and this would probably be his favourite. It’s a rank bumper outside off stump, but what was he doing? What was Jamie Smith thinking? It was a poor shot. It’s a filthy shot.” The reaction in the commentary box said plenty too. Former England spinner Graeme Swann could only bury his face in disbelief, while Simon Katich turned his fire on England’s aggressive approach. “He’ll go in the dressing room now and probably get pats on the back for taking the game on,” Katich said on SEN Radio. Alyssa Healy echoed the frustration from the Australian side. “There is one man in the deep in front of point on the off-side, and he has picked him out,” she said. “I know this is the way they play and the way they want to approach it, but you cannot honestly tell me he’s going to walk back into that change room and be patted on the back.” Root’s innings had promised dominance and control. Smith’s dismissal, however, ensured the focus shifted from celebration to criticism, leaving England to reflect on another collapse that overshadowed a historic hundred.

NEW DELHI: In what seems to be a last-moment decision, star batter Virat Kohli will not play Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways on Tuesday, January 6, in Bengaluru.As per BCCI guidelines, Kohli had played two matches for Delhi earlier in the tournament, against Andhra and Gujarat. He scored 131 and 77 in those games, helping Delhi register back-to-back wins. After missing the next three matches, there was expectation that Kohli could feature in one more game before joining the India squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting Sunday. That, however, will not happen, and Delhi will play the Railways match without him as they look to stay on top of Group D.

“No, he is not available,” Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed to Hindustan Times.The BCCI mandate required centrally contracted players to play at least two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Kohli fulfilled that requirement with his appearances earlier in the tournament.DDCA president Rohan Jaitley had earlier said last week that Kohli would play the match against Railways.During his two outings for Delhi, Kohli was in form, scoring 131 and 77. In the process, he became the fastest player to reach 16,000 List A runs, achieving the milestone in his 330th innings. He went past Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the mark in 391 innings.The ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11.Had Kohli played, the Railways match would have seen him face pacer Himanshu Sangwan, who had dismissed him in what turned out to be Kohli’s final red-ball match of his career. Kohli’s absence comes with the New Zealand series close, following his white-ball form last year when he scored 302 runs against South Africa. With Rohit Sharma having already played two matches for Mumbai, both senior batters have now completed their domestic appearances this season.