The wicketkeeper-batter of Pakistan, Usman Khan, believes the talks related to Usman Tariq&rsquo;s bowling action are not concerning, as umpires are there to take a call if something is wrong. He applauded Tariq&rsquo;s ability to bowl in the right areas, saying that he works very hard to deliver in crunch moments.

&quot;Only the umpire can tell about the action, but he is a very good bowler and is bowling in the right areas. Whenever the team needs it, any changes are handled by the captain and management,&quot; said Usman Khan.

The spotlight came on Usman Tariq&rsquo;s action when he took the wicket of Cameron Green in the 11th over. The Australian allrounder looked visibly frustrated as he made a &lsquo;chucking&rsquo; gesture while going back to the pavilion. The wicket of Cameron Green gave Pakistan a vital breakthrough, as he was striking the ball during the middle overs.

Meanwhile, Usman Tariq had earlier responded to concerns around his bowling action. While representing Desert Vipers in the ILT20 last year, Usman clarified that his unique elbow structure does not allow him to fully straighten the arm, which is why people often get confused by his action.

&quot;There are two corners on my elbow which make it hard for me to straighten fully. As history shows, whenever spinners are accused of chucking, they go for lab tests, modify their action, and work on the correct degree of flexion. That sometimes confuses spectators.&rdquo; said Usman Tariq.

&ldquo;I have undergone two official tests in Pakistan, and my action was cleared. Unlike others, I didn&#39;t have to change anything. I am confident because I know I am not throwing.&quot; added Usman Tariq.

The Pakistan team is treating Usman Tariq as their trump card in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. It would be interesting to see how he will perform against the top teams at the biggest stage, as fans are expecting strong performances from him in crucial matches.

Usman Khan said that it is up to the umpires to decide whether Tariq’s bowling action is illegal. He added that Tariq is a skilled bowler who performs well in matches.

Usman Khan Gives His Opinion On Tariq’s Bowling Action Issue

Pakistan T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, hailed the team performance after defeating Australia in the 2nd T20I match. He said the team delivered a perfect performance to down the dominant Aussies who looked dangerous throughout the match.

Pakistan outclassed Australia by 90 runs in the second contest, as Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for playing an outstanding knock of 76 runs. He said the team performed well in all departments of the game, showcasing their preparedness for the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a>.

&quot;It has to be a perfect game. We batted well in the Powerplay and middle and we were outstanding with the ball. Fielding was outstanding. I can easily say it was a perfect game for us and we want to replicate it tomorrow,&quot; said Salman Ali Agha at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The innings of Salman at number 3 played a major role in Pakistan&rsquo;s success, as he played with confidence from the start to put pressure on the Australian bowlers. He said the idea to move up the order worked well, and he is looking forward to batting at the same number in Sri Lanka.

&quot;That&#39;s why I promoted myself at No. 3 because I know I can play spin well and intend to do the same in Sri Lanka,&rdquo; said Pakistan T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha.

Salman then praised the performance of Usman Khan, describing him as one of the best players of spin in Pakistan who can put the opposition under pressure quickly.

&quot;We know he is a very good player of spin bowling, probably the best player in our team against spin. We knew his ability and we know it&#39;s going to come soon. Hope he plays in the same way. We want to continue to play in the same way,&quot; said Salman Ali Agha.

&ldquo;I want the same from my team to forget the 2-0 and come again [play in the same fashion]. Hopefully we can come and entertain the Lahore crowd again tomorrow,&quot; concluded Salman Ali Agha.

Salman Ali Agha hailed the team performance after beating Australia in the 2nd T20I. He said the team performed well in all departments of the game.

Salman Ali Agha Hails Pakistan’s Record Win Over Australia

India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs to win the T20I series by 4-1. An explosive century by Ishan Kishan powered India to a big total before Arshdeep Singh dismantled the New Zealand batting with a brilliant five-wicket haul. This convincing performance in the final T20I has given India plenty of confidence ahead of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a>.

Batting first, India got off to a great start despite losing Sanju Samson early. Both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan played positively to negate the attack of New Zealand, as the pitch assisted them in playing aggressive shots. Abhishek Sharma was then dismissed by Lockie Ferguson in the 5th over, but India stayed on track even after his wicket.

The batting onslaught by Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav stunned the Kiwis, as both players consistently smashed big boundaries. Ishan then scored a superlative century off just 43 balls, showcasing his firepower in T20 cricket.

The innings of Suryakumar Yadav was equally impressive, as he struck 63 off 30 balls with the help of 4 fours and 6 sixes. A late order cameo by Hardik Pandya then provided more impetus to India, as they scored a huge total of 271 in the first innings.

When New Zealand came out to bat, they started the chase confidently as Finn Allen took the charge to hit quick boundaries. He made a 100-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra to keep the chase on track, before Axar Patel dismissed him on 80 runs.

The middle order of New Zealand then failed to put up any fight, as India kept taking wickets to gain an edge in the match. Arshdeep Singh remained the key bowler, as he bowled beautifully to dismantle the Kiwi middle order cheaply.

As a result, India eventually dismissed New Zealand to 225 runs, securing a big 46-run victory in the final match. They won the T20I series by 4-1, showcasing their complete preparedness for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

India defeated New Zealand in the 5th T20I match by 46 runs. By securing victory, they also won the series by a big margin of 4-1.

India Outclass New Zealand as Kishan Smashes Match-Winning Century

India&rsquo;s batting unit put on a clinical display of power hitting to post a huge total of 271/5 against New Zealand. From the onset, the intent was clear: total dominance. Despite losing Sanju Samson (6) and Abhishek Sharma (30) within the powerplay, the scoring rate never dipped, as India reached 50 runs in just 5.4 overs.

The heart of the innings was a devastating 3rd-wicket partnership between Ishan Kishan and captain <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/suryakumar-confirms-ishan-will-bat-at-number-3/3161-5-0">Suryakumar Yadav</a>. The duo added over 100 runs in record time, dismantling the Kiwi spinners and pacers alike. Ishan Kishan was the protagonist of the show, smashing a breathtaking century off just 42 balls, punctuated by 6 fours and a staggering 10 sixes. His ability to find the boundary at will ensured that India 1st innings became a nightmare reality for the New Zealand bowlers.

Once the platform was set, India shifted into an even higher gear. Suryakumar Yadav kept the pressure on with a quick-fire 63 off 30 balls, manipulating the field with his trademark 360-degree play. Following his departure, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/hardik-pandya-shines-in-difficult-conditions-to-power-india-to-victory/2622-5-0">Hardik Pandya</a> maintained the intensity, striking 42 off just 17 deliveries. By the time Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube finished the innings, India had firmly established their dominance in the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I.

<h2>New Zealand Bowling Struggles</h2>

It was a tough day at the office for the New Zealand bowling department. While Lockie Ferguson managed to pick up two wickets, he conceded 41 runs in his quota. Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson both went for over 50 runs, as the Indian batters exploited the short boundaries and a flat deck. Mitchell Santner&rsquo;s lone wicket came at a high cost, conceding 60 runs in his four overs, highlighting the relentless pressure applied by the hosts.

The record-breaking performance in the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I has set the stage for a potentially historic chase or a massive victory for the Men in Blue.

Ishan Kishan’s blistering century and Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive fifty powered India to a record-breaking 271/5 against New Zealand in the series finale.

India Blast 271/5 Against New Zealand in 5th T20I

After suffering a groin injury during the SA20, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/paarl-royals-defeat-sunrisers-eastern-cape-in-sa20-match/2876-5-0">David Miller</a> has been medically cleared to participate in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">2026 T20 World Cup</a>. The injury also caused him to miss the last two matches of the tournament, which were playoff fixtures that Paarl Royals had to play. He was also benched in the ongoing T20I series between South Africa and the West Indies as a precaution.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite the setback, Miller will accompany the national team to India, ensuring his availability for the marquee event. He is still the most experienced member of the South African team at the age of 36, and he still remains a key figure in their white-ball plans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Miller will be at No.5 in the batting order and will follow Quinton de Kock, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/south-africa-defeats-west-indies-in-first-t20i-match/3269-5-0">Aiden Markram</a>, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis. His major task will be to finish innings, which he has perfected over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alongside Miller, Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs are also the other specialist batters in the squad that will provide stability and power to South Africa as they go into the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although Miller has not officially stated his future, the 2026 version would be his possible swan song at the T20 World Cup. He now has a white-ball-only deal with Cricket South Africa and possibly is aiming at the home ODI World Cup in 2027 as a swansong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

South Africa has already been forced into two squad changes due to injuries. At SA20, Donovan Ferreira broke his shoulder, and Tony de Zorzi failed to recover from a hamstring tear. They were replaced by Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The team will leave Johannesburg on Sunday for Mumbai and will play a warm-up match against India on Wednesday. South Africa will start their World Cup match against Canada on February 9, then against Afghanistan on February 11, and New Zealand and the UAE on February 14 and 18, respectively.

