Sports

The release of Bangladesh star Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following directives from the BCCI has ignited a severe diplomatic and cricketing crisis, leading the Bangladesh government to ban IPL coverage and the BCB to threaten a boycott of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. Rahman has immediately registered for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has officially announced his comeback to the ring, confirming 2026 as the year of his return. While the long-awaited clash against Anthony Joshua remains a key target, recent tragic events involving Joshua have complicated the timeline, potentially opening the door for a Usyk trilogy or a fight against Fabio Wardley.

Political fallout from the 2024 Dhaka uprising has severely impacted sporting relations between Bangladesh and India, culminating in a request by the interim government to the ICC to move all of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing concerns over player dignity and safety.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly forwarded its 15-member preliminary squad and a list of traveling reserves to the International Cricket Council for the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The Pakistan Men’s cricket team will undertake two separate tours of Bangladesh in 2026, featuring three ODIs and two crucial ICC World Test Championship matches, as announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Former Pakistan cricketer Imad Wasim has officially filed for divorce from his wife Sania Ashfaq after six years of marriage. Citing unresolved conflicts, the all-rounder requested privacy for his family and reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare and care of their three children.

Pakistan’s U‑19 team made history in Dubai, crushing India by 191 runs to clinch their first Asia Cup crown. Sameer Minhas starred with a blistering 172 off 113 balls, supported by Ahmed Hussain (56) and Usman Khan (35), as Pakistan posted 347/8. India’s chase collapsed to 156 in 26.2 overs, with Ali Raza taking 4 wickets. The victory ends a 13‑year wait since Pakistan last shared the title in 2012.

Brisbane Heat pulled off the biggest run chase in Big Bash League history, overhauling 258 against Perth Scorchers at the Gabba. Centuries from Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth powered Heat to 258 for 2 in a 515‑run spectacle that featured a record 36 sixes. The chase eclipsed the previous BBL record of 230 and ranked as the third‑highest successful pursuit in T20 cricket overall.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15‑member squad for the upcoming U19 tri‑series in Zimbabwe and the ICC U19 World Cup, with Farhan Yousaf continuing as captain. The tri‑series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan and hosts Zimbabwe, will run from 25 December to 6 January as preparation for the World Cup starting 15 January.

Australia’s Cameron Green has become the most expensive overseas buy in Indian Premier League history after Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for 252 million rupees in the 2026 auction. The bid surpassed Mitchell Starc’s 2024 record, though currency fluctuations kept Starc’s dollar value higher. Under the IPL’s new salary cap, Green will receive 180 million rupees, with the remainder going to the BCCI. He now ranks as the third most expensive player overall, behind Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.