The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be one of the most anticipated cricketing events of the decade, bringing together the world’s top teams in the shortest and most dynamic format of the game. Scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament will mark a return of the global T20 spectacle to the subcontinent after several years, promising packed stadiums, high-voltage rivalries and intense fan engagement.
With 20 teams expected to compete, the 2026 edition will continue the expanded format introduced in recent tournaments, offering greater representation and opportunities for emerging cricketing nations. This structure not only enhances competitiveness but also reflects the growing global footprint of T20 cricket.
For traditional powerhouses like India, Australia, England and Pakistan, the tournament will be a test of squad depth, adaptability and pressure-handling. At the same time, teams such as Afghanistan, the Netherlands and other associate nations will look to build on recent performances and challenge established hierarchies. Conditions in India and Sri Lanka known for spin-friendly pitches and passionate crowds are likely to play a decisive role, pushing teams to strike the right balance between pace, spin and batting firepower.
The T20 World Cup 2026 will also arrive at a time when the format continues to evolve rapidly. Franchise leagues, data-driven strategies and a new generation of fearless players have reshaped how T20 cricket is played. As a result, innovation, tactical flexibility and fielding excellence are expected to be just as important as power-hitting.
Beyond the on-field action, the tournament is set to be a major cultural and commercial event, uniting fans across borders and time zones. With cricket firmly embedded in popular culture across the host nations, the 2026 T20 World Cup is poised to be not just a sporting contest, but a celebration of the game’s global appeal and enduring excitement.
A massive political war erupted in Lok Sabha as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sought to quote an unpublished "memoir" of former Army chief M M Naravane on the 2020 India-China conflict in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
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 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.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Nikhil Naaz provides an exclusive close-up look at the ICC T20 World Cup trophy at the network's Noida office. Highlighting India's status as defending champions, Naaz notes, 'India going to this particular tournament as the defending champion' with a chance to become the first team to win the title three times. The transcript details India's formidable form, having won 32 matches with only five losses in the last 18 months. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 7th February 2026, with the final on 8th March. Naaz discusses the $2.5 million prize money and praises the Indian squad, featuring stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. The report also touches upon the historical significance of the trophy, tracing back to MS Dhoni’s 2007 victory, while contrasting the current accessibility of the silverware with previous controversies involving other cricket tournaments.
On this Special Report, India Today's Harshad Ahuja discusses the prestigious Padma Awards conferred upon Indian sporting icons. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the Padma Shri, while tennis legend Vijay Amritraj will be honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Harshad Ahuja notes that 'Harmanpreet Kaur becoming the first women Indian captain to go on and end that jinx, get India that first ever World Cup' was a historic milestone achieved in Navi Mumbai. The report highlights Rohit Sharma's leadership in securing the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Furthermore, Vijay Amritraj is recognised for his pioneering role in globalising Indian tennis and his long-standing association with Wimbledon broadcasts. The discussion underscores the immense contribution of these athletes to Indian sports and their status as household names across generations.
The big talking point of this episode of India First is Bangladesh's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup in India over security concerns.
In this news bulletin, anchor Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor reports on the ICC's decision to remove Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup in India after rejecting their hybrid model plea. Scotland will replace Bangladesh, marking the first time a team has been removed from a World Cup by the ICC. Shifting to the World Economic Forum in Davos, economist Geeta Gopinath warns that air pollution poses a greater threat to India's GDP than international tariffs. Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi advocates for a 'Pragati' style coordinated governance model to address this environmental crisis. The programme further details the death of Yuvraj Mehta in Noida, who drowned in an open drain, leading authorities to seal properties of negligent builders across Noida and Greater Noida. Additionally, the bulletin examines a study suggesting that the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could reduce airline fuel costs by lowering average passenger weight. This segment covers critical developments in international sports, environmental policy, urban safety, and global economic trends.
The top focus of this episode of 5 Live is on economist Gita Gopinath's warning on air pollution in India.
On this Special Report, sports editor Nikhil Naaz discusses the official confirmation that Bangladesh will miss the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The decision follows the ICC's rejection of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's plea for a hybrid model, leading to Scotland taking their place. Nikhil Naaz observed, 'Whatever was spoken there, I don't want to mention this. That is just between the players and us,' referring to the lack of transparency regarding the Bangladeshi government's talks with its players. The discussion highlights how political turmoil has turned a global tournament into a diplomatic flashpoint, marking the first time a team has been removed from a World Cup by the ICC. Naaz notes that while India maintains its stance as a safe host, the real losers are the cricketers whose dreams are sidelined by political standoff. The programme also touches upon the strained cricketing ties in the Asian circuit, involving Pakistan and the future of the Asia Cup.