David Miller has been medically cleared to play the 2026 T20 World Cup. The South Africa veteran returns after injury and eyes another title run.

David Miller Medically Cleared for 2026 T20 World Cup

Pakistan&rsquo;s T20I squad for the ongoing Australia series has been trimmed, with fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr released ahead of the final two matches, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Friday.

The 24-year-old pacer, who travelled with the squad but did not feature in the opening fixture, will not take further part in the three-match contest. <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-beats-australia-by-22-runs-in-t20-thriller/3298-5-0">Pakistan</a> took a 1&ndash;0 lead in the series with a 22-run win, and the management has now opted to move forward with a revised pace combination for the remaining games in Lahore.

Confirming the development, the board said: &ldquo;Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr has been released from Pakistan&rsquo;s T20I squad for the remaining two matches of the series against Australia.&rdquo;

Wasim comes off a productive outing in Sri Lanka, where he grabbed five wickets across two T20Is and maintained a strong bowling average. Despite that return, team balance and combination appear to have driven the latest selection call. He is also not included in Pakistan&rsquo;s squad list for the ICC Men&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">T20 World Cup 2026</a>, which begins next month across India and Sri Lanka.

Team officials have not named a direct replacement, signaling confidence in the existing fast-bowling pool that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Faheem Ashraf. The second T20I is scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan will look to seal the series.

Squad reshuffles close to tournament season often hint at role clarity, and this move suggests the think tank is narrowing its preferred T20 options.

<h2>Pakistan Updated T20I Squad</h2>

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.

Mohammad Wasim Jr has been released from the Pakistan T20I squad for the remaining matches against Australia, PCB confirms ahead of the final two games.

Mohammad Wasim Jr Released from Pakistan T20I Squad for Australia Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board has pushed back the planned reveal of the national side&rsquo;s kit for the ICC Men&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">T20 World Cup 2026</a>, shelving a ceremony that was originally lined up around the second T20I against Australia in Lahore.

Board officials had mapped out a public jersey launch at Gaddafi Stadium, with the presentation expected shortly after the toss. That plan has now been put on hold, with sources pointing to administrative and scheduling complications behind the late change.

The delay lands at a sensitive moment, with Pakistan&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 participation still under internal review. Senior-level discussions are ongoing, and a final call is expected after further consultations in the coming days. Tournament organizers have the event penciled in to start on February 7, with matches split between India and Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting arrangement.

Pakistan is currently slotted in Group A and is due to open their campaign against the Netherlands. The group also includes India, USA, and Namibia. As per the working schedule, Pakistan&rsquo;s group fixtures are assigned to Sri Lanka rather than India.

The broader backdrop has added weight to the situation. The ICC recently confirmed Scotland as <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-replaces-bangladesh-with-scotland-for-2026-t20-world-cup/3217-5-0">Bangladesh&rsquo;s replacement</a> after the latter declined to travel to India, a move that stirred debate across cricket boards. The PCB had earlier voiced support for Bangladesh&rsquo;s position, which further sharpened focus on Pakistan&rsquo;s own stance.

For now, the PCB postpones jersey launch, with a revised launch window likely once clarity emerges on tournament participation and logistics.

PCB postpones jersey launch before the T20 World Cup 2026 amid scheduling issues and ongoing discussions over Pakistan’s tournament participation.

PCB Postpones Jersey Launch Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Australia has reshaped its <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">T20 World Cup 2026</a> plans after confirming that captain Pat Cummins ruled out through injury, forcing a late change to their final 15-man squad. Left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis has been drafted in as Cummins&rsquo; replacement, while Matt Renshaw earns a call-up and <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/steven-smith-lights-up-scg-with-a-vintage-hundred/2953-5-0">Steven Smith</a> misses out despite a strong run in domestic T20 cricket.

Cummins, who has been managing a lumbar back issue, has not returned to competitive action since the Adelaide Test during the Ashes window. <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/australia-confident-for-pat-cummins-participation-in-world-cup/2921-5-0">Selectors</a> had initially hoped he could recover in time to feature in the early phase of the tournament, but medical advice ruled that out. Recent scans showed progress, yet team management decided against risking their premier fast bowler before full recovery.

Dwarshuis&rsquo; inclusion gives Australia a left-arm pace option and added depth at the back end with the bat.&nbsp;

<h2>Squad Reshuffle Puts Focus On Balance And Spin Readiness</h2>

Australia has also moved away from Matthew Short, turning instead to Matt Renshaw to strengthen their middle-order flexibility. Renshaw&rsquo;s ability to bat across multiple positions and handle spin played a key role in the decision, especially with slow surfaces expected during the group stage. He recently made his T20I debut and has built a solid white-ball record across domestic competitions and the BBL.

Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis have all been cleared after injury setbacks. Hazlewood returns from hamstring and Achilles concerns, while David and Ellis have recovered from separate hamstring issues that interrupted their recent campaigns.

With <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/mitchell-marsh-says-australia-ready-to-compete-against-pakistan/3285-5-0">Mitchell Marsh</a> and Travis Head locked in at the top, and Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green available as alternate opening options, selectors opted for role coverage over pure batting form.

<h2>Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2026</h2>

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Pat Cummins is ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a back injury as Australia bring in Ben Dwarshuis and Matt Renshaw, while Steven Smith misses selection.

Pat Cummins Ruled Out of T20 World Cup - Australia Updated Squad

Australia walked off in Lahore with a harsh defeat to digest. The opening <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-beats-australia-by-22-runs-in-t20-thriller/3298-5-0">T20 loss</a> to Pakistan carried a sign that Zampa picked. Pitches in Sri Lanka offer slow surfaces and more grip for spinners. It is tough for batters to find shots on quality spin.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/adam-zampas-4-wicket-haul-restricts-pakistan-to-168-in-1st-t20i/3294-5-0">Adam Zampa</a> stood tall amid the struggle, returning figures of 4 for 24 and keeping the chase within sight. Around him, Pakistan&rsquo;s spin unit tightened the game inch by inch, draining momentum and forcing errors as the asking rate crept up.

<h2>Spin Set to Shape Sri Lanka Conditions</h2>

Zampa did not dress it up afterward. Sri Lanka, in his view, will demand sharper footwork and clearer plans than what Australia showed with a youthful lineup. The bounce will be higher than in Lahore. The turn is more pronounced, which means mistakes will travel faster to the scoreboard.

For a side missing its senior core, the exposure mattered. Young middle-order batters were tested in unfamiliar territory, where waiting on the pitch was not an option. Those moments, Zampa believes, will pay dividends once the full-strength squad assembles for the T20 World Cup Sri Lanka opener.

<h2>Experience Still to Return</h2>

Reinforcements are coming. Pat Cummins. Josh Hazlewood. Glenn Maxwell. Marcus Stoinis. Their absence shaped the night, but not the takeaway.

Zampa pointed to adaptability as the separator. Sri Lanka will reward teams that read length early and rotate strike without panic. India, later in the tournament, will flip the script again with truer wickets and heavier scoring.

Australia learned quickly in Lahore. The tournament is still weeks away. The warning, though, has already landed. And Adam Zampa has seen this story before.

Adam Zampa warns Australia of a stern spin challenge at the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka after a telling loss to Pakistan in Lahore.

Zampa Flags Spin Storm Ahead of T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka

South Africa and West Indies will face each other in the third game of the T20I series on January 31. While South Africa has already won the series, this game still holds importance as both teams are looking to fine-tune their plans ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026. West Indies performed well in the last match, so they will try to bring more intensity in their efforts to win the upcoming contest at Johannesburg.

The series has provided valuable game time for both teams to finalize their plans ahead of the mega event. While conditions in India and Sri Lanka will be very different from what South African grounds are offering currently, the ongoing series still gives both sides a chance to test possible combinations for the tournament. So far, South Africa look more settled on paper, whereas West Indies are still searching for some answers in their batting.

