Pakistan

T20 World Cup: Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has trolled Pakistan over their stand of boycotting India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Gavaskar said that he is awaiting a U-turn that Pakistani players are infamously known for.

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan could face severe sanctions if it goes ahead and forfeits their match against India. While Pakistan has confirmed participation in the tournament, its refusal to face India in Sri Lanka has opened the door to possible ICC sanctions.

A massive showdown erupted in parliament on Monday after Rahul Gandhi tried to quote from former army chief Naravane's unpublished memoir claiming the government showed no political will against Chinese incursions in 2020.

A massive political war erupted in Lok Sabha as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sought to quote an unpublished "memoir" of former Army chief M M Naravane on the 2020 India-China conflict in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

In this edition of 'To The Point', the big talking point is the political confrontation in Lok Sabha following Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s references to an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General MM Naravane.

The top focus of this episode of 5 Live is on Pakistan's decision to boycott its match against India at the T20 World Cup.

This special News Today edition covers Pakistan's decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India following Bangladesh's withdrawal. The program features analysis by Sunil Gavaskar regarding potential ICC sanctions.

On this India Today special report, Gaurav Sawant examines the massive, coordinated assault by Baloch freedom fighters across 12 cities in Balochistan. Describing it as 'one of the most audacious, multi-city, simultaneous assault by Baloch fighters against the Pakistani security forces,' Sawant highlights the scale of the strikes from Quetta to Gwadar. The program features insights from experts Sushant Sareen, Dr. Tara Kartha, and Major General Sanjay Meston, who discuss the strategic implications of the Baloch Liberation Army's Majid Brigade and Fatah Squad operations. The transcript details how fighters used vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) to target security gates and paramilitary garrisons. The discussion also covers the involvement of women fighters and the overwhelming public support for the insurgents. The report further explores the simultaneous instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tira Valley, suggesting a potential strategic cooperation between diverse groups against the Pakistani state amidst claims of heavy casualties on both sides.

This special report covers a series of audacious, multi-city simultaneous assaults by Baloch fighters against Pakistani security forces across Balochistan. The speaker notes that 'It's one of the most audacious, multi-city, simultaneous assault by Baloch fighters against the Pakistani security forces.' Coordinated attacks have targeted at least a dozen cities, including Quetta, Nushki, Gwadar, and Pasni, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the skyline. The Pakistan Army, Balochistan Police, and ISI officers have been directly targeted. While official figures cite 10 security personnel killed, the Baloch Liberation Army's Majid Brigade and Fatah Squad claim at least 84 soldiers have been killed and 18 captured. The Pakistan Army claims 70 Baloch fighters were killed in retaliatory operations. The report highlights that Baloch fighters held control over sensitive areas, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor hub of Gwadar, for several hours, challenging the writ of the Pakistani state in early 2026.

India Today’s special report highlights a sharp escalation in Balochistan, where Baloch fighters have launched coordinated multi-city attacks on Pakistani security forces.

In a significant political escalation in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife are 'Pakistani agents' with direct links to the ISI. Speaking on the developing controversy, Sarma claimed that Gogoi’s wife visited Pakistan for training and challenged the opposition to take legal action if his claims were false. Sarma stated, 'Gogoi and wife have links to Pakistan ISI', adding that the Assam Cabinet is expected to decide on the next course of action regarding an SIT probe on 7th February. Gaurav Gogoi has categorically rubbished these allegations, describing them as 'absolutely wild' and 'baseless'. The exchange comes as the state prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections, with both the BJP and Congress engaging in a high-voltage war of words. The Chief Minister remains firm on his claims, suggesting that the SIT will further investigate the alleged foreign links.

A distinguished panel of geopolitical experts discusses the findings of the 'Mood of the Nation' poll regarding India's foreign policy, noting that the India-US relationship is 'steadily going downhill', with 54% of respondents believing ties have worsened during Donald Trump's second term. The discussion highlights that 45% of the public supports reciprocal tariffs against the US.

On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant, Senior Executive Editor at India Today, discusses the findings of the 'Mood of the Nation' poll regarding India's foreign policy. Sawant notes that the India-US relationship is 'steadily going downhill', with 54% of respondents believing ties have worsened during Donald Trump's second term. The discussion highlights that 45% of the public supports reciprocal tariffs against the US. The panel, including Rajdeep Sardesai and Geeta Mohan, examines the 'trilemma' of foreign policy: managing a 'rampaging' Trump, the China issue, and deteriorating relations with neighbours like Pakistan and Bangladesh. While the government receives praise for its robust stance and the India-EU free trade agreement, the poll reveals a divided public on whether Prime Minister Modi has adequately countered Trump's claims regarding 'Operation Sindoor'. The programme explores the shift from personal chemistry to economic friction in global diplomacy.