On this India Today special report, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal reacts to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's decision to boycott the upcoming World Cup in India. Madan Lal describes the move as 'foolish' and 'a stupid decision', suggesting that Bangladesh stands to lose significantly from a commercial and financial standpoint. He alleges that Pakistan is instigating Bangladesh to undermine India's position in global cricket. The discussion highlights the ICC's 14-2 vote in favour of the tournament proceeding in India, despite Bangladesh's security concerns. Madan Lal emphasizes that while the 'show will go on' with potential replacements like Scotland or Zimbabwe, the decision will severely impact the players who 'die for an opportunity to play in a World Cup'. He further warns that such political interference could have long-term repercussions for the Asian Cricket Council and the future of the game in the region.
On this India Today special report, former Indian cricketer Atul Vasan reacts to the Bangladesh government's decision to boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. Vasan criticises the move as a 'rash decision', stating, 'I think it's quite funny because they actually didn't see through the endgame'. He argues that Bangladesh has 'cut their nose to spite the face' by mixing politics with cricket over safety concerns and IPL snubs. Vasan supports the BCCI and ICC for refusing to shift matches out of India, noting that the logistical challenges would be a 'nightmare'. He further suggests that Scotland could replace Bangladesh in the tournament, dismissing the impact of potential support for the boycott from Pakistan. The discussion highlights the shift in the global cricket order and the financial influence of India in the current revenue model, concluding that Bangladesh's absence will not significantly affect the tournament's competitive nature.
This news bulletin covers significant political and sporting developments, starting with the International Cricket Council (ICC) issuing an ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The ICC rejected a hybrid model for the 2026 T20 World Cup, requiring Bangladesh to play in India or face replacement by Scotland. In Tamil Nadu, TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK has formally rejoined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to challenge the ruling DMK. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Satyan criticized Chief Minister MK Stalin over unfulfilled promises and dynasty politics, while highlighting the AIADMK's organizational readiness under Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Legal developments include the Madras High Court labeling Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s 2023 remarks on Sanatana Dharma as hate speech. In Karnataka, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot refused to address the Assembly, demanding revisions to the government-prepared speech. Internationally, the program reports on US President Donald Trump’s arrival at the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss global trade and domestic affordability issues amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.
On this Special Report, host Gaurav Sawant examines the escalating tension between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The discussion centers on Bangladesh's hesitation to play World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns following the return of player Mustafizur Rahman. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'So the ICC has read the riot act to Bangladesh,' highlighting the ultimatum that the team must either participate or be replaced by Scotland. The panel, featuring sports editors Vikrant Gupta and Nikhil Naaz, explores whether these concerns are genuine or politically motivated by Bangladesh's interim government. Major Mohammad Ashraful Zaman defends the BCB's stance as a 'genuine concern' rather than politics, while other analysts suggest a potential 'logjam' that could split the cricketing world. The programme delves into the diplomatic friction and the potential long-term impact on bilateral cricket relations between India and Bangladesh.
This report examines the escalating crisis surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as Bangladesh faces a potential exit from the tournament. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly issued a firm ultimatum, stating 'you let us know by Wednesday' if a solution can be reached regarding their participation in India. Bangladesh has expressed reluctance to travel to India, requesting a move to neutral venues or a group swap, both of which the ICC has rejected. The programme highlights that Scotland is on standby as a replacement team. Furthermore, the situation has 'snowballed' with reports that Pakistan may also review its participation if Bangladesh is removed. This marks a historic tension where a team faces complete removal rather than just forfeiting points for individual matches, threatening the integrity of the upcoming global event.
On this Special Report, sports editor Nikhil Naz discusses the escalating tension between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The ICC has issued a firm ultimatum to Bangladesh, demanding confirmation by Wednesday, January 21, regarding their participation in the T20 World Cup hosted by India. Nikhil Naz notes, 'If you do not confirm your participation, then we will be forced to replace you with another team based on rankings.' The standoff follows the BCB's refusal to travel to India citing security concerns, a situation triggered after the BCCI reportedly requested an IPL franchise to drop Mustafizur Ahmed. While Bangladesh has proposed moving their matches to Sri Lanka or adopting a hybrid model, the ICC has rejected these alternatives. If Bangladesh fails to comply by the deadline, they risk being replaced by Scotland, marking an unprecedented logjam in international cricket history.