The upcoming match between South Africa vs West Indies will be a tough contest, as both teams will aim to win this to end the series on a high. In this article, we will discuss the strategies of both sides, as well as their probable lineups for the third game of the T20I series. Let&rsquo;s first take a quick recap of how South Africa dominated the 2nd T20I with their sheer batting power.

<h2>A Quick Recap of the South Africa vs West Indies 2nd T20I Match</h2>

South Africa defeated West Indies in a commanding fashion in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/south-africa-vs-west-indies-2nd-t20i-2026-match-preview-analysis/3277-2-0">2nd T20I</a>. Despite posting a big total on the board, the batting firepower of South Africa stunned the West Indies in the second innings of the match. An exceptional knock by Quinton de Kock led the charge of South Africa, showcasing why he is still the key player for the Proteas in international cricket.

Batting first, West Indies displayed a solid performance, as their top order countered the South African attack positively. The innings of Shimron Hetmyer was impressive, as he smashed every bowler aggressively. He scored a brilliant 75 off just 42 balls, hitting 8 fours and 3 sixes.

After the dismissal of Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford stepped up with his power game to hit big boundaries. He scored quick 57 off just 24 balls with the help of 5 fours and 4 sixes. His stunning batting performance changed the momentum of the innings, and allowed West Indies to post a huge total of 221 on the board.

When South Africa came out to chase the target, they showcased batting dominance from the first over. Quinton de Kock remained their main batter in the second innings, as he took the charge to score quickly in the chase. His stunning hundred gave South Africa a clear edge in the match, as West Indies bowlers looked helpless against him. As a result, South Africa nailed the target of 222 in just 17.3 overs, securing a crucial victory by 5 wickets in the second match of the series.

<h2>Match Strategy of South Africa for 3rd T20I</h2>

South Africa has so far performed well in the series, as their top order batters are currently in good form. They dominated the inexperienced West Indies bowlers in the last game, so the strategy to win the next match would remain the same. With the likes of Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in the top order, South Africa will aim for a fast start to put an early pressure on West Indies. Both of these players performed strongly in the 2nd T20I, so the team will look towards them to go big again at Johannesburg. Besides them, South Africa also has a decent middle order, which can play a solid cameo towards the end of the innings.

Talking about the bowling department, South Africa has some concerns that need to be fixed before the next match. Their bowlers took a heavy beating in the last contest, as Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford took them to the cleaners. They will certainly look to bounce back with a good performance in Johannesburg, but the conditions could again challenge their skills. Keeping that in view, the bowling lineup of South Africa needs to come up with an effective strategy to contain the WI batters. Their opening spells would be vital in the next match, as picking early wickets will allow them to put pressure on West Indies.

<h2>Key Players for South Africa</h2>

<h3>Quinton de Kock</h3>

Considering the current form, Quinton de Kock is the most in-form batter of South Africa, who will look to attack West Indies from the start of the innings. His knock of 115 runs in the 2nd T20I was simply outstanding, as it showcased the batting might of de Kock in T20 cricket. He will back himself for a big score again, as he has been given the license by the team to play aggressively from ball one. The record of de Kock at Johannesburg is also impressive, as he has played a lot of domestic and international cricket there. His runs up the order would be vital for the team, as it will set a batting foundation early in the match.

<h3>Marco Jansen</h3>

Marco Jansen is a key pacer in the South African bowling attack who loves to make an early impact in every contest. He is a talented left-arm bowler who can swing the ball both ways, which is why South Africa backs him to pick up early wickets in the first six overs. Besides that, he is also a smart option for the Proteas in the death overs where pressure often remains high on bowlers. His performances in the recent SA20 2026 season were also exceptional, in which he represented the title-winning Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Marco Jansen will be therefore a key performer for South Africa, as his aggressive spells can make batting difficult for the West Indies.

<h2>Match Strategy of West Indies for 3rd T20I</h2>

West Indies have lost two consecutive matches in the ongoing series, so they need to come up with a renewed plan to win the next contest. Their batting has shown solid improvement in the last match, as Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford looked in good touch. The Caribbean team will aim to repeat a similar batting performance in the next game, as they understand the bowling tactics of South Africa very well. They will look to score quick runs up the order, as that strategy worked well in the 2nd T20I. It will ease the pressure on the middle order, allowing the batters to just play with the momentum and score big towards the end.

The bowling attack of West Indies faces a tough challenge ahead of the next game. They were outclassed badly by South Africa in Centurion, as Quinton de Kock smashed everyone in an aggressive manner. To win the next match, West Indies need to remove the top order of South Africa quickly. This will require a renewed bowling strategy involving both spinners and pacers. If they succeeded in taking the wickets early, there would be a chance for West Indies to dismantle South Africa on a low score and possibly win the match.

<h2>Key Players for West Indies</h2>

<h3>Sherfane Rutherford</h3>

Sherfane Rutherford has proved himself to be a reliable lower middle order batter for West Indies. He is a cricketer who can play according to the situation, and can quickly change gears of his batting. This is why West Indies are keen to use him at the number five or six position, as that is where Rutherford brings the power to score quick runs. He would play a crucial role for the team in the 3rd T20I, just like he performed exceptionally well in the last match at Centurion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h3>Romario Shepherd</h3>

Romario Shepherd is a quality bowler who likes to perform under pressure. He can bowl in the middle overs, as well as in death to control the scoring rate. Besides that, Romario Shepherd is also a player&nbsp; who provides flexibility to the team in the batting order. He is someone who can bat in the middle, as well as lower middle order according to the situation. Unfortunately, his recent performances aren&rsquo;t satisfactory, but he is still a threat for South Africa.

<h2>Probable Playing XI for South Africa</h2>

Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka

<h2>Probable Playing XI for West Indies</h2>

Brandon King, Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Johnson Charles

<h2>Final Words</h2>

The 3rd T20I between South Africa vs West Indies is crucial, as it will give both teams a final chance to test their game plans ahead of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a>. Considering this, both sides will play the match with full intensity to secure a victory in a convincing fashion. Although West Indies have lost the series, they will still look to win the match to end the series on a high. Meanwhile, South Africa will also aim to dominate this contest, so that they can go into the T20 World Cup with a winning momentum.

South Africa and West Indies will come head to head against each other in the 3rd T20I at Johannesburg. It would be a thrilling match, as both teams are eager to secure victory.

South Africa vs West Indies 3rd T20I 2026 Full Match Analysis

Dasun Shanaka addressed plenty of questions related to Sri Lanka&rsquo;s recent announcement of the squad for the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a>. The inclusion of Kusal Perera came as a surprise to many experts, as he was recently left out of the Pakistan series. The captain explained the decision to pick Perera for the T20 World Cup, saying that his experience will help the young players perform confidently at the mega event.

&quot;He has been in the T20 side [in] the recent past, even though he was left out of the squad to face Pakistan. We know that experienced players are very valuable in a World Cup. If you take strike rates, Kusal Janith can be used anywhere in the top six, so he will be a very valuable player.&quot; said Sri Lankan T20I captain, Dasun Shanaka.

When asked about the omission of Kamindu Mendis, Shanaka said the decision to drop such a valuable player was very difficult, but the management took it after analyzing various factors.

&quot;That&#39;s a question you should ask the selectors. As a captain, I don&#39;t take decisions alone. We take decisions as a group. Kamindu, to be honest, is a very valuable player. That decision is something many people took together.&quot; said Dasun Shanaka.

The management of bowlers&rsquo; workload is a key concern for the Sri Lankan team in the upcoming matches. Speaking about Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka said that the team will utilize him as a strike bowler in the majority of matches, however, his workload will also be managed by keeping Pramod as his backup.

&quot;In terms of importance, we know Dushmantha Chameera will play. That said, with the World Cup close by, his workload needs to be managed. He&#39;s not someone we need to play and see what he&#39;s doing right and wrong. But we need a backup for him, and that&#39;s why Pramod has come into the squad.&quot; concluded Dasun Shanaka.

Dasun Shanaka said that the squad for the T20 World Cup has been selected after analyzing various factors. He gave the statement while talking to the reporters.

Shanaka Sheds Light on Sri Lanka Team Selection for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to safeguard teams during next month&rsquo;s T20 World Cup. The security plan has been further strengthened for India-Pakistan matches. As a co-host with India, Sri Lanka will host 20 matches between February 7 and March 8.

The two sides are set to face off in their Group A clash in Colombo on February 15. &ldquo;From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,&rdquo; an official said, requesting anonymity.