On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant, Senior Executive Editor at India Today, discusses the 'Mood of the Nation' survey conducted with C-Voter regarding India's foreign policy. The data reveals a significant shift in public perception, with 54% of respondents stating that India-US relations have worsened during Donald Trump’s second term. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'the relationship is steadily going downhill' amidst concerns over Trump’s tariffs. The survey highlights that 45% of participants believe India should retaliate with reciprocal tariffs, while only 6% suggest accepting US demands. The panel, including Geeta Mohan and Rajdeep Sardesai, further examines India's complex dynamics with its neighbours. While 51% see improved relations with countries like Maldives and Sri Lanka due to India's assistance, challenges remain with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The programme explores whether the current diplomatic collapse can be arrested amidst a 'Trumpian world of disorder' and shifting global trade alliances, including the recent India-EU free trade agreement.

On this Special Report, Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa analyses the latest 'Mood of the Nation' poll findings, suggesting a significant political turnaround for the ruling dispensation. Chengappa notes, 'I think Prime Minister Modi has regained his mojo if you would like to call that,' highlighting the Prime Minister's perceived resilience despite international challenges such as global tariffs and regional instability. The discussion contrasts the BJP's recovery from its 2024 setback with the India alliance's struggle to maintain momentum. The transcript details projections showing the NDA potentially reaching 352 seats, driven by a 'trust factor' and a 'Goldilocks period' in the economy characterized by high growth and low inflation. Panellists including Sanju Verma and Rajat Sethi debate whether these numbers reflect a consolidation of leadership or a lack of a cohesive opposition strategy, while Congress representative Rajesh Kalappa raises questions regarding national security and the accuracy of such polling narratives.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the Bangladesh cricket team's decision to boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The decision follows the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rejection of a plea to shift Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, a proposal that was defeated 14-2 in a board vote. The speaker notes, 'The Bangladesh interim government had a chance to put cricket ahead of their shallow ego and politics but the latter eclipsed better sense and logic.' Bangladesh cited security concerns for its players and fans as the primary reason for the boycott, claiming a lack of fresh assurances from the BCCI or the Indian government. Consequently, Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified team, will replace Bangladesh in the tournament starting 7th February. The report highlights that this is the first time a team has boycotted an entire ICC tournament, leaving Bangladesh cricket in a precarious position following tensions linked to the release of Mustafizur Rehman from the Kolkata Knight Riders.

This news report highlights the growing social media commentary in Pakistan calling for the nation to boycott the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has spearheaded these calls, accusing the International Cricket Council (ICC) of making a 'political move' that is 'too pro-India'. Latif stated, 'If Bangladesh doesn't play, then Pakistan won't play either,' while warning of potential threats to cricketers in India. He argued that the ICC has failed to protect Bangladeshi players and believes Pakistan must seize this opportunity to challenge the current global cricket order. Latif further claimed that without the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash, 'half the World Cup will anyways collapse.' Despite these calls, the report notes there are currently no formal grounds for Pakistan to withdraw, especially as their matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. The programme examines the potential impact of such a boycott on the tournament's stability.

This special report details the unprecedented decision by the Bangladesh interim government to boycott the T20 World Cup in India. The speaker notes, 'Bangladesh has clearly chosen politics over cricket at this point of time, boycotting the T20 World Cup despite the ICC security assurances.' The fallout of this decision is immediate, with Scotland set to replace Bangladesh as the highest-ranked non-qualified team. The report highlights that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) lost an ICC board vote 14-2 regarding a venue change, with only Pakistan supporting them. Tensions reportedly escalated after the BCCI requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman. Despite the ICC providing security guarantees, the interim government cited 'genuine security risks' and a preference for the tournament to be moved to Sri Lanka. This marks the first time a team has boycotted an entire ICC tournament, leaving the future of Bangladesh cricket in a precarious position as the global tournament faces significant controversy.

On this Special Report, sports editor Vikrant Gupta analyses the International Cricket Council's (ICC) stern ultimatum to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following threats to pull out of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tension escalated after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, following Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. Vikrant Gupta notes, 'The moment they do that, their cricket is finished,' highlighting that Pakistan lacks a valid alibi for a boycott. The transcript details potential 'never-before sanctions' including the denial of NOCs for foreign players in the PSL, loss of ICC revenue, and total cricketing isolation. Gupta describes Pakistan's stance as 'geopolitical posturing' to align with Bangladesh, predicting that despite the current drama involving PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan will ultimately participate in the tournament to avoid financial and institutional destruction.

On this report, Nitin Srivastava discusses the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to end its boycott threat and name a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The shift comes after a stern warning from the ICC regarding potential sanctions, including the loss of PSL contracts and bilateral series. Nitin Srivastava notes, 'Pakistan was never in that kind of mind frame that they will boycott. It was just a threat to tell ICC that we can actually do that.' The transcript highlights that while Pakistan initially backed Bangladesh's protest against travelling to India, the fear of financial and sporting isolation forced a move toward compliance. While Bangladesh has been replaced by Scotland due to their refusal to play in India, Pakistan will play their matches in Colombo. The discussion underscores that the ICC will not tolerate 'petty politics' or moral support for boycotts that lack a valid security basis, ensuring the tournament proceeds with Pakistan's participation.