Historically, there have been political undertones in the cricket matches between India and Pakistan. These tensions were further intensified by the four-day border conflict that took place last year. Sri Lanka is giving the highest priority to smooth tournament operations. Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said, &ldquo;We are paying special attention to the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/bcci-addresses-debate-over-india-pakistan-matches-icc-tournaments/1756-5-0">India-Pakistan matches</a>.&rdquo;

Due to political tension, Pakistan refused to play its matches in India. The ICC moved these matches to neutral venues in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh also requested to move their matches for security reasons, but the ICC rejected the request, and <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-replaces-bangladesh-with-scotland-for-2026-t20-world-cup/3217-5-0">Scotland</a> was drafted in as their replacement.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance throughout these disputes. Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake explained, &ldquo;In these disputes among India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral; all of these are friendly nations.&rdquo; Sri Lanka replied that it would host future tournaments in case any country is invited.

The T20 World Cup has also provided an opportunity to upgrade cricket venues in Sri Lanka. In Colombo, new floodlights have been installed at the Singhalese Sports Club.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka deploys elite armed units to ensure safety for India–Pakistan fixtures in the T20 World Cup, prioritizing smooth and secure tournament operations.

Sri Lanka Strengthens Security for India–Pakistan T20 World Cup Match

The build-up to the ICC event has taken a sharper turn after two former Australian captains voiced surprise over a key omission. The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/haris-rauf-likely-excluded-pakistan-t20-world-cup-squad-2026/3165-5-0">Haris Rauf</a> exclusion from Pakistan&rsquo;s T20 setup has not gone unnoticed, particularly among those who watched him terrorise batters in Australia just weeks ago.

Rauf&rsquo;s numbers were hard to ignore. Twenty wickets in eleven games. He delivered every spell with consistent pace. His Big Bash League spell with Melbourne Stars reminded many why he has long been seen as Pakistan&rsquo;s strike option when games drift.

<h2>Finch Flags The Missing X-factor</h2>

Aaron Finch admitted the announcement caught him off guard. In his view, T20 cricket is less about economy charts and more about disruption. Rauf, he stressed, brings chaos. Wickets in the powerplay. Breakthroughs at the death. That rare ability to change a match within a couple of overs.

Finch also pointed out that flat pitches demand bowlers who are not afraid to gamble. Rauf fits that mould. Even when runs flow, wickets often follow. Excluding such a profile drew attention well beyond the dressing room.

<h2>Clarke Weighs conditions, But Keeps Doubts</h2>

Michael Clarke offered a broader angle. He suggested the decision reflects Pakistan&rsquo;s thinking around conditions in India and Sri Lanka. Slower decks often present defined roles. The team might want controlled spells. From that lens, the selectors may have leaned elsewhere.

Still, Clarke underlined one key point. Momentum matters. Entering a World Cup with rhythm can be priceless. Rauf had that rhythm.

The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-t20-world-cup-2026-squad/3231-2-0">Pakistan T20 World Cup squad</a> now faces scrutiny, especially with fans recalling Rauf&rsquo;s last outing in the Asia Cup final, where a tough night may have lingered longer than expected.

Selection calls shape tournaments. This one has already sparked debate, and the first ball hasn&rsquo;t even been bowled yet.

Aaron Finch and Michael Clarke react sharply to Haris Rauf’s omission as Pakistan finalise their T20 World Cup plans.

Australian Cricket Greats React to Haris Rauf Being Left Out

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA batter Aaron Jones for breaching its anti-corruption code. He had been training with the USA squad in Sri Lanka for the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">2026 T20 World Cup</a>, but the latest decision now bars him from participating in all forms of cricket.

As per the Apex body, the charges against the batter were related to the 2023-24 Bim10 tournament, which falls under the jurisdiction of the CWI. In addition, he also faces two separate charges related to international fixtures that fall directly under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

The charges levelled against Aaron Jones are defined below:

<ul>
	<li>Breach of Article 2.1.1 of the CWI Code &ndash; Fixing, contriving to fix or otherwise influencing improperly, or being a party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct or other aspect of matches in the Bim10 tournament in 2023/24 (or attempting to do so).</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Breach of Article 2.4.2 of the CWI Code &ndash; Failing to disclose to Cricket West Indies details of any approaches or invitations to engage in conduct that would amount to a breach of the CWI Code.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Breach of Article 2.4.4 of the CWI Code &ndash; Failing or refusing to cooperate with a reasonable investigation carried out by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (or his/her designee) in relation to possible offences under the CWI Code.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Breach of Article 2.4.4 of the ICC Code &ndash; Failing to disclose to the ICC ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the ICC Code.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Breach of Article 2.4.7 of the ICC Code &ndash; Obstructing the ACU&rsquo;s investigation into possible Corrupt Conduct by concealing and/or tampering with information that may have been relevant to the investigation, or which may have constituted evidence or led to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct.</li>
</ul>

The ICC statement further revealed that the charges against Jones are part of a wider investigation. The USA batter has now been suspended from all forms of cricket and has 14 days to respond to the charges.

The suspension of Aaron Jones is a big blow for the USA team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He played a crucial role for the team in the last mega event, however, this time he won&rsquo;t be part of the side.&nbsp;

The ICC has suspended USA batter Aaron Jones for breaching its anti-corruption code. He is now suspended from playing all forms of cricket.

ICC Suspends USA’s Aaron Jones for Breaching Anti-Corruption Code

&nbsp;The Australian captain, Mitchell Marsh, believes the team is ready for the Pakistan series with no real concerns about the quick turnaround. He said the series will help both teams to prepare their plans for the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a>, which is slated to start next month.

&quot;It&#39;s a really important time in both teams&#39; preparations for the World Cup. Most of the squad has been in Dubai for the last four days training and getting together,&quot; said Mitchell Marsh while speaking at the pre-series press conference.

He explained how the team assembled in Dubai differently, as some of the players joined the training camp there a bit late due to BBL 15 commitments. Despite the quick turnaround, Marsh reaffirmed that they are ready to compete against Pakistan at full pace.

&quot;Some of us have obviously flown in a little bit later due to Big Bash commitments, but we&#39;re certainly ready to go, and we&#39;re looking forward to a great series,&quot; said Mitchell Marsh.

Marsh then described the importance of the Pakistan vs Australia T20I series, saying it will help their squad to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 accordingly. He added that some players are missing the series due to injuries, but are expected to join the squad in Sri Lanka for the main event.

&quot;Yes, firstly, this tour, as I&#39;ve said, is really important for our World Cup preparations, and we&#39;ve got some guys that weren&#39;t quite ready to be here, but they&#39;re back at home training and preparing to meet us in Sri Lanka, so absolutely no stress there from our end,&quot; said Mitchell Marsh.

&quot;Yeah, we&#39;ll just come together tonight and pick a team and see where that lands, so it&#39;s obviously a big build-up for our World Cup, and we&#39;ll make those decisions later on,&quot; added Mitchell Marsh.

Mitchell Marsh said that Australia is ready to compete against Pakistan in the upcoming T20I series. He said the series is important to prepare for the T20 World Cup plans.

Mitchell Marsh Upbeat Despite Tight Turnaround Before Pakistan T20Is

The event has five-team groups in four groups. Two of the top teams from each group progress to the Super Eight stage, raising the stakes ahead of an exciting knockout phase. Defending champions India were the first team to announce their squad, setting the tone for the competition.

Group A consists of the United States, Namibia, Netherlands, India, and Pakistan. Group B includes Australia, along with co-hosts Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Oman, and Ireland.

England and West Indies are the star teams of Group C, with other entrants, Nepal, Italy (playing the T20 World Cup for the first time), and <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-replaces-bangladesh-with-scotland-for-2026-t20-world-cup/3217-5-0#:~:text=ICC%20Replaces%20Bangladesh%20with%20Scotland%20for%202026%20T20%20World%20Cup%20%7C%20tapmad">Scotland</a>. Group D unites New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada.

Major matches like Pakistan vs India and England vs West Indies are being looked forward to by fans. All groups promise competitive games, and the teams want to reach the Super Eight and finally the knockouts.

<h2>Notable Squads</h2>

India (Group A): Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh

Pakistan (Group A): Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Australia (Group B provisional): Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Other notable <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">squads</a> include England, West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa, and Afghanistan, each packed with a mix of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers. USA and UAE are yet to announce their final line-ups.

With the stage set for high-octane cricket action, this ICC T20 World Cup 2026 promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats from the group stages to the grand finale.

Nearly all squads for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been revealed, with India, Pakistan, Australia, England, and other top teams set for the tournament starting 7 February.

All Squads Announced for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Irfan Pathan included Pakistan in his list of teams expected to reach the last four, highlighting a rare vote of confidence in the Men in Green.

Among the panel comprising former Indian cricketers Robin Uthappa, Anil Kumble, Aakash Chopra, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammad Kaif, and Suresh Raina, only Irfan Pathan spoke about Pakistan&rsquo;s possible chances to reach the semi-finals.

Alongside Pakistan, Irfan selected Australia, India, and England as his other semi-final contenders. Irfan Pathan&#39;s prediction sparked conversations among cricket fans.

<h2>Tournament Structure and Fixtures</h2>

The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC Men&rsquo;s T20</a> World Cup 2026 will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage.

Pakistan has been drawn in Group A with India, Netherlands, USA, and Namibia. Following a hybrid hosting model, all of Pakistan&rsquo;s matches will be played in Sri Lanka. Their campaign begins against the Netherlands on 7 February in Colombo.

Other key fixtures for Pakistan include:

<ul>
	<li>Pakistan vs USA: 10 February, Colombo 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pakistan vs India: 15 February, Colombo 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pakistan vs Namibia: 18 February, Colombo</li>
</ul>

The highly anticipated clash with India is already generating excitement among fans, underscoring the intensity of the Pakistan T20 World Cup group stage.

<h2>Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026</h2>

The Pakistan squad has been officially announced, with Salman Ali Agha leading the side. The roster features Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.

With a blend of seasoned players and promising talent, Pakistan will aim to make a strong impression.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan picks Pakistan to reach ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals, alongside India, Australia, and England.

Irfan Pathan Predicts Pakistan as T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finalist

The upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be closely watched by many fans, as it will feature top batters from around the world. Read this blog to know about their stats and records.

Top Batsmen to Watch in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Ryan Rickelton is excited after being called up as a replacement for Donovan Ferreira in South Africa&rsquo;s T20 World Cup squad. He had initially lost hope after the selectors announced the first squad for the event, however, a recent injury to Donovan Ferreira during SA20 2026 paved the way for his inclusion in the team.

&quot;I had planned a really nice month out here with the Lions, domestically and it&#39;s nice to be at home. I&#39;ve also recently moved houses, so the opportunity to be at home for a bit was quite exciting for me, but it&#39;s always a massive honour to go to the World Cup and represent South Africa as well, so there&#39;s no hiding from that but it&#39;s been a bit of a mixed bag (of feelings) for me.&quot; said Ryan Rickelton.

Rickelton then said that he is trying to prepare himself mentally to take on various challenges coming ahead in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a>. While it is not a very big ask, it still requires his focus to clear all doubts in his mind.

&quot;I&#39;ve got to try and work through some things in my own head and how I want to go about it, and hopefully I can try and figure that out this week,&quot; said Ryan Rickelton.

&quot;I probably need to lean a little bit more on my IPL experience. It was one-day cricket where I was struggling. I suppose I got a bit of experience with the IPL, with the pressure, I&#39;m quite familiar with the ground and probably a lot of the players I&#39;m going to come up against,&quot; added Ryan Rickelton.

He then spoke about the intensity of the South African team for the mega event, saying that the squad is ready to give their best by relying on their core skills.

&quot;The intensity will be there, the attitude will be up there, the commitment from the group will really be good. If I can match and rival that, then hopefully I give myself the best chance as well as the team.&quot; concluded Ryan Rickelton.

Ryan Rickelton is excited for the upcoming T20 World Cup, saying that he will utilize his IPL learnings to perform well at the mega event.

Rickelton Backs IPL Learnings to Make World Cup Call-Up Count

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/india-u-19-vs-new-zealand-u-19-india-seal-super-six-spot-with-7-wicket-win/3220-5-0">India U19</a> batted first and set an imposing target of 352/8 in 50 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a blistering 52 off 30 balls, while skipper Ayush Mhatre contributed 21 runs. The innings was anchored by Vihaan Malhotra, who scored an unbeaten 109 off 107 balls, striking seven fours.

Abhigyan Kundu added a vital 61, ensuring that India kept up a high-scoring tempo throughout. The Indian innings included multiple partnerships, including a 100-run stand for the fifth wicket between Malhotra and Kundu, which propelled the team past 250 with authority. Extras also contributed 15 runs, reflecting tight Zimbabwean bowling.

Chasing a massive 353, Zimbabwe U19 never recovered from the early blows. RS Ambrish was particularly effective, taking 2/19 in 6 overs, while Udhav Mohan claimed 3/20 in 6.4 overs. Khilan Patel and Henil Patel also chipped in with crucial wickets to maintain relentless pressure.

Zimbabwe&rsquo;s top-order struggled immediately, losing Nathaniel Hlabangana for a duck and Dhruv Patel for 8. Despite Kian Blignaut&rsquo;s 37 and Leeroy Chiwaula&rsquo;s 62, Zimbabwe never threatened to chase the total, and the lower order collapsed under tight Indian bowling. They were eventually bowled out for 148 in 37.4 overs, handing India a massive 204-run victory.

Vihaan Malhotra&rsquo;s unbeaten 109 earned him the Player of the Match award.

The emphatic win strengthens India U19&rsquo;s position in Group 2 of the Super Sixes and boosts their net run rate ahead of their next matches. With both the batting and bowling departments firing, India will head into the upcoming fixtures with high confidence.

India U19 posted 352/8, powered by Vihaan Malhotra’s 109*, to defeat Zimbabwe U19 by 204 runs in ICC Men’s U19 World Cup Super Sixes.

U19 World Cup: India U19 thrash Zimbabwe U19 by 204 runs

Pakistan&rsquo;s bowlers produced stunning performances in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/u19-cricket-world-cup-2026-complete-guide-schedule-teams-venues/3065-2-0">U19 World Cup</a> match against New Zealand U19, which gave a ruthless show, and the visitors were left reeling. Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan took seven wickets and kept the opposition under constant pressure. New Zealand were reduced to 67 for 7 in just 13.3 overs and struggled to cope with the pace.

Marco William Alpe was removed early when he was trapped lbw by Raza in the third over. Tom Jones and Hugo Bogue added 48 runs, but the partnership was broken by Mohammad Sayyam, who dismissed Jones. The collapse resumed quickly as Subhan removed Bogue, triggering a dramatic slide.

Brandon Matzopoulos and Jaskaran Sandhu were dismissed for ducks, leaving the innings in shambles. Some contributions from the lower order added a little respectability, but New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 110 in 28.3 overs.

<h2>Minhas leads Pakistan&rsquo;s comfortable chase</h2>

Chasing a modest target, Pakistan lost Hamza Zahoor early, but the setback had little impact. Opener Sameer Minhas continued his excellent tournament form, taking control of the chase with confidence and clean strokeplay. He controlled a 67-run partnership with Usman Khan.

Minhas struck ten fours and two sixes in a fluent innings, registering 76 not out, his second consecutive unbeaten fifty. Farhan Yousaf provided calm support late in the innings, putting Pakistan firmly in control. Pakistan finished the match on 112-2, winning with 197 balls to spare.

The convincing win in the Pakistan U19 vs New Zealand U19 fixture significantly strengthened Pakistan&#39;s position in the Super Sixes and boosted their net run rate in the U19 World Cup. Attention now shifts to their upcoming clash against India, a match that could prove decisive in Group 2.

Pakistan U19 crushed New Zealand U19 by eight wickets as Subhan and Raza starred with the ball, and Minhas hit 76*.

U19 World Cup: Pakistan cruise past New Zealand with eight-wicket win

Discover the top 10 bowlers to watch in ICC T20 World Cup 2026, including Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shaheen Afridi, with complete bowling statistics.

10 Best Bowlers to Watch in ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council has rejected all accreditation applications from Bangladeshi journalists for the upcoming T20 World Cup, denying them on-ground access in India and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Cricket Board media committee chairman Amzad Hossain said none of the 130&ndash;150 applicants were approved, a decision that came as a surprise given Bangladesh&rsquo;s long history of covering ICC events.

This Bangladeshi journalist&#39;s barred episode comes against a sensitive backdrop. Bangladesh&rsquo;s earlier decision not to <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/bangladesh-rejects-india-tour-seeks-sri-lanka-option-for-t20-world-cup/3187-5-0">travel to India</a> due to security concerns is widely believed to have strained relations. Inside media circles, that link is being discussed quietly but firmly.

<h2>Accreditation Shock Spreads Fast</h2>

Several Bangladeshi photojournalists said initial approvals and visa support were later withdrawn without explanation. Veteran reporter Arifur Rahman Babu called the move unprecedented, noting journalists from member or associate nations are usually accredited regardless of team participation.

<h2>Media Bodies Consider Next Steps</h2>

Now president of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association, Arifur said discussions are underway with other media bodies to decide a collective response, including the possibility of a formal protest through the Ministry of Information and the BCB.

&ldquo;There were options,&rdquo; he noted, pointing out that Sri Lanka is also a host nation. &ldquo;Access could have been arranged there.&rdquo;

The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup</a> accreditation ban has also reignited debate over transparency within the global body. Critics argue that media access should remain separate from administrative or political disputes.

<h2>Silence From The ICC</h2>

As of filing, the ICC media department had not issued a response. That silence has only fueled frustration.

For Bangladeshi reporters, this is more than a missed assignment. It is about professional recognition and the right to tell cricket&rsquo;s biggest stories. With the tournament nearing, the fallout from Bangladeshi journalists barred from coverage is unlikely to fade quietly.

The ICC has rejected all Bangladeshi journalist accreditations for the T20 World Cup, triggering backlash and raising serious concerns over fair media access.

ICC Shuts Out Bangladeshi Media Ahead Of T20 World Cup

Cricket Scotland has received ICC assurances that their players will get Indian visas for the 2026 T20 World Cup in time. They have been also ensured that the team&rsquo;s key pacer Safyaan Sharif, who has a Pakistani heritage, will also get India visa without any delay.

The chief executive of Cricket Scotland, Trudy Lindblade, has said that the visa issue is quite sensitive, but the board has received assurances that its players will be able to travel to India without any trouble.

&quot;We are all committed [to] working with the ICC to make that happen. The visa piece is always slightly an unknown, and it doesn&#39;t matter whether you&#39;ve got three days or whether you&#39;ve got 45 days.&rdquo; said chief executive of Cricket Scotland, Trudy Lindblade.

&quot;Certainly that&#39;s been our focus in the last 48 hours: just getting those visas done so our players are all ready to go. They&#39;re all in the middle of submitting their visas and we will be there on the ground in India as quickly as we can, so it&#39;s just a matter of time now.&rdquo; added Trudy Lindblade.

In a separate statement, Cricket Scotland announced the squad that will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They said the time to pick the squad was very little, as the board received the invitation from the ICC quite late.

<h2>Scotland Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026</h2>

Richie Berrington (capt), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Oli Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal

Travelling reserves: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis 
Non-travelling reserves: Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear

Scotland has announced its squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after receiving assurances to get India visas for the players in time.

Scotland Rely on ICC Assurances After Announcing T20 World Cup Squad

South Africa is pinning hopes on Dewald Brevis after he performed exceptionally well in the recently concluded SA20 2026. The team believes he can do wonders in the mega event, as his capability to win matches single-handedly is exceptional.

The batting prowess of Brevis is acknowledged by Ryan Rickelton, who believes the Pretoria Capitals star is a &lsquo;trump card&rsquo; for South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

&quot;Our trump card is always going to be Brevis, just with the way he plays the game. He does some stuff and some things that a lot of us can&#39;t do,&quot; said Ryan Rickelton.

The captain of Pretoria Capitals, Keshav Maharaj, also lauded the skills of Dewald Brevis at the end of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sunrisers-eastern-cape-win-third-sa20-title-in-newlands-thriller/3237-5-0">SA20 final</a>. He said Brevis showcased a lot of responsibility while batting at no.4, which means he is a very mature player.

&quot;With the responsibility batting at No. 4, he showed what he&#39;s capable of in the last three games. The maturity shown in these last couple of games, no one would have expected Brevis to do that. We know him to be a hard-hitting, six-hitting player, but he just showed his composure and his class.&rdquo; said Keshav Maharaj.

&ldquo;He&#39;s someone that we know, if he bats 50 balls, he&#39;ll get a hundred. Hopefully it&#39;s onwards and upwards from here for him, and he shows that maturity whenever he plays in any format of the game.&quot; added Keshav Maharaj.

The West Indian captain Shai Hope, who played with Brevis recently in SA20, also praised his natural talent and ability to win matches.

&quot;He&#39;s very professional, and he&#39;s certainly a proper cricketer. One of the best I&#39;ve seen in a long time. He&#39;s got natural talent and ability. Since we are team-mates, I actually want to see him doing really well in the future, but hopefully not too well in this series.&quot; said Shai Hope.

South Africa is hopeful that Dewald Brevis will shine in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. They want him to score big runs, just like he did in the SA20 2026.

South Africa Rely on Dewald Brevis to Bring SA20 Form into T20 World Cup

The ICC&rsquo;s decision to <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-replaces-bangladesh-with-scotland-for-2026-t20-world-cup/3217-5-0">replace</a> Bangladesh has not only disappointed global cricket fans but has also taken Cricket Scotland&rsquo;s chief executive by surprise. Although she is thankful to the ICC for inviting Scotland to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, his comments also expressed empathy for Bangladesh.

Speaking about the circumstances under which Scotland were given a last-minute invitation by the ICC, Cricket Scotland chief executive said it was not an ideal situation, as no teams wants to attend a mega event like this.

&quot;Obviously, this is not how we wanted to go to a World Cup. There is a qualification process and nobody wants to qualify or attend or be invited to a World Cup in the way that we have done. We acknowledge it is certainly unique circumstances by our participation, and we do feel for the Bangladesh players.&quot; said Cricket Scotland chief executive, Trudy Lindblade.

She further explained how Cricket Scotland is managing this last-minute call-up by working extensively. It is certainly a tough situation, but the board is hopeful to keep everything on track and move forward swiftly.

&quot;The Cricket Scotland team is just over 30 staff - that&#39;s everything from our coaching staff to office staff and our development team - so we&#39;re not very big. This is a lot to do also when we&#39;ve got two teams touring: we&#39;ve got the [men&#39;s] Under-19s currently playing, and we cannot lose focus from our women in Nepal, who also are trying to qualify for a T20 World Cup.&rdquo; said Trudy Lindblade.

&quot;Our team is completely inundated with trying to make sure we get our team there, but also we can&#39;t do that without the help of the ICC. We&#39;ve been almost working around the clock&hellip; There have been messages on a WhatsApp group at all hours of the night. There might be a three-hour window when none of us are working.&quot; concluded Trudy Lindblade.

Cricket Scotland’s chief executive said that the Scottish team has been invited to the T20 World Cup under unique circumstances, which are far from ideal.

Late World Cup Invitation Leaves Scotland Chief Sympathetic Toward Bangladesh

The outbreak of a deadly Nipah virus in India has thrown a major roadblock ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. As per the Indian media, at least five Nipah virus cases have been reported in West Bengal. This alarming situation immediately prompted the authorities to quarantine approximately 100 people as part of an emergency health response.

The details now emerging has revealed that five individuals affected by the virus include health workers, in which two nurses are said to be in critical condition currently. This shows the severity of the virus, which has created a sense of panic among the general public in West Bengal.

The outbreak of such a virus at this particular time is very alarming, because India is slated to host the highly anticipated <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a> in the coming days. With the news of a deadly virus emerging lately, the fans who are set to travel to India are now uncertain about whether to make the trip.

Speaking about the severity of the Nipah virus, it is a deadly bat-borne zoonotic disease that makes survival very difficult for affected patients. In some outbreaks, the fatality rate of this virus has been reported up to 75 percent, making it a highly lethal disease.

The outbreak of this virus in India has raised alarm for the ICC at a time when it is also facing criticism for replacing Bangladesh in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The global body took a dubious approach to Bangladesh&rsquo;s security concerns over travel to India, as it denied the BCB&rsquo;s request to shift its venues to Sri Lanka. As a result, the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C of the T20 World Cup, highlighting a clearly contradictory approach in handling Bangladesh&rsquo;s legitimate security concerns.

A deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India has created another roadblock for the ICC ahead of the T20 World Cup. The virus has emerged in West Bengal, affecting at least five individuals.

India Grapples With Nipah Virus Outbreak Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan will take a final call on its participation in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a> on February 2. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday to discuss the matter. He said the meeting was very productive, in which the Prime Minister advised him to resolve the matter with confidence while keeping all options on the table.

&quot;Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister ... Shehbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision [on participation] will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,&quot; said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Besides speculation about the PCB&rsquo;s outright boycott of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, there are also rumors that Pakistan could refuse to play the high-octane World Cup clash against India. If the PCB takes such a decision, it would result in huge financial losses for the ICC in the upcoming event.

The stance of Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB hardened after the ICC <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-replaces-bangladesh-with-scotland-for-2026-t20-world-cup/3217-5-0">replaced</a> Bangladesh with Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He accused the ICC of showing double standards while dealing with Bangladesh&rsquo;s security concerns over touring India.

&quot;You can&#39;t have double standards. You can&#39;t say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That&#39;s why we&#39;ve taken this stand, and made clear Bangladesh have had an injustice done to them. They should play in the World Cup, they are a major stakeholder in cricket,&quot; said Mohsin Naqvi.

The ICC&rsquo;s decision to replace Bangladesh has also been slammed by several former cricketers. It will be interesting to see what decision the PCB takes in the coming days, as it has backed Bangladesh&rsquo;s legitimate stance from the beginning.

Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan will make its final call on participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on February 2. He made the statement after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

PCB Sets Deadline For Final Decision On Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Participation

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha left little room for doubt while speaking at Gaddafi Stadium. He reminded critics that form should be judged in context, not clipped highlights or selective stats.

Since returning to the side, Babar Azam delivered meaningful runs. One knock earned Player of the Match recognition. Another steadied Pakistan when the chase looked fragile. Agha stressed those moments still carry weight inside the dressing room.

<h2>Conditions Matter More Than Chatter</h2>

Agha addressed <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/babar-azams-fifty-puts-gayles-record-in-reach/2746-5-0">Babar&rsquo;s</a> modest Big Bash League run without dodging the issue. Australian pitches behave differently. Timing shift and shot selections often change. Pakistan&rsquo;s captain argued that overseas league struggles should not overshadow contributions made in national colours.

What counts, he said, is output for Pakistan in T20s. In that frame, Babar&rsquo;s recent efforts tick the right boxes. That reasoning sits at the heart of why <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/salman-ali-agha-breaks-world-record-for-most-international-matches/2409-5-0">Salman</a> backs Babar in the T20 World Cup squad, even as debates rage online.

<h2>Roles Over Reputation</h2>

The captain also outlined how Pakistan views batting roles. Openers stay fixed. Middle-order positions bend with match situations. He believes sometimes control wins games and sometimes power does.

Babar&rsquo;s role remains clearly defined as Pakistan heads into the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup</a>. This will be his fourth appearance on the global stage.&nbsp;

Pakistan begins their campaign in Colombo, with all group fixtures scheduled in Sri Lanka. For Agha, the plan is simple: trust proven players and stick to roles.&nbsp;

Salman Ali Agha defends Babar Azam’s place in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, citing recent form, roles, and team balance.

Salman Ali Agha Explains Why He Backs Babar For World Cup

Bangladesh Cricket Board have drawn a line under their World Cup dispute with the ICC, confirming they will not pursue any legal or arbitration route after being replaced by Scotland for the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">2026 T20 World Cup</a>.

The decision was conveyed in a BCB board meeting in Dhaka, ending days of speculation over whether Bangladesh would challenge the ICC&rsquo;s ruling through its Dispute Resolution Committee. Amzad Hossain, chairman of the BCB&rsquo;s media committee, made it clear the board had opted to stand down.

&ldquo;We have accepted the decision of the ICC board,&rdquo; Amzad said. &ldquo;Since the ICC has said that we cannot go and play or they cannot shift our games to Sri Lanka, in this case we cannot go and play in India. Our position remains the same. We are not going to any separate arbitration or anything here.&rdquo;

The ICC formally replaced Bangladesh after prolonged discussions failed to resolve concerns raised by the BCB and the Bangladesh government about <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/bangladesh-rejects-india-tour-seeks-sri-lanka-option-for-t20-world-cup/3187-5-0">travelling</a> to India for the tournament. With the World Cup scheduled to begin in early February, the ICC board voted by a clear majority to maintain the existing schedule.

Bangladesh had been drawn in Group C and were set to play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Those fixtures will now be taken over by <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-replaces-bangladesh-with-scotland-for-2026-t20-world-cup/3217-5-0">Scotland</a>, who step into the tournament at short notice but with full ICC backing.

While reports earlier suggested the BCB was considering taking the matter to the ICC&rsquo;s dispute panel, BCB reiterated that its stance on travelling to India remains unchanged, but acknowledged there was little room to manoeuvre after the ICC&rsquo;s final call.

Bangladesh Cricket Board confirms it will not challenge the ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland at the 2026 T20 World Cup, ending the dispute after a Dhaka board meeting.

Bangladesh Won’t Challenge T20 World Cup Replacement

Lahore, January 25, 2026:&nbsp;Pakistan have locked in a fresh-looking 15-member squad for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026</a>, blending established names with a clutch of first-time tournament selections as they prepare for the global event starting next month.

Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad was announced at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed joined by T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson. Pakistan is drawn in Group A and will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

A notable feature of the selection is the trust placed in new faces. Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan at a senior ICC event for the first time, while Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq have all earned maiden World Cup call-ups. The selectors signalled a clear intent to reward recent domestic and international form rather than lean solely on experience.

The core of Pakistan&rsquo;s recent T20 sides remains intact. Pakistan will fine-tune their preparations with a three-match&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/pakistan-name-16-player-squad-for-australia-t20i-series-in-lahore/3211-5-0">T20I series</a> against Australia in Lahore from January 29, with the training camp already underway as focus sharpens ahead of Colombo.

<h2>Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad&nbsp;</h2>

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/babar-azam-form-concerns-stoinis-send-off-bbl-world-cup-2026/3002-5-0">Babar Azam</a>, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.

Pakistan Cricket Board names a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Salman Ali Agha to lead and several players earning maiden World Cup call-ups.

Pakistan Announces Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

The decision of ICC to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">2026 T20 World Cup</a> has been slammed by many ex-cricketers. This dubious decision has showcased the double standards of the global cricket governing body that has not remained consistent with its calls. Many people are now slamming this decision, calling it a sheer biased view of the body towards Bangladesh.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment over the decision of ICC to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. He said the international body accepted India&rsquo;s concerns last year over not touring Pakistan, but it has not given the same concession to Bangladesh this time.

&quot;As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I&rsquo;m deeply disappointed by today&#39;s ICC&rsquo;s inconsistency. It accepted India&rsquo;s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,&quot; said Shahid Afridi.

He further added that ICC needs to remain consistent with its decisions, as it is the key pillar of global cricket governance.

&quot;Consistency and fairness are the foundation of global cricket governance. Bangladesh&rsquo;s players and millions of its fans deserve respect - not mixed standards. The ICC should build bridges, not burn them,&quot; said Shahid Afridi.

Besides Shahid Afridi, former Australian legend Jason Gillespie openly questioned the neutrality of the ICC. He demanded an explanation from the body on how it allowed India to change venues for the Champions Trophy last year, while not allowing Bangladesh to play its matches outside India this time.

&quot;Has there been an explanation from the ICC why Bangladesh could not play their games outside of India?&quot; questioned Jason Gillespie.

&quot;From memory, India refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan and they were allowed to play those games outside of Pakistan. Can someone make this make sense,&quot; added Jason Gillespie.

Shahid Afridi and Jason Gillespie have slammed the ICC decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in 2026 T20 World Cup.

Ex-Cricketers Respond to ICC’s Call to Draft Scotland into T20 World Cup

Pakistan&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 participation has been cast into doubt after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the final call will rest with the federal government, launching a sharp critique of the ICC&rsquo;s handling of Bangladesh&rsquo;s removal from the tournament.

Naqvi spoke hours after the ICC confirmed Scotland as Bangladesh&rsquo;s replacement, following Dhaka&rsquo;s refusal to play its scheduled matches in India. Calling the decision &ldquo;an injustice,&rdquo; Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of applying &ldquo;double standards&rdquo; and made it clear that Pakistan would not act independently of government direction.

&ldquo;Our position will be exactly what the government of Pakistan decides,&rdquo; Naqvi said. &ldquo;The Prime Minister is not in the country right now. Once he returns, we will have clarity. This is not the PCB&rsquo;s decision alone. We follow the government, not the ICC.&rdquo;

Pakistan has emerged as Bangladesh&rsquo;s strongest ally throughout the standoff. At recent ICC discussions, the PCB was understood to be the only board openly backing the BCB&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/bangladesh-rejects-india-tour-seeks-sri-lanka-option-for-t20-world-cup/3187-5-0">demand</a> for a neutral venue, after Bangladesh raised security concerns over traveling to India. Those concerns intensified earlier this month when the BCCI asked <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/kkr-release-mustafizur-rahman-after-bcci-directive-ahead-of-ipl-2026/2912-5-0">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad.

When Bangladesh refused to back down, the ICC formally removed them from the competition.

&ldquo;Bangladesh have been treated unfairly,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You cannot have one rule for one country and a different rule for everyone else. Bangladesh is a major cricket nation. They deserve to be playing in the World Cup.&rdquo;

Naqvi stressed that the board&rsquo;s hands are tied. &ldquo;If the government tells us not to play, then that&rsquo;s the position. Maybe the ICC adds another team. That&rsquo;s not for us to decide.&rdquo;

Pakistan is scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an existing agreement with the ICC and BCCI and is down to face the Netherlands in the tournament opener on February 7. For now, however, Pakistan&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 participation hinges on clearance.

Pakistan’s participation in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup is uncertain after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi says the final decision will depend on government approval, citing ICC “double standards” following Bangladesh’s removal.

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Participation in Doubt After ICC-Bangladesh Fallout

The ICC has confirmed Scotland as Bangladesh&rsquo;s replacement at the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">2026 T20 World Cup</a>, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty sparked by Bangladesh&rsquo;s refusal to travel to India over security concerns.

The decision was formally communicated to ICC board members via email after prolonged discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) failed to produce a resolution.&nbsp;

In its communication, the ICC stated that the BCB was &ldquo;not agreeable to playing the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 per the match schedule with their matches in India,&rdquo; prompting the governing body to activate its contingency plan and confirm a replacement team.

Bangladesh&rsquo;s stance hardened after the country&rsquo;s government <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/bangladesh-rejects-india-tour-seeks-sri-lanka-option-for-t20-world-cup/3187-5-0">declined</a> to grant clearance for travel to India. The BCB informed the ICC of this decision late last week and indicated it would explore taking the matter to the ICC&rsquo;s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC). However, the scope for such a challenge appears limited. ICC regulations make it clear that the DRC cannot function as an appeal body against decisions taken by the ICC board itself.

The turning point came during an emergency ICC board meeting held via video conference, where a clear majority voted in favour of replacing Bangladesh if they continued to insist on shifting their matches to Sri Lanka. In a statement following that meeting, the ICC said altering the schedule so close to the tournament was not feasible and warned that doing so without &ldquo;any credible security threat&rdquo; could undermine the integrity and neutrality of future ICC events.

<h2>Scotland as Bangladesh&rsquo;s Replacement</h2>

Bangladesh had been drawn in Group C and were scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Those fixtures will now be taken over by Scotland, who step into the tournament at short notice but with full backing from the ICC.

The issue gained momentum after India&rsquo;s cricket board asked <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/kkr-release-mustafizur-rahman-after-bcci-directive-ahead-of-ipl-2026/2912-5-0">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad earlier this month. Although no official explanation was offered, the timing fuelled concerns within Bangladesh&rsquo;s camp.

The ICC has dismissed any link between that IPL development and World Cup security arrangements, stating that Bangladesh had repeatedly tied tournament participation to &ldquo;a single, isolated and unrelated development&rdquo; that had no bearing on the event&rsquo;s safety framework.

BCB president <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/bcb-raise-double-standards-claim-against-icc-over-t20-wc-venues/3189-5-0">Aminul Islam </a>accused the ICC of inconsistency, comparing the situation to India&rsquo;s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The ICC, however, maintained that the two cases were not comparable.

The ICC has confirmed Scotland as Bangladesh’s replacement at the 2026 T20 World Cup after Bangladesh declined to travel to India over security concerns.

ICC Replaces Bangladesh with Scotland for 2026 T20 World Cup

New Zealand&rsquo;s T20 World Cup plans were jolted when Adam Milne was ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a hamstring injury.&nbsp;

The fast bowler broke down in his opening over for Sunrisers Eastern Cape during the SA20 match against MI Cape Town. Scans later confirmed the fear, as a torn hamstring with no quick comeback window given.

That diagnosis sealed Milne&rsquo;s fate and forced the Black Caps into an immediate rethink ahead of the global event in India and Sri Lanka. The timing stings. Milne had finally found rhythm again, bowling with pace and confidence, and backing it up with numbers that mattered.

<h2>Momentum Cut Short</h2>

Before the injury, Milne looked sharp, as he took eleven wickets with a tight economy. He had done the hard work over months, grinding his way back into form after earlier setbacks. This was meant to be his stretch. Instead, things turned the other way around.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter did not hide his frustration. Milne, he said, had earned his place the hard way and was trending in the right direction. Losing him now hurts, especially with the World Cup so close. Yet the schedule waits for no one.

<h2>Jamieson Back in the Frame</h2>

Selectors moved quickly, promoting Kyle Jamieson from travelling reserve to the main group. The Kyle Jamieson replacement call felt logical. He is a familiar face with proven temperament. A bowler who knows how to handle big moments.

Jamieson is already part of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/new-zealand-tour-of-india-2026/259/1">New Zealand Tour of India</a>. His presence eased the transition, and his recent return from a back injury has been carefully managed. Not to forget, his career best figures against India in the ODI series showed he is ready to shoulder responsibility again.

Walter welcomed his presence, pointing to Jamieson&rsquo;s work ethic and experience as key assets in a demanding tournament.

<h2>Squad Juggling Continues</h2>

Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson may take short paternity leave, leading New Zealand to add an extra travelling reserve.

Despite the disruption, the Black Caps remain calm. Their opening match against Afghanistan on February 8 looms large, and the focus has already shifted forward.

Still, the shadow of the Adam Milne T20 World Cup injury lingers. Opportunity closed for one player, and the door opened for another. The World Cup rarely waits, and New Zealand is adapting on the move.

For Jamieson, this is more than a call-up. As the Kyle Jamieson replacement, it is a chance to reshape the story when it matters most.

Adam Milne’s T20 World Cup injury has ruled the pacer out of the tournament, with New Zealand naming Kyle Jamieson as a replacement ahead of key matches.

Adam Milne Ruled Out of T20 World Cup as New Zealand Reshuffles

Luke Wright has announced that he will leave his role as England men&rsquo;s selector after the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. After more than three years in the position, Wright has informed the ECB of his decision to step down.

The announcement came following the disappointing <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ashes-2025-26-khawaja-farewell-and-smith-on-australias-4-1-series-win/2992-5-0">defeat</a> of England in the Ashes 2025. The English team performed poorly throughout the series, as Australia registered an emphatic 4-1 victory in the series.

&quot;It has been a true honor and privilege to serve as an England Men&#39;s selector over the past three years. I have fully immersed myself in the role and am incredibly proud of the players we have brought through,&rdquo; said Luke Wright.

He further added that the selector&rsquo;s role demands significant time away from home, which has become increasingly difficult for Wright as he has a young family. Therefore, he has decided to step down and is looking forward to other opportunities that better suit his schedule.

&quot;The role demands significant travel and time away from home, and with a young family, the time feels right to pass the baton on to the next person. I now look forward with real interest and enthusiasm to whatever cricketing roles the future may hold,&quot; said Luke Wright.

The managing director of England cricket, Rob Key, also acknowledged Luke Wright&rsquo;s decision. He praised Wright for his sincere contributions to England cricket and wished him well in his future endeavors.

&quot;I have absolutely loved working with Luke. His contribution to English cricket has been exceptional, and I trust his judgement as much as anyone. He has added so much more to this role than just being a selector. I&#39;m very sad to see him go, and I wish him and his family all the best for the future. I have no doubt that at some stage down the road he will enhance English cricket once again,&quot; said managing director of England cricket, Rob Key.

The resignation of Luke Wright has come at an important stage, when pressure is also mounting on Rob Key and Brendon McCullum after England faced a humiliating defeat in the Ashes 2025. It will be interesting to see what decisions they take next, as fans are demanding answers following the recent series loss.

Luke Wright has announced his decision to leave his role as England men’s selector after the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Luke Wright Resigns as England Men’s Selector

https://d34080pnh6e62j.cloudfront.net/images/contentCategorythumb/1769590552_1600x2130.jpg

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Blogs